Pool Repair in Kiawah Island, SC

The phrase “island vacation” may evoke images of turquoise Caribbean waters, bright white beaches, and temperatures over 80 degrees even in the depths of winter. But islands directly off the Southern U.S. mainland do it a little differently—and no two are the same.

South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pines. Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with their shallow bays and seagrass meadows, are home to extensive wildlife.

No, not all of these Southern islands offer year-round swimming conditions, but they do have their own unique appeal, even in the colder months. To help pick the top islands in the South, we tapped Mary Helen Law, a Georgia-based travel advisor and owner of Law Luxury Travel.

Longboat Key, Florida

Law describes Longboat Key as “one of the region’s best-kept secrets." Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the quiet barrier island is just a 20-minute drive from Sarasota, making it relatively easier to get to if you’re flying to the Sunshine State. The island does lean more residential—and, thus, the beaches are typically less crowded—but there’s still plenty to do if you want to stay busy. Activities range from kayaking with dolphins and manatees to sunset cruises and pickleball matches. Plus, Law notes that with the 2024 opening of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, “visitors can now enjoy elevated luxury alongside beloved local favorites like Shore and Whitney’s.”

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

Neighboring Hilton Head Island may have more name recognition, but Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this list due to its remoteness (it’s only accessible by boat), incredible beauty, and dedication to preserving its Gullah culture. Visitors can take in everything that makes Daufuskie so special in a variety of ways. Start by enjoying a classic beach day on its three miles of public beaches, or head out on horseback with Daufuskie Trail Rides. Take a tour with sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson, who specializes in Daufuskie Island history, then pop into Daufuskie Island Distillery to sample some of its American-made rum. The island also features a number of historical sites—First Union African Baptist Church and the Bloody Point Lighthouse among them—and the best way to see as many as possible, and get around the island in general, is via golf cart.

Golden Isles, Georgia

“Call it cheating, since the Golden Isles is a collection of islands off Georgia’s southern coast, but it’s nearly impossible to pick just one,” says Law. “Choose Sea Island for a luxury retreat at The Cloister, Cumberland Island for the simplicity of roaming horses and untouched landscapes, St. Simons Island for lively beaches and dining options, or Jekyll Island for a vacation full of old-world charm.” No matter which island you visit, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere with gorgeous sunsets, mild weather, and some of the best meals you’ve had in your life (Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons is a highlight).

Dauphin Island, Alabama

If you’re searching for a tropical vacation spot but want to stay stateside, look no further than Dauphin Island. A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, the 14-mile-long destination is known for its clear blue water and picturesque white sand. It’s also affectionately called the “sunset capital of Alabama,” a title you’ll quickly understand as you take in the horizon on the far west end of the island. To reach the island, you’ll need to come by ferry or via the three-mile bridge that connects it to mainland Alabama. Upon arrival, the world is your oyster. Explore the 164-acre Audubon Bird Sanctuary, Shell Mound Park, and Historic Fort Gaines. Alternatively, you can spend your days on the water, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding until dinnertime.

“A sleepy beach town known for its rich history, Pawleys Island is home to independent restaurants—such as Chive Blossom, Bistro 217, and Frank's Outback—several art galleries featuring the work of local artists, and Downtown Pawleys, a quaint shopping area surrounding a tranquil pond,” says Law. A little under four miles long, the island is easily explored on foot or by bike, and visitors spend their days fishing, crabbing, golfing, or just appreciating the beauty and the slower pace, preferably while lounging in a locally made hammock. “A visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the historic Hammock Shops, where handcrafted rope hammocks have been a tradition for generations,” adds Law.

Hatteras Island, North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are made up of several islands, stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke Island. One of the best ones to visit is Hatteras Island, home to Pamlico Station by Edgecamp, a coastal hotel designed by Jonathan Adler that opened in 2024. Dotted with towns like Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves, and Hatteras Village, the barrier island is long—nearly 50 miles from end to end. With that much space, visitors and locals alike have plenty of room for water sports, leisurely beach days, and sightseeing. Notably, kiteboarding and windsurfing are extremely popular on the island; if it’s your first day, sign up for a private or semi-private lesson with Real Watersports.

Amelia Island, Florida

South of the Golden Isles, just over the maritime boundary between Georgia and Florida, is Amelia Island. “Spanish moss drapes across oak trees as you cross the bridge onto a stunning Amelia Island, where visitors can enjoy nearly empty beaches, five championship golf courses, and a variety of land and water activities for all ages,” says Law. It’s a true family-friendly destination with a range of accommodations, including the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa—both of which come recommended by Law—and charming bed-and-breakfasts housed in the historical buildings downtown. Law adds that the island has “an active food scene.” with “everything from tapas at España, a nod to former Spanish rule of the island, to local seafood cuisine at Down Under, a favorite oyster bar for locals.”

South Padre Island, Texas

Many non-Texans may associate the Lone Star State with miles and miles of flat, landlocked plains, but this part of the world has an impressive amount of variation in its climate and landscape. Take South Padre Island, for example: a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico, just off the southern tip of Texas. It’s warm year-round, has 34 miles of white-sand beaches and blue water, and gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Like many of the best islands in the South, this is a place where you can be as relaxed or as busy as you want. Spend your days chartering a boat, learning about wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, or horseback riding along the beach at Island Adventure Park.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

“Some might call Kiawah Island a golfer's paradise,” says Law, “but don't discount this 10-mile-long oceanfront resort as anything less than a perfect destination for the entire family.” Along with the famed Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, Kiawah has miles of bike paths, wide beaches, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. There are various vacation rentals available on the island—some oceanfront, some riverfront—but Law says you’ll find “ultimate relaxation” at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner in Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards.

Ship Island, Mississippi

Ship Island is 12 miles off the coast of Mississippi. The barrier island, which is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, is a true getaway in every sense of the word. According to the National Park Service, cell phone service is limited, and the island is only accessible by boat. While there's no lodging on Ship Island and camping is not allowed, visitors can take advantage of its Caribbean-like waters and white-sand beaches during the day. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at the designated swimming beach, which has amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and a snack stand to keep you comfortable. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated—summers here are notoriously hot and sunny.

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C (WCIV) — A settlement reached after nearly two years of negotiations is said to guarantee the permanent protection of Captain Sams Spit, a haven for nature lovers for decades, according to a release from the Conservancy of the Sea Islands.

“It will be preserved. There will never be a building there," said Executive Director of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands Donna Windham.

The agreement, made between the Conservancy of the Sea Islands, the Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association, Kiawah Partners and South Carolina, still needs to be legally approved. However, once that is finished, the entirety of Captain Sams Spit – from Beachwalker Park to the end of the Spit – will be under a conservation easement holder and steward. The Town of Kiawah will control the Beachwalker Park parcel. Meanwhile, South Carolina will take ownership of the remaining portions of the Spit.

"Captain Sams Spit is truly a unique natural treasure," Kiawah Mayor Bradley D. Belt said.

The town will be able to continue all ongoing activities, enforcement, and wildlife research. Additionally, Beachwalker Park will remain in public hands, assuring access to the beachfront.

The state is planning to contribute $32 million to the conservation of the area, while the town puts in $3.7 million and the conservancy $1.3 million. Officials tied to the settlement say Gov. Henry McMaster is in strong support of the measure.

The conservation easement prohibits development and would significantly restrict human impact across Captain Sams Spit, according to the announcement.

The settlement also establishes a framework for long-term coordination among municipal, state and nonprofits, ensuring oversight for future generations, officials said.

Kiawah Island residents say they are pleased by the outcome.

“It's a one-of-a-kind place. We need to protect it, so I'm thrilled," says resident Kathy Ladner.

“One of the reasons people come to this place is to see the natural part of it and live with nature," said resident Carol Medendorp. "We need Captain Sam's to be Captain Sam's and be able to see the dolphins and the turtles.”

The peninsular spit is attached to the southern end of Kiawah. It provides a habitat for federally threatened species, including the rufa red knot, piping plover and loggerhead sea turtles. The area also supports diamondback terrapins and bottlenose dolphins.

It has been the site of intense legal wrangling, as the Kiawah sought to ensure the area saw limited development and environmental preservation. With the newly announced agreement, officials believe that conservation of the area is a top priority.

“It means we get to protect a very important spot, not only for the wildlife on the island, but we also get to protect an area where we get to study this wildlife," said Lee Bundrick, a senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator with the Conservancy of the Sea Islands. "We want people to connect with nature because we're just as much as part of nature. And being out in nature is just as important as protecting it as well."

Peggy Barnes, chair of the Conservancy of the Sea Islands board of trustees, added: “Captain Sams Spit is an invaluable habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans. Placing the entire Spit under conservation easement ensures these habitats are preserved in perpetuity, benefiting rare, threatened and endangered species. This is a defining conservation achievement for our organization and for the South Carolina coast.”

KIAWAH ISLAND — A property owner’s association wants to relocate an environmentally sensitive inlet between Kiawah and Seabrook islands, an area two conservation groups say is a “Holy Grail” habitat for local endangered species.

The Seabrook Island Property Owners Association is asking state and federal regulators for permission to relocate Captain Sams Inlet (which forms Captain Sams Spit) to a position it previously occupied.

The work would require the excavation of 10 acres of sand and the filling of 10 acres of water, according to a public notice for the project.

The peninsular spit is attached to the southern end of Kiawah. The plan calls for excavating a channel through Sams Spit, thus forming a new mouth for the Kiawah River. The current inlet then would be closed off with a berm of excavated sand, according to documents submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The operation could result in the excavating and relocation of close to 300,000 cubic yards of sand.

The goal, according to the Property Owners Association, is to stabilize and maintain the inlet within a set area, and mitigate erosion on the northern end of Seabrook, along which the inlet runs.

“This strategy allows Capt. Sams Inlet and its associated bars and shoals to freely migrate along thousands of feet of ocean-facing shoreline while maintaining space for developed uplands as well as particular habitats,” according to a Property Owners Association flyer for the project. “Using this approach, both Kiawah and Seabrook islands have managed relatively healthy beach ecosystems for decades without needing a large-scale dredge-based project.

Captain Sams Spit erodes and accretes mass, and it’s a “highly mobile piece of land,” according to the Coastal Conservation League.

Similar relocation projects have been undertaken in 1983, 1996 and 2015, according to the Army Corps application. Between the 2015 relocation and 2020, the inlet shifted naturally southwest (towards Seabrook) at a speed of about 100 feet per year. Migration has since sped up, and the inlet’s now moving southwest at about 200 feet annually.

The zone of land created by the relocation of the inlet is protected from development and set aside as habitat for local species, according to Army Corps documents for the new project. It’s also kept empty to account for the river mouth’s natural migration.

Some aren’t buying the group’s conservation claims.

In a public comment submitted in opposition to the project, the Conservation League and South Carolina Environmental Law Project wrote that the beaches and dunes on the northern end of Seabrook are in fine shape, and no structures there are at risk of erosion. They also question why it’s necessary to keep the inlet within a defined area.

They allege the project is an attempt to “stockpile sand to, at some point in the future, replenish the southern parts of (Seabrook) island where structures are experiencing more severe erosion.”

“ The sand tip of the spit that would be cut off would migrate and attach onto the north end of Seabrook,” said Amy Armstrong, the Law Project’s executive director. The longshore current that runs along South Carolina’s coast would then carry the sand southward to Seabrook’s eroding southern tip, Armstrong said.

“It’s free sand for Seabrook,” she said. “ It's very expensive to do a renourishment project where you have to go three miles offshore, identify beach-compatible sand, and then pump it on shore.”

Steve Hirsch, the director of engineering for the Property Owners Association, disputed that claim.

“Any temporarily stockpiled sand during construction will remain within the Captain Sams Inlet system and is not intended for use at other parts of Seabrook Island,” he wrote. Although the Property Owners Association’s flyer does list a “continuous supply of beach sand from Kiawah towards Seabrook” as one of the project’s benefits.

Across coastal South Carolina, communities spend millions of dollars a year to keep their shores sandy — both to support the state’s lucrative tourism industry and protect seaside structures from erosion. From 1979 to 2023, the Department of Environmental Services estimates that the state’s coastal communities spent more than $400 million on beach renourishment, The Post and Courier previously reported.

As sea levels rise and warming waters power a new generation of stronger hurricanes, the cost to keep the Palmetto State’s beaches pristine is rising. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that water levels in the region will rise roughly a foot by 2050, increasing the reach of the state’s highest tides.

In their letter, the two conservation groups wrote that the shores of the inlet are “the holy grail of habitat for important threatened and endangered species.” In its review of the project, the Army Corps identified 18 species that could be found in the project area that are considered either “threatened” or “endangered,” or have been proposed for inclusion on the federal Endangered Species list.

Hirsch wrote that each previous relocation, and the proposed new one, has included “significant pre- and post-construction habitat and endangered species monitoring which has confirmed increased habit availability for endangered species and more publicly accessible beach.”

The project still needs approval from both the state Department of Environmental Services and the Army Corps.

It’s the latest entry in a complex years-long saga over the unassuming, yet controversial, corridor.

In a separate case, the Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association and Kiawah Conservancy are suing a private developer to regain ownership of parts of Captain Sams Spit and put other areas under conservation easement.

From 2008 to 2022, Kiawah Partners sought permits to build 50 luxury homes on the property, in addition to infrastructure to protect the area from flooding and erosion, The Post and Courier previously reported. Those plans have been blocked by years of legal wrangling in the state’s courts — including five different rulings by the S.C. Supreme Court.

In a joint statement, the Town of Kiawah Island, Kiawah Island Community Association and Kiawah Conservancy declined to comment on the excavation proposal by their southern neighbors, citing the ongoing litigation.