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9 Islands Within Driving Distance Of North Carolina

By Melanie Day

You want that perfect beach vacation, a taste of that island lifestyle. But you don’t trust the airlines right now. I mean who knows if your flight will get canceled, delayed, or your baggage lost? It’s stressful to try and travel these days. I can’t help with the airline struggles but I can tell you about 9 islands you can drive to from Charlotte North Carolina. That way you don’t have to even deal with the stress of the airport.

The 9 islands on this list are spread out between North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. None are more than a 5.5-hour drive from Charlotte either. Whether you are craving that peaceful resort, an outdoor adventure paradise, or a quaint small town there is a destination perfect for you. It’s not too late to get to planning that summer vacation. The days are long, the weather warm, and those vacation days are burning a hole in my pocket at least!

  • Tybee Island, GA

    Distance From Charlotte: 5 hours (271 miles)

    Where To Stay: Hotel Tybee, Beachside Colony- the only beach front hotel is Tybee.

    What To Do: Historic Tybee Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski National Monument, and dolphin tours. Or take a 30 minute drive into Historic Downtown Savannah.

    Where To Eat:

    More Info

  • Bald Head Island, NC

    Accessible by ferry Bald Head Island, is located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, NC.

    Distance From Charlotte: 4.5 hours (217 miles)

    Where To Stay: The Inn at Bald Head Island, The Marsh Harbor Inn, Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn

    What To Do: Spend the day at the beach, Golf Bald Head Island Club’s championship course, discover Old Baldy Lighthouse, explore the island’s protected creeks and maritime forest.

    Where To Eat: Delphina Cantina, Island Times Cafe, The Baldhead Island Club

    More Info

  • Amelia Island, FL

    Amelia Island is located just off the coast of northeast Florida, not far from Jacksonville. It features 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters.

    Distance From Charlotte: 5.5 hours (372 miles)

    Where To Stay: Omni, Ritz Carlton, Amelia Schoolhouse Inn

    What To Do: Beaches, shopping, the spa, golf, fishing, and more

    Where To Eat: The Surf Restaurant and Bar, Salt Life Food Shack, Burlingame Restaurant

    More Info

  • Hilton Head Island, SC

    Hilton Head Island is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. It’s known for Atlantic Ocean beaches and golf courses.

    Distance From Charlotte: 4 hrs (247 miles)

    Where To Stay: Palmetto Dunes, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Omni, Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort

    What To Do: Beaches, golf, watersports, breweries, museums, dolphin tours, and more.

    Where To Eat: Salty Dog Cafe, Reilley’s Grill and Bar, Carolina Crab Company, Crane’s Tavern Steakhouse Restaurant.

    More Info

  • Topsail Island, NC

    This charming island is not far from Wilmington, but not quite as crowded or fast-paced as nearby Wrightsville Beach.

    Distance From Charlotte: 4 hours (228 miles)

    Where To Stay: Topsail Shores Inn, Saltwater Suites at Topsail Island, or rent a house

    What To Do: Beach, Sea Turtle Museum, shopping, mini-golf, fishing, and more.

    Where To Eat: Daddy Mac’s, Shaka Taco, Topsail Steamer, Sears Landing

    More Info

  • Kiawah Island, SC

    Kiawah is a barrier island located 25 miles southwest of Charleston. The island is primarily known as a private beach and golf resort.

    Distance From Charlotte: 4 hrs (232 miles)

    Where To Stay: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island Resort

    What To Do: golf, boat tours, kayak, spa, beach, and more.

    Where To Eat: Tomasso at Turtle Point, Town Center Market, Cherrywood BBQ & Ale House at Osprey Point

    More Info

  • St. Simons Island, GA

    St. Simons is an island off the Georgia coast known for its salt marshes and beaches.

    Distance From Charlotte: 5 hrs (327 miles)

    Where To Stay: St. Simons Inn, The King & Prince Beach Resort, Epworth By The Sea

    What To Do: The St. Simons Lighthouse, shopping, spas, art museums, fish off nearby St. Simons Pier, beaches, watersports

    Where To Eat: ZuZu’s, Delaney’s Bistro, Blue Water Cafe, Coastal Kitchen

    More Info

  • Sullivan's Island, NC

    Sullivan’s Island is in Charleston County at the entrance to Charleston Harbor.

    Distance From Charlotte: 3.5 hours (216 miles)

    Where To Stay: The Palms Oceanfront, Wild Dunes Resort, Seaside Inn

    What To Do: beach, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie, surf fishing, shopping, and more

    Where To Eat: Poe’s Tavern, Sullivan’s Island Fish Fry Shack, The Boathouse

    More Info

  • Jekyll Island, GA

    Jekyll Island is located off the coast of  Georgia and is one of the Sea Islands. Jekyll Island is owned by the State of Georgia.

    Distance From Charlotte: 5 hrs (338 miles)

    Where To Stay: Beachview Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Club, Courtyard and Residence Inn

    What To Do: Tidelands Nature Center, historic downtown, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, horseback riding, beaches, bird watching, Summer Waves Water Park, and more

    Where To Eat: Beachhouse Restaurant, Driftwood Bistro, Salty’s Oceanside Bar and Grill

    More Info

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