9 Islands Within Driving Distance Of North Carolina
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,…
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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There are few things I love more than historic coastal towns. Whether the New England charm of Newport Rhode Island, the southern paradise of Charleston or Savannah, or the California beach like Santa Cruz. Fishing boats, quaint shops, beachside rollercoasters, live oaks, I love them all. So naturally, this list drew me in. It's USA Today's "Best Coastal Small Towns". We are lucky that coastal towns from both North and South Carolina town made the list.
This list is part of USA Today's recently released "10 best" campaign. Readers were able to vote for their favorites in a wide variety of categories. One of those categories was "Best Coastal Small Towns". I've only briefly been to the South Carolina location and I've never ventured to the Outer Banks, the home of North Carolinas mention. I guess I'll have to add both of those coastal towns to my Carolina bucket list. But not just the Carolina towns drew me in. I'd honestly love to visit each town on this list. The picturesque views, calmness of the water, but also diversity of locales and experiences of every town are intriguing. You've got locations from the northeast, west coast, gulf, and the east coast.
View the full article here or keep reading for the list!
10. Cape May, New Jersey
This Jersey Cape seaside resort town is known for its beaches, grand Victorian homes, Washington Mall shopping area, and Cape May Lighthouse. The entire city is a National Historic District and it's the oldest resort in the country!
9. Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Maine's Mount Desert Island Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The town is known for its classic beauty, lobster (of course!), yachts, and outdoor adventures.
8. Los Osos, California
There's nothing like a California beach town. Los Osos sits on the central California coast near the Montana de Oro State Park.
7. Half Moon Bay, California
Our second California coastal town sits just south of San Fransisco. It features luxury hotels, golf, beaches and is only minutes aways from state parks and those northern California redwoods.
6. Bandon, Oregon
This Oregon coastal town features, stunning ocean vistas, wild woods, and streams making it a wonderful locale to enjoy fishing, beach-going, hiking, cycling, and golf.
5. Nags Head, North Carolina
Representing NC is Nags Head located on the northern Outer Banks. It's right on the edge of Jockey’s Ridge State Park but that's not all this coastal town has to offer. This town has everything a vacationer needs including places to stay: beach houses, seaside motels, and hotels with a view. Things to do: boutiques, surf shops, an outlet mall, and grocery stores. A wide array of restaurants including fine dining feasts, barbecue, casual bites, and of course exceptional seafood.
4. Rockport, Texas
You'll find Rockport and Rockport Beach along the gulf coast of Texas. Highlights of this coastal town include fishing piers, rich birdlife, history, and the Texas Maritime Museum.
3. Georgetown, South Carolina
Just away from the hustle and bustle and tourism mecca of Myrtle Beach you'll find a more relaxing Georgetown. It's actually the 3rd oldest town in the Palmetto State. You'll be greeted by oak-lined streets, waterfront shopping, dining, boating, fishing, historic tours, and ghost tours.
2. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
This quaint seaside town of Bay St. Louis offers white sand beaches, downtown art galleries and antique stores, history, golf, and charter fishing.
1. Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Both the one and two spots on this list are Mississippi. The top spot goes to Ocean Spring Mississippi just outside of Jackson. This historic coastal town boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape, and small-town appeal.
