5 Can’t-Miss Southern Water & Coastal Vacations
From white-sand beaches to lakefront views and even a riverwalk filled with shopping and dining, these five Southern waterways are worth a visit! Image: Golden Isles CVB
Southern waterways offer an enchanting mix of natural beauty, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. From unspoiled beaches and historic landmarks to turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, these destinations beckon travelers with their coastal charm. Here are five Southern Waterways to consider for your next vacation!
Golden Isles, GA
The Golden Isles of Georgia, a picturesque stretch along the Southeastern coast, is renowned for its unique charm. Each island and town offers a distinctive experience — from tranquil beaches to rich history.
St. Simons Island is the largest of the barrier islands and a favorite destination for sunny beach days and coastal activities. Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, biking, or teeing off on world-class golf courses, there’s no shortage of fun. Hunt for the beloved St. Simons Tree Spirits and indulge in delicious local seafood. The island’s history comes alive at the iconic St. Simons Pier and Lighthouse.
Sea Island offers a luxurious escape as an internationally acclaimed private resort. Known for its Forbes Five-Star spa, elegant accommodations, and Sea Island Beach Club, it’s a haven for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy horseback riding on the beach, yoga by the waves, and dining at top-tier restaurants.
Jekyll Island, once an exclusive retreat for America’s elite, is now a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With 10 miles of pristine shoreline, you can explore Driftwood Beach, learn about marine life at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, or partake in various family-friendly events hosted throughout the year.
Little St. Simons Island is an 11,000-acre private barrier island accessible only by boat. Known for its untouched beauty, this serene escape offers day trips or overnight stays in The Lodge’s charming cottages from the early 1900s. With only 32 guests allowed at a time, it’s an intimate way to experience nature and wildlife.
The historic port city of Brunswick offers a bustling shrimping industry, a vibrant downtown, and annual events like the lively First Friday. Explore its shops and restaurants for a perfect blend of coastal and cultural experiences. You can view the guide to Historic Brunswick here.
Panama City, FL
Panama City, Florida, is a coastal paradise with breathtaking waterways. Surrounded on three sides by the pristine waters of St. Andrews Bay, this vibrant destination is a haven for water activities. From boating and fishing to paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, the bay’s calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for exploring Panama City’s wonders.
A short boat ride from the mainland leads to the untouched beauty of Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island. Known for its white-sand beaches and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, Shell Island is a favorite spot for beachcombing, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing. It’s an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Back on land, Panama City’s Historic Downtown District offers a lively atmosphere with locally owned restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. Strolling through the district is a delightful way to experience the city’s culture and creativity.
Nearby, the Historic St. Andrews Neighborhood combines rich history with modern charm. Once a key site for salt production during the mid-1800s, this waterfront community now draws visitors with its outdoor recreation, unique shops, and exceptional waterfront dining experiences.
Food enthusiasts will relish the Panama City Oyster Trail, with over a dozen locally owned restaurants serving oysters in every style imaginable — raw, baked, fried, sautéed, or broiled. Each restaurant has its own distinctive vibe, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure.
Lake Charles, LA
Smack dab in the heart of Cajun Country, Lake Charles, Louisiana, is one of the South’s hidden gems. The city is known for its scenic waterways, outdoor adventures, and warm hospitality, making it a top destination for those seeking a unique Southern experience.
Lake Charles is home to a series of interconnected lakes, rivers, and bayous — a paradise for water enthusiasts. The Calcasieu River and Prien Lake provide excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers will also find the waters teeming with bass, redfish, and speckled trout, making the area a go-to for fishing. Nearby, Sam Houston Jones State Park offers miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, and camping, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Louisiana’s natural beauty.
Lake Charles embraces its Southern roots through its Cajun and Creole heritage. Get ready to experience authentic Louisiana cuisine at local restaurants, with dishes like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and boudin. The city also hosts lively festivals, including the famous Contraband Days Pirate Festival and Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras, featuring parades, music, and traditional King Cakes.
If you’re looking for luxury and entertainment, there are premier casino resorts, including L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget. These venues offer world-class dining, gaming, live music, and relaxing spa services.
Nicknamed “Louisiana’s Outback,” the Creole Nature Trail is a breathtaking drive through marshes, wetlands, and wildlife refuges. This scenic byway is home to alligators, migratory birds, and stunning Gulf Coast beaches, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Norfolk, VA
Found along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk, Virginia, is one of the most exciting waterfront destinations in the South. With its deep maritime history and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s a must-visit for travelers looking to experience the charm of a Southern coastal city.
As home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk has a deep-rooted connection to the sea. Explore the USS Wisconsin, a historic World War II battleship docked at Nauticus, a maritime museum offering interactive exhibits on naval history and marine science.
Norfolk’s location on the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay provides endless opportunities for water activities. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular along the city’s many inlets, while boat tours offer stunning views of the downtown skyline and naval fleet. The Victory Rover Naval Tour is a favorite, providing an up-close look at massive aircraft carriers and destroyers stationed in the harbor.
For those who enjoy sailing, Norfolk is a key stop on the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a prime destination for boaters navigating the East Coast. Nearby, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers breathtaking coastal views, while the serene beaches of Ocean View provide a peaceful escape. Check out Ocean View Beach Park for a boardwalk, festivals, and other year-round events!
Norfolk also offers a thriving arts and dining scene. The Waterside District is a bustling waterfront entertainment hub featuring live music, shopping, and excellent seafood restaurants serving Chesapeake Bay oysters and fresh-caught crab. The city is also home to the Virginia Arts Festival, Chrysler Museum of Art, and the lively Ghent District, where you can explore galleries, craft breweries, and charming historic streets.
San Antonio, TX
The Alamo City may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Southern waterways, but it’s home to one of the most unique and picturesque riverfront destinations in the United States. The San Antonio River, which flows through the heart of the city, offers a blend of rich history, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty.
One of the most famous attractions in Texas, the iconic San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Río) is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks. Stroll under cypress trees, cross charming stone bridges, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this scenic urban oasis. The River Walk is also home to colorful festivals, including Fiesta San Antonio, which features a floating parade of flower-adorned barges.
For a relaxing way to experience the River Walk, take a narrated boat cruise, which offers insights into San Antonio’s history while gliding past famous sites like the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita Historic Arts Village.
The San Antonio River is closely tied to Texas history, particularly at The Alamo, one of the most significant sites in the state. Located just a short walk from the river, this 18th-century mission-turned-fort is where Texas revolutionaries made their legendary last stand. Nearby, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves four additional Spanish missions along the river, offering a glimpse into Texas’ colonial past.
Beyond downtown, the river extends into more serene areas like the Mission Reach, an eight-mile stretch of trails perfect for kayaking, biking, and birdwatching. This part of the river highlights San Antonio’s commitment to conservation while providing a peaceful escape into nature.
Happy traveling!
This article is sponsored by Golden Isles CVB and Destination Panama City.
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.