Summer Delights of Deep South Beaches

From wild horses and lighthouses to summer theatre and idyllic resorts.

When we think of beach holidays in the USA we often focus on Florida but, in fact, the whole Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the Deep South are lined with mainland and island beaches that come into their own in the late spring and remain popular well into the early autumn. Lindsay Sutton chose the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Mary Moore Mason went back to the South Carolina beaches she frequented in her youth and Lynn Houghton luxuriated in the sunny strands of Georgia and Alabama.

NATURAL NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina’s coastal claim to fame is its 200 miles of Atlantic Ocean barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Enhanced by the highest sand dunes on the East Coast, the bridge-linked islands feature photogenic lighthouses, picturesque communities and a unique history. For not only did infamous pirate Blackbeard meet his gruesome final end near Ocracoke, but Roanoke Island is the site of the oldest known English settlement in America. Established in 1587 and dubbed ‘The Lost Colony’, as its occupants mysteriously disappeared a few years later, it inspired the name of America’s oldest outdoor drama, produced each summer since 1937 in Manteo’s Waterside Theatre.

The theatre and early settlement location are part of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which also encompasses a beautifully-designed Elizabethan Garden graced by a statue of Queen Elizabeth I. The islands’ famous wild horses are thought to be descendants of survivors from a Spanish shipwreck, and another popular tourist attraction, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located half-way down the Outer Banks, is, at 208 feet, the tallest in America.

Don’t miss: The Kill Devil Hills National Monument to Wilbur and Orville Wright who made their historic first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. Also on the site is a visitor centre and replica of their plane.

Getting there: Virginia’s Norfolk Airport is 83 miles north, while Raleigh-Durham is 200 miles west.

Staying on: America As You Like It offers a seven-night fly-drive package that includes return American Airlines flights from Heathrow to Raleigh-Durham, all-inclusive car hire, four nights’ roomonly at the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront and three nights, including breakfast, at the Old Colony Inn in Kill Devil Hills.

SUMPTUOUS SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina’s beach destinations range from action-packed Myrtle Beach and charming, laid-back Pawley’s Island in the north to Hilton Head, near the Georgia border, in the south, not forgetting the cluster of island resorts near lovely, unmissable Charleston, among them Kiawah and the Isle of Palms.

This time I set my sights on lush, tropical Hilton Head. Believing a resort should blend with nature, not overtake it, the island’s leadership allows no buildings taller than the treetops, no neon or street lights and no billboards. It also promotes the island’s interesting African-American Gullah heritage and great seafood – try the shrimp fresh off the boat at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks. Then play a round of golf, soak in the surf, look for the dolphins swimming right off your boat and, for great views, climb to the top of the landmark Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Don’t miss: A visit to the charming, historic town of Beaufort, setting for many a film and site of numerous beautiful antebellum homes and South Carolina’s most-visited state park, Hunting Island.

Getting there: Reached by a bridge, the island is 116 miles from Charleston and just over the Georgia border from Savannah, itself well worth a visit.

Staying on: America As You Like It’s seven-night package includes flights from Heathrow to Savannah on Delta, via Atlanta, car hire, five nights in the Westin Oceanfront Resort & Spa, steps from the beach and close to island nightlife and shopping, and two nights, including breakfast, in Beaufort’s delightful Rhett House Inn.

GORGEOUS GEORGIA

Tybee Island, near the state’s northern border with South Carolina, is a mere 20-minute drive from the downtown of delightful, historic Savannah; Cumberland Island is sited on the southern border with Florida; and in between are the four Golden Isles – Jekyll, Sea, St Simons and Little St Simons.

No wonder Tybee was chosen as the site of the 2017 Baywatch movie – it has wide, sandy beaches and lovely cottages and laid-back cafés. Both Cumberland and Little St Simons have purposely been left undeveloped and thus are great for hikers, bikers and wildlife enthusiasts, although they offer very limited accommodation.

Sea Island is particularly known for its majestic Cloister resort and Jekyll Island for its Jekyll Island Club Resort & Spa dating back to 1886 and once a private club frequented by Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and other millionaires. Visit the local museum and take a tram or trolley tour that includes two of the millionaires’ ‘cottages’. St Simons not only offers resort hotels, golfing, fishing and beaches but also the fortress and battlefield where the British vanquished the Spanish.

Don’t miss: Jekyll Island’s exceptional Driftwood Beach, with its picturesquelydowned and bleached trees.

Getting there: Most of the islands are linked with the mainland by bridges or causeways. Cumberland can be reached by a twice-daily ferry from sleepy little St Mary’s and there is boat service between the two St Simons.

Staying on: Bon Voyage’s packages include flights with Delta from Gatwick, Manchester or Glasgow via Atlanta to Savannah, car hire, two nights in Savannah’s Marshall House, and five nights at the Jekyll Island Club.

ALLURING ALABAMA

Viewing the sugar-white sand beaches and gentle sand dunes of Alabama’s Gulf of Mexico coastline is a feast for the eyes and a delight for wildlife and fishing enthusiasts – the 31-mile-long swathe of shoreline is a haven for sea turtles, sea birds and the tuna, flounder and red drum that appeal to line fishermen.

The communities along the way – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Dauphin Island – are equally popular with the winter visitors from up north known as ‘snowbirds’ and – in the summer – with regional sun seekers. The Gulf’s light surf and range of ocean, river and lake water sports also mean the area is popular with families.

Then there are the culinary treats. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Orange Beach’s Brick and Spoon or delicious shrimp tacos at Gulf Shore’s Bill’s by the Beach.

Don’t miss: The attractive Old South city of Mobile, one hour inland from the coast. It has more than 350 antebellum homes, some wonderfully quirky restaurants and bars – and has been drawing huge crowds to its flamboyant annual Mardi Gras celebrations since 1703.

Getting there: For motorists, the coastal area is best reached via Interstate 10, which links New Orleans with Mobile via the north-western Florida ‘panhandle’.

Staying on: Bon Voyage offers seven night holidays including flights with Delta from Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow to New Orleans, car hire and seven nights, room-only, at Orange Beach’s four-star Perdido Beach Hotel.