Beautiful Beach Towns for a Summer Getaway

When the temperature says eighty-five degrees with a humidity of seventy percent or more, and you're peeling your legs off the furniture or car seat—you know it's time for a less sticky summer getaway. But where to?

Ask any Southerner, and they'll probably tell you: it's time to hit the beach. And in the South, there is no shortage of perfect beach towns for a weekend or even a day to escape the heat and soak in the salt, surf, and sand. We think that is a fantastic idea, and we want to share some of our favorites to inspire you and prepare you for a perfect summer beach getaway.

Tucked away on the Georgia coast, halfway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL, lie four stunning barrier islands. St Simons, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick. Each of these isles is positively majestic and visit-worthy any time of the year, but there's nothing quite like the beach town on St. Simon's Island. Long sandy stretches can be found on the East Beach, while beautiful salt marches are dotted with ancient moss-draped oaks. Bike-friendly paths weave throughout the island, with plenty of delightful shops and restaurants to help you cool off or enjoy a meal when you aren't at the beaches.

St. Augustine in Florida, often called the Nation's Oldest City, is most notable for its incredible 450+ year history. Still, its perfect white sand beaches and fantastic food attract many to the area. Forty-two miles of beaches, to be exact! Some famous beaches include Pointe Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach, Butler Beach, and Crescent Beach.

If crowds aren't to your taste, you might want to visit during the off-season, as St. Augustine is lively during the summer and the beaches crowded.

If you love the ambiance of a traditional beach town with a little bit of that Texas flair, then look no further than the quirky community of Port Aransas in Texas. Fun and laid-back, everything you love and dream about in a beach town exists in Port Aransas. You'll find walking-distance lodging, sandcastle competitions, driving golf carts around the town, fresh seafood, surfing, and local restaurants with more character than you can shake a stick at.

There are 18 miles of sandy beaches, and the Texas Open Beaches Act allows for camping on the beach! Space is divvied out on a first-come, first-served basis, but with those 18 miles, there's plenty of sand for all.

Don't think bright blue and turquoise ocean water, white sandy beaches, and Alabama go together? Time to think again! Orange Beach and the Gulf Shores provide a wealth of family fun, such as hiking trails, biking, and swimming in the Gulf, and Orange Beach's waterfront park is a stunning shore to dig your toes into the sand or float away with salty, cooler breezes. The park also boasts a fishing pier, pavilions, and picnic areas.

• Mexico Beach, Florida
• Ocracoke, North Carolina
• Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
• Sanibel, Florida
• Tybee Island, Georgia
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
• Chincoteague, Virginia
• Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

Time to start planning your coastal dream weekend or getaway! Which one is your favorite out of our list? Don't forget before you begin to grab a few of our best beach tees for fun in the sun!