Three South Carolina islands were included in Travel + Leisure’s 10 best in the South, including one not normally seen on such lists.
And South Carolina had the most islands on the list, with Florida (which has more than 4,000 islands compared to South Carolina’s 35) having two.

“While the phrase ‘island vacation’ may evoke images of turquoise Caribbean waters, bright white beaches, and 80-plus degree weather (even in the depths of winter), islands directly off the Southeastern United States do it a little differently — and no two are the same,” the magazine said. “South Carolina islands have palmetto trees growing alongside ferns and pine trees. Georgia’s barrier islands, including St. Simons and Jekyll Island, boast diverse landscapes made up of beaches, marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. And Texas islands, with their shallow bays and seagrass meadows, are home to an extensive amount of wildlife.”

You can’t swim at most of them in winter, the magazine said, but they are still good places to visit.

The magazine asked Mary Helen Law, a Georgia-based luxury travel adviser and owner of Law Luxury Travel, to compile the list.

No. 1 was Longboat Key, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, a 20-minute drive from Sarasota. She called it “one of the region’s best-kept secrets.”

But No. 2 is that not-often mentioned Daufuskie Island, with its 500 or so permanent residents located between Savannah and Hilton Head.

“Neighboring Hilton Head Island may have more name recognition, but Daufuskie Island earns a spot on this list due to its remoteness — it’s only accessible via boat — incredible beauty, and dedication to preserving its Gullah culture,” Law said.

She suggested spending a beach day on its 3 miles of public beaches, horseback riding with Daufuskie Trail Rides or taking a tour with sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson, who specializes in Daufuskie Island history.

She also recommends Daufuskie Island Distillery’s American-made rum and historical sites — First Union African Baptist Church and Bloody Point Lighthouse.

The best way to get around?

Golf cart.

No. 5 was Pawleys Island, which she described as “a sleepy beach town known for its rich history.” The four-mile long island was used in the 1700s as a summer refuge for wealthy rice planters escaping malaria.

It is one of America’s oldest resorts and is known for its moniker “arrogantly shabby.”

And of course rope hammocks.

Law mentions restaurants Chive Blossom, Bistro 217, and Frank’s Outback, art galleries featuring the work of local artists, and Downtown Pawleys.

“The island is easily explored on foot or by bike, and visitors spend their days fishing, crabbing, golfing, or just appreciating the beauty and the slower pace, preferably while lounging in a locally made hammock,” she said.

No. 9 is Kiawah Island.

“Some might call Kiawah Island a golfer’s paradise, but don’t discount this 10-mile-long oceanfront resort as anything less than a perfect destination for the entire family,” Law said.

There’s the Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships, miles of biking paths, wide beaches, and salt marshes.

Vacation rentals are available on the oceanfront or riverfront, but Law said “ultimate relaxation” is best at The Sanctuary, a repeat winner in the magazine’s World’s Best Awards.

The other islands on the list are:

3. Golden Isles, Ga.

4. Dauphin Island, Ala.

6. Hatteras Island, N.C.

7. Amelia Island, Fla.

8. South Padre Island, Texas

10. Ship Island, Miss.

Pawleys Island in South Carolina. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Seagulls take flight along the beach on Longboat Key. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
The Addison B&B on Amelia Island, Florida. The island features the 13-mile-long Fernandina Beach. (Noreen Kompanik/Noreen Kompanik/TNS)