Best East Coast Islands for Family Vacations: North Carolina to Florida
Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, Georgia
Relax and unwind: these East Coast islands are the perfect places for your next family vacation!
There's nothing like digging your toes in the sand and escaping from the rest of the world for a few sunny days.
The Southern U.S. states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida all boast their own beautiful East Coast islands, each with its own unique culture, accommodations, and things to do.
Here are the best islands in the South where your family can get sandy toes, sun-kissed skin, and plenty of family memories.
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Update 6/2022 | Written 2/2015
Best Islands off the Coast of North Carolina
Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks
The most famous of the North Carolina islands, the Outer Banks are actually one long string of East Coast islands that reach into Virginia.
While the miles of beach are a major attraction, there is much more to the Outer Banks!
Start out by climbing up to the top of 3 historic lighthouses.
Bodie Island (pronounced “body”) Lighthouse has distinctive horizontal stripes, while the larger Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island is painted in diagonal black and white.
The third, and smallest, is found on the funky Ocracoke Island, which is accessible only by ferry. Go for a day trip or stay for several days.
Those hundreds of stairs are worth the view at the top, I promise!
Then, uncover a mystery at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Manteo. Here, the Roanoke Colony in the 1600s disappeared without a trace!
It’s also the site of the first English birth in the colonies. (Baby Virginia was among the colonists who were never seen again.)
Over at Kill Devil Hills, learn about two important brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, who were the inventors behind the first successful airplane.
The Outer Banks beaches have beautiful soft sand, which is great for relaxing on. The surf can be rough, but that means you can try out some surfing lessons!
Outer Banks Quick Facts
Accessibility: Most of the Outer Banks are accessible by car, though you’ll drive 20-30 miles to get to just about anywhere. Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry, but you can choose from a walk-on pedestrian-only ferry or a drive-on ferry.
Where to stay in the Outer Banks: I recommend staying in Rodanthe as it is halfway between the popular Kill Devil Hills and the ferry to Ocracoke.
There aren’t any hotels here, so you’ll need to find a vacation home.
>> Explore vacation rentals for Rodanthe, North Carolina. <<
Carolina Beach
Beach Bumz, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
This island has an aquarium at one end and a park on the other.
In the middle, you’ll find a wide, flat beach that allows you to do two things that are nearly unheard of in this day and age:
drive on the beach, and
camp on the beach.
My husband went camping on the beach with friends a few years back and had a blast! If you’d like to do the same, head to Freeman Park on the northern end of the island, where you’ll see a line of cars and people hanging out by bonfires.
If you’re not into camping in the sand, I’ve got a great hotel suggestion for your family trip below.
On the western side of the island, you’ll find hiking opportunities in Carolina Beach State Park.
Sugarloaf Trail is an easy, flat 2.9 loop that takes you past beautiful marshes and maritime forests.
Head to the southernmost tip of Carolina Beach for several family friendly activities.
Explore the end of the Confederacy at the Civil War-era Fort Fisher.
Then, head to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to learn more about the animals that make up the ecosystems of the Carolina coast.
Carolina Beach Quick Facts
Accessibility: Carolina Beach is easily accessible by car. You’ll come across the Sea Breeze Bridge as you head towards Carolina Beach from Wilmington.
Where to Stay in Carolina Beach: Carolina Avenue runs along the beach on the northern end of the island.
There are multiple hotels and vacation rentals along this stretch, but I recommend the Hampton Inn and Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront.
Not only is the hotel clean and comfortable for families, but it is located right on the beach. Getting to either end of the island is super easy as the hotel is equidistant from both ends.
>> Book your stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront. <<
Best Islands off the Coast of South Carolina
Pawley's Island
Their motto is "shabby chic," and, indeed, the weatherbeaten cottages on this tiny spit of land south of Myrtle Beach have their own kind of class.
It offers up a quiet life as there are no stoplights or stores on the island.
In a spooky turn, this part of the Hammock Coast is known for the Grey Man.
This ghostly figure reportedly shows up before a hurricane hits and warns homeowners to leave.
According to legend, those who see him will have their homes spared in the storm.
The beach is definitely the star here!
Our favorite spot on the island is the public beach access on the southernmost tip of the island. There’s free parking here, though you’ll want to come early to get the best spots.
At this beach access, you can sit on the beach or the creek side for a great family day out at shore.
Pawleys Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Head over one of the 2 access bridges to the island.
Where to Stay on Pawleys Island: There aren’t any major chains on the island, which contributes to that cozy, homey feel.
Your best bet is a vacation rental, like Magnolia by Peace Vacations.
We love the area where this house is: the southern end of Pawleys Island is super quiet with only 1 small road. Beach access is just down the road.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms has come into its own in the last twenty years or so, as it now has a beautiful county park right on the ocean.
For families visiting Isle of Palms, I can’t recommend the Isle of Palms County Park enough.
It’s one of my favorite things to do on Isle of Palms!
It has everything you’ll need for a great beach day: outdoor showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, a snack station, covered picnic tables, and a volleyball court.
There are also multiple places to eat and shop along the main hub of the island, Palm Boulevard.
We love Acme Kitchen for its decadent brunches!
Coconut Joe’s is an Isle of Palms dining institution and serves up easy comfort foods. Ask for a table on the back porch for an oceanview during your visit.
At the northern end of the island is the exclusive Wild Dunes Resort, which has a golf course and 2 new inns.
Isle of Palms Quick Facts
Accessibility: Head over the Isle of Palms Connector from Mount Pleasant. This bridge is 4 lanes and an easy ride from the mainland.
Where to Stay on Isle of Palms: You won't find any high rise hotels or apartments here, though, as IOP has committed itself to staying local and quaint.
For families visiting the area, I recommend staying at Wild Dunes Resort, which is self-contained enough for people who don’t want to go anywhere, but close enough to the rest of IOP for those looking for variety.
It’s also oceanfront!
Sullivan’s Island
Even more low key than Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island doesn't have any stoplights—just one blinking crossing light—or hotels.
It does, however, have some amazing restaurants along Atlantic Avenue for such a small place. Poe's Tavern is my personal favorite--and a beach that usually only draws locals.
Be careful, though, and don't swim anywhere near the harbor end of the island as there are some horrible currents caused by the tanker ships.
I recommend swimming anywhere north of Station 22-1/2 as this will place you well out of the way of any sudden shifts in current.
Fort Moultrie National Historic Site is another must-do on the island. Explore more than 200 years of military history here, ranging from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
My family LOVES it, and it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Charleston SC!
Sullivan’s Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: You can get onto Sullivan’s Island via the Breach Inlet bridge from Isle of Palms, or you can come from Mount Pleasant via the Ben Sawyer Boulevard.
Note that the Ben Sawyer Bridge is a drawbridge and opens from time to time. (It’s usually a quick process.)
Where to Stay on Sullivan’s Island: There aren’t any hotels, inns, or B&Bs here, so you’ll need to look into vacation rentals.
Luckily, you’ve got a good number to choose from. I’d suggest sticking to rentals that are in near-ish to Station 22-1/2 as that’s within easy walking distance to both the beach and the main shopping and dining area on Atlantic Avenue.
Flag Street 1851 A fits all of those requirements, and it is close to the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse for even more island charm.
Folly Beach
Surfers near the Folly Beach Pier (under renovation in 2022)
Of the three major islands around Charleston, Folly Beach has a lock on quirkiness!
There's a beautiful beach that offers the best waves in Charleston, and the Washout is a favorite surfing spot. (Rent a surfboard if you’d like to try catching a wave or two!)
Head to the northern end of the island to look for sharks’ teeth and get a glimpse of Morris Island Lighthouse.
Folly Beach is slightly more developed than Sullivan’s and IOP, so you've got more choices on where to stay and eat.
Rita’s Seaside Grille serves up delicious, fresh food focused on Lowcountry flavors.
You’re family will also like the Folly Beach County Park, which has easy beach access, showers, changing areas, and more.
Onsite is also a protected pelican rookery.
>> Discover even more things to do in Folly Beach! <<
Folly Beach Quick Facts
Accessibility: The island is easily accessible via bridge on Folly Road from James Island.
Where to Stay on Folly Beach: You can’t get more centrally located than the Tides Folly Beach, which is our top recommendation for families.
It’s right on the ocean and has plenty of amenities including a pool, an onsite restaurant, and a bar.
All of the rooms also have their own private balconies!
Edisto Island
No stoplights--and only handful of stop signs.
What Edisto Island does have are miles of bicycle paths, cute stores, and hundreds of family-owned beach houses.
Unlike some of the other island spots along the South Carolina coast, Edisto Island's homes are relatively inexpensive, and most have been in the same family since the island began major development in the late 60s.
For a small island town, there’s a surprising number of things to do including a nature-based driving tour, weekly arts market, and serpentarium!
Check out my full guide on the best things to do in Edisto Island to plan your stay.
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Edisto Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Edisto Island is a bit off the beaten path, but the 2 lane country roads are easily to follow. The Edisto Island Causeway is a quick trip through the marsh.
Where to Stay on Edisto Island: To keep the island quaint, no hotel chains are allowed. You’ll want to rent a beach house for your stay—and plan ahead as they book quickly.
My husband’s extended family rents a different beach house on Edisto every summer, so I’ve stayed in a bunch of rental homes there.
The one I recommend most is Stare-Gazing as it is off the main streets, which is great for families with little kids who want to ride their bikes.
It’s also a quick bike ride from the beach, Jungle road shops, and the state park.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is known for its golf courses and was where the 2011 U.S. Open was held, so it’s an easy option for families who want to hit the links together.
If you’re not into golfing, I still recommend this gated resort community for your East Coast family vacation as there is SO much to do here.
You’ll find pools, shops, outdoor movies, and restaurants throughout the resort.
The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island is a great place to visit while you’re there, though it is super pricey for a family vacation. (It’s great for a couples’ getaway through, and we’ve loved our visits there!)
See my complete guide on the best things to do on Kiawah Island.
Kiawah Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Kiawah Island is less than 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The drive is on 2-lane backroads, but they’re generally well maintained.
Where to Stay on Kiawah Island: While this area does have hotels, The Sanctuary inside of the gates and Andell Inn outside of them, I recommend a vacation home rental for your family stay.
You’ll have more room to stretch out while also having access to the resort amenities.
We’ve stayed in several rentals on our trips to Kiawah, but my family favorites are off Beachwalker Drive.
Inlet Cove 11 is a vacation rental that is in this central location and comes recommended.
Seabrook Island
This quiet, upscale South Carolina island is hidden behind a gate at the far end of John’s Island.
Located right next to Kiawah Island, this exclusive spot is the perfect getaway for a golf outing, summer family vacation or a holiday.
The amenities are limited, but that’s part of the charm.
Sign up for horseback riding lessons or go for a swim in one of the two pools at the Lake House. This center includes a workout room, group fitness classes, and outdoor seating.
There’s also the Beach Club, which boasts another pool, beach access, and onsite shopping.
Grab a tee time at the Ocean Winds or Crooked Oaks golf courses.
Families vacationing at Seabrook Island should ask about the Beach Camp activities, which range from roasting s’mores on the beach to movie nights under the stars.
>> Explore more of the best things to do on Seabrook Island. <<
Seabrook Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Like Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island is less than 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The drive is on 2-lane backroads, but they’re generally well maintained.
Where to Stay on Seabrook Island: Again, the vacation home avenue is the best option for families as it is more cost effective and includes more room.
Seabrook Island has many, many vacation rental options for families.
We’ve stayed in one of their condos near the Lake House, but you can’t really go wrong with any of the homes here as owners are required to maintain high standards per the HOA.
Hilton Head Island
Another popular town for golfing and family vacation, Hilton Head Island has all of its businesses tucked away from the main roads.
Driving through the island, you see lots of palm trees and greenery, but very few business signs--by design.
If you're in town, you have to head to the Salty Dog Cafe for some pizza and one of their famous shirts.
The Coastal Discovery Center is perfect for families who want to learn more about this area on their vacation. Sign up for a guided tour or look through the permanent exhibits.
Hilton Head Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Hilton Head Island is easily accessible by car.
Where to Stay in Hilton Head Island: The Westin Hilton Head Island has its own, nearly private beach as well as 3 pools. Your kids will LOVE their time here!
The resort is designed so that families won’t need to go anywhere else, but it’s a short drive from other restaurants and attractions.
Daufuskie Island
A little known gem of a place just off the tip of Hilton Head, Daufuskie Island is only accessible by ferry and has no cars on it.
We visited the island not too long ago, and it was SUCH a fun experience that I’d recommend to any family.
You’ll need to rent a golf cart once you’re on the island in order to get the full experience.
>> Explore our time on Daufuskie Island here. <<
Pat Conroy, the Southern author, taught here in his early career, and wrote his first novel, The Water is Wide, based on his experiences here.
You can even visit the tiny one room schoolhouse where he taught early on in his career.
Daufuskie Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Daufuskie Island can only be accessed by ferry.
>> Book your Daufuskie Island ferry tickets here. <<
Where to Stay on Daufuskie Island: Since Daufuskie Island is so small, you won’t have any options for hotels here.
Instead, check AirBnB.com for availability on one of the few properties available.
Book early!
Best Islands off the Coast of Georgia
Cumberland Island
Another island with ferry-only access, Cumberland Island is a great place to explore an unspoiled barrier island.
Your kids will love having a beach all to themselves!
Rent a bicycle to see more of the island, or take a tour led by park rangers to see the ruins of the 22,000 square foot house that the Carnegies built here in the early 1900s.
There are two different places to camp on the island, but visitors need to bring all of their supplies as there are no stores once you leave the mainland.
When you return to St. Mary’s, your kids can complete the free Junior Ranger program at the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitors Center.
Cumberland Island Quick Facts:
Accessibility: You can only get to Cumberland Island by ferry.
Where to Stay on Cumberland Island: There’s only one inn on the island, Greyfields Inn. As it is super expensive and not very kid-friendly, I recommend doing Cumberland Island as a day trip with your family and staying close to the ferry docks.
The SureStay Plus Hotel in St. Mary’s is a quick drive from the mainland ferry dock so you can have a full day on the island and then get your kids down for the night in no time. It’s a basic hotel, but it is clean, conveniently located, and has a covered indoor pool.
Jekyll Island
Originally started as a winter hunting lodge for the likes of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Carnegies, Jekyll Island is now a state park.
You can still stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, which has been completely refurbished since the early 1980s.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the fascinating Jekyll Island Club Resort history while you’re on the island.
Once you’ve settled in, tour some of the cottages in the historic district on the daily tram rides.
There's also a beautiful driftwood beach on the northern end, and a wide, flat beach along the eastern side.
>> Discover more of my tips on what to do on Jekyll Island, Georgia! <<
Jekyll Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: There’s a long, paved causeway leading to Jekyll Island from both I-95 and Brunswick.
Where to Stay on Jekyll Island: We LOVE Jekyll Island and have stayed all over the island.
However, we keep coming back to the Jekyll Island Club Resort for the history and ambiance.
This historic hotel is family friendly and has a riverfront pool.
Guests also have access to the Ocean Club’s pool and beach access.
St. Simons Island
Another of the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island was once composed of several cotton plantations.
Now, it boasts an adorable downtown area and several award-winning hotels including the King and Prince.
Check out my guide to the best restaurants on St. Simons Island here.
Make sure to stop by the lighthouse!
St. Simons Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: There’s easy, paved road access to St. Simons Island.
Where to Stay on St. Simons Island: The King and Prince is fantastic!
It’s right on the beach, and it has a gorgeous pool that your kids will love. The on-site restaurant has inventive flavors that will appeal to everyone.
>> Read more about my stay at the King and Prince hotel here. <<
Tybee Island
Just a few miles away from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is popular with vacationers and Savannahians alike.
The island is quite populated and has adorable, brightly colored houses tucked down its side streets.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants, so, if you choose to vacation here, you won't ever need to leave the island!
If you can pull your kids away from the beach, they’ll love the Tybee Island Marine Science Center or a family friendly dolphin cruise.
Both activities are great ways to learn about the ecology of this barrier island and keep those brains busy on vacation.
Tybee Island Lighthouse Station and Museum will give your family a peek into the fascinating and important work that lighthouse keepers were required to do before GPS.
If you want to venture into nearby Savannah, check out my comprehensive guide of things to do in Savannah with kids.
Tybee Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Tybee Island is easily accessible from Savannah via paved highway.
Where to Stay on Tybee Island: We love a good hotel suite with a kitchen when traveling with the family, which is why we recommend staying at the DeSoto Beach Gardens.
Not only does it come with a full kitchen, but it is right on the beach and has a pool for the ultimate family island retreat.
Family Friendly Islands off the Coast of Florida
Amelia Island
One of Florida's barrier islands, Amelia Island has quite the storied past, and visitors to the Amelia Island Museum of History will note that eight different flags have flown after this island during its existence.
At various times, it’s flown the French, Spanish, British, Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and (of course) American flags.
Nowadays, it's home to multiple golf courses and the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
Don’t forget to visit Fort Clinch State Park at the northernmost tip to learn more about this area’s military history, go hiking, and explore the maritime forest.
NOTE: Amelia Island is less than 20 miles from Jacksonville. Check out my list of favorite places to visit in Jacksonville FL!
Amelia Island Quick Facts
Accessibility: Amelia Island is an easy drive from Jacksonville via I-95 and SR 200.
Where to Stay on Amelia Island: Amelia Island is all about laid back luxury, so embrace that at the Omni Amelia Island Resort.
Your family will have so much to do here from the beautiful oceanfront pools to the onsite restaurants.
Kids will love the military theming at Falcon’s Nest!
St. Augustine Beach
St. John’s Fishing Pier, St. Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine Beach offers camping and relaxation just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the historic district.
I’ve been going here since I was very little with my parents in my grandparents' motorhome!
Kids will love exploring the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Check out the Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour for those who love a thrill.
The St. John’s Fishing Pier is a great place for kids to cast their first line or look for gulls, fish, and dolphins in the surf.
Get up close with live gators at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park, which also has ziplines.
>> Explore more of historic St. Augustine FL with kids with my comprehensive guide! <<
St. Augustine Beach Quick Facts
Accessibility: St. Augustine Beach is conveniently located across the Bridge of Lions via paved roads.
Where to Stay on St. Augustine Beach: It’s fun, right on the beach, and definitely family friendly, which is why we’re recommending the Guy Harvey Resort on St. Augustine Beach.
Opt for a pool view with a balcony to up the island feel of your stay.
>> Book your stay at the Guy Harvey Resort on St. Augustine Beach. <<
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne Lighthouse
Located just south of Miami Beach, Key Biscayne is a fairly large island with condominiums, schools, shopping, and dining.
With four different beaches to explore, Key Biscayne isn't just a residential area.
Pack a picnic and while away the day at Crandon Park, or Bill Braggs Cape Florida State Park.
Afterwards, treat the entire family by dining al fresco by the ocean over on Key Biscayne's main street.
Key Biscayne Quick Facts
Accessibility: Key Biscayne is a barrier island accessible by road from the Miami area.
Where to Stay on Key Biscayne: Opt for the modern and functional Beach Haus apartments during your stay on Key Biscayne.
Each apartment has a full kitchen for prepping meals and snacks.
Your kids can splash in the pool before you head over to the beach, and you’ll have access to free beach chairs and umbrellas.
Plus, there are bikes to rent!
Florida Keys
A trip to the tropics without ever leaving the U.S., the Florida Keys are a series of islands trailing from just off the coast of Miami all the way down nearly to Cuba.
Start the fun by snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo.
Sunbathe in the shadow of an old railroad trestle at Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key.
Share a big plate of appetizers at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street in Key West, or kayak in the mangroves off of Islamorada.
Don't forget to grab a slice of key lime pie while you’re exploring the Keys!
Remember: despite what some imitators might try to convince you, real key lime pie is yellow, not green.
Discover more things to do in Key West with kids!
Florida Keys Quick Facts
Accessibility: While the Florida Keys are accessible by car, be prepared for a long drive from Miami via the Overseas Highway.
Where to Stay in the Keys: If you’d like to explore the entire island chain, I recommend staying in Marathon, which is halfway between Key Largo and Key West.
On Marathon, we’ve stayed at the Hampton Inn, which has a good pool, amazing views, and comfortable rooms.
If you’d like to spend most of your time in Key West and the Lower Keys, you’ll want to base yourself in Key West proper.
This is also a great launching spot for the Dry Tortugas National Park (which I can’t recommend enough!)
My favorite place to stay in Key West is right on the quieter end of Key West. Southwinds Motel is clean, comfortable, and a throwback to Old Florida hospitality.
It’s also only a block from Duval Street and within easy walking distance of the entire historic district.
Which of these East Coast islands would you like to visit for your family vacation?
