Experience Real Southern Charm on a Laidback Coast

The stretch of coastline that runs between Virginia and Georgia shouldn’t be rushed.  Instead, travelers should take their time as they taste succulent oysters, stroll historic beach boardwalks, and cruise beautiful waterways on an iconic paddlewheeler.

Get a Taste of the Chesapeake

Topping, Virginia, sits atop the banks of the Rappahannock River, the epicenter of the state’s flourishing oyster production. Thanks to drastic public policy changes and conservation measures after years of overharvesting, the oyster population has more than tripled since 2005. The best place to taste the fruits of this effort? That would be Merrior, a culinary destination overlooking the river beds where they source their seafood. 

At Merrior, everything on the seasonal small-plate menu is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, and complemented by a lovely wine list. When not feasting, visitors can enjoy boating and kayaking on the waterway. The river connects the region that makes up the River Realm, a cluster of charming towns along the banks.

But if you tire of the water, take to the air: Topping is home to Hummel Airfield, donated to the county by the pioneering “Early Bird” aviator Fred E. Hummel, who first flew a self-made glider in 1911. Every September, transit enthusiasts gather for the “Wings, Wheels and Keels” festival every September, and several private pilots host year-round aerial tours departing from the airfield.

Featured Resort: Grey’s Point Camp

Mere minutes from the beach, this full-service RV resort also has a free waterpark — with two twisting slides. The naturally wooded landscape of Grey’s Point Camp is a haven for campers, whether you’re parking your RV or renting a cottage. (Also for rent: kayaks, canoes, bikes, and paddleboats.) Every weekend features new themed activities for the whole family. Boating and fishing is also made easy by amenities such as a boat ramp and fish-cleaning stations.

Where the River Meets the Sea

Chocowinity sits at the “Forks of the Tar,” as the area was called when it was settled just before the Revolutionary War. The Tar flows into the larger Pamlico River, along which runs a scenic byway that travels through some of North Carolina’s most historic towns. Before you get started on this journey, however, enjoy the natural beauty and small-town hospitality of Chocowinity. From history at the Underground Railroad Museum — housed in a real caboose — to the world’s first Estuarium, there’s lots to learn about the region. Kids can also blow off some steam at the Extreme Action Park, with old-school arcade games, roller skating, and go-karts. Just across Chocowinity Bay, the Washington Waterfront Boardwalk and the Harbor District downtown have local eateries and artisans brimming with southern charm.

Featured Resort: Twin Lakes Campground

On a peninsula between Chocowinity Bay and the Pamlico River lies the Twin Lakes, a year-round RV resort. (Boat ramps provide access to both bodies of water.) There are games galore at this campground: volleyball, basketball, golf, pool, foosball, horseshoes, bingo, and more. The lush landscape creates an immersive experience for any camper, plus easy access to local attractions. 

On Island Time along the Crystal Coast

The barrier islands that make up the 85-mile stretch of the southern Outer Banks are also known as the Crystal Coast for the spectacular beauty of the water. The quaint cluster of coastal towns offers a range of activities for visitors, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Fans of watersports should start in Emerald Isle, which has the largest public boat launching facility on the North Carolina coast and 12 miles of beaches along the Atlantic.

 

On the easternmost end of the island chain, the black-and-white “Diamond Lady” Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a regional landmark only accessible by ferry. While you’re on the water, hop over to the Shackleford Banks to witness the wild horses believed to be descended from those brought over by Spanish explorers. But look out for pirates: The infamous pirate Blackbeard ran aground here in his final battle aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge in 1718. The shipwreck was only discovered in 1996, and artifacts from the wreckage are on display in the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Featured Resort: Emerald Isle RV Resort

When you pull up to this resort, you’ll be greeted by a sweet, shingled booth with appropriately dark green siding. The homey atmosphere only continues past the rec hall and pool, and down the rows of grassy campsites all the way to the three (count ’em) beach access points. Recognized by Tripadvisor’s 2025 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the quality of the amenities, this resort also brings activities such as wine tastings and live music to its oceanfront grounds. The attractions of the mainland are never far away, just across the scenic Emerald Isle Bridge.

Embrace the Beach Bum Lifestyle

There’s a reason why Myrtle Beach is one of the most beloved beach destinations on the Eastern Seaboard. Well, many reasons. Sixty miles of gorgeous coastline are matched by the myriad activities available in town. Hundreds of unique events take place year-round, from food festivals to the more than 25,000 live music shows annually, including at unique venues such as the Carolina Country Music Festival and the historic Opry Theater.

Myrtle Beach may be the mini-golf capital of the world, but more advanced players can also explore 90 golf courses in the area. (The Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, for example, is known for its design and luscious scenery.) The nationally recognized boardwalk boasts a Ferris wheel to look out over the Atlantic Ocean from nearly 200 feet high, while the Grand Strand has more than 2,000 restaurants to delight even the pickiest diner. Once you’re ready to get back on the water, board the Barefoot Queen Riverboat to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, or take a Tiki Tour on the BYOB, tropical-themed paddle pub. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why some visitors never leave.

Featured Resort: Carolina Shores RV Resort

With 80 acres and a variety of lodgings to suit every need, Carolina Shores really is the best of both worlds. This premium location has options for both lake and beach access on the property, which neighbors Myrtle Beach State Park and is just a short drive from downtown Myrtle Beach. Enjoy unique amenities such as a lazy river, mini-golf course, and karaoke. For those who are interested, the resort also puts on a weekly worship service and a rotating array of craft activities. 

The Hidden Gems of Hampton County

Between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, is a wooded region rich with history and culture. The town of Yemassee is surrounded by both Civil and Revolutionary War sites, but that’s just the start. One unusual local landmark is the Auldbrass Plantation, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939. Wright worked on the plans for the more than 20 buildings over 4,000 acres for 20 years before his death, and the property fell into disrepair—until it was purchased by Joel Silver, a Hollywood producer of the Die Hard and Matrix franchises. Another architectural attraction in town is the stunning (and eerie) Old Sheldon Church Ruins, burned down first by the British and then by General Sherman. A few miles down the highway and into the woods, you can even find a 50-year-old West African village, Oyotunji, established as a separatist community on land once worked by enslaved people, and now a thriving religious community for the Yoruba people.

Feast Your Senses in Savannah

After some rural excursions, Savannah is the perfect place to end your road trip. The city’s creative spirit starts young, with the burgeoning artists at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the SCAD Museum of Art. Then, the trio of Telfair Museums each offers its own perspective on art, architecture, and culture. History buffs also have plenty to take in, from Old Fort Jackson to the Fort Pulaski National Monument, and the local cuisine is diverse, from comfort food to world-class chefs. The Olde Pink House serves up classics in a Colonial-era mansion, while Common Thread has a similar southern flair paired with unique presentations of seasonal ingredients.

Don’t forget to sample a Georgia peach, perhaps from the Forsyth Park Farmers’ Market. Sipping and strolling through the Historic District will be sure to lift your spirits … and if spectral spirits are more to your taste, take a ghost tour of Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah is considered one of the country’s most haunted cities, after all). Finally, if you still haven’t had enough sand between your toes, Tybee Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, has five beaches, a picturesque pier, dolphin watching, and colorful coastal restaurants.

Featured Resort: Thousand Trails, The Oaks at Point South

This quaint campsite just north of the border from Savannah is tucked off of Interstate 95, making it easy and convenient to explore the lowcountry without straying far from the city’s charms. The woody tree cover and lakeside walking trail (don’t feed the gators!) give a rustic feel, but don’t skip the pizza and wine bar just next door to the grounds. 

Eliza Bio: Eliza Pillsbury is a writer, editor, and native Texan. Formerly the managing editor of the Alcalde magazine, her career has also included brand consulting and the management of bookstores across two continents. She is based in Manhattan and sunburns easily.