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Southern Secluded Isles: 11 Sun-Drenched Spots to Soothe Your Soul
by Carrie Miner
 If you’re seeking solitude and private beaches, head south to sample the array of tropical delights situated along the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.
From these island destinations, which stretch from the shores of North Carolina to the tip of Texas, you can choose from a vacation ranging from the ecological vacation ranging from the ecological attractions at the nation’s first protected seashore to the decadent delights at the “End of the Road” in Key West.
With the many barrier reefs and scattered keys along the coastal waters, it can be a challenge to pick the perfect setting for your island getaway. On the other hand, with the close proximity many of these protected preserves and sunny seaside resorts, aviators are only a short flight away from creating a menu of creative adventures, wild water sports and colorful sunsets. Here are a few of our favorites:
 Hatteras Island
The ephemeral place where land and sea meet carries a character of its own, something self-evident at the nation’s first dedicated seashore.
Protected as a national park, Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends 75 miles along the Outer Banks islands off the coast of North Carolina, ranging from Nags Head to Ocracoke Inlet. But the favorite destination in this thin broken strand of barrier islands is Hatteras Island—home to secluded beaches, a national wildlife refuge, the tallest lighthouse in the country, miles of hiking trails and dozens of cozy seashore cottages.
Easily reached from Billy Mitchell Airport [HSE], Hatteras Island stretches down to Cape Hatteras and to the Hatteras Inlet, with all of the Atlantic seashore falling within the boundaries of the national park.
Your best bet is to stay at one of the many oceanfront cottage rentals. While visiting this island off of the Diamond Shoals, you might also want to charter a fishing expedition, stroll along the beach for seashells or watch migrating waterfowl flying overhead.
For an introduction to this area, stop by the 1870 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This striking 208 foot-tall, black and white striped beacon of yesteryear warned ships of the Diamond Shoals, which have lured hundreds of ships to their deaths since European ships first followed the Gulf Stream to the North Carolina shores in the 16th century – a sinister reputation that earned the treacherous passage the title of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
The surf hasn’t changed much since those early days, something windsurfers enjoy in modern times. To watch the colorful acrobatics of daring, you might want to pack a picnic and watch surfers at the Canadian Hole windsurfing area.
Other enjoyable stops on Hatteras Island include a walk along the fishing pier in the town of Avon and a visit to the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center.
 Kiawah Island
Further south, near Charleston, South Carolina you can set down at Charleston Executive Airport [JZI] and head to the resort greens on Kiawah Island. Renowned for its 10 mile stretch of white sand beach, championship golf courses and award-winning tennis, Kiawah Island is perfect for couples seeking romance and relaxation by the sea.
At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, golfers can choose from five golf courses – three of which are ranked on the list of “America’s Top 75 Resort Courses” by Golf Digest.
Other island activities include sunset strolls along the pristine beach, lounging in one of the resort’s three pools, ocean or marsh kayaking, signature spa treatments, biking along the islands 30 miles of trails, world-class tennis and both opulent and casual dining.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is the place to stay while visiting this exclusive island. With spectacular views, nine restaurants, a nature-themed spa and three pools, this upscale ocean resort caters to couples and families alike.
For an up close look Kiawah Island, stop by the Heron Park Nature Center. The center offers information on the island’s walking tours, which include the Birds of Kiawah, the Gator Walk and the Kiawah 101 Nature Walk. If you’d rather see the area on two wheels, the Wildlife in the Wetlands tour and the Biking into History tour add to the outdoor experience.
 Hilton Head Island
South Carolina’s popular Hilton Head Island, reached by Hilton Head Island Airport [HXD], caters to a larger tourist population than the more secluded Kiawah Island.
This 12-mile-long barrier island is the largest of its kind between New Jersey and Florida and features a pristine natural environment composed of salt marshes, lagoons, forests and beaches interspersed with championship golf courses, tennis courts and luxurious resorts.
Renowned as a premier resort destination, Hilton Head Island offers a full menu of recreational activities including biking, kayaking, parasailing, surfing, charter fishing, horseback riding, ecological tours, historic tours, arts and entertainment, shopping and fine dining.
In addition to more than 20 championship courses and 300 tennis courts, the island offers a cultural mix of art, music and dance.
Named as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Small Arts Towns,” Hilton Head has a world-class Arts Center, the Hilton Head Orchestra and galleries by the dozen. Artistic endeavors spill over into the trendy boutiques, antique stores and curio shops tucked away in the island’s intimate plazas and along the waterfront – making the search for something special part of the fun.
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