Travelers are drawn to water wherever they go. Something about the sound of waves lapping on the shore and the sight of the sun reflecting across shimmering waters seems to induce relaxation and enjoyment. A bustling harbor, a serene lake or a perfect swath of sandy beach — if it’s on the water, the air seems fresher, the day brighter and the food tastier.
Bodies of water also provide excellent opportunities for recreation, from adrenaline-charged activities like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and jet skiing to lazy paddling, serene strolls or simply stretching out under the sun. Here are six places across the South where your group can enjoy spectacular waterfront beauty.
Louisiana Northshore
Water, water, everywhere — and there is no shortage of it in the communities of Louisiana’s St. Tammany Parish, on the north side of Lake Pontchartrain.
“You’re never more than 15 minutes away from a source of water when visiting the Northshore,” said Tanya Leader, vice president of sales and service at Visit the Northshore. “We have a variety of rivers, bayous and lakes to enjoy, either from on the land or out on the water.”
In days gone by, the Northshore was the Newport of New Orleans. In the 19th century, wealthy residents escaped the sweltering city by crossing Lake Pontchartrain to St. Tammany Parish. There, they enjoyed fresh air, a leisurely resort atmosphere and the healing waters of Abita Springs.
“It’s been a relaxing getaway since the 1880s,” Leader said. “Today, visitors will find more than 80,000 acres of wildlife preserves, a robust culinary scene, quirky festivals, lively music venues, art galleries and plenty of water activities.”
Groups can explore those 80,000 acres in a variety of ways, such as wandering through nature on boardwalks, hiking trails or by kayak. A motorized boat tour of Honey Island Swamp is a particular favorite, with guests often encountering a wide array of wildlife, including raccoons, alligators, herons, egrets and more. Other outdoor activities include biking along Tammany Trace, Louisiana’s only rails-to-trails conversion; kayaking on Cane Bayou; and holding or hatching a baby alligator at Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery.
It wouldn’t be Louisiana without mouthwatering food, and the Northshore is no exception. Groups may enjoy fine dining at Palmettos on the Bayou in Slidell and Tchefuncte’s in Madisonville, and a beer from Abita Brewing Co. is always refreshing.
While in Abita Springs, don’t forget to grab a sweet treat at Honey’s Snoball Shack. Groups can also drop in at the historic Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall, which is considered the world’s oldest unaltered rural jazz hall.
Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida, calls itself the place “where life sets sail” and definitely embraces its enviable waterfront location. Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s surrounded on three sides by water and sheltered by Shell Island. A short boat ride whisks visitors to this uninhabited barrier island, where groups can spend the day beachcombing, snorkeling, hiking and fishing.
“People love visiting us because Panama City is where authentic charm meets endless adventure,” said Jennifer Vigil, president and CEO of Destination Panama City. “From our picturesque bayside views to our vibrant neighborhoods, like downtown and Historic St. Andrews, every moment here feels like a unique discovery. It’s a place where culture, cuisine and coastal beauty come together, and that creates unforgettable experiences.”
Settlers of European descent arrived in 1827, and the area became a center for salt production, shipbuilding and sawmills. The communities of St. Andrews, Millville, Harrison, and Floriopolis were incorporated as Panama City in 1909. Groups can learn more about the region’s past at the Bay County History Museum or grab a few pints at the information- and memorabilia-packed History Class Brewing Co. Visitors often stop at Oaks by the Bay Park to say hello to “The Old Sentry,” a majestic live oak that has stood guard over the waterfront for more than 250 years.
Panama City celebrates its vibrant arts and culinary scenes throughout the year. Visitors can admire the 18 works by local and national artists along the Mural Trail and pick up lunch at El Weirdo, a much-beloved local restaurant that serves up an assortment of art along with well-regarded tacos. Groups can soak up permanent vacation vibes at Papa Joe’s Bayside, where food trucks, boat rentals, live music, pickleball and a full bar ensure the party never stops.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Surprisingly under the radar but undeniably appealing, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a must for lovers of history, culture and cuisine — all with waterfront appeal. Each spring, the “Azalea Capital of the World” explodes in a riot of color when 75,000 of these beautiful plants burst into bloom at Airlie Gardens, a Victorian-era coastal garden located on Banks Channel that separates Wilmington from Wrightsville Beach. There are stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Airlie’s freshwater lake, and guided history and birding tours are available.
“Our destination is surrounded by water, with the Cape Fear River to our west, the Atlantic Ocean to our east and the Intracoastal Waterway and salt marshes in between,” said Connie Nelson, communications/public relations director for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our pedestrian-friendly downtown is a National Register Historic District, with more than 200 shops, restaurants, historic homes and guided tours that are all connected by the 1 3/4-mile Wilmington Riverwalk.”
Groups can book excursions with Cape Fear Riverboats, which provides several sightseeing and sunset cruise options along the riverfront. Those with an interest in maritime history will want to explore the decks of the Battleship North Carolina, a legendary World War II ship turned memorial museum, and visitors can travel back in time at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, where the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War was fought.
Just a half-hour drive from the riverfront are three island beaches, each with its own distinctive vibe and group-friendly attractions that include a state aquarium, a vintage boardwalk and two state parks. Groups can savor the sunset at Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach, which boasts a seasonal menu centered around the catch of the day.
Mobile, Alabama
History, ecology and a thriving seafood industry come together to make the waterfront in Mobile, Alabama, especially attractive for groups.
“As a native who now gets to promote my city as a destination, I feel like the waterfront of Mobile makes it incredibly intriguing,” said Ashley Rains, senior public relations and communications manager for Visit Mobile. “It’s just such an incredible place, and I love to share it with visitors — especially those who maybe aren’t used to such an abundance of waterfront activities and destinations. I love to show them Mobile Bay; it’s such a unique ecosystem.”
Airboat rides are guaranteed to turn adults into happy children, Rains said.
“We’re gliding through the water, seeing that Mobile skyline, and then someone points out an alligator — or alligator babies,” she said. “Or you see a heron take off from the marsh right next to you, and pelicans start flying with you while you’re on the water. It’s just magical.”
Rains also raved about the “Gulf-to-table” cuisine the city dishes up.
“You can dine at several different places right on our causeway or on the waterfront,” she said. “And the fish you’re enjoying was in the Gulf the day before or maybe that morning. We have chefs that just make the most amazing creations out of really the freshest seafood options available.”
Other attractions include the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which includes not only the park’s namesake battleship — the famed World War II “Heroine of the Pacific” — but also the USS DRUM (SS-228), the oldest American submarine on public display. Groups interested in the unique ecology of the area will want to check out the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, an 81-acre education center with live animals, exhibits, a theater and trails.
Waterfront dining options abound, but groups can also enjoy eating on the water, with a dinner river cruise aboard the Perdido Queen. Book live music or a comedy murder mystery cruise for extra fun.
Coastal Mississippi
Seven beachfront casino resorts, 62 miles of scenic shoreline and more than 300 years of history make the unique communities of Coastal Mississippi an ideal destination for groups. Located between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama — each about an hour’s drive away — these Mississippi communities are well-positioned to allow for relaxed exploration of the entire Gulf Coast.
“Coastal Mississippi provides a variety of stunning accommodations featuring waterfront views, all complemented by our renowned Southern hospitality,” said Zachary Holifield, senior director of sales and business development for Coastal Mississippi. “We have everything from pristine beaches and world-class golf to fresh Gulf seafood and vibrant cultural communities, making us the perfect choice for a memorable waterfront destination.”
The coast is protected by six barrier islands, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Groups may elect to take the ferry to Ship Island, where visitors will find serene beaches perfect for snorkeling or boogie boarding. Also on the island, history buffs can explore Fort Massachusetts, a well-preserved brick fortification that was completed in 1868.
Groups may want to spend some time in Bay St. Louis, a quaint seaside city with downtown art galleries and cute boutiques that consistently tops the state’s “best of” lists. The city of Diamondhead is a golfer’s dream, while Ocean Springs is rapidly becoming known for its award-winning restaurants and art scene.
Lake Murray Country, South Carolina
Located in the middle of the Palmetto State, the four counties surrounding South Carolina’s Lake Murray are an outdoor recreation paradise that also offers a robust culinary and cultural scene. The counties of Lexington, Newberry, Saluda and Richland — which is home to Columbia, the state capital — are collectively known as Lake Murray Country, which boasts more than 650 miles of shoreline and over 1 million roosting purple birds.
Deemed the “Jewel of South Carolina,” the lake was created between 1927 and 1930 by what was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time. Bomb Island, which is one of 15 islands peeking above the lake’s waters, is home to more than 1 million Purple Martins during the month of July. Known as the “Purple Martin Phenomenon,” the spectacle draws birders from around the globe. The lake also provides world-class angling and is considered one of the best freshwater fishing destinations on Earth.
Visitors can take a swing at one of 20 championship golf courses, while history fans take in more than 20 museums and Civil War sites. Art aficionados can tour the Columbia Museum of Art or catch a show at the 1881 Newberry Opera House.
South Carolina is famed for its barbecue, and Shealy’s BBQ in Batesburg-Leesville is a must-stop along the state’s barbecue trail. A landmark since 1969, it’s famed for its buffet that includes smoked meat, fried chicken, home-cooked vegetables, salad and dessert.
