Cruise the Southern Coast - USA

DAY WISE ITINERARY

DAY 01: Starting Point: St. Simons Island, Georgia

After a 110-kilometer drive from Jacksonville International Airport in Florida, take a deep breath and smell the ocean air as you enter the barrier island resort town of St. Simons via the Torras Causeway. There is plenty to explore – beaches, nature preserves and historic sites – on the largest of Georgia's Golden Isles. Travel by car or bicycle to shop in between stops at several historic sites. For the best view on the island, climb 129 steps to the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Museum. Take a break from sightseeing and dine at local restaurants specializing in local meat, fish and organic produce in addition to Italian, seafood and savory Southern barbecue. Since you're on an island, visit the Historic Coast Guard Station on East Beach. Tour the Maritime Center, then venture outside to rent sailboats, paddleboards and umbrellas and relax on the sand before venturing into the Atlantic Ocean.

DAY 02: Beach Beckons at Tybee Island, Georgia

A couple of hours north, you'll find another beautiful Georgia island, Tybee Island. Known as "Savannah's Beach" because it is 20 minutes from the city, the popular coastal paradise features kilometers of public beaches that teem with wildlife. Start your day with brunch before heading to the beach for lounging and swimming. Should you choose to venture farther out on the water, join a boat tour to watch bottle-nosed dolphin frolic in the Atlantic Ocean. Other great area activities include a visit to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.

DAY 03: Bask in Luxury at Kiawah Island, South Carolina

As you drive onto Kiawah Island off the South Carolina coast, you'll immediately notice an emphasis on nature and preservation. The barrier island is home to 16 kilometers of uninterrupted beaches, 48 kilometers of marsh and world-class golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Turtle Point Golf Course or the Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 PGA Championship. Stay at the Kiawah Island Sanctuary hotel, ranked by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the best hotel spas in the country. Venture out to the beach, take a hike, watch birds and relax in this peaceful paradise. Don't forget to dine at the Ocean Room, the only steakhouse in the United States to earn both Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond ratings.

DAY 04: Family Fun in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a lively vacation destination filled with ocean-side amusements, bustling boardwalks, an entertainment district and kilometers of sandy beach. Start your day by strolling the Second Avenue Pier or Cherry Grove Pier. Head to Broadway at the Beach and enjoy movie theaters, games and shops. While you're near the boardwalk, see the city from a different perspective on the 57-meter SkyWheel ride. Families love playing laser tag or taking on the ropes course at WonderWorks. At night, enjoy live music at the House of Blues or the more family-friendly Alabama Theatre.

DAY 05: Surfing and Beach Life in Wilmington, North Carolina

As you enter Wilmington, know that you will want to split time between the charming downtown riverfront and the spectacular Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville beaches. Surfer Magazine named Wrightsville Beach, a 15-minute drive from downtown, one of the Top 10 surf towns in the USA. Stroll, paddleboard or bike the beaches or venture onto Johnnie Mercer's Pier. For waterfront history, tour the Battleship North Carolina to experience the daily life of its crew during World War II. Wilmington's Riverwalk leads you on a 3.2-kilometer boardwalk stroll along the Cape Fear River.

DAY 06: Explore the Beauty of Emerald Isle, North Carolina

As you arrive in Emerald Isle, part of the 137-kilometer Crystal Coast, you'll soon see why people are drawn to the barrier island; its seashores, nature preserves, inlets and forests are the perfect backdrop for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. Hit the beach and visit the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. Nearby, tour Fort Macon State Park, a Civil War fort surrounded on three sides by water. Learn about water life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

DAY 07: Wild and Scenic Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head sits among the Outer Banks, a strip of barrier islands storied in history, wildlife and scenic beauty. Visit Jockey's Ridge State Park; at 30 meters, it is the tallest sand dune on the USA's East Coast. Kitty Hawk Kites teaches more than 10,000 students a year how to hang glide down the dune's slopes. Head to Jennette's Pier to fish, shop and take in ocean views. Another must-see attraction, the Banker ponies, have been around more than four centuries; they are descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to shore by explorers.

DAY 08: Coastal Adventures at Virginia Beach, Virginia

Pulling in to Virginia Beach, your mood will change to match the laid-back beach vibe of this family destination brimming with boardwalks, historical sites and irresistible sandy beaches. Run, walk, bike or even skateboard the concrete boardwalk parallel to the beach. At First Landing State Park, cycle, hike and explore almost 1,214 hectares where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. Go to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to see hundreds of animals, learn about conservation and watch IMAX films.

DAY 09: Final Destination: Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Make the most of your last day on Chincoteague, a serene resort island retaining its natural beauty without high-rise condominiums and excessive traffic. Chincoteague is famous for the wild ponies that roam the island; visit in late July for the annual Sunrise Pony Walk. Explore Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and its 5,666 hectares of beach, maritime forest, and saltmarsh and freshwater marsh. To cap off your day, watch the sunset over the Chincoteague Channel. It will soon be time to drive 137 kilometers to Norfolk International Airport, where you'll catch your flight home.