10 Best Islands to Visit in the South

"A barrier island about 12 miles off the Mississippi coast and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it’s a daytime-only, boat-accessible getaway with limited cell phone service (per the National Park Service), no overnight accommodations, and no camping allowed. Visitors can enjoy Caribbean-like waters and white-sand beaches; chairs and umbrellas are available to rent and facilities include restrooms, water fountains, a concession stand, and beach showers — and summers can be notoriously hot, so bring plenty of sunscreen." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines