With mile of sandy shoreline and a blissfully slower pace, it’s tough to win the beauty and wonder of a household beach vacation. Thankfully, you deserve to reach the closest beach to Knoxville TN is much less than a day’s drive.
All of these beaches close to Knoxville offer a an excellent mix the relaxation and also family-fun attractions to you re welcome your entire crew. From historic lighthouses to massive oceanside aquariums, you’re certain to find the vacation retreat of her dreams!
Attractions
In addition to stunningly scenic beaches and water sports, Oak Island is filled v rich historical adventures approximately every turn. Here, you have the right to visit ft Caswell, which to be in usage for much of the 1800s and 1900s.
Though not as old together the fort, the island lighthouse is one more popular beachside attraction.
Nature lovers will gain Oak Island Nature Center. Indigenous hiking trails and also animal exhibits come fossils and kayaking, this out oasis has every little thing you require for a full day of family-friendly fun.
Delicious Food
Swain’s Seafood Shack uses a scrumptious variety of fresh and fried seafood as well as pasta, chicken, and also steak for land lovers.
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Accommodations
This expansive single-family home has incredible views of the marsh.
Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is residence to some of the finest beaches close to Knoxville TN. The city offers lots of amenities with historic charm. Its renowned River walk boasts a selection of waterfront shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The city also has a variety of kid-friendly museums consisting of the Wilmington rail Museum, which functions real trains you have the right to climb inside!
The neighboring area uses 3 surrounding beaches,Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure, all of which market their own distinct brand of fun. Ideal of all it just takes 30 minute to drive the size of every 3 beaches, so friend don’t need to miss anything!
7. Wrightsville Beach
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 7 hours, 23 minutesDistance native Wilmington: 14 minutesAttractions
Wrightsville is known for decision waters and also excellent surfing. Attractions encompass shopping, dining, the Wrightville background Museum, catamaran cruises, seasonal festivals, and complimentary outdoor concert throughout the element tourist season.
This seaside getaway additionally features a variety of fun-filled kids’ tasks including an available beach-front playground, pirate-led sweetheart hunts, and educational programs at the Fred and also Alice Stanback seaside Education Center.
Delicious Food
The Bluewater Waterfront Grille provides stunning views and also tasty food. Return they specialization in fresh seafood platters and also sandwiches, they also have cheeseburgers and cheesesteaks because that the stroller, stick eaters in her life.
Accommodations
This rustic oceanfront condo is just steps native the beach.
8. Kure Beach
Distance native Knoxville: 7 hours, 31 minutesDistance native Wilmington: 27 minutesAttractions
Aside from the beach, the most well-known attraction in this area is the phibìc Carolina Aquarium at ft Fisher, which attributes touch tanks, an adventure reef, a nature play area, and more!
Additional attractions encompass shopping, dining, the fort Fisher State historic Site and also Civil battle Museum, beach cruises, a beachfront playground, a dog park and also more!
Delicious Food
Jack Mackerel’s Grill is a casual household eatery through a differed menu, including pasta, seafood, sandwiches, and burgers.
Accommodations
This adorable tiki cottage is certain to placed a laugh on her face and also is just steps native the beach.
9. Carolina Beach, NC
Distance native Knoxville: 7 hours, 27 minutesDistance native Wilmington: 23 minutesAttractions
The Carolina coast boardwalk was called one the the height 10 boardwalks in the nation by USAToday.
In enhancement to world-class shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, the boardwalk also boasts weekly fireworks and cost-free live music throughout the tourist season. Added attractions incorporate the federal Point background Center, sunset cruises, ice skating park, and also Carolina coast State Park.
Delicious Food
At Havana’s Restaurant, you have the right to enjoy shrimp and also grits, burgers, seafood, salads, and much more in a fun tiki bar atmosphere.
Accommodations
This pink beauty has to be the cutest cottage ever and is simply a few minutes walk come the beach.
10. Edisto Island, SC
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 7 hours, 24 minutesAttractions
Edisto is a low-key gem offering methods for rest and also relaxation, including quick hiking and also biking trails. There are additionally several restaurants and shops on the island.
It is probably most well known for its stunning driftwood beach follow me Botany only (pictured above). The coast is lined with gorgeous sun-bleached driftwood the forms big natural arts sculptures along the shoreline.
For kids, the island does have a little playground and a fun Serpentarium, which functions a range of snakes, alligators, turtles, and lizards.
Delicious Food
The Seacow Eatery is a funky restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and also dinner. The menu consists of tasty items choose sandwiches, seafood, Lowcountry boils, po’boys, and more.
Accommodations
Bring your expanded family come this 5 bedroom stunner just minutes indigenous the beach.
11. St. Simon’s Island, GA
Distance from Knoxville: 7 hours, 42 minutesAttractions
Although not exceptionally close to any type of larger city amenities, this relaxing coast oasis boasts several shops and also restaurants, water sports, and a couple of family attractions choose the Neptune Park funny Zone.
Delicious Food
Porch is a quirky restaurant specializing in fried chicken, fried catfish, and also shrimp. Although they do have a tiny menu, there are salads available for the health-conscious crowd.
Accommodations
This gorgeous single-family coast rental is right close to the lighthouse and also has its own private swim pool.
12. Tybee Island, GA
Distance native Knoxville: 6 hours, 55 minutesAttractions
This is just one of the most well-known beaches near Tennessee. For households who thrive on peace and also quiet, Tybee is your ticket. Around 1/2 hour exterior of Savannah, this low-key island is perfect for a be safe vacation.
If you perform want to walk out, there are number of quaint shops and also restaurants to enjoy on the island. Friend can also head right into Savanah to reap a more comprehensive variety that amenities including upscale shops and restaurants, historical architecture, museums, ghost tours, and also a selection of family-friendly attractions.
Delicious Food
Bubba Gumbo’s is a waterfront gem offer shrimp, crab cakes, burgers, jambalaya, fried fish, and also of course, your signature seafood gumbo.
Accommodations
In this beautiful rental, you’ll reap stunning views through a 1 minute walk to the beach.
13. Jekyll Island, GA
Distance from Knoxville: 7 hours, 43 minutesAttractions
Neighboring St. Simon’s Island, Jekyll Island’s claim to call is that is un-commercialized scenic beauty and gorgeous driftwood beach.There are likewise several shops and also restaurants, and a water park and a sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility located on the island.
Delicious Food
The Driftwood Bistro is well known for their scrumptious shrimp and also grits, yet they likewise have burgers, sandwiches, catfish, crab cakes, pasta, and also more!
Accommodations
This gorgeous oceanfront resort through a swimming pool is sure to wow your entire family.
14. Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, FL
Distance from Knoxville: 7 hours, 57 minutesAttractions
Amelia Island is well-known for its wide selection of historical architecture. History lovers will enjoy the fun trolley tour that takes girlfriend to every one of the various historical districts about town.
After exploring the town, you have the right to visit a gorgeous lighthouse, a history museum, or fort Clinch. For an ext traditional coast activities, over there is kayaking, shelling, paddle boarding, and mini-golf.
Delicious Food
The braided Pelican Bar and also Grille supplies seafood tacos, burgers, sandwiches, seafood platters, new shrimp, oysters, salads, and also much more. The restaurant likewise has a gorgeous waterfront see to complete the experience.
Accommodations
You will love the sweeping see of the ocean from your personal balcony.
15. St. Augustine, FL
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 8 hours, 9 minutesAttractions
St. Augustine, recognized as the oldest city in America, offers tons of historical adventures like old forts and also the original fountain that youth. The course, the funny doesn’t stop there.
They also have a great selection that family-fun activities, consisting of dolphin tours, a pirate ship cruise, medieval torture museum, mini-golf, a variety of Ripley’s attractions, and more!
Delicious Food
Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille has an eclectic southern menu with fried environment-friendly tomatoes, gumbo, she-crab soup, shrimp and also grits, fried chicken, burgers, and also much, much more. Castle really have actually something because that everyone.
Accommodations
This warm rental is only a 2-minute walk indigenous the beach.
16. Jacksonville Beach
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 8 hours, 42 minutesAttractions
While Jacksonville Beach may not be the pure closest beach to Knoxville, it has a ton to offer. Here, you have the right to enjoy a mix the scenic beach beauty and also big-city amenities.
Popular attractions incorporate over 10 different museums, such as a big hands-on scientific research center and also an interaction children’s museum. There are also theatre shows, a lighthouse, arcades, a ninja warrior course, trampoline parks, escape games, mini-golf, and also much more!
Delicious Food
TacoLu has a gorgeous outdoor eat area v funky street art. As the name suggests, they specialization in street taco of every kinds including classic meats, a wide range of fish tacos, and also much more. The restaurant also has a an excellent menu that specialty tequila drinks.
Accommodations
You won’t forget the time invested in this spacious condo overlooking the ocean.
Beaches close to Knoxville Tennessee ~ above the Gulf that Mexico
With an median water temperature of 72 degrees, this gulf beaches provide a tropical getaway that’s close to home!
17. Destin, FL
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 7 hours, 57 minutesAttractions
Destin is the closest beach to Knoxville TN ~ above the gulf the Mexico. In addition to gorgeous sand and also surf, Destin is recognized for that world-class fishing, exorbitant golf offerings, and also Destin harbor Boardwalk. Plenty of shopping, dining, and also family-fun options, choose go-karts, a water park, and mini-golf are also available.
Delicious Food
The ago Porch has been offering gorgeous oceanfront dining because that 40 years. Despite they specialize in gulf seafood, they likewise offer sandwiches, burgers, tacos, steaks, and also more.
Accommodations
This oceanfront beauty to be featured ~ above HGTV.
18. Pensacola, FL
Distance native Knoxville: 7 hours, 35 minutesAttractions
In 2016 this stunning beach to be ranked among the peak 10 in the US. With over 18 miles of white sandy beaches and also clear waters, the ranking is no surprise. Pensacola visitors will uncover a wide range of shopping and dining options, water sports, and even a fabulous dog beach because that Fido!
Delicious Food
The Fish house is a waterfront stunner offering loads of different fish, oysters, shrimp, salads, burgers, fried chicken, po’boys, and so lot more.
Accommodations
This stunning beach rental has advanced decor and sweeping ocean views.
19. Panama City Beach, FL
Distance native Knoxville: 8 hours, 6 minutesPhoto Credit: man Tuggle
Attractions
Panama City packs a typical punch for family members looking because that adventure. Through a wealth of kid-friendly attractions including water parks, go-karts, beach-side amusement parks, and much more, there is important something to please everyone.
Of course, over there is additionally a wide range of shopping, dining, and also nightlife options.
Delicious Food
Pineapple Willy’s has a varied food selection with fresh and also fried seafood, traction pork, chicken, and also more. They also have scrumptious frozen daiquiris and also a stunning s view.
Accommodations
This stunning 2 bedroom condo has actually a pool and gorgeous ocean views.
20. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL
Distance indigenous Knoxville: 8 hours, 9 minutesAttractions
After soaking up the sun on these gorgeous Alabama beaches, you have the right to enjoy a variety of household fun including museums, a historical fort, an awesome zoo, and much more! The shopping and also dining options are also amazing.
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Delicious Food
The Gulf is a waterfront joint because that casual food that has been built out of funny shipping containers. This restaurant has actually stunning ocean views, a an excellent selection that surf and also turf menu items, and also a full bar.
Accommodations
You can’t miss the stunning views through the classy wrap roughly windows in this modern beach rental.
21. Gulfport Beach, MS
Distance native Knoxville: 8 hours, 16 minutesAttractions
For family members who prefer to store busy, Gulfport coast is jam-packed v a wide variety of household fun, including mini-golf, arcades, quirky beach rentals, Gulf archipelago Water Park, and the Ocean animals Marine Park.
The water park boasts a range of slides, a lazy river, and multiple kids’ zone for extra fun!
The naval park, which additionally helps with local conservation efforts, supplies a range of manual encounters with dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions. The course, over there are likewise lots of timeless aquarium displays.
Delicious Food
Murky Waters specializes in delectable southerly BBQ, however the menu also boasts po’boys, fried catfish, homemade sides, and also more. The rustic environment is amazing, specifically when over there is live music.
Accommodations
Walk directly to the beach from the backyard the your private beach home.
More eastern TN family Fun
Map of Beaches near Knoxville TN
If you’ve visited any type of of these beaches near Knoxville, be sure to leave your evaluation in the comment to help other families arrangement their vacations.