This Island Off the Coast of Georgia Was Just Named the Most Underrated U.S. Destination—and It's a Retiree Haven With Pristine Beaches

Travel + Leisure

02-06-2025

U.S. News & World Report recently released its Best Underrated Travel Destinations in the U.S. list—and one little-known coastal destination made the top of the list.
If you're still trying to decide where to go on vacation this summer—and you want somewhere relatively quiet, affordable, and under-the-radar—you're totally not alone. Thankfully, U.S. News & World Report has you covered—it just released its annual Best Vacations rankings. And one unexpected destination came out on top.
Each year, the news publisher evaluates 1,500 vacation destinations around the world and ranks them across a number of categories, including one that highlights the most 'underrated' destinations in the country. The publication uses a ranking system that takes into account readers' rankings as well as a score that its travel editors assign each place. Travel editors score each destination across 10 categories—like culture, food, and adventure. For this particular list, the news organization also took other factors into account, such as the size of crowds and the number of things to do at each of the locations.
After evaluating all the data, it named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the U.S.
St. Simons Island is the largest barrier island in Georgia's Golden Isles, as everything you could want from a summer getaway: a pristine beach, miles of walking paths and bike trails, ice cream shops, and dozens of restaurants serving up casual (but delicious) fare. Don't skip the milkshakes at Frosty's Griddle & Shake or the pulled pork at Southern Soul BBQ. All in all, the island is list is a charming enclave of natural beauty, locally-owned stores, and family-friendly activities.
But while St. Simons might indeed be 'underrated,' it's been on Travel + Leisure's radar. It was recently named one of the best small towns for a summer getaway, and we also think it's one of the best places to retire on the East Coast.
As an added bonus, it neighbors Sea Island, Georgia, which is home to Sea Island Resort, which frequently makes appearances in our World's Best Awards. Still, St. Simons has managed to keep a low-key profile
'... It's often overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers in favor of Florida and South Carolina locales.'U.S. News & World Report said in its report.
Here are the top 10 most underrated travel destinations in the U.S. that made the list—you can find the full report at U.S. News & World Report.