This ‘underrated’ Georgia destination ranks No. 1 in the US. Why it’s ‘dreamy’
A Georgia island boasts a “dreamy” setting — and was named the nation’s top “underrated” travel destination.
St. Simons Island ranks No. 1 on a list of the best under-the-radar places to visit, according to results the website U.S. News & World Report updated May 23.
To determine the “best underrated travel destinations” in the country, editors scored places across 10 categories: “sights, culture, people, food, family, nightlife, adventure, romance, value and accessibility.” Thousands of votes were cast as readers shared whether they thought vacation spots deserved to be on the list, U.S. News wrote on its website and in emails to McClatchy News.
“Visiting places that haven’t gained clout on a national level — those that aren’t frequently featured on travel lists, including our own — can feel like you’re getting in on a little secret,” the website wrote. “U.S. News considered user votes and editor input, as well as factors such as crowds and things to do, to highlight the best underrated places to visit in the U.S.”
What makes the Georgia destination rank No. 1?
On the resulting list of the nation’s top hidden gems, St. Simons Island was the only place in the Peach State to land in the top 10. The travel destination, a roughly 85-mile drive south from Savannah, is part of the four Golden Isles that lie off the Georgia coast.
“Though the largest Golden Isle is a summer staple for Georgians, it’s often overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers in favor of Florida and South Carolina locales,” U.S. News wrote. “This dreamy barrier island is home to stately live oaks, dune-lined beaches, maritime forests and quaint shopping villages, lending it a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere even during peak season.”
For those who aren’t seeking beach time, the island also was praised for offering historic sites, golf courses and other off-shore activities.
St. Simons Island received the national recognition after one of its restaurants earned a top spot on a regional list. Southern Living magazine said its readers voted The Crab Trap as the No. 1 seafood joint in the South, McClatchy News reported in April.
On the latest list, here are the “underrated” travel destinations that rounded out the top five:
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho and Utah at No. 2
- Door County, Wisconsin, at No. 3
- Chattanooga, Tennessee, at No. 4
- Block Island, Rhode Island, at No. 5
