Best Places to Visit in the Southern USA
Searching for the best places to visit in The Southern USA? You are in the right place! The Southern USA (where I live in Texas) is a region full of charm, history, and natural beauty, and I think it's one of the most rewarding areas to explore.
From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways and cultural adventures, the Southern USA has no shortage of amazing destinations. Here are the places I personally love and have vetted on trips with my own family (many completely free to visit), and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Sarasota, Florida
When I think about the best places to visit in the Southern USA, Sarasota, Florida always comes to mind as one of my favorite gems, nestled on the Gulf Coast, just one hour south of Tampa. With winter crowds thinning in March and balmy breezes rolling in, the city felt perfectly alive yet easygoing, a blissful mix of beach calm and cultural buzz.
We arrived just in time for the Sarasota Jazz Festival which made our stay at the 3-star Lido Beach Resort (about $449/night) extra exciting. I was thrilled with our Beachfront Studio guest accommodations with a King Bed with a Double Sofa bed at Lido Beach Resort was spacious, quiet and had awesome views of the beach!
I spent three wonderful days soaking up Sarasota’s coastal charm — lazing on powdery Siesta Key Beach, touring the opulent Ringling Museum, wandering through the lush Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and catching a golden sunset from Lido Key. Evenings meant great food along St. Armands Circle, including unique Spanish/Cuban dishes at Columbia Restaurant (I had Mahi-Mahi with crusted with ground crispy green plantain chips).
- Location: On the Gulf Coast of Florida, in Sarasota County, Florida
- Elevation: Approximately 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
River Street Sweets was the highlight for my son who bought homemade pralines, plus treats like bear claws, glazed pecans & ice cream.
2. Athens, Georgia
I’ve long thought Athens might be one of the South’s most effortlessly cool small cities, a youthful, arts-loving university town where leafy historic streets meet boundary-pushing music venues, inventive restaurants, and a proudly quirky spirit shaped by generations of artists, students, and indie rock legends.
After winding my way east from Atlanta for 1.5 hours, I spent a long weekend soaking in Athens’ blend of classic Southern charm and creative energy. I based myself at the stylish 3-star Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown/University Area (around $178/night) where I enjoyed a lovely modern Premium Room with a King Bed, Hypo-allergenic bedding, and Blackout curtain. Breakfast was at Jittery Joe's Coffee with a great cup of Peruvian coffee.
During the day, I explored the North Campus of the University of Georgia, visited the Georgia Museum of Art (free), descended into the experimental world of local makers at the Lyndon House Arts Center (also free), and toured the Creature Comforts brewery.
- Location: In northeast Georgia, United States — about 70 miles east of Atlanta
- Elevation: Approximately 636 feet (194 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Savoring a meal at Maepole, where I built a bowl loaded with smoky roasted sweet potatoes, crisp greens, black-eyed peas, citrus-marinated tofu, and a generous drizzle of their tangy, house-made green sauce.
3. Bluffton, South Carolina
When I visited this charming Lowcountry town in May I thought that Bluffton was one of the best places to visit in SC. Why? It turned out to be one of the sunniest and most pleasant times of the year since the weather was warm with a gentle coastal breeze, perfect for exploring the outdoors (with the occasional refreshing rain shower that made everything greener!).
In addition, it happened to be the season when dolphins were frequently spotted along the May River, which made it feel extra magical. It was wonderful to see Bluffton come alive with its vibrant community events – there was the Bluffton Mayfest with live music and local art, the Bluffton Sunset Party series right by the water with food and dancing, and the quirky weekly Farmers Market, where I got to enjoy fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and live local bands.
We drove about 30 minutes from Savannah and spent five relaxing days in a Standard Room with two Queen Beds at Best Western Plus Bluffton (around $116/night) soaking in the Southern charm. It was a gorgeous family trip filled with strolling the historic Old Town Bluffton with its oak-shaded streets and art galleries, watching kayakers on the May River at sunset, taking a day trip to nearby Hilton Head beaches (12 minutes by car), and dinner at Nectar Farm Kitchen Old Town.
- Location: In southern Beaufort County
- Elevation: Approximately 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Enjoying a laid-back dinner with my husband and son at The Bluffton Room (in the top 10% of worldwide restaurants according to TripAdvisor) where I had a delicious Faroe island salmon ($38)!
4. Jackson, Mississippi
As Mississippi’s capital and largest city, Jackson is one of those underrated Southern cities that truly surprised me with its mix of history, culture, and soulful energy. We drove about 3 hours north from New Orleans to Jackson (population around 150,000).
My first stop? Brent's Drugs, a neighborhood gathering place that serves up breakfast and lunch fare daily, including its signature Brent Burgers, melt sandwiches, and Texas-style chili.
I spent three wonderful days exploring Jackson’s rich layers from our comfortable base at the 4-star Westin Jackson, delving into the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum for a moving and powerful look at history, visiting the art-filled Fondren District, and catching live blues at Hal & Mal’s late into the night. Around town, I also caught wind of the Mississippi Blues Marathon.
- Location: In central Mississippi, situated along the Pearl River
- Elevation: Approximately 279 feet (85 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Strolling through LeFleur’s Bluff State Park was especially fun for my son, a 305-acre park where people go camping, fishing, and picnicking.
5. Manassas, Virginia
Just 45 minutes west from Washington, D.C., Manassas struck me as one of the most interesting and underrated towns in the South. Known for its rich Civil War history, I thought that Manassas was one of the best places to visit in the South with its unique mix of culture, charm, and unique experiences that make it a spectacular getaway.
We stayed in a Standard Room with 2 Double Beds at the 3-star Holiday Inn Manassas for three days, where the accommodations were basic but comfortable (and affordable at around $94/night).
My absolute favorite stop was the Manassas National Battlefield Park and walking along the trails where history unfolded was powerful.
The second standout was the uniquely vibrant Old Town Manassas, lined with brick sidewalks, boutique shops, and cool cafés like Jirani Coffeehouse where I had coffee and a trendy Chicken Salad in a cup.
- Location: In Northern Virginia, about 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
- Elevation: Approximately 335 feet (102 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
6. Greensboro, North Carolina
In the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, Greensboro won me over as one of the most underrated and exciting places to visit in the South. Why? It’s conveniently located between Raleigh and Charlotte, yet it has its own vibrant personality that makes it a spectacular getaway.
We drove about 1.5 hours west from Raleigh to Greensboro (population around 300,000) and spent three days in a comfortable guest room with 2 Queen Beds at the 4-star Grandover Resort & Spa (around $218/night).
One of my favorite experiences was visiting the International Civil Rights Center & Museum...it’s truly one of the best historic sites I’ve explored in the South.
I also loved how joyful and lively the downtown felt with cool street art, boutique shops, and awesome restaurants, and Elm Street, in particular, was one of my favorite areas to hang out.
Nature lovers will find plenty of magic here too. I spent a peaceful afternoon at the Greensboro Arboretum, which had trails, gardens, and the kind of serene atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and enjoy every moment.
- Location: In the Piedmont region of central North Carolina
- Elevation: Approximately 873 feet (266 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
The food scene was another highlight for me, from soul food classics at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen to creative farm-to-table dishes at ‘Cille and ‘Scoe, Greensboro offered some of the coolest and most delicious bites in North Carolina.
7. Lakeway, Texas Hill Country
Deep in the heart of Texas, the Hill Country has to be one of the most spectacular and underrated regions you can visit in late fall or in springtime, with warm weather, wonderful hiking opportunities and great restaurants. We drove just 10 minutes from my house to 4-star Lakeway Resort & Spa where we bought a day pass to enjoy the pools with a view and restaurants for a day.
In Lakeway, I also love visiting Lakeway City Park, Hill Country Galleria for shopping and restaurants (and a movie theater), Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park for hiking.
- Location: In the Texas Hill Country, Travis County
- Elevation: Approximately 830 feet (about 253 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
My absolute favorite things to do is stargazing at Reimers Observatory next to Hamilton Pool Preserve (16 miles, 30 minutes by car from Lakeway Resort and Spa) - Reservations required.
8. Bentonville, Arkansas
In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville has quickly become one of the coolest and most surprising places I’ve visited in the South. What was once a quiet town is now a vibrant hub filled with art, outdoor adventures, and some of the best food scenes I’ve come across.
We drove about 3.5 hours northwest from Little Rock to Bentonville and stayed at 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville for three nights. My absolute favorite experience here was exploring Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art where the architecture alone was spectacular, and walking through the galleries felt like stepping into a dream, and The Plaza Café at the museum had tasty sandwiches so we could stay longer.
The Bentonville downtown square had joyful energy, with boutique shops, cool cafes, and fun weekend markets that made me feel right at home.
- Location: In the northwest corner of Arkansas, near the city of Rogers
- Elevation: Approximately 1,266 feet (386 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
For outdoor lovers, the biking trails around Bentonville are nothing short of amazing, past lush forests and peaceful streams, it felt like discovering a hidden gem every mile.
9. Madison, Alabama
This friendly Southern city just 20 minutes outside Huntsville completely charmed me with its welcoming small-town vibe, lush greenways, quaint historic downtown, and family-friendly festivals. Nestled between rolling Appalachian foothills and the buzz of nearby Huntsville, Madison blends old-fashioned community warmth with easy access to modern attractions.
Just a short drive from Huntsville International Airport, we stayed for three nights at Best Western Plus Madison and Madison turned out to be one of the most underrated spots I’ve explored in the South.
Strolling through historic downtown Madison was one of my favorite parts of the trip and I loved wandering through Dublin Park.
I also couldn’t get enough of the proximity to Huntsville’s space attractions with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and other Huntsville gems just minutes away so it felt like the absolute best of both worlds.
- Location: In northern Alabama, Madison County (extending into Limestone County), just northwest of Huntsville
- Elevation: Approximately 689 feet (about 210 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
The food scene in Madison was my personal highlight, including Zanotta's Ristorante, Prohibition Rooftop Bar & Grill and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill.
10. Pittsboro, North Carolina
Pittsboro, North Carolina is a quietly charming Piedmont town with a creative streak with tree-lined streets, historic brick buildings, a lively arts-and-food scene, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere that feels both rooted and forward-thinking.
Coming in from Chapel Hill, I drove about 25 minutes southwest along US-15/501 and once there I browsed the galleries and studios at The Plant, toured the eco-minded Chatham Beverage District, sampled meads at Starrlight Mead, explored the historic courthouse circle downtown, and enjoyed the peaceful trails at Lower Haw River State Natural Area, where the water rushes over boulders and the forest feels wonderfully secluded.
- Location: In central North Carolina, Chatham County
- Elevation: Approximately 466 feet (142 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
11. Blowing Rock
I felt that same sense of easy enchantment in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, a mountaintop town that blends Blue Ridge drama with small-town coziness. It’s postcard-perfect: crisp mountain air, storybook cottages, craft shops, leafy trails, and that classic High Country charm that makes the whole place feel both elevated and wonderfully down-to-earth. Blowing Rock is the kind of town where you slow your pace without even meaning to — and suddenly everything feels calmer, cooler, and a little more magical.
Driving in from Boone, it was a quick, scenic 15-minute ride along US-321 before I settled in for two refreshing days at the 4-star Chetola Resort. In Blowing Rock I wandered around the walkable downtown, browsed artisan boutiques, lingered in the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (Free), and took in the sweeping cliffside views at The Blowing Rock itself. I spent a morning hiking at Bass Lake and Moses Cone Memorial Park, all soft trails, still water, and rolling hills.
- Location: In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Watauga and Caldwell Counties
- Elevation: Approximately 3,500–3,600 feet (about 1,065–1,100 meters) above sea level
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Droving down a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping for overlooks, was my personal highlight.
Conclusion
Each place had its own unique magic, whether it was joyful community vibes, unforgettable food, or breathtaking natural beauty. For me, the absolute best part of traveling through the South is how every stop feels personal, warm, and deeply connected to its history and culture.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
