Things to Do in the Southern USA

Everglades National Park is a U.S. National Park on the southern tip of Florida that consists of 1.5 million acres of beautifully preserved wetlands made up of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine woods. The most significant tropical wilderness of its kind in the world, these wetlands are home to a wealth of animal and bird species, including 40 species of mammals, over 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, and 350 species of birds.

The marshlands are also home to endangered species of animals such as the leatherback turtle, the West Indian manatee, and the ever-elusive Florida panther. Everglades National Park (video) has been declared a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.

A must-see attraction for nature lovers, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden covers 66 acres in Texas.

Work began on the arboretum in 1982 on the former DeGolyer Estate and today the property encompasses 2 historic houses and 16 individually themed gardens which provide fantastic inspiration for all garden enthusiasts.

Two of the most popular themed gardens include the Woman’s Garden and the Jonsson Color Garden, but the remaining gardens are equally exciting, providing surprises around every corner.

Young visitors can learn all about nature in the very special Children’s Garden which offers 8 acres of fun activities.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218, Phone: 214 515 6615

Ogden Museum of Southern Art was originally established in 1999 and moved to its current location in the Warehouse Arts District in 2003. The popular museum attracts more than 85,000 annual visitors who come to learn about the development of southern visual arts alongside other southern traditions in culinary heritage, music and literature.

Besides hosting regular art exhibitions, the museum educates visitors by means of lectures, concerts and film screenings. Younger generations are encouraged to interact with Southern Art by joining hands-on workshops, holiday camps and their popular Teen Internship Program.

925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, 504 539 9650

Recommended Activities for Families

The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum is a historic site and museum in Tupelo, Mississippi that is dedicated to showcasing the life and times of American musician Elvis Presley.

Established to preserve the birthplace of the world-renowned artist, the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum includes, in addition to his home and place of birth, a museum with a variety of exhibits, memorabilia, and photographic displays about the musician, a quaint chapel, and the Assembly of God Church building, where Elvis and his family worshipped.

The museum features a shop where Elvis-related items and souvenirs can be purchased, and guided tours of the house and the museum are offered daily.

306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801, Phone: 662-841-1245

Georgia Aquarium is a marine animal sanctuary in Atlanta that is home to more than a hundred thousand animals representing several thousand species that live in over 10 million US gallons of fresh and saltwater.

The second largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is home to important species such as beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, and California sea lions as well as a myriad of smaller creatures ranging from jellyfish to sea urchins and starfish.

The Georgia Aquarium offers guided tours of the facility as well as a range of animal experiences and special assignments and is open daily, year round.

225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Phone: 404-581-4000

Hailed as the most famous rock ‘n’ roll residence in the world, Graceland is the estate and mansion that was once owned by Elvis Presley. Set on 13.8 acres in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, Graceland is a museum dedicated to the life and career of the famous musician.

The museum takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the rock ‘n’ roll legend’s home, delving into the personal side of Elvis Presley and how his unique sound and revolutionary style changed the face of the pop music and culture forever. Graceland has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it is open to the public daily.

Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116,

Attractions for Couples

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a U.S. National Park that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It encompasses the Great Smoky Mountains and part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to lush forests, year-round blooming wildflowers, rivers, streams, and waterfalls that attract visitors throughout the year to hike, mountain bike, and enjoy the natural scenery.

There is an observation tower at the top of the highest peak in the park known as Clingmans Dome, which offers spectacular scenic views of the surrounding mist-covered mountains.

Formerly known as "Place d'Armes" in the 18th century and later renamed as Jackson Square in honor of Andrew Jackson, who was a hero in the Battle of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is a beautiful space and a popular tourist attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Facing the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings, including the Louisiana State Museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere as well as and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, this famous landmark is packed with things to see and do.

A favorite site for visitors and locals, the square has shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, galleries, museums, and more, along with a renowned open-air artist colony which has been displaying its work on the square's iron fence for more than 50 years. Jackson Square is open 7 days a week during daylight hours.

French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116,

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a state art museum in Sarasota that is dedicated to showcasing European, Asian, American, and contemporary art.

Designated as the official state art museum for Florida, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was established in 1927 as the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, who dedicated the institution to the people of Florida as a gift.

Today, the museum boasts 21 galleries of art, including a notable collection of Cypriot antiquities, along with more than 10,000 items including drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, and decorative arts from around the world. Celebrated pieces include works by Duchamp, Velazquez, Bernini, Rubens, and Frans Hals.

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, Phone: 941-359-5700

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is dedicated to showcasing the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats and the role they played in the history of American baseball. Located in Kentucky's “Museum Row,” which is part of the West Main District of downtown Louisville the museum and factory are open to the public and feature an array of popular baseball-related attractions and displays, such as the world's biggest baseball bat, a signature wall with signatures of every Louisville Slugger contract player, a bat vault, and batting cages where visitors can try their hand at slugging.

Guests can also enjoy guided tours of the Louisville Slugger bat factory, which highlights how the famous bats are made, including a vintage bat-making demonstration.

800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, Phone: 877-775-8443