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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

20 Epic Places To Visit In The South, USA

February 11, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

There are so many amazing, beautiful, and unique places to visit in the South of the United States. The southern states consist of a large chunk of the U.S. so if you plan on doing any major traveling in this country, you are bound to end up in the South at some point. And you are in for a treat once you arrive!

Whether you are taking a southern road trip, exploring a specific state, or want to cross off another U.S. National Park, whatever brings you to the South will be well worth the trip! There are so many things to do here from fun, history-rich cities to gorgeous natural landscapes. You are sure to make some great memories as you discover what these states have to offer.

Providence Canyon, Georgia

Providence Canyon State Park provides one of the best landscapes in Georgia and is 100% worth the visit if you are in the state. Known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” the Providence Canyon makes a great day trip for nature lovers and hikers.

With over one thousand acres to explore, you will have so much fun searching out the best photo spots. The soil here is an array of pink, orange, red, and purple, creating an otherworldly appearance you will fall in love with.

If you want to check out the hiking trails, there are many to chose from with varying levels of difficulty. There are many scenic overlooks that give a view of the many gullies, the deepest of which is at 150 feet. If you visit in July or August, look for the rare Plumleaf Azalea flower blooming. You can camp at this park as well if you want to stay longer in the pretty area.

Ginnie Springs, Florida

Ginnie Springs is truly a beautiful hot spring oasis in Florida! With shockingly blue, crystal clear water, you will feel as if you have traveled to paradise. If you are looking for a place to relax, this is one of the best places in the South.

Spend time swimming, tubing, or paddle boarding in this consistent 72 degree Fahrenheit water. If you are scuba trained, this is a great place to go diving as well as there are many caves to explore.

Ginnie Springs can get quite busy in the summer due to its popularity, but if you visit in the spring or fall, you can avoid the worst of the crowds. The area is also fairly good-sized, so it is possible to find a little corner to yourself. If you want to make a weekend out of visiting the springs, you can stay at the campground.

Jacob’s Well, Texas

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is about an hour southwest of Austin, Texas, and can be visited as a day trip from the city. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest completely submerged cave in Texas. This 81-acre area is free to visit unless you plan on swimming, in which case you need to pay a fee and reserve a time. Taking a dip here is a great way to cool off in the summer heat. The water stays at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Swimming is allowed from May until September.

Along with swimming, Jacob’s Well is a great place for hiking and bird watching. It is also possible to go on an hour-long tour with a naturalist guide. This is a great way to learn about the nature of the area along with the history of Jacob’s Well and the aquifer system. Tours are by request only on two Saturdays each month. You can also stop by the Nature Center any weekend.

Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee

About an hour and a half from Nashville, you will find the pretty and tranquil Cummins Falls State Park. This is a great stop to make if you are doing a Tennessee road trip and love exploring nature. The beautiful Cummins Falls is a 75-foot waterfall that cascades down a cool rock base before ending in a swimming hole.

It is important to note that you do need to get a Gorge Access Permit before you begin your hike to the waterfall. The hike itself is relatively strenuous and involves traversing uneven ground, crossing water, and climbing rocks.

Because of this, it is not recommended for really young kids. However, the hike is very much worth it when you get to see the falls and cool off with a dip in the water. If you do not want to hike into the gorge, there is a viewpoint above it where you can get a great look.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a must for any Georgia road trip! This is a city full of Southern charm, from its cobblestone streets to the Spanish moss covering the oak trees. This is the perfect city to escape to for people with any hobby or interest. History buffs will love exploring Old Fort Jackson or learning about the city’s past on an Old Savannah Trolly Tour.

If you are into architecture, you will really love checking out the Victorian district, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, or the Mercer Williams House. If you are traveling with kids and want some family-friendly fun, head over to pretty Forsyth Park or consider booking a river cruise on an iconic steamboat. No matter what you do in Savannah, you are sure to have a great time!

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a vibrant, fun city where you can easily spend a couple of days or over a week. There is just so much to do and see! Start your stay here by familiarizing yourself with the city by walking the pretty streets and exploring the famous French Quarter. If you love photographing beautiful streets and buildings, then you will adore NOLA! There are so many balconies and amazing, Southern-styled architecture.

New Orleans is also one of the best cities in the South for food! It is really a destination for foodies who want to try French Creole cuisine, check out cute cafes, or even just bar hop.

When you are not stuffing your face with beignets, you can ride the streetcar, walk along the Mississippi River, or visit the Saint Louis Cathedral. When night falls, head to Bourbon Street to soak in the party atmosphere.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

In Arkansas, you will find Hot Springs National Park, which has some of the best hot springs in the U.S. Take a dip in the natural, thermal hot springs from inside one of the historic bathhouses.

While you can’t soak outside, you can still touch the fresh water in a couple of outdoor pools. The 4,000-year-old, protected spring water is drinkable so make sure to stock up on water by filling bottles at some of the many fountains.

While you are here, make sure to check out the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center to learn about the history of the baths. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is another thing to check out is you love great views. The open-air observation deck will provide views of the mountains and forest. There are also a few hiking and biking trails that will weave you through the nature of the park.

Stephens Gap, Alabama

The Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve is one of the best places in the Southeast and can be found about two hours north of Birmingham, Alabama.

It is a very cool place to visit if you love exploring unique nature locations. Stephens Gap is one of the most photographed caves in the country and it is no wonder why! It is so pretty here! The cave features a waterfall that cascades into a deep pit.

The cave has two entrances, one for hikers and one for people who are trained in repelling. Because of the position of the entrances, there is often light streaming into the darkness, creating an awesome scene. The hike is about a mile and a half round trip and is moderate difficulty. There are steep and slippery areas, so be careful and wear appropriate shoes. If you are repelling, you must bring your own gear. However you plan to visit, you must get a free permit.

Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia is hands down one of the cutest small towns in The South and you will instantly fall in love with its charm. This tiny town has German roots, a fact that will quickly become apparent by the architecture.

You will feel as if you are walking through an Alpine village. Come in summer to enjoy the surrounding great outdoors or plan your visit for December for European Christmas market vibes.

Even though the town only holds a population of about 550 people, it also home to a ton of fun activities. You can go zip-lining in the trees, tubing in the river, fly into the sky in a hot air balloon, or even pan for gold. In town, shopping is a great pastime, especially if Christmas is soon. Make sure to check out all of the cute, local artisan and treat shops.

Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee

There is a reason the Great Smokey Mountains are the most visited National Park in the U.S. The over half million-acre park is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall when the foliage is set ablaze.

If nature is your happy place, then you are sure to love the Great Smokey Mountains! Spend a few days here hiking scenic trails, horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and spotting wildlife, including the possibility of black bears.

You can camp in the park or you can stay in one of the cute, mountain towns on the park’s outskirts. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two popular options. These towns act as a gateway to the surrounding nature and have a host of fun things to do as well. The Great Smokey Mountains are not only one of the best places to visit in the South, but the U.S. in general. It is a popular road trip destination that you simply must visit at least once!

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is a lovely coastal city with plenty of Southern charm, pretty architecture, and historic points of interest. There is truly something here for everyone, making this city a top place to visit in the South. Also, did we mention the food?! This is a city full of great eats and we suggest taking a food tour to get a bite of all the best Southern food the city has to offer!

When you are full from eating your way through Charleston, relax on a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city or a boat cruise of the harbor. If you are into history or architecture, then check out the Fort Sumter National Monument, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, or the Citadel. If you are traveling with kids you might have fun at the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, the South Carolina Aquarium, or the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park is a great Southern getaway found in the wilderness of Virginia not far from Washington D.C. This is the perfect place to escape the city and become one with nature. There are over 500 miles of hiking trails to explore. Discover beautiful fields of colorful wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and a plethora of wildlife including deer, birds, and black bears.

Along with hiking, you can spend your time in the park driving the scenic Skyline Drive, riding your bike, fishing tranquil mountain streams, rock climbing, or stargazing. Pretty much the list is endless! There is so much to see and experience here that you can easily spend a day or three here. If you are staying the night, you can camp or stay at a lodge.

Upper Caney Creek Falls, Alabama

The hidden gem of Upper Caney Creek Falls is like a scene from a fairy tale. The hike to discover this sight is just under two miles round trip and is pretty easy. After wandering through the forest like a Disney princess, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the tiny, 20-foot waterfall dropping into the perfect swimming hole. Another cool feature of this waterfall is the fast that you can actually walk behind it because of the shape of the cliff. This gives you a new perspective and a great place to take photographs.

If you visit in the summer, the forest will be bright green and full of wildlife. The pool under the falls is usually a pretty, blue-green color. After enjoying the upper falls, you can choose to continue down the creek to find the Lower Caney Creek Falls. To find the trailhead to this secret place in Alabama, drive about an hour and twenty minutes northwest of Birmingham to the small town of Ashridge.

Everglades National Park, Florida

If you are planning a Florida road trip you have to go to the Everglades National Park ! Whether you want to check another National Park off your bucket list, are an avid birdwatcher, or just love to discover cool and unique landscapes, the Everglades are for you! This park features over two million acres of wetlands, saw-grass marshes, and mangrove forests. It is the only place in the wild where you can spot both American alligators and American crocodiles. It is also home to a ton of species of beautiful birds, snakes, and manatees.

While in the Everglades, enjoy waking scenic trails, taking an airboat ride , finding all of the best observation towers, and visiting the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. If you are exceptionally keen to see wild alligators , hike the short Anhinga Trail, which is one of the best places in the park to find these amazing creatures. Just be careful not to get too close!

Austin, Texas

A Texas road trip is sure to bring you to Austin, one of the best cities in the South. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World and with a slogan of “Keep Austin Weird”, this city is very hip. diverse, and full of music culture. Spend a couple of days here taking in the sights and just overall having a blast. Head to Sixth Street to soak in the vibe of the city as you bar hop and listen to live bands.

If you are into art or history, make sure to visit some of the city’s museums, including the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, or the Mexic-Arte Museum. If you are looking for a place to relax and cool off, the Barton Springs Municipal Pool is the place for you. The natural, spring-fed pool is found in the pretty Zilker Park.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is another Southern city worth visiting! This is a popular travel destination for a number of reasons. For one, the cute city is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy “America’s favorite drive” on the Blue Ridge Parkway as you twist through the mountains to find hiking trails and gorgeous scenic vistas. The nearby French Broad River gives tourists a place to go tubing, boating, or fishing.

When you are not exploring the encompassing nature, you will want to wander the cool city. Known for its art scene, Asheville is a hip city full of unique shops, outdoor markets, craft breweries, and local art galleries. Take a trolley tour to learn the history of the city or enjoy a delicious food tour. Another way to step into the past is to visit the Biltmore mansion, which was built by George W. Vanderbilt in the 1890s.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the country! Besides being home to Disney World and Universal Studios, this city is where you can find a ton of fun things to do to fill a couple’s weekend or a week-long family vacation. No matter who you are traveling with, there is something for everyone! Thrill seekers will want to go skydiving, ride in a hot air balloon, or go up in the 400-foot high Ferris wheel at ICON Park.

If you are traveling with kids, you will probably check out the many theme parks, but don’t forget to take them to Gatorland, Wonder Works, or Discovery Cove. Anyone interested in science or space will want to take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. When you are ready to relax and unwind, head out of the city to Blue Springs State Park or Rock Springs at Kelly Park.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend National Park is another place to stop in Texas . Since it is found on the border with Mexico, make sure to pack your passport if you want to make a stop in another country and visit some cute, small towns. The park itself is a prime desert and mountain location. This is a great place to camp, hike, and photograph nature.

One of the best hiking trails is found at Santa Elena Canyon. This two mile round trip hike will provide amazing views. This park also has historic ruins to discover, including a mine, a house, and a post office. When your muscles start to ache from hiking and adventuring, head to the Hot Springs Historic Trail by the Rio Grande to soak in natural hot springs while taking in great views of the river.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is a great place to visit in the South if you love music or having fun in general! It is, of course, known as the Music City and is drenched in music culture. The entertainment district on Low Broadway is full of honky-tonks, themed restaurants, bars, and shops. You will also find the Country Music Hall of Fame here as well. If you want to learn the history of the area, consider taking a walking tour.

While in Nashville, you can also check out the historic Ryman Auditorium, explore pretty parks, or learn about science and history at museums. If you are up for an hour and a half drive, you can head down to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Nashville is a great city to explore as a family or as a friend’s getaway. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for you!

Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

The gorgeous Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia is where you will find the ridge of Yonah Mountain, whose name translates to Bear in Cherokee. The hike to this mountain’s summit is just over two miles one way and is relatively easy. The views are to die for from the top! Come to this area in the fall to catch the mountain peak drenched in lovely golden foliage .

There are plenty of other things to do in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest as well. There are over 800 miles worth of hiking trails to explore. Search for ancient petroglyphs and gorgeous waterfalls. You can also go canoeing, horseback riding, or camping. The Scull Shoals Historic Site features the state’s first paper mill dating back to 1811. Chattahoochee National Forest is near Helen, Georgia, so you could easily make a day trip from the small town.

If you did not know beforehand, you have learned that the South is home to a ton of amazing places to visit! There are so many cool cities to visit in the South as well as National Parks, hidden nature gems, and diverse landscapes. We suggest planning a road trip or two in order to hit some of these spectacular places!

Fifty Bucket List-Worthy Things to Do in the Southeastern United States

North America , United States

The American south is often overlooked as a vacation spot, but there are lots of incredible things to do in the Southeast. From the rolling mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina to Florida’s theme parks to the cultural hotspot of New Orleans, you’ll find natural beauty, spectacular wildlife, and magical family fun, as well as sobering but important reminders of the nation’s Civil Rights movement. This roundup, featuring Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee includes all of the best vacation spots in the south, as written by the travel bloggers who love them. Whether you’re planning a scenic road trip through the mountains, a family vacation to Florida’s theme parks, or some time on the beach, you’ll find all kinds of amazing things to do in the southeastern United States.

• 1.1 Train like an astronaut at Space Camp
• 1.2 Visit the ultimate thrift store full of lost baggage
• 1.3 Dine on the famous Royal Red shrimp
• 2.1 Enjoy thermal baths at Hot Springs National Park
• 2.2 Go diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds
• 2.3 Visit historic Little Rock Central High School
• 3.1 Visit Walt Disney World
• 3.2 Swim with manatees along Florida’s Gulf Coast
• 3.3 Step into the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando
• 3.4 View incredible wildlife in Everglades National Park
• 3.5 Visit the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US
• 3.6 Visit one of the United States’ most remote National Parks
• 3.7 Learn about space travel at the Kennedy Space Center
• 3.8 Road trip the Florida Keys
• 3.9 Satisfy your sweet tooth with Key Lime pie
• 3.10 Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs State Park
• 4.1 See beautiful historic Savannah
• 4.2 Take a climb up Lookout Mountain
• 4.3 See where Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up and preached
• 4.4 Visit with legendary Muppets and Sesame Street characters
• 4.5 Wander through historic Bonaventure Cemetery
• 4.6 Get a taste of Bavaria in Helen
• 5.1 Tour the world’s longest cave system
• 5.2 Get boozy on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail
• 5.3 Travel along the Country Music Highway
• 6.1 Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
• 6.2 Explore the beautiful French Quarter
• 6.3 Tour the many plantations of River Road
• 6.4 Indulge in Café du Monde’s famous beignets
• 6.5 Visit the National WWII Museum
• 7.1 Travel along the Mississippi Blues Trail
• 7.2 Visit the site of an important Civil War siege
• 7.3 Relax on Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico
• 7.4 Learn about Native American history at the Winterville Mounds
• 8.1 See where the Wright Brothers first took flight
• 8.2 Tour the opulent Biltmore Estate
• 8.3 Explore the Outer Banks islands
• 8.4 Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
• 8.5 Take a ride on a natural water slide
• 8.6 Immerse yourself in the River Arts District
• 9.1 Visit historic Charleston and Rainbow Row
• 9.2 Pedal your way around Hilton Head Island
• 9.3 See where the first shots of the Civil War were fired
• 9.4 Get lost in the relaxing Brookgreen Gardens
• 10.1 Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• 10.2 Listen to country greats at the Grand Ole Opry
• 10.3 Visit the National Civil Rights Museum
• 10.4 Dance and dine on Broadway in Nashville
• 10.5 See Elvis’ Graceland estate
• 10.6 Take a cruise on a Mississippi river boat

Note: This  post contains affiliate links, and should you choose to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Alabama bucket list items

Train like an astronaut at space camp.

Huntsville, Alabama

Photo by Laurence from Finding the Universe

Huntsville in northern Alabama has a great deal to offer – not least of which is the incredible Space Camp experience. This camp is focused on math and education learning in a fun, space themed environment, and is run by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center . Huntsville knows a thing or two about space incidentally. It’s the home of NASA Marshall, which is where for over fifty years rocket scientists have been building and testing rocket parts, including the engines that took men to the moon.

With this connection, it’s no surprise that Space Camp is a highly authentic experience. It’s open to pretty much anyone who is aged seven and over (yes, there’s an adult space camp! ), with programs running for various durations, but usually in the range of 3 to 6 days. Programs are very hands on and team-based, and focus around a mission, giving participants a real feel for what it might be like to train as an actual astronaut.

For more on visiting, check out our  guide to Space Camp , which will answer all your questions! The official site can be found here .

By Laurence from Finding the Universe

If you can’t make it for Space Camp, you can still tour the US Space and Rocket Center. Get your tickets here !

Visit the ultimate thrift store full of lost baggage

Scottsboro, Alabama

Photo courtesy of the Unclaimed Baggage Center

Unclaimed Baggage in northern Alabama is almost a mecca for travelers and shoppers alike.  Unclaimed Baggage operates under the very unique business plan of taking lost luggage and reselling the contents .  It’s like a Goodwill, but infinitely better. Think about it. You donate items you *don’t* want. You bring your possessions that you *love* with you on your trips. Because of that, Unclaimed Baggage is filled with brand name, high quality items but for a fraction of the cost. The employees of the store have unearthed some amazing treasures including movie props, live animals, and even stone cold cash!!

It can be very frustrating to lose your bag on vacation, but worry not because only a very small percent (less than 5%) of bags even make it to Unclaimed Baggage because the airlines do their best to reunite the bags with owners. If you want to make sure your bag never ends up there, always make sure to put your name, address, and contact number on the inside of your bag as well!

Read more about the Unclaimed Baggage Center from Carly at Flight of the Educator

Dine on the famous Royal Red shrimp

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama is not known for many high tourism areas, but the 60 miles of Gulf Coast, is probably the most popular in the state. Although there are a few towns that occupy this small piece of coast, the entire stretch is often commonly referred to as Gulf Shores. The area has been developed for tourism, with a variety of attractions, and a line of beachfront condos.

Visitors come to Gulf Shores for a lot of reasons, from lying on the white sand beaches, to adrenaline pumping adventure sports, from historic forts and naval vessels, to a coastal wildlife reserve. But only “in the know” travelers visit for good eating. Gulf Shores is the best place in the world to eat Royal Red Shrimp , and they are certainly a bucket list item!

Royal Red shrimp are a rare deep water shrimp that are typically found 40 to 60 miles offshore. They are not unique to the area, as they can be found all along the Atlantic coast, from Maine to Belize. However, they are few and scattered. The waters off of Alabama are known to be the sweet spot for the delicious delicacy, and only a handful of fishing companies have the special equipment and licensing required for harvesting.

Royal Reds are large, and as the name suggests, a deep crimson color. They are known for their exceptional tenderness, and their rich, salty-sweet flavor. They are amazing steamed, sautéed or grilled, and frying them is considered a sacrilege. Royal Reds are worth asking for at any area restaurant, because they are often an off menu special, but our two favorite places to eat them in Gulf Shores are King Neptune’s and Bahama Bob’s, right on the beach. One bite, and seafood lovers will be hooked.

By Roxanna from Gypsy with a Day Job  

Arkansas bucket list items

Enjoy thermal baths at hot springs national park.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

For years, Hot Springs National Park was the United States’ smallest National Park, though that title was recently claimed by the Gateway Arch. However, it remains one of the more unique parks that I’ve visited. The main draw and most commonly visited area of the park is historic Bathhouse Row , where the hot water bubbling up from springs in the mountains was once used for restorative bath treatments. Back in the day, it was one of the top things to do in the southeastern United States for the wealthy. Most of the baths have closed over the years thanks to the proliferation of indoor plumbing and modern medicine, but there are still a few in operation if you’d like to try them out. Don’t miss the National Park visitor center, housed in one of the historic bathhouses for a glimpse into the glory days of the baths. You can explore all three levels, including the beautifully decorated men’s baths and an upper level with an airy relaxation area.

The mountains included in the park also offer plenty of hiking opportunities and trails ranging from easy to difficult can be found winding through the wooded slopes. If hiking isn’t your thing, take a scenic drive to the top for a view of the valley below – it’s a great picnic spot if you like to dine with a view. There’s a tall observation tower at the top as well if you want to get an even higher vantage point. The town itself is cute too, with lots of little shops lining downtown. For a different kind of fun, try this sunset cruise and dance on a nearby lake.

Go diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds

Murfreesboro, Arkansas

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwestern Arkansas is not only one of the most unique things to do in the southeastern United States, it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s the only place in the world where the general public is invited to hunt for diamonds and other precious gems in their original source. And the best part? You’re welcome to keep whatever you find. You can bring your own hand-operated mining equipment (no motors or batteries) or rent some at the park to aid in your search. Park rangers will even identify your finds for free. According to the state tourism board, an average of two diamonds per day are found by the park’s visitors for a total of more than 33,000 since the area became a state park in 1972. How cool would it be to find one and take it home to have it set into a piece of jewelry?

If diamond hunting isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities available at the state park. You can take advantage of the walking trails and picnic areas for a relaxing day or pitch a tent at the on-site campground for a weekend of relaxing. If you’re looking to cool off, pay a visit to Diamond Springs Water Park, a small water park with a pool, fountains, and water slides.

Visit historic Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock, Arkansas

While there are certainly plenty of purely fun things to do in the Southeast, it’s also important to stop and recognize the more unpleasant aspects of our past. If you’ve studied American history from the 20th century, you’ve almost certainly seen photos of this historic high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was the site of a fierce Civil Rights battle as segregationists fought to keep the city’s most prestigious public high school from being integrated in the 1950s. The still-operational high school has been designated as a National Historic Site and can be toured as part of a ranger-led group. Even if you can’t take part in the tour, don’t skip the visitor center. The small museum there tells the story of the original black students, collectively known as the Little Rock Nine , who suffered through a year of physical and mental abuse at the hands of their classmates and community in order to attend Little Rock Central High. You can see photos, artifacts, and quotes about the experience that will really drive home how incredibly brave they all were. You can also check out the vintage style gas station across the street maintained to keep its appearance from the 50s. Since the events at the high school across the street took place in the days before cell phones and the internet, the gas station played an important role for reporters relaying the news of the day via its phone.

Find out more about my visit, including meeting one of the Little Rock Nine, in my post about my visit to Little Rock Central .

Florida bucket list items

Visit walt disney world.

Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida

No trip to Florida is complete without a visit to the four amazing Disney theme parks near Orlando and it’s one of the best vacation spots in the south, if not the country. Though often thought of as a kids’ destination, adults will find plenty to love at the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Whether you’re looking for the many themed lands of the Magic Kingdom (that’s the “Castle park” for those who aren’t familiar), the food and culture of Epcot , the thrill rides and immersive Star Wars land of Disney’s Hollywood Studios , or the lush green, nature-centric attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom , there’s something for everybody. And then there are the water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are full of speed slides, kid-friendly areas, and water coasters to help you cool off on one of Florida’s very hot days. Some of my favorite rides are Splash Mountain (I worked there!), Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance , Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Test Track, Soarin’, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition: Everest. Don’t skip the nighttime shows either – Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom is incredible!. If you’re more into food than rides and shows, you’ll love eating your way around Epcot’s World Showcase (try visiting during the Food and Wine Festival ), indulging in the many beloved snacks like Dole Whip and Mickey Bars, and sampling some of the super sweet alcoholic beverages (the boozy lemonade from Woody’s Lunchbox in Toy Story Land was an instant favorite of mine!).

The incredible resort hotels at Disney World are an attraction in and of themselves. You can easily spend a day of your vacation exploring them with their beautiful theming. Some of my favorites include the Animal Kingdom Lodge with its wildlife viewing, the Wilderness Lodge for its awe-inspiring lobby, the Polynesian Village Resort for its tropical feel, and Fort Wilderness for its upscale camping and multitude of activities. Disney Springs, the shopping and dining district on property, is another great place to visit on a non-park day. You can explore the shops, both Disney and non-Disney branded, visit the Coca Cola store, or eat your way through some delicious restaurants. As a former Cast Member there, I have a whole section of Disney World tips , so be sure to check that out for money saving tips, time saving tips, resort reviews, essential FastPass+ lists, and more!

Save money on Disney World tickets and hotels here!

Swim with manatees along Florida’s Gulf Coast

Crystal River, Florida

Photo by Vicky from Buddy the Traveling Monkey

One of the most well-known Florida animals is the manatee. During the winter months, many manatees gather in the Crystal River area to stay warm because of the area’s many springs. These springs have warm water that bubbles up from underground and keeps the water above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Because so many manatees gather in this area, it’s a perfect place to go swimming with them !

We recommend doing a tour with Plantation Adventure Center . We liked them because they provide guests with thicker wet suits which means you’ll stay warmer. Additionally, while other companies provide guests with fins, Plantation Adventure Center does not which is actually better because splashing scares away the manatees.

In this area of Florida, the Federal Government allows “passive observation” which means you can get in the water and if a manatee comes up to you, you may touch them with one hand. However, you are not allowed to chase them, feed them, or disturb them in any way.

Being in the water with the many manatees ended up being such a magical experience. You float at the top of the water and move slowly (no diving). Many of the manatees come right up to you. There was a curious baby manatee that kept swimming up to us and also a large adult manatee that kept rolling over so that we’d rub his belly.

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida is definitely one of my favorite animal encounters and we highly recommend it if you’re in the area.

By Vicky from Buddy the Traveling Monkey

Read about my experience swimming with manatees here!

Step into the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando

Orlando, Florida

The opening of the Hogsmeade area at Universal’s Islands of Adventure was one of the most anticipated theme park events ever. And boy did it live up to the expectations. In the years since, Universal Studios joined in the fun with a Diagon Alley area to explore – and the two lands are connected by the Hogwarts Express train. How amazing is that? Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the ride inside of Hogwarts, is an absolute masterpiece and should not be missed. You’ll also want to sample all of the varieties of butterbeer flavored foods from “traditional” style in a cup to ice cream (the ice cream is life-changing). I tried them all.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do at Universal Orlando . Islands of Adventure is home to a fun Marvel themed land with a newly-rebuilt Incredible Hulk roller coaster and a Dr. Seuss land for kids. The original park, Universal Studios, has a couple of great coasters itself – Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Mummy – plus an always fun Men in Black dark ride and the new Transformers attraction. For nightlife, check out Citywalk which is full of clubs and iconic over-the-top restaurant chains.

Save money on Universal Orlando tickets and hotels here!

View incredible wildlife in Everglades National Park

Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties, Florida

I’d been wanting to visit Everglades National Park for years and years and was absolutely blown away when I finally got the chance to go. Scenery-wise, it’s not the prettiest National Park out there (our tour guide even said as much) but I’ve never seen wildlife in such abundance as I did in this park. The Shark Valley Visitor Center on the north side of the park has a paved walking and biking trail through the wetlands and also offers daily tram rides with narration from a guide. The ride is so worth it! Our driver and guide spotted so many alligators that we would’ve completely missed because of how well camouflaged they are.

Along the ride, we saw about a dozen gators , including two sets of babies, and several species of large birds. Watching a white ibis soar through the air is incredible. After our tour was over, we walked for a bit along the path closest to the visitor center and were in absolute awe of the wildlife we saw. There were a dozen turtles right in front of us, some just swimming, some eating flowers (yes, seeing a little turtle nomming on a flower in the water is as adorable as it sounds). We could see fish of all sizes swimming around. But the most incredible sight was that of one of the bird species we’d been introduced to on the tour – an anhinga – fishing right in front of us. We spent half an hour just standing there watching him dive below the surface and cruise through the water before popping up with a fish in his beak and flipping it into his mouth – the showboater.

Visit the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US

St. Augustine, Florida

Photo by Erica from Treading Wander

There’s so much to explore in Old St. Augustine , but many people make it a weekend trip. It’s the oldest continually inhabited European settlement in the US , and the historic section of the city boasts colonial Spanish architecture that makes you feel like you’ve entered another era. For those with limited time, I always recommend taking one of the Old Town Trolley tours to get an overview of the city and figure out which attractions you’d like to head back to and spend more time at.

Check out the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse along the pedestrian-only St. George Street. This schoolhouse dates back to the early 1700s and is open to the public. They’ve done a great job of turning it into an accurate and educational (no pun intended) representation of the history of St. Augustine. To escape the Florida heat or keep busy on a rainy day, I’d recommend taking a tour to check out Flagler College. Henry Flagler originally built this grand building in the 1880s as an exclusive and luxurious resort. Tours begin daily at 10 and 2, and you can expect to step back in time into the lives of 19th century elite.

Old St. Augustine has so much to offer, but these are two of my “must-dos” that I recommend for all first-timers. For me, simply wandering the cobblestone streets is the best thing to do. There are so many fun shops and fascinating pieces of history everywhere you look, that it feels like I’ve discovered something new each time I visit.

By Erica from Treading Wander

Visit one of the United States’ most remote National Parks

Dry Tortugas, Florida

Photo by Halef from The Round the World Guys

One of Florida’s hidden gems lays at the southernmost point of the State. It is beyond Key West, where Highway 1 ends. Dry Tortugas National Park is a series of several islets, about 70 miles southwest of Key West. To visit Dry Tortugas National Park , you will need to either hop on the Yankee Freedom III ferry or take a chartered plane.

Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote US National Parks. Once there, you’ll learn about its rich history, beautiful scenery, and amazing underwater activities. You can join a guided walking tour of Fort Jefferson, followed by snorkeling or relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches. If you reserve early, you can even go camping or kayaking in the Dry Tortugas. Avid scuba divers may wish to join a liveaboard that is based in Key West.

Check out the park’s official website here .

By Halef from The Round the World Guys

Learn about space travel at the Kennedy Space Center

Cape Canaveral, Florida

I was exactly the kind of nerdy kid who thought the Kennedy Space Center was amazing growing up. You can immerse yourself in all things space, and even though the shuttle program is no longer active, it’s still possible to catch a launch if you time it right. If you’re not lucky enough to visit during a launch, don’t worry – there’s still plenty to do at the space center. One of the big attractions is the heroes and legends of space, which includes a 4D presentation about the pioneers, as well as the Astronaut Hall of Fame. You can also get an up-close view of the space shuttle Atlantis , which was retired a few years ago after carrying astronauts to space on numerous missions.

Your admission also includes a bus tour to some of the behind the scenes areas related to spaceflight. The 40-minute tour takes you past the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch sites. One of the cooler things is the giant crawler that moved launch vehicles into position ever so slowly with its massive treads. The tour concludes at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you’re free to explore the exhibits on your own before catching a bus back to the visitor center. While there, you can also purchase certain extras like lunch with an astronaut and mission training simulations. Find out all the visitor info you need on the Space Center’s official website .

Save money on Kennedy Space Center tickets here!

Note: the price at the Undercover Tourist link above seems higher than the price on the Kennedy Space Center’s website ($60.99 vs. $57 as of November 2018), but the Space Center’s site adds $3.99 tax and a $4.99 processing fee when you check out, making the Undercover Tourist link a few dollars cheaper.

Road trip the Florida Keys

Key Largo to Key West

The 100-mile long Florida Keys Overseas Highway is a classic American road trip. Beginning on Key Largo and ending on Key West, this highway links the many small islands of the Florida Keys. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife, beaches, the freshest seafood possible, and classic Americana attractions. Some highlights of a Florida Keys road trip include the Ernest Hemingway house in Key West which is famously home to countless six-toed cats, the No Name Bar with its walls decorated by dollar bills left by patrons from around the world, the turtle hospital where visitors can tour the facilities used to rescue turtles, and the marker at the southernmost point in the continental United States.

There are also plenty of gorgeous beaches for relaxing and enjoying the sun, of course. Other water activities include snorkeling, diving, fishing, and learning to sail. To appreciate the beauty of the water in this area right from your car, don’t miss Seven Mile Bridge, which is the longest span in the Keys and stretches over – you guessed it – seven miles of gorgeous turquoise water.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Key Lime pie

Key West, Florida

Photo by Danila from Traveling Dany

When we visited Florida we had one specific cake on our food bucket list. Key Lime pie is an iconic dish famous in southern Florida and named after the small citrus fruits that were introduced to the area by Henry Perrine in the 1830s. While this tart and creamy dessert can be found on every menu in the Sunshine State, you absolutely must try it in the Florida Keys!

We planned a road trip from Miami to Key West , and if you believe that it’s too much trouble, think again! There’s nothing better than enjoying a large slice of key lime pie while sitting by the ocean in Mallory Square (Key West)!

The thing that sets the key lime pie in the Keys apart from the others is the use of real key lime juice. This small, green fruit offers an intense tartness and a mouthwatering scent. Most restaurants, from Key Largo to Key West, only use the very best lime for their pies. The most famous place for key lime pie in Key West is the Key West Key Lime Pie Company . If you are planning to visit during the peak season, get ready to stand in line even for up to one hour to get your slice of key lime pie! That’s how good it is! These pies won several national awards and are made fresh daily using real key lime juice and handmade graham cracker crust.

Time to add it to your foodie bucket list!

By Danila from Traveling Dany

Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs State Park

Marion County, Florida

Photo by Roxanna from Gypsy with a Day Job

Silver Springs State Park in north-central Florida is a definite bucket list place. There are actually several springs, including the Main Springs, Blu Grotto, and The Abyss, which are collectively referred to as the Silver Springs, which is Florida’s largest first magnitude spring. Springs are measured by the amount of water they discharge, with a first magnitude being the highest volume of water discharged. This results in a remarkable clarity and superb living conditions for plants and animals.

What all of that means is that Silver Springs is richly forested, on the land, and in the water, and that there is a plethora of animal species living in the area. Native animals found in the surrounding forests include armadillos, deer, wild turkey, wild boar, tortoises, coyote, bobcat, and even the Florida black bear . There are also non-native Rhesus monkeys in the forest, introduced by an amusement operator in the 1930s for their “Jungle Cruise” attraction!

But, it is the aquatic animals that are the main star at Silver Springs State Park. There are numerous species of fish, and waterfowl, as well as turtles and American alligators cavorting in the waters. There is even an occasional manatee. For this reason, glass bottom boat tours and kayaking are the most popular activities in the park. Both allow visitors to watch the animals in their natural habitat, on the water, and below the surface. Seeing an alligator swimming alongside your kayak, or a manatee beneath you, is quite exciting! For those who do not live near the area, this is often a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.

Find out more about Silver Springs State Park by Roxanna at Gypsy with a Day Job

Georgia bucket list items

See beautiful historic savannah.

Savannah, Georgia

Photo by Kate from Our Escape Clause

Historic Savannah is known for its stunning antebellum mansions, its 22 beautiful town squares, its beautiful Spanish moss, and, of course, its delicious southern food scene. Come to historic Savannah to enjoy its history: no visit would be complete without a tour of at least one of the antebellum mansions, a visit to the nearby Wormsloe Historic Site, a spooky ghost tour featuring stories of the past, and at least one tour to give context to the culture that built the city.

But, historic Savannah isn’t just about its history ; come also for a picnic in beautiful Forsyth Park, for trendy coffee shops, for eclectic art put together by the local Savannah College of Art and Design students, for its award-winning restaurant scene, and for its great shopping. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, an architecture nerd, a photographer, or just a casual traveler looking for a quick getaway to one of the most beautiful cities in the USA, historic Savannah is definitely the place for you.

See more things to do in Savannah from Kate at Our Escape Clause

Take a climb up Lookout Mountain

Northern Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee

Photo courtesy of Jillian from Adventure Dragon

One of my favorite places to visit in the southeastern US lies in a lesser-known town – Lookout Mountain, Georgia – located on the edge of the Tennessee border near Chattanooga. Rock City Gardens sits atop a mountain bearing the same name as the tiny town, and it almost feels like it’s a secret place hidden away from the rest of the world. The park features a  4,100-foot Enchanted Trail that leads hikers through tiny crevices in moss-covered boulders and across a 180-foot suspension bridge before ultimately depositing them in front of a gorgeous 90-foot waterfall. High Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever beheld, and from the observation deck located directly above it, you can see seven states on a cloudless day. This iconic viewpoint is affectionately known as Lover’s Leap due to a local Cherokee legend detailing the death of a distraught maiden who jumped from the ledge after her lover was thrown from the cliff by a feuding tribe. Just past this spot you’ll find a mountaintop cave full of fairytale creatures–the Fairyland Caverns – and it’s a delight for children as well as grown adults who haven’t yet forgotten how to dream. You won’t regret adding Rock City Gardens to your southeastern US bucket list!

See more about visiting Lookout Mountain from Jillian at Adventure Dragon

See where Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up and preached

Atlanta, Georgia

This National Historical Park in Atlanta honors the life of Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. Located in the area where he grew up, visitors can tour the home where MLK was born and spent his early years, as well as the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached along with his father. Tours of the birth home can be hard to sang – they’re limited to 15 visitors at a time – but the rest of the site, including the church, are free to explore on your own.

While there, don’t miss the visitor center, which houses exhibits on Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights movement, including a section targeted toward kids. That’s also where you’ll sign up for a birth home tour if you’d like. Nearby, you’ll find the beautiful but somber grave site where both Dr. King and his wife are buried. If you’re interested in Atlanta’s Civil Rights history, you can learn more on this tour that covers the Civil War to Civil Rights and includes a visit to the historic site.

Visit with legendary Muppets and Sesame Street characters

Photo courtesy of Janine from Fill My Passport

In 1978, Atlanta, Georgia embraced puppets. Puppeteering is an art form that few truly appreciate in this day and age, but for those who do, the launching of the Center for Puppetry Arts in the heart of the city will make you as happy as a clam. It did for me.

While on your trip through Atlanta, be sure to stop in and tour the exhibits. Learn where puppetry began with such notable characters as Punch and Judy, Pinocchio, Gumby and Pokey, and more. Take an audio tour and learn how exactly to bring marionettes to life. Watch the daily film or take an educational workshop. The center is a world of imagination, creation, and storytelling all in one. Spend an afternoon here to marvel at the original creations, see props from the famed films, and take a stab at making your own creature. The choice is yours.

Once you learn more about the history of puppetry, make your way to (my favorite) area of the museum – the Jim Henson section! Learn the background of the most renowned puppeteer in history and how his incredible characters and innovation became some of the most beloved of all time. See original Muppets , Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, Dark Crystal and Sesame Street artifacts. And, with Carroll Spinney announcing his retirement this past October, why not pay Big Bird a visit and see just how incredible that costume is and how dedicated a puppeteer Spinney was for nearly 50 years portraying the giant and much loved avian.

Find out details and ticket info on the center’s official website .

By Janine from Fill My Passport

Wander through historic Bonaventure Cemetery

Photo by James from Travel Collecting

Bonaventure Cemetery is beautiful. It is located about a 20-minute drive from the historic center of Savannah, on the banks of the Wilmington River on the site of the former Bonaventure Plantation. It became a cemetery in 1907 and is now the city’s largest public cemetery (almost 160 acres) and definitely its most famous, especially after being featured in the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil . It is the epitome of southern Gothic and you can easily spend several hours wandering around. The gravestones are surrounded by enormous trees draped in Spanish moss; it is incredibly atmospheric. You really feel like you are in the Deep South here. Famous graves include the statue of 6-year old Gracie Watson; four-time Oscar winning song writer and the founder of Capitol Records, Johnny Mercer; and his great grandfather Hugh Mercer, a confederate general in the Civil War. It is possible to take tours of the cemetery, but before or after the tour it is also nice to just wander around and take in the eerie beauty of this place.

By James from Travel Collecting

Get a taste of Bavaria in Helen

Helen, Georgia

Photo by Jillian from Adventure Dragon

Despite housing just 430 residents, Helen, Georgia consistently remains the third most visited city in the entire U.S. state. The charming mountain village lies nestled alongside a bubbling river just an hour and a half north of Atlanta and is best known for its Bavarian architecture, authentic German cuisine, and quirky shops . Anyone who visits instantly falls in love. You can watch live glass-blowing and pottery demonstrations or even shop for handmade wooden toys as they’re crafted right before your eyes. The nearby Dukes Creek helped launch the American Gold Rush, and mining for gold and gemstones is still a popular tourist activity in the town today.

Before you leave, you must try the homemade fudge from Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen. They offer over 20 different flavors, including my favorites – Amaretto Almond, Chocolate Raspberry, and Peanut Butter. I also recommend you dine at the Troll Tavern – a cozy restaurant that sits under a bridge and provides scenic riverfront dining. Helen is one of the most delightful places to visit in Georgia, and I hope you’ll include it on your bucket list during your next trip to the southeastern United States.

See more about things to do in Helen by Jillian at Adventure Dragon

Kentucky bucket list items

Tour the world’s longest cave system.

Edmonson, Hart, and Barren counties in Kentucky

Photo by Margie from DQ Travel

Mammoth Cave National Park , the world’s longest cave system , is located in southern Kentucky near the Tennessee border. It is an easy day trip if you are near Louisville, KY or Nashville, TN. Mammoth Cave has almost 400 miles of underground chambers and tunnels, yet only about 10 miles have been explored. You cannot enter the cave on your own. There are many tours offered by park rangers ranging in difficulty. We chose the popular Dripstones and Domes tour and were very pleased with all we were able to see. It was about 2 hours long and about a mile in distance. You are expected to be in good physical condition on most tours because there are about 500 steps (some with quite an incline). Most tours are rated moderate for physical activity, yet would be fine for older children and anyone not afraid of tight spaces. The park does offer a few other short and gentle options for younger children and elderly who may not be as mobile. Be sure to bring a jacket when you visit, as the cave remains about 55 degrees year round. I highly recommend this cave visit to see the stalagmites, stalactites and all of the other rock formations created over time by the water. Mammoth Cave is a spectacular natural wonder!

Find out more on the park’s official website .

By Margie from DQ Travel

Get boozy on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail

Northern Kentucky

Photo by Stephanie from Road Unraveled

If your travels take you through Kentucky, there’s a good chance bourbon will factor into your visit. Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail attracts more than a million visitors each year as travelers seek to learn about—and sample—bourbons from the dozens of distilleries that call Kentucky home. Although bourbon can be produced in any state, Kentucky’s Bourbon County gave the spirit its name—yet another reason the Bourbon Trail remains a popular reason to visit the state.

Before you visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, consider the experience you want to have—and know there are actually two trails to choose from. The classic Kentucky Bourbon Trail will connect you to distilleries you may already know and love, including Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark. The craft bourbon trail includes smaller batch distilleries that aren’t as well-known but produce high quality bourbons you’ll be glad to discover. For the ultimate experience, consider creating your own bourbon trail by selecting one or two larger distilleries and a handful of smaller ones for a truly customized experience.

While a few large distilleries encourage you to buy tickets in advance, many distilleries encourage guests to stop in for a tour or a few samples without a reservation. Doing a bit of homework on the distilleries of greatest interest to you will help you create the trip you want. From large tours that explain the art and science of making bourbon to small, charming tasting experiences that serve cocktails on the veranda, it’s easy to create a fun, relaxing day. No matter what you choose, prepare to meet some of America’s friendliest people as you navigate the Kentucky Bourbon Trail  – and prepare for some great bourbons, too!

By Stephanie from Road Unraveled

Check out this full day Bourbon Trail tour!

Travel along the Country Music Highway

Eastern Kentucky

Photo by Dennis Adams

Country music lovers will love the Country Music Highway through Eastern Kentucky. Along Route 23, you’ll pass by the birthplaces and residences of many country stars who grew up in the area, including Loretta Lynn and Billy Ray Cyrus. One notable sight is Loretta Lynn’s childhood home, a log cabin that is still owned by her brother. This stretch of land isn’t the typical drive along the highway as you get a glimpse of the beauty of the region and its many hollers that make Eastern Kentucky so distinct. (Hollers are narrow roads that sit along the edge of a mountain.) Driving down through this area might give you a better understanding of the coal mining history that has been long intertwined with this region of Appalachia.

Along the way, I love stopping off at the Pavilion in Louisa, a gas station and gift shop where visitors can admire memorabilia from various country stars. It’s an iconic symbol of the region. At the beginning of the route, you’ll pass through Pikeville, where you can visit one of the new distilleries that has popped up to try locally sourced moonshine and craft beer.

See more about visiting Eastern Kentucky by Karen at Wanderlustingk

Louisiana bucket list items

Celebrate mardi gras in new orleans.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo by Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours

Some tourists have an incomplete impression of Mardi Gras in their heads. They think it’s boobs and beads and Bourbon Street and Tulane students getting wasted. This couldn’t be more wrong! My family has lived in New Orleans for 150 years, and we have always considered Mardi Gras to be the height of civilized living. Mardi Gras (which is French for Fat Tuesday) celebrates the last day before Ash Wednesday and Lent . You’re meant to indulge as much as you can for one day. Of course the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans last much longer than one day. Parades usually start about three and a half weeks before Mardi Gras.

Understanding krewes is essential to understanding Mardi Gras. A krewe is just an organization that puts on a parade and/or a ball every Mardi Gras. Each krewe has its own special identity. The most prestigious krewe is probably Rex, which declares a King and Queen of Mardi Gras every year. Zulu is the most well-known predominantly African-American krewe in New Orleans. They elect their own King and Queen, but the most famous King of Zulu was Louis Armstrong. There are also female-only krewes like Muses. The Krewe of Bacchus tends to get the most attention every year because they like to elect a celebrity king like Will Ferrell or John Goodman.

Most tourists who come to see the parades want to catch one of the famous “throws”. Some krewes have their own throws, like Zulu and its hand-painted coconuts or Muses and its shoes. I’ve gotten everything from a black-and-gold New Orleans Saints necklace to a stuffed dragon in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. You don’t need to expose yourself to get some beads. Just yell, “Throw me something, mister!” if you’re so inclined.

See more about New Orleans by Stella Jane at Around the World in 24 Hours

Even if you can’t make it to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras celebrations, you can still learn about it with this walking tour that includes admission to the Mardi Gras museum!

Explore the beautiful French Quarter

New Orleans is home to one of the most iconic areas in the US. The beautiful French Quarter is a must-see spot on any visit to NOLA. Full of nightlife and its gorgeous buildings trimmed with wrought iron balconies, there’s also no shortage of history here. During the day, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and views of the Mississippi River. You can explore Jackson Square or visit the Louisiana State Museum in the area. It was cool for this history nerd to see where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, thereby adding the huge tract of land to the United States. For a more festive experience, check out the Mardi Gras Museum.

Later at night, check out Bourbon Street and indulge in one of New Orleans’ famous cocktails. You can hit one of the many nightclubs to join in the party or just soak in the atmosphere. If partying isn’t your thing, hit one of the many excellent restaurants in the area to get a taste of NOLA’s famous cuisine.

Tour the many plantations of River Road

New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Photo by Jessica from Independent Travel Cats

One of the things that Louisiana is known for is its well-preserved antebellum plantations. Before the Civil War, there were over 300 plantation homes lining the 70 mile stretch of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans! Today only a couple dozen of these homes still stand, but a number of them have been restored and are open to the public. Some are grand neoclassical mansions whereas others are more humble Creole structures. At least one remains a working sugar cane farm and a couple of the plantations have beautiful oak lined alleys.

Of course, although the homes are beautiful, most of these places were built with the money earned through the forced labor of thousands of slaves. Plantation tours are increasingly giving more attention to the role of slavery and its effects, and one of the plantations along this route (Whitney) is now a museum dedicated to slavery . Each house and tour is a little different. We’ve visited a dozen of the plantations along the River Road and have written a comprehensive  Louisiana plantations guide that should help you figure out which plantation(s) you want to visit yourself!

By Jessica from Independent Travel Cats

Indulge in Café du Monde’s famous beignets

Photo by Yulia from That’s What She Had

The city of New Orleans is synonymous with jazz music, Mardi Gras, and crazy drinking and partying on Bourbon street. But if you are anything like me and travel the world for food, then the word “beignet” will come to mind first when you think of New Orleans. And not any beignets, of course, but the famous beignets at Cafe du Monde in the French quarter.

Served piping hot, sprinkled with no less than half a pound of icing sugar, these deep fried pockets of dough can easily replace a meal. One order of beignets includes three such pockets. Don’t forget to order café au lait made with chicory — another signature creation of Cafe du Monde. Even though I usually don’t enjoy chicory coffee, this meal was one of the best in my travels through American south. You might have to wait to get a seat at this overly crowded place, but remember: good things come to those who wait.

By Yulia from That’s What She Had

Visit the National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is honestly one of the best museums I’ve ever been to (though I do admit to having a lifelong fascination with WWII). With exhibits and artifacts from both the European theater and Pacific theater , visitors will get an in-depth look at the bloody conflict. There are also special exhibits covering the homefront experience during the war and the merchant marine. You can even book a deck tour or ride on a PT boat that’s still operational in Lake Pontchartrain.

If you’re more of a visual person, the Beyond All Borders show is well worth the additional fee. It’s a 4D multimedia presentation featuring voices of A-list stars like Tom Hanks. It tells the story of the war from both fronts and the home. You can also catch a live show at BB’s Stage Door Canteen. It’s a vintage style club with musical performances that recreates the atmosphere of the 1940s as soldiers were heading off to war. Buy tickets through Viator here !

Mississippi bucket list items

Travel along the mississippi blues trail.

Mississippi Delta and beyond

Photo by Lena from Lena on the Move

Mississippi is home to the roots of modern popular music. Whether you’re a blues fan or a casual traveler in search of an exceptional trip, consider a self-guided road trip on the historical Blues Highway (Route 61) from Memphis to New Orleans . Driving along the Mississippi Blues Trail, you will find over 150 markers as well as several blues-related museums that tell the stories of significant blues contributors and how their circumstances influenced the blues movement.

Apart from the obvious stops in Memphis’ Beale Street and New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Blues Highway section in Mississippi is a particularly authentic part of the journey. Following the course of the Mississippi River, you’ll come across small towns like Tunica, Clarksdale, Leland, and Indianola. All of them used to play a significant part in the history of jazz and blues. Today, they’re home to various exhibitions, several interactive museums ( Gateway to the Blues in Tunica, Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Highway 61 Blues Museum in Leland and the BB King Museum in Indianola) and extensive collections of blues records, instruments, and other vintage goodies. At night, enjoy some authentic live music in the small bars around Clarksdale where legendary blues artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong used to rock out scatting and playing the saxophone in the 1940s.

See more about the Mississippi Blues Trail by Lena on Lena on the Move

Check out this Mississippi Delta tour!

Visit the site of an important Civil War siege

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Many Americans have heard of the Battle of Gettysburg. Yet not nearly as many know about the Siege of Vicksburg , Mississippi, even though it was arguably just as important to Union victory in the Civil War. Vicksburg was the Confederacy’s most important port on the Mississippi River. General Grant knew he couldn’t defeat the South without capturing Vicksburg first. So on May 18th, 1863, the Union Army began to lay siege to The Fortress City. It took 47 days for Vicksburg to surrender to Grant.

Today the battlegrounds of Mississippi have been turned into the Vicksburg National Military Park . You’ll need to bring your own car in order to see all the sights. A cell phone driving tour is provided by the National Parks Service free of charge. The major artifact at the Military Park is the USS Cairo. This is a genuine Civil War Union ironclad warship, the only one of its kind you are ever likely to see in person. You can also follow in Grant’s footsteps and visit the Shirley House, which is the home where Grant took shelter after his failed assault on Jackson Road. Finally don’t miss the many memorials dedicated to the lives lost on both sides. The most beautiful is probably the Illinois Memorial made out of Georgia marble and granite. There are 47 steps leading up to the Memorial, one for each day of the siege.

The legacy of Vicksburg has lasted for a long time. My aunt lives in the city, and she told me that many Vicksburg residents refused to celebrate the 4th of July until very recently. After all, July 4th was when the siege ended. So for the people of Vicksburg, it was a tragic occasion and not a cause for celebration.

By Stella Jane from Around the World in 24 Hours

Relax on Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico

Ship Island, Mississippi

Photo by Brittany from Transformed Thru Travel

West Ship Island is an island located 11 miles off the coast of Mississippi in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s part of a chain of barrier islands in Mississippi and Florida that make up  Gulf Islands National Seashore . The island is a great escape from the bustle of the mainland and a perfect place to enjoy nature, learn about American history, or simply sunbathe. When your hour-long journey to the island begins, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins swimming alongside the ferry. Once you arrive, set up your sunbathing spot for the day and unwind. You can also enjoy birding, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, photography, or touring the historic Fort Massachusetts while you are there.

The National Park Service provides free guided tours of the 19th-century brick fortification that was used by members of both the Confederate and Union military during the Civil War. You’re also free to roam the fort on your own to see the remnants of what life was like on the island at that time.

Restrooms, showers, water fountains, covered picnic seating, and a snack bar are all available on the island for your convenience. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are also available. Although, I suggest saving yourself a ton of money by packing your own lunch, snacks, and beverages in a small cooler. Also, limit the amount of gear you bring so you can fully relax and enjoy your beach day. Just bring the basics – a towel, a beach blanket, sunscreen, and a book – and you’ll be all set! Ferries leave from Gulfport or Biloxi in the morning and return in the afternoon daily during the summer. They run only on specific days of the week in the fall and spring. Find the schedule on the  Ship Island Excursions  website.

By Brittany from She Goes With Purpose

Learn about Native American history at the Winterville Mounds

Greenville, Mississippi

Photo courtesy of Sharon & Darrin from What the Saints Did Next

The Winterville Mounds Museum is a hidden gem of an attraction found at 2415 Highway 1 North, Greenville, Mississippi. We’d never heard of this aspect of Native American culture before. The mounds are manmade earthworks dating back to 1100-1350 AD and are the ancient ceremonial and burial sites of Native American tribes. The highest is nearly five storeys tall at 55ft.

It is believed they were platforms to build temples and homes of high ranking tribe members. When a chief died, the structures together with the chief’s body were burned and buried, and a new layer would be added and new structures built on top. The largest is made up of eight layers where archaeologists have discovered the remains of seven chiefs. Mississippi was home to a large number of indigenous tribes, but today the only native tribe that lives in the state is the Choctaw.

The Winterville grounds covers 42 acres and has 11 mounds, and the museum artifacts include a carved stone pipe and a dugout canoe recovered from the site. It’s quite fascinating and is an amazing place to visit.

See more about visiting the Winterville Mounds by Sharon & Darrin at What The Saints Did Next

North Carolina bucket list items

See where the wright brothers first took flight.

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Photo by Toni from Enchanted Serendipity

North Carolina is the true hidden gem of the USA. Nestled along the east coast, it offers visitors a tranquil escape that many cannot match. One of the most famous – but still much underrated destinations is the Outer Banks region of the state, with towns including Cape Hatteras and Rodanthe drawing visitors in. Whether it is a recreation of a Nicholas Sparks romance you’re looking for, or a step back in time to a world before airline travel, this is one of the most scenic landscapes in America. But romance isn’t all this region is known for, with the town of Kitty Hawk, home to the Wright Brothers Memorial .

Who were the Wright brothers? Orville and Wilbur Wright who gave the world the invention of flight through their attempts to fly the first successful powered airplane flight in 1903. Showcasing the exact locations of the attempts and distances the brothers made during their first flights (there were 4 in total); this is the place to visit if you enjoy aviation history, or just want to stand somewhere historic. The best part about it is you likely arrived into North Carolina on a plane…and here you are standing where it all began! There is a visitor center, the flight line distance markers and the Wright Brothers Monument right here in Kitty Hawk for all to enjoy. For a bare piece of land, they have really made this into a worthwhile attraction.

Whatever your reasons, the Outer Banks is a true highlight within the United States. But if you make it to North Carolina? It is a must visit – even just for 1 night.

By Toni from Enchanted Serendipity

Tour the opulent Biltmore Estate

Asheville, North Carolina

Photo by Theresa from The Local Tourist

One of the most iconic images of Western North Carolina is the Biltmore Estate. It’s America’s largest home in the U.S., built by one of the wealthiest families in the country. After a visit to Asheville with his mother, George Vanderbilt fell in love with the area and the next year began construction on his 250-room mansion . After he passed away at only 51 years old, his wife sold thousands of acres to the Forest Service at bargain prices. Then, in 1930, his daughter and her husband opened the estate to the public in the hopes they could bring tourism to Asheville during the Great Depression.

Since then, the Biltmore Estate has added a winery, hotels, and there’s a village with restaurants and shopping. Visitors to the home take self-guided tours of this gorgeous mansion. From the enormous banquet hall with its 70-foot ceiling, to the pool and bowling alley in the basement, guests are astounded by the sheer opulence and extravagance. The gardens are also superlative, especially the orchids and other exotic plants in the greenhouse.

The Biltmore Estate is one of a kind, and it’s definitely a bucket list destination.

By Theresa from The Local Tourist

Check out this Biltmore package that includes lunch!

Explore the Outer Banks islands

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Photo by Savannah from Savvy Dispatches

Affectionately known as “OBX” by long-time visitors and locals alike, the Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands along North Carolina’s Atlantic coast . Though most visitors to the area are there to spend time on the Outer Banks’ stunning Atlantic beaches, there is much more to do on the islands than just relaxing in the sand. Start your journey in the northern OBX and be sure to stop to see the small population of wild horses in Corolla. Visitors can even ride alongside Corolla’s horses in approved four-wheel drive vehicles. Heading south into the more tourist-heavy parts of the Banks, take a detour from Nags Head to the giant sand dune of Jockey’s Ridge. This seventy-foot high dune is the perfect place to spend an afternoon flying a kite or (for the more adventurous) go hang gliding. Next on your route, pop over to Manteo on Roanoke Island and be sure to grab a ticket to watch the Lost Colony play; one of America’s longest-running dramas. Continue south along the Banks towards Hatteras, where the islands narrow to nearly the entire width of the highway. Cinema fans may may recognize the incredibly photogenic stilt house from the film Nights in Rodanthe, which was moved from its original beachfront location to prevent it from being swallowed up by the Atlantic Ocean. Your next stop should be Hatteras, where you can hop out at the National Park and view the classic black & white striped lighthouse. While Cape Hatteras is often considered the end of the Outer Banks, the Banks actually extend further southwest to the equally beautiful beaches of Emerald Isle.

By Savannah from Savvy Dispatches

Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Beginning in Cherokee, North Carolina

If you were a fan of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which was part of my Mid-Atlantic Bucket List , you’ll love the Blue Ridge Parkway . It connects that National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and although about half of it runs through Virginia, some of the most scenic areas are in North Carolina. It begins at the edge of the Smoky Mountains in Cherokee and cuts through plenty of beautiful scenery.

Some of my favorite parts are in the Asheville area, which is also where you’ll find the newest visitor center as well as a folk art gallery. The stretch closest to Asheville offers panoramic views and great locations for watching sunset over the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the Pisgah National Forest and right through land that made up the famous Biltmore Estate.

Check out this photo tour of the Parkway!

Take a ride on a natural water slide

Pisgah National Forest

I found Sliding Rock while on a business trip to Asheville and knew I had to find a way to visit. It’s a gently sloping waterfall that flows over a smooth rock face and ends in an 8-foot deep pool at the bottom. Visitors can climb up and take a slide down the wide rock . I’ve been to plenty of manmade waterparks and never heard the kind of giggles coming from people plunging into the water.

There are lifeguards on duty during the day in the summer, though if you arrive after they leave you can slide for free at your own risk. I definitely wouldn’t attempt it after dark, but I rolled in about 5 minutes after they went off duty and had a blast with just a couple of other families in the area. You’ll want to wear a bathing suit and possibly a pair of old gym shorts since you are sliding on rock after all. Water shoes are also recommended because once you exit the deep pool at the bottom, the more shallow area of the creek is pretty rocky. Just beware: even in the summer, the water is pretty chilly, so you may be in for a shock the first time you land in the pool at the bottom. The parking lot is at 7841 Pisgah Highway, a few miles from the junction of Highway 64 and Highway 276. Check out some more waterfalls in the area on this tour leaving from Asheville.

Immerse yourself in the River Arts District

Photo by Heather from Trimm Travels

One of my favorite things to find when I visit other cities is street/mural art. I was happy to discover there was a lot of this on my recent trip to Asheville, North Carolina earlier this year. I was particularly excited to find there is an entire area called the River Arts District !

The River Arts District is comprised of over 200 artists’ (painters, jewelers, wood-makers, glass-blowers, ceramics, etc) studios and galleries housed in old industrial buildings that run parallel to the French Broad River. You can visit during opening hours to see the artists honing their craft or just drive around viewing the many outstanding murals on your own should you happen to visit while they are closed. We drove through on our own and found some of the best and most creative murals I have ever seen! However, I really want to return on a Saturday when most of the studios are open to properly tour the district and see the creative artists at work!

TIPS: For directions and other info, read the  River Arts District FAQs . Parking is free in the district. There are plenty of restaurants and microbreweries too! For more photos of the RAD or if you’re planning a trip to Asheville, check out my 15 Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina: Something for Everyone!

See more things to do in Asheville by Heather at Trimm Travels

South Carolina bucket list items

Visit historic charleston and rainbow row.

Charleston, South Carolina

Photo by Patti from Luggage and Lipstick

There’s a reason why Charleston, South Carolina is frequently named as one of the “Top Cities” in the world. With an historic downtown spilling over with beautiful antebellum architecture, the shimmering blue Atlantic Ocean is always within a few blocks. And the gastronomy is unparalleled – from she-crab soup to shrimp and grits, to fried green tomatoes – it is said that you can eat in a different restaurant every night of the year – and each one will be just as good as the one before.

For a great afternoon at any time of year, head to the southern part of the Charleston peninsula. Hugging the tip of the peninsula, The Battery is an attractive seaside promenade popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists. There are 360-degree views, with the Atlantic on one side, and stately majestic mansions on the other. It’s the perfect place for a morning stroll, before the hordes of tourists arrive. Next, walk a few blocks north to the most Instagrammable spot in southern Charleston, Rainbow Row . The thirteen pastel-colored homes are lined up one-after-another, facing the ocean. It’s the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the United States and one of Charleston’s most photographed spots.

Also in the area is Waterfront Park, one of Charleston’s most visited public commons. The park offers fantastic views of the Charleston Harbor and displays the well-known Pineapple Fountain. The pineapple is accepted as a traditional expression of “welcome.” There are colorful gardens, walking paths and park benches in the park.

By Patti from Luggage & Lipstick

Pedal your way around Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Photo by Amanda from VeraVise Outdoor Living

South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island has been voted the “Best of the Best” by Conde Naste Traveler and Travel & Leisure on more than one occasion. It’s no wonder given that Hilton Head boasts 12 miles of pristine white sand beaches , world renowned golf courses, and some of the best low country Southern food in all of South Carolina. We have another reason why we think Hilton Head should definitely be on your Southeastern United States bucket list: the bike trails! Biking is one of our favorite activities when visiting HHI and with more than 60 miles of multi-use trails throughout the island, there are endless opportunities to enjoy on a bicycle. We typically start our morning with a lovely ride on the beach to our favorite cafe for breakfast, followed by a leisurely ride to take in the beauty of the Island’s homes and parks. We easily navigate our way around the Island on the paved trails and boardwalks. Finally, we end our time with a well-deserved ice cream or late afternoon snack.

While you are out, you can also ride into some of the resort areas such as Shelter Cove Marina or Seapines Plantation for some shopping, dining, and photo ops. Most local bike shops rent bikes for all ages and many will deliver the bikes directly to your hotel and pick them up at the end of your vacation. We park our car and never get it back out until it’s time to go home. Biking is definitely our top choice of transportation when visiting Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and if you want to get outside and enjoy the Island’s beauty beyond the beach we think it should be yours too!

For more information on visiting from Amanda, read Hilton Head Island Beach Getaway at VeraVise Outdoor Living.

You can also explore the island by hitting the water via kayak and stand up paddle board !

See where the first shots of the Civil War were fired

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith

In April 1861, Confederate troops fired the first shots of the Civil War when they began shelling Fort Sumter in Charleston’s harbor . After more than a day of shelling, the Union troops were forced to surrender the fort and left it in the hands of the Confederates, bringing the damaged American flag from Fort Sumter north with them. Eventually, the tattered flag returned to the fort and is now displayed as part of the museum. After the Civil War ended, the fort was in ruins, but was partially rebuilt, and also served as a lighthouse for a time. In response to the Spanish-American War, it was once again reinforced and manned, though it never saw action during that time period and was eventually decommissioned in 1947.

Modern day visitors can take a ferry ride out to the fort from Charleston Harbor. It’s a must-see for history buffs, and the on-site museum covers the history and construction of the fort itself. Back on the mainland, the visitor center houses a museum covering the causes of the Civil War. Nearby Fort Moultrie is also available for tours. Check out the official website to plan your visit. You can also find out more about the Civil War in Charleston on this tour .

Get lost in the relaxing Brookgreen Gardens

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Photo by Heather from RaulersonGirlsTravel

When one comes to Myrtle Beach, you are inundated with souvenir shops, zip line activities, haunted houses and mini-golf courses on every corner. But, there is a quiet place that is less than 30 minutes away from all the craziness that is Myrtle Beach and that is Brookgreen Gardens . This 9,127-acre garden has several areas for you to explore such as the Sculpture Gardens, Low Country Rice Plantation, Low Country Zoo, and the Butterfly House. Brookgreen Gardens should definitely be on your bucket list to experience in the Southeastern US.

Since Brookgreen Garden is so extensive, don’t forget to pick up a map at the Welcome Center. Most of the hedges and shrubs are very tall and you will have to resort to looking at the map to navigate the garden. Walking through the hedges, you step into a serene, quiet garden with fountains in the center and giant Greek statues seeming to rise out of the water. If you go early in the day, you can explore the sculpture gardens without a lot of people intruding in your photos.

The path that leads through the Low Country is nicely laid out with stations for you to hear what it was like to work on the Brookgreen Plantation . This area can be very moving so be prepared. And the Low Country Zoo is filled with many animals that were rescued and the zoo takes care of them in their natural habitats. There is a definite non-zoo feel to this place.

If you are visiting Myrtle Beach for an extended time, I recommend purchasing your ticket to Brookgreen Gardens the first day you are there. Because that ticket is valid for seven days so, you can come back on your trip and spend more time in this magnificent garden.

By Heather from RaulersonGirlsTravel

Tennessee bucket list items

Visit great smoky mountains national park.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina

Ok, this park – the most visited National Park in the United States year after year – straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, but it had to go in one category so I picked Tennessee. The rolling mountains of this part of the Appalachians are dreamy and the natural fog that gives them their name adds a touch of mystery to them. They’re a hiker’s paradise , with miles and miles of trails and waterfalls, as well as a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Along those trails, you’ll find plenty of waterfalls like Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.

If you’re more into driving than hiking, you can take a scenic drove along the Newfound Gap road that runs from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. Don’t miss the view of the Gap from the overlook right at the state lines. It’s the picture-perfect angle you’ll see on every postcard. The park’s tallest peak, Clingman’s Dome , also features an observation tower that gives you another spectacular view. The best, but most crowded, time of year to visit is during peak fall season when visitors line the roads in order to view Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also full of historic sites, as it includes cabins and farm buildings from people who occupied the land before it was turned into a National Park. You can even explore the area by helicopter for a bird’s eye view!

Listen to country greats at the Grand Ole Opry

Nashville, Tennessee

Photo by Tim from Tunnocks World Tour

Sat in his parents ramshackle house, after a long day picking cotton, a young boy flicks on the wireless. As the music crackles through the tinny speakers, he sits and dreams of one day being able to play music half as good as the sounds coming to him from the Grand Ole Opry . The boy was Johnny Cash and he would go on to play at the Opry. In fact, he would meet his future wife there, and he’d get banned from the establishment too! All just a small fragment of the magnificent history of “ Country Music’s most famous stage .”

The Opry began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 and has since transformed into a magnificent live music experience. The evening is filled with many different artists performing short 3 or 4 song sets. The MC makes everyone feel incredibly welcome with small pockets of information and heart-warming anecdotes during the gaps in between. Only the best make it onto the Opry stage and the night I visited was no exception. I listened to music from many different genres, though most with at least a nod to Country, in an atmosphere that I’d describe  as like a big, friendly, family get-together.

The headliner, country music’s hottest star, Chris Janson, took the stage by storm. He lit the place on fire with his energy, humor and incredible music – check out ‘Take a Drunk Girl Home’ – it’s a fantastic track. And the whole evening was broadcast live on the radio, just as in 1925. I like to think there was a future Johnny Cash out there somewhere, listening to the Opry, escaping from his day-to-day life and dreaming of becoming a star.

By Tim from Tunnock’s World Tour  

Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis, Tennessee

Photo by Bernadette from A Packed Life

If I can urge you to see one place on your travels in Memphis, this is it. Comprising a series of buildings including the Lorraine Motel itself, this is a powerful, compelling and profound encounter with our past, present, and steps to a more enlightened future. The walk through the museum starts with an account of the horrors of slavery, moving through the major landmarks of the civil rights movement. From Jim Crow to the lunch counter, and the bus riders, it’s all set out here.

By the time you’ve walked through the museum, if you are like me, you will be unprepared to arrive in the Lorraine Motel itself. Complete with a soft bedspread and coffee cups on the table, Dr. King’s motel room is such a contrast to the evil perpetrated outside. Your final stop is across the road for the history of the subsequent investigation. You find yourself, as if by accident, at the bathroom window where the shooter stood for Dr King’s assassination. It’s a deeply saddening moment. I was heartened to see the number of families making the visit, investing in understanding our past to contribute to a better future.

Find out more on the museum’s official website .

By Bernadette from A Packed Life

You can visit the museum and other attractions with the Memphis Heritage Pass .

Dance and dine on Broadway in Nashville

Photo by Sarah from The Moment Mom

Few streets become a destination in and of themselves, but lower Broadway St in Nashville, TN has earned that designation. Also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, Broadway has a unique ability to condense historic Music City, never-ending live music, amazing food, and the down-home, friendly feel of this Southern town all into 4 blocks. It plays live music from one of its many venues literally all day, every day of the year (the party does officially stop at 3am). The music venues are often free, meaning you can spend a day here without spending a dime! It is the ultimate destination for day-drinking, hosting groups on pedal taverns, old converted school buses, and, yes, even tractors while they cruise the street. If cruising isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a meal and a beverage from one of the many balconies overlooking the street. Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan and Kid Rock claim coveted spots on the strip for their own joints. One “must-see” includes Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge, painted bright purple against the Nashville Sky. It served as a starting point for many country-stars, and with 3 levels and 4 stages, the fun and party never stop here! The food scene in Nashville is also a must. You can enjoy amazing barbeque from Jack’s Barb-B-Que, a nice sit-down at Merchants, or some delicious street-food dishes at Acme Feed & Seed. So, get on your cowboy boots, bring your friends, and enjoy an awesome time on this stretch of street in the heart of downtown Nashville, TN!

By Sarah from The Moment Mom  

See Elvis’ Graceland estate

The famous Jungle Room

I grew up listening to Elvis music thanks to my classic rock fan parents, so I was always weirdly obsessed with visiting Graceland . Elvis’ family mansion appears much as it did when The King himself was alive, and visitors are able to tour the basement and first floor. I thought it was sweet that his daughter, Lisa Marie, still celebrates holidays at the house with her family. During the tour you can see the famous Jungle Room and visit the kitchen and basement with its giant couch.

Other exhibits revolve around Elvis’ performing years. Several of his iconic jumpsuits are on display in all of their sparkly glory. There’s also another gallery full of his many accolades. I thought it was cool to see the record for “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” which is a song I’ve always loved. The last stop on the tour was his gravesite, as his body was moved from its original burial spot after an attempt to steal it. Lots of visitors leave flowers and other mementos at the site.

You can book a tour here !

Take a cruise on a Mississippi river boat

When your ears have enjoyed so much of what Memphis has to offer, then it’s time to see the city from a different perspective. You can enjoy the beauty of the mighty Mississippi on a river trip from the Beale Street landing, a short walk from downtown. We took the Island Queen from Memphis Riverboats . She’s a tall, elegant vessel, with plenty of room to see the sights from open or closed decks. Plus she has the obligatory paddlewheel, making her a truly traditional riverboat.

We took a sightseeing cruise, but there are plenty of opportunities for longer voyages too. As you would expect on this kind of trip, you learn lots about the history of the city, delivered in an engaging and entertaining way. There were some amusing references to the relationship between Tennessee and Arkansas, and its effect on the partially ornate (guess which half) road bridge between the two. It’s a charming way to enjoy legendary Southern hospitality, and to get new insights into the marvelous city of Memphis.

See more about visiting Memphis by Bernadette at A Packed Life

Book a ride here!

Did we miss anything that should be on this bucket list of amazing things to do in the Southeast? Let me know in the comments!

If you’re looking for incredible places to visit in other areas of the US, check out these regional bucket list guides:

• The Ultimate New England Bucket List
• See the Best of the Midwest with this Ultimate Bucket List
• The Ultimate Mid-Atlantic Bucket List

Don’t forget to save this post full of things to do in the Southeast for later on Pinterest.

Wow that’s an very impressive list, we spent 6 weeks in the USA last Christmas however we didn’t make to the Southeast of the country. I would still like to return and do it one day soon. I’ll be pinning this post for when we do make it back there. America is an amazing place, so much to do and see, I think I could almost spend a year there and still not see everything I want to see.

I’m headed down there next week and can’t wait to start checking some more Southeast adventures off my list! Thanks for including me =D

This is an epic list!! As someone from Georgia who has also lived in Louisiana (and been around a bit!) I’ve done several, but not NEARLY all of these things! This has definitely given me some goals 🙂 Thanks!

There’s so much to explore and so many things to do while paying a visit to the US. The list that you have shared is really interesting and helpful. One must explore the Southeast side of the country too!

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20 Best Vacation Spots in the Southeast for your Next Getaway

Posted on February 16, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on September 26, 2023

Looking for a place in the US to spend your next vacation? In this travel guide, travel bloggers share their favorite destinations in the Southeast and all the best things to do while there – so you can find inspiration for your trip to come.

Whether you want to go on a quick weekend getaway or a full-on vacation, a family trip , or a romantic one , you will find the perfect Southeast destination for you . From hiking in national parks and relaxing at the beach to cultural activities and visiting cities, discover the top things to do and the best vacation spots in the Southeast!

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Jekyll Island, Georgia

By Alanna from Periodic Adventures

One of the best and most underrated destinations in the Southeast is Jekyll Island, Georgia. This small barrier island was originally a winter escape for rich, bigshots in the Northeast. Now it’s a peaceful getaway that rivals big-name beaches like South Beach, Florida.

There are so many great activities on Jekyll Island to fill your relaxing days.

Rent a bike and ride around the whole island ( yes, it’s that small ) through beautiful draping Spanish moss-covered trees and by the Horton House ruins , a free-standing structure built in 1743.

Head to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center , an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility that also has a sea turtle education center and museum. The admission goes right back to helping the turtles. Plus, you’ll learn about how to better protect these precious creatures on Jekyll Island and beyond.

Don’t miss Driftwood Beach that Jekyll Island is known for. This beach isn’t like other tropical beaches because it has GIANT driftwood pieces that have floated onto the shore . Like entire trees! It’s a great spot for photography ( both day and night ) and fun for kids to visit because they can climb on the trees.

The best time to visit is late spring or early fall, when the temperatures are warm, but mild. In the summer. it can reach the 90s so it gets uncomfortable, humid, and bug-ridden.

There are a number of hotels along the beachfront, but the Days Inn is a nice choice with private beach access, swimming pools, and balconies. You’ll also find plenty of gorgeous vacation rentals around the island.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

By Alex from Wander With Alex

If you are looking for a great vacation spot in the Southeast with access to great beaches, golf courses, and warm weather, then Hilton Head, South Carolina is your destination. Ranked among the top 10 best golf course resort cities, Hilton Head is a golfer’s paradise.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to take the family, Hilton Head has a reputation for being extremely family-friendly .  Hilton Head Island offers a great deal of things to see and do .

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hilton Head is from April through October. Temperatures will be warm enough for you to jump in the ocean, take a bike ride, go boating, hiking, golfing, and much more. Pro tip: If you want to skip the crowds, visit in either April and May or September and October.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Palmera Inn & Suites comes highly recommended. It’s centrally located just 15 minutes from almost everything you’ll want to see and do in Hilton Head. The hotel has a pool, hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and Wifi.

You’ll also find plenty of great vacation rentals, many with ocean views.

Things to do in Hilton Head

When vacationing in Hilton Head, you must visit the cute neighborhood of Harbour Town ! Climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse , while learning all about its history on the way up. Once you’ve conquered the climb, marvel over the beautiful views of the water, the town, and golf courses. The town also hosts several local boutique shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.

Of course, when in Hilton Head you’ll want to play in the water. There are several beaches on the island, but the most popular is Coligny Beach Park . The beach has a ton of amenities including showers. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Not to mention, right across the way is the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center filled with more local shops and restaurants for you to visit.

And lastly, bike trails! Lots and lots of bike trails! Be sure to stop by one of the many bike rental shops, like Hilton Head Outfitters, and rent bikes for the day ! You can bike almost anywhere on the island– even on the beach!

Related – Best vacation spots in South Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

By Erin Gifford from Go Hike Virginia

Virginia Beach is an ideal Southeast vacation destination for those who love surfing, beaches, bike trails, state parks, and vibrantly-colored murals. It’s a delight to order up a scoop of sorbet at Lolly’s and stroll the three-mile length of paved boardwalk.

Walk the ViBe Creative District to see dozens of colorful murals, including the “Greetings from Virginia Beach” mural at The Beach Bully on 19th Street. You’ll find dozens of murals, some that take over entire exterior walls of buildings across this fun-loving beach town.

Spend the day at False Cape State Park . Take the Blue Goose Tram in to walk the trails or bike in to pedal all across this coastal state park. A selfie with the red, yellow, and black “ Southernmost Virginia State Park ” buoy at the visitor center is an absolute must while at the park. Visit in early spring when there are fewer bugs or in summer to splash in the salty waves.

Settle in for the night at the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel , which is just steps from the beach at the north end of the boardwalk. Enjoy an outdoor pool, as well as waterfront dining at the on-site Fusion Restaurant . The hotel is also a short walk from the 34-foot-tall statue of King Neptune at the 31st Street beach entrance.

You can also book a cottage near the beach or an oceanfront condo.

Boone, North Carolina

By Lanie from Make More Adventures

A small mountain town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, Boone is a popular vacation destination, especially during the summer and fall.

Boone is known for its outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, skiing down nearby Beech and Sugar Mountains, and hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is home to Mile High Swinging Bridge , the highest suspension footbridge in the US. Grandfather Mountain has gorgeous hikes for every level and camping sites for those who are completing overnight hikes.

Every small town needs a general store, and Mast General Store does not disappoint. Clothing, food, home goods, and gifts are just some of the items that can be found at the general store on King Street.

Lots of breweries and wineries are located in and around Boone , with tasting rooms, outdoor seating, and delicious food options. Daniel Boone Inn is Boone’s most famous restaurant, with meals served family-style. King Street , across from Appalachian State University, offers many options for meals, from soups, sandwiches, and salads at Our Daily Bread to Southern options at Vidalia or pay what you can at F.A.R.M. Cafe .

Boone has many options for chain hotels downtown, plus bed and breakfasts such as Lovill House , or boutique hotels such as The Horton Hotel . You’ll also find many vacation rentals for all budgets.

Boone is the perfect place to explore, enjoy nature, and just enjoy the mountain views and relax.

Savannah, Georgia 

By Ada from Beyond the Yellow Brick Blog: A Travel Blog 

Known for its beauty and walkability, Savannah, GA makes a perfect weekend destination in the Southeast . As America’s first planned city, the small city was deliberately designed around green common areas. Depending on how you count, Savannah boasts 22 – 25 green squares in its historic downtown. 

However, Savannah offers a lot more than just Spanish-moss draped streets and spaces. During your visit, you’ll definitely want to do a walking tour to learn about the city’s complex history . Free Savannah Walking Tours offers an excellent 1.5-hour tour that doesn’t shy away from the unsavory details of Savannah’s storied past.

Tour at least one historic house – such as the Owens-Thomas House – during your visit to learn about antebellum living in Savannah.

You’ll find shopping opportunities galore on both Broughton and River Streets . As the largest container ship port in America, you can watch ships of all sizes cruise up the Savannah River. If you want to do some cruising yourself, hop aboard the Georgia Queen riverboat.

For the best of both Savannah’s historic downtown and River Street stay at the Olde Harbour Inn . Located in a converted River Street warehouse , Olde Harbour Inn provides comfortable suites as well as a friendly staff and nightly wine happy hour. The inn is accessed from Factors Walk, a cobblestone thoroughfare known for its beautiful wrought-iron skywalks overhead.

Alternatively, you can rent a historic vacation townhome right in the heart of the historic district.

With its temperate climate, you can have a pleasant visit to Savannah any time of year , although most tourists prefer to visit in the spring or autumn to avoid summer heat. 

Chattanooga, Tennessee

By Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a fantastic hidden gem vacation spot in the Southeast United States. Despite being a relatively small city, there is a lot to see and do with a weekend in Chattanooga!

You may have heard the song, the Chattanooga Choo Choo, and sure enough, Chattanooga is known for its historical importance in the rail industry. Today, you can visit the old Terminal Station , which is now restored into a hotel. Or, you can ride a historic train at the Tennessee Valley Railway Museum , which they call a “living museum.” 

There are many fun activities around the Tennessee River, which cuts through the middle of downtown. You can walk across the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge , hang out at Coolidge Park or walk the Riverwalk Parkway , go kayaking on the river , or cool off at the unique splash pad at The Passage.  

Make sure you head up to Lookout Mountain for the sunset. Sunset Rock is a popular place, but any west-facing area of Point Park (a historical Civil War monument on Lookout Mountain) is a great spot, too!

Spring and fall are definitely the best times to visit, while the weather is pleasant and before the oppressive heat and humidity of summer set in. 

The Read House in downtown is one of the best places to stay in town. This hotel is set up in an old, historic building, and the details in the lobby are beautiful. You can also book a vacation rental.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

By Kim from The Traveling Swansons

Gatlinburg is a mountain town and gateway to the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park making it one of the best destinations in Tennessee . Since Gatlinburg is located next to the Smoky Mountains, you have beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, and amazing waterfalls all within a close distance.

Gatlinburg is perfect for a vacation destination in the Southeast because there are a wide variety of activities for families, couples, or friends.  Along the parkway in Gatlinburg, you will find many restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Take in beautiful views by riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift and then walking across Skybridge , the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America!  Visit Anakeesta , where you can take in more incredible views, shop, dine, zipline, and walk the treetop bridges.

The best and most popular times to visit Gatlinburg are in the fall and summer. Fall is a popular time because the town is beautifully decorated for the season and the leaves turn a beautiful red, yellow, and orange color.

Summer is a great time because the weather is warm and perfect for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Greystone Lodge On the River is a great hotel to stay in while visiting Gatlinburg. The location is perfect for walking to Gatlinburg’s best attractions. It is also located on the Little Pigeon River. Get a room with a balcony to enjoy the beauty and sounds of the river!

You can also rent a vacation rental , you’ll find plenty of charming cottages with stunning mountain views.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

By Anna from Stuck on the Go

Outdoor activities, cute small towns, and gorgeous views make Shenandoah National Park one of the best vacation spots in the Southeast.

The most popular activity in the park is hiking. Old Rag is the most iconic hike here but also the most difficult. Stony Man, Doyles River Falls, and Hawksbill are all some of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park .

Don’t worry if hiking isn’t your thing because there are plenty of overlooks where you can pull off of Skyline Drive to stop and enjoy the view. Bring a picnic to make it extra special.

While you are road tripping down Skyline Drive, stop in the towns of Front Royal, Luray, Sperryville, or Elkton for some small-town charm.

You can also kayak at Shenandoah River State Park , check out Luray Caverns , or visit the wineries of the Shenandoah Valley .

Many people love visiting Shenandoah in the fall for the beautiful colors but spring and summer are great times to visit as well. Waterfalls will be gushing full force in the spring and the cooler mountain temperatures are nice in the summer. Winter brings many amenity closures.

Cell phone service is very spotty on Skyline Drive so make sure you look up hours for any locations you want to visit and either download a portion of Google Maps or bring a paper map with you.

If you plan on doing any hiking you’ll want to wear good shoes – preferably hiking boots – and think about bringing trekking poles. The terrain is very rocky and many trails are steep.

Camping in the National Par k is fun and you are close to the trailheads as soon as you wake up. If you want something a little nicer then you can stay at Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge , or book a vacation rental.

There are also many bed & breakfasts in Luray, VA which is a good middle point of the park.

Asheville, North Carolina

By Carrie from Trains, Planes and Tuktuks

With easy access to the highest mountains in the East , some of the wildest rivers in America, and one of the top food and beer scenes in the region, Asheville has something for every traveler.

Hikers, paddlers, and mountain bikers will find limitless outdoor adventure possibilities around Asheville. The city is within an hour of two national parks, three national forests, half a dozen state parks, and wilderness areas galore. You can be on a wilderness trail within 10 minutes of downtown in any direction.

When your muscles get sore, relax in the natural hot springs 30 minutes from town, or on the beach at Lake Powhatan right in the city.

Not a hiker? You can still get spectacular views driving the Blue Ridge Parkway , which cuts right through town. Take it up to Mount Mitchell State Park for a short, wheelchair-friendly walk to the highest summit east of the Mississippi.

If you’re more of an urbanite, West Asheville’s street art scene, the River Arts District’s quirky galleries, top-notch bluegrass shows at the Grey Eagle, and the gardens at the Biltmore Estate will keep you occupied for days. Shop local all over downtown while you check out the art deco architecture. And don’t miss a mountain sunset from a rooftop bar like Capella on 9 or Hemingway’s Cuba.

Asheville is a year-round travel destination , but the peak seasons are July-August and October . You’ll have a more pleasant visit if you avoid weekends during these months. Whenever you visit, expect lots of rain.

The best place to stay in Asheville is the Lion and the Rose B&B. This mid-range guesthouse offers superb breakfasts and stylish rooms in the Montford Historic District, a few minutes’ walk from downtown. You can also check out the vacation rentals , either in the downtown area to be near everything or a bit outside for stunning views.

Sanibel and Captiva Island, Florida

By Lori from Naples Florida Travel Blog

One of the best vacation spots in the southeast US is Sanibel and Captiva Island , Florida, for so many reasons: if ever there were a destination for every kind of vacation and every kind of traveler, this tropical destination is it.

Located in southwest Florida off the coast of Fort Myers, the island of Sanibel, together with its sister island of Captiva, are two of the most pristine and still unspoiled barrier islands of Florida , though the two are separated only by a small bridge.

There’s just one way on and off the island, which creates an exclusive and remote island feel right from the start. Both Sanibel and Captiva are uniquely different depending on what type of vacation you’re seeking, although both offer families and couples alike a laid-back atmosphere with small-town charm that’s not easy to find in Florida.

Hands down, the biggest reason visitors flock here are the white sand beaches and the tons of beautiful seashells that wash ashore every hour of every day.

Nature can be found everywhere on and off the island, and cycling the bike paths that stretch the entire length of the island or kayaking in the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge are the best ways to immerse yourself in it. Many visitors also take boat tours to surrounding smaller islands to spend the day on deserted beaches all to themselves.

The best time of year to visit Sanibel and Captiva are the winter months of December through March, though the crowds can be overwhelming. Waiting until the shoulder season of April through June offers the same lovely weather with fewer crowds.

As for where to stay, the Sundial Beach and Tennis Resort is a great option for both families and couples. Otherwise, book a vacation rental near the beach.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina

By Cosette Karsmakers from KarsTravels.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the states of Virginia and North Carolina. It winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains and there are 469 miles of road to enjoy . It’s a perfect vacation destination in the Southeast for everyone that loves road trips . There are beautiful views at every turn.

There are numerous overlooks , perfect to enjoy endless views and to watch the sunset . The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must for people who love hiking and to chase waterfalls.

The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in the North with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the South. Both parks are worth your time, so add them to your vacation. Other attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway are Grandfather Mountain, Natural Bridge State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park . And there’s more you can do, have a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, you won’t get bored.

All year long is perfect for the parkway, but Fall with the colors of Fall foliage is extra perfect.

The Fancy Gap Cabins has beautiful views of the mountains. Another great option is the Best Western Asheville . For a retro motel experience, stay at the Buena Vista Motel in the town of Buena Vista.

Nashville, Tennessee

By Alicia from Travels With The Crew

There is so much to do in Nashville! It is a great place to visit to get a taste of Country music and Rock and Roll . If you are a music lover you’re sure to find something to do!

While in Nashville take a tour of the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame , and learn how to country line dance!

The Ryman is what helped make Nashville Tennessee what it is today. When the Ryman was built in 1892 it became known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” and was home to some of the greatest country music entertainers.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a museum that has all kinds of memorabilia from famous country singers and bands throughout the decades . It also houses costumes, records, awards, instruments, sheet music, films, photographs, letters, and other artifacts. Follow the yellow footsteps to find your way around this museum!    

The Wildhorse Saloon is a fun place to visit if you are interested in line dancing. The saloon has a dance floor that is large enough for hundreds of your new friends and line dancing lessons take place every evening.   

Nashville is such a fun town and you will find something amazing to do while you are there.

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is truly gorgeous and one of the best accommodation options in town. This hotel contains 9 acres of gardens that surround several hotels and restaurants. You will also find plenty of vacation rentals available around town.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky

By Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bag

One of the best vacation spots in the Southeast is Natural Bridge State Resort Park located near Stanton Kentucky . It is enough off the beaten path, that you can truly get some hiking and nature exploring in, and truly enjoy some time off the grid.

You could visit anytime, but the summer months have more recreational options than the colder months. The Natural Bridge is a carved sandstone arch and is 65 feet high. The park is 2,300 acres and is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, which has even more trails to explore.

The park offers some great things to do, during the summer months there is a sky lift you can ride up to the top of the Natural Bridge . Once at the top you can wander, take some pictures and enjoy all the views.

You can also rent kayaks and canoes, or go miniature golfing .

There are 10 trails from super easy to more moderate trails. The Balancing Rock is worth the time to get to, and the path has quite a few steep steps up, but it is totally worth the effort.

Exploring the Red River Gorge area is a must, there is an adorable coffee shop the Daniel Boone Coffee Shop that offers non-dairy milk options. The Red River Rockhouse has some great food options.

Hands down the best hotel option is Dome Town which is this awesome combo of treehouses and dome homes . You can also rent a cabin in the woods for an incredible stay!

New Orleans, Louisiana

By Denise of Chef Denise

New Orleans is undoubtedly one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S . Known for its Mardi Gras festivities, jazz music, Creole and Cajun cuisines, and bayous, NOLA celebrates its own unique culture. The city motto “laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “let the good times roll,” pretty much sums it up.

Visiting the French Quarter should be at the top of your New Orleans bucket list .  Stroll the streets of this historic neighborhood and admire the gorgeous structures with ornate iron balconies built in the 1700s. Don’t miss Jackson Square with its lush park and America’s oldest cathedral, the St. Louis Cathedral . Walk down the famous Bourbon Street where music plays all day, but only truly comes alive at night.

You can spend your whole vacation in the French Quarter, but if you have the time, venture out to the Garden District . Ride the St. Charles Avenue streetcar , admire the old mansions, and peak in at Lafayette cemetery known for its elaborate above-ground crypts. 

Two of the most popular things to do in New Orleans include plantation tours and swamp tours (you can also combine both in one day trip ), both are worthwhile. Plantation tours dive into the history of slavery in the area. Swamp tours explore the bayous draped in mossy trees where you’ll hope to spot alligators in their natural environment.

New Orleans boasts the largest museum in Louisiana, the National World War II Museum . Take time to watch one of the museum highlights, Tom Hank’s production, Beyond All Boundaries.

A city that truly has something for everyone, you can easily spend a week in New Orleans. Stay in or around the French Quarter and you’ll be close to most attractions. Try the New Orleans Marriot , some rooms have views of the Mississippi River, or book a vacation rental .

Visit during the spring to avoid the summer’s extreme heat and hurricane season, June through November. 

Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina

By Candice from CS Ginger

One of the best vacation destinations in the Southeast is Hunting Island State Park . It is a small island just off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. There is a beautiful beach there that has been named as one of the top ten beaches in the country.

The highlight of the island is the Hunting Island State Park Beach. It is a beautiful beach with miles of coast to enjoy. Be sure to visit at low tide to look for shells on the beach.

Another fun thing to do there is to climb the lighthouse . There are 167 steps to the top and kids have to be 4’4” to climb. Admission is $2 per person.

The best place to stay on Hunting Island is at the campground . It is just off the beach and has both tent and RV campsites. It is such a fun place to camp on the beach. The campsite has 102 RV spots with power and water. Also, in the campground, you will find a playground, a small store, and bathroom facilities.

If you do not want to camp, the closest hotel is the Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort . You’ll also find many oceanfront cottages and apartments nearby.

Keep in mind that it is a small island with limited amenities. There are not any restaurants or grocery stores on the island , so it is a good idea to bring your lunches and snacks with you. If you find yourself in a bind, you can pick up limited supplies like sunscreen, snacks, and drinks at the Lighthouse Gift Shop .

Lafayette, Louisiana

By Marquita from Marquita’s Travels

If you’re a lover of good food and history, then Lafayette, LA is one of the best vacation spots in the Southeast . As a midpoint between Houston and New Orleans, Lafayette is a short 2 to 3-hour road trip from either location. 

Touring a cultural museum is a must-do while in Lafayette. Both Vermilionville and Acadian Village will transport you back to the life and culture of the 18th century . The experience includes the various homes, music, and history of that time- including learning how they made their garments, prepared their food, and educated their children.

Similarly, downtown Lafayette is a must-visit . It’s such a cute and quaint area with various restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Scratch Farm Kitchen is a wonderful restaurant that offers delicious, fresh food. Down the street, you can find Pop’s Poboys , which is home to one of Louisiana’s staple cuisines, Poboys is a French bread sandwich filled with the yumminess of your choice. 

Also located downtown is The Mouton Plantation Bed & Breakfast . Originally built in 1820, this B&B embodies both history and beauty. In addition, every morning you will experience an authentic cajun breakfast. And if you’re lucky, you may catch a live Zydeco performance.

You’ll also find plenty of historic houses available as vacation rentals that will make for a perfect getaway.

You can get more details on things to do in Lafayette here .

St. Augustine, Florida

By Mary from Calculated Traveller

St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming city perfect for any type of visitor. Known as the oldest occupied city in the US, visitors of all ages will love the romance and history of the centuries-old buildings and hidden courtyards throughout the city .

Families will love seeing history come to life as they learn about life in the past through the eyes of actors dressed in period costumes at attractions such as the Old Jail, the Oldest School House, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

Old Town St Augustine is easily walkable, especially if you stay within the historic district. The stunning St George Inn is one of the top-rated boutique hotels in town. Located near Fort Castillo San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter , the St George Inn places you steps away from everything. With suites situated on the second floor above St George Street , you can watch all the action from the comfort of your balcony.

With a vibrant food and drink scene, foodies should plan a tour and, of course, a tasting at St Augustine Distillery, Whetstone Chocolates, and San Sabastian Wine.

Sun worshippers will be happy to hear that St Augustine has plenty of beautiful beaches and boasts 42 miles of shoreline just waiting for you to relax the day away. An excellent option for nature lovers and budget travelers would be to camp right by the beach at nearby Anastasia State Park.  

Read more about St Augustine here .

Pensacola, Florida

By Tavia from Big Brave Nomad

Pensacola is one of the best vacation spots in the Southeast United States . It is located on Florida’s panhandle and is home to the iconic Emerald Coast .

While Pensacola Beach brings the clear blue water and powdery white sand, Pensacola proper is rich in history and is arguably the oldest settlement in the United States.

Since its creation, Pensacola has been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States gaining the name “City of Five Flags.” No matter if you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover; Pensacola has everything you want!

Downtown Pensacola offers a plethora of family-friendly dining including the famous Jacos on the Bayfront, McGuires, and Five Sisters Blues Café.

For entertainment, snag tickets to one of the Blue Wahoos games , climb the Pensacola Light House , watch a Blue Angels practice or show, explore Fort Pickens , relax on the most beautiful beaches in the USA (make sure to check out Navarre Beach !), rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboards , or even walk the nature trails in Big Lagoon State Park .

The absolute best place to stay in Pensacola is right on Pensacola Beach at Margaritaville Beach Hotel; they have amazing food, a zero-entry beachfront pool, private beach access, and covered parking. You can also book a vacation rental near the beach.

Don’t forget to document your Pensacola memories with a photo at the famous Pensacola Postcard!

Orange Beach, Alabama

By Nikki from She Saves She Travels

One of the best vacation destinations in the Southeast is Orange Beach, Alabama. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches , it’s a spot full of southern charm that will steal your heart.

There’s a variety of activities in Orange Beach for every travel style. Visit one of the best state parks in the region, Gulf State Park, go mini-golfing, or take a Segway tour . For more fun, be sure to enjoy a dolphin tour, take a pottery class, dine at one of the many amazing restaurants, or of course, hang out on the beach.

One of the town’s best attractions is The Wharf Orange Beach . Shop till you drop, enjoy water-front dining, or ride the largest Ferris Wheels in the Southeast. Enjoy it on a rainy day or when you need a break from the beach. 

The best time of year to visit Orange Beach is really anytime! If you’re looking to swim in the Gulf of Mexico, then April – October is the right time for you. Keep in mind hurricane season is June – November. Peak travel season is the summer, when you’ll see the biggest crowds. 

If you’re looking to stay right on the water, the Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach has phenomenal views. The Springhill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf has a pool and views of the marina – or book a vacation rental for added convenience.

Whether you’re into nature or beaches, active vacations or relaxing, you’ll love spending time in Orange Beach, Alabama!

Outer Banks, North Carolina

By Julia from The Cure of Curiosity

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach location full of history, nature-focused activities, and relaxation , head to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Here you’ll find over 100 miles of shoreline with extensive beaches , as well as a number of activities to keep you busy during days you don’t want to spend at the beach! 

In fact, there are a lot of amazing activities in the Outer Banks . You won’t want to miss finding the wild horses at the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge , learning the history of flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial , or climbing the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park!  

You can also visit the famous Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the picturesque Currituck Beach and Cape Hatteras lighthouses to admire more of the coastline.

Plan to visit in the early fall if you want to avoid the summer crowds but still have warm beach days with swimmable water. It’s also the opportune time to get a better deal on the many rental houses and condos in the area. 

Alternatively, there are some amazing hotels to check out, like the fabulous Sanderling Resort in Duck, NC.

By staying in Duck, you can catch the sunset on the Duck boardwalk and grab dinner at some of the fabulous restaurants overlooking the water.   Not to mention, you’ll be close enough to grab the renowned Duck Donuts for breakfast!

With so many fun areas and things to do, it’s a vacation destination that will bring you back again and again.

Charleston, South Carolina

By Theresa from Fueled By Wanderlust

Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful destination for a vacation in the southeastern United States . This elegant, colorful city offers lots of southern charm with its wide porches, tall church spires, and narrow alleyways. Visitors to Charleston can enjoy the awesome food scene, various historical sights, and long sandy beaches.

Charleston’s beauty is one of the biggest reasons to vacation in this cosmopolitan southern city. There is street after street filled with gorgeous pastel historical homes that seem straight out of a magazine. One of the most famous examples is the highly photographed Rainbow Row , which is a short stretch of brightly painted homes on E Bay Street .

As Charleston was founded in 1670, this is the perfect city for history lovers. Immerse yourself in Charleston’s past by taking a walking tour, visiting Fort Sumter, or browsing the Historic City Market . 

You could even stay at a historic inn, like John Rutledge House . 

In addition, visitors with a car should drive out to one of the nearby plantations , like Drayton Hall or Middleton Place . A plantation tour provides an even more robust overview of how Charleston was built and acquired wealth via the slave trade.

Charleston is ideal in spring when the flowers are in full bloom.  Fall is another popular time to visit , with cooler temperatures making the city more comfortable to explore. 

Many couples also visit Charleston as a romantic getaway over Valentine’s Day, or in summer when nearby beaches like the Isle of Palms become irresistible. No matter when you visit, be sure to immerse yourself in Charleston’s foodie scene at restaurants like FIG, Husk, and R. Kitchen .

Check out some of our other USA travel guides :

• 16 Best Family Beach Vacation Spots in the United States
• Best places to visit in the USA during Christmas
• Best US National Parks to visit in summer
• 30 best couple vacations and romantic getaways in the US 
• Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

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12 Family-Friendly Vacation Spots In The South

There's no easing into summer in the South . By the time the final school bell rings, it's already blazing hot outside and the kids are itching for adventure. Don't let the opportunity for togetherness slip away: Pack up your crew, and make some memories with a trip to one of the many family-friendly spots across the South. Although the beach is the obvious hot-weather destination (and we have one of those on this list!), there are plenty of other places that will spark your kiddos' imaginations, whether they want to learn, relax, or explore—or all three.

To compile this list of quintessential Southern experiences, we surveyed our staff's travel experts; drove from Texas to Florida to Maryland; and gleaned tips from teens, moms, and dads. You'll enjoy taking your little music lovers to Memphis and New Orleans or seeing your budding history buffs hit their stride in Williamsburg, Virginia , or Montgomery, Alabama. Or even tackling Disney World. Wherever you land for your family vacation , we guarantee the time together—yes, even the long car ride—will be worth the planning.

Do Disney the Right Way

Orlando, Florida

Even if you're not inclined toward crowds, don't dismiss Walt Disney World Resort outright. With four parks to explore, there's no shortage of options for family fun, which, of course, can be both wonderful and overwhelming. Some tips to make the most of your trip: First, wait until your children are at least six years old to visit, and before you go, use the Disney Genie (part of the My Disney Adventure app) to plan your attack on the parks. Make sure to book character meals in advance; you can do so up to two months before your first day.

1375 E. Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830, disneyworld.disney.go.com

Soak in Sun Studio

Memphis, Tennessee

Sidle up to the microphone where U2's Bono recorded vocals on Rattle and Hum . At least that's how you sell Sun Studio to your kids. The truth? You're aching to introduce them to the roots of Southern music. C'mon, this is where the King got his start! While in town, swing by Graceland and check out Elvis and Priscilla's over-the-top wardrobes. Less than a mile away from Sun Studio is the legendary Peabody Hotel , where you can enjoy a historic stay and watch the resident ducks waddle through the lobby twice a day.

706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103, sunstudio.com

Visit an Authentic Crab Shack

Annapolis, Maryland

Fresh blue crabs are an iconic Southern food, right up there with barbecue and sweet tea. For the freshest, head to Maryland. We like Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis, which has been around for more than 40 years and offers fresh catch all year. If you don't mind a two-hour diversion, make your way to Crisfield, Maryland, where you can race crabs during the National Hard Crab Derby over Labor Day weekend.

458 Forest Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21409, cantlers.com

Ride an Old-Timey Streetcar

New Orleans, Louisiana

If a minivan is your normal mode of transportation, the New Orleans streetcar will leave your little ones enthralled. (Stops are scattered throughout downtown.) Take one of the old-fashioned cars to the zoo and aquarium, or just hitch a ride to enjoy the views from one of the four routes (including a trip through the French Quarter). You'll love the chance to see the historic homes, and your kids will love the Komodo dragons at the zoo and the white alligator at the aquarium. Fun fact: These cars are the inspiration behind A Streetcar Named Desire.

Take a Colorful River Cruise

San Antonio, Texas

Sure, you know about the River Walk in San Antonio. But walking isn't necessarily the best way to appreciate the city. Take in the Spanish-inspired architecture by water with a boat tour. Your kids will thrill at the brightly colored boats (which look straight out of Encanto); you'll enjoy one of the 35-minute narrated tours, led by a San Antonio local.

Ticket booths: 706, 731, or 809 River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205, goriocruises.com

Ride a Horse on the Beach

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Kids love horses. They also love the beach. So why not combine both? On a trip to Georgia's Jekyll Island, arrange a horseback outing with Golden Isles Carriage and Trails at Three Oaks Farm. When the Spanish moss-draped forests open up to reveal the beach and the vast Atlantic blue against the horizon, you'll hear only one word from your kid: "Wow!" Only in the South can you ride horses on a pristine beach that's been home to English settlers, French landowners, and turn-of-the-century American elite.

2 Clam Creek Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, threeoaksfarm.org

See Rock City

Lookout Mountain, Georgia

If you've been anywhere in the Southeast, you've seen the words painted on barns and birdhouses: See Rock City. Heed the advice. This kitschy attraction atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee , exemplifies our region's quirky sense of humor. (Where else would anybody think to name a narrow cave Fat Man's Squeeze and charge admission?) But it also showcases its breathtaking beauty. Your kids can see seven states, stand under a waterfall, and take a walk through a cavern full of glowing gnome statues. There's nothing high-def or virtual reality about it. Rock City is just pure, simple fun.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, seerockcity.com

Watch the Blue Angels Soar

Pensacola, Florida

The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, performs unforgettable practice air shows in Pensacola on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June through November. Seeing these jets twist, turn, and roll with the synchronicity of a dance troupe is mind-boggling at any age. Following the Wednesday practices, request pilots' autographs at the National Naval Aviation Museum , which shares a home with the Angels. To attend the 55-minute practices, someone in your party must have a Department of Defense I.D. card.

1750 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32508, blueangels.navy.mil

Conduct a Museum Scavenger Hunt

Washington, D.C.

Our nation's capital also happens to be a cultural mecca. Turn sightseeing into a scavenger hunt with three prime stops: First, head to Washington National Cathedral , and instruct your kids to find the carved Darth Vader grotesque, added in the 1980s. (Hint: It's in the building's northwest corner.) Then tell them to touch a piece of the moon at the National Air and Space Museum . The last item: the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz , now at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History . The first one to find all three wins a souvenir from mom and dad from our favorite kids' museum in the city: the International Spy Museum .

Cathedral starting point: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Travel to the Colonial Era

Williamsburg, Virginia

At Colonial Williamsburg, your kids can see every key player in 18th-century Southern society, and they can get in on the act, too. Here, educational experiences are masked as interactive entertainment as your kiddos try their hand at historic trades, from bookbinding and bricklaying to carpentry and engraving. Conclude your visit with a carriage ride through the historic downtown.

101 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185, colonialwilliamsburg.org

Learn About Civil Rights

Montgomery, Alabama

As the seat of the Civil Rights movement, Montgomery will always be remembered for the work of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. Pass that history onto the next generation with a visit to the Southern Poverty Law Center's Civil Rights Memorial, designed by Maya Lin. Inside the museum, take a journey through the Civil Rights Movement and show your kids what it took to bring about lasting change in our country.

400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, splcenter.org

Take to Space

Huntsville, Alabama

Let your kids' imaginations run wild at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville (which we have named the South's best museum ). They can explore the outer bounds of the universe via interactive exhibits that put them in the shoes of astronauts. And they'll love the rush of simulators like the Multi-Axis Trainer, which mimics the feeling of swirling through space, as well as the G-Force Accelerator and Moon Shoot, which recreate the feeling of a rocket launch. Don't forget to introduce them to freeze-dried ice cream.

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, rocketcenter.com

The Age-Appropriate Travel Guide

At what age should you take your kids to New Orleans? Or Disney World? Here are our recommendations.

Ages 3-5: New Orleans streetcar, Blue Angels, River Walk Ages 6-8: Walt Disney World Resort, Rock City, Colonial Williamsburg Ages 9-12: Horseback riding, Sun Studio, D.C.'s museums, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Ages 13-15: Blue crabs, Civil Rights Memorial Center

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17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

From the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry, and from the music of Nashville to the food scene of New Orleans, there is no shortage of wonderful options when looking for the best southern USA road trip itineraries.

I’ve been taking road trips in the south for my entire life, crisscrossing across the southeast USA visiting cities, towns, national parks, beaches, marshes, and beyond.

And yet, even after all that time, there are still plenty of southern road trip routes on my wish list.

In order to give perspectives beyond my own, I asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite road trips in the south, and the result is a road trip bucket list that would take even the most dedicated road-tripper years to complete!

From weeks-long deep south road trip itineraries to quick weekend getaways, these southeast US road trip ideas cover an enormous variety of landscapes and interests.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, we have a southern USA road trip itinerary here for you!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southeast USA Road Trip

Deep south usa road trip itinerary ideas, other multi-state southern usa road trip routes, more single-state southeast road trip itineraries.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Ideally, take your southern road trip in the spring or fall.

While you can technically take all of these southern USA road trips year-round, the south’s notoriously brutal summer means that it’s best to avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can (unless you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, of course).

Winter, depending on the location, can be gray and rainy, but can also be a joyous time to visit cities, towns, and mountains that see far less tourism in the winter (but don’t underestimate the possibility of snow in the mountains, either: it may be the south, but the Smokies still get snow!).

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your US south road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars  for your southern USA road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Don’t underestimate the south’s national parks!

The wide-open spaces and epic landscapes of the American West are often the typical images conjured up when imagining the USA’s national parks–but the south has plenty to offer, as well!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country, and its gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping waterfalls are well worth exploring.

Other southern national parks to consider adding to your road trip through the south include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in South Florida, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina–just to name a few!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a deep south road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US south is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more beach or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

From Charles of US Gulf Coast Travel

One of the best scenic coastal drives in the United States is the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 90 / Beach Boulevard) in  Coastal Mississippi , where for 11 glorious miles there is nothing between you and the soft sugar sand and Gulf of Mexico water.

The most awe-inspiring section of the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is from Henderson Point Beach to the Port of Gulfport Mississippi.

Drive this portion, or this entire road trip, in either direction, but we suggest west to east because you are closer to the water.

Start this road trip after an overnight in Bay St Louis or New Orleans (55 miles away).

In Bay St Louis, fuel up at Mockingbird Cafe (try their pulled pork and grits) or Serious Bakery (superb chicken salad).

Drive across the iconic St. Louis Bay Bridge and your senses will activate and heighten with your first Gulf and sand view.

Stop as often as you want because parking is free!

The coastal drive continues through Gulfport and into Biloxi.

Visit the new Mississippi Aquarium, stroll the Biloxi Beach Boardwalk, and eat at White Pillars or The Blind Tiger.

After crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, make time to explore the wonderful small town of Ocean Springs.

Stroll the gorgeous oak-lined Washington Avenue, stop at Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and eat at Vestige.

Highway 90 continues through Pascagoula (Jimmy Buffett’s birthplace) and into Mobile, Alabama, where you can turn around and complete this classic deep south road trip again.

Driving Distance

Bay St Louis to Pascagoula is 50 miles. New Orleans to Pascagoula is 107 miles and it is another 35 miles to Mobile, Alabama.

Recommended Road Trip Length

You can drive this coastal scenic drive in a couple of hours but we suggest allowing three or more days to fully experience the spectacular sugar sand, seafood, sunsets, and small beach towns of Coastal Mississippi.

Alabama Black Belt Road Trip

From Lori of Southerner Says

A road trip through the Black Belt region of Alabama is one of the best southern USA road trips around.

Named for the dark fertile soil of the region, the Alabama Black Belt is made up of twenty-three states across central and south Alabama.

This part of Alabama is the place where significant law-changing history was made, where literary giants were born, and is home to some of the best food that can be found in the United States.

For first-time visitors or someone flying in, there’s no better way to start an Alabama southern road trip than by including the capital –  Montgomery.

Plan on visiting important civil rights sites and the renowned Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Next, drive west approximately fifty miles to Selma, Alabama on Highway 80.

This route is the same route as the important Selma to Montgomery march for voters’ rights that took place in 1965.

See the places that put this small town on the map and made it crucial in the civil rights movement.

Walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, eat locally caught catfish, and sleep in a hotel that was built in 1837 . 

After saying a farewell to Selma, drive county backroads approximately seventy miles to the literary capital of the south.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird and Truman Capote – Breakfast at Tiffany’s were childhood friends in the south.

They both grew up in Monroeville, Alabama – the next stop on this southern road trip. Take a walk around the charming downtown square to spot murals that pay tribute to these well-known books and authors.

From Monroeville, it’s easy to hop on Interstate-65 north to return to Montgomery or take the scenic route for a few more towns and sites on your southern road trip.

Driving Distance 

Recommended road trip length  .

This itinerary would be good for a weekend or long weekend.

Since the Alabama Black Belt is a rather large region there is an abundance of small towns and sites that can be added to a southern road trip.

Visitors could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Mississippi’s Highway 61 (Blues Trail)

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

A road trip from Memphis to New Orleans down Mississippi’s Highway 61 is rich in music history; and the inevitable river lore that pervades a road trip running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi.

In true road trip style, the road itself is part of the fun of the journey.  

Highway 61 is long and flat and often sits higher than the fields and levees below it.  It is punctuated by quaint southern churches, glimpses of the Mississippi River, and cities rich in blues history. 

Enjoy visiting one of the legendary ‘juke joints’ in  Clarksdale, Mississippi .  

If there is one stop on the road trip to learn about the history of blues music in the area, it’s Clarksdale.  

Visit the Devil’s Crossroads, the Delta Blues Museum, and many more Blues Trail plaques.

Your next stop is Vicksburg.  Brimming with Civil War history, Vicksburg mixes reverence with rejuvenation.  

Pay your respects to meaningful Civil War history, but then enjoy a day spa and quality craft brewpub experience.

Natchez sits on an important bluff on a bend in the Mississippi River with a long history.  

The historic district of Natchez Under-the-Hill has a prime position along the river and was once famous for gambling and river pirates.  

Nowadays it’s a cute place to see the Mighty Mississippi and have lunch in one of the historic buildings.

End your road trip in the vibrant and magnetic city of New Orleans .

Driving Distance  

It takes around 9 hours of non-stop driving time from Memphis to New Orleans, but with time spent in the stops above it would suit a 5–7-day road trip.  

Plan a bit longer if you want to spend time in both Memphis and New Orleans before and after this deep south road trip experience.

Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the fabulous road trips in the southeastern USA travels along the historic coastal corridors of Georgia to South Carolina, finishing in Charleston.

From the Georgia border to Florida, the major artery is Hwy 95, you’ll pass through so many historic and recreational sites along the way to make this a few days or even a longer visit depending on how many places you want to see and experience.

Some of the cool and historic places to visit in Georgia include St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Brunswich and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island , Tybee Island , and Savannah .

Places to explore around South Carolina’s southern coastline from Savannah include Hilton Head, Beaufort, Edisto Island, and Charleston.

Each of these areas caters to historic sites or recreation getaways that are fun to explore when you have more time to visit each area on this road trip.

Even though you can go directly on Hwy 95 from the Georgia border all the way to South Carolina, it’s the small detour expressways and backcountry roads that will give you a better insight into visiting some of these gems in the region.  

If you only have a few days or longer then the major cities of Savannah and Charleston are memorable cities to prioritize to experience the local lifestyles foods that you’ll enjoy on this southern road trip experience.

Savannah, with its historic squares, fabulous architecture, and historic district that remains intact includes so much to see, do and experience around the historic center of the city.

Charleston on the other hand is more compact and walkable with a tighter historic district to enjoy and explore on your own or with some tour operator sharing the main attractions to see in town.

It’s 107 miles to drive straight from Savannah to Charleston.

If you’re focusing on Savannah and Charleston, 5 days is a comfortable length for this USA southern road trip itinerary.

Add additional days for each city, small town, or island that you’d like to visit.

The Classic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Route

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is such an unimaginably epic USA road trip, that veterans almost envy people who are experiencing it for the first time.

There are a lot of reasons it’s the #1 most visited unit in the US National Park system (with more than 15 million annual visitors), including 200 jaw-dropping BRP overlooks that offer stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and provide access to the region’s most incredible hiking trails, landmarks, mountain towns, and waterfalls.

Designed as part of FDR’s New Deal to protect American wilderness and provide jobs in the wake of the Great Depression, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began back in 1935.

Most of the scenic route was completed by 1966, but the popular 8-mile stretch around the iconic Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (including the engineering marvel known as the Linn Cove Viaduct) wasn’t finished until 1987.

The BRP is the longest linear park in the country, taking travelers through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests.

So naturally, there are a lot of exciting things to do along the way. 

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, with lots of challenging hiking trails and a relatively easy paved path to the observation platform at the summit.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is also home to epic hiking trails (including several with ladders to climb massive boulders), and the neighboring Grandfather Mountain attraction is home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a small zoo featuring native North Carolina animals, and myriad picnic areas. 

Virginia’s Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the region’s many historical attractions.

There’s very little commercial development along the Parkway, with only a few hotels and resorts (including the historic Switzerland Inn in  Little Switzerland NC ,  and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford VA).

But part of the fun is exploring some of the charming little mountain towns along the way, including Cherokee, Blowing Rock, and Boone in NC, and Bedford, Lexington, and Waynesboro in VA.

You could drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in as little as 15-16 hours if you wanted, but that would totally defeat the purpose.

Some people like to break it up into weekend getaways, basing themselves in a local town.

But you could also spend a week or two driving the entire route, spending nights in lots of little towns along the way.

Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina

From Kim of Traveling Swansons

A Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina southeast road trip takes you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and located along the Tennessee River.

There are many fun things to do here including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

After leaving Chattanooga, your next stop will be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Check out the Sunsphere Tower, which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.  Walk around Market Square and grab a bite to eat and shop.

After leaving Knoxville, your next stop will be Pigeon Forge. 

Here you find no shortage of attractions including the popular Dollywood. 

Right next to Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the town of Gatlinburg. 

In Gatlinburg, you will also find plenty of attractions including Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Skybridge. 

Gatlinburg is one of the busiest and most popular gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  has many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and views. 

Drive the breathtaking scenic Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. Jump out along the many turnouts along the way and enjoy the scenery. 

Once you reach Cherokee, explore the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Shop for some authentic Cherokee arts and crafts.

The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina is 191 miles and takes 3 hrs 51 minutes if driving straight through. 

Since there is so much to do on this southern USA road trip, you will want to spend at least 5 days here in order to take in as much as you can along the way.

NOLA to Nashville Southern Road Trip Itinerary

From Agnes of The Van Escape

The southern USA road trip from New Orleans to Nashville is extraordinary.

Why? Nashville and New Orleans are music cities.

New Orleans – the world capital of jazz and Nashville – the capital of American country music – anyone who likes live concerts will appreciate this combination.

And indeed, in both cities, you can listen to music at every turn!

Concerts, music events, live music in almost every restaurant, bar, and even on the streets – Nashville and New Orleans are alive with sounds.

Moreover, there are many great  things to do in Nashville and in New Orleans.

In Nashville visit Jonny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Grand Ole Opry, reproduction of the Parthenon, and Downtown with famous Broadway Street.

In New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, the Jazz Museum, the Woodoo Museum, the National WWII Museum, explore one of the famous cemeteries, sign up for a swamp tour. Enjoy the best cocktails at the famous Bourbon Street.

Both cities are also known for their excellent cuisine. In New Orleans, you’ll melt at the tastes and smells of Louisiana Creole cuisine, and in Nashville, you’ll delight at the famous juicy BBQ ribs and more.

That’s not all. Both cities are famous for the finest spirits.

New Orleans offers great alcoholic cocktails and in Nashville, you can try classic Tennessee Jack Daniels whiskey , whose distillery is nearby.

The driving time from NOLA to Nashville is about 8 hours, and 4-5 days is perfect for this road trip.

You can cover the distance in one day or split it into two days and spend one night in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama.

To feel the atmosphere of each city and immerse yourself in its music world, we recommend two nights in New Orleans and two in Nashville.

Virginia Beach, Virginia to Hilton Head, South Carolina

From Alex of Wander With Alex

If you’re planning a road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Hilton Head, SC, and need a few stops along the way, we’ve got you covered!

While Virginia Beach and Hilton Head are both popular southern beach towns, the experience is very different!

They are both, however, family-friendly vacation destinations with lots of unique things to do and see.

While in Virginia Beach, VA you’ll want to check out the main beach at the Oceanfront.

There are 35 miles of beachfront, an amusement park on Atlantic Ave, and tons of souvenir shops for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something free to do, check out the Creative ViBE District for murals, sidewalk art, and other creative artwork!

Now that’ll you’ve explored Virginia Beach, it’s time to hit the road!

After being on the road for seven and a half hours, you’ll be nearing Savannah, GA! If you’ve never been to Savannah, consider staying overnight.

You can take a riverboat dinner cruise on the Savannah River or enjoy a low country dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah .

And since Hilton Head is only 45-minutes from Savannah, you can stick around for a few hours in the morning and to Tybee Island before heading over to Hilton Head!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a laid-back resort town offering beautiful beaches and tons of golf courses.

Additionally, Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly.

Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters, rent bicycles for the whole family, and go exploring!

And if you are a seafood lover, you’ll have tons of waterfront restaurant options!

A road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to  Hilton Head, SC  via Interstate-95 is approximately 589 miles.

If you do not want to stay overnight in Savannah, you can make the trip in seven and a half hours.

However, if you prefer slow travel and wish to explore Savannah, you should consider making this a two-day drive.

Gulf Coast Beach Road Trip from Alabama to Florida

From Ashlee of The Happiness Function

One of the best-kept secrets in the South are the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Florida panhandle.

If you have never heard of Dauphin Island, Alabama, it is a must-visit southern destination.

Take the ultimate beach road trip from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Pensacola, Florida!

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit. The island is home to many different wildlife species, including sea turtles, and the scenery is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Dauphin Island is the perfect spot. Plan to stay at least two days.

From Dauphin Island, take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, where visitors can continue the road trip to Gulf Shores.

Be sure to visit Gulf State Park and enjoy the incredible beaches from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach! Plan at least two days in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of activities such as catching some sun on beaches, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring the historic fort.

Camp at the  Fort Pickens Campground  for a few days to enjoy all the island offers.

From Gulf Shores, continue east into the Florida panhandle towards Pensacola.

A road trip along the southern coast of Alabama into the Florida panhandle makes for an incredible beach road trip any time of year.

We recommend taking about a week to enjoy this road trip in the US south.

This way, road trippers can enjoy each destination for two days.

Savannah, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida Road Trip

From Terri of FemaleSoloTrek.com

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, plan a short southern road trip route from Savannah to Clearwater.

Plan to start at dawn from Savannah on a Saturday so you can arrive by noon in  Clearwater, Florida .

Google Maps or Waze will offer you the choice of traveling down I-95 toward Orlando and then across to Tampa/St. Pete outposts.

Alternatively, you can drive through Jacksonville and then cut across the state via US-301 S and I-75 S.

The estimated time is 6 hours if you don’t hit bad traffic on I-95.

You will also have time to eat fried grouper at Clearwater Beach for lunch, then hit the Clearwater Aquarium for an afternoon adventure.

Dedicate the evening to drinking margaritas and watching the sunset.

You might want to watch the sunset (while sipping a cocktail) at Pier 60 on Saturday night or delay until Sunday because you will be exhausted from your early morning drive.

Clearwater is also a great place to settle while you plan day trips to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.

While you can easily make the drive in a day, it’s best to set aside a week for this US south road trip as you will lose two days to travel.

Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves a minimum five-day stay so you can experience different beaches.

Southeast USA Road Trip from Washington DC to Florida

From Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best road trips in the southeast US is from Washington, DC to  Anna Maria Island, Florida . 

If you want to break it up with overnights and stops, I recommend going from Washington DC to Raleigh, NC on Day 1.  On Day 2, drive from Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA.  Then on Day 3, drive from Savannah, GA to Anna Maria Island, FL.

Starting in Washington, DC, where there is much to see from the Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, you can begin heading on the road toward Virginia and the Carolinas. 

In Virginia, the historic college town of Williamsburg is well worth a visit. 

In addition to being a beautiful town, home to William and Mary College, it is also where you can step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and learn a bit about American history. 

From here, head into North Carolina and stop in Raleigh if you plan to spend the night.

Then head into South Carolina, where a drive-through or stop in Charleston is a great thing to do. 

The historic and lavish architecture is well worth a look, and the southern hospitality and walk on the waterfront are worth it even just for a short visit. 

From here, continue into Georgia, where a stop in Savannah is a must. 

If you have a bit of time to spend in this southern city, the hop on hop off trolley, walking tours, and a 90-minute riverboat sightseeing cruise would be worth doing. 

This beautiful and historic city really is a gem on this road trip, so be sure to build in a bit of time, and even book a bed and breakfast for the night.  

Continue on from Georgia into northern Florida, where if you can stop in Jacksonville for a visit to the University of Florida or in St. Augustine for lunch or a walking tour of this beautiful and historic city. 

There is an old town part of St. Augustine well worth visiting, and depending on the time of day, is a great stop for a lunch. Continue on from St. Augustine to Anna Maria Island, Florida.

You may pass through Orlando and Tampa, which if you have time, may want to stop in one of these cities. 

While Orlando is home to many theme parks and activities, you won’t have time on this drive to do many of those unless you build in another day or two to your drive.

Instead, I suggest stopping in Tampa, where you will get to view this fantastic seaside city, where you can enjoy a cruise, walk around Ybor City, or grab a meal at the famous (and delicious) Columbia Restaurant. 

While you are also right at Clearwater Beach, you may want to save that beach visit for Anna Maria Island, just about an hours drive from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast, and renowned for its teal Caribbean-like water, white soft sand, quieter beaches, and home rentals perfect for a beach getaway. 

It’s the perfect destination to such a cultural and historic road trip, and one of the best road trips in the south USA.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way, this road trip is at least a two to three-day drive, depending on how much you would like to stop along the way. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina Road Trip

From Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best Southern USA road trips is driving through the Outer Banks. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks  and its sweeping coastal scenery is gorgeous.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast filled with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and fun beach towns.

A great historic stop in the Outer Banks is at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

This is where the Wright brothers completed the first controlled flight in December of 1903.

There are a fun visitor’s center, some historical markers, and a replica of the first plane.

The Outer Banks is also home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. You can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There are 257 steps to the top.

The lighthouse and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to spend the afternoon. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded.

After spending time at Cape Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

There is another lighthouse on this smaller island, but it is not open to visitors.

There are, however, beautiful beaches making this island a fun spot to explore.

The distance from the northern town of Corolla through Hatteras, the southern point, is about 95 miles.

If you continue to the ferry to Ocracoke, the mileage is longer.

You can easily fill 4-5 days with fun activities during your Outer Banks road trip, and spend even more time in the area if you want to relax on the beach.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

From Anna of Stuck On The Go

One of the best road trips in the southern US winds through Shenandoah National Park offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you drive Skyline Drive straight through it only takes a little under 3 hours but there are so many hikes, overlooks, and small towns to stop and explore. This is the perfect road trip for outdoorsy people.

You can start at the Front Royal Entrance Station and on your first day hike to Compton Peak where you’ll find a gorgeous view as well as unique geological formations that resemble the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

In the afternoon, head out to the town of Luray where you can shop in the boutiques along Main Street and visit the famous Luray Caverns.

If you like to camp then stay the night in Mathews Arm Campground, otherwise rent a room at the Skyland Resort inside the park.

For day two you can fit in two hikes – Stony Man and Hawksbill – which both offer stunning mountain views and are 2 of the best hikes in Shenandoah .

Have lunch at Big Meadows and make sure you get the blackberry ice cream pie for dessert!

In the afternoon you can hike Dark Hollow Falls or just head into Elkton or Sperryville.

Visit Sperryville for wineries and Elkton for breweries. Tonight stay at the Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground.

On the last day of the road trip, hike Doyles River Falls and Blackrock Summit.

Stop for lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and check out some of the other Waynesboro breweries. Main Street in Waynesboro is also very quaint.

For many people, 3 days is enough to spend in Shenandoah National Park.

However, if you are very outdoorsy and love to hike and explore small towns then you can spend a week in the Shenandoah Valley.

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip Loop

From Lydia of Lost With Lydia

Arkansas is an underrated state with a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers!

The state has beautiful state parks, incredible mountain biking trails, a uniquely historic national park, and much more.

The northwest portion of Arkansas is where you’ll find the most beautiful natural areas along with some fantastic cities. 

This road trip begins in Bentonville, a city known for mountain biking, modern art, and as the Walmart headquarters.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in parks around the city and trails range from beginner to advanced. 

Continue on from Bentonville to Buffalo National River, a beautiful river with epic canyon walls towering above it.

After the National River, enjoy hiking in the Ozark National Forest (the most famous hike is Whitaker Point) and take in the views at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo. Mount Magazine is the highest point in the state. 

Be sure to not miss the most iconic state park in Arkansas: Petit Jean. This state park is a favorite of many and is home to a 95-foot waterfall, caves, and several unique rock formations. 

Spend some time in Little Rock for great food and interesting history. 

Things to do in Little Rock include visiting the Little Rock Central High School Museum, exploring the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain. 

Finally, end your road trip with a visit to Arkansas’ only national park: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs National Park was a resort destination in the early 1900s and there are a couple of bathhouses still in operation today.

In addition to the spas, you can visit a brewery inside of a bathhouse and enjoy the views from the observation tower. 

A week is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to fully explore the cities and hiking destinations along the way.

Ideally, take 10 days or more to take your time and enjoy this underrated southern USA road trip itinerary.

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast Road Trip

From Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for an ideal year-round  road trip destination, Florida’s Gulf Coast  offers dreamy beaches, fantastic food, and some of America’s most (in)famous history!

Begin your road trip in Tampa, where you can spend 2 days exploring the city’s Cuban history in Ybor City and enjoy the amazing cuisine before heading south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Spend the next day in Sarasota admiring the mid-century architecture and visiting the Ringling Museum.

Shoppers will no doubt stay longer on St. Armand’s Circle, then head to Siesta Key later in the day to take in the new age vibes of the nightly drumming circle on the beach at sunset.

The next day, drive south to Casperson Beach in Venice and rent a “Florida snow shovel” for a few dollars to dig in the sand for prehistoric megalodon shark teeth.

Millions of them wash ashore every day and you just might find a big one to treasure!

Spend the night at Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of Southwest Florida’s most historic towns before heading out the next morning for Fort Myers.

Situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Fort Myers is worth a few days to explore the history and the beautiful beaches on Sanibel and Captiva.

Visit the summer homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose mansions are popular tourist attractions today.

The last stop on your road trip is Naples and Marco Island on the southwestern coast. This stunning region is known as the Paradise Coast and it’s easy to see why.

Spend your days on the soft white sand beaches, shopping at the luxury stores and dining downtown, or get out into the Everglades for some adventure.

It is 180 miles from Tampa to Marco Island.

Plan on 7-10 days for this southern road trip route.

There is plenty to see in the major cities of Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island, but you’ll find the real gems in between!

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Drive: Chincoteague to Cape Charles

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

There’s so much to love about  Virginia’s Eastern Shore .

Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt-infused air as you make the 70-mile drive north to south from Chincoteague to Cape Charles.

Get ready to make stops for sandy beaches, ice cream shops, and verdant wetlands just right for a scenic paddle.

Start at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to miles of stroller-friendly hiking and biking trails.

The Chincoteague Lighthouse Trail is a must-visit to ogle the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse.

Take a guided kayak tour or nature cruise across pristine coastal waterways with Assateague Explorer.

Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, as well as native wildlife, like sandhill cranes and eastern mud turtles, that call the wildlife refuge home.

Order up a scoop of Mint Chip or Pony Tracks at Island Creamery.

Spend the night at the Refuge Inn, a mainstay in Chincoteague since 1973. Chincoteague is also home to several camping resorts, including KOA and Jellystone Park.

Continue on to Onancock, a historic waterfront town.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Janet’s Café before strolling the hamlet’s tree-lined streets that wow with Victorian-style homes.

Take a tour of Ker Place, a historic Federal-style home.

On the south end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Cape Charles, which is home to gentle beaches and vibrantly-colored sunsets.

Spend the day on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park, then order hush puppies at The Shanty.

Cap off the day with a scoop at Brown Dog Ice Cream and settle in at the Sunset Beach Hotel on the Chesapeake Bay.

70  miles.

This trip is best enjoyed over at least 3 days, including one day in Chincoteague, one day in Onancock, and one day in Cape Charles.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Arkansas , Florida , Georgia , North Carolina , Road Trips , South Carolina , Tennessee , Travel , USA Travel , Virginia

10 Fabulous Southeast USA Road Trip Ideas

USA Travel: Southern States Road Trip Itineraries

Planning a southeast USA road trip?

Wonderful!!

I’m so excited to continue my USA road trip series! Hopefully over the course of this series you’ll find some of the best American road trip routes and definitely some of the best road trips in the south!

This week I am sharing ten fabulous southeast USA road trip ideas. From Florida to North Carolina to Arkansas we’ve got southeast vacation ideas for couples, family, and even solo travelers.

In this post you will find ten southeast USA road trip ideas:

Washington DC to Outer Banks Road Trip

• West Coast Florida Road Trip
• East Coast Florida Road Trip

Tennessee to North Carolina Road Trip

• Southern US Road Trip through North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

South carolina coastal road trip.

• Highlights of Arkansas Road Trip
• Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip
• Interstate 95 Road Trip

Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep everyone entertained along the way!

Southeast USA Road Trip Vacations

I’m a believer that an epic road trip belongs on every bucket list !

Road trips are the best because they allow you to plan and be spontaneous all at the same time. They are also a great way to bond with your family. Gone are the days of the dreaded family road trip. We now look forward to spending time together and experiencing new things and new places!

We personally have road tripped all over the United States from California to Utah to New York to Florida. But because we live in the south, we road trip the southeast USA by far more often than the rest of the country. So…I’ve listed some of the best road trips in the south to inspire you to create your own epic road trip too!

How do I create my road trip itineraries?

I have a variety of methods, but it generally starts with one main destination.

Then I look to see if there is a loop I can create or if it will be a “there and back trip”. Some of my best planning tools include Google maps, Pinterest , and Instagram . If you’re not using these already, then you’re probably missing out on some fun stops and hidden gems! I’m also a huge fan of Yelp when it comes to finding great places to eat!

So let’s get to it!

I hope these southeast USA road trip itineraries give you some inspiration, tips, and all the tools you need to create your next epic road trip!

Make sure to read our Road Trip Essentials Checklist before hitting the road!

This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission, if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my full Disclosure  HERE .

Southeast USA Road Trip Itinerary: Washington DC – Williamsburg, Virginia – Outer Banks, North Carolina

Looking for a good mix of history, adventure, and fun in the sun? Then this is the perfect southeast road trip for you! You’ll need a minimum of five days (although we definitely recommend six or seven) for this southern road trip from Washington DC to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Days 1 & 2: Spend the first two days of your trip in our nation’s capital. There are so many fun things to do in Washington DC. You won’t want to miss the National Zoo, the National Monuments and Memorials, The White House, and the Capital.

You should also consider visiting Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most famous cemeteries in the US , and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while you are in the area. It is an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Washington DC is exceptionally beautiful during springtime if you’re able to time your southeast USA road trip to see the cherry blossoms!

Day 3 : Drive 2.5 hours south for a day full of history and fun in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Watch history come alive in the world’s largest living history museum. Check out Colonial Williamsburg, historic Jamestown, and Yorktown. Had your fill of history? Get your adrenaline pumping at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

Insider Tip: If you have more time, consider an extra day in Richmond, Virginia before arriving in Williamsburg.

Days 4 & 5 : It’s up to you how you spend your last two days in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Just 2.5 hours from Williamsburg, you can fill your days with loads of Vitamin D and rest and relaxation on the beautiful beaches of the OBX.

But, don’t be fooled, there’s a lot more to the Outer Banks than just beaches!. Get even more history in at the Wright Brothers Memorial or The Lost Colony. Get active hiking, surfing, kayaking, hang gliding and more!

Visit Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest living sand dune system on the east coast. And wrap up your unforgettable southeast USA road trip through DC, Virginia, and North Carolina with a tour to see the wild horses in Corolla.

Need more details ? Read our family friendly guides to Nags Head , Corolla , and the rest of the Outer Banks !

Need suggestions on where to stay in the Outer Banks? We recommend: The Saturday House Airbnb , the Hilton Garden Inn , or check out these amazing beach house rentals.

Florida West Coast Ramble Road Trip from Coleman Concierge

Day 1: Arrive in Naples Day 2: Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor, Cayo Costa Day 3: Siesta Key, Venice Beach Day 4: St Petersburg, Clearwater Day 5: Tarpon Spring, Dunedin, Crystal River Florida’s west coast has everything great about the state packed into 250 miles of scenic beauty. Since the Everglades covers the entire South-West tip of Florida, Naples makes an obvious choice to start this trip.  We made a day of visiting  Cayo Costa , a state park only accessible by boat that’s home to some the best shelling beaches in Florida. Spend the night in a waterfront hotel in Punta Gorda after returning from the Charlotte Harbor Tour. For Day three, plan a visit to Venice Beach, the shark tooth capital of the world, at low tide. You’ll find fossilized shark teeth by the dozens sieving through the sand. You might even find a giant megalodon tooth from this 50 million-year-old beast. Spend the remainder of the day on the sparkling white sand of  Siesta Key  which gets consistently rated as one of America’s most beautiful beaches. Day four takes you to the urban hip city of St Pete. Enjoy the gastropubs of Ybor City and sunset on Clearwater Beach. Be sure to check out the Dali Museum in Tampa and explore the Florida Aquarium.  If you feel particularly daring, try diving with the sharks in the aquariums giant tanks. Day five lets you drive across Europe but never leave Florida. Dunedin is a Scottish style village where we found bagpipers playing in the town square and enjoyed a pint at an authentic Scottish pub. Tarpon Springs is the sponge capital of the world and built like a Greek Village fishing village. If you have time, check out this guide for more fun things to do in Tarpon Springs .

Roll into Crystal River and call it a night. You’ll have an early day tomorrow. The grand finale of Florida’s west coast is swimming with manatees. Crystal River is the only place in the world you can swim with manatees. More than 400 of these gentle giants come to King’s Bay every winter. Take the earliest tour possible and maybe, if you’re lucky, a baby manatee will come out to play with you.

Do you love the beach as much as we do? Check out these other awesome east coast beach destinations to help with your trip planning!

Traveling A1A: Florida’s Iconic Beach Route from Florida Man on the Run

Day 1: Fernandina Beach Day 2: St. Augustine Day 3: Cape Canaveral (Cocoa Beach) Day 4: Delray Beach Day 5: Miami Beach Day 6: Key West

Florida doesn’t seem like your typical road trip destination, but that is a misconception. In fact, one of the most iconic coastal routes in America can be found along Florida State Road A1A. This six-day itinerary will let you take the drive in leisurely fashion, which is the only way to do it.

Day One: Fernandina Beach is everything you could want from Old Florida. Check out the beach inside Fort Clinch State Park to get one of the more pristine Florida beaches. The city’s downtown is a perfect slice of Old Florida, so don’t miss it.

Day Two: Packed full of history, St. Augustine is a major destination on this trip. Castillo de San Marcos is the center piece of St. Augustine. Make your way down St. George Street to do some shopping. Afterwards, head onto the island to visit Anastasia State Park or the Alligator Farm with the kids.

Day Three: Cape Canaveral allows you to explore being an astronaut, stand next to ginormous rockets or perhaps even catch a rocket launch. Kennedy Space Center is a unique place you won’t be able to find anywhere else in America. Spend the night at Cocoa Beach and get your first taste of Florida’s beach night life.

Day Four: While there is plenty of beach front to explore on this trip, Delray Beach offers the perfect blend of beautiful beach front, quirky arts districts, and all-Florida charm. The trip between Cocoa and Delray is one of the longest days, so get an early start to enjoy Delray.

Day Five: How can you take a trip along the Florida coast and not spend some time on South Beach! It’s not the usual road trip scene, but the sights and sounds of South Beach truly aren’t to be missed. So go enjoy yourself and live it up!

Day Six: Today you’ll travel along one of the most unusual bridges in the world to a destination equally as unique. Make your stop at the Southern Most Point, then head to Duval Street and party it up! The best thing about ending in Key West is that you literally have nowhere else to go, so sit back, relax, and grab a margarita.

Make sure you don’t forget a thing before you head to the beach with our ultimate beach day packing list !

Day 1: Nashville, Tennessee Day 2: Nashville, Tennessee Day 3: Nashville, Tennessee Day 4: Chattanooga, Tennessee Day 5: Chattanooga, Tennessee Day 6: Asheville, North Carolina Day 7: Asheville, North Carolina

Days One-Two-Three: Start this road trip with a bang in Music City! Nashville, Tennessee has so many fun things to do that it deserves three entire days! Start out Day one in the heart of it all by enjoying some live music downtown. Visit the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and catch the best view of the city from the famous Pedestrian Bridge. If you really want to experience authentic Nashville try free line dancing lessons from the Wildhorse Saloon each afternoon!

If country music really isn’t your thing, be sure to venture out of the downtown area. Visit the 12 South neighborhood for some awesome shopping, food, and street art. This is where you’ll find the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural. The Gulch is another awesome area for food and some can’t miss wall murals like the “what lifts you” wings. Next check out the exact replica of the Parthenon, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State, Park, and the State Capitol. Finally, no matter where you are staying the Gaylord Opryland Resort is absolutely worth a visit. Be sure to check out a performance at the nearby Grand Ole Opry too!

If possible, you should absolutely consider adding a day in Memphis, Tennessee to this road trip!

Days Four & Five : Next hit the road and head to Chattanooga. This drive should take you about 2 hours. If you’re into Jack Daniels, stop through Lynchburg for a distillery tour . Once you arrive in Chattanooga, check out Raccoon Mountain Caverns, the Riverwalk, or try white water rafting on the Ocoee River. BUT, in my opinion, two can’t miss things to do in Chattanooga are Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls (I mean have you ever seen an underground waterfall before??)

Days Six & Seven : Finally finish your trip by heading northeast about three and a half hours to the super hip town of Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is known for it’s music, food, craft beer, history, and outdoor fun! Check out the Biltmore Estate, Sliding Rock, and my personal favorite: breakfast at Biscuit Head.

Need more details? Read our family friendly guide to visiting Asheville and The Biltmore Estate !

Explore North Carolina

NC Road Trip Itinerary: The Triangle: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill – Wilmington – Pinehurst, North Carolina

North Carolina truly has so much to offer! While the mountains and the Outer Banks get all the fame and attention, there are so many more awesome North Carolina destinations worth a visit! This road trip might be one of my favorite southeast US vacations, but I guess I may be a little biased! LOL. You’ll need at least two days in each destination, but I’m betting you’ll want even more time!

Days 1 & 2: You’ll begin this southeast road trip in Raleigh, NC’s capital city. Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are called “The Triangle” and are all within 30 minutes drive of one another. All vibrant cities on their own, you’ll have to pick and choose where to spend your time over these first two days.

There are so many fun things to do in Raleigh !

We recommend spending a bit of time outdoors at one of the area parks and recreation areas. Check out Eno River State Park, Lake Johnson Park, Sarah P Duke Gardens, or simply wander the campus of UNC- Chapel Hill. Check out some of the great area museums like the NC Museum of Art, catch a show or sporting event, and do not miss out on the incredible foodie scene!

Days 3 & 4 : Just two hours down the road is Wilmington NC, my most favorite city in North Carolina!! Soak up the sun at any of the three amazing area beaches: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. Explore the downtown Riverwalk area, shop the boutiques, and check out our favorite places to eat in Wilmington . Visit the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, visit USS NC Battleship, and Carolina Beach State Park. Want to do something totally unique? Did you know that venus flytraps only grow in the wild within a 100 mile radius of Wilmington NC? Check out the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Gardens to see them- one of the best free things to do in Wilmington !

Local Insider Tip : If you have an extra day to fit in here, I highly recommend a day trip to Bald Head Island ! You won’t regret it!

Days 5 & 6 : Time to say goodbye to the beach, but don’t worry, you’re going to love Pinehurst . You may think that Pinehurst is only for golf lovers, but you would be wrong! Just 2.5 hours from Wilmington and one hour back to Raleigh is the super cute town of Pinehurst. Of course, if you’re into golf, then by all means, this is definitely the place to play. But, you’ll also fall in love with the charm of downtown Pinehurst and the Pinehurst Resort. Ride bicycles and explore, hang by the pool, take a romantic carriage ride, visit the spa, and do not forget the amazing food options. Pinehurst is the perfect spot to slow down and savor some southern charm.

For more details on the best things to do in all of these destinations, check out my family friendly guides to Raleigh , Wilmington , Carolina Beach , and Pinehurst !

Want to explore more of North Carolina? Read our ultimate North Carolina road trip guide!

Fall foliage isn’t only found in New England!! If you’re looking for the perfect fall foliage road trip in the south, then this is it! Keep in mind the leaves turn a bit later in the season than in the northeast USA, but it is still just as stunning!! 

When planning your southeast US road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway the best colors are often seen during the month of October. However, this will all depend on your elevation, location on the Blue Ridge Parkway (it spans 469 miles!), and of course the weather! It can be very tricky to plan travel for peak fall foliage but predictor maps are often found with a quick google search.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA and belongs on everyone’s USA bucket list ! Although you can probably drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in around twelve hours, you will definitely want five to seven days exploring this beautiful area around the Appalachian Mountains! 

Starting in Virginia going south to North Carolina, here are some of the stops you should consider during your road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

• The Natural Bridge in Virginia 
• Purgatory Mountain Overlook
• Wildcat Rocks Overlook
• Grandfather Mountain
• Linn Cove Viaduct
• Linville Falls
• Crabtree Falls
• Mount Mitchell
• Craggy Gardens
• Mount Pisgah

What is there to do near the Blue Ridge Parkway? There are so many cool things to do and see on this epic southeast road trip itinerary. Hiking for all ages and abilities, the cutest markets and orchards, mountain biking opportunities galore, waterfalls, history, food, and more will keep you busy for days! You will want to stop at every scenic viewpoint and soak it all in. But beware! You won’t be the only one out there. Prepare for traffic and crowds…this is known as “America’s Favorite Drive” for a reason!

Make your reservations as far in advance as possible! Depending on the length of your southeast road trip itinerary we recommend staying in Roanoke, Blowing Rock, Boone, Asheville, or Cherokee.

Short on time? Consider Asheville or Boone for your next NC weekend getaway !

Southeast Beach Vacation: Myrtle Beach – Charleston – Hilton Head, South Carolina

Love the beach? Then this is one of the best road trips in the south for you!! Get your fill of fun in the sun on South Carolina’s best beaches!

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Myrtle Beach early as there are so many fun things to do while you are in town. Play in the surf, build sand castles, and look for seashells along the 60 mile stretch of coastline in Myrtle Beach. Check out Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and more! Catch one of the famous Myrtle Beach shows- our favorites are Medieval Times and The Pirate’s Voyage. Finally don’t forget to check out one of the south’s most beautiful gardens year round: Brookgreen Gardens. (Psssttt…this is also a great golf destination too!)

Visiting during the off season? Find out all the best things to do in Myrtle Beach during the winter !

Days 3 & 4 : Head south about two hours to Charleston ! Be sure to check out downtown Charleston, take a carriage tour, visit Patriot’s Point, and Fort Sumter. But since this is a beach vacay, you’ll want to spend some time along the coast as well. Check out Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, or Isle of Palms. You’ll be able to surf, kayak, sail, and more at all of these beaches. Don’t forget to make time for some golf while you’re in town too.

Days 5 & 6 : Two more hours south and you’ll arrive in Hilton Head. You may be ready for some R&R but there’s plenty to keep you busy here too! We love to stay at The Sea Pines Resort so that we can ride bicycles to everything! Visit the famous Harbourtown Lighthouse, check out the fancy yachts in the harbor, and of course go to the beach!! Need more to do? Hang out by the pool, go horseback riding, play tennis, and of course play some golf!

Needless to say, South Carolina has two things we absolutely can’t get enough of: beaches and golf! Any way you cut it, you’re going to have a lot of fun in SC!

Arkansas Road Trip from Heart of a Homemaker

Day 1: Harrison Day 2: Harrison, Benton Day 3: Murfreesboro Day 4: Hot Springs Day 5: Little Rock Day 6: Depart from Little Rock

Day One – Drive from Kansas City Missouri to hotel in Harrison, Arkansas.

Day Two – Our first stop was Mystic Caverns with a tour of two beautiful caves, which were easy to walk through with affordable admission. We then drove down Scenic Highway 7 towards Jasper and enjoyed the gorgeous views. We stopped at the Observation Tower and Gift Shop for a small break. This is not a highway for someone that gets car sick. My son never had before and this one did him in.  Then we drove to Benton, AR (suburb of Little Rock) to our hotel.

Day Three – Drive to Murfreesboro – We spent the whole day at Crater of Diamonds State Park. The visitor’s center was interesting, and we enjoyed digging for diamonds. It was a very hot and sunny day, so we only searched for a couple of hours. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then cooled off at the Diamond Springs Water Park right next door. It is part of the state park and was clean, fun, and budget friendly.

Day Four – Drive to Hot Springs – We visited the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. This place is incredible, and we held a baby alligator!  We went to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. On the way back we drove through Lake Catherine for a picnic lunch. We hiked the Falls Branch Trail to a lovely waterfall and played in the crystal clear and refreshing water.

Day Five – Drive to Little Rock – We spent half a day at the Little Rock Zoo. It is a smaller zoo with a wide variety of animals and a spray park. We were tired from the trip, so we crashed at the hotel for the rest of the day, but if you have the energy consider visiting Pinnacle Mountain State Park or Museum of Discovery.

Day Six – Depart to home. We made a last-minute stop at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and North Shore River Walk.  The tour included going down into an old navy submarine, and the museum had some very informational and interesting exhibits. After that we hit the road back to Kansas City. As always, we followed these tips for safer family travel .

Georgia to South Carolina Road Trip

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta, Georgia Day 2: Atlanta, Georgia Day 3: Savannah, Georgia Day 4: Savannah, Georgia Day 5: Charleston, South Carolina Day 6: Charleston, South Carolina Day 7: Depart Atlanta

Alert! Serious southern charm ahead!

Day One & Two : Fly into Atlanta, Georgia as it will probably be your cheapest option. Spend Days one and two exploring Atlanta. My number one stop would be the Georgia Aquarium…I mean it is the largest indoor aquarium in the Western Hemisphere! Other worthwhile stops are The World of Coca-Cola, Stone Mountain Park, the shops at Buckhead, or catch a Braves game!

Days Three & Four : Next, hit the road about four hours to beautiful Savannah, Georgia! If you’re looking for southern charm, you’re in the right place! Start out by strolling the City Market shops, the Savannah Waterfront, and grab lunch at Paula Deen’s restaurant Lady & Son’s . Spend Day four choosing between exploring Wormsloe historic site (for that classic oak tree lined drive dripping with moss), relax at Forsyth Park, or visit a historic home. Be sure to indulge in the Savannah’s amazing food scene!

Days Five & Six : Finish up your week in the incredible city of Charleston, South Carolina . The drive should take you about two hours. We highly recommend the horse drawn carriage history tour- even our kids loved it! Spend the afternoon exploring The Battery, take the ferry across to Fort Sumter, and Charleston’s City Market. Oh, and don’t forget a picture with the famous pineapple fountain! If you missed the classic oak tree lined drive in Savannah, don’t worry you’ll have another chance! Visit Boone Hall Plantation for some pretty cool history and check out some famous movie filming locations too!

There are so many fun things to do in Charleston, I might consider one less day earlier in the week to give you more time here! You can choose to see the 500 year old Angel Oak Tree, the beautiful beaches, or Patriot’s Point . While you’re in the area, stop at one of these amazing places to eat in Mount Pleasant. Charleston also has an epic food scene and is not to be missed! Return back to Atlanta with a full belly and a week full of fabulous memories.

I 95 Road Trip

Interstate 95 is the major highway for travel up and down the east coast in the US. And our family has road tripped up and down I 95 many many times!

In fact, we live right off of I95 in North Carolina! Whether you’re just looking to break up your southeast USA road trip or are looking to visit somewhere new, these are some of the best places to stop on I 95. So pick two or three stops and create your own southeast USA road trip!

Richmond, Virginia

Suggested things to do in Richmond, VA : 

• Maymont- beautiful estate, gardens, farm, and park
• Museums: There are several great museums to visit in Richmond. We recommend the Virginia Fine Arts Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum. The Poe Museum is also a unique thing to do in Richmond!
• Belle Isle – a great spot for some outdoor fun!

Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Rocky Mount is my hometown and a little known North Carolina gem!

Suggested things to do in Rocky Mount, NC :

• Visit the Rocky Mount Mills for coffee, small batch breweries, and good food !
• Stretch your legs and check out the waterfall at Battle Park.
• Check out the Imperial Center for the Arts & Sciences with the kids.

S uggested places to stay in Rocky Mount : For a unique stay, check out the world’s largest tiny house hotel, River & Twine . The Fairfield Inn and Country Inn & Suites are super convenient options too!

Read my full guide to Rocky Mount NC for more details!

Wilson, North Carolina

Suggested things to do in Wilson, NC :

• Check out one of the best roadside attractions in NC, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park !
• Grab a bite to eat at Brewmasters or Jack’s
• Get some fresh air by wandering Barton College, The Wilson Botanical Gardens, or Lake Wilson

Local Insider Tip : If your southeast road trip happens to be during spring, be sure to pop in to see the Wilson Rose Garden!

Suggested places to stay in Wilson: Both the Hampton Inn & Suites or the Comfort Suites are super convenient places to stay right off of I95 in Wilson! Grab a bite at Best in Burger nearby too!

Savannah, Georgia

We happen to think Savannah is one of the most beautiful towns in the southeastern USA!

Suggested things to do in Savannah, GA:

• Visit Forysth Park
• Savannah City Market
• SCAD Museum of Art
• Do a food tour or ghost tour!
• Check out the historic district and the waterfront area
• Make reservations at The Grey or The Olde Pink House
• Wormsloe Historic Site – if you’re looking for those spanish moss covered trees- this is it!
• Leopold’s ice cream- a must!

Suggested places to stay in Savannah: Check our the JW Marriott Riverside or The Hyatt Regency Savannah .

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island is a little farther off the Interstate, but well worth the stop! 

Suggested things to do in Jekyll Island, GA:

• Surfing, kayaking, SUP, fishing, and biking
• Bird watching 
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center
• Driftwood Beach- While there are tons of fun things to do in Jekyll Island, my best recommendation is visiting Driftwood Beach at sunset. Truly a magical experience!

Jacksonville, Florida

Suggested things to do in In Jacksonville, FL:

• Visit Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and TPC Sawgrass Golf Resort
• Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
• The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
• Little Talbot Island
• Kingsley Plantation
• Museum of Science and History
• Fort Carolina National Memorial

Wherever you decide to stop on I 95, all of these destinations are sure to be a great addition to any southeast USA road trip!

And be sure to share all your epic adventures on Instagram with these fun road trip captions and quotes !

Southeast USA Road Trip Itineraries

I truly hope these USA road trip itineraries have given you some inspiration to visit the south! Having lived in the south for over twenty years, I may be a little biased, but… if you can look past the summer heat and humidity, there are some really beautiful beaches, incredible scenery, fun outdoor opportunities, awesome food, and a rich history.

Do you love a road trip as much as I do?

Have you visited any of these fun southern destinations? Do you have any exciting east coast trip ideas?

Be sure to follow along to see more road trips across America- what area of the USA will we feature next? Stay tuned!

USA Road Trip Itineraries

Not looking for a road trip in the southeast corner of the USA? Check out these other USA road trip itineraries:

An Epic Southwest Family Road Trip: Colorado!

An 8 Day New England Road Trip from Boston- College Towns

An Ultimate 10 Day California Road Trip From San Francisco

A Road Trip to Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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13 comments.

I love that this post included 5 road trip itineraries! This is a lot of great info in 1 amazing post! So incredibly helpful! -Jen

Thank you! Im so glad you found this info helpful! We love a road trip and I’m always excited to find inspiration and ideas from others!

These are routes I never would’ve though’ve myself. I especially like the Georgia to South Carolina Road Trip suggestions. I’ve been wanting to get down there for years.

Oh it’s so worth a visit!! So many fun cool cities to explore!

Your Charleston pineapple fountain photo brought a smile to my face. I loved exploring that city! Great to know your other suggestions, too.

Thank you! Charleston is such a special city! We adore it too!

I do love me a good road trip! These are great choices. Personally I want to do Miami to Key West -never been!

We do too! We did Miami to key west a few years ago and it was incredible!!

This is so useful. I would love to do a US roadtrip but I have no idea which one! So many awesome itineraries to choose from.

What a fun list of road trip ideas! We have stuck to the SW, but I’d love to do the SE soon!

These are incredible – great detail & lovely trips!

These are all such great suggestions. I am happy to report that I have visited several places that you suggested 🙂

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

16 Beautiful Towns In The Southeast To Visit In 2023

• Destinations
• United States

From the Louisiana Bayou and the mountains of Arkansas to historic Virginia and sunny Florida, the Southeast is one of the best areas of the country for a getaway. TravelAwaits writers have been out exploring the southeastern part of the U.S. and have shared their destination recommendations below. Whether you visit the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the tiny towns tucked away in northern Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest or not, we’re sure you’ll enjoy learning about them!

1. Huntsville, Alabama

Nicknamed The Rocket City because of its role in the U.S. space program, Huntsville, Alabama , is home to the second-largest technology and research park in the country. With its highly educated population and its beautiful location in Alabama’s Appalachian region, Huntsville has much to offer.

See space program artifacts like the lunar rover and Saturn rockets at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center , the largest space museum in the world. But it’s not all rockets — there’s rock music too! Boasting 8,000 seats, the $40 million Orion Amphitheater opened in May 2022. Hosting ballet, plays, sports, fairs, and festivals, the Von Braun Center has five venues, plus the Rhythm on Monroe restaurant and rooftop bar. Or, enjoy one of Lowe Mill’s Concerts on the Dock . Roxie Yonkey recommends visiting in the spring for wildflowers or in autumn for fall foliage.

2. Hot Springs, Arkansas

“ Hot Springs was the sleeper hit of my 2022 travel season,” says Jill Robbins , who stayed there on her visit to Hot Springs National Park . In addition to the park and various spas along Bathhouse Row , Hot Springs boasts a walkable downtown with lots of shopping, dining, and bar options.

Robbins recommends checking out The Gangster Museum of America . “It might seem cheesy at first glance,” she explains, “but it gives an informative history of how the city of Hot Springs evolved from a Vegas-style retreat for Al Capone into what it is today.”

Visit in June to catch Bridge St. LIVE! , a free block party on Thursdays when the entertainment district fills with live entertainment, activities for kids, food, and vendors. Plan your trip around the bucket list-worthy World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub race on June 3.

3. Amelia Island, Florida

Situated on the northeast coast of Florida, Amelia Island features 13 miles of beautiful uncrowded beaches , a historic old town, and excellent restaurants. It is also home to welcoming residents and a pleasant beachy atmosphere. Great shopping, golfing, and all kinds of water activities can also be found on the island, which offers a variety of tours and boat rentals.

Spring through fall is the best time to visit to enjoy the beach according to Robin O’Neal Smith . Kicking off with a pirate parade, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival takes place in downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, May 5 to 7. Admission is free for this food fest, which also features antiques and collectibles, over 375 booths, and an arts and crafts show. Or, come the first week of October to catch the Amelia Island Jazz Festival . Either way, Amelia Island is a great place to kick back, relax, and unplug.

4. Anna Maria Island, Florida

Off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island (AMI) beckons you to explore its 7 miles of beach. Along with Longboat Key , AMI makes up the Bradenton Gulf Islands, which is home to six Blue Wave-certified beaches .

But the island has more to offer than fun in the sun, according to Amy Piper . Learn about the area at historical and cultural venues such as Anna Maria Island Museum . Explore Anna Maria City Pier , a 700-foot-long, historic pier from the early 1900s that features some of the best views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Enjoy shopping along Pine Street. Several restaurants offer outdoor seating and sunset views, including Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe and Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the pier.

5. Pensacola, Florida

Just across the Florida-Alabama state line on The Sunshine State’s panhandle, Pensacola is known for its miles of white quartz sand beaches and the clear emerald waters of Pensacola Bay. However, the area offers several other incredible things to do in addition to its gorgeous beaches.

Penny Zibula and her husband delighted in exploring the Historic Pensacola complex, including the Pensacola Museum of History , the Pensacola Museum of Art , and Historic Pensacola Village .

Zibula recommends wandering around Belmont-DeVilliers, a historic neighborhood, which was a melting pot for music and food during the early 20th century. “Landmark buildings and the general vibe of the area helped work up an appetite for a fabulous jazz brunch at Five Sisters Blues Café ,” she says.

Speaking of restaurants , Zibula has some great recs for indulging in Pensacola’s outstanding fresh seafood scene: The Grand Marlin , Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille , Red Fish Blue Fish , and Casino Beach Bar & Grille . Burn off the calories on America’s First Settlement Trail . The 3-mile trail runs through downtown Pensacola and the Pensacola Historic District, Fort Pickens, and the Pensacola Beach Pier. For more of a workout, check out these nearby hiking trails .

6. Stuart, Florida

A true treasure on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Stuart serves as a perfect weekend getaway. This lesser-known gem is home to uncrowded beaches, unspoiled parkland, a charming walkable downtown district, and fabulous food.

Non-beach activities include an informative 2-hour Treasure Coast River Cruise and visiting the phenomenal 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center , where you can feed and pet stingrays, among other things.

Stuart boasts several fine museums, but Zibula says the Elliott Museum is not to be missed. Its collection features antique automobiles, rare watercraft, autographed baseball memorabilia, and Treasure Coast history.

About half an hour south of Stuart, quaint Hobe Sound offers antique shops, art galleries, and a treasure trove of natural beauty.

7. Longboat Key, Florida

Near Sarasota, Longboat Key, Florida , is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota metropolitan area along with Anna Maria Island. With miles of pristine sandy white beaches, fine dining, and designer shopping, luxurious Longboat Key is “a great place to be a higher-end beach bum” according to SJ Morgensen .

“If you’re going for the beach, you may as well stay right on the beach,” says Morgensen. There are quite a few hotels and rentals to choose from, based on your budget. Morgensen recommends the Zota Beach Resort . “The beachfront location is perfect and the infinity pool and adjacent outdoor bar are gorgeous,” she raves.

Head to St. Armands Circle for open-air shopping and dining with a European vibe.

Grab a table by the water at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub , where dinner is tranquil and the catch of the day is ultra-fresh. Or, enjoy an intimate dining experience at Euphemia Haye Restaurant . After dinner, head up the stairs to the Haye Loft for a decadent dessert.

8. Blairsville, Georgia

A couple of hours north of Atlanta , not too terribly far from the North Carolina border, Blairsville, Georgia, lies nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, making Blairsville a popular destination for hikers and campers. In addition to being home to Georgia’s highest peaks, Brasstown Bald and Blood Mountain, the area is also home to Vogel State Park . The second-oldest state park in Georgia is a favorite of Kathleen Walls .

“I love visiting the Old Courthouse Museum and enjoy its concerts of old Appalachian music,” says Walls. The Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center pays tribute to Union County’s most famous poet.

For entertainment and beverages, head downtown to Granddaddy Mimm’s Distilling Company . The distillery was founded by musician Tommy Townsend . Not only is Townsend the grandson of moonshiner Grandaddy Mimms, but he also played with Waylon Jennings. “Now he has his own band, Waymore’s Outlaws, composed of Waylon’s original band members,” Walls tells us. “I love Tommy’s concerts,” she says, “Even if you don’t drink, you’ll enjoy the music.” Speaking of live music, Paradise Hills Winery Resort and Spa offers live music every Friday and Saturday.

9. Thomasville, Georgia

Thomasville, Georgia , is 34 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida . “In the late 1800s, the railroad ended in Thomasville, and northerners came south for the winters,” explains Yonkey, “Eventually, the wealthy visitors realized that buying homes was less expensive than hotel living.” Many of the winter cottages are now on the Thomasville walking and driving tours .

While the gorgeous “cottages” are beautiful, Thomasville’s fame is tied to roses. Its nickname is the City of Roses, and it holds the Rose Show and Festival annually. Thomasville celebrated the show’s centennial in 2022. The 2023 edition will be held downtown on April 28 and 29.

Don’t just stop to smell the roses; hug a tree. But not just any tree. The Big Oak is more than 26 feet around. Call (229) 236-0053 to activate the Big Oak Cam for your selfie with the celebrity tree.

10. Lake Charles, Louisiana

About an hour outside of Beaumont, Texas , Lake Charles has earned its reputation as Louisiana’s Playground. Jill Robbins tells us that the historic town offers all sorts of activities, including luxury casinos, golf courses, and a robust music scene. It even has the Creole Nature Trail and Sam Houston Jones State Park for nature lovers!

“A long list of dining options will both satisfy your quest for Cajun eats and surprise you with cuisine you wouldn’t expect to find in Southwest Louisiana,” Robbins assures us.

While the mild climates are conducive to year-round visits, summers are hot and humid. Keep an eye on any incoming hurricanes or tropical storms. The best time to visit Lake Charles is Mardi Gras . While Lake Charles can party it up as well as their neighbors in New Orleans, its Fat Tuesday activities are less rowdy and more suitable for families. There’s a Mardi Gras parade for children and the Krewe of Krewes Parade is well-known for throwing more than beads at spectators. Don’t be surprised if someone tosses you a Nerf football or a Moon Pie.

Pro Tip: For a truly authentic Mardi Gras experience for all ages, check out the famous Chicken Run in neighboring Iowa (pronounced eye-oh-way ).

11. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a diverse array of activities that will keep travelers busy. “Plus, the incredible food scene is one of the best in the Southeast,” as Jeanine Consoli contends. In addition to its restaurants, Consoli loves Asheville for its arts district, quirky museums , the Biltmore Estate , breweries , and the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature .

Once you’re finished exploring the Biltmore house, head over to Chai Pani for authentic Indian street food. “The restaurant is funky and laid back,” remarks Consoli, “but the food — served family style — is out of this world.”

12. Edenton, North Carolina

Named one of the prettiest towns in America by Forbes , Edenton, North Carolina , is the quintessential southern town. Nestled on the banks of the Albemarle Sound, just 2 hours from Raleigh , Edenton oozes Southern charm and character.

Rich with history, Edenton was North Carolina’s first Colonial capital. Its picturesque downtown is very Americana, with shops and restaurants housed in restored historic buildings lining the streets. Peruse your way down Broad Street to Colonial Park on Edenton Bay. Stately Victorian homes wrapped with porches that are adorned with swings and Southern-style rocking chairs populate the historic district.

“Edenton has a lot to offer,” says Loretta Berry , who recommends taking a Trolley Tour and Edenton Bay cruise aboard the Liber-Tea . The Edenton Museum Trail self-guided walking tour begins at the Historic Edenton Visitor Center . While at the waterfront, Berry suggests visiting the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center and the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse .

13. Salisbury, North Carolina

Carol Colborn’s stay at Cobble Hill Campground in Salisbury made her “appreciate how good it feels to just immerse yourself in a place and enjoy its little pleasures.”

“On First Fridays , downtown shops and restaurants offered a little something for everyone,” she reports, “In the spring, there was face painting, roses, apple pie bites, candy, balloons, et cetera. There was dancing to live band music in the streets.”

Thrift stores and the Webb Flea Market provide hours of treasure hunting. “Every second Saturday, there was a Studio Crawl offered by a thriving art community that had relocated from Charlotte, where the cost of living is much higher,” Colborn asserts. There are two dozen pieces of fine public art around town and the Confederate Prison and National Cemetery offer a bit of history.

North Carolina’s famous Transportation Museum can be found less than 10 minutes away in Spencer. “A little further away, the Sea Grove community of a hundred potters clusters around the four roads of Star ,” recalls Colborn.

14. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

“ Winston-Salem, North Carolina , is one of those towns you could miss if it’s not on your radar,” says Sandi Barrett . The city is a Southern foodie destination serving up classic dishes like dreamy tomato pie and soul-satisfying shrimp and grits. “I was happy to taste test all the goodies,” Barrett tells us, “It was a delightful adventure.”

Spend an afternoon strolling the charming shops of busy Reynolda Village. The former estate of the R.J. Reynolds family is now a gathering spot for locals and visitors. Stop and smell the roses in beautiful Reynolda Gardens , which features a landscaped park and garden beds.

Another must-see in Winston-Salem is Old Salem Museum & Gardens , a vibrant historical village highlighting the Moravian settlers. “Be sure to add a visit out to Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies production factory in Clemmens,” Barrett adds, “It is a sweet addition to any itinerary.”

15. Walhalla, South Carolina

Nestled in the northwesternmost part of South Carolina, Walhalla is a charming small town with loads of personality. Its Oconee County location puts it in proximity to other interesting towns and the county’s whopping 26 waterfalls.

“I enjoyed RVing there but stayed overnight in the Chattanooga Studio at Lofts Over Main overlooking Main Street,” Melody Pittman tells us. She attests that there’s no wrong time to visit, but spring or summer are best if you want to take advantage of all that Lake Jocassee has to offer, including boating, swimming, and fishing. Pittman recommends exploring the gorgeous lake with a naturalist from Jocassee Lake Tours , which she describes as “the perfect partner to hit the water with and learn about ecotourism.”

Catch a concert (bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent in February, Lee Greenwood in April) at Walhalla Performing Arts Center , and shop for pottery and beautiful artwork at End of the Road Studios .

16. Wytheville, Virginia

“One of the cutest and most interesting towns in the Southeast to visit in 2023 is Wytheville ,” according to Kathleen Walls . This one-of-a-kind destination offers a variety of attractions.

Wytheville’s Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum honors President Wilson’s wife, who many historians call the “first acting woman president.” Learn about the historic town’s past, including the county’s 1950 polio epidemic, at the Thomas J. Boyd Museum .

Wytheville Training School Cultural Center houses the African American Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Wythe County’s history of African American education through photos, stories, and other memorabilia.

See five states from Big Walker Lookout . The 100-foot lookout tower offers sweeping panoramic vistas. Feed wildlife from a safari bus at Fort Chiswell Animal Park (open seasonally, April through October).

Walls recommends staying at the stately Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast , which once was the home of a Virginia governor’s brother. For food and drink, check out Log House 1776 Restaurant , Seven Sisters Brewery , and 7 Dogs Brewpub . Visit in June to catch the Chautauqua Festival !

Related Reading:

• 17 Most Popular Tour Destinations To Visit In 2023, According To Experts
• 12 Under-The-Radar Tour Destinations For 2023, According To Experts
• National Geographic Reveals 25 Amazing Places To Travel In 2023

Laura Ray has lived in Atlanta, the Bay Area, SoCal, and Austin. After moving from Texas, she and her husband rambled about the Midwest in a camper for a couple of years before finally settling on 35 acres in their home state of Kentucky. When she isn't clacking around on the keyboard (cat in lap), you can find her practicing yoga, gardening, or playing the ukulele. This travel-lover's favorite destinations include Italy, the Greek isles, and Kentucky Lake.

How to road trip the Southeastern US on a budget in 2022

Feb 4, 2022 • 4 min read

Experience the best of the southeast corner of the US on this wallet-friendly road trip © Pgiam / Getty

From North Carolina to Florida , experience the splendor of the mountains, immerse yourself in history and savor a taste of upscale comfort food on one of America’s most scenic drives.

If you’re looking for a road trip that delivers some of the highest highlights of the Southeast, we’ve put together a peerless itinerary that takes you from the biggest city in North Carolina to the oldest city in America, with plenty of good eats, arts and natural beauty along the way. 

Charlotte, North Carolina

Your Southeast road trip begins with a taste of Charlotte , North Carolina. The largest city in the “First in Flight” State, Charlotte offers a menu of contemporary Southern cuisine like the exquisite BBQ at Midwood Smokehouse , several important art collections including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art  and the unique Levine Museum of the New South with its focus on events after the Civil War. A stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must for racing enthusiasts and newbies alike.

Top 12 beaches in North Carolina

Boone & Blowing Rock, North Carolina

From Charlotte, you’ll head north (don’t worry, we’ll get you down to South Carolina , Georgia and Florida eventually) for about two hours on I-77 and US 421 to the scenic Boone and Blowing Rock region. The epicenter of beauty here is the stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that passes through the region on its way from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee , boasting seemingly endless hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Don’t miss the chance to witness living history with the costumed actors at Hickory Ridge Museum, and get to know the flora of the Boone area at its namesake Daniel Boone Native Gardens. In nearby Blowing Rock, spend the day at Ultimate Adventure park with zip lines and other out-of-this-world pursuits. Rest your head at reliable lodging like the Inn at Crestwood , in Boone.

Asheville, North Carolina

The drive from Boone to Asheville , less than two hours south on US 221, takes you into the heart of one of America’s hippest small cities, brimming over with culinary delights (including a delicious and imaginative vegan scene), craft beer and vibrant local arts. But the great outdoors will most likely dominate your Asheville stay, including canopy tours, hot air ballooning and zip-lining. After hours, consider the reasonably priced  Residences at Biltmore , starting at under $120/night.

The best mountain lakes and beaches in Asheville, North Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina

About an hour and 15 minutes from Asheville on I-26 East and US-25 South, Greenville , South Carolina, beckons with an exceptionally walkable downtown that boasts cool shopping, artist studios and galleries, and great food (including the Greenville BBQ Trail Tour ). Start your morning with a cup of coffee at Falls Park before you traverse the Liberty Bridge , a 345ft-long span over the Reedy River. A variety of comfy motels offer rooms at well under $100/night, and for a little over $100/night you can get a room at the Hyatt Place Greenville/Haywood .

Alpharetta, Georgia

From Greenville, head south on I-85 for about two hours and 15 minutes and discover Alpharetta, Georgia. Explore more than 750 acres of parkland, try some of the 200+ restaurants like Cabernet Steakhouse or Chiringa with its coastal cuisine. Be sure to set aside your evening for music at one of the world’s finest jazz clubs, The Velvet Note .

Savannah, Georgia

A four-hour drive from Alpharetta on I-75 South and I-16 East brings you to the uniquely charming city of Savannah . Take your pick of activities, including strolling along Bull Street from square to square to Forsyth’s Park discovering the city’s decidedly European flavors; visit the Savannah College of Art and Design with its exceptional SCAD Museum of Art ; and for more art, both classic and new, visit the Telfair Museum , in Savannah’s Historic District and the Jepson Center . Dining options include fresh oysters and shrimp at Bernie’s . Bunk down for a night or more at the Old Harbor Inn , with rooms under $1610/night and worth every penny.

13 best things to do in Savannah

St Augustine, Florida

Once you succeed in bidding adieu to Savannah and its charms, head south on I-95 about two hours and 45 minutes to discover the oldest city in the US. St Augustine , Florida, was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and delivers an experience that feels a world away from the beach towns and theme parks we associate with the Sunshine State . Explore the iconic Castillo de San Marcos , spend some time getting to know local history at the city’s exceptional museums, and enjoy a diverse menu that reflects St. Augustine’s native, colonial, and immigrant cultures (try Collage Restaurant for its international menu and romantic setting in the Historic District). Book a room at the utterly charming Villa 1565, starting under $125/night.

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during Covid-19 .

You might also like: The best US national parks for your spring break road trip Around the US in 8½ days? How to use an algorithm to maximize your road trip The Grand Circle is the ultimate US Southwest road trip

This article was first published Feb 20, 2020 and updated Feb 4, 2022.

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Southeast Asia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 27, 2023

Backpackers have been traveling through Southeast Asia since the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a well-worn trail around the region.

Starting in beautiful Thailand, the trail makes its way to up-and-coming Laos, through Vietnam, and to the temples of Angkor Wat. It then winds back into Thailand, where people head south to party in the Thai islands before moving down to Malaysia and Singapore.

There are a few variations to the trail, but this is what it mostly covers.

I’ve been visiting this region since 2004 and spent years living in Thailand . I love backpacking Southeast Asia and have written extensively about it as I know it like the back of my hand.

It’s an especially great region for new travelers because it’s easy to travel around, it’s safe, and there are lots of other travelers you can meet. But it’s also perfect for veteran travelers too as there are tons of off-the-beaten-path destinations that the standard backpacker trail doesn’t cover.

In short, Southeast Asia has something for every traveler — and every budget.

This Southeast Asia travel guide will help you travel the region like a pro, ensuring you save money and make the most of your time in this fun, gorgeous, and lively corner of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Southeast Asia

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in southeast asia.

1. Admire Angkor Wat

One of the greatest human creations in history, the Angkor Wat temple complex is best explored over the course of a few days. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by the Khmer Empire and absolutely enormous. Temples to visit include Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple which has 216 gigantic stone face carvings, and Ta Prohm. I spent three days here and that simply wasn’t enough. A one-day pass is $37 USD, while a 1-week pass is $72 USD. If you’re here for multiple days, be sure to hire a driver and see some of the more out of the way ruins away from the main temple complex (and the crowds).

2. Explore Bangkok

Bangkok is the hub of travel activity in Southeast Asia. You can get anywhere you want from here. Though I hated it at first, the more I’ve spent time here the more I love it. Bangkok is like an onion whose many layers need to be peeled back. Some things not to miss include the spectacular Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market and Asiatique, and a canal trip on the Chao Phraya River. This is a city for foodies and wild nightlife.

3. Relax on some tropical islands

No visit to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to at least one of the thousands of tropical islands in the region. My top five include the Perhentian Islands (Malaysia), Rabbit Island (Cambodia), Ko Lanta (Thailand), and Boracay (Philippines). Lombok Island (Indonesia) has a chill vibe with unspoiled, perfect “desert island” beaches. There’s so many islands to visit. Be sure to add at least one to your trip. The country guides will have more information for you.

4. See Ha Long Bay

Sailing trips to this island-filled bay with stunning emerald waters, limestone formations, and marine life give you an appreciation for the natural beauty in Vietnam. Tours from Hanoi start at around $110 USD for two-day trips and increase from there. I love the colorful grottoes, hanging stalactites, and stalagmites of Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), Fairy Cave (Tien Ong), and Heaven Palace (Thien Cung). Make sure you go with a reputable company though as some of the cheaper boats are less than ideal. If you’d rather just visit for one day, day trips from Hanoi cost $55 USD.

5. Wander Kuala Lumpur

Other things to see and do in southeast asia, 1. go jungle trekking.

This region of the world is covered in amazing jungles with diverse wildlife, plentiful camping opportunities, and cool waterfalls. The best jungle treks are found in northern Thailand, Western Laos, and Malaysian Borneo (the latter are also the hardest and most intense). Some of my favorites include Danum Valley (Borneo) for its incredible wildlife; Ratanakiri (Cambodia) for its pristine wilderness and thousand-year-old trees; and Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Vietnam). Costs vary but jungle trekking generally costs $30-50 USD per day.

2. Attend the Full Moon Party

The biggest one-night party in the world welcomes up to 30,000 people with a party that stretches until dawn. Cover yourself in glow paint, grab a bucket of booze, and dance the night away with new friends on the island of Ko Phangan in Thailand. As the name would suggest, the party is on the night of the full moon. If you miss it, there’s always the half-moon party, quarter-moon party, and black-moon party. Really, every night is a party on Ko Phangan . Just avoid the flaming jump rope that occurs — I’ve seen people get burned badly!

3. Learn to dive

There are many great dive sites around the region for those interested in underwater exploration. You can learn to dive here at a fraction of what it would cost back home too. Some of the best places are Ko Tao (Thailand), Sipadan (Malaysia), as well as Gili Islands (Indonesia) and Coron, Palawan (The Philippines). A typical diving course is completed in three days. A PADI course typically runs $275 USD in Thailand, including three nights’ accommodation, though at smaller schools you can often negotiate down to $250 USD. Day trips for certified divers start at $165 USD. For information on Ko Tao, check out this blog post .

4. Eat street food in Singapore

Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. Try the hawker stalls of Singapore as well as Little India and Chinatown for some of the best and cheapest food in Asia. If you’re looking for a nice place to sit down and eat, eat at Singapore’s famed restaurants during lunch when restaurants offer discounts, making them a great deal. You’ll also find the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants here (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hawker Chan), offering world-class meals for just a couple of bucks!

5. Overload on temples

You can’t turn a corner without seeing a Buddhist temple in this part of the world. You’ll get temple overload at some point but visit as many as you can as each is unique to the country and region of the temple. There are so many places with high concentrations of ornate and beautiful temples. Check out Chiang Mai’s Wat Doi Suthep Temple and hike up the 300 steps to the golden Chedi that’s 600 years old!; Bagan’s Shwesandaw Pagoda from the 11th century with its stunning golden dome; Angkor Wat’s Ta Prohm is covered in iconic vines and enveloped in ancient jungle roots; Hue’s colorful Thien Mu Pagoda is perched atop a lush green embankment; Hoi An’s Quan Cong Temple with incredible Chinese architecture with hand-carved beauty and skill, and Luang Prabang’s Vat Xieng Thong with its golden, canopied roof. Most are free to enter, however, dress codes are enforced (you need to have your shoulders and legs covered).

6. Dive Sipadan

Located off Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. If you have your dive certificate, make sure you venture out here. I absolutely love this area because it’s teeming with live turtles, diverse cave systems, sharks, dolphins, colorful coral, bright fish, and everything in between. Not a lot of people make it to this part of Malaysia, but it’s worth it to go the extra mile and make your way off the tourist trail a bit. Don’t miss Barracuda Point and The Drop-Off. Keep in mind that only 176 permits to dive at the island are issued each day, costing 140 MYR per person. The resorts on the neighboring islands each get a specific number of permits per day and require divers to stay with them for a few days. So you’ll need to stay at those resorts and dive into the surrounding areas before they can get you a Sipadan permit.

7. Fall in love with Bali

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, and its famous Kuta beach is known for its wild parties and surfing ( though I think it’s overrated ). However, there is much more to Bali than just wild nights and sun-soaked days. If you’re a thrill seeker, hike up to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, for a breathtaking sunrise. Paragliding and white water rafting are also super popular here, as is surfing (it’s an affordable place to learn if you’ve never done it). There are also lots of hot springs to enjoy, the Ubud Monkey Forest (a popular temple and nature reserve home to hundreds of monkeys), and numerous places to scuba dive, including the Liberty wreck and Manta Point.

8. Take in Ho Chi Minh City

Frantic, chaotic, and crazy, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is the embodiment of the controlled chaos that rules Southeast Asia. You can’t quite figure out how this teeming mass of people and cars work together, but it does. Highlights here include touring the tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s, taking in the view from the Saigon Skydeck, eating your way through the street food scene, and seeing the city’s numerous temples.

9. Admire the sunrise over an Indonesian Volcano

One of the most popular tourist attractions on Java is Mount Bromo and its National Park. Don’t miss out on getting a photo of the smoldering Bromo volcano as it lies surrounded by the almost lunar landscape of the Sea of Sand. Get up early to catch one of the most memorable sunrises of your life. If you’re there in mid-August, you’ll be just in time to see Upacara Kasada, the traditional Hindu ritual of the Tenggerese, a Javanese tribe of the region.

10. Hike in Khao Sok National Park

Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is constantly rated as one of the best parks in Thailand, with incredible trekking, camping, limestone karsts, cooling rivers, and a glistening lake. Visit for semi-challenging hikes, tons of wildlife, walking paths, and breathtaking sunsets. Park entrance costs around $6 USD while full-day guided tours are $95 USD. I highly recommend spending at least one night here to get the full experience.

11. Visit Kampot

Most people come to Kampot to enjoy the scenic riverside views, as well as the rolling hills that surround the city. Since you can explore easily enough on foot or by bicycle, Kampot is a great place to slow down and relax. There’s not much to do here but have lazy days by the river, chill, and eat (don’t miss the famous Rusty Keyhole for BBQ!). Don’t miss the pepper farms, as this region of Cambodia is filled with pepper farms where you can learn about the history of the spice, see how it is grown, and pick up what is considered some of the finest pepper in the world. Tours are usually free.

12. Take a cooking class

Food from this region is as varied as the countries themselves and learning how to cook a few dishes is a great souvenir of your time here. Even if you don’t plan to cook back home, you can still spend a day making and eating scrumptious food. Most big cities have cooking schools offering classes of 2-6 hours, often including a trip to the local market beforehand to select ingredients. I absolutely love cooking classes and urge you to take one at least once. They are a fun experience!

13. Take a food tour

If you’d rather eat instead of cook, taking a food tour is a fun way to gain insight into the region’s amazing noodle dishes, fresh seafood, sweets, and street food while learning about the history and culture behind the cuisine. Most major cities in Southeast Asia offer food tours. These include tours around local markets, street stalls, and tours to locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can sample the local cuisine and connect with a local chef. If you’re nervous about street food, this is a great way to try some in a controlled setting. Tours usually last 2-4 hours and include multiple stops and several different dishes, with prices costing $40-75 USD per person.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

While riding an elephant is on many a Southeast Asia bucket list, once you know how much the animals suffer from abuse in order to provide these rides, you might think twice about taking one. An even better way to interact with elephants is to volunteer at or visit the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai in Thailand. It’s a phenomenal place, allowing you to give back to the community and these magnificent animals all at once. After coming here, you will understand why you should NEVER ride an elephant. A one-day visit costs $70 USD.

15. See The Killing Fields

A visit to Choeung Ek, also known as the Killing Fields, may not be the most cheerful way to spend an afternoon, but it makes for an educational and memorable experience. Over 3 million people were killed by Pol Pot’s regime, including countless women and children. I recommend getting a guide so you can really understand what you’re seeing as you explore the area. Also, this horrific tragedy took place less than 50 years ago and is still very present so please be respectful as a visitor.  The site is located 10 miles from Phnom Penh. Half-day guided tours start at $66 USD.

16. Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol

If you’re in the Philippines, check out the Donsol Whale Shark Interactive Ecosystem Project because there are not many experiences quite as adrenaline-inducing as swimming with a whale shark for the first time in crystal waters. These incredible creatures are around 45 feet (14 meters) long and yet incredibly gentle and curious. I loved floating at the surface being able to look below and see them slowly swim below me. Get some people together and rent a boat for a half day, explore the area, and go ‘shark-seeing’ for a good cause.  

  For a ton more information, visit my country specific travel guides for more detailed information on each place:

• Cambodia Travel Guide
• Indonesia Travel Guide
• Laos Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Thailand Travel Guide
• Vietnam Travel Guide

Southeast Asia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation in Southeast Asia is really cheap, making it the perfect place to travel if you are on a budget. Hostels are plentiful, as are budget guesthouses and hotels. It’s also very cheap to splash out here if you’re in need of some luxury.

Generally, you can find hostel dorm rooms for as little as $6-8 USD in Cambodia and $3-6 USD in Laos. In Thailand, 4-6-bed dorm rooms are $8-12 USD, while in Vietnam you can expect to pay $5-7 USD. In Indonesia, prices range between $5-10 USD for a 4-6-bed dorm room. Expect to pay at least $15-20 per night for a private room with air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is standard in most hostels, free breakfast is common, and many hostels even have pools. In more remote areas, hot water isn’t common so make sure to check in advance if that’s an issue for you.

Simple guesthouses or bungalows throughout Southeast Asia generally cost $12-20 USD per night for a basic room with a fan (sometimes air conditioning) and hot water. If you want something nicer that includes a more comfortable bed and a TV, expect to pay $25-35 USD per night.

For backpackers, budgeting around $10 USD per night for accommodation is pretty safe no matter where you go in Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a higher-end hotel room with more amenities, expect to pay $20-50 USD per night for a room. Anything over that is luxury territory.

Camping is available in certain areas, usually for just a few dollars per night for a basic tent plot without electricity. However, this is about the same price as hostels so it’s not really any cheaper.

Food – While each country’s cuisine varies, overall, Southeast Asian food is aromatic, spicy, and flavorful. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. No matter what region you’re in, you can expect to find a variety of curries, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and stir-fries.

Rice and noodles are central to Southeast Asian food, while the meat is usually pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, which is everywhere on the islands and coastal areas.

While traveling Southeast Asia, street food is the most popular food and cheapest option. On average, these meals cost $1-5 USD. You find these stalls throughout this region lining most streets and every market. They are ubiquitous in the region. In Singapore, street food (from “hawker stands” as they’re known there) costs around $4-5 USD for a meal. Even if you go into small local restaurants, the price doesn’t increase that much.

Food that costs $2 USD at a street stall generally only costs $4-6 USD at a local restaurant. If you went into a restaurant in Thailand, you’d pay around $3-4 USD for a pad Thai that would have cost $1-2 USD on the street.

In Cambodia, street food is around $1-2 USD, while restaurants charge around $3-5 USD for a dish like amok (a coconut milk dish) or luc lac (pepper gravy beef).

Western meals, including burgers, pizza, and sandwiches usually cost around $7-10 USD. But these generally aren’t that great. If you want something that actually tastes as it does back home, expect to spend at least $10-12 USD for your meal.

While cheap, alcohol can take a bite out of your budget if you’re not careful. Those $1-2 USD beers add up! Wine and cocktails are more expensive, generally around $3-5 USD. A cappuccino is typically around $2 USD. Bottled water is plentiful and costs less than $1 USD.

There’s a growing cutting-edge foodie scene in the region and, if you want to splurge, you can do so on some really good meals. Big cities like Bangkok, KL, and Singapore, all have world-class Michelin star restaurants as well some incredible fusion restaurants.

Since dining out is so cheap in the region, there’s no point in grocery shopping unless you’re looking to get some pre-made salads or fruits. Additionally, a general lack of kitchens in most hostels and hotels makes it difficult to cook even if you wanted to. If you do purchase your own groceries, expect to spend around $25 USD per week for basic groceries like local produce, rice, and some meat (while avoiding expensive imported items like cheese and wine).

Backpacking Southeast Asia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of $45 USD per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, eat out at local markets and street stalls, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities, minimize paid activities, and use public transportation to get around. You’re not going to be able to splash out but you’ll be able to live the typical backpacker experience without really stressing over expenses.

On a mid-range budget of $85 USD per day, you can stay in budget hotels or private hostel rooms, eat more restaurant meals, do more paid activities like cooking classes, take some taxis, and enjoy a few more drinks. You won’t live large, but you won’t be missing out either.

On an upscale budget of $150 USD or more per day, you can stay in nicer hotels with more amenities, eat out as much as you want, do more paid tours including private tours, hire a driver, fly between destinations, and basically do whatever you want. The sky is the limit with this kind of budget!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Backpacking Southeast Asia is cheap. There’s little opportunity to spend a lot of money since everything is already so inexpensive unless you intentionally are trying to splash out on fancy meals and high end hotels. The two reasons why most travelers end up overspending is that they eat a lot of Western food and drink way too much. If you want to save money while traveling in this part of the world, cut down on your drinking and skip the Western food. While country guides have more specific ways to save money, here are some general ways to save money in Southeast Asia:

• Stay with a local – Accommodation is cheap in Southeast Asia but nothing’s cheaper than free! Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. You’ll also meet great people who can show you around and share their insider tips and advice.
• Book tours and day trips as a group – You have more negotiation power when you’re with a group of people buying multiple spots or tickets. Traveling alone? Meet a friend at a hostel and see if they want to join the same tour as you. I’ve met some great friends over the years doing this and highly recommend it.
• Don’t book in advance – Don’t book any tours or activities before you get to your destination. They’ll be much cheaper when you arrive as you’ll be able to negotiate a lower price as you’ll find companies are often offering the same tour and competing. Anything you see online is more expensive than you need to pay!
• Eat on the street – The street food is the best food. The food is the best and cheapest you’ll find. It’s a great way to try new foods and get to chat with locals as well. This is where locals eat so if you want insight into local culture, good food, and savings, eat the street food. Look for where locals are eating to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
• Bargain hard – Nothing is ever at face value here. Bargain with sellers as most of the time, the price they’ve quoted is way higher. There’s a haggling culture in the region so play the game and save some money. It’s important not to convert it in your head to your own currency because it will usually sound cheap even though you might still be getting ripped off. You’ll never get the local price, but you might come close!
• Minimize your drinking – Drinks really add up. Even with cheap drinks, if you’re not aware, you’ll end up spending more money on beer than on food and accommodation. If you want to drink, head to the supermarkets, drink at the hostel, or check out the local happy hours.
• Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier comes particularly in handy in Southeast Asia since you can’t usually drink the tap water. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Southeast Asia

I’ve been traveling Southeast Asia since 2005 and have stayed in hundreds of places. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Southeast Asia:

• The Siem Reap Pub Hostel (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Mad Monkey Siem Reap (Siem Reap)
• Onederz Sihanoukville (Sihanoukville)
• Monkey Republic (Sihanoukville)
• Onederz Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh)
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh)
• The Magic Sponge (Kampot)
• Indigo House Hotel (Luang Prabang)
• Sa Sa Lao (Luang Prabang)
• Sanga Hostel (Pakse)
• Nana Backpackers Hostel (Vang Vieng)
• Dream Home Hostel (Vientiane)
• Traveller Bunker Hostel (Cameron Highlands)
• De’Native Guest House (Cameron Highlands)
• Kitez Hotel & Bunks (Kuala Lumpur)
• Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur)
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel (Penang)
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Bangkok)
• D&D Inn (Bangkok)
• Kodchasri B&B (Chiang Mai)
• The Royal Guest House (Chiang Mai)
• Green Leaf (Khao Yai)
• Lonely Beach Resort (Ko Chang)
• The Sanctuary (Koh Phangan)
• Na-Tub Hostel (Koh Phangan)
• Pineapple Guesthouse (Phuket)
• Dream Lodge
• The Pod Capsule Hostel
• The Scarlet
• Under the Coconut Tree Guesthouse (Hoi An)
• Fuse Beachside (Hoi An)
• Pretty Backpackers House (Da Lat)
• Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel (Hanoi)
• Luxury Backpackers Hostel (Hanoi)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• City Backpackers Hostel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Southeast Asia

Public transportation – Public transportation costs from a few pennies to a few dollars, with Singapore and Malaysia offering the most comprehensive public transportation systems. In Thailand, local buses cost around $0.25 USD per trip, while the Metro and Skytrain in Bangkok cost $0.50-1.50 USD per trip. In Cambodia, a bus ticket in Phnom Penh costs just $0.40 USD per ride.

Major cities generally have subway systems but mostly you’ll be using the bus or shared taxis to get around.

Tuk-tuks (small, shared taxis with no meter) are available around much of the region and require a bit of haggling. They usually have 3-6 seats and generally cost more than public transportation but are faster. To find a reputable driver, ask your accommodation as they usually know someone. Tuk-tuk drivers can often be hired for the day for a discounted rate (this is what a lot of people do to visit the Killing Fields and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, for example).

Taxi – Taxis in the region are generally safe, though it’s not uncommon to have to haggle. Scams to rip you off aren’t uncommon either, so always ask your accommodation to call you a taxi whenever possible so you know you’ll get a reputable company.

In Singapore and Indonesia, taxi drivers do put on the meter. In Bangkok, you can get taxi drivers to use the meter, but if you’re hailing one in a tourist area, he might try to avoid using it. In Vietnam, the meter is sometimes rigged, but if you can get a reputable company like Mai Linh, you won’t have any problems.

Ridesharing – Grab, DiDi, and Gojek are Asia’s answer to Uber. They work the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi, though drivers are a bit unreliable as the practice is not as widespread here as in other parts of the world.

Just keep in mind that some drivers are driving motorcycles so be sure to double check what kind of vehicle is picking you up if you don’t want to ride on the back of one.

Bus – The easiest and cheapest way to travel around Southeast Asia is by bus. The backpacker trail is so worn that there is a very well-established tourist bus system to take you anywhere. Buses costs vary between $5-25 USD for a 5-6 hour journey. Overnight buses cost $20-35 USD depending on distance (they often have reclining seats so you can get a decent sleep).

You can check ticket prices and book tickets for all the different bus companies across Southeast Asia at 12go.asia.

Train – Train service is limited in the region and not something to really consider when you travel Southeast Asia. You can take a train up and down the coast of Vietnam and there’s some limited scenic rails in Malaysia. Thailand is the only country that has an extensive train system that lets you travel all its regions (and onward to Singapore) from Bangkok.

The train prices in Southeast Asia are determined by distance and class. Night trains with sleeper cars are more expensive than day trains. The night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok takes twelve hours and costs $27 USD for a sleeper seat. However, that same train during the day is $8-9 USD. In Vietnam, trains run up and down the coast and cost $60 USD from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flying – The cost of flying around Southeast Asia has come down in recent years due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia are the biggest. Nok Air has a lot of flights within Thailand , and VietJet Air is popular in Vietnam . Lion Air serves Indonesia , but its safety record is really spotty and I personally would not fly them. If you book early, you can save on fares, as most of the airlines offer deeply discounted fare sales all the time, especially Air Asia.

Just make sure that the airport these budget airlines fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Also, keep in mind that you usually must pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

All in all, I only recommend flying if you are pressed for time or find a super cheap deal. Otherwise, stick to the bus.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Southeast Asia is safe, though popularity of the practice varies by country (it’s more common in Malaysia, but not so much in Cambodia). Dress respectably, smile while making eye contact with drivers, and use a cardboard sign to tell people where you’re headed. Be prepared for long bouts of no pick-ups, especially if you’re traveling through more rural areas. Pack plenty of water and food. Also, make sure the people picking you up understand you’re hitchhiking and not flagging down a taxi.

Hitchwiki is a great resource for hitchhiking tips.

Car rental I don’t recommend renting a car in Southeast Asia. Rental cars are expensive ($40 USD per day or more) and the roads here are in poor shape. I would never drive around the region.

When to Go to Southeast Asia

The best time of year to visit Southeast Asia is from November to April when temperatures are milder (though temperatures vary drastically by region). It may be mild in Thailand in January and hot in Malaysia but in Northern Vietnam, it’s cold! Also, one of the biggest mistakes people make is not taking into account the rainy season. In some cases it won’t make a big difference but definitely does if it’s a beach trip.

In Indonesia, the best time to visit is April to October. Temperatures average 24-30ºC (75-86ºF), and the weather is mostly dry. July to September is the peak holiday season and when you can expect to pay the highest rates. December to February is the rainy season.

In Malaysia, January-March and June-September are the best time to visit, as these months have the lowest average rainfall. It is still hot and humid during this time though. The rainy season is from October to December. Singapore’s climate/weather is much like Malaysia’s.

In Vietnam, the weather varies by region. In Central Vietnam (including Hoi An and Nha Trang), January-May is the best time to visit because it is dry and the temperatures average 21-30°C (70-86°F). June to August is also a decent time to visit. If you want to stick around Hanoi, March to April is great, or October to December (for mildest temperatures). The rainy season is May-September.

Thailand has three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. It’s always warm, though the weather is nicest between November and February (which is also peak tourist season). Bangkok is “coolest” and driest during this time (but still averaging a hot 29°C/85°F each day). April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season is June-October. The gulf islands get pretty rainy from August to December.

The dry season in Cambodia is from November-May and the cool season is from November-February (and when most people visit). Temperatures during this time are still high, but humidity is lower. Laos has the same cool season as Cambodia, with the dry season running from November-April.

In the Philippines, it’s mostly warm all year long with an average daily high of 26°C (80°F). There are rainy and dry seasons and temperatures are hot and dry from March-May and cooler December-February. The best time to visit is between January-April when it’s less humid. Monsoon Season is July-October.

For more information on when to go to places, visit the specific country guides.

How to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime is super, duper rare. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime in Southeast Asia, especially around popular tourist landmarks. Always keep your valuables out of reach on public transportation and in crowds just to be safe. Never leave your valuables unattended while at the beach and always keep a hold of your purse/bag when out and about as bag snatching is common.

That said, outside touristy areas, theft is really rare. Heck, it’s pretty rare in touristy areas too! But a little vigilance goes a long way and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are some common scams around that you’ll want to be aware of, such as the motorbike scam. This involves a bike rental company trying to charge you for damage to the bike that you didn’t cause. To avoid this, always take photos of your rental before you leave so you can protect yourself from baseless claims.

Another common scam involves a tuk-tuk driver taking you somewhere you didn’t want to go in hopes you’ll buy something from the shop/restaurant he dropped you off at (he gets a commission if you do). Simply refuse to buy anything and demand to go back to where you were — or find another driver.

For other common travel scams, read this post about major travel scams to avoid in the region .

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though it’s generally a good idea to avoid walking around alone at night just to be safe. It’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash to get home in a taxi if you need to. Additionally, always keep an eye on your drink at the bar and never accept drinks from strangers. Be sensible when it comes to dating while traveling and meeting people in public places. As I’m not a woman, please check out some solo female travel blogs to get the best insight.

Overall, the people who get in trouble here tend to be involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those two things and you should be fine. Keep in mind that it’s not always obvious how old someone is or if they’re a sex worker so be mindful when getting involved in romantic interactions. Also, penalties for drug use in this region are stiff so even if you’re here to party, skip the drugs.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Southeast Asia, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Southeast Asia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Southeast Asia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Singapore

The 6 Best Hostels in Bali

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Backpacking Cambodia: 3 Suggested Itineraries for Your Trip

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Severe weather leaves millions at risk as storms sweep across the South

Millions of people in Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, Nebraska and Oklahoma are bracing for dangerous conditions as forecasters warn of possible tornadoes, 80-mph wind gusts, flooding and hail as the extreme weather outbreak rolls into its sixth week.

About 18 million people are at risk for severe storms Monday night across the Central Plains in areas like North Texas and South Dakota and eastbound into Illinois.

The cities most at risk include Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Wichita, Kansas; Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Des Moines, Iowa.

The severe storm risk extends to 25 million people across the Midwest, the Ohio Valley and the Tennessee Valley on Tuesday.

By Monday night, multiple tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service, which located at least some of them in Oklahoma's Garfield and Blaine counties, and in Smithville, Tennessee.

Jim Shelton, director of the Blaine County Office of Emergency Management, said no injuries or deaths were reported after a tornado touched down in Okeene. Some outbuildings — garages, sheds and the like — were damaged, and one home was struck by lightning, he said by email.

The NWS on Monday night issued a rare tornado emergency statement for the area of Osage, Oklahoma, about 38 miles west of Tulsa. "A large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly tornado is on the ground," it said.

After a week of heavy flooding that included rescue crews pulling hundreds of people to safety , the Southeastern part of Texas is underwater.

In recent days, the weather has been problematic in parts of Texas, including the Houston area, where there were more than 500 rescues and evacuations in a matter of days .

On Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott said severe weather was to blame for at least three deaths in Texas: those of a 5-year-old boy swept away by floodwaters in Johnson County early Sunday; Lt. James "Jimmy" Waller, a Conroe police officer whose home was hit in the April 28 tornado in Trinity County; and a man, not identified, who was also swept away by stormwater in Bosque County in recent days. Details about the latter death were unavailable.

"It is heart-wrenching to see our fellow Texans being literally inundated with record water fall," Abbott said at a news conference Monday.The child was with his mother and her husband when the vehicle they were in became immobile in swift water, the Johnson County Office of Emergency Management said in a statement. The three searched for dry ground, but the child became separated and was found dead more than two hours after the man and the woman were rescued, the office said.

Abbott put the impact of the weather in numbers: Fewer than 7,000 utility customers remained without power after a weekend peak of about 160,000 in the dark, roughly 800 homes have been damaged, 43 locations on state roads remained closed because of high water, and 14 state road locations are shuttered as a result of storm damage.

"Damage to structures is catastrophic," he said.

In Houston, conditions remained hazardous, as police had to use jet skis to pull another man and three dogs out of nearly 8 feet of water. An official told NBC News that recovery will prove taxing with homes and cars flooded by the rain.

"For these people, it's very difficult. These people might not be back in their homes for a year or two," the official said.

Throughout last week , areas northeast of Houston got more than 23 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, areas in northeastern Harris County got 6 to 17 inches in the same period.

Noah Osborne is a news associate with NBC News Digital.

Kathryn Prociv is a senior meteorologist and producer for NBC News. 

The Associated Press

The Very Best Family Vacations in the Southeast

Kayla Brady / EyeEm / Getty Images

The sunny Southeast  offers many destinations for a fun family getaway. The enormous U.S. region includes 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Since many of these states touch the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico , beaches are abundant. If you have a jones for a vacation in the mountains, you'll find it in Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia.

Orlando, Florida

Courtesy of Walt Disney World

The benchmark for family destinations, Orlando includes theme parks such as Disney World , Universal Orlando , and Epcot ; full-service resorts with golf courses, multiple pools, and a variety of restaurants on-site; and a multitude of other attractions with kid appeal in an easy-to-navigate city. 

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Rachid Dahnoun / Getty Images

Drawn by miles of Atlantic beachfront, a host of world-class golf and tennis facilities, and a wide choice of hotel and vacation rental options,  families who want to fully relax choose Hilton Head Island as their vacation destination.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

W. Drew Senter, Longleaf Photography / Getty Images

With 32 miles of spectacular, "sugar-white" beaches and a seemingly endless choice of outdoor activities and family attractions, the neighboring towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach make premier family beach vacation destinations.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Steve Dunwell / Getty Images

The Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, stretches for 200 miles. This destination, known locally as the OBX, provides for a laid-back family getaway, with beaches, sand dunes (some 100 feet high), swimming, crabbing, kayaking in salt and freshwater marshes, and admiring the wild horses that live there.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Yearning to get away from it all? The beautiful Sanibel and Captiva islands offer shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants, chic shops, and an incredibly diverse array of wildlife. You won't find amusement parks, traffic lights, billboard-lined highways, glaring neon, or tracts of high-rise condos.

Tybee Island, Georgia

VisionsbyAtlee /  Getty Images

Rich in both history and natural beauty and located just off the Georgia coast near Savannah, Tybee Island is famous for its seafood and its five miles of pristine beaches. Families can explore salt marshes that teem with ​birds and wildlife unique to Georgia’s coast. 

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Denise Panyik-Dale / Getty Images

Accessible by boat or car off Virginia's eastern shore over the Route 175 bridge, the small and serene Chincoteague Island is the gateway to the Assateague Island National Seashore, a nature refuge that is home to the herds of wild ponies made famous in the classic children's book "Misty of Chincoteague ."

Destin, Florida

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

With sand like powdered sugar, great weather  and the brilliant turquoise Gulf of Mexico, Destin is a gem on Florida's Emerald Coast. Put the area's kid-friendly attractions at the top of your vacation to-do list.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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The most visited of all of America's national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles North Carolina and Tennessee and offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing as well as remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Sea Island, Georgia

Courtesy of Sea Island Resorts

Located 85 miles south of Savannah, Sea Island is one of the barrier islands known as the Golden Isles, where families return for generations. Its most plush hotel, The Cloister, was built in 1928. Sea Island offers 2000 acres of forest and marshland, five miles of private beachfront, and many outdoor and indoor activities for families. 

Daytona Beach, Florida

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Head to the "World's Most Famous Beach" for sandcastles, surfing, and sunrises. Planning a getaway to this family-friendly destination  is a snap when you know where to play and eat with kids.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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South Carolina frequently appears on top 10 lists for tourism across the U.S., and Myrtle Beach plays a big role in this, with a 60-mile stretch of sand, dozens of affordable hotels, and several amusement parks.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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Looking for a super laid-back Florida beach with white-sugar sands and a kid-friendly vibe? Find your paradise in southwest Florida at down-to-earth Fort Myers Beach, located on a skinny barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson / Getty Images

Virginia Beach is a huge summer resort town and the largest tourist destination in Virginia. Drawn by the nearly 30 miles of unbroken beachfront, families have long favored its sandy shores, but a beach face-lift and a fresher, upgraded image have added even more to the appeal.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Courtesy of Dollywood

Tennessee's breakout destination is Pigeon Forge, just 12 miles from the ​Great Smoky Mountains National Park and home to the  Dollywood theme park, with its family-friendly resort and thrilling rides.

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, North Carolina

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On the southern coast of North Carolina, Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach are less commercially developed than many other beach towns in the Southeast and offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe . Both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach deliver a classic beach town experience, with lovely stretches of sand and fishing piers. Both towns have boardwalks: Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers seaside amusements and an arcade, while Kure Beach's boardwalk is part of a green oceanfront park.

Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

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Located just 15 miles from Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's top tourist draw, combining natural attractions with amusements such as a sky ride, scenic railroad, and laser light show. This is the largest outcropping of exposed granite in the world, with the world's largest sculpture, a Confederate memorial, carved into the stone.

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Da nang eyes top spot in southeast asia mice tourism.

Last year, Da Nang supported 163 MICE groups, attracting a total of 45,344 domestic and foreign visitors. To further incentivize larger events, the city will offer support for event organization surveys to groups exceeding 500 attendees.

The municipal Department of Tourism reported that in the first four months of this year, the city welcomed 42 domestic and international MICE groups, totaling over 12,600 tourists.

They hailed from 13 domestic localities and 29 international markets, including India, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, with the presence of multinational groups as well.

The department has been ramping up its promotional efforts, targeting travel companies and attending domestic and international tourism fairs and events.

In April, representatives from the Ariyana Convention Center Da Nang attended the Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024 held in Singapore.

The event, themed "Asia Pacific's Role in Recasting the Global MICE Sector," saw the Da Nang delegation garner significant attention and positive feedback from international investors and partners.

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Mountain View, CA

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News & features, winter center, news / severe weather, at least 1 dead, hundreds of rescues after flooding inundates southeast texas.

A 4-year-old boy and his parents got out of a car stuck in floodwaters to try for safe ground, but a 911 caller said they were swept away.

By Jesse Ferrell , AccuWeather meteorologist and senior weather editor

Published May 2, 2024 12:04 PM PDT | Updated May 6, 2024 9:40 AM PDT

It’s been a rough latter half of the week for the Lone Star State, which has dealt with severe storms that brought hail, dangerous flash flooding and tornadoes on May 2-3.

The body of a 4-year-old boy was found after flash floods ripped through a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday. Someone called Johnson County Sheriff's Office dispatchers around 2 a.m. and reported that a family of three was in a car stuck in high water in Burleson, about 15 miles north of Fort Worth, according to local news affiliate WFAA.

The boy and his parents got out of the car to try for safe ground, but the 911 caller said they were swept into the floodwaters.

Rescuers found Aaron and Chelsey Warren later that morning and transported them to the hospital, according to the Johnson County Office of Emergency Management. The body of Lucas Warren, who would've turned 5 this month, was found a few hours later.

Aaron Warren's brother  created a GoFundMe  on behalf of the Warrens saying, "The accident totaled their only car, ruined their phones, and swept away their wallets. They are in extreme need and anything y’all can contribute will be used to pay for Lucas’ funeral and help rebuild their lives. This is the hardest thing anyone in my family has ever been through."

Severe storms unleashed torrential rainfall and caused flooding in southeastern Texas cities from College Station to Houston. After days of nonstop rain, hundreds of water rescues occurred across southeast Texas over the weekend. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo told CNN that 153 pets have also been rescued during the deluge.

A police officer responded on a jet ski to a flooded trailer park in Houston. He rescued a man swimming in 10-feet deep waters, as well as three dogs spotted while driving through.

Various videos posted to social media show people inadvertently driving into deep floodwaters and, in some cases, being swept away. Drone footage from Livingston, Texas , 70 miles northeast of Houston, showed cars, homes and roads underwater.

The Red Cross is on the ground in southeast Texas, spokesperson Stephanie Fox told AccuWeather, offering refuge for those who need a safe, dry place to stay.

The driver drove through a flooded parking lot and directly into a creek hidden by the water, becoming stranded and needing rescue in College Station, Texas, on May 2.

AccuWeather Flooding Expert Alex Sosnowski put the serious flooding into historical context: “The flooding occurring in parts of Southeast Texas is some of the most significant since Hurricane Harvey affected the region in 2017. This time, it is focused over a smaller area and a bit farther to the north when compared to Harvey’s days of tropical rains that dropped upwards of 60 inches in some locations."

At least one spot bested a record set more than a century ago. According to NOAA's National Water Prediction Service, the Navasota River gauge near Easterly, Texas set a new record high Thursday night of 30.62 feet, beating the previous record of 29 feet set on June 1, 1899.

Floods are the most common severe weather emergency in the United States. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you find yourself driving in one.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says that while many hazards remain, the water is slowly receding for now. However, AccuWeather meteorologists urge residents not to let their guard down. When adverse weather conditions last for days, people can develop weather fatigue, but taking every notification seriously is important. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings, keep a close eye on conditions in your area and have a plan in place on where you'll go if floodwaters begin to rise.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said there is some good news for the flood-ravaged Texas as any concentrated thunderstorms will remain to the North. "However, there are two concerning timeframes for locally heavy rain," he said. "The first will be Thursday as cold slowly drops south. The second is late this weekend into early next week as a stronger front arrives from the northwest."

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Tracking Abortion Bans Across the Country

By The New York Times Updated May 1, 4:40 P.M. ET

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Twenty-one states ban abortion or restrict the procedure earlier in pregnancy than the standard set by Roe v. Wade, which governed reproductive rights for nearly half a century until the Supreme Court overturned the decision in 2022.

In some states, the fight over abortion access is still taking place in courtrooms, where advocates have sued to block bans and restrictions. Other states have moved to expand access to abortion by adding legal protections.

Latest updates

• The Arizona state legislature voted to repeal an 1864 ban on nearly all abortions. Officials warned that the near-total ban may be briefly enforceable this summer until the repeal takes effect in the fall. A 15-week ban remains in effect.
• A ban on abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy took effect in Florida , following a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court that the privacy protections of the state’s Constitution do not extend to abortion.

The New York Times is tracking abortion laws in each state after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization , which ended the constitutional right to an abortion.

Where abortion is legal

In a few states that have enacted bans or restrictions, abortion remains legal for now as courts determine whether these laws can take effect. Abortion is legal in the rest of the country, and many states have added new protections since Dobbs.

Ban in effect

Note: TK note here.

Legal for now

State details.

More details on the current status of abortion in each state are below.

An earlier version of this article misstated the legal status of abortion in Utah. As of 4 p.m. on June 24, the state attorney general had issued a statement saying the state’s abortion ban had been triggered, but it had not yet been authorized by the legislature’s general counsel. By 8:30 p.m., the counsel authorized the ban and it went into effect.

A table in an earlier version of this article misstated which abortion ban is being challenged in Texas state court. Abortion rights supporters are challenging a pre-Roe ban, not the state’s trigger ban.

An earlier version of this article referred incorrectly to the legal status of abortion in Indiana. While Indiana abortion providers stopped offering abortion services in anticipation of an abortion ban taking effect on Aug. 1, the law did not take effect.