Living in the Southeast has taught me one valuable lesson – you don’t need to travel far to find adventure. As a digital nomad who’s crisscrossed the country, I’ve discovered that some of the best weekend getaways are tucked away in this corner of America, often just a short drive from major cities.
From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the sandy shores of the Atlantic, and the moss-draped oaks of the coastal plains to the music-filled streets of historic towns, the Southeast packs enough variety for any type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, food scenes, or quiet beach time, this region delivers without requiring a week of vacation days.
Want to make the most of your precious weekends? I’ve pulled together my favorite Southeast destinations from years of spontaneous road trips, along with tips from local experts who know these spots inside and out. Here are 20 places perfect for your next weekend escape.
- Best tourist destination: Savannah, Georgia
- Underrated hidden gem: Cumberland Island, Georgia
- Best for families: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Best for couples: Charleston, South Carolina
- Best for solo travelers: Asheville, North Carolina
- Best outdoor adventure: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has always felt like stepping into a living storybook of the American South. With Spanish moss draping from century-old oak trees and over 20 historic squares dotting the city, this coastal Georgia gem moves at its own genteel pace. Horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved antebellum mansions, while local restaurants serve up traditional Low Country dishes that tell the story of generations past. It’s not just about the history though – the city’s art scene thrives in converted warehouses along the riverfront, and Forsyth Park comes alive on weekends with locals lounging under the trees and musicians performing by the famous fountain. This is a place where you can spend your mornings exploring haunted houses, your afternoons sampling pralines in the Historic District, and your evenings sipping cocktails on rooftop bars overlooking the Savannah River.
Charleston, South Carolina
I always tell friends heading to Charleston to start their trip in the Historic District. Set among cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, this charming neighborhood gives you a perfect taste of the city’s blend of Southern hospitality and coastal living. You can explore well-preserved antebellum mansions, browse the local shops at Charleston City Market, or take a relaxing stroll along The Battery promenade with views of Fort Sumter in the distance.
Asheville, North Carolina
Take in mountain views and craft beer culture in Asheville, a charming city nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The downtown area features local breweries around every corner, with spots like Wicked Weed and Highland Brewing Company offering laid-back beer gardens and taprooms. For a dose of history, tour the massive Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private residence, where you can explore 250 rooms filled with art and antiques. When hunger strikes, head to one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in the River Arts District, where you can watch local artists at work in their studios while enjoying fresh, locally-sourced meals.
Nashville, Tennessee
I always tell music lovers heading to Nashville to make their first stop Broadway Street. Running through the heart of downtown, this lively strip is packed with famous honky-tonks and live music venues like the legendary Ryman Auditorium and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where both up-and-coming artists and established country stars take the stage nightly. The city’s deep musical roots extend beyond just country – visitors can explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry, or wander through Music Row where countless hit songs have been recorded.
New Orleans, Louisiana
I always tell first-time visitors to New Orleans to explore the French Quarter. With its ornate iron balconies and historic buildings, this lively neighborhood sets the tone for everything that makes the Big Easy special – the live jazz spilling out of Bourbon Street bars, the smell of fresh beignets at Cafe du Monde, and the mix of Creole and Cajun flavors that made this city a food lover’s paradise. Beyond the French Quarter, you can hop on a classic streetcar to see the Garden District’s grand mansions or join a ghost tour to hear tales of the city’s mysterious past.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music and still has over 80 live music venues where you can catch performances any night of the week? The city also sits below sea level, which is why their cemeteries feature above-ground tombs in elaborate stone vaults and mausoleums, creating what locals call “Cities of the Dead.”
St. Augustine, Florida
Ever walked down streets that have seen more than 450 years of American history? That’s what you’ll find in St. Augustine, where Spanish colonial buildings line narrow cobblestone paths and horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past the nation’s oldest wooden schoolhouse. As America’s oldest city, this coastal Florida gem mixes history with beach town charm – think ancient fortresses in the morning and soft sandy beaches by afternoon. You can climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for views across the Atlantic, or hop between cozy cafes and chocolate shops in the historic district. Just outside town, Anastasia State Park offers quiet beaches and walking trails through maritime hammocks, where you might spot a great blue heron fishing in the shallow waters.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
I first visited Gatlinburg on a spontaneous road trip through the Smoky Mountains in 2019. Nestled at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountain town serves up a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family entertainment. The main strip runs through the heart of downtown, lined with local candy shops, quirky museums, and mountain-themed attractions that give the place its distinct charm. Visitors can hop on the aerial tramway to Ober Mountain for skiing in winter or mountain coasters in summer, while the nearby national park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails through ancient forests and misty peaks. The SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, stretches across the valley, offering views that make you feel like you’re floating above the Tennessee hills.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
I always recommend the Blue Ridge Mountains to anyone looking for a peaceful mountain escape in Georgia. Rolling peaks stretch as far as the eye can see, offering miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns like Helen and Blue Ridge. The area comes alive in autumn when the forest canopy turns brilliant shades of red and orange, though the mountain views are worth visiting in any season.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Ever wondered what it’s like to have a beach all to yourself? You’ll find that peaceful vibe in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where white sand beaches stretch for 32 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. This laid-back coastal town feels worlds away from big city life, offering the perfect mix of beach time and outdoor fun. Visitors can paddleboard through quiet backcountry trails at Gulf State Park, spot dolphins playing in the waves during sunset cruises, or cast a line from the Gulf State Park Pier. The Gulf’s warm waters make it ideal for swimming nearly year-round, and the local restaurants serve up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the South. When you’re not lounging on the beach, you can explore Fort Morgan’s Civil War history or zip through the dunes on a beach cruiser bike.
Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for a taste of Caribbean living without leaving the US, Key West is your answer. This quirky island city sits at the southernmost point of the continental United States, where palm trees sway and roosters freely roam the streets. A drive down the Overseas Highway takes you across a string of islands and bridges until you reach this laid-back paradise, where the motto “One Human Family” perfectly captures the welcoming spirit of the locals. The island’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring by bike or on foot, letting you bounce between Ernest Hemingway’s former home, colorful Duval Street, and the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. Sure, it can get busy during peak season, but early mornings and late afternoons offer peaceful moments to soak in the island’s charm without the crowds.
Atlanta, Georgia
Ever watched the world’s busiest airport in action? That’s just another day in Atlanta, where over 100 million travelers pass through Hartsfield-Jackson each year. Georgia’s capital blends Southern charm with big-city energy, serving up world-class attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. You can explore the city’s rich civil rights history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, catch the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, or wander through the trendy Ponce City Market, housed in a historic Sears building. The nearby Atlanta BeltLine, a former railway corridor turned walking trail, connects you to some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods and food spots.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte draws visitors seeking both urban comforts and outdoor adventures in North Carolina’s largest city. The Queen City’s mix of banking towers and tree-lined neighborhoods offers everything from professional sports and racing at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to peaceful strolls through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. While many come for the city’s renowned food scene – particularly the barbecue and craft breweries – Charlotte’s appeal extends to its surrounding greenways and Lake Norman, where you can spend afternoons kayaking or boating. The U.S. National Whitewater Center provides year-round thrills with rafting and ziplines, while the city’s museums and performance venues ensure there’s always something interesting happening indoors too.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Located just 45 minutes from Savannah, Hilton Head Island offers a laid-back coastal escape that feels worlds away from city life. Like many beach towns along the Carolina coast, you’ll find pristine beaches and fresh seafood aplenty. But what sets Hilton Head apart is its commitment to preserving the natural landscape – you won’t see any neon signs or towering hotels here. Instead, buildings blend seamlessly with the moss-draped oaks and native palmettos. Thanks to the island’s deep golf heritage, dating back to the 1960s, you’ll find over 20 championship courses tucked between marshlands and maritime forests. The 12 miles of bike-friendly beaches and 60-plus miles of trails make it easy to explore the island at your own pace, while spotting wildlife like herons, dolphins, and loggerhead turtles along the way.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Visitors flock to Myrtle Beach for its 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline, but this South Carolina hotspot offers much more than just sand and surf. The city’s famous boardwalk buzzes with activity, featuring everything from classic arcade games to local seafood spots, while championship golf courses dot the landscape in every direction. In summer, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park comes alive with the sounds of roller coasters and carnival games, but you’ll find plenty to do in Myrtle Beach year-round, from shopping at Broadway at the Beach to catching live shows at the Carolina Opry.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Have you ever seen a train car serving ice cream? It’s a regular occurrence in Chattanooga, where vintage dining cars and local treats are just the beginning of this city’s charm. Nestled between the Tennessee River and the Appalachian Mountains, this mid-sized city offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and urban comfort. You can take a morning hike up Lookout Mountain to see seven states from Rock City, then spend your afternoon exploring the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater facilities in the world. The city’s free electric shuttle makes it easy to bounce between the hip North Shore district’s boutiques and the Bluff View Art District’s cozy cafes, while the nearby Raccoon Mountain Caverns offer underground exploring for the more adventurous types.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Looking for a classic American beach escape? The Outer Banks of North Carolina strings together a chain of barrier islands where wild horses roam free and lighthouses dot the shoreline. This is where the Wright brothers first took flight, and today you can visit the very spot in Kill Devil Hills where aviation history was made. The islands offer everything from kayaking through maritime forests to climbing the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Whether you’re casting a line from Avon Pier, exploring the mysterious Lost Colony site in Manteo, or watching the sunset paint the sky over Cape Hatteras, the OBX (as locals call it) feels worlds away from everyday life.
Destin, Florida
My first trip to Destin was back in 2018, when I discovered why locals call this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast the Emerald Coast. This beach town, sitting pretty between Panama City and Pensacola, is known for its white quartz sand that seems to sparkle in the sunlight. The clear, green waters and gentle waves make it a top spot for families, while the Destin Harbor Boardwalk buzzes with fishing boats bringing in their daily catch. Henderson Beach State Park offers a quieter side of Destin, where tall dunes and pine trees create a natural backdrop to the shore. The city’s reputation as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” isn’t just talk – the deep waters off the coast are home to one of the largest fishing fleets in Florida, making it a paradise for anyone hoping to catch their dinner.
Memphis, Tennessee
Ever wondered where you can find both Elvis’s mansion and the best barbecue ribs in America? Welcome to Memphis, Tennessee, where music history flows through the streets like the mighty Mississippi River. This soulful city on the river’s banks is the birthplace of blues, home to Graceland, and keeper of a barbecue tradition that draws food lovers from across the globe. A weekend here lets you walk down Beale Street, where live music spills out of historic clubs nightly, and visit the powerful National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. You can start your morning with buttermilk biscuits at an old-school diner, spend your afternoon touring Sun Studio where Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded their hits, and end your day feasting on slow-cooked pulled pork at one of the city’s famous smoke joints.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Looking for a dose of fresh mountain air and outdoor adventure? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, offers visitors over 500,000 acres of rolling peaks, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls. The park’s misty blue ridges, dotted with black bears and wild elk, make it America’s most visited national park – and for good reason. You can hike sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, explore historic log cabins in Cades Cove, or simply drive the scenic routes that wind through these ancient mountains.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
I always tell friends looking for a peaceful coastal escape to visit Jekyll Island. Located off Georgia’s Atlantic coast, this barrier island delivers the perfect mix of untouched beaches, rich history, and Southern charm. The island’s centerpiece is the Jekyll Island Club Historic District, where 19th-century millionaires like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts once built their winter mansions. Today, visitors can bike along 20 miles of trails, spot sea turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and walk through the unique Driftwood Beach, where weathered tree trunks create an otherworldly shoreline scene.