As someone who’s spent years zigzagging across the American South, I’m often asked about the best places to visit in the region. The truth is, the South is too rich in history, food, and culture to sum up in a quick conversation. So I reached out to fellow travelers and local experts to help paint the picture.
“The South isn’t just one thing – it’s like a patchwork quilt of experiences,” says Sarah Thompson, a travel guide who’s led tours through the region for over a decade. “You’ve got mountain towns, coastal villages, and everything in between. Each state, each city has its own rhythm, its own flavor, and its own way of making you feel at home.”
While you could spend months exploring every corner of the South, sometimes all you need is a weekend to get a taste of what makes this region special. With that in mind, here are 20 weekend getaways that’ll give you the perfect introduction to Southern charm.
- Best for history buffs: Charleston, South Carolina
- Perfect weekend escape: Savannah, Georgia
- Nature lover’s paradise: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- Best beach getaway: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Foodie favorite: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Small town charm: Asheville, North Carolina
Savannah, Georgia
My first visit to Savannah was on a spring weekend in 2019, when the azaleas painted the city in soft pink hues. One of the oldest planned cities in America, Savannah sits gracefully along Georgia’s Atlantic coast, its historic district laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid of squares and parks. Spanish moss drapes over ancient oak trees throughout the city’s 22 town squares, where local musicians play jazz in the afternoons and food carts serve up fresh pralines. Forsyth Park, with its famous white fountain and weekend farmers’ market, anchors the southern end of the historic district, while River Street’s converted cotton warehouses now house shops and restaurants overlooking cargo ships that still cruise the Savannah River.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time while keeping one foot firmly in the present. The city’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets and antebellum mansions, tells stories of the Old South, while the growing food scene serves up modern twists on Lowcountry classics. Walking through the French Quarter, you’ll find local artists selling their work next to centuries-old churches, and horse-drawn carriages sharing the road with food trucks. It’s not just another pretty Southern city – Charleston’s charm lies in how it balances its rich history with a fresh, contemporary energy that keeps both history buffs and foodies coming back for more.
Nashville, Tennessee
Many travelers know Nashville as America’s country music capital, but this Tennessee city offers much more than honky-tonks and recording studios. The streets of downtown come alive with the sound of live music pouring from local venues, while neighborhoods like East Nashville and 12 South showcase the city’s creative spirit through indie boutiques and diverse restaurants. Between catching performances at the Grand Ole Opry and exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, visitors can dig into hot chicken at Prince’s or Hattie B’s, browse handmade goods at the Nashville Farmers’ Market, or take a stroll through Centennial Park. And with its growing food scene and craft brewery culture, Nashville proves it’s not just a destination for music lovers, but for anyone seeking a taste of Southern hospitality.
Asheville, North Carolina
Have you ever watched artists paint on sidewalks while bluegrass music drifts through mountain air? That’s just another Thursday in Asheville, North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains create a perfect backdrop for this creative mountain town. A hub for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers, Asheville lets you hop between more than 30 local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants that bring southern cooking into the modern age. You can wander through the massive Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private residence, or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to spot black bears and wild turkeys in their natural habitat. The River Arts District, with its converted warehouses full of working artists’ studios, shows off the city’s creative soul.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Many visitors flock to New Orleans for the famous French Quarter, but this Louisiana gem offers much more than just Bourbon Street revelry. The city blends Creole culture, jazz music, and distinctive food into an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the South. In spring, the Jazz & Heritage Festival brings together musicians and food vendors for a celebration of local culture, but New Orleans knows how to show visitors a good time year-round. Whether you’re sampling beignets at Café du Monde, taking a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River, or exploring the historic Garden District’s oak-lined streets, you’ll discover why locals say the city moves at its own pace.
Did you know?
Did you know that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music and hosts countless musicians playing in the streets and clubs of the French Quarter every single night? The city sits below sea level and is protected by a complex system of levees and pumps, which explains why many of the above-ground cemeteries (called “Cities of the Dead”) feature ornate stone tombs instead of traditional underground burial plots.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg first caught my eye during a family road trip in the late ’90s. This mountain town sits right at the doorstep of America’s most visited national park, where dense forests and misty peaks create a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Local shops and restaurants line the main strip, while mountain coasters and ski lifts carry visitors up into the surrounding hills. The Space Needle observation deck offers clear views of the town below and the rolling mountains beyond, while nearby attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Arts and Crafts Community add variety to the mountain experience. When evening falls, the smell of warm taffy and fresh-baked cookies drifts through the air as families stroll the streets, taking in the warm glow of the mountain town’s lights against the darkened peaks.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores draws visitors year-round to its soft white-sand beaches along Alabama’s southern coast, but this laid-back destination offers more than just sunbathing and swimming. The area’s protected nature reserves and state parks provide perfect spots for kayaking through coastal wetlands and spotting local wildlife like sea turtles and herons. While summer brings crowds seeking beach time and water sports, fall visitors can enjoy the annual National Shrimp Festival with its fresh seafood, live music, and local arts scene. Whether you’re interested in deep-sea fishing trips, exploring the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or simply watching the sunset from one of the waterfront restaurants, Gulf Shores delivers a classic beach town experience with a Southern twist.
St. Augustine, Florida
Of all the historic cities in the American South, none captures the spirit of old-world charm quite like St. Augustine, Florida. This coastal gem holds the title of America’s oldest city, where Spanish colonial architecture stands alongside palm-lined streets that have witnessed over 450 years of history. It’s a place where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down narrow cobblestone lanes, and centuries-old fortifications tell tales of pirates and conquistadors. Visitors can spend their days exploring the brick-lined St. George Street, ducking into local shops and cafes, or wandering through Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress that has guarded the city’s shores since Spanish colonial times. The city manages to feel both frozen in time and surprisingly alive, offering a perfect mix of historical sites and modern coastal fun.
Helen, Georgia
Feel like you’ve been transported to a charming Bavarian village without leaving the South? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Helen, Georgia. This Alpine-inspired town tucked away in the North Georgia mountains offers cobblestone alleys and traditional German architecture at every turn. You can spend your days floating down the Chattahoochee River in a tube during summer months, or visit in fall when the annual Oktoberfest brings authentic German music, food, and dancing to the streets. For a taste of local culture, stop by Hofer’s Bakery for fresh-baked pretzels and strudel, or head to one of several German restaurants serving schnitzel and beer. The surrounding area also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking Anna Ruby Falls to exploring Unicoi State Park.
Oxford, Mississippi
Many people know Oxford for Ole Miss, the state’s largest university, but this charming small town offers much more than just college football weekends. The historic downtown square, anchored by the Lafayette County Courthouse, draws visitors with its collection of independent bookstores, local restaurants, and shops housed in preserved 19th-century buildings. When William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak isn’t inspiring literary pilgrimages, the 30-acre Bailey’s Woods Trail provides a peaceful escape for afternoon walks. The town comes alive during game days in the fall, but Oxford’s mix of Southern food, culture, and hospitality makes it worth visiting any time of year.
Did you know?
Did you know that this charming Southern town was actually named after Oxford, England in hopes of attracting a state university – a plan that worked perfectly when the University of Mississippi (affectionately known as “Ole Miss”) opened its doors in 1848? The city also served as inspiration for Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, who created the fictional Yoknapatawpha County based on Oxford and wrote many of his famous works from his home, Rowan Oak, which you can still visit today.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you’re looking to escape the grind, the Outer Banks of North Carolina delivers coastal charm in spades. This 200-mile stretch of barrier islands brings together wild horses roaming the beaches, historic lighthouses dotting the shore, and some of the East Coast’s best seafood spots. From climbing the towering dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park to exploring the site of the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kill Devil Hills, there’s enough here to fill a long weekend and then some.
Key West, Florida
My first visit to Key West was back in 2015, when I drove down the iconic Overseas Highway to reach this southernmost point of the continental U.S. Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West sits at the very end of the Florida Keys archipelago, where Caribbean culture meets small-town American charm. Palm-lined streets and pastel-colored conch houses make up most of the historic district, while Ernest Hemingway’s former home still stands as a museum filled with dozens of six-toed cats. The nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square has become a ritual here, where locals and tourists gather to watch street performers as the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters.
Lexington, Kentucky
When it comes to Southern charm mixed with sporty excitement, Lexington hits all the right notes. This Kentucky gem serves up two of the state’s favorite things – thoroughbred horses and bourbon – in equal measure. The city sits in the heart of Bluegrass Country, where horse farms stretch as far as the eye can see and iconic distilleries dot the landscape. It’s not just a place for Derby dreams and bourbon sips though – the city’s got a buzzing food scene that puts a fresh spin on Southern cooking, and the historic downtown area tells stories of the region’s rich past through its well-preserved architecture. Those who make the trip can spend their mornings watching thoroughbreds train at Keeneland Race Course, afternoons touring bourbon distilleries, and evenings digging into local specialties at farm-to-table restaurants.
San Antonio, Texas
Ever wandered down a cobblestone street with the smell of fresh tamales in the air? That’s just another Tuesday in San Antonio, where Mexican culture and Texas charm come together along the famous River Walk. This laid-back city, just a few hours from Houston and Austin, lets you float past cafes on river barges by day and catch mariachi bands under string lights by night. The Alamo sits right in the heart of downtown, telling tales of Texas independence, while the Pearl District, a former brewery turned food lover’s paradise, shows off the city’s modern side. You can spend your mornings cycling through the Spanish Colonial Missions (they’re UNESCO World Heritage sites), and your afternoons sampling street tacos and browsing colorful Mexican markets in the historic Market Square.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Many travelers head to Hot Springs, Arkansas for its natural thermal waters, but this charming town offers much more than just its namesake springs. The historic downtown, which sits within Hot Springs National Park, features eight bathhouses from the 1920s that once served as luxury spas for the wealthy. These days, you can still take a traditional bath at Buckstaff or Quapaw Bathhouses, or explore the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum to learn about the town’s interesting past. While the springs remain the main attraction, visitors can fill their days with scenic hiking trails, boat rides on Lake Hamilton, or trying their luck at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort – making Hot Springs an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend away from the city.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Looking for a place where you can swing a golf club in the morning and dig your toes in the sand by afternoon? That’s just another day on Hilton Head Island, where 12 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches meet world-class golf courses at every turn. This laid-back South Carolina paradise draws families and couples year-round, not just for its championship fairways but for its 60 miles of cycling trails that wind through moss-draped oaks and past marshy lagoons. You can spot dolphins playing in the waves during a sunset sail, feast on fresh-caught shrimp at local dockside restaurants, or kayak through peaceful waterways where herons wade in the shallows. The island’s Gullah culture adds a rich layer of history, with local markets and festivals celebrating traditions that date back generations.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Situated along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is where Southern hospitality meets beach living. Like many coastal towns, it has its share of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and water activities. But unlike its neighbors, Orange Beach maintains a laid-back, small-town feeling even during peak season. Just walk along the sugar-white sand beaches or watch fishing boats return with their daily catch, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Because of its location between Gulf Shores and Perdido Key, Orange Beach has become a perfect mix of family-friendly attractions and peaceful coastal retreats, with waterfront condos and beach houses dotting the shoreline.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Located about an hour and a half north of San Antonio sits the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Like many Hill Country destinations, Fredericksburg offers plenty of wineries, peach orchards, and rustic restaurants. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like a slice of Germany tucked away in Texas. Just walk down Main Street, lined with German-style stone buildings and biergartens, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of the heavy German settlement in the 1800s, the town maintains strong Germanic roots, and you’ll find traditional beer halls, schnitzel houses, and festivals celebrating its heritage throughout the year.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
I first visited Chattanooga back in 2019, drawn to this riverside city nestled against the Tennessee River and the rolling Appalachian Mountains. Located just two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga blends outdoor adventure with small-city charm in a way few Southern destinations can match. The downtown riverfront serves as the heart of the city, where the Tennessee Aquarium’s twin glass peaks stand guard over the water’s edge. Rock City and Ruby Falls on nearby Lookout Mountain offer natural wonders and sweeping views across seven states, while the renovated Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel pays homage to the city’s rich railroad heritage. The city’s food scene has evolved beyond traditional Southern fare, with local restaurants and breweries breathing new life into the historic Southside district.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Experience a taste of southern history in Louisiana’s capital city, where politics and culture come together in unexpected ways. The majestic State Capitol building stands 450 feet tall, making it the tallest state capitol in America – climb to the observation deck on the 27th floor for sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown. Food lovers can dive into authentic Cajun cuisine at spots like Poor Boy Lloyd’s, a local institution serving up classic po’boys since 1967. For a dose of culture, spend an afternoon at the LSU Rural Life Museum or catch a show at the historic Varsity Theatre near the university campus.
