10 Must-Visit Places in the South
If you’re visiting the South for the first time, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Do you want to see beaches, mountains, cities filled with culture, historical sites or foodie towns? The South has it all from coast to coast, and the list below will help you get your trip planning started.
All you need is a stable internet connection to do your research online before visiting any place. We recommend HughesNet Satellite Internet because you can use it even in the outskirts. You can also search about the weather that is expected in the areas that you will visit and do your packing accordingly.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ahhh, The Big Easy. This beautiful city is packed full of vibrant culture and delicious food. Here, you’ll find a lively music scene, with jazz and blues literally pouring out from the streets.
Around every corner, you’ll also find a plate of mouth-watering cuisine and a refreshing cocktail. From rich and savory gumbo to the sweet, fried beignets at Cafe Du Monde and the historic Sazerac cocktail, you won’t leave New Orleans hungry.
The city is home to some of the best jazz clubs in the world, as well as a thriving arts community and spirited nightlife. When visiting here, be sure to explore the historic French Quarter, take a stroll through the architectural treasure that is the Garden District or just bar and restaurant hop until your stomach is content.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a charming city, known for its timeless architecture, historic landmarks and stunningly peaceful parks.
Home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the South, Savannah has everything you could ever dream of tasting— from soul food to international cuisine. At restaurants like Olde Pink House in the historic district, you can get a taste of each, including their famous She Crab Soup.
Visitors can take a stroll through the city’s many squares, visit the famous Forsyth Park or explore the historic district. Or, if you’d prefer, visit the Savannah Botanical Gardens to experience the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
Asheville, North Carolina
Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene and farm-to-table food and wine, Asheville is next on our list of must-visits.
Explore the Blue Ridge Mountains by hiking or driving, take a stroll through the many art galleries, independent shops or craft breweries downtown, or take a guided foraging expedition into the mountains.
Asheville also has a thriving performing arts scene, with many theaters and museums. Plus, we hear it’s a great place to retire.
Charleston, South Carolina
With its secluded beaches and historic landmarks, Charleston is a perfect place to visit if you’re looking to sightsee.
Visitors can explore the city’s many historic sites, from Fort Sumter to Morris Island Lighthouse, or just take a stroll through beautiful Battery Park.
Be sure to check out the vibrant Charleston City Market or the South Carolina Aquarium. And don’t forget the culinary scene. Charleston is filled with award-winning chefs just waiting to serve you some lowcountry cuisine.
Nashville, Tennessee
Known as the capital of country music, Nashville is bursting at the seams with culture, food and Southern-inspired sounds.
Here you can explore the city’s many music venues, take a stroll through Centennial Park or enjoy a delicious meal from one of its many famous restaurants, like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
Grab a tasty cup of coffee from one of Nashville’s many coffeeshops and head out on the town to find fun in Music City.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is known for its rich history, energetic music scene and mouth-watering barbecue. If you’re looking to participate in active nightlife, Memphis is the place for you.
Head on down to Beale Street, a vibrant center full of music and food you’ll only find in Memphis. Or, explore the city’s many historic sites related to music and civil rights, visit Elvis’s Graceland mansion or enjoy a delicious meal of ribs and pulled pork.
You’ll want to visit in the summer, when the city is alive with people and soulful music.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a quintessential beach town known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and delicious seafood.
Enjoy a day at the beach, take a dolphin-watching tour or enjoy a meal of Royal Red local shrimp and freshly shucked oysters.
If you’re not too tired from lounging in the sun all day, visit the Pink Pony Pub when the sun goes down for a relaxed but fun end to your night. And don’t miss walking through the shark’s mouth at Souvenir City to get a little something to take home from your trip.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is another popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk and family-friendly attractions.
Spend the day at the beach, take a ride on the famous SkyWheel or visit one of the many amusement parks in the area for an evening full of fun.
Visit the historic Gay Dolphin gift shop, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on Ocean Boulevard and the carousel at Barefoot Landing to round out your Myrtle Beach experience.
Atlanta, Georgia
Aside from its exciting nightlife, Atlanta has much to offer as one of the South’s largest cities.
Visitors can explore the city’s many historic sites like the home of Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell and birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., visit the famous Georgia Aquarium or explore the 22-mile BeltLine.
The city is also home to a ton of cool and historical museums, like the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the High Museum of Art.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and historical landmarks that are hundreds of years old.
In this city that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can explore the famous Alamo, take a stroll or enjoy a nice meal along the beautiful River Walk. There’s also the Pearl district for dining and shopping.
You may not think of San Antonio when you think of foodie cities, but this culinary capital of Texas has authentic cuisine for all tastes.
