Southeast United States Travel Guide

Introduction

The Southeastern United States is a region steeped in history and culture, with a diverse range of attractions and activities to offer visitors. From the vibrant nightlife of bustling cities to the natural beauty of beaches and mountains, the Southeast has something for everyone.

Top Attractions

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a must-see destination for visitors to the Southeast. The city offers a wealth of attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is famous for its vibrant music scene, delicious cuisine, and colorful architecture. Visitors can explore the French Quarter, take a swamp tour, or attend a jazz festival.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a charming coastal city known for its historic homes, beautiful gardens, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can take a carriage ride through the city, visit Fort Sumter, or stroll along the Battery.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in the Southeast as well. Some of our favorites include:

The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia
The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina
The National Naval Aviation Museum in Florida
The Shrimp and Grits Trail in South Carolina

Food Scene

The Southeast is known for its delicious cuisine, from barbecue and fried chicken to seafood and Cajun specialties. Some of the best places to eat in the region include:

Husk in Charleston, South Carolina
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Memphis, Tennessee
The Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Varsity in Atlanta, Georgia

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? Here are some tips to help you save money on your trip to the Southeast:

Visit in the off-season to take advantage of lower prices
Eat at local diners and cafes instead of expensive restaurants
Use public transportation instead of renting a car
Look for free or discounted attractions and activities

Outdoor Adventures

The Southeast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Some of the best outdoor adventures in the region include:

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Kayaking in the Okefenokee Swamp
Biking the Natchez Trace Parkway
Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? The Southeast has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Some of our top picks include:

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta
Exploring the Children’s Museum of Memphis
Taking a dolphin-watching tour in Sarasota, Florida
Visiting the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover in the Southeast. Some of our favorites include:

Exploring the abandoned town of Cahawba, Alabama
Taking a ghost tour in Savannah, Georgia
Visiting the Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island, Florida
Exploring the abandoned St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charleston, South Carolina

Natural Wonders

The Southeast is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. Some of the must-see sights include:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Everglades in Florida
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia
The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia

Vibrant Nightlife

If you’re looking for a night out on the town, the Southeast has plenty to offer. Some of the best nightlife destinations include:

Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Music Row area of Nashville, Tennessee
The Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia
The River Street area of Savannah, Georgia

Local Markets

One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting a farmer’s market or craft fair. Some of the top markets in the Southeast include:

The Charleston City Market in South Carolina
The Nashville Farmers’ Market in Tennessee
The French Market in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Atlanta International Night Market in Georgia

Beaches and Mountains

The Southeast is home to both stunning beaches and majestic mountains. Some of the best places to visit include:

The beaches of the Florida Keys
The Outer Banks of North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia

Cultural Immersion

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in the local culture, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in the Southeast. Some of the best cultural experiences include:

Attending a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, Louisiana
Taking a walking tour of the historic district in Savannah, Georgia
Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
Exploring the African American Heritage Trail in St. Augustine, Florida

Art and Music Scene

The Southeast has a rich tradition of music and arts, with plenty of museums, galleries, and live music venues to discover. Some of the best places to visit include:

The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia
The New Orleans Jazz Museum in Louisiana
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida

Walking Tours

One of the best ways to explore a new city is on foot, and the Southeast has plenty of walking tours to choose from. Some of the top tours include:

The Historic Downtown Walking Tour in Charleston, South Carolina
The Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour in Savannah, Georgia
The Civil Rights Heritage Walking Tour in Birmingham, Alabama
The Music City Walk of Fame Park in Nashville, Tennessee

Architectural Marvels

The Southeast is home to some of the most unique and beautiful architecture in the country. Some of the top sights to see include:

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in Florida
The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee
The Historic District in Savannah, Georgia

Historical Sites

The Southeast has a rich history, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn about it through visiting historical sites and landmarks. Some of the top sites to see include: