The southern region of the United States, often plainly called ‘the South’, or ‘Dixie’, is a huge area officially comprising 16 different states. Thanks to the region’s exceptional historic and cultural legacy that includes Native Americans, early colonial settlements, importation of innumerable enslaved Africans, dependence on slave labor and inheritance of the Confederacy after the Civil War, the South cultivated its own customs, musical styles, literature and diverse cuisines.
Explore: Alabama • Arkansas • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana • Mississippi • North Carolina • South Carolina • Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia
- Alabama: Discover rich civil rights history, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
- Arkansas: Explore Hot Springs National Park, the scenic Ozark Mountains, and the Clinton Presidential Library.
- Georgia: Visit historic Savannah, bustling Atlanta, and the starting point of the Appalachian Trail.
- Kentucky: Experience the Kentucky Derby, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the famous Bourbon Trail.
- Louisiana: Enjoy the vibrant French Quarter, bayous and swamps, and the lively Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
- Mississippi: Discover the Mississippi River, Vicksburg National Military Park, and the coastal city of Biloxi.
- North Carolina: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains, the Biltmore Estate, and the scenic Outer Banks.
- South Carolina: Visit historic Charleston, relax on Myrtle Beach, and explore Fort Sumter.
- Tennessee: Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains, Graceland in Memphis, and the country music scene in Nashville.
- Virginia: Discover Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, and the historic Jamestown settlement.
- West Virginia: Explore the scenic New River Gorge, historic Harpers Ferry, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Often referred to as the ‘Big Easy’, New Orleans is the jewel of Louisiana and is one of the country’s most popular destinations due to its laidback and genial atmosphere, appealing architecture, Dixieland jazz music and Creole cuisine, not to mention its magnificent annual Mardi Gras celebration. As they tend to say in New Orleans, ‘Let the good times roll!’
Florida, also named the ‘Sunshine State’, is one of the world’s best-loved destinations, with tourists heading here in search of sun, fun and thrills. The face of Florida most people are familiar with is Orlando, with its huge number of theme and water parks, movie studios and entertainment facilities.
Texas presents great cultural variety with a strong Mexican influence as well as Austin’s pulsating music scene. Nashville in Tennessee is the world’s country music hub, while blues lovers should make a beeline for Memphis.
Those seeking peace and quiet might head for sleepy Alabama or visit Hope, Bill Clinton’s birthplace in Arkansas. In Kentucky, you can pay homage to Colonel Sanders, the fried chicken king, or sample some bourbon whisky since the state is the source of this amber liquid, producing 95 percent of the world’s requirements. Best known for its river, the beautiful ‘Magnolia State’ of Mississippi features quaint little towns, bustling cities, white sand beaches and a real feeling of the Deep South.
The southern lifestyle, particularly in the Deep South, is recurrently joked about. There is a cliché about southerners being resistant to change and more relaxed, even in stressful situations. Of course, that is not always the case but cannot be dismissed in more rural areas. Southerners are furthermore described as well-mannered and polite and especially welcoming to visitors; this attribute has been labeled ‘southern hospitality’.
Where to Go
Highlights
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Renowned for its diverse wildlife, ancient mountains, and breathtaking seasonal foliage.
- New Orleans’ French Quarter: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, jazz music, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine.
- Savannah Historic District: Known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and lush public squares.
- Nashville’s Music Scene: The heart of country music with historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and vibrant nightlife on Broadway.
- Charleston Historic District: Offers charming streets, historic homes, and a deep sense of Southern history and culture.
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Home to the world’s longest known cave system with extensive underground tours and geological wonders.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway: A scenic drive through the Appalachian Highlands, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
- The Mississippi River: A vital waterway offering river cruises, historical significance, and scenic beauty.
- The Kentucky Bourbon Trail: A journey through the state’s famous distilleries, offering tastings and insights into bourbon production.
- The Alabama Civil Rights Trail: Key sites in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma that played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement.
Regions
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Alabama: Alabama offers travelers historic civil rights landmarks in Birmingham and Montgomery, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, and white-sand beaches along the Gulf Shores.
Auburn • Bessemer • Birmingham • Decatur • Dothan • Hoover • Huntsville • Mobile • Montgomery • Selma • Tuscaloosa • West Point
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Arkansas: Arkansas features Hot Springs National Park, the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, and the scenic Ozark Mountains for outdoor activities and exploration.
Bentonville • El Dorado • Eureka Springs • Fayetteville • Fort Smith • Harrison • Helena • Hot Springs • Jonesboro • Little Rock • Mountain View • Pine Bluff • Searcy • Texarkana
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Georgia: Georgia is home to the historic city of Savannah, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, and the starting point of the Appalachian Trail in the northern part of the state.
Atlanta • Blue Ridge • Chatsworth • Dahlonega • Macon • Roswell • Savannah
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Kentucky: Kentucky’s major sights include Mammoth Cave National Park, the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, and the Bourbon Trail with its renowned distilleries.
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Louisiana: Louisiana’s key attractions are the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, the state’s bayous and swamps, and the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
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Mississippi: Mississippi offers the Mississippi River, the Vicksburg National Military Park, and the coastal city of Biloxi with its casinos and beaches.
Biloxi • Clarksdale • Delta towns • Holly Springs • Jackson • Natchez • Oxford • Tupelo • Vicksburg
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North Carolina: North Carolina features the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and the Outer Banks’ scenic coastline and historic sites.
Asheville • Beaufort • Boone • Chapel Hill • Charlotte • Durham • Edenton • Greensboro • Raleigh • Wilmington
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South Carolina: South Carolina’s major attractions include the historic city of Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and the historic Fort Sumter where the Civil War began.
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Tennessee: Tennessee is known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Graceland in Memphis, and the vibrant country music scene in Nashville.
Chattanooga • Knoxville • Memphis • Nashville
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Alexandria • Appommattox • Charlottesville • Chincoteague • Fredericksburg • Lexington • Norfolk • Richmond • Virginia Beach • Williamsburg
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West Virginia: West Virginia offers the scenic New River Gorge National Park, the historic Harpers Ferry, and outdoor activities in the Appalachian Mountains.
Top Cities
- Atlanta: (Georgia) - A major cultural and economic hub known for its vibrant music scene, historic sites, and diverse culinary offerings.
- Nashville: (Tennessee) - Famous for its country music heritage, lively downtown scene, and historic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
- New Orleans: (Louisiana) - Renowned for its lively French Quarter, jazz music, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine.
- Charlotte: (North Carolina) - A fast-growing city with a thriving financial district, NASCAR attractions, and a burgeoning arts scene.
- Charleston: (South Carolina) - Known for its well-preserved historic architecture, charming streets, and rich Southern history.
- Birmingham: (Alabama) - A city with a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, offering historical sites and a growing culinary scene.
- Richmond: (Virginia) - Steeped in American history, with numerous museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant riverfront activities.
- Memphis: (Tennessee) - Home to Graceland, the legacy of Elvis Presley, and a rich blues music tradition along Beale Street.
- Savannah: (Georgia) - Famous for its beautiful historic district, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved antebellum architecture.
- Raleigh: (North Carolina) - Known for its research universities, cultural institutions, and a blend of modernity and Southern charm.
National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: (Tennessee/North Carolina) - Known for its diverse wildlife, ancient mountains, and stunning seasonal foliage.
- Everglades National Park: (Florida) - The largest tropical wilderness of its kind, famous for its unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife, including alligators.
- Shenandoah National Park: (Virginia) - Offers scenic drives along Skyline Drive, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Congaree National Park: (South Carolina) - Features one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
- Mammoth Cave National Park: (Kentucky) - Home to the world’s longest known cave system, offering extensive underground tours and geological wonders.
- Big Bend National Park: (Texas) - Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, the Rio Grande River, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Hot Springs National Park: (Arkansas) - Combines natural hot springs with historic bathhouses and scenic hiking trails.
- Biscayne National Park: (Florida) - Encompasses coral reefs, islands, and underwater marine life, perfect for boating, snorkeling, and diving.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore: (Florida/Mississippi) - Features pristine beaches, historic forts, and diverse wildlife along the Gulf of Mexico.
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: (Kentucky/Tennessee/Virginia) - Offers historical significance as a key passageway through the Appalachian Mountains, with rich pioneer history and scenic landscapes.
Things to Do
Cultural Experiences
- New Orleans’ French Quarter: Immerse yourself in vibrant jazz music, unique Creole cuisine, and historic architecture.
- Charleston Historic District: Explore well-preserved antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, and historic plantations.
- Savannah Historic District: Stroll through lush squares, historic homes, and experience Southern hospitality.
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Visit famous distilleries, enjoy bourbon tastings, and learn about bourbon production.
Natural Experiences
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hike through diverse forests, view stunning mountain scenery, and spot wildlife.
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Explore the world’s longest known cave system with guided tours and underground adventures.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway: Drive along scenic routes, enjoy panoramic views, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
- Everglades National Park: Discover unique ecosystems, take airboat tours, and observe diverse wildlife including alligators.
Urban Experiences
- Nashville’s Music Scene: Experience live country music, visit historic venues like the Grand Ole Opry, and enjoy vibrant nightlife.
- Atlanta’s Attractions: Explore the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
- Memphis’ Beale Street: Enjoy the rich blues music heritage, visit Graceland, and explore the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle: Visit leading research universities, tech hubs, and cultural institutions.
Unique Experiences
- Space Exploration in Huntsville: Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and learn about space history and technology.
- Gulf Shores Beach Activities: Relax on white-sand beaches, enjoy water sports, and explore Gulf State Park.
- Hot Springs National Park: Experience historic bathhouses, natural hot springs, and scenic hiking trails.
- Vicksburg National Military Park: Explore the historic Civil War battlefield, monuments, and museums.