The South has a way of getting under your skin, in the best possible way, of course.
From moss-draped oaks and pastel-painted towns to misty mountain mornings and hidden beaches, the beauty here sneaks up on you.
On my travels through the Southern USA, I’ve stumbled upon places that made me stop in my tracks, camera in hand, heart full.
If you’re looking for your next weekend escape, these 13 gorgeous spots in the Southern USA are full of surprises.
And they deserve a place on your travel list.
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The Unforgettable Cities: Living History and Southern Charm
Some destinations are living, breathing storybooks. The beautiful southern cities of the South are exactly that.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
I love walking Charleston’s gaslit cobblestone alleys. The city is famous for its stunning antebellum architecture and pastel-colored homes along Rainbow Row.
I always make time for a stroll along The Battery. The grand homes look out over the harbor where Fort Sumter stands.
Charleston is consistently voted one of the best cities in America for a reason
What Not to Miss:
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour to absorb the history. Explore the historic Charleston City Market for local crafts and goods.
A ferry trip to Fort Sumter National Monument is essential for history buffs.
My Tip:
You must try the Lowcountry cuisine. A bowl of She-Crab soup is a Charleston classic.
I recommend visiting in the spring or fall. The weather is perfect, and you’ll miss the intense summer humidity.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Walking through Savannah is like stepping into a gothic romance novel.
The city’s 22 historic squares are its green heart, each a small park filled with fountains and monuments. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a dreamy, shaded canopy over the streets.
It’s easily one of the most gorgeous places in the South, USA.
What Not to Miss:
Start at Forsyth Park to see its famous fountain. Take a trolley tour to appreciate the city’s unique grid layout.
A walk through the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery is unforgettable.
And don’t miss the iconic oak-lined avenue at Wormsloe State Historic Site.
My Tip:
Savannah’s Historic District has a unique “to-go cup” policy, allowing you to sip a drink as you stroll.
For an authentic taste of the city, line up for the family-style Southern feast at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
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3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city that moves to its own rhythm. Its beauty isn’t just in its sights but in its sounds and flavors.
The French Quarter is a stunning mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean architecture, with wrought-iron balconies overflowing with ferns.
The energy here is infectious. It’s a city that celebrates life at every turn.
What Not to Miss:
Avoid the chaos of Bourbon Street for the authentic live jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street.
Take a historic steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
Explore the unique above-ground cemeteries, known as the “Cities of the Dead”.
My Tip:
To truly experience the city’s food, you have to try the classics. Indulge in a rich gumbo, a spicy jambalaya, and of course, the powdered-sugar-dusted beignets from Café du Monde.
For the best weather and a calendar full of festivals, fall is a fantastic time to visit.
The Majestic Mountains: Appalachian Vistas and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond the cities, the soul of the South lies in its ancient mountains.
The Appalachian range offers a different kind of beauty—one that’s wild, misty, and deeply peaceful.
This is a must for any American South travel itinerary.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is where artistic energy meets the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I love how you can spend the morning exploring downtown’s independent shops and art galleries, and the afternoon hiking a mountain trail.
The city has a creative spirit that is perfectly complemented by its stunning natural backdrop.
What Not to Miss:
You can’t visit Asheville without seeing the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, with its magnificent gardens.
Explore the studios and galleries of the River Arts District.
Drive a portion of the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway for incredible views.
My Tip:
Asheville is famously known as “Beer City, USA,” with more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else. Pair a local craft beer with some incredible farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine.
For the most stunning scenery, visit in the fall to see the mountains ablaze with color.
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5. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
This 469-mile scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Highlands, offering nonstop, breathtaking vistas.
There are no stoplights or billboards, just uninterrupted views of rolling mountains and verdant valleys.
The slow, meandering pace is part of its magic, forcing you to relax and soak in the scenery.
What Not to Miss:
Stop at historic Mabry Mill (Milepost 176) to see a piece of Appalachian history.
Marvel at the engineering of the Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304.4) as it hugs Grandfather Mountain.
Pull over at the many overlooks; Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2) is fantastic for sunsets.
My Tip:
Fall is the most popular time for its spectacular foliage, but spring offers blooming wildflowers and fewer people.
Be sure to visit the cultural stops along the way, like the Blue Ridge Music Center, to experience traditional Appalachian music and crafts.
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
As America’s most visited national park, the Smokies are a true national treasure.
The park gets its name from the blue-tinged fog that often hangs over the ancient, rolling mountains.
Its world-renowned biodiversity means the forests are teeming with life, from black bears to hundreds of species of birds.
It is truly one of the best southern destinations.
What Not to Miss:
Take the 11-mile loop drive through Cades Cove for the best chance to see wildlife like deer, turkey, and black bears amid historic cabins and churches.
Hike to the top of Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) for a 360-degree view from the observation tower.
If you visit in early summer, try to see the synchronous fireflies, a rare and magical natural event.
Insider Tip:
Summer is beautiful, but it can be very crowded and humid. For spectacular fall colors and comfortable hiking weather, plan your trip for autumn.
On the North Carolina side, explore the rich cultural history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The Serene Coasts: From Barrier Islands to Tropical Paradises
The South’s coastline is as diverse as it is long. From historic shores steeped in colonial history to the wild, windswept barrier islands and tropical keys, there is a coastal escape for every type of traveler.
7. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is unlike any other city in the South. Its beauty comes from a distinct European flavor, with narrow, brick-lined streets and stunning Spanish colonial architecture.
The impressive Castillo de San Marcos stands guard over the coast, a testament to the city’s nearly 500-year history.
What Not to Miss:
Explore the historic rooms and ramparts of the Castillo de San Marcos.
Wander down the pedestrian-only St. George Street for shops and cafes.
Relax on the beautiful white sands of Anastasia State Park or Crescent Beach.
My Tip:
Please do visit during the “Nights of Lights” festival from late November through January, when the entire city glows with millions of white lights.
8. The Golden Isles, Georgia
The Golden Isles is a cluster of four barrier islands—St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island. They’re known for their vast, untouched marshlands and stunning beaches.
The landscape is defined by majestic live oaks and a serene, natural radiance, making it one of the best southern destinations.
What Not to Miss:
See the hauntingly beautiful, sea-weathered trees at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island.
Bike under the canopies of Spanish moss on St. Simons Island and search for the whimsical Tree Spirits carved into the oaks.
Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island to learn about conservation efforts.
My Tip:
When you’re here, be sure to try the local Wild Georgia Shrimp, a regional delicacy. The weather is most pleasant in spring and fall.
9. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head is a masterclass in blending natural beauty with thoughtful development.
The island is famous for its 12 miles of pristine, wide beaches and lush, green landscape.
What I find most impressive is the commitment to preserving nature; you won’t find any neon signs or buildings taller than the trees here.
What Not to Miss:
Rent a bike and explore over 60 miles of public pathways.
Kayak through the calm salt marshes to spot dolphins and other wildlife.
Visit the iconic red-and-white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse.
My Tip:
Take time to learn about the rich Gullah/Geechee culture, the unique heritage of West African descendants in the Lowcountry.
And you can’t leave without trying a Lowcountry Boil, a one-pot feast of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
10. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks feel wild and untamed.
This long chain of narrow barrier islands is a place of rugged beauty, with windswept dunes, historic lighthouses, and beaches that feel untouched by time.
It’s a place steeped in history, from the Wright Brothers’ first flight to tales of pirates and shipwrecks.
What Not to Miss:
See the majestic wild horses that roam the northern beaches of Corolla.
Climb the iconic black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic views.
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk to stand where flight began.
My Tips:
Locals will tell you that fall is the best time to visit. The crowds are gone, the fishing is fantastic, and the weather is mild.
The seafood here is incredible; be sure to try the fresh local oysters and shrimp.
11. Gulf Shores, Alabama
If your idea of beauty is a classic, pristine beach, Gulf Shores is for you.
The city is renowned for its 32 miles of soft, sugar-white quartz sand and the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf.
It’s a simple place that invites you to relax and unwind. This is one of the most family-friendly, gorgeous places in the South, USA.
What Not to Miss:
Spend the day relaxing on the expansive public beaches.
Explore the trails and fishing pier at Gulf State Park.
For family fun, visit attractions like Waterville USA or the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
My Tip:
Don’t leave without trying two local specialties: fresh fried crab claws and Alabama-style barbecue with its unique tangy white sauce.
12. Key West, Florida
Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, this island city has a vibrant, quirky vibe all its own.
The beauty here is colorful and eccentric, from the gingerbread-trimmed “conch houses” and palm-lined streets to the stunning turquoise water that surrounds you.
Of all the gorgeous places in the South, USA, this is the most tropical.
What Not to Miss:
Join the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square, a festival of street performers and artists.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to see his studio and meet the famous six-toed cats.
For a true adventure, take a seaplane or ferry to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park.
My Tip:
You absolutely must try a slice of authentic Key Lime Pie. It’s tart, creamy, and delicious! Also, sample some conch fritters, a local favorite.
The best weather is from December through April, making it a perfect winter escape
13. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Not all beauty is found under the sun. Mammoth Cave offers a different kind of gorgeous—one that is subterranean, mysterious, and awe-inspiring.
As the world’s longest known cave system, it’s a labyrinth of massive chambers, narrow passageways, and unique geological formations that have been forming for millions of years.
This is one of the most unique stops for American South travel.
What Not to Miss:
A cave tour is essential. The Frozen Niagara tour is great for seeing stunning formations without too many stairs, while the Domes and Dripstones tour is a classic favorite.
Don’t forget to explore the park’s surface by hiking the lush forest trails or paddling the Green River.
My Tip:
Cave tours are incredibly popular and can sell out weeks or even months in advance, so book your tickets online as early as possible.
Spring and fall offer the best weather for enjoying both the cave and the park’s above-ground activities.
A Journey Worth Taking
From the historic streets of the beautiful southern cities to the misty peaks of the Appalachians and the sun-drenched coasts, the South offers a tapestry of unforgettable landscapes.
Its beauty is matched only by its incredible food, rich culture, and that undeniable Southern charm.
I hope this list has inspired you to explore some of these truly gorgeous places in the South, USA.
Which of these Southern gems is calling your name? Did I miss one of your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments below!