The Best Southern State Vacation Spots
The American South offers a variety of treats for anyone looking for a unique and colorful getaway. Whether you’re interested in the hustle and bustle of city life or the quiet relaxation of time away in nature, you’ll find everything you need to restore your calm in the charming southern states.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is a legendary vacation destination for tourists from every walk of life. You’re bound to find something wonderful to look at or do during your time in the Crescent City. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Bourbon Street at night, then treat yourself to a breakfast beignet at the famous Café du Monde. While there’s delicious food everywhere to cater to any kind of taste, some of the sweetest is at the Roman Candy vendors who have sold their candy via a mule-drawn cart for four generations. Visit the world-renowned St. Louis Cathedral and indulge in a bit of antiquing on Royal Street, then take the streetcar to the Uptown neighborhood and have a cocktail as you watch the world go by. Explore the beauty of the Garden District and consider catching some of New Orleans’ best music at Preservation Hall. New Orleans also offers over 47 casinos as well as online gaming without any commitment, so why not try your luck?
Austin, TX
“Keep Austin Weird” has been the city’s unofficial motto, but you’ll find plenty of things beyond the weird to enjoy in this Texan paradise. Start your visit with a trip to the beautiful and cooling Barton Springs, which features a spring-fed natural pool where locals swim and paddle to their heart’s content. After that, consider a visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a haven of tranquility that is dedicated to preserving local plants. Keep your outdoor adventures going at the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, whose grottoes and plant life provide plenty of Texas enchantment. Then stop by South Congress Avenue for the quiet oasis of art galleries and shopping ranging from vintage to Western wear and everything in between! Wind up your time in this gorgeous, unforgettable city by watching North America’s largest urban bat colony fly forth at dusk from the Congress Avenue bridge, then head over to the Broken Spoke for some rocking live music.
Savannah, GA
Draped with mystery and Spanish moss, Savannah offers tourists an experience like no other. Start your visit with a walk around the Savannah Historic District. Enjoy looking at the beautiful houses and fountains, then stop by the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to admire some of its stained glass and elaborate murals. Stop for a picnic lunch under the oaks at Forsyth Park, where you can buy your goodies at the on-site farmers’ market and enjoy its central historic fountain. Spend the afternoon at the historic River Street, where you can walk on old-fashioned cobblestones. Conclude your day with dinner at the Olde Pink House. For a nightcap, consider one of Savannah’s most spirited attractions: a ghost tour! Savannah is considered one of the most haunted sites in America, so you can’t go wrong with one of the local ghost tours that walk around historic spooky sites. If you want more haunting beauty, consider a trip to the Bonaventure Cemetery before you bid Savannah adieu.
St. Augustine, FL
Get a taste of Florida that’s off the beaten path with a visit to historic St. Augustine. The Ancient City’s beauty is instantly memorable. Start your day with a morning walk on the shining white sands of St. Augustine Beach, where you can enjoy a picturesque sunrise. Explore centuries of history at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and make sure to stay for the firing of the historic cannons. Get wild with big cats at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, where you can cool off in the shaded viewing areas and even engage in a close-up animal encounter. Check out the beautiful art at the Lightner Museum, then treat yourself to a sweet treat and some shopping at the tourist destination that is St. George Street. Finish your day with a beautiful cruise, where you can watch the sun set into the Atlantic Ocean before you say farewell to St. Augustine.
Nashville, TN
Music City, U.S.A. will enchant you with its denim-and-diamonds glamour. Head to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and take in the “Women of Country” tour, which comes with complimentary mimosas and sweet treats. Take a trip to the Nashville Parthenon in Centennial Park, which features a 42-foot gilded statue of the goddess Athena and a permanent display of American artwork, as well as exhibitions that change with the seasons. Enjoy a tour of the Johnny Cash Museum, which honors the career of one of the country’s most memorable and iconic singers. In the evening, treat yourself to one of Nashville’s honky-tonks and dance till dawn. If that’s not your speed, try a visit to one of Nashville’s tours, which range from true crime to truly epic explorations of Nashville’s exciting Southern food scene. Whatever you decide, you’ll find plenty to love before you leave this jewel of the South.
Atlanta, GA
Known as “Hotlanta” to the locals, your visit to Atlanta will undoubtedly sizzle! Start your visit off right with brunch in the hip and happening Little Five Points neighborhood. After fortification, spend a cool morning at the Georgia Aquarium and immerse yourself in live encounters with marine wildlife. See how Coca-Cola has affected the world with a visit to the World of Coca-Cola, home to more than 100 years of memorabilia for the world’s favorite soft drink, and even have your photo taken with the Coca-Cola polar bear. Then enjoy an afternoon stroll in the Atlanta Botanical Garden and take in a large variety of beautiful plants for every season of the year. Finish your visit with a tour that highlights Atlanta’s diverse and vibrant civil rights history.
