With its citizen’s unique accent, the American Civil War History, charming cuisine, fascinating music, easy-going people to scenic landscapes, the Southern States is not merely a geographic location but a way of life. As such, the lively region is a must-visit for any local or foreign traveler who wants to experience the different things the South has to offer. Here, we’ve listed some of the best sites to see in the Southern States to get you the best out of your trip.
Asheville
A high-spirited city burrowed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is renowned for its stunning architecture, stunning nature, and booming music and arts scene. Whether you’re more the laid-back type who’s fond of live shows and galleries or the outdoorsy type who likes biking and hiking opportunities, Asheville has those activities in store for you.
Orlando
Brimmed with a great selection of hotel accommodations and theme parks, Orlando, Florida, ranks as one of the top tourist sites not only in the South but in the entire United States. You can say hi to marine wildlife at SeaWorld, jive with Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World, or learn more about witchcraft and wizardry with Harry Potter at the Universal Studios. Try to visit them all with your family for a full experience.
Miami
When thinking of Miami, you may have warm, sunny weather, stellar sandy beaches, and ideal ocean temperature in mind, but Miami is more than just that. It has a wide array of glamorous nightclubs, restaurants, and art deco buildings. While you’re in the city, take a day off and visit Wynwood to witness its fascinating collection of vibrant murals paintings created by some of the best artists across the globe.
Louisville
Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Kentucky Derby, and boxer Muhammad Ali. If that isn’t enough to entice you to visit the city, well, you’ll surely be happy to hear that it has lots of historical landmarks, entertainment options, and verdant areas where you can relax. That’s all available without having to deal with big crowds present in other cities!
Birmingham
A small yet diverse city, Birmingham, Alabama, was once overlooked but is now sprouting as an ideal tourist destination in the South. It is deemed as a foodie’s haven due to its incredible food and wine scenes. Adding to that, Birmingham also has a stellar botanical garden and several museums that also appeal to arts, culture, and nature enthusiasts.
Athens
Situated in northeast Georgia, Athens is a city with a deep history entrenched in the Civil War. Don’t miss out on the Antebellum Trail. This 100-mile trek will seemingly bring you back in time and tour you to seven communities, and witness magnificent museums and architecture, which all hold valuable treasures from the past. Once done, indulge in the wide array of nightlife and dining options to end your day.
Memphis
Aside from being the home of the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tennessee also offers a plethora of stunning sites to travelers. Notable must-visits include the Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Pyramid, one of the modern marvels of construction.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Situated on the Mississippi Coast, the Gulf Island National Seashore is a national park area that offers different water sports activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. If you want to stay dry, don’t worry, as you can go sunbathing, camping, biking, or hiking instead while relishing the beautiful scenery in the park.
Montgomery, Alabama
Another site banking on history for its appeal, Montgomery, Alabama, has several monuments, museums, and structures available for tours and visit. Must-see sites include the Civil Right Memorial, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the Alabama State Capitol building, which all reflects important events in the city’s past.
Little Rock
Arkansas’ capital and most populous city, Little Rock, is situated on the Arkansas River, close to the state’s center. Its name was derived from the unique rock formation located on the river banks. Food, accommodation, and a great selection of attractions are top-rated despite relatively low prices, making the city one of the best sites for travelers following a budget.
New Orleans
Dubbed as the “Big Easy” in comparison to the “Big Apple,” New Orleans is a world-renowned city, thanks to its lively, unique parties, parades, a culture of music, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras. Visit during the winter festival, join other tourists, and party for days! Outside the season of festivity, its nightlife and remarkable architecture are equally great things you can enjoy.
Mount Airy
One of North Carolina’s gems, Mount Airy offers a multi-faceted experience to its travelers. From the world’s largest open-face granite quarry, the Andy Griffith Museum, its vibrant Main Street, antique shops, and award-winning vineyards and wineries, the city has something to cater to everyone.
Ozarks
Ozarks, also called the Ozark Plateau or the Ozark Mountains, is a natural region that fringes parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansan. If you’re a nature lover, it is undoubtedly the first site you need to visit in the Southern States. Ozarks is home to deep lakes, natural springs, beautiful caves, verdant forests, and a jagged, mountainous yet scenic landscape that will surely fill your heart with joy.
Takeaway
That’s the list of the top sites to visit in the Southern States, proving that the region has a diverse yet inclusive array of destinations to attract any type of traveler. Decide which ones you’d like to visit and head on to a one-of-a-kind experience in the South!
