Vacation Spots in Southern USA

The southern USA covers an extensive area with different landscapes and climate zones so it is important to get an idea of what the region has to offer weather-wise.

Best Places to Visit in Virginia

The summer months in the southern USA are hot and humid, although areas facing the North Atlantic Ocean tend to be dryer and cooler than places located close to the Gulf, which enjoy more humidity and rain.

If you are planning a summer vacation to Mississippi or Alabama, the further inland you go the cooler the weather. For instance, places such as Anniston Alabama enjoy a much cooler weather than places such as Mobile Alabama.

places to go for Vacation in Kentucky 

The south region of the United States is home to eleven states, three of which are not ocean-facing (Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky).


The states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia face the North Atlantic Ocean, while Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana face the Gulf of Mexico. As far as southern vacation spots by the ocean, Florida is the only state in the south region which faces both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Must See Places in southern US

Things to do in Southern USA

There are really so many things to do in southern USA that all you have to do is work out what activities you’d like doing and what type of vacation you want.

Family Vacation

Thus, if you are planning to get away with the family and are planning to do plenty of outdoor activities and fun attractions, there are many interesting places to visit in Georgia geared towards families. For instance, you can enjoy an African-style safari near Columbus GA, or take a relaxing stroll along Centennial Olympic Park, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta GA.

Cultural

If you are interested in American history, historic tours and civil war battlefield tours, the states West Virginia, Kentucky and Mississippi are great places to find these kinds of tours. For instance, in the city of Richmond WV, you can find the Richmond National Battlefield Park, which is home to over thirty American Civil War Sites; while in Natchez Mississippi you can find old plantations and Native American archeological sites.

In Lexington Kentucky, you can enjoy many other tours such as distillery tours, farm tours and civil war tours at the Civil War Site in Nicholasville.

Festive

Must see Attractions in Alabama

If you enjoy attending events and festivals during your vacation, there are many great vacation spots in southern USA such as Louisiana festivals that you can attend. Other cities such as Savannah GA, New Orleans and La Fayette Louisiana offer plenty of yearly festivals such as the Craw fish Festival and the New Orleans Jazz festival.


Outdoors

If you are interested in outdoor pursuits such as camping, fishing, hiking, etc; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park borders both southern Tennessee and western North Carolina. For instance, Nashville TN, Knoxville TN, Gatlinburg TN and Charlotte NC are two popular vacation spots for travelers looking to base themselves by the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Vacation Spots in Southern USA: Top 5

After giving you some information on the South region on what to do and where to go, you’re probably wondering about the most popular vacation spots in the Southern USA.

I’ve chosen five vacation spots in southern USA which I think offer a great number of fun attractions and recreational opportunities to suit most travelers. In no particular order, they include:

Tallahassee FL

Tallahassee Florida might not be one of the most popular places to visit in Florida by some accounts. The city is certainly overlooked due to other more appealing destinations such as Miami FL and Tampa FL.

If you’re looking to escape all the large crowds and overpriced attractions, you’ll thoroughly enjoy a vacation here, whether it’s camping by the beach or camping out with your RV in the Apalachicola National Forest.

Virginia Beach VA

Come summer time, Virginia Beach Virginia is certainly one of the busiest vacation spots in southern USA and a popular family getaway destination. Even though busy during the summer months, Virginia Beach VA has plenty of beaches to choose from and family attractions such as Virginia Beach Oceanfront Water Park.

Kiawah Island SC

If you are looking for a more exclusive type vacation, Kiawah Island South Carolina is a great family vacation spot. From cycling tours to fishing tours, which include other water activities such as snorkeling, you’re sure to have a memorable time here.

Monroe LA

Monroe Louisiana is another popular family destination and one of the best vacation spots in southern USA.

Boasting a children’s museum, a zoo, many cultural attractions, recreational and wildlife areas, Monroe Louisiana truly offers something for everyone.

Gulf Shores AL

Gulf Shores Alabama is one of the most popular vacation spots in southern USA, located right by the Gulf of Mexico. Apart from beach activities, the city is home to an exceptional water and amusement park, state parks right by the beach where you can do beach camping, and interesting places to visit such as Fort Morgan and Claude Peteet Mariculture Center.

 See. Beach Vacation Spots in Florida
places to visit in Memphis TN
top beaches in Georgia
attractions in Southwest US
Beach Vacation Spots in South Carolina
Top beaches in Virginia Places to Visit in Auburn AL
Places to visit in Shreveport LA
Places to visit in Natchez MS
Things to do in the Outer Banks NC
Things to do in Northeast TN
Places to visit in Williamsburg
American Civil War Battle Sites
Places to visit in Jacksonville Florida
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