Usa Map South East

Introduction

The southeastern region of the United States is a diverse and exciting area to explore. From the beaches of Florida to the mountains of North Carolina, and everything in between, there is something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

The southeastern United States is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. The following are some must-see destinations:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina
The beaches of Florida, including Miami Beach and Clearwater Beach
The historic city of Charleston, South Carolina
The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina
The Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi and Tennessee
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia
The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are also plenty of hidden gems throughout the Southeast that are worth seeking out:

The abandoned town of Cahawba, Alabama
The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
The Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Florida
The Congaree National Park in South Carolina
The Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi
The Toccoa Falls in Georgia
The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Alabama
The Parris Island Museum in South Carolina

Food Scene

The Southeast is known for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the region’s history and culture. Some of the most popular dishes include:

Fried chicken
Barbecue
Gumbo
Shrimp and grits
Fried green tomatoes
Jambalaya
Biscuits and gravy
Collard greens
Pecan pie
Key lime pie

Some popular restaurants to try include:

Husk in Charleston, South Carolina
Dooky Chase’s in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Varsity in Atlanta, Georgia
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack in Nashville, Tennessee
Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida
BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia
Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee
McGuire’s Irish Pub in Pensacola, Florida
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in Atlanta, Georgia
Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Alabama

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget is possible in the Southeast. Here are some tips:

Visit state and national parks, which often have free or low-cost admission.
Eat at local diners and cafes instead of expensive restaurants.
Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or camping sites.
Take advantage of free attractions like museums and art galleries.
Use public transportation instead of renting a car.
Visit during the off-season to save money on lodging and activities.
Look for discount coupons and deals online before your trip.
Bring your own snacks and drinks instead of buying them at convenience stores and gas stations.
Take advantage of free walking tours in cities like Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.
Research free community events and festivals happening during your trip.

Outdoor Adventures

The Southeast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular activities:

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Camping in the Okefenokee Swamp
Kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico
Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Florida’s springs
Surfing in Cocoa Beach, Florida
Snow skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Fishing in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta
Biking the Virginia Creeper Trail
Rock climbing in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky
Ziplining in North Georgia

Historical Landmarks

The Southeast is steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore:

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia
The Fort Sumter National Monument in Charleston, South Carolina
The Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi
The Andrew Jackson Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama
The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site in Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida
The Jamestown Settlement in Virginia

Family-Friendly Activities

The Southeast is a great place for families to visit. Here are some activities that kids will love:

Visiting Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Exploring the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia
Seeing the animals at the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee
Playing at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in Georgia
Learning about history at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia
Visiting the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama
Exploring the natural wonders of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky
Getting up close with animals at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida
Learning about marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Visiting the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, try these off-the-beaten-path experiences:

Visiting the abandoned town of Cahawba, Alabama
Exploring the ghost town of Bodie, North Carolina
Seeing the world’s largest peanut monument in Ashburn, Georgia
Visiting the home of the inventor of the telephone in Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Exploring the abandoned town of Centralia, Pennsylvania
Visiting the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas
Exploring the abandoned Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans, Louisiana
Seeing the world’s largest rubber band ball in Wilmington, Delaware
Visiting the world’s largest cuckoo clock in Sugarcreek, Ohio
Exploring the abandoned town of Rhyolite, Nevada

Natural Wonders

The Southeast is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders:

The Grand Canyon of the East in Letchworth State Park, New York
The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina
The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina
The Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia
The Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Alabama
The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
The Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
The Congaree National Park in South Carolina
The Appalachian Trail in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia