Explore

The Best Of Southern Travel

From the sparkling blue coasts of Florida to the bluebonnets in Texas all the way up to Route 66 in Oklahoma and Chesapeake blue crabs in Maryland, we have a Southern road trip destination—complete with suggestions on where to eat, stay, and play—with your name on it. Discover our best travel recommendations by state and region for every age and interest. Plan a weekend getaway, a girls' trip, a romantic vacation or a solo trip; these Southern travel locations are always worth the drive.
2,745 Pins
·
5h
By
Southern Living
South Padre Island might swarm with spring breakers and family vacations during peak season, but don't let that deter you: This island offers 34 miles of pale, soft sand, with natural beauty from end to end, making it a suitable destination for everyone. This barrier island is located right off the southern tip of Texas and has been a beloved destination for generations. From natural wonders for birding and beach combing to local haunts to enjoy, South Padre Island is perfect for a relaxing trip. At the link, find what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. #travel #texas #southpadreisland #southerntravel #beaches
This Texas Island Is A Treasure Trove For Dolphin-Watchers, Birding, And Beach Combing
South Padre Island might swarm with spring breakers and family vacations during peak season, but don't let that deter you: This island offers 34 miles of pale, soft sand, with natural beauty from end to end, making it a suitable destination for everyone. This barrier island is located right off the southern tip of Texas and has been a beloved destination for generations. From natural wonders for birding and beach combing to local haunts to enjoy, South Padre Island is perfect for a relaxing trip. At the link, find what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. #travel #texas #southpadreisland #southerntravel #beaches
the cover of 12 best things to do in hendersville, tn with text overlay
Southern Road Trips
Cumberland River
Southern Travel
Old Hickory
Road Trip Destinations
Travel Recommendations
Romantic Vacations
Memorial Garden
Travel Locations
12 Best Things To Do In Hendersonville, Tennessee
At 58,000 residents, Hendersonville, Tennessee is the largest city in Sumner County. Located along the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake, it's only 20 miles northeast of Nashville but has plenty of attractions to make it worth a visit as a day trip or an overnight destination on its own. Attractions include the Historic Rock Castle, Hendersonville Memory Gardens, charming local boutiques, a homegrown brewery, tasty restaurants and more. #hendersonville #tennessee #travel #southerntravel
When thinking about quintessential Southern attributes, qualities like hospitable, benevolent, and polite come to mind. It's no surprise that the stories of prolific women are woven throughout the Southern states, even if these ladies don't rise to find placement in history books. However, several forerunners serve to inspire the women of today, and you can get a glimpse into their everyday lives. From Ava Gardner to Zelda Fitzgerald, we've rounded up the stories of 8 renowned Southern women whose homes you can visit, or at least drive by, throughout the South. #travel #women #southernwomen #womenshistorymonth #homes #famoushomes
8 Homes Of Legendary Southern Women You Can Visit Throughout The South
When thinking about quintessential Southern attributes, qualities like hospitable, benevolent, and polite come to mind. It's no surprise that the stories of prolific women are woven throughout the Southern states, even if these ladies don't rise to find placement in history books. However, several forerunners serve to inspire the women of today, and you can get a glimpse into their everyday lives. From Ava Gardner to Zelda Fitzgerald, we've rounded up the stories of 8 renowned Southern women whose homes you can visit, or at least drive by, throughout the South. #travel #women #southernwomen #womenshistorymonth #homes #famoushomes
After the cold and gloom of January and February, March welcomes not only warmer weather but also the official start of spring. While parts of the country are still shoveling snow come March, the South is already deep in mid-thaw with flowers blooming bright and daylight hours growing ever longer. Whether you’re looking for an adult spring break or a trip to take with the entire family, there’s a Southern city or town that’s suited for your March getaway. See the cherry blossom trees spring to life in Georgia, or head to the Florida coast for a full-fledged tropical escape. #travel #southerntravel #marchbreak #vacationideas #roadtrip
15 Best Places To Travel In The South This March
After the cold and gloom of January and February, March welcomes not only warmer weather but also the official start of spring. While parts of the country are still shoveling snow come March, the South is already deep in mid-thaw with flowers blooming bright and daylight hours growing ever longer. Whether you’re looking for an adult spring break or a trip to take with the entire family, there’s a Southern city or town that’s suited for your March getaway. See the cherry blossom trees spring to life in Georgia, or head to the Florida coast for a full-fledged tropical escape. #travel #southerntravel #marchbreak #vacationideas #roadtrip
There's nothing quite like getting to spend quality time with Mom. While an afternoon spent hanging out on the porch certainly suffices, why not go on a full-fledged mother-daughter getaway? Each of these Southern inns have charm, personality, and an interesting story to boot. At the link, find the best bed-and-breakfasts in the South for mother-daughter trips—or any girls trip getaway on your bucket list. #southern #southernliving #motherdaughtertrip #girlstrip #bedandbreakfasts #tripideas
15 Southern Bed-And-Breakfasts For Your Best Mother-Daughter Trip Yet
There's nothing quite like getting to spend quality time with Mom. While an afternoon spent hanging out on the porch certainly suffices, why not go on a full-fledged mother-daughter getaway? Each of these Southern inns have charm, personality, and an interesting story to boot. At the link, find the best bed-and-breakfasts in the South for mother-daughter trips—or any girls trip getaway on your bucket list. #southern #southernliving #motherdaughtertrip #girlstrip #bedandbreakfasts #tripideas
When the winter blues start to hit and sunny summer days spent strolling along the beach seem like a distant memory, there's only one antidote: a weekend away. Luckily, living in the South lends itself to year-round coastal getaways thanks to our temperate climate. A winter beach getaway is enticing because the shores are less crowded and it's not sweltering hot outside. For those looking for a more quiet beach vacation, this is perhaps the best time of year. These Southern beach towns at the link hit the sweet spot of having a laid back atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of charm—which makes them as perfect during the winter as the summer vacation season. #beach #travel #summer #vacation #southerntravel
15 Charming Beach Towns To Visit This Winter
When the winter blues start to hit and sunny summer days spent strolling along the beach seem like a distant memory, there's only one antidote: a weekend away. Luckily, living in the South lends itself to year-round coastal getaways thanks to our temperate climate. A winter beach getaway is enticing because the shores are less crowded and it's not sweltering hot outside. For those looking for a more quiet beach vacation, this is perhaps the best time of year. These Southern beach towns at the link hit the sweet spot of having a laid back atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of charm—which makes them as perfect during the winter as the summer vacation season. #beach #travel #summer #vacation #southerntravel
the 25 best things to do in birmingham, al
The 25 Best Things To Do On Your Next Trip To Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is no newcomer to the national dining scene. It has received plenty of attention for standouts like Frank Stitt’s much-missed institution Highlands Bar & Grill and newer hit Automatic Seafood and Oysters. However, there's much more to Birmingham's food story than meets the eye. But there's so much more to this capital city. From celebrated dining to colorful breweries and sports stadiums, there's plenty to love about Birmingham. At the link, find our editor-approved recommendations for the best things to do in the Magic City—our hometown. #travel #southerntravel #magiccity #birmingham #alabama
a woman walking her dog on a leash with the sun setting in the background and boats
The 10 Best Things To Do In Cocoa, Florida
Decades ago, Cocoa was the anchor for the Central Florida region now known as the Space Coast (Cape Canaveral, home to the 1960s-built Kennedy Space Center, is 15 minutes away). Founded by fishermen in the 1800s, the town grew up along its coastline, which was once blanketed by citrus groves. Thanks to its location roughly halfway up the Florida peninsula on the Indian River, Cocoa was an obvious hub for the fruit industry, the success of which helped build the eventual downtown area known as Cocoa Village. #roadtrip #travel #florida #southerntravel #cocoaflorida
the top ten things to do in salad, texas
College Park
Blue Bonnets
Historical Sites
10 Best Things To Do In Salado, Texas
About 50 miles north of Austin and 50 miles south of Waco along Interstate I-35 sits the village of Salado, home to the Stagecoach Inn, the second oldest continuously operating hotel in the state, Salado College Park, a historical site where a co-educational university once stood, and an undeniable spirit of creativity. It’s the type of town where shop owners remember your name after just one visit and where you can take part in glass-blowing, browse for antiques, and visit an array of galleries all within one afternoon. #travel #texas #salado #southerntravel #roadtrip
the best places to find spring wildflowers in texas, with text overlay
Lady Bird Johnson
Spring Wildflowers
Lady Bird
5 Best Places To Find Spring Wildflowers in Texas
Wildflower season in Texas is a glorious thing. We pay homage to Texas First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, who was instrumental in the passage of the 1965 Highway Beautification Act that sought to make roadways a little more aesthetically pleasing throughout the U.S. But in fact, it was even before Lady Bird’s time that Texas had already been planting its colorful springtime palate for many decades, starting in the 1930s. Today, the Texas Highway Department sows 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds every year along the state’s highways and byways. #springflowers #wildflowers #gardenideas #gardening #southerngardening
Related searches
Weekend getaways
Travel
Girls trip
Route 66
Road trip
some birds are standing in the water near tall grass and green plants with text that reads 19 best things to do in st simon
Georgia Travel Guide
St Simons Island
St Simons
Winding Road
19 Best Things To Do In St. Simons Island, Georgia
Along the coast of Georgia, at the center of the state’s gentle curve inward, is St. Simons Island, an easygoing spot where massive, moss-covered oaks shade winding roads and miles of pristine beachfront unspool along the Atlantic. Georgia’s largest barrier island is a place that invites you to kick back, relax, and indulge in all it has to offer. From a barbecue joint you’ll want to write home about to a boutique hotel you’ll never want to leave, find the best restaurants, shops, hotels, and experiences in St. Simons Island, Georgia at the link. #stsimons #beach #southerntravel #roadtrip#georgiabeaches #georgiatravelguide
an aerial view of the beach and ocean with buildings on both sides in the foreground
Sandbridge Beach
Family Friendly Activities
Fun Dinners
14 Best Things To Do In Virginia Beach, Virginia
As the most populated city in the entire state, Virginia Beach has tons to offer including a growing culinary scene, excellent arts and culture, rich history, and lots of family-friendly activities. Each area of Virginia Beach offers a little something different, from the always bustling Oceanfront area to secluded Sandbridge Beach. You can spend the day shopping in Town Center, then stick around for a nice dinner and comedy show once the sun goes down. Or head to the ViBe Creative District to get in touch with Virginia Beach's artsy side. #virginia #virginiabeach #travel #southernbeaches #summerbeachtrips
Topsail Island sits about 40 miles northeast of Wilmington. The 26-mile-long barrier island off the North Carolina coast is home to three charming seaside towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Topsail makes an ideal summer getaway as it rarely gets crowded even during the peak season. Each of the three main towns provides a fun and laid-back beach vacation. With its maritime forests and natural landscape, water surrounds North Topsail Beach on three sides and offers dog-friendly shores. Surf City, located in the middle of the island, is the most commercial destination, offering many dining options, shopping, and community events. #topsail #northcarolina #travel #southerntravel #topsailisland
The 15 Best Things To Do In Topsail Island, North Carolina
Topsail Island sits about 40 miles northeast of Wilmington. The 26-mile-long barrier island off the North Carolina coast is home to three charming seaside towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Topsail makes an ideal summer getaway as it rarely gets crowded even during the peak season. Each of the three main towns provides a fun and laid-back beach vacation. With its maritime forests and natural landscape, water surrounds North Topsail Beach on three sides and offers dog-friendly shores. Surf City, located in the middle of the island, is the most commercial destination, offering many dining options, shopping, and community events. #topsail #northcarolina #travel #southerntravel #topsailisland
In recent years, new attractions and a locally rooted dining scene have helped Alexandria blossom into a standalone destination. Set on the Potomac River, the town's revamped waterfront has quickly become a favorite running path, its string of parks a ready playground for children. Take a stroll down Old Town's cobblestone streets and see for yourself what makes this part of Virginia so magical. #oldtown #travel #southerntravel #alexandria #virginia
This Small Waterfront Virginia Town Is Big On Charm—And It's Just A Short Trip from Washington, D.C.
In recent years, new attractions and a locally rooted dining scene have helped Alexandria blossom into a standalone destination. Set on the Potomac River, the town's revamped waterfront has quickly become a favorite running path, its string of parks a ready playground for children. Take a stroll down Old Town's cobblestone streets and see for yourself what makes this part of Virginia so magical. #oldtown #travel #southerntravel #alexandria #virginia
the 8 most beautiful places on the south carolina coast with text overlaying it
South Carolina Coast
South Carolina Vacation
Blue Crabs
Georgia Coast
Carolina Coast
South Carolina Beaches
Palmetto State
The 8 Most Beautiful Places On The South Carolina Coast
If the beach—or anywhere near the water—is your happy place, you might consider South Carolina as a place to settle down now or one to file away as a potential candidate for retirement one day. The Palmetto State is probably best known for its unofficial Southern capital of Charleston, but its 187 miles of coastline are a close second. Here are eight of the most beautiful places on the South Carolina coast. #travel #coast #southcarolina #beaches #southcarolinacoast #atlanticcoast