The Southeast region of the United States is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and iconic destinations. From historic cities to white sand beaches, lush forests to rugged mountains, there is incredible diversity packed into the Southeastern states.
This part of the country promises amazing experiences for every type of traveler. If you’re looking to be wowed by natural wonders, moved by impactful history, or entertained by unique cultures, you’ll find it all in the Southeast.
To get your adventure started, here are 12 places in the Southeast USA that are sure to blow your mind. Whether you want to lounge on warm shores, hike scenic trails, or immerse yourself in living history, you’ll be amazed by the stunning places this region has to offer.
The Southeastern United States is a vibrant region filled with diverse destinations for every type of traveler. From bustling urban hubs to tranquil beaches, there are countless cool and unique places to explore across these Southern states.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, experience natural beauty, or soak up the sun on sandy shores, you’ll find it all here. Big cities like Atlanta, Nashville, and Miami offer world-class dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
Quaint coastal towns like Charleston, Savannah, and St. Augustine exude charm and history around every corner. And outdoor adventurers have an abundance of hiking trails, lush forests, marshes, and caverns to discover. The options are endless.
No matter your interests, you’ll find exciting places to visit in the Southeast USA that you’ll absolutely love. The region’s fantastic food, warm hospitality, and array of activities and attractions make it a can’t-miss destination.
So get ready to be amazed by all the incredible sights waiting to be experienced.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the most vibrant and colorful cities in the United States. Located in southeastern Louisiana, this eclectic destination is known for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, historic architecture, and Mardi Gras celebrations.
The heart of the city is the French Quarter, home to Bourbon Street’s lively nightlife and Jackson Square’s 19th-century buildings. Notable landmarks include St. Louis Cathedral, the old Ursuline Convent, and the iconic wrought-iron balconies seen throughout the Quarter.
Just outside the city, visitors can take airboat tours of the vast Louisiana swamplands or stroll through the elegant Garden District to admire its antebellum mansions. With its fusion of French, African, and American cultures, New Orleans has an entirely unique charm unlike anywhere else in the world.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC & TN)
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in the United States. The rugged, forested landscape encompasses over 800 square miles of wilderness, making it the country’s most visited national park.
Hikers from all over the world come to walk along the countless trails that wind through lush valleys and up to dramatic summits. Some of the most notable hikes lead to majestic waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades and sweeping overlooks like Charlies Bunion.
Abundant wildlife, including black bears, elk, and over 200 species of birds, also call this park home. Historic log cabins, one-room schoolhouses, and other preserved structures provide a glimpse into the region’s Appalachian culture.
Whether you’re pitching a tent at a quiet campground, picnicking beside mountain streams, or taking in the views during a scenic drive, the natural beauty of the Smokies creates limitless opportunities for adventure.
3. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia known for its idyllic beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush forests. Located between Brunswick and St. Simons Island, this Golden Isles jewel has over 10 miles of unspoiled shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean.
Long stretches of sand dunes give way to maritime forests filled with scenic trails beneath moss-draped oaks. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center offers a chance to learn about these endangered reptiles while they nest along the beaches.
History buffs will also appreciate Jekyll Island’s grand “Millionaire’s Village,” a collection of cottages built by America’s elite families in the late 1800s. From biking through shady groves to kayaking saltwater marshes, Jekyll Island provides a serene coastal escape surrounded by natural beauty.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville is a charming city filled with arts, culture, and stunning scenery. Downtown features a vibrant collection of Art Deco buildings, independent shops, galleries, and renowned eateries.
The massive Biltmore Estate offers tours of its opulent Gilded Age mansion and sprawling grounds. The River Arts District contains working studios where visitors can watch artists crafting ceramics, glass, and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to spectacular waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Parkway or mountain bike the trails in nearby Pisgah National Forest.
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From its historic architecture to the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, Asheville encapsulates the best of Southern Appalachian charm. Its mix of urban sophistication and access to the great outdoors makes it a can’t-miss destination.
5. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head is a renowned resort town located on a shoe-shaped barrier island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. It is known for its championship golf courses, tennis facilities, stunning beaches and upscale coastal communities.
The 12-mile-long beachfront is ripe for swimming, surfing, kayaking and shell collecting. Nearby Sea Pines Resort offers access to Harbour Town with its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse.
Sheldon Park is a great spot to bike or walk among the towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. For cultural enrichment, visitors can explore the Coastal Discovery Museum and various galleries showcasing regional art.
With its laid-back vibe and abundance of outdoor activities, Hilton Head is an idyllic beach vacation destination.
6. Savannah, Georgia
With its canopy of Spanish moss and stately squares, Savannah is often considered the quintessential Southern city. This coastal destination is home to the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States.
Visitors delight in strolling the cobblestone streets and admiring the horse-drawn carriages, historic homes, and charming fountains around every corner.
The beautiful Forsyth Park provides a lush urban oasis, while River Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and views of the Savannah River.
Savannah is also known for its unique cuisine showcasing Southern comfort foods and fresh local seafood. From the Gothic-Revival Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the daily goings-on at City Market, Savannah encapsulates classic Southern charm.
7. Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park protects a unique ecosystem in southern Florida unlike anywhere else on Earth. This vast wetland encompasses over 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness, providing a sanctuary for abundant wildlife.
Airboat tours cruise through sawgrass marshes and riverine habitats where visitors can spot alligators, turtles, wading birds, and other native species. Miles of hiking trails weave through pine forests and hardwood hammocks.
Canoeing and kayaking offer intimate encounters with the “River of Grass.” The park is also home to endangered species like the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and American crocodile.
With its biodiversity, ecosystems, and wealth of outdoor activities, Everglades National Park showcases the best of the region’s natural landscapes.
8. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a historic coastal city founded by the Spanish in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States.
This charming destination is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriage tours, and the iconic Castillo de San Marcos fort dating back to 1672.
The pedestrian-friendly downtown area boasts quaint narrow streets lined with shops, eateries, and museums that delve into the city’s past. Strolling through the Old Town neighborhood reveals many historic houses, churches, and cemeteries.
Just offshore, Anastasia Island State Park provides access to miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.
From its role in America’s beginnings to its enduring Spanish influence, St. Augustine offers an unforgettable walk through history.
9. Tallulah Gorge, Georgia
Measuring nearly 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge is one of the most impressive canyons in the eastern United States.
Located in northeast Georgia, this massive gorge features rocky cliffs towering over the powerful Tallulah River below.
Visitors can hike rim trails along the canyon edges, peer down at the river from suspended bridges, or venture down 500 steps to the gorge floor. The popular Hurricane Falls Trail passes multiple waterfalls as it follows the rocky terrain to an overlook of the gorge’s dramatic narrows.
For a unique perspective, aerial cable rides cross the gorge for breathtaking views. With its sheer walls, roaring river, and abundant outdoor activities, Tallulah Gorge State Park encapsulates Georgia’s natural splendor at its finest.
10. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Located off the coast of Georgia, Cumberland Island offers a remote and unspoiled natural escape. This protected barrier island is home to undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes, and diverse wildlife.
Visitors arrive by ferry or private boat to explore the island’s myriad hiking trails and campsites. Highlights include seeing the ruins of the Carnegie family mansion Dungeness, climbing to the top of Dungeness Light, and walking the empty beach for miles.
Wild horses roam freely across the island, along with armadillos, sea turtles, gators, and over 300 species of birds.
With its tranquil setting, seaside wilderness, and wealth of outdoor activities, Cumberland Island feels truly far removed from the rest of the world.
11. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, renowned for their pristine beaches, quaint seaside villages, and abundance of activities.
This 120-mile stretch of islands encompasses Cape Hatteras National Seashore, known for its iconic black-and-white lighthouse and scenic shorelines.
Popular spots like Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are where the Wright brothers achieved the first powered airplane flights.
Farther south, Ocracoke Island delights visitors with its wild horses roaming the beaches and relaxed pace of life. Watersports like fishing, kayaking, and surfing are popular across the Outer Banks.
This coastal paradise provides the perfect mix of history, culture, wildlife and seaside adventure along the shores of North Carolina.
12. Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
Rising over 2,000 feet above the Tennessee River, Lookout Mountain provides panoramic views across parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Located on the Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga, this iconic summit can be explored by driving, hiking, or riding the famous Incline Railway – one of the world’s steepest passenger railways.
At the top, attractions like Rock City’s natural rock formations, Ruby Falls cave waterfall, and the Battles for Chattanooga museum immerse visitors in the mountain’s history and geology.
Hiking trails traverse the wooded slopes and rocky outcrops to reveal stunning vistas from overlooks like Sunset Rock. With its mix of natural beauty, unique attractions and sweeping scenery, Lookout Mountain is a can’t-miss destination in the Southeast.
Conclusion
From mountain peaks to white sand beaches, the Southeast region of the United States offers incredible diversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in Southern culture and hospitality in charming cities like Charleston, Savannah, and Nashville.
Civil rights history comes alive in Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis. Outdoor enthusiasts find paradise hiking the Appalachian Trail, camping in the Smoky Mountains, or kayaking the Florida Everglades.
The warm climate and miles of coastline draw travelers to relax on beaches along the Atlantic and Gulf shores. Bustling urban centers like Miami and New Orleans promise world-class cuisine, music, and nightlife. No matter your interests, the Southeast has something for everyone.
With its natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural experiences, this captivating region promises exceptional sights, tastes, and adventures around every corner.
Take the time to road trip through this beautiful part of the USA and discover its richness and variety. The South is calling!
