For your next US vacation, perhaps you’re eyeing the fabulous Southeast. But the question is, where should you go? Well, this corner of the country has just about everything you’re looking for no matter who you are. Choose from island paradise, theme park heaven, getting out into the great outdoors, or just about the best urban adventure you can imagine. There really is something for everyone.
To help you make the decision, this list has 18 best Southeast vacation spots for your next getaway. So, worry no more. Just dive in and find the one that’s right for you.
Best Southeast Vacation Spots
Chattanooga (Tennessee)
Chattanooga has it all when you’re looking for the best in Southeast US vacations. It’s a delightful city on the Tennessee River that’s filled with fun things to do and see.
Places like the National Cemetery, Missionary Ridge and Tennessee Valley Railway Museum will excite any history enthusiast.
Get out into the great outdoors hiking Lookout Mountain or get out on the river itself. There’s also Riverwalk Parkway, Coolidge Park or Walnut Street pedestrian bridge in the city to enjoy.
And then of course there’s the food, soothing Southern cuisine to keep your engine running. From fried green tomatoes to shrimp and grits you’ll want to try them all.
LEARN MORE: 10 Best Weekend Trips Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina / Tennessee)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the entire country. So, there’s got to be something to it, right? Absolutely!
This magnificent landscape has some of the most beautiful views in the United States. Hiking, biking or driving through the park you’ll see that around every bend is another jaw dropping view.
The best seasons to visit the Great Smokies are spring through fall when nature is in full bloom.
LEARN MORE: 10 Best East Coast National Parks
Asheville (North Carolina)
Looking for the best of the great outdoors and an awesome city to explore? Consider Asheville North Carolina for your next Southeast vacation.
This unique city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect homebase to explore the beauty of mother nature.
In the city you’ll have tons of great restaurants, shops and a vibrant art scene to discover. And beer. With around 50 breweries in Asheville there’s bound to be one you love! Read our list of best things to do in Asheville
Make sure to put the Biltmore Estate on your itinerary. It’s got everything from historical wonders to wine tasting.
When there’s more time to get out and explore hit the road and explore some of the best day trips from Asheville.
Orlando (Florida)
Orlando, Florida is known across the globe as a major destination.
Major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld are a major draw.
But the city of Orlando is a great Southeast vacation spots in and of itself. It’s got everything including awesome shopping, restaurants, resorts and nightlife.
You’ll find that Orlando has a ton of fun stuff to do besides theme parks. And the attractions near Orlando are extra cool, like natural springs you can visit on a day trip.
And even though Orlando is not on the coast there are several stunning beaches near Orlando to satisfy your beach day cravings. In fact there’s a slew of cool day trips from Orlando if you’re staying for a while.
The fact is you can’t go wrong with a vacation in Orlando.
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina / Virginia)
Get out and see the great American landscape on your next trip. The Blue Ridge Parkway is seriously one of the best road trip destinations in the USA.
This incredible 468-mile roadway meanders through the gorgeous mountains connecting the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.
No matter where you begin or end your journey, you’ll have a fabulous time.
Along the entire parkway views of the great American landscape cannot be beat. Towns sprinkled along the way like Boone and Roanoke are an absolute treat.
I drove the Blue Ridge Parkway in October with magnificent fall foliage, but spring and summer are beautiful too!
Nashville (Tennessee)
The Capital of Country definitely has to be one of the top vacation spots in the Southeast.
It’s got everything from history to high class eateries. No matter how many days you plan to spend in Nashville, you’ll be busy exploring it all.
Make sure to put the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Grand Ole Opry on the daytime itinerary. Then at night hit up Broadway where you’ll be dancing the night away at the honky tonks.
St. Augustine (Florida)
The oldest city in America is still going strong and such a great place that it’s obvious that St. Augustine is one of the best vacation spots in the Southeast.
You’ll love to learn the history of this important city as you stroll through the narrow streets of old town.
St. Augustine is an urban delight with everything from world class restaurants, hotels and spas.
Oh! And of course, St. Augustine beaches are gorgeous! Whether you’re into fishing, shelling, or simply watching the waves there’s a beach waiting for you in St A!
New Orleans (Louisiana)
A place like no other, everyone must experience a trip to New Orleans at least once.
Your senses will come alive with everything from sampling Cajun food to listening to music in the birthplace of jazz.
This unique city is a convergence of cultures, history and fun.
Your itinerary will be filled with things like exploring the French Quarter, eating beignets at Cafe du Monde, and riding the streetcar through the Garden District.
It’s no wonder NOLA is on our list of top vacation destinations in the Southeast.
LEARN MORE: 12 Best Day Trips from New Orleans
Gatlinburg (Tennessee)
Gatlinburg is a great place to vacation if you’re looking for everything from wilderness adventures to a unique town to explore.
Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the perfect home base to folks wanting to conquer the park.
Gatlinburg is also a great mountain town that has plenty to offer beyond the gorgeous views, although totally quirky compared to other mountain towns.
You’ll have cute shops, restaurants, adventure parks, and whiskey distilleries to enjoy in town.
Pensacola (Florida)
Perfectly positioned on the Emerald Coast is Pensacola, one of the most popular vacation spots in the Southeast.
Here you’ll find gorgeous, white sand beaches and resorts ready to help you unwind, relax, and enjoy.
You’ll love exploring the town of Pensacola with its lovely shops, restaurants and historical sites.
Spend part of your day in Historic Pensacola Village exploring on your own or with a guided tour.
Definitely make a trip to Fort Pickens to check out its underground tunnels, they also have guided tours.
Lafayette (Louisiana)
Head to Lafayette in the heart of Cajun Country for one of the best Southeast US vacations that’s unlike anything else.
In this charming city you’ll find everything from delicious Cajun food to the preserved Acadian Village that dates back to the 1800s.
To experience the beauty of the Louisiana bayou, join a Cajun swamp tour or travel to Avery Island or Cypress Island. You’re sure to enjoy seeing gorgeous plants and wildlife like herons, egrets, and even alligators.
Learn more about the best day trips from Lafayette.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Shenandoah is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
This gorgeous national park in Virginia is definitely one of the best road trips destinations in the Southeast.
You’ll love hiking the trails up Old Rag Mountain or seeing the Dark Hallow Falls. The views along Skyline Drive alone are incredible.
The best time to visit Shenandoah is during fall to see the trees change colors. Luckily, Shenandoah has one of the longest fall foliage seasons, stretching from mid-September until mid-November.
Gulf Shores (Alabama)
With 32 miles of pristine white sand beaches Gulf Shores is a top pick for Southeast US vacations.
Beach goers love this incredible destination well into the winter months when the weather is usually sunny and mild temps in the 60s.
Gulf Shores has every water-related activity from parasailing to pier fishing to make your vacation complete.
There’s even the Sand Castle University where you can learn to take your beach building skills up a notch.
Outer Banks (North Carolina)
The Outer Banks is a favorite vacation spot along the eastern seaboard.
The picture-perfect beaches draw millions of visitors each year to this barrier island.
You could spend the entire vacay on the beach, but when you’re ready to change it up you’ll have lots to choose from.
Be sure to check out the Wright Brothers National Monument and see if you can spot the wild horses at Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
Charleston (South Carolina)
Charleston is a major highlight of South Carolina and definitely one of the best Southeast coastal vacation spots.
This bustling port city is full of everything from historic sites to restaurants designed to please the food critic in all of us.
You’ll love walking the promenade at the Battery or grabbing a bite to eat and shopping for antiques along King Street.
Also check out Charleston Harbor from Waterfront Park, history buffs won’t want to miss Fort Sumter National Monument.
Lexington (Kentucky)
Known as the horse capital of the world, it’s not surprising that Lexington has so many interesting things to do and see.
It makes for one of the great Southeast vacation places, but you don’t have to be a lover of horse to have fun.
Get into the world of horses at Kentucky Horse Park to learn about their history and importance. You can sign up for a tour – it really is fascinating, you’ll learn a lot and see the horses up close.
Go for a hike in Raven Run Nature Sanctuary or enjoy nature at McConnell Springs.
Don’t forget to sample some of the best bourbons Kentucky has to offer. Read out full list of things to do in Lexington.
Key West (Florida)
Key West is one of the best Southeast destinations for a vacation when you’re looking to escape to island life.
Here you’ll feel the comforts of city life mixed with the laid-back vibe of the tropics.
A beautiful beach day awaits in Key West just about any time of the year. Step off the beach to stroll through downtown Key West for food, fun, and craft cocktails.
For a bit of history check out Ernest Hemmingway’s home and favorite bars. Read our full list of things to do in Key West.
Savannah (Georgia)
You’ll be in for a trip filled with fun and southern charm in Savannah.
With a history that dates back 300 years, Savannah has been a popular vacation spot on the Southeast Coast for generations.
A stroll through Forsyth Park to see the iconic trees draped in Spanish moss is a must-do in Savannah.
Of course, you’ll love the Historic District and trying to spot a ghost in America’s most haunted city.
Final Thoughts on Best Vacation Spots in the Southeast
With so many choices for places to vacation in the Southeast you can satisfy all sorts of wanderlust from road trips to beautiful beaches to interesting historic sites. Now you just have to decide which vacation spot is next for you and start planning an epic getaway in the Southeastern USA.
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