12 Enchanting Places in Southeast USA to Add to Your Bucket List

The American Southeast knocked me sideways with its personality from day one. Picture this: I’m standing under massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss at Savannah’s Forsyth Park, watching locals throw frisbees while kids splash in the fountain. The whole scene felt like stepping into a movie, but somehow totally real at the same time. This region serves up the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks.

From watching the sunset paint the Great Smoky Mountains in shades of purple (while a black bear casually strolled past my viewpoint) to feeling the salty breeze on Charleston’s Rainbow Row, these are the most beautiful places in the Southeast USA that left me speechless. Let me show you 12 incredible spots that prove why this corner of America deserves all the hype!

Top Must-See Places in Southeast USA

Looking for the coolest things to do in Southeast USA? Experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC & TN), and unwind on the serene beaches of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Stroll through the charming streets of Asheville, North Carolina, known for its arts scene and historic architecture. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or Southern hospitality, here are the top attractions to visit in the Southeast USA.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

• 📍 Location: Southeastern Louisiana on the Mississippi River, about 80 miles east of Baton Rouge
• 🏆 Best For: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, music lovers 🎷, history buffs 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the French Quarter, enjoying live jazz on Frenchmen Street, tasting authentic Creole cuisine
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February-May for perfect weather and festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest 🎭
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Monteleone – Historic hotel in the French Quarter with a famous rotating Carousel Bar

New Orleans offers the perfect escape from your corporate Slack channels with a sensory explosion that will reset your overworked brain. This cultural melting pot fuses French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences at every turn. The French Quarter enchants with wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone streets that feel authentic rather than touristy.

Beyond the crowded Bourbon Street lies the true magic of Frenchmen Street where local jazz creates unforgettable nights. Take a streetcar down St. Charles to see Garden District mansions or tour the beautiful above-ground cemeteries. I’ve never found a city that feeds both soul and stomach so completely.

Visit during a festival when the entire city transforms into the ultimate celebration. The food scene alone justifies the trip with beignets, gumbo, and craft cocktails that will dominate your social feeds for weeks. Café du Monde offers the late-night caffeine fix you need after exploring this nocturnal city’s endless entertainment options.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC & TN)

• 📍 Location: Along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, about 1 hour from Knoxville, TN
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, wildlife watchers 🦌, hikers of all levels 🥾
• 📸 Top Experiences: Driving Cades Cove Loop, hiking to waterfalls, photographing the iconic mountain mist
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June for wildflowers, mid-October for spectacular fall colors 🍁
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Lodge at Buckberry Creek – Rustic luxury lodge with mountain views in Gatlinburg

Great Smoky Mountains offers that notification-free mountain therapy your therapist has been recommending after years of open office burnout. America’s most visited national park has an ancient mountains shrouded in mystical blue mist right between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park spans over 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness that feels worlds away from your daily grind.

The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop provides perfect wildlife viewing where spotting black bears feels like winning the nature lottery. For stunning vistas, hike the moderate Alum Cave Trail or the shorter path to 80-foot Laurel Falls. My favorite memory was watching the sunrise burn through morning fog from Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet.

Set up base in nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for evening entertainment after days in the wilderness. The park rewards both serious hikers and casual visitors with accessible natural beauty. Fall visits showcase spectacular color displays across the mountains that will refresh your perspective and refill your creative reserves.

3. Jekyll Island, Georgia

• 📍 Location: Georgia’s Atlantic coast, about 75 miles south of Savannah
• 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, cyclists 🚲, history enthusiasts 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Biking the island trails, exploring Driftwood Beach, touring the historic district
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-October for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Jekyll Island Club Resort – Historic luxury hotel once the playground of America’s wealthiest families

Jekyll Island promises the social media-worthy coastal getaway that will make your childless friends jealous while offering the peace your mortgage-stressed mind craves. Once an exclusive playground for Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, this barrier island now welcomes all visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure along Georgia’s Atlantic coast.

Driftwood Beach creates a natural sculpture garden where weathered trees emerge from sand like art installations. With 20 miles of flat trails, cycling becomes the ideal way to explore moss-draped forests and scenic coastlines. The island maintains strict development limits that preserve its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

The Historic District showcases preserved mansions where America’s elite once vacationed. I could spend hours imagining the lavish parties once held in these elegant homes. For wildlife encounters, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to witness rehabilitation efforts and connect with conservation work that will make your vacation feel meaningful beyond just rest and relaxation.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

• 📍 Location: Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 2 hours west of Charlotte
• 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🏞️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Biltmore Estate, exploring the vibrant downtown arts district, hiking in the surrounding mountains
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October for spectacular fall foliage or April-May for spring blooms and mild temperatures 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn – Historic mountain resort with stunning views and a world-class spa

Asheville has the craft beer paradise and mountain escape your dating profile has been promising since you turned 30. This Blue Ridge Mountain town offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural sophistication, and enough local breweries to make your Untappd profile explode with check-ins.

The Biltmore Estate stands as America’s largest private home where touring the 250-room château impresses even jaded travelers. Downtown pulses with energy from farm-to-table restaurants and more breweries per capita than anywhere in America. I’ve spent entire afternoons sampling flights at Wicked Weed and Burial Beer.

The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway offers easy access to countless hiking trails and scenic overlooks that provide the perfect backdrop for your social media humble-brags. Meanwhile, the River Arts District showcases working artists in converted industrial buildings where you can find unique pieces that will elevate your home décor game beyond mass-produced wall art.

5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

• 📍 Location: South Carolina’s southern coast, about 45 minutes north of Savannah, GA
• 🏆 Best For: Golfers 🏌️‍♂️, beach relaxers 🏖️, tennis players 🎾
• 📸 Top Experiences: Biking on the beach, golfing championship courses, sailing in Calibogue Sound
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June and September-October for warm weather without summer crowds 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Inn & Club at Harbour Town – Luxury boutique hotel next to the famous Harbour Town Golf Links

Hilton Head offers the refined escape that screams “I’ve made it” without emptying the 401k you finally started maxing out. This sophisticated barrier island off South Carolina’s coast masterfully balances luxury amenities with environmental conservation just 45 minutes from Savannah.

The 12 miles of hard-packed beaches invite both morning runs and afternoon lounging. Golf enthusiasts can tackle more than 20 championship courses including the famous Harbour Town Links where PGA pros compete annually. The island’s overall atmosphere remains sophisticated yet relaxed.

Exploring by bicycle becomes mandatory with 60 miles of trails winding through maritime forests. Getting lost among the palmettos might be my favorite island activity. Nature lovers should visit Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge to appreciate authentic Lowcountry ecosystems. The island’s cleverly designed shopping villages provide upscale retail therapy after sun-soaked days.

6. Savannah, Georgia

• 📍 Location: Georgia’s Atlantic coast, about 4 hours southeast of Atlanta
• 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏠, foodies 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling through historic squares, ghost tours of haunted sites, riverboat cruises on the Savannah River
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-June for blooming azaleas and pleasant temperatures before summer heat 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Marshall House – Historic boutique hotel dating back to 1851 with period furnishings and charm

Savannah serves up the perfect weekend playground for grown-ups who’ve graduated from beer pong to craft cocktails but still know how to have fun. Georgia’s oldest city showcases one of America’s largest historic districts with 22 park-like squares under moss-draped oaks located just 4 hours from Atlanta.

The walkable grid layout makes exploration effortless. Wander through Forsyth Park with its iconic fountain or admire magnificent architecture at the Mercer-Williams House. Bustling River Street provides waterfront dining with views of massive cargo ships navigating the Savannah River.

The cocktail scene thrives here with craft concoctions in former speakeasies and elegant lounges. I’ve spent magical evenings joining popular ghost tours to hear spine-tingling stories behind haunted locations. The thriving culinary scene ranges from Southern classics to innovative chef-driven concepts. Spring visits showcase azaleas blooming throughout the historic districts.

7. Everglades National Park, Florida

• 📍 Location: Southern Florida, about 1 hour west of Miami and 1.5 hours southeast of Naples
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🐊, bird watchers 🦩, kayakers 🛶
• 📸 Top Experiences: Airboat tours through sawgrass marshes, hiking Anhinga Trail, kayaking through mangrove tunnels
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-April during dry season for comfortable temperatures and concentrated wildlife viewing 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Everglades City Motel – Charming accommodation near the park’s Gulf Coast entrance

Craving a wildlife adventure that’ll flood your Instagram? Everglades National Park offers wild thrills you won’t find in typical mountain or forest settings. This UNESCO site features a slow-moving river creating an intricate mosaic of wetlands and sawgrass prairies teeming with incredible biodiversity.

Spotting alligators sunbathing along the Anhinga Trail ranks as my favorite wildlife viewing experience in Florida. For an adrenaline rush, book an airboat tour to glide across marshes with wind whipping through your hair. Want something more serene? Paddle through the mysterious Ten Thousand Islands area to spot manatees and dolphins.

The Shark Valley area offers a 15-mile paved loop perfect for cycling with an observation tower providing panoramic wetland views. Visit during winter when mosquitoes retreat and wildlife gathers around remaining water sources, creating perfect photo opportunities of rare species including American crocodiles and Florida panthers.

8. St. Augustine, Florida

• 📍 Location: Northeast Florida coast, about 40 minutes south of Jacksonville and 1.5 hours northeast of Orlando
• 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏰, beach-goers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Castillo de San Marcos, strolling St. George Street, relaxing on pristine beaches
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, or during December for the magical Nights of Lights festival ✨
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Monica Resort & Spa – Luxurious historic hotel in the heart of downtown

Need a European getaway without the overseas flight? St. Augustine offers America’s oldest European settlement, founded in 1565, with Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets that transport you to another era. The city blends historical immersion with beachside relaxation just minutes apart.

The imposing Castillo de San Marcos fort has withstood centuries of sieges and storms. I’ve spent hours imagining colonial life while walking its stone ramparts. Nearby, the charming St. George Street pedestrian zone bustles with unique shops and hidden courtyards housing cozy cafés.

Don’t miss Flagler College, once the luxurious Ponce de León Hotel, showcasing stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture and Tiffany stained glass windows. Beach lovers can escape to Anastasia State Park with pristine Atlantic shores and maritime hammocks. Time your visit during the annual Nights of Lights festival when the historic district glows with millions of white lights, creating an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.

9. Tallulah Gorge, Georgia

• 📍 Location: Northeast Georgia, about 1.5 hours northeast of Atlanta in the Chattahoochee National Forest
• 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🧗‍♂️, waterfall chasers 💦, canyon explorers 🏞️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing the suspension bridge, hiking rim trails, witnessing water releases, climbing down to the gorge floor
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for spring wildflowers and November for fall foliage; weekends with scheduled water releases for dramatic rapids 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Glen-Ella Springs Inn – Historic bed & breakfast with gourmet dining and mountain views just minutes from the gorge

Adventure seekers, prepare for your jaw to drop! Tallulah Gorge plunges nearly 1,000 feet deep with vertical granite walls housing six spectacular waterfalls. This eastern U.S. natural wonder earned its nickname “Niagara of the South” from early explorers awed by its dramatic terrain.

The 80-foot-high suspension bridge sways 80 feet above Hurricane Falls, creating heart-stopping views that make even the bravest visitors grab the railings. Getting one of the limited daily permits to hike the gorge floor feels like winning a lottery. The reward? Swimming in emerald pools beneath towering cliffs where few ever venture.

Nothing compares to watching the scheduled dam releases turn the peaceful river into thundering Class IV rapids. I still remember the ground vibrating beneath my feet during my first viewing. The more relaxed North and South Rim Trails offer spectacular overlooks showcasing the raw beauty from different perspectives without the strenuous descent.

10. Cumberland Island, Georgia

• 📍 Location: Georgia’s southernmost barrier island, accessible only by ferry from St. Marys (about 45 minutes north of Jacksonville, Florida)
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, beach seekers 🏝️, wild horse enthusiasts 🐎
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching wild horses on pristine beaches, exploring abandoned Carnegie mansions, camping under maritime forest canopy
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May and October-November for mild temperatures and fewer insects 🦟
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Greyfield Inn – Exclusive historic inn (former Carnegie mansion) with all-inclusive service and guided tours

Want to escape Instagram crowds and step into a nature documentary? Cumberland Island offers 18 miles of undeveloped shoreline where wild horses roam freely among the ruins of Gilded Age mansions. Georgia’s largest barrier island provides wilderness solitude just a short ferry ride from civilization.

The approximately 150 feral horses create unforgettable scenes galloping along pristine white sand beaches. Watching these majestic creatures against crashing Atlantic waves feels like witnessing something sacred that few get to experience.

History buffs will marvel at the ruins of Dungeness, once a 59-room Carnegie mansion, now a hauntingly beautiful shell surrounded by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. The restored Plum Orchard Mansion offers glimpses into the island’s luxury past. With only 300 visitors allowed daily, I treasure memories of having entire beaches to myself while exploring this coastal wilderness paradise.

11. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• 📍 Location: 200-mile string of barrier islands off North Carolina’s coast, about 1.5 hours east of Norfolk, Virginia
• 🏆 Best For: Lighthouse enthusiasts 🏝️, beach lovers 🏄‍♂️, history buffs 🪁
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, visiting Wright Brothers National Memorial, wild horse tours in Corolla, hang gliding at Jockey’s Ridge
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June and September for warm weather without summer crowds or hurricane threats 🌪️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Sanderling Resort – Upscale beachfront property offering Atlantic and sound views

Searching for that perfect mix of adventure and beach relaxation? The Outer Banks offers a narrow ribbon of islands between mainland America and the open Atlantic where pirate legends, historic firsts, and natural wonders converge in one unforgettable destination.

Climb America’s tallest brick lighthouse, the iconic black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, for breathtaking coastal views. At Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the East Coast’s tallest natural sand dunes create an otherworldly landscape perfect for hang gliding or watching spectacular sunsets.

History shaped these islands profoundly. Visit Roanoke Island where the mysterious “Lost Colony” vanished in the 1580s or Kill Devil Hills where the Wright Brothers achieved humanity’s first powered flight. The northern beaches of Corolla offer chances to spot wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs, descendants of shipwrecked horses. I’ve never felt more connected to both nature and human ingenuity than during my OBX adventures.

12. Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

• 📍 Location: Spans the Tennessee-Georgia border, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga
• 🏆 Best For: Cave explorers 🌊, panorama seekers 🏔️, garden enthusiasts 🌸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Marveling at Ruby Falls, riding the Incline Railway, exploring Rock City gardens, soaking in seven-state views
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for spring blooms and October for fall foliage with more comfortable hiking temperatures 🍁
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Chanticleer Inn – Boutique bed and breakfast atop Lookout Mountain with Rock City gardens access

Three legendary attractions on one mountain? Lookout Mountain packs more Instagram-worthy moments per square mile than almost anywhere in the Southeast. This natural landmark rises dramatically above Chattanooga with underground wonders and panoramic vistas just minutes from the city.

Deep inside the mountain, Ruby Falls thunders 145 feet in a cathedral-like cave chamber. Watching this underground waterfall illuminated by colorful lights ranks among the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had. Reach the summit via the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways climbing at a heart-racing 72.7% grade.

At the top, wander through Rock City Gardens with its enchanting path through ancient rock formations, including the famous “Fat Man’s Squeeze” passageway. The journey culminates at the panoramic “See Seven States” viewpoint stretching across Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama on clear days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Unique Places to Visit in The Southeast USA:

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of what to do in the Southeastern USA? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the most unique places to visit in Southeast USA.

What is Southeast USA known for?

Southeast USA is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical significance. From the vibrant music scenes of cities like New Orleans to the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks, the Southeast offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. It’s also home to iconic landmarks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, and the historic districts of cities like Savannah and St. Augustine.

Why is the southeast region a popular vacation spot?

The Southeast United States is a popular vacation spot for a variety of reasons:

1. Diverse Landscapes: The region offers a mix of mountains, beaches, and wetlands. From the Appalachian Mountains to the sandy shores of Florida, there’s a natural setting for everyone.
2. Warm Climate: The Southeast is known for its warm and sunny weather. This is especially so in states like Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This makes it a favorite destination for those looking to escape colder climates.
3. Rich History: The Southeast has a deep-rooted history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Cities like Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans offer historical tours, preserved buildings, and museums.
4. Vibrant Culture: The region is known for its unique culture. This includes Southern hospitality, music (like jazz, blues, and country), and festivals.
5. World-Class Beaches: Florida and the Carolinas, in particular, boast some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, attracting sunbathers, surfers, and families.
6. Theme Parks: Florida is home to world-renowned theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
7. Cuisine: The Southeast is famous for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. This includes everything from Creole and Cajun dishes in Louisiana to Southern BBQ and fresh seafood along the coast.
8. Outdoor Activities: Whether it’s hiking in the Smoky Mountains, boating in the Everglades, or golfing in Hilton Head, the Southeast offers a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities.
9. Affordability: Compared to some other regions in the U.S., the Southeast often offers more affordable vacation options.
10. Unique Destinations: Cities like New Orleans, known for Mardi Gras and its French Quarter, and Nashville, the heart of country music, offer unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.

What is the Southeast region most known for?

The Southeast region is most recognized for its blend of traditions, from the soulful blues and jazz rhythms to the unique Gullah culture. Additionally, it boasts some of the most interesting USA destinations, including sprawling national parks, barrier islands, and historic plantations. The region’s culinary scene, with its Creole, Cajun, and Southern flavors, is also a major draw for food enthusiasts.

What makes the Southeast US unique?

The Southeast US stands out for its rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature. It’s a place where colonial pasts intersect with modern-day vibrancy, and where natural wonders like Mammoth Cave and the Everglades coexist with bustling urban centers. The region’s festivals, music, and local traditions, such as Mardi Gras and the Kentucky Derby, add to its uniqueness.

Where to go in the Southeast for a mix of history and nature?

For travelers seeking both historical insights and natural beauty, places like Charleston, South Carolina, and the Outer Banks in North Carolina are ideal. These unique Southeast places to visit offer a blend of historic architecture, local legends, and stunning natural landscapes, from marshlands to coastal dunes.

Are there any underrated destinations in the Southeast worth exploring?

While the Southeast boasts many popular tourist spots, several underrated destinations in the Southeast promise unique experiences. Places like Lookout Mountain in Tennessee, the barrier islands of Georgia, and the bayous of Louisiana offer a mix of natural beauty and local charm, often away from the typical tourist trails.

Discover the Hidden Gems of Southeast USA

The Southeast USA is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be unveiled. With the historic charm of Savannah, the wild allure of the Everglades, and everything in between, every spot in this region offers something special. There are incredible things to do in the Southeast that will resonate with every visitor.

If you’re an avid traveler, a nature lover, or someone in search of a memorable escape, these 12 unique Southeast places to visit promise unforgettable moments. Each destination, with its distinct ambiance and character, showcases the region’s diverse heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.

As you plan your next adventure, consider the Southeast. With its wide array of unique places to visit, this region stands out as a top choice for exploration, relaxation, and inspiration. Get ready to pack your bags and discover the coolest Southeast USA places to visit!