The South is home to some great cities, whether you’re looking for scenery, history, outdoor adventure, mouthwatering cuisine, or all of the above. These five, in particular, are all destinations that really shouldn’t be missed.
New Orleans, Louisiana
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, New Orleans isn’t just about Mardi Gras. Of course, you can find a party year-round with the city’s nightlife always buzzing, but it’s also a place to enjoy jazz and all types of other music, discover fascinating history, visit cemeteries with above-ground tombs, or take a riverboat tour. The French Quarter is the place to go for music and if you want to try the city’s signature beignets, head to Cafe Du Monde. Kind of like a doughnut with no hole in the middle, they’re covered with powdered sugar and so good there’s always a line, but it’s well worth the wait. Some people have found them, and this city, so addictive they end up moving here or to a city nearby – if that’s you, you might want to check Baton Rouge houses for sale as Louisiana’s capital is just a 75-minute drive away.
Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina’s historic first capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the South. It’s filled with historic sites, world-class attractions, and practically an endless list of culinary hotspots. Visit Drayton Hall, one of the country’s oldest surviving plantations open to the public, a Georgian-Palladian masterpiece originally founded in 1738. Just strolling the cobbled streets in the Historic District brings something interesting around nearly every corner. The impressive homes date Revolutionary War times to the Antebellum era, with everything from classic Georgia, Federal, and Greek Revival styles to Italianate and Victorian. Peek in to see the lush, colorful “secret” walled gardens the city is famous for.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s National Historic Landmark district is the largest in the country, with 1,000 architecturally-significant buildings, including more than 20 city squares with mansions, monuments, museums, churches and forts from the Civil War and Revolution War eras. Hop on a romantic horse-drawn carriage through the picturesque streets to see them, and enjoy the waterfront district along cobbled River Street with the sounds of street musicians heard among the art galleries, old-fashioned candy stores, and souvenir shops. This city is the epitome of Southern charm – Forsyth Park is in the heart of it all, providing an ideal spot for a picnic and a pleasant stroll among oak trees draped with Spanish moss and memorials commemorating Confederate and Spanish-American War heroes.
Austin, Texas
From a world-renowned music scene to mouthwatering BBQ, lush Hill Country scenery, and lots of cultural attractions, Austin is one of South’s coolest capital cities. You’ll get a great view from the Texas State Capitol building itself, which sits atop a hill, While Zilker Metropolitan Park covers 351 acres that include miles and miles of hiking and biking trails. It’s also home to attractions like the Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Austin Nature and Science Center.
Natchez, Mississippi
This historic town on the Mississippi River is famous for its Antebellum mansions, in fact, it has more than any other city in the entire country, some of which can be toured. Visitors can also hop on a steamboat to float along the river while listening to the tunes of a slide guitar or visit Grand Village, which hosts three ceremonial mounds and a reconstructed Natchez house.
