last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in the Southern United States
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the twenty or so American sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the region has four:
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in Virginia (1987)
A cultural and historic city whose university (along with Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A cultural and historic city whose university (along with Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee (1983)
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky (1981)
The world's largest cave system, with 600 kilometers of explored passageways. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The world's largest cave system, with 600 kilometers of explored passageways. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Poverty Point in Louisiana (2015)
This archaeological site is home to "monumental mounds" dating from the pre-Columbian era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its "value" is more cultural than touristic.
This archaeological site is home to "monumental mounds" dating from the pre-Columbian era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its "value" is more cultural than touristic.
Alabama
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Birmingham
The largest city in Alabama was one of the key sites of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
The largest city in Alabama was one of the key sites of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
These are two adjacent beach resorts often "paired together," renowned for their stunning beaches.
These are two adjacent beach resorts often "paired together," renowned for their stunning beaches.
Mobile
A port city on the Gulf of Mexico with quite a few museums (particularly military ones) and old mansions or more or less historic buildings.
A port city on the Gulf of Mexico with quite a few museums (particularly military ones) and old mansions or more or less historic buildings.
Natural Heritage
Sipsey Wilderness
This forested plateau in northern Alabama is known for its countless waterfalls, which can be explored on hikes or by canoe.
This forested plateau in northern Alabama is known for its countless waterfalls, which can be explored on hikes or by canoe.
Arkansas
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Eureka Springs
This small town in the Ozarks is a tourist spot with its charming downtown, 20-meter-tall Christ statue, and museum of religions.
This small town in the Ozarks is a tourist spot with its charming downtown, 20-meter-tall Christ statue, and museum of religions.
Hot Springs
Hot springs and thermal baths define this city and its very small adjacent national park, where you can hike.
Hot springs and thermal baths define this city and its very small adjacent national park, where you can hike.
Natural Heritage
Ouachita National Forest
This vast forest in western Arkansas is an area for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
This vast forest in western Arkansas is an area for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
A network of show caves located in northern Arkansas, specifically within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
A network of show caves located in northern Arkansas, specifically within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
Ozark Mountains
This is a hilly region of rivers and lakes located primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities here.
This is a hilly region of rivers and lakes located primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities here.
North Carolina
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Asheville
The city is renowned for its artistic scene and its Art Deco architecture. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate, an astonishing and vast Renaissance-style château inspired by the one in Blois, France.
The city is renowned for its artistic scene and its Art Deco architecture. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate, an astonishing and vast Renaissance-style château inspired by the one in Blois, France.
Charlotte
It is the largest urban area in North Carolina and one of the top twenty in the country. It isn’t necessarily the most tourist-focused.
It is the largest urban area in North Carolina and one of the top twenty in the country. It isn’t necessarily the most tourist-focused.
Crystal Coast
This central part of the coastline is renowned for its beaches, fishing, diving, and other water activities, as well as its few historical landmarks.
This central part of the coastline is renowned for its beaches, fishing, diving, and other water activities, as well as its few historical landmarks.
New Bern
This small town, founded by Swiss and German migrants in 1710, is one of the oldest on the East Coast. It features several architectural remnants of its past.
This small town, founded by Swiss and German migrants in 1710, is one of the oldest on the East Coast. It features several architectural remnants of its past.
Outer Banks
A long string of tiny islands stretching over 300 km north of Carolina, known for its beaches, surfing, lighthouses, and wild horses.
A long string of tiny islands stretching over 300 km north of Carolina, known for its beaches, surfing, lighthouses, and wild horses.
Winston-Salem
Located in the northern part of the state, the city offers historical attractions with glimpses of its past and museums like Old Salem.
Located in the northern part of the state, the city offers historical attractions with glimpses of its past and museums like Old Salem.
Natural Heritage
Appalachian Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Blue Ridge Parkway
755 km of roads or hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina.
755 km of roads or hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
South Carolina
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Beaufort
A small coastal town between Savannah and Charleston that has retained its old-world charm.
A small coastal town between Savannah and Charleston that has retained its old-world charm.
Charleston
One of the most beautiful and pleasant cities on the Atlantic coast, with historic districts, museums, and beaches.
One of the most beautiful and pleasant cities on the Atlantic coast, with historic districts, museums, and beaches.
Georgetown
The third-oldest town in the state has become a tourist destination with its marinas, small museums, a few historic buildings, and several beautiful old plantations in the surrounding area.
The third-oldest town in the state has become a tourist destination with its marinas, small museums, a few historic buildings, and several beautiful old plantations in the surrounding area.
Grand Strand
With its stunning beaches and seaside resorts, this stretch of coastline between Charleston and North Carolina draws millions of visitors each year.
With its stunning beaches and seaside resorts, this stretch of coastline between Charleston and North Carolina draws millions of visitors each year.
Myrtle Beach
One of the most popular and renowned seaside resorts on the East Coast, attracting millions of visitors each year.
One of the most popular and renowned seaside resorts on the East Coast, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Natural Heritage
Sea Islands
This series of small islands near the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina has become a local tourism hotspot. They are popular for their beaches, fishing, and various water activities, and secondarily for some historical sites.
This series of small islands near the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina has become a local tourism hotspot. They are popular for their beaches, fishing, and various water activities, and secondarily for some historical sites.
Georgia
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Atlanta
The city of the Olympic Games, Coca-Cola, CNN, and Martin Luther King. It is also the capital and the main urban area of the state.
The city of the Olympic Games, Coca-Cola, CNN, and Martin Luther King. It is also the capital and the main urban area of the state.
Helen
The town bills itself as a Bavarian alpine village replica in the heart of the Appalachians. All its modest tourist activity revolves around this theme (including an Oktoberfest) and the surrounding area, which offers some quite pretty roads and landscapes.
The town bills itself as a Bavarian alpine village replica in the heart of the Appalachians. All its modest tourist activity revolves around this theme (including an Oktoberfest) and the surrounding area, which offers some quite pretty roads and landscapes.
Milledgeville
This small town with its typical Southern architecture was the capital of Georgia for over 60 years before being replaced by Atlanta in 1868.
This small town with its typical Southern architecture was the capital of Georgia for over 60 years before being replaced by Atlanta in 1868.
Savannah
One of the most beautiful cities in North America with its typical 19th-century Old South architecture.
One of the most beautiful cities in North America with its typical 19th-century Old South architecture.
Stone Mountain
Near Atlanta, a massive granite hill and especially the world's largest bas-relief sculpture (depicting three Confederate heroes).
Near Atlanta, a massive granite hill and especially the world's largest bas-relief sculpture (depicting three Confederate heroes).
Natural Heritage
Appalachian Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Amicalola Falls State Park
A small site in northern Georgia known for its waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
A small site in northern Georgia known for its waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
A vast swamp area home to numerous birds and alligators. Hiking is possible here.
A vast swamp area home to numerous birds and alligators. Hiking is possible here.
Sea Islands
This series of small islands near the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina has become a local tourism hotspot. They are popular for their beaches, fishing, and various water activities, and secondarily for some historical sites.
This series of small islands near the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina has become a local tourism hotspot. They are popular for their beaches, fishing, and various water activities, and secondarily for some historical sites.
Kentucky
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
A memorial honoring one of the most famous U.S. presidents.
A memorial honoring one of the most famous U.S. presidents.
Bluegrass Country
A region known, beyond its music, for its bucolic landscapes and horse-breeding farms.
A region known, beyond its music, for its bucolic landscapes and horse-breeding farms.
Lexington
It's the horse capital of the world, with tourism in the city and its surroundings centered around this theme.
It's the horse capital of the world, with tourism in the city and its surroundings centered around this theme.
Natural Heritage
Daniel Boone National Forest
This vast forested area is home to waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and gorges. Rock climbing and hiking are popular activities here.
This vast forested area is home to waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and gorges. Rock climbing and hiking are popular activities here.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
A natural area shared by Kentucky and Tennessee where you can go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
A natural area shared by Kentucky and Tennessee where you can go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The world's largest cave system, with 600 kilometers of explored passageways. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The world's largest cave system, with 600 kilometers of explored passageways. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Louisiana
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Acadiana
This is Cajun country in southern Louisiana. A must-see for its small villages, local culture, and the marshes and bayous with their famous alligators.
This is Cajun country in southern Louisiana. A must-see for its small villages, local culture, and the marshes and bayous with their famous alligators.
Baton Rouge
The capital of Louisiana boasts quite beautiful architecture, particularly the stunning plantation homes.
The capital of Louisiana boasts quite beautiful architecture, particularly the stunning plantation homes.
Great River Road
This route along the Mississippi through several states offers a chance to discover Louisiana’s most beautiful plantations, especially between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
This route along the Mississippi through several states offers a chance to discover Louisiana’s most beautiful plantations, especially between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Natchitoches
The oldest city in Louisiana (1714), with many historic buildings and plantations in and around the city. Natchitoches is very tourist-friendly.
The oldest city in Louisiana (1714), with many historic buildings and plantations in and around the city. Natchitoches is very tourist-friendly.
New Orleans
Despite Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city has retained its historic charm and status as the jazz capital.
Despite Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city has retained its historic charm and status as the jazz capital.
Poverty Point
This archaeological site is home to "monumental mounds" dating from the pre-Columbian era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its "value" is more cultural than touristic.
This archaeological site is home to "monumental mounds" dating from the pre-Columbian era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its "value" is more cultural than touristic.
Natural Heritage
Louisiana Swamps and Bayous
They are part of Louisiana’s traditional image, home to alligators. Most are located in Acadiane.
They are part of Louisiana’s traditional image, home to alligators. Most are located in Acadiane.
Mississippi
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Gulfport
It is the second-largest city in the state. Located on the coast, it benefits, like the rest of the shoreline, from tourist activity with its beaches and casinos.
It is the second-largest city in the state. Located on the coast, it benefits, like the rest of the shoreline, from tourist activity with its beaches and casinos.
Natchez
The first capital of Mississippi located on the riverbank boasts over 600 beautiful plantations or Old South-style mansions. It has the highest concentration of these in the entire country.
The first capital of Mississippi located on the riverbank boasts over 600 beautiful plantations or Old South-style mansions. It has the highest concentration of these in the entire country.
Vicksburg
The city's Civil War siege memorial site and its casinos are the main attractions of this town on the Mississippi River.
The city's Civil War siege memorial site and its casinos are the main attractions of this town on the Mississippi River.
Natural Heritage
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Shared between Mississippi and Florida, these small islands off the coast are known for their beaches and the remains of several 19th-century forts.
Shared between Mississippi and Florida, these small islands off the coast are known for their beaches and the remains of several 19th-century forts.
Natchez Trace Parkway
A hiking trail that crosses part of Tennessee, starting from Nashville and ending in Natchez, Mississippi.
A hiking trail that crosses part of Tennessee, starting from Nashville and ending in Natchez, Mississippi.
Tennessee
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Memphis
City of blues, rock 'n' roll, and Elvis Presley, whose famous Graceland estate you can visit. It was in this city that Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, which now houses the National Civil Rights Museum.
City of blues, rock 'n' roll, and Elvis Presley, whose famous Graceland estate you can visit. It was in this city that Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, which now houses the National Civil Rights Museum.
Nashville
The world capital of country music, with bars and concerts year-round, as well as the capital of Tennessee.
The world capital of country music, with bars and concerts year-round, as well as the capital of Tennessee.
Pigeon Forge
In the Great Smoky Mountains, this area is a tourist destination known for its parks and attractions showcasing "Southern culture" and country music.
In the Great Smoky Mountains, this area is a tourist destination known for its parks and attractions showcasing "Southern culture" and country music.
Natural Heritage
Appalachian Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
A natural area shared by Kentucky and Tennessee where you can go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
A natural area shared by Kentucky and Tennessee where you can go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
Natchez Trace Parkway
A hiking trail that crosses part of Tennessee, starting from Nashville and ending in Natchez, Mississippi.
A hiking trail that crosses part of Tennessee, starting from Nashville and ending in Natchez, Mississippi.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including bears), a few "traditional" villages (Cades Cove Valley), and 1,350 km of hiking trails.
Virginia
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Alexandria
A city in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with a historic center where some buildings date back to the 17th century.
A city in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with a historic center where some buildings date back to the 17th century.
Arlington
On the doorstep of Washington D.C., Arlington is known for its "famous" military cemetery as well as other memorials.
On the doorstep of Washington D.C., Arlington is known for its "famous" military cemetery as well as other memorials.
Yorktown Battlefield
The site of the final battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781 and one of the three locations in the "Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia".
The site of the final battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781 and one of the three locations in the "Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia".
Charlottesville
A cultural and historic city whose university (along with Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A cultural and historic city whose university (along with Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fredericksburg
The small town has a historic downtown spanning about forty blocks, where 350 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand. Several Civil War battles took place in the surrounding area.
The small town has a historic downtown spanning about forty blocks, where 350 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand. Several Civil War battles took place in the surrounding area.
Jamestown
The site traces the life of the first English settlement in America in 1607. It is one of the three sites of the "Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia.".
The site traces the life of the first English settlement in America in 1607. It is one of the three sites of the "Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia.".
Mount Vernon
On the banks of the Potomac River just a few kilometres south of Washington DC, the beautiful residence of George Washington (first President of the United States), where he is also buried, is open to the public.
On the banks of the Potomac River just a few kilometres south of Washington DC, the beautiful residence of George Washington (first President of the United States), where he is also buried, is open to the public.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
This memorial site on the outskirts of Fredericksburg commemorates four battles of the American Civil War that took place here.
This memorial site on the outskirts of Fredericksburg commemorates four battles of the American Civil War that took place here.
"Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia"
Three key sites tracing the beginnings of American history: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Very close to one another, they are connected by the Colonial Parkway, a 37 km (23 mi) scenic route.
Three key sites tracing the beginnings of American history: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Very close to one another, they are connected by the Colonial Parkway, a 37 km (23 mi) scenic route.
Virginia Beach
It's "the" seaside resort of Virginia with all the associated activities. You can also see whales offshore in season.
It's "the" seaside resort of Virginia with all the associated activities. You can also see whales offshore in season.
Williamsburg
A highly popular destination for its open-air historical museum tracing the region's colonial period in the 18th century. It is one of the three sites of the "Historic Triangle.".
A highly popular destination for its open-air historical museum tracing the region's colonial period in the 18th century. It is one of the three sites of the "Historic Triangle.".
Winchester
A pleasant small town in western Virginia with an old centre dating from the 18th century.
A pleasant small town in western Virginia with an old centre dating from the 18th century.
Natural Heritage
Appalachian Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Chesapeake Bay
The largest estuary in the United States, straddling Maryland and Virginia, renowned for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The largest estuary in the United States, straddling Maryland and Virginia, renowned for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Blue Ridge Parkway
755 km of roads or hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina.
755 km of roads or hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina.
Great Falls Park
This popular spot near the capital lets you discover the (small) Potomac Falls. Hiking, climbing, and canoeing/kayaking are all possible here.
This popular spot near the capital lets you discover the (small) Potomac Falls. Hiking, climbing, and canoeing/kayaking are all possible here.
Shenandoah National Park
A highly visited park for its scenic drive, Skyline Drive, stretching 170 km, offering beautiful landscapes and rich local wildlife (bears, lynx, birds).
A highly visited park for its scenic drive, Skyline Drive, stretching 170 km, offering beautiful landscapes and rich local wildlife (bears, lynx, birds).
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A small coastal reserve south of Virginia Beach where you can hike, cycle, canoe, or birdwatch.
A small coastal reserve south of Virginia Beach where you can hike, cycle, canoe, or birdwatch.
West Virginia
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Harpers Ferry
A small 19th-century historic village and a major tourist destination in the region, attracting around a million visitors each year. Various outdoor activities are available in the surrounding area (hiking, canopy tours, rafting, etc.).
A small 19th-century historic village and a major tourist destination in the region, attracting around a million visitors each year. Various outdoor activities are available in the surrounding area (hiking, canopy tours, rafting, etc.).
Natural Heritage
Appalachian Trail
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Monongahela National Forest
A vast forest popular for hiking, climbing, rafting, fishing, and its wildlife.
A vast forest popular for hiking, climbing, rafting, fishing, and its wildlife.
New River Gorge
This is the main climbing site on the East Coast. You can also hike, raft, canoe, and go birdwatching here. It’s also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest arch bridges in the world.
This is the main climbing site on the East Coast. You can also hike, raft, canoe, and go birdwatching here. It’s also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest arch bridges in the world.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Waterfalls and a small park offering hiking, horseback riding, and skiing opportunities.
Waterfalls and a small park offering hiking, horseback riding, and skiing opportunities.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
A nearly 300 km canal whose surroundings are popular with hikers and cyclists.
A nearly 300 km canal whose surroundings are popular with hikers and cyclists.
Must-see & highly recommended
Acadiana
★★★★ This is Cajun country in southern Louisiana. A must-see for its small villages, local culture, and the marshes and bayous with their famous…
Savannah
★★★★ One of the most beautiful cities in North America with its typical 19th-century Old South architecture.
Recommended
"Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia"
★★★ Three key sites tracing the beginnings of American history: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Very close to one another, they are…
Charleston
★★★ One of the most beautiful and pleasant cities on the Atlantic coast, with historic districts, museums, and beaches.
Grand Strand
★★★ With its stunning beaches and seaside resorts, this stretch of coastline between Charleston and North Carolina draws millions of visitors…
New Orleans
★★★ Despite Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city has retained its historic charm and status as the jazz capital.
Louisiana Swamps and Bayous
★★★ They are part of Louisiana’s traditional image, home to alligators. Most are located in Acadiane.
Memphis
★★★ City of blues, rock 'n' roll, and Elvis Presley, whose famous Graceland estate you can visit. It was in this city that Martin Luther King…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
★★★ With over 11 million visitors a year, it's the most visited national park in the USA. It offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife (including…
Williamsburg
★★★ A highly popular destination for its open-air historical museum tracing the region's colonial period in the 18th century. It is one of the…
Worth a look / Other
Appalachian Trail
★★ One of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states.
Asheville
★★ The city is renowned for its artistic scene and its Art Deco architecture. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate, an astonishing and vast…
Chesapeake Bay
★★ The largest estuary in the United States, straddling Maryland and Virginia, renowned for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Baton Rouge
★★ The capital of Louisiana boasts quite beautiful architecture, particularly the stunning plantation homes.
Beaufort
★★ A small coastal town between Savannah and Charleston that has retained its old-world charm.
Blue Ridge Parkway
★★ 755 km of roads or hiking trails through the beautiful landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina.
Yorktown Battlefield
★★ The site of the final battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781 and one of the three locations in the "Historic Triangle of Colonial…
Crystal Coast
★★ This central part of the coastline is renowned for its beaches, fishing, diving, and other water activities, as well as its few historical…
Eureka Springs
★★ This small town in the Ozarks is a tourist spot with its charming downtown, 20-meter-tall Christ statue, and museum of religions.
Daniel Boone National Forest
★★ This vast forested area is home to waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and gorges. Rock climbing and hiking are popular activities here.
Monongahela National Forest
★★ A vast forest popular for hiking, climbing, rafting, fishing, and its wildlife.
Fredericksburg
★★ The small town has a historic downtown spanning about forty blocks, where 350 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand…
Georgetown (South Carolina)
★★ The third-oldest town in the state has become a tourist destination with its marinas, small museums, a few historic buildings, and several…
New River Gorge
★★ This is the main climbing site on the East Coast. You can also hike, raft, canoe, and go birdwatching here. It’s also home to the New…
Great River Road (Louisiana)
★★ This route along the Mississippi through several states offers a chance to discover Louisiana’s most beautiful plantations…
Gulf Islands National Seashore
★★ Shared between Mississippi and Florida, these small islands off the coast are known for their beaches and the remains of several…
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
★★ These are two adjacent beach resorts often "paired together," renowned for their stunning beaches.
Gulfport
★★ It is the second-largest city in the state. Located on the coast, it benefits, like the rest of the shoreline, from tourist activity with…
Harpers Ferry
★★ A small 19th-century historic village and a major tourist destination in the region, attracting around a million visitors each year…
Jamestown
★★ The site traces the life of the first English settlement in America in 1607. It is one of the three sites of the "Historic Triangle of…
Mobile
★★ A port city on the Gulf of Mexico with quite a few museums (particularly military ones) and old mansions or more or less historic buildings.
Ozark Mountains
★★ This is a hilly region of rivers and lakes located primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities…
Myrtle Beach
★★ One of the most popular and renowned seaside resorts on the East Coast, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Nashville
★★ The world capital of country music, with bars and concerts year-round, as well as the capital of Tennessee.
Natchez
★★ The first capital of Mississippi located on the riverbank boasts over 600 beautiful plantations or Old South-style mansions. It has the…
Natchitoches
★★ The oldest city in Louisiana (1714), with many historic buildings and plantations in and around the city. Natchitoches is very…
Outer Banks
★★ A long string of tiny islands stretching over 300 km north of Carolina, known for its beaches, surfing, lighthouses, and wild horses.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
★★ This memorial site on the outskirts of Fredericksburg commemorates four battles of the American Civil War that took place here.
Mammoth Cave National Park
★★ The world's largest cave system, with 600 kilometers of explored passageways. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shenandoah National Park
★★ A highly visited park for its scenic drive, Skyline Drive, stretching 170 km, offering beautiful landscapes and rich local wildlife (bears…
Pigeon Forge
★★ In the Great Smoky Mountains, this area is a tourist destination known for its parks and attractions showcasing "Southern culture" and…
Richmond
★★ One of the oldest cities in the United States, as evidenced by its historic district.
Sea Islands
★★ This series of small islands near the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina has become a local tourism hotspot. They are popular for their…
Sipsey Wilderness
★★ This forested plateau in northern Alabama is known for its countless waterfalls, which can be explored on hikes or by canoe.
Virginia Beach
★★ It's "the" seaside resort of Virginia with all the associated activities. You can also see whales offshore in season.
Winston-Salem
★★ Located in the northern part of the state, the city offers historical attractions with glimpses of its past and museums like Old Salem.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
★ A memorial honoring one of the most famous U.S. presidents.
Alexandria
★ A city in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with a historic center where some buildings date back to the 17th century.
Arlington
★ On the doorstep of Washington D.C., Arlington is known for its "famous" military cemetery as well as other memorials.
Atlanta
★ The city of the Olympic Games, Coca-Cola, CNN, and Martin Luther King. It is also the capital and the main urban area of the state.
Biloxi
★ Beaches and casinos in this well-known coastal town.
Birmingham (Alabama)
★ The largest city in Alabama was one of the key sites of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Bluegrass Country
★ A region known, beyond its music, for its bucolic landscapes and horse-breeding farms.
Charleston (WV)
★ It is the capital and largest city of the state of West Virginia.
Charlotte
★ It is the largest urban area in North Carolina and one of the top twenty in the country. It isn’t necessarily the most…
Charlottesville
★ A cultural and historic city whose university (along with Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson) is a UNESCO World Heritage…
Columbia (Tennessee)
★ This small town is surrounded by many beautiful Old South-style plantations.
Dahlonega
★ A major site of the (first) Gold Rush where the mines can still be visited.
Ouachita National Forest
★ This vast forest in western Arkansas is an area for hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Fort Smith
★ Second-largest city in Arkansas with a few historic buildings.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
★ A network of show caves located in northern Arkansas, specifically within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
Helen
★ The town bills itself as a Bavarian alpine village replica in the heart of the Appalachians. All its modest tourist activity revolves…
Hot Springs
★ Hot springs and thermal baths define this city and its very small adjacent national park, where you can hike.
Lafayette
★ The city lies at the heart of Cajun country and is renowned for its music scene.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
★ A natural area shared by Kentucky and Tennessee where you can go hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
Lexington
★ It's the horse capital of the world, with tourism in the city and its surroundings centered around this theme.
Little Rock
★ It is the capital of Arkansas and the main urban area of the state.
Louisville
★ The largest city in Kentucky, featuring a historic district with Victorian architecture.
Milledgeville
★ This small town with its typical Southern architecture was the capital of Georgia for over 60 years before being replaced by Atlanta in…
Mount Vernon
★ On the banks of the Potomac River just a few kilometres south of Washington DC, the beautiful residence of George Washington (first…
Natchez Trace Parkway
★ A hiking trail that crosses part of Tennessee, starting from Nashville and ending in Natchez, Mississippi.
New Bern
★ This small town, founded by Swiss and German migrants in 1710, is one of the oldest on the East Coast. It features several architectural…
Blackwater Falls State Park
★ Waterfalls and a small park offering hiking, horseback riding, and skiing opportunities.
Amicalola Falls State Park
★ A small site in northern Georgia known for its waterfalls and hiking opportunities.
Great Falls Park
★ This popular spot near the capital lets you discover the (small) Potomac Falls. Hiking, climbing, and canoeing/kayaking are all possible…
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
★ A nearly 300 km canal whose surroundings are popular with hikers and cyclists.
Poverty Point
★ This archaeological site is home to "monumental mounds" dating from the pre-Columbian era. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its…
Raleigh
★ North Carolina's capital with several museums to visit.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
★ A vast swamp area home to numerous birds and alligators. Hiking is possible here.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
★ A small coastal reserve south of Virginia Beach where you can hike, cycle, canoe, or birdwatch.
Stone Mountain
★ Near Atlanta, a massive granite hill and especially the world's largest bas-relief sculpture (depicting three Confederate heroes).
Vicksburg
★ The city's Civil War siege memorial site and its casinos are the main attractions of this town on the Mississippi River.
Wilmington (North Carolina)
★ A historic district and nearby beaches are the main attractions of this mid-sized city.
Winchester
★ A pleasant small town in western Virginia with an old centre dating from the 18th century.