The Southern United States is filled with unique attractions. In fact, this region, more than any other in the US, has a distinct culture that inspires certain expectations from visitors. Whether it is the theme parks and beaches of Florida, the rowdy good times of New Orleans or the modern, cosmopolitan Southern culture of Atlanta and Charlotte, visitors seek a certain amount of “southern-ness” when they choose to spend their summertime holiday south of the Mason Dixon Line.
Here are the five best summertime travel destinations in the Southern United States. In many ways, these places fit the Southern stereotype, but more often than not, visitors find themselves confronted with unexpected – but welcome – surprises.
1. The Barrier Islands of South Carolina are known for their golf courses, beaches, gated communities and water sports. Nearby Charleston, a city of rich history, is an attraction in its own right. But the unique geography and natural, untouched beauty are what truly make this part of the Carolinas worth a visit. Outfitters, such as Aqua Safari, take tourist on cruises to explore the natural side of the islands, allowing them to come in close contact with wildlife, including alligators and dolphins.
Of course, surfers are always at home on South Carolina’s Central Coast, one of the most underrated wave-riding spots in the nation, especially during summer hurricane season. Or, you can remain dry and just enjoy the area’s laid back version of beach culture.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the nation in terms of the number of visitors. Wander through the wild, rural landscapes and its easy to see why. The Smokies boast some of the most unbelievably picturesque scenery. Summers can be hot and hazy, but large parts of the park lie at higher elevation, meaning that the weather is cooler. The road up to Clingman’s Dome (more than 6600 feet of elevation) is littered with scenic overlooks, while trails can be accessed from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, in North Carolina, and the Sugarlands Visitors Center, in the Tennessee portion of the park.
3. Key West proves that sometimes the classic destinations are still the best ones. Seafood, water sports and, most of all, that un-copyable, frozen-in-time Key West vibe that attracted famous vacationers like Ernest Hemingway in years past.
There are plenty of touristy attractions, such as the Conch Train Tour and the Key West Nature Preserve, but also plenty of opportunities to get away from the city for some diving, fishing or simply for a boat ride or hike. And Duval Street, though a bit overly-crowded with tourists sometimes, is home to some of the most iconic bars in the Southern US.
Yes, summertime is rainy season in Key West, but most of the showers occur during the morning hours, with the days being perfectly dry.
4. Atlanta is the cultural and economic capitol of the so-called New South. Yes, the city suffers from all the standard big city woes, but the culture (especially the cuisine and nightlife) and the sense of history make this one of the more interesting and exciting all-around vacation destinations. Of course, mainstream tourist attractions like the CNN Studio, Coca-Cola World and a world famous zoo are reasons to visit as well. If you want to mix a bit of high-brow entertainment with your sightseeing, this is one of the better choices in the country, with The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony and more than 60 theater groups regularly staging plays and musicals. Summertime festivals – the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Georgia Shakespeare Festival and the National Black Arts Festival, to name a few – make the warmer months the best time to get a full cultural experience.
5. Charlotte is another Southern city on the rise. Attractions aside, this is arguably the best city to experience both the excitement and diverse culture of the modern South and a healthy dose of old fashioned southern charm. Charlotte’s large immigrant population and numerous “new transplants” from other parts of the country give it its cosmopolitan vibe, while museums and art galleries give visitors plenty of high-brow options. Many great Charlotte hotel deals are available while enjoying all the excitement this city has to bring.
Summertime is the high season for golfers and stock car racing fans. Most of all, though, June and July provide the ideal weather for getting out and experiencing Charlotte’s best trait: its public parks.
Food is always an integral part of a Charlotte vacation. June’s Taste of Charlotte Festival is the perfect opportunity to find all of the flavors that make Charlotte’s eating scene unique in one place.
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