The Southern United States is a blanket of beauty. There’s so much diversity in the great destinations to pick from. You can connect as a family on a budget-friendly small town weekend getaway or plan ahead for the ultimate thrills that the big cities offer. Whatever adventure your family wants to experiences, these are the 25 Best Southern Cities to visit in 2023 that’ll get the job done. So grab your planner and take notes, because your travel bucket list is about to get bigger.
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Here’s what so great about the South: there are great places to visit scattered in-between the big cities. If you just go from Atlanta to Nashville, you’ll miss so many great places. The joys of traveling in the area are similar to Europe, it’s not too far to explore from city to city. I suggest mixing it up.
There are three ways to explore the South:
- Focus on one big city destination (like Orlando)
- Divide your travel with a focus on a big city, but add day trips to smaller nearby destinations
- Escape to one of the many small towns that the South is known for
Don’t assume that only the big southern cities to visit are the ones best for the kids. Some of my favorite outdoor adventures, foodie finds and educational stops are in the smaller cities. They offer plenty of hidden gems that even the kids will love.
That’s the beauty of traveling with kids too – they don’t know the difference between a big (and more expensive destination) and smaller one. All they know is whether or not they’re having fun.
How To Travel To These Southern Cities To Visit
You can easily travel via plane, boat, train, bus or car in the SouthEast U.S. Some of the options are going to cost less than others though. Plus, I really feel like there are better ways to travel as a family than other ways that might interest the solo traveler.
Traveling Via Plane
The biggest airport in the area is Atlanta International Airport, which is also known as the world’s busiest airport. It’s a great spot to catch connecting flights into the smaller cities, which should only be 1-2 hours away via flight. However, this is defiantly a pricier way to travel as a family. Waiting at airports can also waste valuable travel time too.
Traveling Via Car
Renting a vehicle or driving your own car is a budget-friendly way to travel. There are major highways that’ll make life easier (like I-75 running north and south or I-20 running East to West). Some of the coastal sightseeing destinations are located right off of the highways and you’ll see some beautiful views. This is our family’s preferred way to travel. Note: be sure to look up any tolls roads and keep extra cash on hand.
Traveling Via Boat
Whether it’s a river cruise along the Mississippi, or you’re bypassing traffic by taking a boat to the Florida Keys, the Southern waterways are a great way to travel. My kids love spending time on the water and with the South having almost year-round great weather, it’s a nice alternative to driving or flying. You can even plan your entire trip on the water.
Traveling Via Bus & Train
When you’re planning a vacation around these southern cities to visit, consider the most budget-friendly way to travel: by bus or train. If you don’t ming giving up some privacy and sharing a public space, these methods are reliable and cost-effective. So many travelers opt out or easily forget about these two, but you can save so much money this way.
Read More – This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide To The Southern States
The 25 Best Southern Cities To Visit As A Family
I’ve picked these destinations based off our family’s personal travel. We love these southern cities so much that we keep going back to several of them. Even our kids can’t stop talking about their favorites!
25 Best Southern Cities To Visit In 2022 (As A Family)
Pack your bags and add to your travel bucket list, these are the must-do southern cities to visit as a family.
Charleston is right on the coast, with plenty of museums and kid-friendly attractions to explore.
Key West might be known for the nightlife, but families shouldn't pass on the Florida Keys. Check out these 3 State Parks and 1 National Park you can't miss.
Located a few hours north of the Florida panhandle, Albany is a southern Georgia city that's full of outdoor fun.
The Georgia coast offers beautiful beaches with southern charm and history. Climb a lighthouse, watch for dolphins and eat seafood as a family in Tybee Island.
It's a city known for music, but there's plenty for kids to enjoy too. Tour the state capitol or hop on bus to explore this famous southern city.
Tackle all of the thrills that Pigeon Forge has to offer families! Explore some of the best hiking spots are in the Smoky Mountains National Park or ride the coasters at Dollywood.
Sandy white beaches can be discovered along Alabama's coast. Discover the more quiet side of a beach vacation in Gulf Shores.
The state capitol of Florida is home to Wakulla Springs State Park (one of my favorite State Parks) and offers a variety of kid-friendly musuems.
Known as the oldest continuously occupied settlement, and located on Florida's beautiful coast, there's plenty to explore in St. Augustine.
Home to a Great Wolf Lodge resort, you can mix together the small-town itineraries with a resort stay.
As Central Florida's closest beach, and the Space Coast, you can relax by the beach or tour the Kennedy Space Center.
Known as the birthplace of rock-n-roll, you can visit Graceland, the zoo or hop on a river cruise via the Mississippi. Don't miss out on the BBQ though!
Go beyond the beach and explore this unexpected coast destination as a family.
Located in the thoroughbred region, Aiken was voted one of the best southern cities to visit by Southern Living Magazine.
Continously picked as one of the top family travel destinations, you can never leave the theme park properties or explore beyond the parks too. The choice is up to you!
Just south of Atlanta, you can find the heart of the south without traveling too far from the big city. McDonough has some amazing destination worthy family farms.
This award-winning southern city is known for it's rich history and art. It's also a beautiful destination to visit in the fall.
North of Atlanta is one of the fastest growing suburbs. Families can relax in an suburban shopping oasis, dine in a downtown area or visit the local musuems.
Columbia is home to one of the best zoos in the South, it's an up and coming area for foodies AND offers plenty of historical destinations.
Macon is one of the most unexpected southern cities for family fun, but it offers an array of attractions that are kid-friendly.
Connect your Tybee Island trip to a Savanah, Georgia trip. It's been voted one of the best southern cities to visit year and year.
If you're looking for a relaxing and rejuvinating destination for the whole family, look no futher.
This is a great destination that can be combined with an Atlanta trip! Check out these Instagram-worthy Chattanooga spots that teens will love.
As one of Georgia's Golden Isles, St. Simons offers an eclectic mix of family-friendly beaches, a National Park and small-town shopping.
There's so much to do in Little Rock - from sports to museums and plenty of green spaces to enjoy.