South
Subregion

South

Where hospitality meets history in America's heartland

The American South isn't just a region — it's a state of mind. Here, sweet tea flows as freely as conversation on front porches, and every meal comes with a story. You'll find blues clubs in Mississippi Delta towns, antebellum mansions in Savannah's squares, and barbecue joints that have been perfecting their sauce for three generations. The pace moves slower here, which gives you time to actually taste that famous Southern hospitality. And look, it's not all magnolias and mint juleps — the South grapples with complex history while building a vibrant future. But that tension creates some of the most authentic, soulful travel experiences in America.

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6 destinations

South Itineraries

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7 Days in Memphis: Jungle-Leaf Culture, Music, and River Views

7 Days in Memphis: Jungle-Leaf Culture, Music, and River Views

Week · $$$

Memphis Jungle-Wild Weekend: Music, History, and Green Escapes

Memphis Jungle-Wild Weekend: Music, History, and Green Escapes

Weekend · $$$

Memphis Jungle Vibes: Greens, Blues & River Views

Memphis Jungle Vibes: Greens, Blues & River Views

Day Trip · $$$

Soulful, Lush & Romantic: 7 Days in Memphis

Soulful, Lush & Romantic: 7 Days in Memphis

Week · $$$

Soulful Memphis Retreat: Rivers, Greens & Groove

Soulful Memphis Retreat: Rivers, Greens & Groove

Weekend · $$$

Romantic Memphis Weekend with Blues, Gardens, and River Views

Romantic Memphis Weekend with Blues, Gardens, and River Views

Day Trip · $$$

Nashville's Music Row puts you steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, with boutique hotels like The Union Station averaging $180 per night. But here's the thing — stay in East Nashville instead. The Germantown Inn runs about $120 and you're walking distance to some of the city's best new restaurants. In New Orleans, skip the touristy French Quarter hotels. The Garden District offers charm without the chaos, and streetcar access to everywhere you want to go. Savannah's Historic District is worth the splurge — those converted mansion hotels on Bull Street capture the city's essence. Charleston's French Quarter (yes, they have one too) beats the waterfront for walkability. And if you're road-tripping, small towns like Natchez, Mississippi offer gorgeous B&Bs in antebellum homes for under $150. The South rewards travelers who venture beyond the obvious choices.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Visit in winter (December-February) when hotel rates drop 30-40% and attractions offer off-season discounts
  • 2.Eat lunch at barbecue joints and meat-and-threes instead of dinner — same great food for half the price
  • 3.Many historic homes and plantations offer free grounds access even when house tours cost $15-25
  • 4.State parks throughout the South charge minimal entrance fees ($3-8) but offer hiking, swimming, and camping
  • 5.Happy hour in Southern cities often runs 3-6pm with $3-5 drinks and discounted appetizers
  • 6.Gas station fried chicken and convenience store boiled peanuts beat restaurant prices while delivering authentic flavors
  • 7.Free festivals happen year-round — from small-town bluegrass gatherings to city music events
  • 8.Farmers markets offer fresh produce and prepared foods at lower costs than restaurants

Travel Tips

  • •Learn basic Southern etiquette — say 'yes ma'am' and 'yes sir' to show respect, especially to older locals
  • •Pack layers even in summer — air conditioning runs arctic-cold in most indoor spaces
  • •Don't rush conversations — Southerners consider chatting an art form, not a time-waster
  • •Try regional specialties where they originated — hot chicken in Nashville, beignets in New Orleans
  • •Respect historical sites, especially those dealing with slavery and Civil War history
  • •Tip well at full-service gas stations — some still exist and attendants appreciate the courtesy
  • •Download offline maps — rural areas often have spotty cell service
  • •Keep cash handy for roadside stands, small diners, and local festivals that don't take cards

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the South is generally safe for tourists. Major cities have the usual urban precautions, while small towns often feel remarkably secure. Locals tend to be helpful and welcoming to visitors. Use common sense in any unfamiliar area and you'll be fine.

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