Things To Do
in Southeast
The Southeastern United States is a warm, diverse region stretching from the Atlantic coast through the Gulf states and into the southern Appalachian Mountains. It mixes historic port cities, barrier islands and beaches, humid lowlands, and forested mountain ranges with strong regional food and music traditions. The culture blends Southern hospitality, African American heritage, Indigenous history, and immigrant influences, visible in cuisine, architecture, and festivals.
Outdoor recreation, live music, and seasonal travel (especially fall foliage and winter escapes) make it a popular, varied destination year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a charming café in the historic district, savoring Southern biscuits and gravy. Afterward, take a guided walking tour through Savannah's cobblestone streets, where you'll see beautifully preserved antebellum architecture and lush public squares. Don’t forget to stop at the iconic Forsyth Park, where the picturesque fountain offers an excellent photo opportunity.
In the afternoon, delve into Savannah's rich history by visiting the Savannah History Museum, showcasing artifacts from the city’s past, including its Civil War history. After that, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local seafood restaurant, trying out the famous shrimp and grits. Wrap up your afternoon with a riverboat cruise on the Savannah River, taking in stunning views of the city from the water.
As evening falls, stroll along River Street, where you can browse local shops and watch street performers. Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant, indulging in Southern cuisine while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. End your day with a ghost tour, exploring Savannah's haunted history under the moonlight.
Begin your day at a local bakery, enjoying warm pastries and coffee while soaking in the charming ambiance of Charleston. After breakfast, embark on a culinary walking tour, led by a local guide who will introduce you to the city’s diverse food scene and its historical influences. Sample lowcountry favorites like she-crab soup and benne wafers at various eateries along the way.
After the culinary tour, visit the historic Charleston City Market, where local artisans display their crafts and food products. Spend some time exploring the colorful homes of Rainbow Row, taking in the architectural beauty of the city. For lunch, stop by a trendy restaurant in the French Quarter, where you can enjoy fresh farm-to-table dishes.
As the sun sets, head to Waterfront Park to relax by the famous Pineapple Fountain and enjoy the view of the harbor. Dinner at a classic steakhouse will provide the perfect end to your food-filled day. Consider catching a live music performance at a local venue to immerse yourself in Charleston’s vibrant nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee / Cafe drink | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare | $8-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-200 |
| 🚌Local public transport fare | $1.50-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, diverse food and music traditions across many cities and towns
- Wide variety of landscapes: beaches, marshes, and mountains within reasonable driving distance
- Generally mild winters and strong festival seasons (spring and fall)
- Friendly local hospitality and strong cultural heritage sites
- Hot, humid summers and hurricane risk during season
- Public transit is limited outside major cities — rental cars often necessary
- Pockets of poverty and social inequality; some sites require sensitivity and awareness
- Allergens (pollen) and insect-borne nuisance (mosquitoes, ticks) in warm months
Places to Visit in Southeast
Visit one of these nice places.
Misty ridgelines, waterfalls, and dense forests offer iconic Appalachian vistas and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities.
Cobblestone streets, oak-lined squares with Spanish moss, colorful antebellum architecture, and waterfront views ideal for character shots.
Vibrant street scenes, ironwork balconies, jazz clubs, and atmospheric night photography.
Panoramic mountain overlooks, fall foliage, and winding scenic roads perfect for landscape photography.
Low-elevation horizons provide dramatic sunrise/sunset colors and reflections on calm water.
Lighthouses, wide beaches, marshes, and wild horses at Corolla provide varied coastal subjects.
Food in Southeast
Southeast Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy grits topped with sautéed local shrimp — find excellent versions in Lowcountry restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia.
Must-Try!
Regional styles vary (vinegar-based in the Carolinas, mustard-influenced in parts of South Carolina, smoky in Tennessee); try a local joint for pulled pork or whole-hog plates.
Creole and Cajun staples from Louisiana featuring roux, sausage, seafood or chicken — iconic dishes in New Orleans and Gulf Coast towns.
Classic Southern breakfasts and comfort food; ubiquitous at diners, cafes, and Sunday brunches across the region.
A boil of shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage or assorted fried seafood at coastal restaurants and summer seafood shacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets selling local produce, crafts, spices, and prepared street foods — great for sampling local snacks and buying regional products.
Weekend markets in most towns offer fresh peaches, greens, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey — ideal for seasonal treats and friendly vendor chats.
Small coastal stands and docks selling freshly caught oysters, steamed peel-and-eat shrimp, and fish sandwiches — especially common along the Gulf and the coast.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Southern hospitality values politeness: say hello, please, and thank you; friendly small talk is common. Using 'y'all' is widely accepted and often used.
Be respectful at plantations, cemeteries, churches, and memorials; follow photography rules and dress modestly in houses of worship.
Service workers often rely on tips; treat staff courteously and tip appropriately for good service.
The region has a complex racial and social history; be mindful and respectful when discussing sensitive topics and when visiting sites related to slavery and civil rights.
Safety
Tipping in Southeast
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is expected: restaurants 15–20% pre-tax for sit-down service, higher for exceptional service. $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for coat checks or valet, and 10–20% for tour guides or drivers depending on service. Tipping is a significant part of service workers’ income.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; cash is handy for small vendors, markets, and tips. Mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly supported. ATMs are common in urban areas; rural areas may be cash-limited, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid across most of the region, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; coastal areas are busy with tourists. Watch for hurricane season (June–November), especially August–October — monitor forecasts and have flexible plans. Pack light breathable clothing, sun protection, and be ready for sudden storms.
One of the best times to visit: cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and spectacular fall foliage in the mountains (October–November). Coastal areas remain pleasant for beach visits. Book lodging early for popular leaf-peeping routes and festivals.
Generally mild in the lowlands and coastal areas (good for escapes from northern winters), while higher elevations can be chilly with occasional snow. Some attractions may have reduced hours; hurricane risk is low but winter storms can affect mountain travel.
Mild temperatures, blooming azaleas and dogwoods, and active festival seasons (e.g., music and food events). Pollen levels can be high for allergy sufferers; expect occasional rain showers.
Southeast at Night
Hiking in Southeast
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trail networks, waterfalls, and high-elevation viewpoints — popular for day hikes and multi-day backpacking.
Accessible sections through North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia offering both short hikes and long-distance treks.
Scenic overlooks and well-marked trails along the Parkway with impressive mountain vistas and waterfall hikes.
Pine flatwoods, springs, and multi-use trails for hiking and paddling in central Florida.
Old-growth bottomland forest with an easy boardwalk trail and opportunities for wildlife photography and short hikes.
Rugged mountain trails, waterfalls, and dense hardwood forests near Asheville, popular with hikers and mountain bikers.
Airports
How to reach Southeast by plane.
One of the world's busiest airports and a major hub with many domestic and international connections; accessible by MARTA rail and multiple shuttle/ride options.
Major regional hub serving the Carolinas with good rental car and shuttle access to surrounding cities and interstate highways.
Primary gateway to South Florida and the Caribbean, with extensive international flights and transit options into Miami and the Keys.
Serves New Orleans and the Gulf Coast; convenient for accessing the city via rental car, shuttle, or taxi.
Regional airport with many domestic connections and ground transportation into downtown Nashville and surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Significant historic and cultural presence throughout the Deep South, with deep influence on music, cuisine, religion, and civil rights history.
Large population across urban, suburban, and rural areas with diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.
Growing communities, especially in urban centers and certain agricultural/industrial regions, contributing to cuisine and cultural life.
Coastal Florida and some inland towns have high populations of retirees and seasonal 'snowbirds' who spend winter months in the region.
Large student populations in university towns that shape local nightlife, cultural events, and seasonal rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
College football is a regional passion (SEC schools attract large crowds and tailgating), plus NFL teams in major cities draw strong support.
College and NBA basketball are widely followed, with strong local support in many cities.
Minor and major league baseball is popular during spring and summer across the region.
Close ties to stock car racing and multiple regional tracks hosting events and festivals.
Sportfishing (inshore and offshore) and recreational boating are deeply rooted coastal pastimes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Southeast.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas — order sides (collard greens, fried green tomatoes, grilled asparagus) and farm-to-table plates; ask servers about substitutions as many kitchens use meat stocks.
Specialty cafes and many restaurants can accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets, especially in larger cities — communicate restrictions clearly and look for menus or apps that list allergens.
Shellfish is pervasive in coastal cuisine; if allergic, stress this to staff and avoid cross-contamination at busy seafood kitchens and boils.