Things To Do
in Southside
Southside is a lively, diverse neighborhood in the United States known for its mix of historic streets, revitalized industrial spaces, and a growing arts and food scene. Tree-lined residential blocks sit alongside older commercial corridors that host coffee shops, galleries, and live-music venues. Residents and visitors appreciate the neighborhood’s easy access to parks, riverfront paths, and a compact downtown a short transit or bike ride away.
Expect a community-minded atmosphere with local festivals, market days, and friendly small-business owners.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Atlanta with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, where you can tour MLK's childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Afterward, grab breakfast at a local cafe, savoring classic Southern biscuits. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the iconic skyline before heading to your next adventure.
Spend your afternoon at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Marvel at the diverse marine life, including the magnificent whale sharks and playful sea otters. You can grab lunch at one of the nearby eateries, perhaps enjoying some famous fried chicken.
In the evening, head to the historic Buckhead district for some upscale shopping and dining. Choose from a variety of restaurants offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Conclude your day with a stroll through the stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden, where the flora is beautifully lit at night.
Begin your day in Charleston with a leisurely walk along the historic waterfront at Waterfront Park, savoring the colorful flowers and oak trees. Follow up with a traditional Southern breakfast at a downtown café, where you can enjoy grits and eggs. After breakfast, consider a visit to the historic Battery to admire the architecture of the antebellum homes.
In the afternoon, take a Fort Sumter National Monument ferry to explore the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. After returning, indulge in lunch at one of the local seafood shacks, sampling the renowned Lowcountry shrimp and grits. Spend the rest of your afternoon strolling through the Charleston City Market to discover local crafts and food.
As evening approaches, so does the perfect opportunity to dine at one of Charleston's famed farm-to-table restaurants, focusing on fresh local ingredients. After dinner, consider attending a live music event at a downtown venue or enjoying a ghost tour for a unique and spooky perspective of the city. Finish your night with a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop, enjoying the warm Southern breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $8-15 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $5-8 |
| 🚌Public transit single fare | $1.75-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant, walkable neighborhood with diverse dining and cultural options
- Good access to parks, riverfront activities, and public transit
- Strong community vibe with regular markets, festivals, and live music
- Certain blocks can feel run-down or have higher petty-crime rates
- Summer humidity and occasional heavy rain can be uncomfortable
- Limited late-night transportation options on off-peak hours in some areas
Places to Visit in Southside
Visit one of these nice places.
Long waterfront walkway with skyline views, golden-hour reflections, and benches framed by mature trees; great for landscape and cityscape shots.
Converted brick warehouses, painted murals, and industrial textures make for striking urban photography and candid street scenes.
A small hilltop park offering panoramic views of the neighborhood and downtown — ideal for sunset panoramas and night-time city lights.
Colorful community murals and a curated garden area showcase local art and offer intimate portrait backdrops.
Food in Southside
Southside Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork with tangy sauces are staples; try a locally famous pit stop or a weekend smokehouse for authentic flavors.
Must-Try!
A coastal-tinged comfort dish made with stone-ground grits and seasoned shrimp, often available at brunch spots and Southern bistros.
Flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy — a morning favorite at diners and cafes throughout Southside.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with seasonal produce, baked goods, local honey, and ready-to-eat stalls offering everything from crepes to barbecue sliders.
A cluster of rotating trucks near the park serving tacos, fried fish, gourmet sandwiches, and fusion bowls — ideal for casual outdoor dining.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally friendly and open to polite small talk; a brief greeting when entering shops or markets is appreciated.
Community festivals and neighborhood meetings are important; be respectful of private property and cleanup rules during events.
Observe local norms for lining up and personal space — wait your turn at counters and maintain a comfortable distance during conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Southside
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $3–5 for taxi or ride-share drivers for short rides. For exceptional service, tip more; for delivery drivers, $3–8 depending on order size and distance.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for street vendors and smaller vendors who may be card-averse.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid afternoons are common; bring sun protection and stay hydrated. Early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities, and many seasonal festivals and outdoor concert series run through the summer months.
Crisp, pleasant days and colorful foliage make fall ideal for walking tours and riverfront trails; restaurants roll out harvest-driven menus and farmers’ markets are still lively.
Winters are generally mild to cool with occasional cold snaps; snow is infrequent depending on the region, but it can bring picturesque scenes. Holiday markets and cozy indoor events are common.
Blooming trees and moderate temperatures return, making it a great time for outdoor dining and festivals; expect occasional rain showers and fluctuating temperatures early in the season.
Southside at Night
Hiking in Southside
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic 4–6 mile loop through wooded areas and small overlooks with moderate elevation changes — good for day hikes and birdwatching.
Shorter river-side trail with rocky outcrops and picnic spots; ideal for combined walking and photography trips.
A historic trail repurposed from an old quarry site featuring unique rock formations and interpretive signage about local geology.
Airports
How to reach Southside by plane.
A small regional airport with domestic flights; convenient for short trips and quick access to the neighborhood via taxi or shuttle (15–30 minutes).
Major international airport serving the metro area, located 30–60 minutes away depending on traffic; offers extensive domestic and international connections and multiple ground-transport options including express trains and shuttle buses.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and older residents who have lived in Southside for decades and contribute to neighborhood traditions and community organizations.
Artists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals attracted by affordable housing, walkability, and proximity to downtown.
Nearby colleges bring students who add to the nightlife, coffee-shop culture, and short-term rental demand.
Diverse immigrant communities run family-owned restaurants, markets, and cultural centers enriching the local food and cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Community soccer is popular, with youth leagues and adult pick-up games in parks and fields year-round.
Local parks host weekend leagues and community tournaments, especially in spring and summer.
The riverfront trail and greenbelt attract runners and cyclists for both recreation and commuting.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Southside.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafes and mid-range restaurants offer vegetarian options like grilled vegetable bowls, creative salads, and meat-free burgers; mention preferences and ask about cheese or broths made with meat.
Vegan choices are increasingly available at health-focused cafés and some food trucks; look for plant-based burger options, tofu bowls, and clearly labeled menu items.
Gluten-free bread and pasta options exist in many bakeries and restaurants, but cross-contamination can be an issue in older kitchens — inform staff and confirm preparation methods.