Southern USA

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Exterior of 19th century plantation house at Oak Alley Plantation.

Exterior of 19th century plantation house at Oak Alley Plantation.

Why visit Southern USA

The South falls from the granite, forested fists of Kentucky and Tennessee into craggy hill country and thick woods. This rugged landscape slowly changes as the waters of its rivers – including North America's greatest, the Mississippi – saturate the land into boggy, black-water blankets and sun-seared marsh, all thinning into the salty membrane of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

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  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
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  • Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden
    The USA

    10 days / 9 nights

    Maine's Marvelous Coastline: 10 Days in Acadia, Bath, Bethel, and Camden

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Top places to visit in Southern USA

Discover the best attractions in Southern USA from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Southern USA travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Road Trips

Traveling through the southern US this summer? Here's our list of oases perfect for cooling off after spending some time in that sticky-sweet southern heat. 

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Southern USA and beyond

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