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.
Exterior of 19th century plantation house at Oak Alley Plantation.
- Jesse Scott|May 4, 2025The 14 best national parks in the southern USA
- Sheeka Sanahori|Aug 5, 2024Where to explore Gullah Geechee culture in the Southeastern US
- Caroline Eubanks|May 29, 202010 delightful detours along the Natchez Trace Parkway
- Bailey Freeman|May 28, 2020Best places in the Southern US to beat the summer heat
Dreaming of Southern USA? Protect your trip
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Time to book that trip to The USA
Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.
Top places to visit in Southern USA
Discover the best attractions in Southern USA from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.














