12 Small Towns in The Southern United States Were Ranked Among US Favorites
The southern United States is unreplicable by any other region in the world, where the sky looks bluer, and the sights shine brighter. Browse through these southern delights to find your favorite town, all with various personalities but the same good ol' US southern charm. Choose from the many coastal towns with persistent warm weather for water fun, seafood, and southern hospitality by the beach.
Sanibel, an idyllic barrier island in the Sunshine State, transports you into an exotic paradise akin to the Caribbean, while Beaufort, in the two Carolinas, will astound you with history along the coast. Dive into full-fledged southern flair on a road trip through La Jolla, a shopping destination with small town prices in California, then hit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia for history fans or the college town of Natchitoches with Louisiana's renowned Creole flair.
Beaufort, South Carolina
This little harbor town right on Charleston's heels on Port Royal Island, exquisite with well-preserved architecture from centuries ago, is the "twinning" town of two Carolinas, established first in 1711. Stroll through real eye-candy sights along the historic downtown district with gorgeous B&Bs, restaurants, and hotels that welcome you with good ol' traditional southern flair.
Having charmed many directors, Beaufort, "South's Best Small Town in 2022," is a star in movies like Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Great Santini, and The Prince of Tides. Enjoy a full-fledged vacation or a busy getaway with much to see and do along well-manicured streets and the picturesque coastline with wild maritime forests and white-sand beaches. From fresh-air adventures to day trips like St. Helena, just across Highway 21, there is something exciting for everyone here in your gang.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Basking in over 300 years of history, Beaufort, North Carolina, is a dreamy coastal enclave and gateway to the Intracoastal Waterway and offshore sounds. Find this town, pronounced "bow-furt," on the outermost reach of the state's southern coast, which lends great weather and an exuberant hospitality akin to its southern counterpart. A longtime favorite locale, it induced hunger in new buyers to settle the developing seaside town with bountiful waters, lending nicknames like "Hungry Town" and "Fish Towne."
Stroll down the oak-shaded streets to the docks in the sea breeze for front-row views of the active, expansive harbor. Despite its sleepy manner, a habit from the former fishing village days, the immaculate town with a relaxed vibe is a hotspot for Inner Banks visitors. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street, with relics from Blackbeard's pirate, "Queen Anne's Revenge," uncovered in Beaufort Inlet in 1996.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This mountainside town with a secluded feel and peaceful vibes surprises new visitors with a number of top-notch attractions along winding streets with views of the peaks. From extraordinary cliffside-hung Victorian homes to the entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, Eureka Springs feels unreal. Try a little bit of everything in the easily strollable town, named one of the "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and don't forget about the hot springs!
Check off notable museums and taste your way through down-home Southern food, romantic fare, and award-winning world cuisine like Czech-German restaurants, authentic Italian, spicy Indian, Thai, and Mediterranean. Try a traditional Cajun dish or a farm-to-table meal before heading to the Eureka Springs City Auditorium for blues, jazz, and opera concerts, which also hosts top-name entertainers, car shows, and various public conferences.
Fairhope, Alabama
It is no wonder that this slice of Gulf Coast heaven in Alabama, nicknamed Beauty on the Bay, is an "it" getaway in the south of the United States. As charming as it gets, Fairhope is renowned for its optimal blend of southern hospitality and a seaside lifestyle. The town, with a laidback vibe that no words can do justice to experiencing, overlooks Mobile Bay from the top of the bluffs with a charming, walkable downtown, never far from the water. Take a stroll along the brilliant bougainvilleas and stately Southern estates in the Gulf breeze that extends into the downtown heart.
Start here with a breakfast from the famous little cafe and market, Panini Pete's, with cultural sights to savor along with a light, flaky beignet or a savory panini in the courtyard under a Spanish-moss-covered giant oak tree. Fairhope's resistance to becoming a resort town, except for its admittedly spectacular Grand Resort offers a place to relax without crowds, especially in the off-season.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
This "First in Flight" mountain town is not just for avid aviators or climbers but offers relaxation and discoveries for all to admit that it is their favorite in North Carolina. Celebrate the high-flying history every day through the downtown with a scavenger hunt to learn the town's history and fun facts along the way. Visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum for a walk through the preserved past glory of an impressive collection of planes and other insights into heritage. Hendersonville, just north of the South Carolina state line or one of the most southern towns in the state, boasts unparalleled Blue Ridge Mountain views right from downtown during your shopping, museum, and great art gallery visits.
Start your morning at the Black Bear Coffee Co. with a snack from Dandelion or Arabella for brunch before heading nature-side to the surrounding Dupont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and Green River Game Lands. When you return from all the outdoor recreation, hikes, and breathtaking overlooks, enjoy real Italian fare from Postero or Mezzaluna and a well-deserved cocktail from Shine on a roof terrace or a glass at Wine Sage and Gourmet before turning in. Get something from McFarlan’s Bake Shop the next morning, or grab a soda from the nostalgic Mike’s on Main for a quick day trip to Asheville, just to the north.
Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada, a marriage of tropical vibes and vintage charm across six Florida Keys, is a popular escape away from everything and everyone, just 80 miles south of Miami. Visit the pristine island for unparalleled views of its white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and remarkable sunsets that will stay in your heart forever. Enjoy low crowds and shallows — perfect for family swims — and the sugary sands, like many on the Keys, that are soft on feet. The island's natural shores are different, resting on coral reefs that do not bestow the best beaches but delight snorkelers and scuba divers with an underwater world to explore. Relish in the old Florida vibe amid all the low rises for unobscured views and no condos to keep a local feel, just how vacations used to be.
The "Sportfishing Capital of the World," with the largest fishing fleet per square mile, is a place to rejoice from day to night since the activities in and around the water are available 24 hours a day. Check out the Theater of the Sea with dolphins and discover the History of Diving Museum with exhibits like a 16th-century treasure chest. Visit Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park in a former quarry and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park for a tropical forest walk, while Indian Key Historic State Park on a tiny island boasts ruins from the 1800s.
La Jolla, California
This pretty little village is a dreamy beach escape for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway with a stylish flair. Chic and preppy, with 266 sunny days a year, "La Jolla by the Sea" boasts an award-winning culinary scene and numerous attractions without Carmel by the Sea prices to browse and stay in comfort. Visit the picturesque seaside town this fall to shop til you drop along the beaches for lounging until the spectacular sunset. Enjoy easy access just 20 minutes from San Diego for an immersive girls trip, a fun-filled family day at the beach, or a romantic escape with date nights through the attractive downtown.
Basking in sunshine, the highly strollable village enjoys a cool and casual vibe with natural beauty that has attracted artists for decades. From swimming, boating, and fishing at La Jolla Cove to relaxing along the soft sands or catching the best waves, there's a beach scene for everyone here. Enjoy paddling and splashing, or take surf lessons along the vast sandy stretch of the family-friendly La Jolla Shores Beach with a calm tide. Take a scenic stroll along the rugged shoreline with comical local sea lions and stop by the renowned aquarium, with a slew of romantic restaurants awaiting after.
Madison, Georgia
This picturesque town, an easy hour's drive east of Atlanta, with a flair for old-timey charms is a hidden gem in the state, with only the friendly regular tourists aware of plenty more reasons to stick around aside from architecture. Browse through the historic downtown with a timeless vibe thanks to the tireless historic preservation of its glorious old-Southern styles, from Greek Revival to Victorian grandeur. Outdoor adventures are never far away in Madison, at the doorstep of Oconee National Forest and Lake Oconee.
Take a stroll along the magnificent magnolias and upwards of 100 antebellum homes, with small town charms like antiquing, vintage shops, and stylish boutiques. The enchanting 19th-century homes and buildings with cafes and museums inside burst with southern flavor and hospitality. Even the sun here falls at just the right angle to highlight the best features, thus bringing Madison, an open storybook, to life.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches, the first settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, captures the essence of the state's history and charm, and die-hard fans can't get enough of the beautiful buildings along the shore. Home to the prestigious Northwestern State University campus, its youthful energy emanates throughout town, enveloping the already hyped-up scene with another veil. Still, this longtime favorite town with many facets in the southern United States has a few surprises up its sleeve that surprise even returning tourists. Enjoy a Louisiana getaway like it's meant to be, in the purest way, along the Cane River Lake.
Get a scenic fix on a stroll along the cobblestone streets through the historic district, under wrought-iron balconies of Spanish, French, and Creole architecture. With modern attractions, authentic restaurants, and vibrant events, including the annual Natchitoches Festival of Lights, you can mingle with visitors from around the globe under the illuminated cloak of year-round enchantment. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a wonderful place to seek shade, history, and nature amid unique Creole architecture, cultural sights, and heritage vestiges, while the Melrose Plantation offers another afternoon spent traveling through a diverse history.
Sanibel, Florida
Sanibel, a beautiful island town off the coast of Florida, paints an irresistible picture of real paradise. The natural oasis framed by the glittering Gulf with 17,000 acres of lush landscape and San Carlos Bay on the other side is a dreamy getaway for sun-lovers and nature fans. This screensaver-like 33-square-mile barrier island offers powder-sugar sands and bright turquoise waters along the gorgeous beaches sprouting greenery that will make you feel like you are in the Caribbean.
Sanibel inspires a feel of utopia with no hi-rises, stoplights, or big-chain grocery stores that could ruin the scenery or local feel with a whole lot of community pride. Take a morning stroll along the miles of beaches or hop on a beach cruiser to quickly find your scenic spot for all-day lounging. The island's 25 miles of bike paths offer different angles for the breathtaking scenery and views of snowy egrets in the sky.
St. Michaels, Maryland
Built on oystering and shipbuilding, St. Michaels is the epitome of quintessential Eastern coastal town charm. Find maritime history and sights on a stroll along the shoreline, a boat ride, or a bike paddle along the cobbled streets with a stop at the famous Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Replete with seafaring sights, it is hard to pull your eyes away from the sailboats gliding over sparkling Chesapeake Bay water. The colonial downtown houses architectural B&Bs, award-winning inns, and great hotels in between storefronts with American flags, exquisite restaurants, and quaint bistros.
Named one of the Top 10 Best Small Coastal Towns in America by USA Today, the picturesque harbor lined by homes from the mid-1600s onward is postcard-perfect from every angle. Sail out on a historic Skipjack or enjoy a serene afternoon kayak ride, followed by a romantic dinner with plentiful seafood and waterfront views. Explore the renowned food scene with the best crabcakes of your life at the Chesapeake Landing Restaurant or Bistro St. Michaels, the biggest "scene" in town with a Parisian flair. Find eclectic boutiques for specialty foods, home decor, clothing, and art galleries before visiting Muskrat Park for a picnic with the free summer concert series.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, often referred to as Colonial Williamsburg or the "Colonial Capital" of Virginia, boasts international recognition for its 18th-century American sights thanks to restoration activities and re-creation efforts. Enjoy the traditional hospitality standards of the "Historic Triangle" and endless opportunities to dine in style on quality food at local prices. Escape with the girls for luxury and bargain shopping through Merchants Square, New Town, and the Farmer's Market, and check out the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Home to the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William and Mary, you can also browse for fine artworks from around the world at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. Enjoy a couple's escape to this 18th-century epicenter, bursting with romantic sights all around, or a family trip with horse-drawn carriage rides to clip-clop down the cobbled streets through history.
These favorite towns in Southern US, balancing the old with the new, offer a fun-filled getaway for every taste with small-town flavors and prices. Spread across a range of landscapes under the common denominator of southern charm and warm weather, you can choose your favorite beach escape or a historic epicenter. With nature never far away, you can also hop to the beach, a forest, or a bucolic pasture. Visit this fall or escape the cold months to the beaches and downtown strolls, where history, culture, and nature gracefully combine in beauty beloved by generations.
