6 Best Towns In The Southern United States To Visit In 2024
The Southern United States is known for its hospitality, natural beauty, and charming towns. In 2024, travelers can dive into the cultural richness of the region by visiting the six best towns in the south. From the creative haven of Paducah, Kentucky, which will experience the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, to the literary and blues-filled streets of Oxford, Mississippi, these enchanting towns promise an unforgettable experience steeped in history, vibrant culture, and unique events.
Visitors can enjoy festivals and events that celebrate the region's heritage, such as savoring seafood at the annual shrimp festival in Beaufort, South Carolina, or exploring the gold rush history of Dahlonega, Georgia. Whether looking to stroll historic streets, enjoy cultural events, or discover scenic wonders, here are the six best towns in the Southern United States to visit in 2024.
Paducah, Kentucky
Located at the confluence of the Ohio River and Tennessee River is Paducah, Kentucky, one of the best southern towns to visit in 2024. Designated as only one of nine UNESCO Creative Cities in the country, Paducah is known for its quiltmaking, crafts, and folk arts. Visitors can explore more than 650 quilts from around the world at the National Quilt Museum. From April 24-27, 2024, enthusiasts can enjoy the American Quilter's Society Quilt Week. Earlier in the month, on April 8, Paducah will experience the total solar eclipse for nearly two minutes in Paducah. The town will celebrate with local art, food, and science activities at the X Marks the Spot Downtown Festival on April 7 and 8.
The town is also known for its historical relevance as part of the early 1800s western expedition led by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to view the scenic riverfront and beautiful Wall to Wall Murals, featuring 21 panels that showcase the town's history. For more outdoor adventures, explore the town's Noble Park surrounding the 5-acre Lake Gerry B. Montgomery. The park features fishing piers, a music garden, and access to the more than 5-mile Greenway Trail.
Oxford, Mississippi
Home to the renowned University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, the charming town of Oxford, Mississippi, is one of the best towns to explore in 2024 for those who enjoy history, literature, and music. Literary history comes to life at Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. For music enthusiasts, Oxford is a blues haven, housing the world's most extensive collection of blues recordings and related materials at the Blues Archive on the campus of Ole Miss. Blues fans can also walk in the footsteps of local and national musical legends along the Mississippi Blues Trail and listen to live blues at Rooster's Blues House.
In 2024, the town will host several festivals honoring its cultural heritage. One of the most unique events in town is the annual Double Decker Festival, held on April 26 and 27, 2024. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the town importing a double-decker bus from England in 1994, the festival showcases live music and an art show in the Oxford Courthouse Square. More art and media will be on display at the 21st Oxford Film Festival, held from March 21 to 24, 2024. Festival attendees can participate in workshops and screenings of independent films from around the world.
Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
For those looking for a remote location to visit in 2024, there is no better place in the south than Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Located along the Atlantic Coast in the Outer Banks, the tiny village of 810 inhabitants is only accessible by private plane or ferry. The secluded island offers 16 miles of rugged coastline, several beaches, and a National Park Service campground on the oceanfront. Along with the sandy beaches, nature enthusiasts can explore the maritime forest and wet grasslands in the island's 120-acre Springer's Point Preserve.
Since the coast of Ocracoke Island is undeveloped, the town's village offers lodging and local seafood dining, such as the Ocracoke Oyster Company. Located in the village is the historic Ocracoke Lighthouse, built in 1823 and first lit on August 15, 1824. Visitors to Ocracoke Island can celebrate the 200th anniversary of the lighting in 2024, along with local festivals. From June 7-9, tourists can enjoy local works, music, and food at the Ocracoke Festival. For a memorable event, visit the island August 2-3 for the Ocracoke Fig Festival, featuring baked goods made from Ocracoke figs. This year is also the 150th anniversary of the first Life-Saving Stations along the North Carolina coast. Visitors can take the short ferry ride to Portsmouth Island to celebrate the Life-Saving Station at the Portsmouth Homecoming on April 27, 2024.
Dahlonega, Georgia
Situated just an hour north of Atlanta at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Dahlonega, Georgia, one of the best southern towns in 2024 for mountain views and heritage events. On April 20 and 21, music lovers and history buffs can experience bluegrass music and demonstrations of mountain traditions at Bear on the Square Mountain Festival. The town is also celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Gold Rush Days festival on October 19 and 20, which honors the finding of gold in the town in 1828 with a parade, arts and crafts exhibits, and local food vendors. More gold rush history can be discovered at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, located in the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses in the state.
For a view of the town's heritage, visitors can enjoy the 35th anniversary of the Mountain Top Rodeo on June 7 and 8, 2024, at R-Ranch in the Mountains, with 800 acres of trails and access to Crystal Lake and Rainbow Lake. Beyond its annual festivals, Dahlonega offers incredible outdoor adventures. The town is nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest with 430 miles of trails, including the start of the Appalachian Trail. Water enthusiasts can tube, canoe, and kayak in the Etowah River along the 163-mile Etowah River Water Trail.
Beaufort, South Carolina
The enchanting town of Beaufort, South Carolina, is one of the best southern towns to visit in 2024. The town is steeped in history, natural beauty, and annual events that celebrate its coastal heritage. Visitors can stroll the streets in the historic district to view pre-Civil War architecture, including Beaufort's oldest house, the 18th-century Thomas Hepworth House. More history can be discovered at the Beaufort History Museum, located within the Beaufort Arsenal built from 1795 to 1799. Visitors can step back in time at the museum to learn about the important role that Beaufort played during the Civil War. Union troops set up their headquarters in Beaufort and used many of the antebellum mansions for hospitals.
Since the town is located on Port Royal Island along the Atlantic Ocean, Beaufort is known for its incredible seafood. The town celebrates its seafood heritage at annual events throughout the year, including the 30th annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival on October 4 and 5. Visitors can enjoy low-country shrimp dishes, an arts and crafts market, and live music at the shrimp festival. Earlier in the year, the 68th annual Beaufort Water Festival will take place from July 12-21. The festival includes a downtown parade, arts and crafts, an air show, nighttime entertainment, and a water ski show at Waterfront Park.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Established in 1714, Natchitoches, Louisiana, celebrates its 310th anniversary in 2024. Known as Louisiana's oldest town, visitors can tour Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. The replica 1716 fort recognizes the town's French Canadian heritage with tours, historical programs, and reenactments. The town also honors the state's sports heritage at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. From June 20-22, the Hall of Fame will celebrate the induction of the 2024 class, which includes former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. For water sports, Natchitoches offers kayaking and paddling in the Cane River along the town's stunning riverfront. For more outdoor adventures, visitors can explore pine trees, scenic byways, and bayous in the nearby Kisatchie National Forest.
Natchitoches is also known for its film heritage, which is showcased along the town's Film Trail. In 2024, Natchitoches will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the movie Steel Magnolias, which was filmed in town. Movie buffs can take a self-guided tour of 17 sites that were part of the movie, including the historic Lemee House, built in 1837. In 2024, the town will also host the 50th anniversary of the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival at Melrose on the Cane, featuring jewelry, stunning textiles, and incredible sculptures.
The Heart Of The South
For those looking for an enchanting getaway filled with history, regional events, and natural wonders, these are the six best towns in the Southern United States to visit in 2024. From the quilted streets of Paducah to the literary legacy of Oxford, the secluded beauty of Ocracoke Island, the mountain views of Dahlonega, the coastal charm of Beaufort, and the historical richness of Natchitoches, a journey to the heart of the south does not disappoint. Whether indulging in local festivals, exploring historic sites, or simply savoring the regional flavors, each town offers an incredible southern experience in 2024.
