8 Most Scenic Small Towns in the Southern United States
The Southern United States is a unique part of the country known for its hospitality, great food, breathtaking mountains, and beaches. These incredible features can be enjoyed in almost all parts of the region, including its cities. But the small towns, however, come with the added advantage of laid-back atmospheres courtesy of their smaller populations. Additionally, these towns are incredibly scenic with their colorful forests, towering mountains, sugar-white shores, and architecturally stunning downtowns.
Whether you are an adventurer, food-lover, history buff, or a creative professional seeking some inspiration, these scenic small towns in the American South have all it takes to make you happy.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is a scenic town with so much historic appeal. This town is famous for hosting the famous Colonial Williamsburg, which has been dubbed the world’s largest American history museum. This 301-acre historic area is home to more than a hundred buildings most of which date to the 18th century. It also features art museums, the first capitol building of Virginia, and Bruton Parish Church (one of the oldest churches in America, built in 1683).
Williamsburg is a great place for adventurers as it is home to Busch Gardens, an amusement park featuring European-themed attractions like water rides, and rollercoasters. For more adventures, grab a bike or hiking boots and hit the Colonial Parkway to witness the natural and cultural beauty of Virginia.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock is a charming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that has long been a haven for adventurers and lovers of natural scenery. Once here, visitors can start with a hike to Blowing Rock to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This rock formation lends the town its name and is regarded as the oldest travel attraction in North Carolina. Next, go to the Mystery Hill to get mesmerized by gravity-defying occurrences.
Afterward, head downtown and have more fun at the Blowing Rock Memorial Park, as it features picnic shelters, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playground facilities. Wrap up by visiting the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum to learn more about the area’s rich history and heritage through art exhibits.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is not just famous for being the oldest town in the US. It is also one of the most scenic where visitors will be greeted with impressive Spanish architecture, historic structures dating back to the 17th century, and relaxing natural scenery all around. Begin an adventure here by taking a walk through St. George Street to witness colonial architecture, and explore art galleries, boutiques, and historic attractions like the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum featuring real pirate artifacts, including a mock pirate ship.
Next, head to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, built between 1672 and 1695. Some more historic attractions worth checking out in this town include Fort Mose Historic Park (the first free African settlement in the US), and Cathedral Basilica (the oldest Christian congregation in the US, established in 1565). For more adventures, head to St. Augustine Beach to play on soft sand or visit St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for a birds-eye view of the oldest city in the US.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The beautiful town of Eureka Springs is located in the Ozark Mountains, where it captivates tourists with its Victorian architecture and laid-back natural scenery. Once here, go to the Basin Spring Park in the downtown area to walk, shop, see public art displays, and relax under the shades of trees. Next, explore the surrounding landscape by kayaking on the Kings River or head to the Ozark Mountain Ziplines to take in incredible forest scenery from 300 feet. For something unique and beautiful, visit The Art Colony to explore art studios and purchase beautiful artworks from the local artists.
Helen, Georgia
Helen is a charming Bavarian-style town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and featuring loads of outdoor adventures. First off, visitors here will be stunned by the town’s impressive Bavarian architecture best seen on a walk through the downtown area. While walking through and taking pictures, also enjoy authentic Bavarian dining at Hofers of Helen. For a taste of the town’s natural appeal, jump on the Georgia Mountain Coaster for a thrilling ride through the surrounding lush forest.
Enjoy more outdoor adventures at the nearby Unicoi State Park, home to hiking and mountain biking trails, campsites, and a lake for swimming and fishing. For even more adventures and scenery, go tubing on the Chattahoochee River, or splash away at Helen Waterpark and Tubing. Keep in mind that this town is famous for hosting the longest-running Oktoberfest in America, so that’s a bonus for fall visitors.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Pictures of Gatlinburg draw viewers thousands of miles across the earth, but this town is even finer in real life. With its stunning structures choked by colorful trees and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, there is so much scenery to be seen here. For the views, head to the Gatlinburg SkyPark to ride the SkyLift from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of a mountain at 1,800 feet. Walk the SkyBridge, and afterward, go to the Gatlinburg Space Needle for more incredible views.
Next, make your way into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike through lush forests, kayak on crystal-clear lakes, and stay in rustic cabins surrounded by beautiful trees. If there is still time, visit the Ober Mountain Ski Area and Amusement Park to witness breathtaking views on the 2.1-mile ride on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a historic town in Shenandoah Valley with incredible natural beauty. Visitors here will be met with sights of colorful buildings surrounded by beautiful trees, with the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers flowing through it all. To get the best out of all that natural splendor, head to the town’s highlight attraction, Harpers Ferry National Park, which is home to over 20 miles of hiking trails, and the historic center of Harpers Ferry.
In the historic center of the town within the park, visitors will get to see attractions like John Brown’s Fort (one of the most important Civil War sites in the US), and the Civil War Living History Museum. While in the park, hike 4.5 miles to Maryland Heights for jaw-dropping views of the town. Before leaving, be sure to go rafting on the Shenandoah or Potomac rivers and end with a delicious sandwich or burger at Kelley Farm Kitchen.
Islamorada, Florida
For those who have ever dreamt of a vacation in a place with endless views of water and countless sugar-white sand beaches, Islamorada is that place. This small town in Florida is basically a combination of six islands featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with palm trees and green fields. The word “paradise” should have a picture of this town next to it on the next Oxford dictionary update. And the beauty is just one thing because Islamorada has so much to offer, from museums to parks. Visitors to this island village can begin by visiting the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center to learn more about the history of Florida Keys right from its first inhabitants.
Next, head to Anne’s Beach to relax on the soft white sands or swim and windsurf on the turquoise waters. For more fun, head to Founders Park, as it features facilities for swimming, picnicking, and sporting activities like tennis, volleyball, and basketball. A visit to Islamorada would not be complete without seafood, so go to Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet to try fresh delicacies from crab legs to shrimp.
The Southern United States is arguably the best part of the country, and these towns are just a few reasons to back up that claim. With most overlooked by mountains, surrounded by lush trees, and positioned beside gorgeous waterbodies, they already tick the box of scenery. But that’s not all. These towns also feature interesting histories, with some hosting structures dating to the earliest settlements in America. Add that to their great food and laid-back atmospheres and these charming small towns become destinations worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
