The Best Small Towns In The Southern United States To Chill Out
With jobs that drain every ounce of energy, many look forward to the chance to relax, chill out, and regain some much-needed sanity. While some will want to lay on the beach and soak in the panoramic views, others will binge on Netflix, enjoy a glass of wine in some picturesque winery, or roam the wild with bison and bears. Still, many others enjoy strolling through cobble-stoned streets, eating their way through town, and painting a town red. Chilling out, many will confess, takes many forms. Fortunately, the Southern United States has numerous chilling-out options worth exploring. Discover the 11 best small towns in the Southern United States to chill out.
St. Augustine, Florida
Named for St. Augustine of Hippo, in present-day Algeria, St. Augustine, Florida is a big name in travel circles. Sitting close to the whistling waves of the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern side of the Sunshine State, St. Augustine is hands-down among the best small towns in America. Established many winters before the English colonized Jamestown, St. Augustine is a place a history nerd will want to chill out in. The town’s beautiful, Colonial-era architecture, its narrow, cobblestoned streets, its classy, oceanfront restaurants, are all elements worth exploring. And with pleasant weather nearly all year round, St. Augustine’s pretty beaches, such as Ponte Vedra, Vilano, and Anastasia State Park Beaches, with their cool, sparkling waters, will come in handy. Consider going on one of the town’s ghost tours if brave enough.
Williamsburg, Virginia
We all marvel at the bravery of George Washington, the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, and the eloquence of Patrick Henry. It happens that many of these figures had an intimate connection with Williamsburg. Boasting a population of about 15,800, to chill out in Williamsburg is to step back into history. The town is curled up on the Virginia Peninsula on the southeastern side of the state. Strolling through Williamsburg's beautiful streets will feel like taking a course in America’s Colonial history. Concerning its culinary scene, one may chill out while sampling Colonial fare — whether Colonial game pie or ale-marinated beef. If sated with history, chill out at Busch Gardens, a facility that has severally been named the most beautiful theme park on the planet.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is hidden in the heart of the Smokies in Tennessee and is encircled by spectacular views on every side. Boasting a population of about 4,000, this Tenessee gem is a popular gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a world-famous treasure trove that deserves the appellation “great.” Such a setting makes it one of the finest small towns in the Southern United States to chill out. While options are numberless, a particular not-miss is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. No words can ever describe the feeling of riding glass elevators more than 400 feet to the Space Needle’s observation deck—and the gasp-inducing views that await. Other attractions include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, and the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre.
Beaufort, South Carolina
South Carolina has many towns and attractions, some of the most breathtaking in the United States. While many often opt for Charleston, a famous South Carolina stunner that pulls visitors in droves, others find Charleston too big to chill out in. For a more intimate experience, therefore, Beaufort, nestled on the pristine Port Royal Island in the heart of the Sea Islands, has few peers. The location of Beaufort, right by the sparkling — and sand-crashing— waters of the Atlantic, makes it an ideal spot for chilling out. The trees, the seaside views, the architecture— just about everything in Beaufort — screams beauty. You will want to check out Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park or the Spanish Moss Trail.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Located just a short drive from Fort Myres, about half an hour’s drive, Sanibel is a world-famous travel destination that can be described as anything but secret. One of the island’s most renowned features is its pastel-colored sea shells. The Seashell Capital of the World boasts more than an incredible 250 types of seashells on its spectacular, white-sand beaches. Sanibel is a huge spot for seashells because of its unique geographic orientation. It is one among a handful of islands that run perpendicular to Florida’s coastline. One can chill out here—while savoring a seashell-themed vacation. From picking them on the beach to studying them at the only museum in the country devoted entirely to shells and mollusks (presently temporarily closed for renovation), to find them on hotel tables, hotel windows, suburban streets, and practically everywhere else, Sanibel Island is a place a seashell lover will have a blast.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Tucked away in the southernmost tip of South Carolina, about 31 miles from Savanna, Hilton Head is another South Carolina stunner where one will enjoy chilling out. Like Sanibel, Hilton Head is a barrier Island. And while it may not be known for sea shells, Hilton Head's coastline is fringed by sparkling, white-sand beaches and such gasp-inducing views on all sides — features that make this town of about 38,000, an ideal spot for chilling out. Spanning an area of just about 42 square miles, Hilton Head’s slow pace, palpable charm, and quiet beauty are all elements that make it the perfect getaway for those who need to wind down. While the town’s 12 miles of sandy beaches offer respite for those desperate to swim, Hilton Head is also a hot-cake favorite with golfers. Of course, another draw is the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, a flat but wild, Lowcountry marvel that teems with varied wildlife.
Dahlonega, Georgia
A town of about 6,700 nestled at the north end of Georgia Highway 400 about 45 miles north of Atlanta City, Dahlonega was the site of the first major Gold Rush in the United States. A visit to this gem will afford a golden opportunity to step back into this celebrated history and savor the town’s many other golden delights. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, the oldest unaltered courthouse in Georgia (it once served as a courthouse), offers visitors a glimpse into the fabled gold rush period. And since Dahlonega is a famous wine country with heart-stirring views, visiting this town will never be complete without sampling that underappreciated side of Dahlonega. A good place for this will be the Frogtown Cellars, encircled by views of beautiful vineyards and North Georgia Mountains, one can chill on a porch, glass in hand, while sipping what the ancients called “the drink of the gods.”
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
It is hard to agree on which Carolinas is the most beautiful. However, there would be no contest without towns such as Blowing Rock. While this town of only about 1,400 has a lot in its favor that can fill up many white pages, it might be enough that the Thrillist ranked it the Most Romantic Weekend Getaway in North Carolina. If one is scoping out a fine place to chill with a special other, this search ends. Arguably the oldest travel destination in the 12th state, Blowing Rock is nestled directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers spectacular mountain views more than 4,000 feet above John’s River Gorge. Few backdrops will kindle waves of emotions like that of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If in doubt, book a room at the Chetola Resort.
Fairhope, Alabama
Located on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay, Fairhope looks like a picture from a page plucked straight from some fairy-tale novel. Set on a picturesque bayside spot, surrounded by ethereal oceanside views, this town of about 24,300 exudes a look out of the planet. Many will enjoy strolling through the town's brick sidewalks—under the canopies of moss-covered oak trees — soaking in the charm of streets lined with beautiful flowers on either side, sampling the town’s unique shops and seafood restaurants, as well as its delightful array of boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops. This done, lace up for the beach, cast your eyes on the many pastel-colored mansions, and enjoy the ethereal views on every side.
Duck, North Carolina
Known for their metallically colored feathers—always smooth and unruffled — their graceful steps, often measured and calculated, and their perfect symmetry, ducks, many will confess, are some of the most beautiful two-footed creatures on the planet. The most northern town on the Outerbanks, Duck is named one of the happiest animals in the barnyard. Boasting a population of about 800, Duck is just where one seeking some elbow room will want to backpack for. For a water lover, however, Duck is paradise. The town is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. Time will stand still as one stroll on the town’s one-mile boardwalk, explores the beautiful Duck Town Park, or goes out on the Sanctuary Vineyard Voyage. The latter is a boat-to-vineyard wine-tasting adventure — no one will want to miss.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg is secreted in the Hill Country of Texas, whose rolling hills make it one of the most scenic places in the Lone Star State. The name of this Texas gem is indicative of its rich German heritage. A top winery destination, Fredericksburg is also known for its delectable peaches. The town’s quaint downtown features many classy boutiques, eclectic art galleries, and inviting restaurants. Moreover, several first-class museums, such as the National Museum of the Pacific War, are cool places to chill out. For those who will want to geocache, stargaze, or wander about, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area checks all boxes. The Enchanted Rock State is one of only four International Dark Sky Parks in the Lone Star State.
The Takeaway
Much has been written and said about Southern charm or Southern hospitality. This, among other reasons, is why the Southern United States is just the perfect place to chill out. Fortunately, a delightful array of options await. Whether one will opt for St. Augustine, Florida, one of the oldest settlements in the United States, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, a romantic destination set on the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or Duck, North Carolina, peacefully sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Currituck Sound, the Southern United States is a sizzling destination for those who want to chill out.
