10 Most Breathtaking Towns In The Southern United States
From the rolling hills of Georgia to the riverfront towns of Mississippi and the mountain escapes of North Carolina, the American South is full of small towns that feel like destinations in their own right. Here you’ll find streets shaded by live oaks, hidden waterfalls off forest roads, art-filled galleries tucked into former cotton mills, and cozy inns where the pace slows and the scenery takes center stage.
Each of these 10 towns offers a mix of nature, culture and local hospitality ideal for a mini-getaway — from scenic drives and river trails to festivals, craft shops and regional cuisine. Let’s explore 10 of the most breathtaking.
Thomasville, Georgia
In southwest Georgia is the lovely town of Thomasville, aptly nicknamed the “City of Roses” for its annual gardening traditions and lush green spaces. Drive the lovely lanes around the Red Hills region, wander the Rose Garden & Cherokee Lake Park, or take a self-guided historic-architecture tour.
Don’t miss “The Big Oak,” a live oak tree estimated at more than three centuries old. Or explore the 3,000-acre Pebble Hill Plantation which hosts tours of the old hunting estate and southern landscape. The downtown is paved in brick and lined with more than 100 specialty shops, from The Hare and the Hart boutique to Jonah’s Fish and Grits.
Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard is tucked into the misty Blue Ridge foothills, earning its nickname as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Just minutes from downtown, visitors can chase more than 250 cascades, including the easily accessible Looking Glass Falls and the natural waterslide at Sliding Rock. The surrounding Pisgah National Forest is a playground for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, with trails winding through rhododendron thickets and wildflower-filled meadows each spring.
Downtown Brevard is home to Haen Gallery full of regional artwork. You can also enjoy a pastry at Bracken Mountain Bakery or sip a pint at Brevard Brewing Company. Stay at the Red House Inn, a beautifully restored 1850s B&B, before setting out again to explore forest trails and mountain vistas.
Fairhope, Alabama
Perched on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, Fairhope draws visitors with its sweeping bay views, palm-lined streets and a friendly downtown. Among its landmarks is the Fairhope Municipal Pier, where rose gardens and bay breezes set the tone for a relaxing day. Visit the Fairhope Museum of History or take in an exhibit at the Eastern Shore Art Center.
Nearby is the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 9,317-acre protected area of hardwood forests, salt and freshwater marshes. It’s an excellent location for marsh-trail hiking and bird-watching and is even home to endangered species such as the eastern indigo snake and the Alabama red-bellied turtle.
Apalachicola, Florida
On Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this fishing village overflows with old-Florida hospitality and maritime heritage. Downtown streets house the John Gorrie Museum State Park honoring the pioneer in mechanical air conditioning and refrigeration. The Apalachicola Maritime Museum reveals generations of oyster-fishing legacy and includes boat tours and cruises around the nearby barrier islands.
Walk the waterfront at Battery Park, explore nearby Fort Cooper or hike the Sandhill Loop Trail in the state park. When the annual Seafood Festival rolls around in late October and early November, the town’s culinary scene is in full swing, showing off the local maritime food including oysters, shrimp and local seafood dishes.
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Just over 50 miles from New Orleans, this gem on the Mississippi Sound offers an artsy, beach-adjacent small-town vibe. The Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum and the mural-filled St. Rose de Lima Church highlight local creative flair, while the walkable Old Town district invites browsing at whimsy-laden shops and galleries like Social Chair and Fleurty Girl. Bay St. Louis is a great option for self exploration and a slower, more relaxed vibe.
Join in on one of the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk for a local-loving experience. Another must-see is the beautiful harbor, which is ideal for boating or fishing and houses a variety of seafood-centric dining at places such as Cuz’s Old Town Oyster Bar & Grill or Thorny Oyster.
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Known affectionately as “The Pass,” Pass Christian captivates travelers with its oak-lined avenues, stately antebellum homes, and a scenic promenade along Highway 90 that’s easily one of Mississippi’s most picturesque coastal drives. Along the waterfront, the Pass Christian Harbor buzzes with fishing boats and sunset watchers, while nearby Henderson Point Beach and Pass Christian East Beach offer calm, uncrowded stretches of sand perfect for a leisurely swim or place to unwind.
Local flavor shines at Shaggy’s Pass Harbor and Hook Gulf Coast Cuisine, where seafood gumbo and Gulf shrimp reign supreme. For an evening wind-down, locals love sipping wine at Bacchus on the Beach or enjoying craft cocktails at Whiskey Prime, both with views that make you linger just a little longer.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Steeped in Lowcountry beauty, Beaufort sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, framed by moss-draped oaks and grand antebellum homes. Visit the waterfront at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park or take in the Historic District, where centuries-old mansions like the John Mark Verdier House tell stories of Southern heritage.
Nearby, Hunting Island State Park has beautiful beaches, nature trails, and a climbable lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Art lovers will find inspiration at the Rhett Gallery and Thibault Gallery, while foodies can savor shrimp and grits or she-crab soup at Saltus River Grill or Plums. Each spring, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival and Home Water Festival celebrate the town’s coastal roots with local seafood, music, and picturesque harbor views.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a storybook town of winding streets, Victorian architecture, and hidden springs that seem to flow straight from the hillsides. Its entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, filled with colorful galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés like Mud Street Café tucked into stone-lined basements.
Visitors can tour the grand 1886 Crescent Hotel, rumored to be one of America’s most haunted, or relax in the peaceful gardens at Thorncrown Chapel, a stunning glass sanctuary nestled in the woods. Outdoor lovers will find nearby Lake Leatherwood Park ideal for hiking and biking, while the town’s seasonal festivals and art walks keep its creative spirit shining year-round.
Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee
In the rolling hills of Williamson County sits Leiper’s Fork, a rustic and slow-paced Southern town. The hamlet’s winding streets are dotted with boutique shops, and farm-to-table cafés such as Puckett’s Restaurant or stop in at the Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Surrounding the town, horse farms, wooded trails, and open fields create a picturesque countryside perfect for horseback riding or cycling. Annual events, including the ForkFest music festivals, bring the community together. Another great spot to take in the local music scene all year round is at the iconic Fox & Locke.
Natchez, Mississippi
Perched atop bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez exudes antebellum elegance and Southern history. Its Historic District features beautifully preserved mansions like Stanton Hall and Rosalie Mansion, while the Natchez National Historical Park has walking tours through streets lined with old-growth trees.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive connecting Natchez, Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee that showcases rolling hills, forested paths, and river vistas. For natural sights closer to town, stroll along the riverfront at the Natchez Bluff and enjoy local cuisine at The Castle Restaurant, part of the Dunleith Historic Inn, or dine at Magnolia Grill. Seasonal events are also a great draw to the area, including the Natchez Fall Pilgrimage, when private homes open to the public for viewings.
From the misty waterfalls of Brevard to the old oaks of Beaufort and the riverfront bluffs of Natchez, these 10 Southern towns capture the region’s breathtaking diversity. Each destination reveals a different facet of Southern beauty — coastal harbors and bay views, rolling countryside and rose gardens, historic main streets and mountain trails.
Whether you’re walking the art-filled lanes of Eureka Springs, savoring seafood in Apalachicola, or catching a sunset in Fairhope, these towns remind travelers that the South’s most stunning scenery often lies beyond the big cities, in places where beauty and community intertwine.
