10 of the Friendliest Towns in the Southern United States
Looking for a friendly small-town getaway? These welcoming destinations across South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, and California pair warm hospitality with scenic waterfronts, historic main streets, and plenty to do outdoors. You’ll also be within reach of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the continental United States.
Beach days and wildlife sightings await. Think manatees and alligators, side by side with mountain views and nature trails. Expect walkable streets, relaxed itineraries, and a mix of history, food, and fun from morning strolls to lively evenings out!
Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken is a small South Carolina town, home to down-to-earth equestrians at heart. It hosts a welcoming environment for all the like-minded fans of the horse-loving culture and adapts to any group on a getaway from the city. Relish in the appealing climate through all your favorite outdoor pursuits and stop by one of the races, parades, or shows with a year-round lineup, like the venerable Aiken Horse Show, celebrated for over a century. Just about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, Aiken offers the perfect weekend escape to explore the historic charm and tradition in a picture-perfect natural setting.
Take a summer's day stroll through Hitchcock Woods, Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest with 70 miles of nature trails with wildlife sights and riders. Ramble on horseback through the woods and the iconic archway of live oaks along South Boundary Avenue. Relax at the serene Hopelands Gardens before an evening downtown on Laurens Street and in The Alley, a popular pedestrian lane lined with not-to-be-missed restaurants and bars. Those chilly months back home? Escape them into the warmth-emanating small-town atmosphere along the streets lined by vintage storefronts of eclectic eateries, galleries, and shops.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Named the Friendliest Town in the United States by "theTravel," Beaufort, South Carolina, an over 300-year-old settlement, is exemplary of Southern hospitality. It gets daily accolades from tourists wanting to see what it is all about, with family-friendly treasures along the southeast Atlantic coast. Just 90 miles from Charleston, you can catch the infectious friendliness of a fun atmosphere of hospitable locals and attractions for every taste. Stroll down the charming shoreline and indulge in delectable seafood with a southern flair, like crab boils.
Discover the tiny, second-oldest city in the state of around 13,000 residents along the beautiful Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea islands, on a walk through the downtown historic district and streets, along antebellum mansions with beautiful front porches. Stop by the John Mark Verdier House Museum from early 1800 and visit the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, perched with a view of the Beaufort River and the Woods Memorial Bridge.
Cambria, California
Cambria is a picturesque SLO CAL seaside village on California's Central Coast, with a relaxed atmosphere between Cayucos and San Simeon. Everything here touches your heart, from nature to friendly people happy to share their seaside hamlet over feel-good experiences. Explore the artistic and charming town on a stroll, bike ride, or horseback ride along the jaw-dropping fringe of a breathtaking coastline. Trot through the hills for bucolic seaside village vibes and find your tranquil slice of heaven along Moonstone Beach until the sunset.
The lively downtown is abuzz with creativity, marvelous architecture, art galleries, plentiful boutique shopping, and antiquing, perfectly balanced by the surrounding Monterey Pines and the nearby somber Hearst Castle. The small town radiates warmth and friendliness from the stunning Central California Coast, making it perfect for cozying up anytime over farm-to-table feasts and some of the region's most luxurious wines. You will feel right at home wrapped up in beautiful sights to play, relax, and explore, from the sparkling sea to vibrant and artsy downtown fare.
Concordia, Kansas
This small and charming town in North Central Kansas was named The Orphan Train Town, after the historical social and cultural movement of the Orphan Trains across the US. Concordia embraces the highways that run through it and the railroads that filled it with life and inspired growth, together with its welcoming nature, to embody and offer midwestern hospitality at its finest. Steeped in history with several National Register of Historic Places, it really is a beautiful respite for every state.
The unique community at the crossroads of US-81 and KS-9 emanates friendly vibes with happy residents who blend progress and pride in their roots through rich attractions for curious tourists to feel right at home. Stroll through the historic downtown, with a choice of family-friendly hotspots, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous parks—an atmosphere that leaves lasting impressions.
Destin, Florida
Destin is a charming destination along the paradisic Emerald Coast, with beautiful white sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Its unique cultural blend and relaxed atmosphere encourage every local and visitor to embrace the little things in life in their own slice of heaven. Immerse yourself in its envied coastal lifestyle, feeling right where you belong in the tropical, small-town vibe on a stroll through the vibrant downtown with friendly residents willingly sharing their beautiful home.
The small coastal town with a laidback atmosphere adapts to every group and taste with some of the best restaurants, amazing attractions, and family-friendly activities. Find beaches aplenty for relaxing and fun pursuits along the sands in the sea salt air and absorbing the rays until the last one of the day during the stunning sunset. Destin is also your go-to for nights on the town or evening pursuits for the whole family, romantic dates, and thrills for a group of friends.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island hugs the South Carolina coast as a one-of-a-kind boot-shaped barrier island. Join the unique community of happy-go-lucky islanders on a getaway from the ordinary into the Lowcountry, insightful for visitors from near and far. A town with a unique vibe and a distant feel will leave lasting impressions with an atmosphere that is lighter and sunshine that feels warmer. Stroll through the hotspot-laden downtown to the appealing beaches to find residents here smiling brighter than anywhere else.
There are plentiful things to do for every taste in your gang, like world-class golf, a fabulous food scene, exciting shopping, and the endless outdoors for water- and land-based fun, recreation, and activities. Choose a unique rental stay along the shore or the revered Disney Vacation Club Resort and spend days relaxing along the beaches. Take a shoreside trail for stunning wildlife like dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and manatees, or venture to the Head to Harbour Town Lighthouse and climb to the top, featuring unique points from the state's history at each level.
Key West, Florida
There must be something about the tropical environment in the southernmost city in the continental United States that makes people friendly. Home to some 26,000 happy-go-lucky residents, you will find the most pristine beachside nature and a downtown heart laden with historical sights and family-friendly fun attractions. Key West infuses genuine vibes right into its Caribbean-like atmosphere, palpable on a stroll along the iconic pastel-colored houses.
Enjoy a refreshing getaway in the island atmosphere and scenery that inspired artists, visionaries, and authors, including Ernest Hemingway, who sought this "escape from the ordinary." Everyone has a good time bonding and engaging in their own favorite pursuits with a blend of relaxing beaches and exciting nightlife experiences while letting the memories of the grimy city float away. Find your own idyllic slice, feeling at home in Key West, revered as a place of tolerance and acceptance for diverse people and ideas.
Valley Center, Kansas
The aptly named town, with an intimate feel within the Little Arkansas River Valley, is quick to charm as a real respite from the city. Valley Center surprises first-time visitors with the deepest state of relaxation in a place that feels far away as a sweet, little Kansas home of around 7,000. Enjoy easy access tucked to the north, just nine miles away from downtown Wichita, into a revered, peaceful environment to unwind in serene nature.
The small collection of shops for snacks, trinkets, memorabilia, and unique home decor in downtown is balanced out by its homegrown feel, to which only a few other similar-sized places in Kansas can hold a candle. Enjoy daytime family strolls in the safest town in Kansas, according to Safewise, where thrill seekers can still find their fix at the nearby haunted Theorosa's Bridge over a nighttime, spine-chilling paranormal experience.
Scott City, Kansas
Scott City is Kansas's best-kept secret and one of its most friendly small towns, located about 62 miles from the Colorado border. Experience genuine warmth along its safe, lively, and artsy streets, where welcoming residents are eager to greet newcomers with southern hospitality, quality services, and helpful advice. This charming, friendly community is a vibrant southwest destination with few crowds and outstanding natural attractions. Enjoy a summer getaway at sites like Lake Scott State Park, nestled in the quiet plains of western Kansas. Perfect for relaxing hikes with scenic views, the park was named a must-see by National Geographic for its stunning natural features, inviting trails, and fresh-air recreation. Visit daily to explore more trails among trees, rolling hills, and interesting rock formations, while enjoying picnics, strolls, and lakeside activities for water fun and relaxation.
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
St. Augustine Beach is a lively, small beach community characterized by rolling landscapes along its pristine shores and abundant sunshine warming the waters for family swimming. Visitors often fall in love with the town, its friendly residents, and returning tourists, creating a variety of unforgettable experiences and treasured memories with loved ones. Just across the water from St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, this coastal haven offers a delicious slice of paradise.
The area boasts captivating natural scenery perfect for relaxation and charming small-town activities, including top local seafood restaurants and year-round entertainment. Spend summer days lounging on the beach or exploring historical and cultural sites. From visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in nearby historic St. Augustine to enjoying evenings at beachside eateries, the tropical atmosphere and welcoming community will inspire you to keep exploring.
While every part of the United States has its own culture and traditions, there really is no place in the whole world like the Southern United States to rave about the friendliness of the people. Visit one of these towns for exemplary southern hospitality and traditional cultural pursuits. Immerse yourself in the homegrown feel, and each unique town will embrace you with a beautiful environment of year-round sunny vibes. Enjoy family-friendly pursuits, exceptional services, and hospitality that makes you feel right at home amid the tropical vibes in Key West, a SLO CAL seaside village, or the prairies of Kansas.
