10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in the Southern United States

The Southern United States is home to some of the prettiest small towns in the country. From Appalachian mountain settings to Gulf Coast bluffs, Spanish colonial streets to Victorian hill towns, the region offers a kind of beauty that ranges from dramatic to quietly charming. Charleston, South Carolina, may get most of the attention, but towns like Abingdon, Dahlonega, and St. Augustine prove there is no shortage of competition. Here are 10 of the prettiest towns to visit in the South.

Abingdon, Virginia

If West Virginia is almost heaven, then Virginia is paradise. Abingdon, with a rich history to boot, is among the South's prettiest towns. Here, men mustered before embarking on the history-defining march to Kings Mountain, a battle Thomas Jefferson later described as "the turn of the tide of success." The Abingdon Muster Grounds, a landmark of Colonial history, is among the town's most sought-after attractions and serves as the starting point of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which stretches over 200 miles to Kings Mountain. Barter Theatre is another Abingdon gem, recognized as the longest-running professional Equity theater in the United States. The town's food scene is equally impressive, with a restaurant density that rivals that of much larger cities and standouts that make the most of Abingdon's stunning mountain setting.

Natchez, Mississippi

Nestled beside the Ol' Man River, Natchez captivates visitors with its striking bluffs, offering some of the country's most breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. To experience the full spectacle, arrive on the bluffs during the last minutes of daylight, as sunsets over the river can be truly awe-inspiring. Don't miss the historic Natchez Under-the-Hill district, the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, which features compelling exhibits worth exploring. For those wishing to stay close to the river, Silver Street in the Under-the-Hill area places you right at the riverboat docks, surrounded by galleries, shops, and restaurants within easy reach.

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spartanburg may not be the first South Carolina city that comes to mind, but its beauty has a way of announcing itself. The town is set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cleveland Park anchors much of that beauty close to home, with its waterside promenade, well-kept walking trails, and stretches of green lawn that invite you to slow down and take it all in. The Mary Black Rail Trail adds another dimension, weaving a scenic path that links the heart of downtown to surrounding neighborhoods. Even Spartanburg's social scene manages to blend well with its setting. FR8yard, a sprawling open-air biergarten, spills out under the sky and lets the town's easy, unhurried character do the talking.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia, is hands-down among the prettiest towns in the South. A charming downtown square lined with galleries, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms sits at the heart of it all, wrapped in Blue Ridge Mountain scenery that makes it hard to look away. The Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed in the town's 1836 courthouse right on the square, tells the story of the area's gold rush era. Consolidated Gold Mine takes it further, whisking visitors underground to experience the everyday life of a gold miner. The University of North Georgia's Dahlonega Campus, one of only six senior military colleges in the United States, caps it off with a gold-leafed steeple that serves as a fitting nod to the city's gilded past.

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi, was named after its European namesake, which was associated with names such as Albert Einstein, Adam Smith, and J. R. R. Tolkien. With its setting in the hills of North Mississippi, a neat and pretty square, and a campus often rated one of the most beautiful in the United States, your average Southern town has nothing on Oxford. Plus, Oxford has a rich literary heritage. William Faulkner, the recipient of the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature, penned some of his greatest works here, including “As I Lay Dying.” Neilson's, the South's oldest department store, has been a staple of Oxford for more than 180 years. Crown your adventure at Lamar Park, a beautiful lakeside park with tree-lined footpaths and grassy lawns. Just don’t forget to check out the university as well.

St Augustine, Florida

There is beauty in a ruddy face, just as there is beauty in a wrinkle. St. Augustine was founded in 1565, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the contiguous United States. Its Old World feel is unmatched. The Oldest House Museum Complex lets visitors step inside what is believed to be the oldest surviving house in Florida, dating back to the early 1700s. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers sweeping views that are well worth bringing a camera for. On St. George Street, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse draws visitors as one of the oldest wooden school structures in the country, though the exact claim is debated among historians.

Middleburg, Virginia

Middleburg, just an hour from D.C., is among the South's prettiest towns. It sits in Virginia's wine country, a region known for its rolling green beauty, and the town itself reflects that elegance at every turn. Visitors can sip their way through nearby vineyards or explore Middleburg's Washington Street, which features a charming collection of antique shops and boutiques. Middleburg is also the Horse and Hunt Capital of the nation, a tradition rooted in its long history of foxhunting and steeplechasing that dates back more than a century.

Jonesborough, Tennessee

There is a lot that makes Jonesborough pretty, including its tree-lined downtown area, charming architecture, well-preserved Main Street, and beautiful brick buildings. Jonesborough's storytelling heritage is unrivaled. The National Storytelling Festival takes place every October, drawing visitors from around the world, and the town hosts the International Storytelling Center, founded on the belief that stories broker peace and boost business. Jonesborough was founded in 1779, making it the oldest town in Tennessee. The Chester Inn, right on Main Street, was built in 1797 when John Adams was president. The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, which hosts community productions and educational workshops, rounds out the town's cultural offerings.

Fredericksburg, Texas

A rich German heritage (it is in the name). The beautiful Texas Hill Country backdrop. A welcoming atmosphere. These are some of the attributes of Fredericksburg, a Texas gem frequently mentioned in vacation circles. Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome declared a National Natural Landmark, would alone make Fredericksburg deserve a spot on any travel bucket list. The National Museum of the Pacific War, housed in the historic Nimitz Hotel, offers one of the country's most detailed accounts of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. And just don't forget you are in wine country, with the surrounding region designated as an American Viticultural Area drawing visitors to vineyards throughout the Hill Country.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is in the Ozarks, and the beauty of the region earns it a spot among the prettiest towns in the South. A stroll along Spring Street reveals why. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum tells the story of the area, while Basin Spring Park pays tribute to the town's water-healing heritage that drew its earliest visitors. The Crescent Hotel and Spa, famous for its storied past and paranormal reputation, is not to be missed. Throughout it all, the town's Victorian architecture stands as Eureka Springs' other defining feature, with steep, winding streets lined with well-preserved stone cottages and period buildings.

The Southern United States has no shortage of appeal, from its walkable downtowns to its glittering lakes, white-sand beaches, and pine-covered forests. Charleston, South Carolina, may be the name that comes to mind first, but it's far from the only option. St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the contiguous United States, is just one example of the depth this region offers. Here are some of the prettiest towns the South has to offer.