11 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In The Southern United States
The Southern United States has so much to love. This part of the US is not just historic and culturally significant; it is also where you'll find towns that top the list in terms of scenery. Across this region, travelers will find views that run the spectrum from coastal to mountain. This is no surprise, as the region borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, while also boasting ranges like the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. In these captivating towns in the Southern United States, you might come for the views, but you'll stay for the adventures that await.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg appears on many lists of the most beautiful towns in the US for plenty of reasons. For starters, it is surrounded by high ridges and peaks, such as Sugarland Mountain, covered in lush trees from where fog often seeps out, giving the entire area a uniquely captivating scenery. Plus, the town is home to the Little Pigeon River and attractions such as Anakeesta and SkyPark, both featuring high-altitude attractions that present unobstructed views. The latter, in particular, has the 680-foot-long SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge on the continent, offering a bird's-eye view of the lush area from 150 feet above the ground.
At Anakeesta, the AnaVista Tower also provides 360-degree views, plus the park has a restaurant where one can dine with the gorgeous scenery. Ober Mountain Aerial Tram is another way to get up above it all in Gatlinburg. The scenic tram ride with panoramic views takes visitors to an adventure park with ziplining, mountain biking, and a mountain coaster in summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. Besides the views, travelers to Gatlinburg will enjoy shopping and exploring the town on foot, as well as checking out the collection of famous cars, like the Batmobile and those used in movies like Fast & Furious, at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Marathon, Florida
Florida’s location on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is why it has some of the most beautiful towns in the world. Marathon is just one little slice of paradise, with its sugar-white shoreline lined with palm trees. Located in the Florida Keys, this town is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, if only to relax on the gorgeous Sombrero Beach, which also has playgrounds and sports facilities, as well as a nesting site for Loggerhead Turtles from April to October.
Marathon also delights with Curry Hammock State Park, featuring a secluded beach alongside large acres of mangrove swamp and rockland hammocks. In addition to beach activities like sunbathing and kiteboarding, visitors to this park can camp, fish, kayak, birdwatch, and hike a 1.5-mile nature trail that winds through the unique habitats. Marathon is also where you'll find the Seven Mile Bridge, the longest bridge in the Keys and arguably the most scenic.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock is perhaps the most beautiful town in North Carolina, perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains like a lighthouse. Visitors here will be spoiled with the views, particularly at the natural landmark for which the town is named, a jutting rock formation overlooking Johns River Gorge. More scenery alongside adventures can be enjoyed at the Tweetsie Railroad, which offers a three-mile ride on a steam-powered locomotive across a trestle and around a mountain. This park even features a scenic chairlift to Miner’s Mountain, a petting zoo, and sports facilities, among other fun attractions. Elsewhere, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park invites adventurers to admire a sprawling mansion developed at the turn of the 20th century, and hike, ride, or cross-country ski on 25 miles of carriage trails winding through dense forests and meadows.
Clemson, South Carolina
College vibes and natural beauty blend perfectly in Clemson to forge unforgettable memories. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this town is home to Clemson University, where the South Carolina Botanical Garden awaits to present impressive natural scenery. Wander 230 acres of ponds, streams, and nature trails winding through native habitats and plants, highlighting the diversity of South Carolina. Additionally, the garden has the 18th-century Hanover House and the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, containing over 10,000 rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Travelers can also head to Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park to picnic and walk the boardwalk that provides views of Lake Hartwell, which is also great for fishing and boating. The Twelve Mile Recreation Area offers more scenery on Lake Hartwell and invites visitors to picnic, or swim and fish in the waters.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is famous as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. But more than its history spanning over four centuries, this town is a captivating gem on the Atlantic Coast, boasting beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and brick-lined streets bustling with activity. Scenery-loving travelers to this town are invited to the Castillo de San Marcos for breathtaking views of the ocean, the Intracoastal waterway, and the historic district. Notably, this masonry fort is the oldest of its kind in the continental United States, built between 1672 and 1695, and is open for self-guided tours year-round.
Just a short drive from this fort is St. Augustine Beach, a soft sandy shoreline, perfect for relaxation and fun with gorgeous water views. The St. Johns County Ocean Pier is at the north end of this beach for those keen to fish or just enjoy unobstructed views of the water and the shoreline. For food lovers, the San Sebastian Winery's restaurant, La Cocina, offers an inviting atmosphere where one can sip premium local wine and savor gourmet food. A visit to St. Augustine is also an opportunity to stroll through St. George Street, a pedestrian-only stretch in the heart of the Historic District full of colonial-era architecture and interesting attractions. For something a bit different, this street is also home to the Medieval Torture Museum, which offers exactly what its name suggests - a unique and interactive immersion into a chilling and somewhat gruesome aspect of history.
Helen, Georgia
Helen is a small town in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. It feels like a storybook with its Bavarian-style architecture, abundant green spaces, and eateries like The Heidelberg, serving up favorite dishes like schnitzel and goulash in a classic beer garden. But, Helen is not all about European architecture and culture. It is surrounded by some of Georgia’s top natural attractions, starting with the Chattahoochee, which offers incredible tubing experiences right through the heart of town.
Just a few miles away is Unicoi State Park, where 53-acre Unicoi Lake sets the stage for fishing, swimming, and paddling. This park also includes a zipline attraction, campsites, cabins, a 100-room lodge, and over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. Furthermore, there are so many beautiful waterfalls around Helen to see, of which Anna Ruby Falls is the most famous. Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, these twin waterfalls are spectacular, plunging over 150 feet into a creek, and can be reached via a half-mile paved trail that’s accessible and also full of beautiful sights.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is positioned at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town is historic, as it was a booming industrial and transport center in the 19th century. Hence, visitors here will be met with natural and historic beauty, and the Maryland Heights Trail is a great spot to soak in the sights. This trail is about 4.5 miles long and leads to the Maryland Heights Overlook, from where the town, its rivers, the historic bridge, and forested hills are visible. The Loudon Heights Trail is an alternative trail to hike for more impressive views from Split Rock Overlook. This trail is around 7.5 miles round trip and presents a different perspective of the town and the river.
Away from the trails and the views, the historic allure of this town is best witnessed at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which includes part of the town’s historic center. Here, you will find John Brown’s Fort, one of the most visited historic sites in West Virginia. This fort commemorates the site of the final battle of John Brown’s failed raid in 1859, which was aimed at overthrowing slavery and became one of the major events leading to the Civil War. Visitors are invited to tour this fort and also learn more about the abolitionist at the John Brown Museum.
Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope sits on Mobile Bay, where it presents one of the most captivating coastal sceneries in the South. Tourists to this town are invited to the Fairhope Municipal Pier to stroll, fish, and witness impressive views of the waters. This pier is also an amazing place to catch sunsets. Around the pier, there’s a rose garden, a water fountain, picnic benches, and nature trails.
Elsewhere, the Southern Grove Vineyard offers delicious wine and a cafe on site. Visitors are welcome to tour the 22-acre vineyard and its production facilities, and taste from a wide variety of wines, including white, red, and muscadine wines. For art enthusiasts, the Eastern Shore Art Center is a must-visit, as it displays local, regional, and national artworks across five galleries, while frequently hosting events, workshops, and art classes. Sunset Pointe is another popular spot for great food and gorgeous views of the bay. The restaurant at Fly Creek Marina serves seafood and features indoor and outdoor dining areas, as well as a bar.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge is defined by forested landscapes, mountain vistas, and rivers, so it comes as no surprise that the town has plenty of outdoor attractions to delight travelers. For starters, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway invites travelers to enjoy a 26-mile journey along the Toccoa River from March through December. The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is another unique attraction, stretching 270 feet and presenting unobstructed views of the river and surrounding greenery.
For water sports enthusiasts, Blue Ridge Recreation Area is just a few miles from downtown on the 3,200-acre Lake Blue Ridge, with walking trails and access to the water for swimming and fishing. Cap off a perfect day at Bear Claw Vineyard. Their patio is dog- and child-friendly, and they host live music on the weekend all year long.
Madison, Georgia
Madison is a true Southern gem, defined by forested landscapes, tree-lined streets, manicured gardens, and historic buildings that leave lasting impressions. Hence, a walk through the town is exciting all on its own, and travelers are encouraged to stop and check out the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. Originally built in 1895 as a school, the cultural center offers rotating exhibits and world-class performances year-round.
Still in the area, Heritage Hall invites history buffs to admire its Greek Revival architecture and tour its meticulously decorated interior for a glimpse into affluent living in the 1800s. Madison is also home to the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, a 530-acre preserve featuring a variety of animals, including many from Africa, such as zebras, rhinos, and antelopes. The park offers safari tours, close-up experiences with the animals, and luxury accommodations amidst stunning scenery.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is a uniquely captivating town, drenched in colonial history and natural beauty. Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum, where it looks and feels like the 1700s, with horse-drawn carriages riding on cobblestone streets as blacksmiths hammer metal and farmers tend to gardens. Visitors are invited to walk through this open-air museum, interact with the tradespeople, and see notable landmarks like the 1750s Wythe House, home of George Wythe, Virginia’s first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The Colonial Parkway beckons for those who crave the views. This scenic route stretches for 23 miles through lush trees, bridges, and along the York and James Rivers, as it connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Along the way, stops can be made to fish ,and explore more historic attractions like the Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution.
Visit These Towns For the Views And Stay For Everything They Offer
These towns in the Southern United States are among the most beautiful places in the country. Besides their captivating sceneries and natural splendor, however, these towns are historic, with St. Augustine being the oldest European settlement, and Williamsburg still showcasing life as it was in the colonial era. Plus, visitors to these towns will experience the cultural diversity of the country, with Helen showcasing the rich German culture that has greatly influenced American society. With that said, visit these towns for the views and stay for all that they offer, from outdoor adventures to great food, vibrant culture, and rich history.
