
12 Coolest Small Towns in Southern United States for a Summer Vacation
The southern United States is a sought-after summertime vacation destination, with a warm climate and a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains to the seascape, deserts, and rivers in between. It includes 16 states and Washington, DC, encompassing a region with unique history from other sections, particularly in slavery abolition, as well as a longer growing season for fruit trees, berry fields, and wineries.
Experience all of this and more cool things at one of the smaller towns in the south of the US on your next summer vacation. From warm southern hospitality to art and music scenes and beaches galore, you will be wishing for an endless summer.
Asheville, North Carolina

This small town, easily one of the state's most beautiful, sits just outside of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It comprises a great stop or a weekend to unwind, as well as an endless summer of pursuing the boundless nature. Enjoy North Carolina’s most authentic mountain town with plenty of cool things to linger for, like mountainous scenery with lovely views on a stroll downtown or from one of the terraced cafes and restaurants.
Inhale the fresh mountain air in pleasant anticipation of adventures ahead as you explore the beautiful park via endless hiking trails with various natural wonders, like streams and waterfalls. Return to Asheville for the rowdy buzzing craft beer scene and make a day of checking out the many unique, locally owned shops amid historic attractions downtown, like the opulent Biltmore Estate.
Blue Ridge, Georgia

This charming town in northern Georgia offers a perfect escape from Atlanta, featuring a lively downtown area amid stunning natural scenery that echoes its name. Explore a variety of small local boutiques, breweries, restaurants, and ice cream shops, and take a ride on the well-loved Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Enjoy seasonal activities such as hiking in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, exploring the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, or harvesting fruit, berries, and sunflowers at local farms.
You are in the perfect town to drink up Georgia's renowned wine scene, with easy access to over 40 independent wineries in this part of the state, with tastings and live music. Choose among a number of cozy, family-run B&Bs with cool porches to unwind with a glass of your chosen bottle, like cabernet franc, as you inhale fresh mountain air and feast your eyes all around.
Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega is another wine-country town in Georgia, renowned for its genuine Southern charm expressed through hospitality, local businesses, and artisans. Visit the town square to understand why it claims the title of America’s first gold rush site. The nearby University of North Georgia’s picturesque Dahlonega Campus adds a vibrant atmosphere to the town. Be sure to visit the famous Dahlonega Gold Museum inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, which recounts how Dahlonega gained prominence through railroads and tourism. For breakfast, try the Corner Kitchen, and for a sweet treat, stop by the Fudge Factory, serving customers for over forty years.
This charming town, renowned from several Christmas movies, features historic buildings, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants surrounded by antiques markets and quaint B&Bs for a perfect overnight stay. Visit the must-see local spots, such as the Crown & Bear store, which specializes in British goods and showcases an adorable corgi mascot. The residents affectionately call their town "magical," capturing its idyllic feel nestled in the North Georgia mountains, dotted with wineries and vineyards. Find a winery suited to any mood, like Wolf Mountain, known for its cozy porch and stunning views, perfect for enjoying a glass of brut rosé.
Duck, North Carolina

Duck is one nostalgic town that you will return to time and again, with many cool things for every visit and every taste on a weekend getaway or a vacation. Find the town amid the scenic North Carolina Outer Banks of the Atlantic Ocean, dotted with lovely homes and luxurious vacation rentals, as well as waterfront dining galore. Explore the boundless waters around small islets and marshlands, or take a sunset cruise over the bay shallows for a memorable pastime in any season.
Visit in summer for the expansive beach scene and shaded bike trails, where dogs are allowed off-leash, along with water fountains around town for your four-legged friend. Enjoy strolls with the sea breeze in your face along the rustic wooden boardwalks, through an 11-acre maritime forest, willow swamp trails, or through the lovely Downtown Duck, filled with various shopping venues.
Fairhope, Alabama

The Gulf Coast town atop bluffs overlooking Mobile Bay is really cool, with the chill atmosphere you desire on a summer vacation or quick getaway where you are never too far from the water. Feel the laid-back vibe along the scenic, flower-filled streets over feel-good pursuits like perusing local businesses like charming art galleries, gift shops, and excellent seafood restaurants. Fairhope is made for biking along the winding coastal trails and through beautiful historic neighborhoods. Check out hotspots like the Rock Creek Golf Course, Eastern Shore Art Center, Before & After Gallery, and Fairhope Brewing Company.
This Mobile Bay town, surrounded by parks and panoramic views, is an idyllic escape for a taste of natural history and enjoying the sunsets. Rejoice in nature through the 260,000 acres of one of the country's most beautiful and diverse ecosystems, the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, just 30 minutes from Downtown Fairope. The Bartram Canoe Trail is great for scenic strolls, bike rides, horseback riding, and canoeing through the cypress swamps and marshes, with bald eagles, kingfishers, turtles, and alligators.
Fredericksburg, Texas

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg makes a common appearance on the nation's coolest lists for a reason. With deep German roots, hence the name, the town proudly displays its unique culture amid Bavarian sights along the main drag. You will love the unique feel and experience of visiting another land on home soil, happily beelining for the fantastic food scene. Visit some biergartens and check out over 100 wineries in the surrounding area.
Explore the charming downtown with its authentic ambiance and rich history, surrounded by numerous boutiques, art galleries, luxury accommodations, and top-tier museums. Experience the beauty of nature with blooming wildflowers in spring and the famous juicy peaches in summer. For a more immersive natural experience, opt for camping instead of hotels, especially for stargazing at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a designated Texas International Dark Sky Park.
Gaitlinburg, Tennessee

The town in the scenic heart of the Smokies is your portal to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a classic gateway for outdoor adventurers. Immerse yourself in nature on explorative hikes at the park, replete with wildlife sights like black bears, elk, and deer, or enjoy some fishing, rafting, horseback riding, and even year-round ice skating.
Explore fun summer activities and family bonding at the riverwalk, amusement parks, and museums. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, home to over 100 craftspeople and artists, is the largest of its kind in North America, spanning an eight-mile loop. This is impressive, considering that Gatlinburg is only two by five miles and offers a diverse range of local restaurants, from Southern-style pancakes to locally caught trout and steak dinners.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia

Harper's Ferry is a cool getaway near the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, encompassing two of the most sought-after worlds: a quiet townscape of only 300 locals and the National Historical Park, with 400,000 annual visitors each year. The tranquil mountain town, a 19th-century dream set amid dense deciduous forest beneath rocky cliffs, is full of picturesque history to explore. The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the main drag in the area designated as a national historical park with its mountain and river views and role in the Civil War. Venture deep into the national park via popular trails like the Maryland Heights Trail, the Loudon Heights Trail, the Lower Town Loop Trail, and the Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail.
Find the original armory guard house near the river, reminiscing of an unsuccessful 1859 abolitionist revolt, and the nearby ancient moss-speckled staircase, part of the Appalachian Trail. Take it to the top with St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in all its 1833 Victorian Gothic glory of stained-glass windows, a dramatic spire, and a stone façade, mostly spared during the Civil War. Find the scenic Thomas Jefferson’s Rock and imagine how the president stood there, declaring the spectacular panoramic outlook "worth a voyage across the Atlantic." It really is, with the colorful Victorian rooftops of Harpers Ferry’s Lower Town, lined by 150-year-old buildings with modern restaurants, stores, and living history museums, as well as two bridges. The town amid natural beauty is a real shining Mountain State gem with overwheming Appalachian charm.
Hendersonville, North Carolina

The town just north of the South Carolina border is a real dream come true for the wild at heart, set surrounded by forests. Choose from the Dupont State Forest, the Pisgah National Forest, or the Green River Game Lands for a refreshing escape. From unique sights on hikes and scenic picnics to your favorite water fun and summertime camping, you can immerse yourself in the cool nature all around you. Enliven a weekend trip on a stroll along the first-rate Downtown Hendersonville with museum visits, shopping, and cute bakeries and yummy restaurants galore.
Grab a morning brew at the Black Bear Coffee Co. and drive down the scenic Laurel Park Highway with spectacular views of Jump Off Rock, a stunning overlook with panoramic vistas of mountains and forests. There are great places for photo ops, picnic benches, and nearby trails to stretch your legs. Henderson is a breath of fresh air in the mountainous western part of North Carolina with an intriguing aeronautical history of the state. Join the celebration in the "First in Flight" state and visit the Western North Carolina Air Museum in town, opened in 1989. Mezzaluna serves the best Italian cuisine, while the Shine awaits for cocktails on a roof terrace.
Marathon, Florida

The cool town in a cool state of beaches and the Miami scene extends along smaller keys between the Magic City and Key West. Marathon is a 10-mile-long family-friendly community surrounded by sandy beaches and mangroves, making it a great place to interact with local wildlife. Visit the Dolphin Research Center, where you can swim with dolphins or feed stingrays at Aquarium Encounters.
Visit the Turtle Hospital for a special opportunity to release turtles into their natural environment, making for a memorable family activity that both couples and families will enjoy. Marathon remains a hidden gem, ideal for eco-tourists and water sports fans seeking peaceful experiences and water adventures such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Explore Curry Hammock State Park with its birdwatching trails, and discover Marathon's history through its railway sites.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs proclaims "My downtown's cooler than your downtown" from its charming community setting along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Take a walk through the lively, historic center full of artistic charm in the inviting small-town atmosphere you crave for a city escape. Visit the nationally recognized Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center downtown, and stop by the vintage-cool Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant with a speakeasy in the basement. With over 200 independent shops, galleries, and eateries like the award-winning Vestige, plus a century-old family-owned Shearwater Pottery shop featuring amazing figurines, decorative tiles, and ceramic treasures to add to your collection or take home as souvenirs.
Find the Front Beach's dig your toes in-worthy sands, just a short walk from downtown, along with great swimming waters, walking trails, and many places to bask in the sun over a private gathering. Check out the fishing pier for beautiful views and enjoy a sunset picnic spread by the famous Coastal Picnic & Company with gorgeous options for any group and a taste of food and beverage under a fringed umbrella. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is your outdoorsy kingdom, with everything from waterside recreation to hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and camping. Return to the colorful, modern townscape for the art along the streets and fun festivals like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, Mississipi's largest fine arts event.
Sedona, Arizona

The iconic red rock town, with its sturdy and intricate formations right amid homes, is one cool place to visit in the desert-laden state. Escape to Sedona, one of America's most beautiful towns, on a weekend or spend a whole vacation with so much to see and do for any activity level. Enjoy epic outdoor recreation and pursuits amid all the natural sights, or check out the town's healing spiritual vortexes, crystal shops, and Native American cultural sites.
The memorable desert town, set amidst approximately two million acres of national forest perfect for rejuvenating hikes, is a sunny oasis waiting to welcome you back. Indulge in a luxurious resort or opt for one of the charming vacation rentals to experience a local ambiance. Alternatively, enjoy a camping adventure under the clear, starry skies of some of the US' most pristine night skies. Spend a day exploring art galleries or visit a nearby winery for tastings and tours. After your outdoor activities, dine or relax at one of Sedona's many upscale restaurants.
Experience the unique Southern identity of the great nation on the coolest summer escape in a town from this list. These small towns are best at maintaining traditional values through scenic history and warm hospitality, amid warm weather, to enjoy the refreshing nature through cool pursuits.
Relish in the slower pace of life, southern cooking, music, and arts like no other. You will love the perfect blend of unique culture with renown South US attractions like beaches, seafood, and wineries encompassed in a small town vibe and with southern flair.