Top Charming Small Towns in the Southern USA

Duck, North Carolina

The nostalgic town of Duck, located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is home to luxurious vacation rentals dotting the Atlantic Ocean as well as waterfront dining and shopping venues. Visitors can spend their vacation on expansive beaches, shaded bike trails, and rustic wooden boardwalks along 11 acres of maritime forest and willow swamp trails. A cruise over the bay shallows is ideal for a toast-worthy sunset. Duck is also one of the most pet-friendly beach destinations in the country — well-behaved dogs are allowed off-leash and canine water fountains can be found all over town.

Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands is a charming mountain town nestled at an altitude of 4,118 feet in Nantahala National Forest. The surroundings, which include the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and tallest waterfall (Whitewater Falls) in the eastern U.S., lend themselves to a nature-filled getaway. Two popular parks — the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park — are also within a few hours’ drive. Main Street in Highlands features eclectic shops and restaurants, including The Old Edwards Inn and Spa, recognized as one of the most romantic European-style resorts in the country.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge is a quintessential weekend getaway from Atlanta. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is central to its charismatic downtown, which is dotted with local boutiques, breweries, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Additionally, you will have easy access to over 40 independent wineries in northern Georgia, perfect for tastings and live music. Hikers will enjoy the Appalachian Mountains and Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest, while apple, blueberry, and sunflower picking during harvest season provides a family-friendly adventure. Blue Ridge has numerous cozy, family-run bed-and-breakfasts ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers a classic gateway for outdoor adventures for the whole family. With stunning mountain views, riverfront walkways, and engaging amusement parks, there is no shortage of things to do. Activities range from hiking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, to year-round ice skating. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community features over 100 craftspeople and artists along an eight-mile loop, making it the largest gathering of its kind in North America. Local restaurants are abundant, serving Southern-style pancakes, locally caught trout, and a variety of steaks.

Bluffton, South Carolina

This seaside town features upscale resort communities surrounded by old oak trees and Spanish moss. The expansive 20,000-acre Palmetto Bluff community in Bluffton includes a marina, nature preserve, walking and biking trails, and a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course. For water enthusiasts, activities such as fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and water skiing are popular. Visitors can enjoy Southern hospitality by embarking on a Lowcountry Oyster Trail or sampling locally harvested seafood at the annual Arts and Seafood Festival in October.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Nestled in Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is renowned for its wineries, German heritage, and delicious peaches. In addition, the town features numerous boutiques, art galleries, upscale lodging options, and world-class museums. Nature lovers will appreciate the lush wildflowers in spring and the exceptional stargazing opportunities at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, recognized as one of Texas’ International Dark Sky Parks.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Home to one of the country’s first planned cities and the world’s largest living history museum, Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a remarkable opportunity to step back in time. Visitors can explore gardens, nature trails, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or even embark on a ghost tour. For thrill-seekers, the town features the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster at the Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park, while adults will find numerous breweries, golf courses, and spas. Great family-friendly accommodations are available, including the Kingsmill Resort, situated amidst 3,000 acres of scenic nature and iconic views of the James River.

Marathon, Florida

Situated halfway between Miami and Key West, Marathon is a collection of smaller keys encompassed by sandy beaches and lush mangroves. This family-friendly community spans 10 miles and provides endless opportunities for water sports such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Eco attractions allow visitors to learn about its railroad history while interacting with local wildlife. Swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center, feed stingrays at Aquarium Encounters, release sea turtles at the Turtle Hospital, and enjoy bird-watching at Curry Hammock State Park. For a relaxing escape, consider staying at Isla Bella, a Mediterranean-style beachfront resort.