Brimming with history, stirring scenery and plenty of sunshine, the Deep South is a big draw for visitors. But don’t just head for the big urban centres – it’s in the pint-sized towns and smaller cities that you’ll find a healthy dose of Southern hospitality and laid-back charm. From remote communities tucked into the Appalachian Mountains to beachfront paradises along the East Coast, here are 50 of our favourite places below the Mason-Dixon line.

Cool and laid-back Opelika is the sister town to the larger city of Auburn in eastern Alabama. This oft-overlooked little town has plenty going for it, including a thriving craft beer scene (Red Clay Brewing Company and Resting Pulse Brewing Company are well worth a visit), a great selection of independent shops and a gorgeous historic downtown. Nature lovers should make a beeline for Chewacla State Park, a 696-acre mass of sprawling trails amid forests and lakes, or Tuskegee National Forest – both are within easy reach of town. 

A stunning waterfront town overlooking Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace is brimming with history. In fact, in 1789, it was touted as a possible location for the nation’s capital, missing out to DC by just one vote. There are plenty of centuries-old sites to check out, including the 1827 Concord Point Lighthouse, the 1840 Lock House (which today serves as a museum) plus a whole host of grand 19th-century homes in the historic downtown. Today, you’ll find this district is filled with cosy cafés, inviting breweries and restaurants serving local seafood specialities.

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An ideal getaway just 18 miles (29km) from Savannah, Tybee Island is famed for its gorgeous beaches – there are five in total. But there’s plenty to do here besides relaxing on the sand and enjoying the sea breeze. You could visit the state’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, kayak or paddleboard around the coast or even go dolphin watching. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try one of the town's distinctly ocean-themed eateries, from relaxed waterfront cafés to seafood restaurants.

Fernandina Beach is a beguiling seaside town with a colourful past. It’s located on Amelia Island on Florida’s northeastern coast, hailed as the only place in the US that has been under the control of eight different national regimes – earning it the nickname of 'Isle of Eight Flags'. The 50-block downtown region, recognised as a National Historic District, delights visitors with a diverse mix of boutiques, well-preserved Victorian architecture, galleries and museums.

This historic German-settled town, in the heart of Texas’ Hill Country, is best known for its stunning German architecture. Fredericksburg’s Main Street, known as 'Magic Mile', resembles an open-air museum but the 19th and 20th-century buildings are home to bars, restaurants and stores selling all kinds of delicious and pretty things. Just outside the town, Highway 290 slices through peach farms and wineries.

Situated on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the small-yet-vibrant town of Fairhope is as picture-perfect as they come. Wide, flower-filled streets are peppered with galleries and boutiques, while there are green spaces aplenty, as well as a spectacular shoreline complete with a pier. Be sure to spend some time in the Fairhope Museum of History, which has exhibitions on every chapter of the town’s history, from its first Native American residents to the present day.

The small town of Lynchburg in south-central Tennessee is known all over the world: it’s where Jack Daniel first started selling his whiskey back in 1875. No visit would be complete without taking a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, where you’ll learn how the businessman went from humble beginnings to building one of the world’s best-selling whiskey brands. But there’s plenty to do besides, with a quaint downtown that’s filled with antique shops, cute cafés, historic churches and a century-old courthouse, as well as a great selection of restaurants specialising in barbecue and Southern cuisine.

You might be surprised to learn that Paducah – a small city in western Kentucky – is one of just a handful of UNESCO Creative Cities in the US, up there with Austin, Santa Fe and Detroit. Here you’ll find a historic arts district filled with galleries and studios, a vibrant selection of murals throughout the city and a brilliant museum dedicated to its quilting heritage. There’s also plenty to keep you going after dark, including buzzing local breweries, bourbon bars and an award-winning community theatre. 

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Alexandria draws in visitors with its beautiful, pedestrian-friendly streets and close community feel. Located just seven miles (11km) outside of Washington DC, it’s a popular day trip from the nation’s capital. Be sure to take a stroll around the nationally-designated historic district, which dates back to the town's founding in 1749. Also, stop into independent shops and eateries such as brunch hotspot Del Ray Cafe and seafood restaurant The Wharf. If you’d prefer to see things from the water, enjoy one of several brilliant sightseeing cruises.

Opening out onto the Gulf of Mexico, this breezy beach town in southern Alabama is perfect for a weekend getaway. Naturally, its prime attraction is its impressive shoreline, with more than 32 miles (51km) of glorious sand to explore – the perfect setting for watersports, a dolphin cruise or simply a wander through the sweeping dunes. In town, there’s a great selection of local restaurants serving freshly-caught fish and seafood, as well as brilliant museums and historic sites, including the National Naval Aviation Museum and the Swift-Coles Historic Home. 

Nestled amid the picturesque Ozark Mountains, Bella Vista in northern Arkansas is a haven for outdoorsy folk. It’s a world-renowned biking destination boasting more than 100 miles (161km) of scenic trails, which include lots of options for both beginners and advanced cyclists. In the town itself, you’ll find restaurants serving homely Southern fare alongside pizza and taco joints, plus there are several great cultural attractions such as the Bella Vista Historical Museum. 

If you’re after a dreamy beach town with a laid-back vibe, look no further than Cape Charles. It’s home to a wooden fishing pier, a historic district dating to the late 19th century and a pristine sandy beach. Many visitors choose to enjoy water sports, plus hiking and boating. But there’s plenty to do in town too, with a selection of boutiques selling local arts and crafts, plus several period homes to wander around.

With its backdrop of the panoramic Ozarks and its Victorian-era city centre, Eureka Springs offers both natural beauty and historic charm. The small but lively city, located in the northwest of the state, is within easy reach of the White River and Beaver Lake, which means fishing, water sports and camping are popular here. Meanwhile, in the quaint downtown you’ll find craft shops and art galleries sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with wine bars and live music venues.

At the heart of Marble Falls is the jewel-like Marble Falls Lake. Formed in a bend of the Colorado River and part of the Highland Lakes chain, the reservoir famously hosts one of the country’s biggest drag boat race events each summer and is a popular boating and watersports hotspot year-round. The town and its surrounding area is also home to several brilliant wineries, so oenophiles should get the full experience by taking a tour with Heart of Texas Wine Tours. Lastly, don’t miss a slice of homemade pie from the Blue Bonnet Cafe, established in 1929 (and known for its fabulous breakfasts).

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The compact city of Lewes, situated in southeastern Delaware at Cape Henlopen, offers a walkable downtown peppered with cafés, distilleries, breweries and boutiques. Be sure to make the most of the independent shopping scene here: you’ll find everything from clothing (Aquamarine in Between, Blooming Boutique) to second-hand books (Biblio) and gifts (Just Lewes, Coolspring Cottage Boutique). The dinky Harbour of Refuge lighthouse, dating back almost 100 years, is worth a visit, as is the Cape Henlopen State Park and Lewes Beach.

Naples is a tropical charmer on the Paradise Coast. Of course, it’s home to the sugar-sand beaches you’d expect from this stretch of coastline, but the city itself is just as striking too. The historic streets of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South are the perfect eye candy, their pastel-hued buildings decorated with cascading blooms, providing a unique location for the upscale shops, bars and restaurants which you’ll find today. Sadly, the city was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and is still in recovery. 

Just a few minutes down the road (yet a world away) from Oklahoma City, the small town of Guthrie is home to the largest contiguous Historic Preservation District in the country. You’ll find more than 2,000 historic buildings in the town centre, many of which are Victorian, housing everything from offbeat museums to theatres, galleries and cafes. Food-lovers should time their visit to attend the Heard on Hurd food truck festival in nearby Edmond – it takes place every third Saturday between March and October, boasting more than 60 food and drink vendors as well as live music. 

A tiny hub with a population of just 364, what Odessa lacks in size it more than makes up for in history. This north Delaware town is home to some of the state’s best-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with five historic houses spread across 20 acres of land. They include Cantwell’s Tavern, a red-brick former hotel dating back to 1822; the Pump House, an 18th-century residential building which may have been used as a prison; and the Corbit-Sharp House, a former residential building which is a perfect example of Philadelphia-Georgian architecture. 

Located on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, Bardstown is the place to go for fans of the spirit. For tours and tastings, head to Willett Distillery, a local business founded in 1936, where you can explore the grounds and distillery before sampling their finest whiskeys. Also, drop in to the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History to learn more about the development of bourbon here, or enjoy the yearly Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, there’s a great selection of restaurants where hearty Southern cuisine reigns supreme. Try The Rickhouse or Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar. 

Situated in central Kentucky alongside the Cumberland Plateau, Berea is dubbed the state’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital. Wander through the Artisan Village, a bustling district in the heart of downtown, and you’ll quickly see why. The region is full of public art, local galleries and crafts markets – so pack light as you’ll definitely want to pick up some unique gifts to take home with you. Enjoy the gorgeous surrounding landscapes by hiking the Pinnacles, or checking out the Daniel Boone National Forest, which is around 45 minutes’ drive from downtown.

Historic Natchitoches was a French colony founded in 1714 and is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana. Sitting along the Cane River, the area has maintained its distinctive French Creole architecture, with elegant townhouses, wrought-iron balconies and brick paths. It’s also home to the 19th-century Oakland Plantation, a designated National Historic Landmark that was once a cotton farm. Today, it's possible to visit and also learn about the enslaved people who lived here.

Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock is the perfect jumping-off point for adventures. The town owes its name to a striking rock formation that juts out from the surrounding peaks, offering epic panoramas – hiking and biking are popular ways to explore. There are more stunning views in the town itself too, as Broyhill Park is a peaceful oasis perfect for a stroll, becoming especially beautiful in fall.

Just across the Arkansas River from Little Rock, this smaller city offers a tranquil alternative to its southern sibling. Make a beeline for its picturesque waterfront first, enjoying a leisurely stroll along the North Shore River Walk and popping into the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum to check out famous vessels that served in the Second World War. Another must-visit is the Old Mill, a reproduction of an 1880s grist mill which you might recognise from the film Gone With the Wind. When it’s time to eat, you’re spoilt for choice, with everything from Italian restaurants to steakhouses and traditional diners. 

Surrounded by the vast plains and desert of northern Texas, Amarillo is a vibrant small town that charms all who visit. And many do: it’s a popular spot along Route 66, where many stop by for a 72-ounce steak at The Big Texan or a stroll around Cadillac Ranch, where classic cars have become canvases for street art. There are plenty of glorious open spaces to explore too, with Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest in the US, a mere half-hour drive out of the city. We're sure you'll find your way.

Outdoor adventures are never far away in Grand Isle, a spectacular barrier island reaching off southern Louisiana into the Gulf of Mexico. The town is also at the end of the 436-mile-long (702km) Louisiana Highway 1, marking a dramatic end to a road trip through the state. Kick things off with a visit to Grand Isle State Park, where you can fish, kayak or boat through the winding waterways, before relaxing on one of the enticing stretches of sand. The waters around Grand Isle are home to some 288 species of fish, so definitely get your fill of delicious local produce – Starfish Restaurant does the best po-boy with fried shrimp. 

One of the most atmospheric towns located on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels is rich in maritime history. For many visitors, the highlight is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which features an impressive collection of artefacts and vessels, while there’s also a working shipyard and the Hooper Bay Lighthouse. In town, Talbot Street is lined with charming storefronts and plenty of top seafood restaurants. 

Frequently named as one of the prettiest small towns in the country, Easton is all tree-lined streets filled with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. The town, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a hotspot for independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants, which are mostly found along Federal Street. Check out Sunflowers & Greens, a salad bar and bakery that focuses on local produce; fine-dining restaurant Bas Rouge, which serves contemporary European cuisine in a relaxed setting; and charming neighbourhood shops such as Flying Cloud Booksellers and Foxwell’s Antique Mall.

Cute-as-a-button Seaside attracts visitors for – you guessed it – its stunning beaches. Located in the panhandle between Panama City and Fort Walton Beach, it’s home to nine unique pavilions leading down to the shore, each designed by a different architect. But there’s plenty to discover aside from the stunning coastline: think independent bookstores and record stores, farmers' markets, art galleries and theatres.

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In the North Central Hills of Mississippi lies Oxford, known for its red clay hills and border of wild land. It’s also home to the University of Mississippi, opened in 1848 and widely known as Ole Miss. But while the university is a central point of town, there’s plenty more to explore. Literature fans should delve into one of the independent bookshops or stop by Rowan Oak, the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. In terms of food, Ajax Diner is the place to go for Cajun, Creole and Southern fare, while Bottletree Bakery serves great coffee and pastries, with a scenic patio that’s perfect for people-watching. 

Southern Mississippi's Bay St. Louis is a seriously underrated seaside town, offering white sandy beaches and a harbour studded with boats. Despite being badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the town has been carefully reconstructed – today it’s brimming with independent shops, cafes and eateries. If you time your visit to come on the second Saturday of every month, you can enjoy a brilliant local art walk when the streets fill with live music, galleries open their doors and local artisans sell their wares. 

Cobbled streets and centuries-old Moorish- and Spanish-style colonial buildings make up the famous Historic District of St Augustine. This northwest coast gem is the oldest continuously-occupied European settlement on the continent, with the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arriving here in 1513. As well as providing much for history buffs to enjoy, the city enchants all who visit with its jaunty orange-and-green Old Town Trolleys, quaint street cafés and hidden courtyards.

Perched on Albemarle Sound in eastern North Carolina, this pretty town was established back in the 1700s, making it the state’s first colonial-era capital. You’ll find plenty of historic buildings here, which include the Georgian-style Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, as well as the Colonial Waterfront Park. This picturesque patch of greenery is connected to the Maritime Underground Railroad, which saw a network of seaman and other allies aid enslaved peoples as they sought freedom.

Found along the stunning Appalachian Trail, which winds its way through some of the best scenery in the eastern United States, Hot Springs naturally attracts plenty of walkers. But hiking is far from the only fun to be had. You could try whitewater rafting, horse riding or biking, or how about a soak in the town’s namesake warm natural mineral waters? Foodies are well catered for, with an enticing selection of restaurants ranging from home-style diners to pizzerias and taco joints.

Although only around 1,200 people live in Fort Davis, we bet many more who’ve travelled here would quite like to live here. Perched at 5,050 feet (1,539m) above sea level and surrounded by mountains, it claims to be the highest town in Texas. It packs in the attractions, notably the huge Davis Mountains State Park and Fort Davis National Historic Site (pictured), a frontier military post in the latter half of the 19th century that was home to many Buffalo soldiers (African-American regiments).

Breezy, laid-back Hilton Head Island is a barrier isle in South Carolina’s lowcountry region, offering the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Enjoying the great outdoors is the main draw here, with an abundance of tranquil beaches, golf courses, plus hiking and biking trails on and around the island. Hilton Head’s culture is heavily influenced by the Gullah/Geechee people, who were brought here as enslaved people and developed their own unique culture, artistic practices, language and economic system. Take a Gullah Heritage Trail Tour, run by guides who are of Gullah heritage and grew up on the island, to learn more about the most important historic sites here. 

Recognise this quaint town? You might, because Covington has appeared on screen more than 140 times, in titles ranging from Sweet Magnolias and The Vampire Diaries to The Dukes of Hazzard. Sometimes nicknamed the ‘Hollywood of the South’, its picture-perfect streets do feel distinctly like a film set. Don’t miss a trolley tour with Main Street Trolleys, which will take you through the town’s key filming locations, as well as checking out the Newton County Courthouse (pictured) and gazing at some of the stunning antebellum buildings downtown. 

Founded in 1729, Georgetown is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina and it’s home to more than 60 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. Make a beeline for its downtown or ‘Front Street’ area to enjoy oak-lined walkways, where Victorian homes sit alongside grand churches and museums, all brimming with Southern charm. Be sure to visit the Gullah Museum, which gives a fascinating insight into the history of the Gullah/Geechee people, including their role in the development of farming and education in the state.

The colourful town of Gatlinburg is often used as a base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains – but the town itself is well worth discovering. Make time to explore the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which has a 400-foot (122m) high observation deck with amazing views across the verdant peaks, or jump aboard the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. You’ll also find plenty of charming restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area.

With its gorgeous Bavarian-style buildings backdropped by the picturesque Southern Appalachian Mountains, Helen might just be the most charming Georgian town of them all. But not only is this northeastern hub beautiful, it’s also packed with things to keep you busy. Top of our list are Anna Ruby Falls, the Helen Arts and Heritage Center and the city’s numerous wineries. When it’s time to eat, Hofer’s of Helen does the best baked goods, while Bodensee serves up Bavarian food that’s in keeping with the setting.

Pint-sized Jonesborough, located in eastern Tennessee, might have a population of under 6,000 but it has a long and fascinating history. It’s the oldest town in the state – it was established in 1779, some 17 years before Tennessee signed the Declaration of Independence. Today, it has a number of well-preserved Federal-style buildings, while pre-Civil War homes and a 1920s theatre also give fascinating glimpses into its past. It also hosts the National Storytelling Festival each October, when thousands of visitors descend on the town to see a variety of spoken-word and musical performances.

Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is an outdoorsy, bike-friendly city with more than 50 parks and natural areas – the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a 40-acre site with 12 themed gardens. Soak up the culture on offer by exploring the city's eclectic craft breweries, restaurants, galleries, arts centres and farmers’ market or stop by Wilson Park – Fayetteville’s original city park that dates back to 1906.

Among the most historic towns in Georgia is Dahlonega, where the country’s first major Gold Rush began in 1829. There are plenty of landmarks from the era that you can explore, from the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, located in the town courthouse, to the original gold mines where you can see where it all began. If you’re a wine lover, be sure to book a tour and tasting at one of the region’s many wineries – Frogtown, Cavender Creek and Wolf Mountain are some of the best.

Tucked in the northeastern corner of West Virginia, Berkeley Springs is one of America’s most historic spa towns, with visitors coming to enjoy its natural hot springs since the late 18th century. Head straight to Berkeley Springs State Park to experience the healing properties of the water – it’s said that even George Washington himself visited the springs. 

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Seen from the skies, Grayton Beach is a winning combination of pristine sands and almost fluorescent turquoise seas. Situated in Florida’s panhandle about halfway between Pensacola and Panama City, the town is mostly covered by the 400-acre Grayton Beach State Park, with landscapes including everything from pristine beaches to windswept forests. As well as exploring its jaw-dropping scenery, visitors can stroll through the town’s quaint white-picket-fence communities or stop into a waterfront restaurant.

Boasting a gorgeous location in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton has it all: stunning views, a great arts and culture scene and plenty of historic buildings. Its Main Street oozes small-town charm, with 80 specialty shops and 30 restaurants to check out, with menus ranging from Mediterranean fare to fusion food and casual dining. There’s also a brilliant farmers' market every Saturday from April to November, which sees the street come to life with a bustle of traders and stalls.

Frequently ranking among the prettiest towns in the state and indeed the country, Madison has a large historic district and a huge store of pre-Civil War structures. These range from the 1842 Joshua Hill House (pictured) to the 1830 Richter Cottage. There's also plenty of green space, and a wealth of museums and galleries to explore.

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Beaufort is a cute town in North Carolina offering buckets of Southern charm. No visit here is complete without a stroll along the town’s iconic Front Street: enjoy the classic Southern-style architecture, unwind in the parks opposite the harbour, or plan an afternoon of waterfront activities, from kayaking to fishing. Finish up with a meal at one of its sublime seafront eateries – Aqua Restaurant and City Kitchen are two of the best. (There's another charming Beaufort in South Carolina too.)

Known as the 'Crawfish Capital of the World', this small city just outside Lafayette is a haven for lovers of the juicy and sweet crustaceans. There’s even a festival celebrating them each spring (this year, it takes place on 5-7 May 2023). It’s also located by the shores of Lake Martin, a large nesting area for wading birds and one of the country’s top birdwatching spots. The town, where many residents are of Cajun descent, is a charming mix of antiques stores, art galleries and, of course, seafood restaurants.

Up there with the most beautiful towns in Virginia is Lynchburg, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is undeniably lovely to look at, with its leafy streets and historic architecture, plus there’s plenty to keep you occupied for a weekend break here. In the local area you’ll find more than 40 miles (64km) of walking trails to explore, as well as cosy coffee shops and top-notch restaurants such as seasonally-inspired RA Bistro. The city is also known for its vibrant murals and lively community market, which dates back to 1783.

Roanoke is a picturesque city with a broad mix of things to see and do. Located on the southern side of the Shenandoah Valley, the city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with the brilliant (and free) Taubman Museum of Art plus plenty of public art throughout its streets. Don’t miss the famous Roanoke Star – the world’s largest free-standing illuminated star, which sits atop the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the city.

Now discover more of our favourite small towns in Virginia