Best Day Trips from Major Southeast Cities

The American South is defined by its cuisine, landscape, accent, literature, music, and history. In the cities of the Southeast, one can uncover the true American experience, from the sweat-drenched noir of New Orleans to the embrace of diversity in Atlanta and Nashville. These cities also serve as perfect bases to explore this fascinating region further.

Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Best Day Trips from Atlanta

Georgia Museum of Art, Athens, Georgia
The Georgia Museum of Art features a smart, modern gallery where art enthusiasts engage in personal study, while visitors admire modern sculpture in the courtyard garden alongside an impressive collection from American realists of the 1930s. 1hr 15min by car.

North Georgia Wine Country
The Appalachian foothills north of Atlanta have gained recognition as a viticultural region, thanks to the delightful wines produced in this area. With more than a dozen wineries offering breathtaking mountain views, live music, and perfect patios for relaxation, it’s an excellent destination for wine aficionados. Sample the region’s finest at one of Dahlonega’s tasting rooms. 2hr by car.

Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia
Explore stunning landscapes that rival the Grand Canyon at Providence Canyon. This 1000-acre park offers numerous hiking trails amid its iconic gullies, marked by cliffs of layered sediment in a vibrant array of colors. After your adventure, enjoy a riverside stroll in Columbus along the Chattahoochee River. 2hr 20min by car.

Best Day Trips from Charlotte

Asheville, North Carolina
George Vanderbilt built America’s largest home in lovely Asheville in 1890. Nestled in the rolling mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the town features art deco buildings, farm-to-table restaurants, and innovative microbreweries leading to the Biltmore Estate. A vibrant community of artists and hippies further enriches the atmosphere. 2hr by car.

Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Experience the wonders of Congaree National Park, which features the world’s largest expanse of old-growth hardwood forest, along with miles of boardwalk trails winding through beautiful blackwater swamps. Late May to early June brings a unique event as Photinus carolinus fireflies engage in synchronizing their mating rituals, creating an enchanting spectacle. 2hr by car.

Mount Airy, North Carolina
Known as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, Mount Airy offers a taste of Americana with a $1.80 bologna sandwich at its Snappy Lunch diner. The Yadkin Valley wine industry provides sophistication to this quaint town. Stay in a charming original tobacco cabin at Pilot Knob Inn, and enjoy canoeing on a private lake. 2hr by car.

Best Day Trips from Nashville

Lynchburg, Tennessee
Home to the famous Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg is a haven for whiskey enthusiasts. Although it is situated in a dry county, visitors can sample whiskey from individual barrels during informative distillery tours. For wine lovers, a visit to the Lynchburg Winery is advisable, followed by a meal steeped in Southern gastronomic history at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant. Also, the local shops brim with handmade crafts, perfect for souvenir hunting. 1hr 40min by car.

Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Only six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain features a trio of natural wonders: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. Visitors can experience guided cave tours or a zipline adventure over Ruby Falls, celebrated as the world’s largest underground waterfall. Wander through the diverse flora of the Rock City Gardens, and then take a mile-high ride on the Incline Railway, recognized as one of the steepest passenger railways globally, to reach the Lookout Mountain observation deck. 2hr 10min by car.

Lost Sea, Sweetwater, Tennessee
Despite being land-locked, Tennessee boasts its very own sea, known as the Lost Sea, which is recognized as “America’s largest underground lake” by the Guinness World Book of Records. Visitors can paddle across its vast surface while taking in stunning crystal formations and giant rainbow trout during guided boat tours. Nearby, Sweetwater’s revitalized Main Street offers charming bake shops, art galleries, and antique stores for leisurely exploration. 2hr 53min by car.

Best Day Trips from New Orleans

Barataria Preserve, Marrero, Louisiana
The Barataria Preserve is a section of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, situated south of New Orleans near Marrero. Accessible through eight miles of boardwalk trails, this area provides an immersive exploration into the vibrant swamp ecosystem, home to alligators, various birds, and unique wildlife. 30min by car.

Laura Plantation, Vacherie
Unearth Louisiana’s complex history at Laura Plantation, a restored 19th-century estate on the Mississippi River’s west bank. Run by four Creole women, including Laura, the estate’s tours reveal the nuances among Creole, Anglo, free and enslaved African Americans. Culturally and architecturally, this Creole mansion stands apart from other plantations. 1hr by car.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, boasts a flourishing arts scene influenced by Louisiana State University. The LSU Museum of Art, housed within the sleek Shaw Center for the Arts, features over 5000 permanent works and rotating exhibitions. Numerous galleries on and off campus deepen the vibrancy of the area. 1hr 20min by car.