Deep South & Gulf Coast
Music, history, and warm southern hospitality 🎷🦐
The Deep South & Gulf Coast offers a rich tapestry of music, history, and coastal relaxation that appeals to families looking for culture and comfort. Geographically, this region creates a crescent from the music hubs of Tennessee down to the marshy bayous of Louisiana and the sandy shores of Alabama and Mississippi. The climate is humid subtropical, meaning springs and autumns are pleasant, while summers can be intensely hot—perfect for beach days but demanding plenty of water and air-conditioning during city tours.
New Orleans is a sensory playground for families. While famous for nightlife, the daylight hours offer street performers in Jackson Square, beignet tastings at Café du Monde, and rides on the St. Charles Streetcar. Just outside the city, families can take swamp tours to spot alligators in their natural habitat, a thrilling experience for children. Further north, Memphis and Nashville provide a musical education. Kids can see the ducks march at the Peabody Hotel, visit the interactive exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame, or tour Graceland to learn about the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
For STEM-loving families, Huntsville, Alabama, is home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where children can see a Saturn V rocket and try astronaut training simulators. This balances well with the region's historical weight. Sites like the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offer powerful, necessary lessons for older children about American history, presented in thoughtful and engaging ways. Nature lovers will find solace in the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee border, offering easy hiking trails to waterfalls and historic cabins.
The Gulf Coast beaches, particularly around Gulf Shores and Biloxi, feature fine, sugar-white sand and generally calmer waves than the Atlantic, making them safer for younger swimmers. Dining here is an event in itself. Southern comfort food—macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and biscuits—is universally loved by children, while parents can explore Creole spices and fresh Gulf seafood. Families should plan for a slower pace of travel here; the 'Southern hospitality' is real, and interactions often take a friendly, leisurely amount of time.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Home to globally unique urban cultures in New Orleans and Nashville, alongside world-class institutions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Best experienced in spring and autumn to enjoy the vibrant street life and gardens without extreme humidity or winter dampness.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Diverse ecosystems including the Ozarks and coastal bayous, supported by major wildlife safari parks and the Buffalo Outdoor Center. Spring and autumn provide the best trail conditions, while summer heat and humidity can be oppressive for wilderness exploration.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Includes the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a destination-level scientific site of global significance. While exhibits are mostly indoor and year-round, travel is best during the moderate shoulder seasons.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
New Orleans Mardi Gras is one of the world's most famous cultural events, drawing millions of international visitors annually. This is under-rated at 'marginal' and should be 'very_good'.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers exceptional cycling and hiking infrastructure like the Natchez Trace Parkway and Ouachita Trail. Ideal for active families in the mild spring and autumn, while mid-summer is often too humid for intense physical activity.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Anchored by Dollywood, consistently rated among the best-managed theme parks globally, plus several major water parks. Summer months are active but July and August can be uncomfortably hot for long queueing.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features high-quality white sand beaches like Orange Beach and protected natural shores at Ship Island. Peak conditions occur when water temperatures are warm and air temperatures remain below the extreme humid peaks of mid-summer.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Features scenic drives like the Cherohala Skyway and the historic Great River Road. Peak months offer clear visibility and scenic foliage, avoiding the heavy summer haze and winter rains.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Centred on the historic thermal baths of Hot Springs National Park. The indoor bathhouse experience is best when outdoor temperatures are cool, as high summer humidity makes thermal bathing less appealing.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Limited to high-elevation spots like Ober Mountain with significant reliance on snowmaking. Only viable during the coldest winter months with marginal terrain compared to international alpine standards.
Attractions (104 total)
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Adventure Science Center
Nashville
An interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and panoramic views of the Nashville skyline.
Visit website →Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium
New Orleans
A world-class facility on the Mississippi River dedicated to aquatic life and the fascinating world of insects and pollinators.
Visit website →McWane Science Center
Birmingham
Four floors of interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX dome theater located in a beautifully restored historic department store building.
Visit website →MoSH (Museum of Science & History)
Memphis
Housed in the historic 'Pink Palace' mansion, this museum features natural history displays, a giant-screen theater, and a planetarium.
Visit website →U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville
The Earth's largest space museum featuring the Saturn V rocket and extensive NASA exhibits that inspire future explorers.
Visit website →Mid-America Science Museum
Hot Springs
An award-winning science center featuring the world's largest conical Tesla coil and a wooded skywalk with hands-on outdoor exhibits.
Visit website →INFINITY Science Center
Pearlington
The official visitor center for NASA's Stennis Space Center, offering deep-sea and deep-space exploration exhibits near the Gulf Coast.
Visit website →Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Baton Rouge
Set in a restored railway station, this museum pairs fine art galleries with an interactive discovery center and a planetarium.
Visit website →Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Jackson
Located within LeFleur's Bluff State Park, this museum features massive aquariums and detailed dioramas of Mississippi's diverse wildlife.
Visit website →Museum of Discovery
Little Rock
Arkansas's premier science center features high-energy demonstrations and interactive galleries focused on physics, biology, and technology.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Anakeesta
Gatlinburg
A mountaintop adventure park featuring a scenic chondola ride, canopy skywalks, and an observation tower with panoramic Smoky Mountain views.
Visit website →The Adventure Park at Nashville
Nashville
A sprawling aerial adventure forest where families can navigate various treetop trails and zip lines through the woods.
Visit website →The Hummingbird Zipline Course at The Wharf
Orange Beach
A high-adrenaline zipline adventure overlooking the marshes and coastal landscape of Alabama's Gulf Coast.
Visit website →Zip'N Fun Adventure Park
Gulfport
An outdoor obstacle course and zipline park located near the Mississippi Gulf Coast, featuring over 50 different treetop challenges.
Visit website →Zip NOLA
LaPlace
A unique adventure park featuring a zipline course over a Louisiana swamp, offering close-up views of cypress trees and native wildlife.
Visit website →Buffalo Outdoor Center
Ponca
A premier adventure destination in the Ozarks offering a high-flying zipline canopy tour and access to Buffalo National River activities.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Audubon Aquarium
New Orleans
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, this premier facility showcases Gulf of Mexico life, Caribbean reefs, and Amazon rainforest species.
Visit website →Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Gatlinburg
A top-rated family destination featuring a moving glidepath through an underwater shark tunnel and interactive discovery centers.
Visit website →Tennessee Aquarium
Chattanooga
Two world-class buildings featuring a journey from the mountains to the sea with giant freshwater tanks and a deep-sea saltwater exhibit.
Visit website →The Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Dauphin Island
An educational public aquarium focused on the unique ecosystems of Mobile Bay and the four diverse habitats of coastal Alabama.
Visit website →Mississippi Aquarium
Gulfport
A modern campus-style aquarium featuring indoor and outdoor habitats that focus on native Mississippi species and exotic marine life.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Audubon Zoo
New Orleans
A historic and lushly landscaped zoo famous for its award-winning Louisiana Swamp exhibit and white alligators.
Visit website →Memphis Zoo
Memphis
Consistently ranked among the best in the US, this zoo features elaborate themed habitats including Teton Trek and Northwest Passage.
Visit website →Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nashville
A rapidly expanding modern zoo known for its immersive habitats and the historic Grassmere home on its grounds.
Visit website →Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Gulf Shores
Recently relocated to a large modern facility, this zoo offers close-up animal encounters and wide-open tropical habitats.
Visit website →Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham
Alabama's top-ranked zoo features a dedicated Trails of Africa exhibit and a conservation-focused African elephant habitat.
Visit website →Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
Arkansas's premier zoological park home to over 700 animals and a historic 1920s carousel.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Beale Street Entertainment District
Memphis
An iconic cultural landmark known as the 'Home of the Blues,' featuring historic music clubs, neon lights, and a rich African American heritage.
Visit website →Birmingham Civil Rights District
Birmingham
A six-block area that includes the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park, serving as a powerful memorial to the American Civil Rights Movement.
Visit website →Eureka Springs Historic District
Eureka Springs
A unique Victorian-era mountain town built around natural springs, featuring winding streets, limestone architecture, and local artisan shops.
Visit website →French Quarter
New Orleans
The city's oldest neighborhood, famous for its vibrant street life, historic Creole architecture, and the festive atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
Visit website →Natchez National Historical Park
Natchez
Home to one of the largest collections of antebellum architecture in the United States, showcasing the complex history of the cotton kingdom.
Visit website →Historic Franklin
Franklin
A charming Southern town known for its beautifully preserved Main Street and significant Civil War sites like the Carter House.
Visit website →Old Alabama Town
Montgomery
A collection of restored 19th and 20th-century buildings that provide an immersive look at life in early Alabama history.
Visit website →Vermilionville Living History Museum
Lafayette
A 23-acre folk-life park showcasing the history and culture of the Acadian, Creole, and Native American people in the Louisiana bayou.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Theodore
Renowned for its massive seasonal azalea blooms and a historic estate situated along the scenic Fowl River.
Visit website →Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham
Alabama's largest living museum featuring a world-class Japanese garden and extensive native plant collections.
Visit website →Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Nashville
A historic 55-acre botanical garden and art museum offering children's garden activities and seasonal floral displays.
Visit website →Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs
A stunning woodland botanical garden featuring the architectural marvel of the glass-walled Anthony Chapel.
Visit website →New Orleans Botanical Garden
New Orleans
Located in City Park, this garden showcases Art Deco design and a conservatory filled with tropical species.
Visit website →Memphis Botanic Garden
Memphis
A family favorite featuring 'My Big Backyard' and 96 acres of specialty gardens including an award-winning rose garden.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham
One of the finest museums in the Southeast, boasting an extensive collection of Asian art and European masterpieces.
Visit website →Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Bentonville
A world-class American art museum integrated into a stunning natural forest setting with walking trails and glass pavilions.
Visit website →New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans
The city's oldest fine arts institution featuring an impressive permanent collection and a renowned outdoor sculpture garden.
Visit website →Mississippi Museum of Art
Jackson
The largest museum in the state, known for its dedication to Southern art and its vibrant public Art Garden.
Visit website →Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Little Rock
A newly renovated cultural hub featuring a state-of-the-art building and a significant collection focused on works on paper.
Visit website →Frist Art Museum
Nashville
Housed in a magnificent historic Art Deco building, this museum hosts world-class rotating exhibitions in the heart of Nashville.
Visit website →Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Memphis
Located in historic Overton Park, this museum houses a diverse collection spanning antiquity to contemporary works.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Blue Bayou Water Park
Baton Rouge
Home to more than 20 water attractions, including record-breaking slides and the massive 'Mambo' water slide structure.
Visit website →Dollywood's Splash Country
Pigeon Forge
A premier water park set in the Great Smoky Mountains featuring multi-person raft rides, high-speed slides, and a massive wave pool.
Visit website →Soaky Mountain Waterpark
Sevierville
A modern, massive 50-acre water park boasting unique water coasters and a double flowrider surf attraction.
Visit website →Gulf Islands Waterpark
Gulfport
A family-friendly destination on the Mississippi coast themed after island life with high-speed flumes and a lazy river.
Visit website →Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort
Hermitage
A sprawling water park located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake featuring giant slides, a wave pool, and an aquatic treehouse.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Buckstaff Bathhouse
Hot Springs
Traditional thermal mineral baths using 62°C natural spring water cooled to body temperature. Operating since 1912, it is the only bathhouse on Bathhouse Row to offer continuous service. Features private porcelain tubs, steam cabinets, sitz baths, and historic hydrotherapy equipment.
Visit website →Quapaw Baths & Spa
Hot Springs
Historic 1922 Spanish Colonial Revival bathhouse featuring four large public thermal pools ranging from 35°C to 40°C. Uses natural mineral-rich geothermal water from the National Park springs. Includes a natural steam cave carved into the hillside and private bath facilities.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge
A world-renowned theme park owned by country legend Dolly Parton featuring high-speed coasters and Appalachian crafts.
Visit website →Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
Bessemer
A dual-park attraction featuring the world-ranked Rampage wooden roller coaster and a variety of family-friendly water attractions.
Visit website →Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
New Orleans
A charming, historic amusement park featuring an iconic 1906 hand-carved wooden carousel and vintage-style rides under ancient oak trees.
Visit website →Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
Hot Springs
The largest theme park in Arkansas, combining thrilling roller coasters with a full-scale water park in a historic resort city.
Visit website →Tropic Falls at OWA
Foley
A major coastal destination featuring a large indoor water park and an outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Global Wildlife Center
Folsom
The largest free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the US, offering safari wagon tours to feed giraffes, zebras, and camels.
Visit website →P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm
Roland
An elegant rural estate known for its heritage poultry, beautiful gardens, and educational tours on sustainable farming practices.
Visit website →Alabama Safari Park
Hope Hull
A 350-acre drive-thru adventure where visitors can feed exotic animals from their cars and explore a walk-about petting area.
Visit website →Lucky Ladd Farms
Eagleville
Tennessee's largest petting farm and agritourism park, featuring over 100 animals, wagon rides, and extensive family play areas.
Visit website →Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum
Jackson
A 39-acre living history farm and museum that recreates a 1920s crossroads town with heritage livestock and blacksmithing.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Graceland
Memphis
Explore the iconic home of Elvis Presley, featuring music history, themed rooms, and a massive collection of memorabilia.
Visit website →Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock
A powerful site of American Civil Rights history housed in a beautiful, grand Art Deco school building.
Visit website →St. Louis Cathedral
New Orleans
Visit the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States, an architectural marvel overlooking Jackson Square.
Visit website →Longwood
Natchez
Tour the largest octagonal mansion in the United States, an unfinished architectural masterpiece with a unique silver dome.
Visit website →Old Louisiana State Capitol
Baton Rouge
A stunning 'castle' on the river that houses a museum of political history with incredible stained-glass architecture.
Visit website →The Hermitage
Nashville
Explore the historic Greek Revival home and gardens of Andrew Jackson, preserved to reflect life in the early 19th century.
Visit website →The Parthenon
Nashville
Walk through a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, complete with a 42-foot gold statue of Athena.
Visit website →USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
Mobile
Step aboard a massive World War II battleship and explore the decks and quarters of this floating historic city.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Great River Road (Southern Section)
New Orleans
Approx. 960km paved scenic route (3-4 days) following the Mississippi River through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Key stops include the historic French Quarter, Oak Alley Plantation, and Vicksburg National Military Park.
Visit website →Alabama Coastal Connection
Gulf Shores
210km paved coastal route (3-5 hours) circling Mobile Bay. Highlights include the white-sand beaches of the Gulf, the historic Fort Morgan, ferry crossings, and the diverse ecosystems of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Visit website →Pig Trail Scenic Byway
Clarksville
30km paved mountain road (1 hour) through the heart of the Ozark National Forest. Notable for its sharp switchbacks, a dense 'tunnel' of overhanging trees, and access to the Mulberry River and Ozark Highlands Trail.
Visit website →Cherohala Skyway
Tellico Plains
69km paved mountain pass (2-3 hours) connecting Tennessee to North Carolina. Highlights include sweeping high-elevation curves, panoramic views of the Cherokee National Forest, and elevations reaching over 1,600 meters.
Visit website →Creole Nature Trail
Circular
290km paved circular route (4-6 hours) through Louisiana's marshlands and coastal prairies. Features alligator viewing at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and 42 kilometers of undeveloped Gulf of Mexico beaches.
Visit website →Talimena Scenic Drive
Mena
87km paved ridge-top highway (2 hours) across the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Famous for vibrant autumn foliage, 22 scenic overlooks, and the historic Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg
America's most visited national park offers mist-covered peaks, lush forests, and abundant wildlife perfect for family scenic drives and hiking.
Visit website →Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs
A unique national park featuring ancient thermal springs and the grand historic architecture of Bathhouse Row.
Visit website →Little River Canyon National Preserve
Fort Payne
Deep sandstone canyons and dramatic waterfalls provide stunning overlooks and accessible nature trails for families.
Visit website →Atchafalaya Basin
Henderson
The largest river swamp in the United States, offering families a chance to see cypress trees, Spanish moss, and alligators via boat tours.
Visit website →Buffalo National River
Harrison
One of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states, famous for its towering limestone bluffs and clear water.
Visit website →Gulf Islands National Seashore
Ocean Springs
This coastal preserve features pristine white quartz sand beaches and historic fortifications across a chain of emerald-water islands.
Visit website →Ruby Falls
Chattanooga
Families can take an elevator deep into Lookout Mountain to witness a spectacular 145-foot underground waterfall.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores
A sprawling coastal park featuring sugar-white sand beaches, an iconic fishing pier, and over 25 miles of scenic trails.
Visit website →Orange Beach
Orange Beach
Renowned for its bright white quartz sand and turquoise waters, this area offers high-quality public beach access and family-oriented amenities.
Visit website →Dauphin Island Public Beach
Dauphin Island
A peaceful barrier island beach known for its natural beauty, bird migrations, and proximity to the historic Fort Gaines.
Visit website →Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle
Louisiana's premier coastal destination offers sandy beaches, excellent birdwatching, and a long fishing pier into the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit website →Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
Gulfport
Accessible by ferry, this pristine barrier island features the historic Fort Massachusetts and some of Mississippi's clearest coastal waters.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Jackson Square
New Orleans
An iconic historic park in the French Quarter known for its street performers, artists, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral backdrop.
Visit website →Vulcan Park and Museum
Birmingham
The world's largest cast-iron statue, offering panoramic views of the city from atop Red Mountain.
Visit website →Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg
A sprawling historic landscape filled with over 1,300 monuments and the restored USS Cairo ironclad gunboat.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Mardi Gras
New Orleans
February or March (culminating on Fat Tuesday), approximately two weeks of festivities, over 1 million annual visitors. Famous carnival featuring elaborate float parades, masquerade balls, and bead-throwing. St. Charles Avenue parades are highly family-friendly with festive atmospheres for all ages.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez
715km moderate road cycling route following a historic forest corridor. Thru-cycling typically takes 7-9 days with approx. 3,500m total elevation gain, primarily in the northern sections. Bike rental: Indian Cycle Fitness & Outdoor (indiancyclefitness.com)
Visit website →Ouachita National Recreation Trail
Talihina
359km challenging point-to-point trail traversing the Ouachita Mountains from Oklahoma to Little Rock, Arkansas. Thru-hikes take 15-20 days with 6,900m elevation gain. Most sections are open to mountain biking. Bike rental: Phat Tire Bike Shop (phattirebikeshop.com)
Visit website →Pinhoti National Recreation Trail
Weogufka
540km challenging long-distance hiking trail beginning at Flagg Mountain. The Alabama section spans 275km through the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park, requiring 14-18 days with approx. 6,000m elevation gain. Trail connects to the Appalachian Trail.
Visit website →Buffalo River Trail
Boxley
60km moderate to strenuous hiking trail winding along the high bluffs of America's first National River. Typical duration is 3-4 days with approx. 1,500m elevation gain. Famous for views of the Ozark karst landscape and herds of wild elk.
Visit website →Fiery Gizzard Trail
Tracy City
20km expert-level challenging hike through the South Cumberland State Park. Known for its rugged boulder fields, deep gorges, and waterfalls. Elevation gain of 650m. Thru-hike typically takes 7-10 hours or an overnight stay.
Visit website →Tammany Trace
Covington
50km easy paved rail-trail connecting five historic towns across the Northshore. Typical cycling duration is 3-5 hours on mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain. Ideal for family touring. Bike rental: Brooks' Bike Shop (brooksbikeshop.com)
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Ober Mountain
Gatlinburg
823-1,006m, 10 runs, 6km pistes, Dec-Mar season, 1 terrain park and a year-round aerial tramway.
Visit website →Cloudmont Ski Resort
Mentone
548-572m, 2 runs, 1km pistes, Jan-Feb season, featuring snowmaking and night skiing on a unique Southern plateau.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Barataria Preserve
Marrero
A vast preserve near New Orleans featuring wooden boardwalks through ancient cypress swamps and bayous teeming with alligators.
Visit website →