The Best Summer Weekend Getaways in the South
When it comes to summer vacations, you don't have to go big or stay home. These Southern summer weekend getaways are ideal whenever you need a quick reset. Image: Visit Tybee Island
While we love a week-long (or longer) summer vacation, there’s something to be said for a quick getaway to recharge your batteries. It’s a great time to pack your overnighter and explore some Southern charm. Whether you want to rest, play, or do a little of both, these summer weekend getaways in the South offer a change of scenery that’s good for the soul.
Tybee Island, GA
With its distinct coastal charm and laid-back pace, Tybee Island is the ultimate escape for those looking to swap the fast lane for a little salt and sand. Just a short drive from Savannah, the island offers a refreshing blend of nostalgia and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff climbing the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum or a nature lover spotting dolphins on a Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure Tour near Cockspur Lighthouse, there is something to satisfy your every whim.
Beyond the historic Fort Pulaski National Monument, the island is home to five unique beaches. From the calming North Beach and secretive Back River to the vibrant South Beach, each one has its own distinct vibe. Families will enjoy getting up close and personal with loggerhead sea turtles at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center or exploring barrier-island habitats on Tybee Beach Ecology Trips.
After a long day of play, check out the dining scene, where you can sip something cool while enjoying live music and island fare like fresh fish and Low Country boils. We recommend sitting outside for a side of scenery with your meal!
Later, rest your head at one of the many hotels or vacation homes, ranging from charming beach cottages to luxury manors and all-inclusive condos — many with rooftop decks for watching the sun set over another day of paradise. Your summer on Tybee starts here!
Alabama Black Belt Adventures
Alabama Black Belt Adventures is well-known for providing outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers with plenty of action-packed getaways. But what you may not know is that beyond the world-class fishing, white-water rafting, and championship golf, there’s an artisan community that’s as rich in storied history as the soil that gave the region its name. The Black Belt Maker’s Trail highlights local artisans and culinary experts and offers a different kind of adventure, featuring interactive experiences and hands-on learning.
Start by visiting the rural community of Boykin for Stitchin’ with the Gee’s Bend Quilters. You’ll learn basic techniques and design your own quilt block alongside artists whose work is featured in major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Visit Marion and flex your creative muscles in the kitchen with James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Peacock. His Biscuits and Jam workshop, held in an 1858 Greek Revival mansion, will teach you the time-honored tradition of Southern biscuit-making (and tasting!).
Sumac Cottage in Greensboro hosts a variety of workshops, programs, and events, including the Black Belt Birding Festival (July 31 through August 2). Here you’ll find more art-making opportunities as well as an art market, live music, and “Plumage,” a juried group show.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor excitement or a deep dive into Southern arts and culture, the Black Belt is the ultimate summer getaway.
Laurel + Jones County, MS
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s the perfect mix of creative energy and Southern charm, Laurel and Jones County should be at the top of your list. This Mississippi gem has evolved far beyond its small-town roots, offering a sophisticated blend of artisan culture, historic preservation, and good old-fashioned fun!
Start your day in the walkable downtown district, where the morning begins with a slow stroll and a local brew. You can spend hours ducking into specialty shops like Laurel Mercantile Co. and the famous Scent Library, or discovering Mississippi-made treasures at Hand+Made and Southern Antiques and Accents.
Laurel’s commitment to the arts is everywhere, from the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the state’s oldest art institution, to the colorful Mural Trail that turns a simple stroll down the street into a gallery-style experience.
When it’s time to unplug, the accommodations are as unique as the town itself. The Lodge at Sweetwater Studio provides an adult-only glamping retreat that’s a favorite for those seeking a nature-focused reset. Alternatively, you can fully immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by booking one of Laurel’s historic short-term rentals — many of which have been beautifully restored.
Whether you’re an art lover, a design enthusiast, or just in need of a quiet weekend, Laurel offers a soulful Southern reset that stays with you long after you leave.
Athens, GA
Known for its sophisticated artsy vibe, Athens, GA, is the place to go for an impressive selection of design-forward hotels, an elevated food scene, and enough lively entertainment to fill up a weekend (and then some).
Lodging in Athens is deeply rooted in the city’s rich architectural past. For the perfect blend of Southern charm and Greek Revival elegance, The Athenian offers stately luxury that nods to the city’s namesake. The Bell Athens, once a historic telephone building, and the textile factory-turned-boutique hotel Rivet House, both preserve the past with a modern edge.
For unforgettable dining, stop into South Kitchen and Bar for traditional Southern fare, or settle into sustainably sourced seafood at Seabear Oyster Bar. When you’re ready for a nightcap, head to The Old Pal, an award-winning cocktail bar where the moody ambiance and expertly crafted drinks beg you to stay for one more round.
Athens is widely known for its musical heritage, and the AthFest Music and Arts Festival (June 26 through 28) brings it to life with free outdoor shows, local art, and an all-ages atmosphere. If you crave something quieter, wander through the lush landscapes of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, or spend the day exploring the curated collection and one-of-a-kind treasures in the downtown boutiques and vintage shops. Either way, you’ll make lasting memories.
Old 96 District, SC
If you want a weekend packed with festivals, farm-fresh food, and family fun, visit Old 96 District and consider your itinerary handled. This stretch of South Carolina includes Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick counties, each with something unique to offer.
Immerse yourself in Southern hospitality at Veranda on Main in historic Abbeville, or stay off the beaten path at Sharon Manor, an historic schoolhouse-turned-B&B that’s so charming you may never want to leave.
For something more spacious, check into Inn on the Square in uptown Greenwood. The area’s largest boutique inn is just steps from the 2026 Festival of Flowers, taking place from June 4 through 7, and the 2026 Festival of Discovery, a Kansas City Barbecue Society cookoff happening July 9 through 11.
If barbecue’s not your thing, head to Edgefield, the Peach Capital of the World, and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Christine’s Farm to Fork, followed by homemade peach soft serve ice cream at Sara’s Fresh Market in Trenton. It doesn’t get more summer than this.
Old 96 District offers plenty of family fun with six state parks and three freshwater lakes. Spend the day hiking or swimming, and end it on a nostalgic note at the 25 Drive-In Movie Theater in Greenwood. Talk about a weekend well spent!
Capital City/Lake Murray Country, SC
Whether you’re craving a classic dockside day or a sophisticated city stroll, the four-county Capital City/Lake Murray Country region offers the perfect weekend getaway. Explore the area by boat with a private outing from Pontoon Rentals & Tours, or book a Purple Martin Cruise aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray to see thousands of birds gather over the water at sunset. When hunger strikes, dock and dine at Martin’s Landing Bar & Grill for the perfect lakeside meal.
Landlubbers can spend Saturday mornings browsing the vibrant stalls of Columbia’s Soda City Market or exploring the state’s rich history at the South Carolina State Museum. Afterward, grab a pimento cheese sandwich from DiPrato’s or snack on charcuterie at The Gourmet Shop.
For a bit of afternoon activity, enjoy the fresh air and pickleball courts at Finlay Park, book a kayaking trip with Palmetto Outdoor, or explore the scenic Cayce Riverwalk Park.
After a day of play, visit The Vista for a refined dinner at Blue Marlin or the award-winning Motor Supply Company. If brewery hopping is your thing, check out the rooftop views at Savage Craft Ale Works, enjoy live music at Steel Hands Brewing, or chill out and relax at WECO Bottle & Biergarten. Whatever “getaway” looks like to you, you’ll find it here.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail offers the perfect “micro-cation” through the heart of the South. Built for the classic summer drive, this journey trades major highways for rural backroads with rolling hills and majestic mountains. Travelers can discover authentic, hidden gems beyond the big cities, from the charming streets of Franklin, where you’ll find the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, to the famed Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, to the patriotic spirit of Clarksville, where you’ll find Old Glory Distilling Co.
The experience is defined by a relaxed “porch culture” where Southern hospitality shines. You can spend your afternoons enjoying patio cocktails in lush gardens, meeting friendly distillery dogs, or gathering around a fire pit at sunset. The live music scene is your road trip soundtrack, featuring everything from bluegrass nights and acoustic sessions to summer concert series and intimate songwriter rounds.
To make the most of your trip, pair your tastings with outdoor adventure and local flavor. Hike a Smoky Mountain waterfall, spend a morning fishing, or enjoy a scenic lake weekend. Check out Cork to Fork, the state’s newest culinary trail that brings together distilleries and local eateries to create spirit-infused, chef-crafted dishes. It’s a fun weekend getaway that you’ll never forget.
No matter your travel style, these Southern summer escapes prove you don’t have to go far — or stay long — to come home feeling refreshed and inspired.
This article is sponsored by Visit Tybee Island, Visit Laurel + Jones County, Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Visit Old 96, Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Visit Athens, GA, and Alabama Black Belt Adventures.
Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.