Family Vacation Ideas in the Southeast

If you’re looking for Spring Break ideas, the Southeast provides the perfect weather for a March escape. Prefer a nice hotel nestled in an urban oasis of activity? Would you rather slow down and feel the charm of a small mountain town? Or perhaps, you want to completely unplug and gaze at the stars in the night sky? These destinations have something for everyone.

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Urban Adventures

These southern cities have it all—a great food scene, museums, festivals, shopping, plus easy access to the great outdoors should you choose to leave the oasis of the city. Stay in the heart of the city, park the car, and walk to all of the city’s best attractions. At the end of each day, enjoy a nice dinner and relax in the comfort of your hotel.

Knoxville, TN

Knoxville offers fantastic restaurants, local shops, craft breweries, art galleries, and a world-class zoo. There are plenty of activities for any family to enjoy in this fun city. Enjoy exploring Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness together during the day while savoring the amazing food and charm of Knoxville’s thriving downtown at night. Learn more about Knoxville things to do, lodging, and more here.

Knoxville World’s Fair Park and Sunsphere

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga has no shortage of things to do for kids and adults. Climb in one of the largest climbing gyms in the country, walk across one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, visit Civil War battlefields, admire a jellyfish exhibition at the wonderful Chattanooga Aquarium, and enjoy a wonderful downtown dining scene. Get all the details in our Weekend In Chattanooga With Kids Itinerary.

Asheville, NC

Asheville makes for a terrific family vacation. This fun, artsy town offers fantastic restaurants, shops, art galleries, and an endless choice of family-friendly local craft breweries. It’s also surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains, so you’ll find plenty of scenic hikes nearby as well as a river perfect for floating. See our Weekend in Asheville With Kids Itinerary.

Asheville’s family-friendly Wedge Brewery

Greenville, SC

Calling all foodies and outdoor lovers! Greenville’s picturesque, riverfront downtown has a vibrant food scene, shops, and art galleries. After your urban exploration, take a hike or bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 20 mile paved bike trail running through downtown and leading to fun food stops along the way. Learn more about all Greenville, SC has to offer here.

Greeneville’s picturesque downtown and riverfront Swamp Rabbit Trail

Louisville, KY

Louisville is a compact city that’s easy to walk around and conveniently has 6 of its major attractions, such as the Louisville Slugger Museum, within several blocks of each other. It is also easy to experience the outdoors at its fantastic Waterfront Park where the pedestrian Big Four Bridge take you over the Ohio River. All of this, plus the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, make Louisville an excellent vacation choice no matter the weather outside. Check out our Louisville, KY Itinerary here!

Charming Mountain Towns

We love these charming mountain towns, because you can enjoy a quiet stroll down Main Street with locally-owned shops and restaurants, or venture out to enjoy nearby hikes and bike rides. At the end of each day, you can easily return to town for lodging, a local craft beer, and a great meal.

Abingdon, VA

Abingdon is a beautiful, quaint town in southwest Virginia. Catch a show at the famous Barter Theater and stroll around Abingdon's historic downtown. Seek more adventure with a bike ride along the Virginia Creeper Trail (a 34 mile rails-to-trails pathway) or with a hike along the trails at Grayson Highlands State Park, famous for its soaring views and wild ponies. You'll find plenty of memorable family fun in Abingdon. See our Abingdon, VA Itinerary.

Brevard, NC

Brevard is a smaller, more affordable version of Asheville. This charming mountain town is filled with shops (including a great toy store), restaurants, antiques, and art galleries. It’s also home to Dupont State Forest, which offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. The Hunger Games movie was filmed at Dupont where you can visit Triple Falls, the most recognizable mountain scenery in the movie. See Our Weekend In Brevard.

High Falls in Dupont State Forest near Brevard

Johnson City, TN

Johnson City is a small town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and their logo aptly states “start your adventure here.” It’s a great hub for biking, hiking, and even exploring a fossil site. A revitalized downtown offers terrific restaurants and breweries in a quaint setting. You can spend a day hiking the Appalachian Trail at nearby Roan Mountain State Park, bike a local family-friendly bike path, and return to downtown to grab some tasty tacos and a local craft beer. Get all the details here!

The Appalachian Trail in Roan Mountain State Park near Johnson City

Our Favorite Beach Vacation

Kiawah Island, SC

Kiawah Island Resort near Charleston, SC is our favorite beach destination. We’ve been going for over 20 years. Spring weather can sometimes be a bit cool for water activities, but the island offers plenty of beach activities, biking, fishing, and more. See our Insider’s Guide To Kiawah Island for all the details.

Unplugged Retreats

Sometimes you simply need a complete change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of life. These outdoor destinations are the perfect opportunity to unplug from your devices and connect together as a family.

Cherohala Skyway

Experience stunning overlooks, hike to some of the most beautiful and accessible mountain balds you’ll ever see, go fishing, visit a waterfall, hug a giant tree, and enjoy views for days as you drive along this 43-mile National Scenic Byway stretching from Tellico Plains, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Pitch a tent or rent a cozy cabin as your basecamp for exploration. See Our Complete Guide to the Cherohala Skyway.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Spring is a great time to visit the Smokies before the crowds arrive in the summer. You’ll find plenty to do here, both in the national park and outside of it. Hike, bike, explore a cave, and relax in your mountain cabin at night, roasting marshmallows by the fire. If you feel too “unplugged”, you can always venture out to nearby Dollywood! See our Great Sm for all you need to know.

Sunrise at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Big South Fork National Recreation Area

You’ll find some of the best stargazing in the Southeast here at Big South Fork. Located on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, Big South Fork may have more natural arches than anywhere else in the Eastern US. You’ll find plenty of easy trails for the family, and camping at its wonderful Bandy Creek Campground will serve as the perfect base for all your fun activities -- hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and stargazing. See our What To See and Do In Big South Fork for all the details.

Happy Trails! Amy and Amanda