FAQs About the Southern USA

What states define the Travel South region?

While some define “the South” as the territory below the Mason-Dixon Line—the historic boundary surveyed in the 1760s by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon—Travel South USA defines the region as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

How do I become a member of the Travel South organization?

Travel South USA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to driving visitation to and within its 12 member states. Membership is limited to the official state tourism offices representing each state.

Organizations and destinations interested in engaging with Travel South USA can participate through opportunities such as attending Travel South USA International Showcase, marketing and promotional partnerships, and event sponsorships. For more information, please contact Ivonne Nicholas for more information.

How easy is it to travel in the Travel South region?

Traveling throughout the South is easy and convenient. Once in the region, visitors have access to frequent domestic air service from most major U.S. carriers, making it simple to reach destinations across the South.

The U.S. interstate highway system also makes road travel efficient and accessible, whether exploring major cities or smaller communities. Many states operate welcome centers along major highways near state lines, where travelers can find maps, directions, travel information, and local recommendations. In addition, cities and destinations throughout the region offer visitor centers and online resources to help make trip planning even easier.

What is there to see and do in the American South?

Spanning a region comparable in size to continental Europe, the American South offers an extraordinary range of travel experiences in every season. From beaches and mountains to vibrant cities and charming small towns, visitors can find everything from outdoor adventure to laid-back leisure. National and state parks, scenic byways, rivers, and backroads invite travelers to hike, camp, fish, raft, and explore at their own pace.

The region is also rich in culture, entertainment, and iconic attractions. Visitors can experience historic sites and battlefields, acclaimed museums, beautiful gardens, world-famous theme parks, and shopping ranging from luxury to local treasures. The South’s culinary scene is equally diverse, with everything from casual comfort food to Michelin-starred dining. Music lovers can explore the roots of blues, rock ’n’ roll, country, Cajun, and bluegrass, while festivals and special events throughout the year celebrate the region’s traditions, flavors, and communities.

Sports and recreation are also a major part of the Southern experience. From professional football, baseball, basketball, and hockey to golf, tennis, boating, fishing, kayaking, and more, the region offers countless ways to play, watch, and unwind. For even more inspiration, TravelSouthUSA.com.

What is the cost of travel in the American South?

The American South is known for offering exceptional value across a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors will find accommodations to suit nearly every preference, from luxury resorts and full-service hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, and budget-friendly lodging options.

Dining, shopping, and transportation options are also varied and accessible throughout the region, making it easy to plan a trip that fits your budget. For travelers exploring by car, fuel prices in many Southern states are often lower than in other parts of the country, adding to the region’s overall affordability.

Do I need a visa?

Visa requirements for travel to the United States depend on your nationality, passport type, and purpose of travel. Many travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they have a valid passport and approved ESTA authorization prior to travel.

Travelers visiting the U.S. for media or journalistic assignments typically require the appropriate visa and should confirm requirements before departure. Because entry requirements can change, visitors are encouraged to check with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before making travel plans.

What is the climate like?

The American South offers a generally mild climate with four distinct seasons, though weather patterns can vary across the region. In general, spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and colorful scenery, while summers are typically warm to hot and winters are milder than in many other parts of the United States.

In the southern portion of the region—including states such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Arkansas—spring typically brings blooming landscapes, warm days, and cooler mornings and evenings. Summers are often hot and humid, with afternoon showers common in many areas. Fall usually offers milder temperatures and extended warm weather, while winters tend to be relatively mild with more rain than snow.

In the Piedmont, foothills, and mountain areas—including parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, West Virginia, and portions of Arkansas and South Carolina—spring and summer are similar but can be noticeably cooler at higher elevations. Fall is especially scenic, with vibrant foliage and crisp, pleasant temperatures. Winters are cooler in these areas and may bring overnight frost and occasional snowfall, particularly in the mountains.

Seasonal scenery is one of the region’s highlights, from blooming gardens in spring and lush summer landscapes to colorful fall foliage and evergreen beauty throughout the year.