Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, enjoying lovely landscapes, eating amazing southern cuisine or enjoying fabulous live music, there’s something for everyone in the South.
Alabama
Birmingham, AL-The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed on Sunday, September 15, 1963, as an act of white supremacist terrorism. The explosion at the African American church, which killed four girls, marked a turning point in the United States 1960s Civil Rights Movement and contributed to support for passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
For more travel tips and ideas for groups, be sure to Download the June edition of Leisure Group Travel and Subscribe for FREE
Childersburg, AL – DeSoto Caverns is a series of caves located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is touted as “Alabama’s Big Cave.” In addition to the caves, the park offers various other attractions, including a three-quarter acre maze known as the Lost Trail Maze, panning for gemstones, a climbing wall, and amusement park style rides. While on the caverns tour, visitors can view a sound, light, and water show that changes with the holidays and seasons.
Mobile, AL – Mardi Gras Park is a lively downtown destination celebrating the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras tradition, dating back to 1703. Visitors can explore statues honoring Joe Cain and Carnival royalty, enjoy festive photo opportunities, and experience the city’s rich culture.
Arkansas
Eureka Springs, AR – Experience the power of the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Performed in a breathtaking outdoor amphitheater, this moving production brings the life of Christ to life with a live cast, dramatic staging, animals, and stunning Ozark scenery an unforgettable evening under the stars for your group or family.
Eureka Springs, AR – Experience the inspiring original score of the Great Passion Play, recorded by the world-renowned Budapest Scoring Orchestra. Sweeping orchestration and powerful themes beautifully underscore the dramatic storytelling beneath the Ozark sky. Each performance moves the heart and lifts the spirit, creating an unforgettable evening of faith-filled artistry for every generation.
Eureka Springs, AR – The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs is one of America’s longest-running outdoor dramas, welcoming over 8 million people since 1968. This iconic faith-based production preserves biblical history through live performance, monumental artwork, and sacred storytelling, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the Ozarks.
Fort Smith, AR – Head to Fort Smith, Arkansas and discover a central location surrounded by natural beauty. Explore nearby state parks like Mount Magazine, Lake Fort Smith, and Devil’s Den and enjoy in-city favorites like the Greg Smith River Trail, Ben Geren Park, and Arkansas River fishing for memorable outdoor adventures.
Fort Smith, AR – Fort Smith invites you to explore its rich heritage, from the Fort Smith National Historic Site and U.S. Marshals Museum to the Fort Smith Museum of History. Round out your visit with memorable stops at Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum and the Clayton House for a truly unique step back in time.
Fort Smith, AR – Shaped by its history as a cultural crossroads, Fort Smith offers everything from Southern comfort food and BBQ to global cuisine, plus spacious dining rooms and outdoor patios perfect for gathering together. Enjoy smoky barbecue, crispy fried chicken, fresh catfish, and international cuisine in relaxed, inviting settings that make shared meals part of the experience.
Florida
Daytona Beach, FL – Any group visit to the Daytona Beach area should include time outdoors at the “World’s Most Famous Beach.” Enjoy 23 miles of shoreline for swimming, biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and watersports. Add wildlife boat tours to spot bottlenose dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat, perfect for memorable, active group experiences.
Daytona Beach, FL – The Daytona Beach area features world-famous attractions perfect for groups, including Daytona International Speedway tours, historic sites such as the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, engaging marine exhibits at the Marine Science Center, immersive wildlife experiences at the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, and seasonal beachfront concerts and fireworks at the Bandshell.
Daytona Beach, FL – Daytona Beach offers diverse dining ideal for groups, from beachfront favorites like Crabby’s Oceanside and Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grille to unique experiences such as the Lady Dolphin of Daytona Dinner Cruise and an exciting Polynesian fire and dinner show, perfect for memorable group evenings and celebrations together.
Florida’s Historic Coast, FL – Discover the perfect place to stay on Florida’s Historic Coast, from cozy B&Bs and historic inns to beachside resorts, hotels and vacation rentals. Whether you crave classic charm, ocean views, family-friendly comfort or luxury amenities near St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra beaches, your ideal coastal retreat awaits.
Florida’s Historic Coast, FL – Savor the diverse culinary scene of Florida’s Historic Coast, from fresh seafood shacks and beachfront cafés to global flavors and fine dining. Enjoy locally loved eateries, international cuisine, craft brews and wines, welcoming cafés and waterside spots in historic St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra Beach that delight every palate.
Florida’s Historic Coast, FL – Step into more than 450 years of history on Florida’s Historic Coast. Explore iconic landmarks, centuries-old forts, museums, and preserved streets where cultures collide. From St. Augustine’s colonial roots to living history experiences and guided tours, discover stories that shaped America. Perfect for families, history buffs and travelers alike.
Georgia
Cartersville, GA – Celebrate and connect with automobiles through art, design, and innovation at the world-class Savoy Automobile Museum. With diverse, rotating exhibits and curated programming, the museum offers dynamic, ever-changing galleries for a wide range of visitors. Guests can also dine at Savoy Café and enjoy a meal Under the Wheel.
Cartersville, GA – Step into history at Rose Lawn the former home of evangelist Reverand Samuel Jones, for whom the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville was built. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully preserved Victorian estate offers rich history, period furnishings, and an intimate connection to American religious and cultural heritage.
Cartersville, GA – Savor the aroma and handcrafted taste of freshly baked bagels at Nagel’s Bagels. Made daily with just six thoughtfully chosen ingredients, this family-owned favorite blends a cozy, French-inspired interior with warm hospitality, perfect for relaxed mornings, leisurely brunches, and enjoying locally roasted coffee in a welcoming historic downtown setting.
Louisiana
Destrehan, LA – Destrehan Plantation is the oldest documented plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley, dating back to 1787. This stately Creole-style manor offers visitors a powerful and authentic look into Louisiana’s colonial, antebellum, and Reconstruction eras. Guided tours interpret the lives of the plantation’s owners as well as the enslaved men, women, and children whose labor shaped the property’s history.
Reserve, LA – The Historic Riverlands Soul River Musical Journey is an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the rich musical heritage of African American artists. This journey highlights themes of resilience, faith, struggle, perseverance, and hope through compelling narration and live performances. It features a variety of music genres, including gospel, spirituals, soul, rhythm and blues, and early rock influences.
Vacherie, LA – Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience offers an interactive culinary journey that showcases the flavors, traditions, and stories that are central to authentic cuisine in Louisiana’s River Parishes. Led by Chef Spuddy, this course covers the essentials of Cajun and Creole cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh local ingredients for preparing dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and Andouille specialties.
Missouri
Branson, MO – Branson offers accommodations for every style, from luxury to family-friendly comfort. Highlights include Big Cedar Lodge, Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa, and Convention Center, and Hiltons of Branson. Visitors can also enjoy new options like Element by Marriott Branson and the upcoming Silver Dollar City Resort, projected to open in 2027.
Branson, MO – Recently named the Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri, Branson delivers unforgettable performances year-round. From high-energy concerts and comedy shows to dazzling illusionists, there’s something for every taste. With dozens of theaters and diverse acts, visitors can easily fill their nights with world-class entertainment experiences.
Branson, MO – Outdoor adventure thrives in Branson’s scenic Ozarks setting. Table Rock Lake is perfect for boating and water sports, while Lake Taneycomo draws anglers year-round. For a guided adventure, Pink Jeep Tours Branson offers off-road excursions showcasing breathtaking views, and there are plenty of hiking trails through the Ozark Mountains with gorgeous scenic overlooks.
South Carolina
Crazy Sister Marina, SC – Murrells Inlet is the seafood capital of South Carolina and a gateway to coastal adventure. Boat tours departing from Crazy Sister Marina explore salt marshes, barrier islands, and wildlife habitats where dolphins, birds, and sea life thrive. The nearby Marsh Walk offers waterfront dining, live music, and stunning sunset views.
Florence, SC- The Revolutionary Rivers National Water Trail in Florence is a 60+-mile paddling route along the Lynches Scenic River. It’s a National Water Trail where kayakers float through cypress swamps tied to Revolutionary War history and the “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion, with wildlife and scenic nature.
Florence County, SC – The SC Pecan Trail winds through Florence County, serving up pecan-inspired salads, baked goods, chocolates, desserts, and drinks. From farm-fresh flavors to creative culinary treats, it’s a delicious way to experience local restaurants, bakeries, and Southern hospitality, all centered around South Carolina’s signature nut.
Lake City, SC – Art Fields in Lake City is a vibrant annual art competition and festival each April that turns the entire town into a gallery showcasing hundreds of works by Southeastern artists, awarding over $100,000 in prizes and celebrating art, community, and cultural revitalization.
Murrells Inlet, SC – Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature across 9,000 acres of Lowcountry beauty. Home to the nation’s largest collection of American figurative sculpture, this National Historic Landmark also features botanical gardens, wildlife exhibits, and Lowcountry history experiences that make it a must-visit cultural stop along the Grand Strand.
Myrtle Beach, SC – Celebrating more than 40 years of live entertainment, The Carolina Opry is one of Myrtle Beach’s most iconic stage shows. Featuring award-winning performers, high-energy music, comedy, and dance, the theater delivers unforgettable group-friendly productions just minutes from oceanfront resorts, dining, and attractions.
Tennessee
Dollywood, TN – At Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival, Spring splendor blooms around every corner. Celebrate the beauty of the season among larger-than-life mosaicultures and half a million vibrant flowers. Awaken your tastebuds with mouthwatering, festival-exclusive fresh flavors. Soak in the spirit of song and story at engaging new shows. Dance and play in a rainbow wonderland under Umbrella Sky, a dazzling art installation that dapples Dollywood in a kaleidoscope of color.
Dollywood, TN – Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana. Discover a winter wonderland twinkling with over six million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees and more, all adding a cheerful glow to award-winning rides and attractions, like the new Peppermint Valley in Country Fair. Embrace this special time of year with all your senses as you discover festive flavors, heartwarming holiday shows, and seasonal shopping, all nestled right in the heart of the Smokies. Discover the warmth, wonder and glow of one of our most cherished holiday traditions at Dollywood.
Dollywood, TN – Built around the rich traditions of storytelling and togetherness, Dollywood’s Dream More Resort and Spa is just minutes from Dollywood’s award-winning theme parks. This hotel in Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg upholds the spirit of the South in a fresh new way, as it can only be imagined by Dolly and Dollywood.
Pigeon Forge, TN – With more than 100 attractions, you can make moments happen and memories that last a lifetime. Your favorite Pigeon Forge attractions create new experiences every year, and you’ll want to explore them all.
Pigeon Forge, TN – Get on your feet and sing, dance and laugh your way through Pigeon Forge with dinner shows, musical performances, acrobatics, and an all-star cast of animals. Let its world-class entertainers help you hit a high note at your getaway to the Smokies.
Pigeon Forge, TN – Whether it’s a resort with a beautiful spa and rooftop view or a place to parkyour RV, where you rest your head is an important part of every trip. Pigeon Forge offers more than16,000 different overnight accommodations to choose from.
For more travel tips and ideas for groups, be sure to Download the June edition of Leisure Group Travel and Subscribe for FREE
