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Family Fun in the Southeast
Stay a spell in the southeastern states, where down-home cooking and Southern hospitality set the pace for laidback vacation fun. But don’t get too relaxed: big-time thrills like the Florida Everglades and Dollywood beg for your attention. Antebellum mansion, lush forests and the mighty Mississippi also will take up your time. Major cities like Atlanta, Raleigh and Nashville deliver loads of family fun.
Jump to a State
Alabama
Alabama packs a lifetime of history and scenic stops. Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park is home to historic ships, subs and aircraft, while the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville showcases iconic rockets. Montgomery’s Civil Rights Memorial Center shines a light on an epic struggle, while historic sites commemorate the sacrifices of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For a change of pace, the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores is a popular spot for watersports and relaxation.
District of Columbia
The story of America comes to life with a trip to the nation’s capital. Honor the memory of presidents and veterans with visits to the many monuments and memorials found at the National Mall. The Smithsonian Institution’s massive complex includes a zoo, 19 museums and galleries, nine research facilities and 156 million artifacts allowing families to explore science, history and art. Visit the institutions critical to democracy with stops at the White House, the Supreme Court and Capitol Hill.
Florida
With more than 700 miles of coastline and dozens of captivating theme parks, Florida is a family vacation mecca. Whether you prefer to visit a famous mouse, a well-known wizard or real-life animals, Orlando has a park for you. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are top choices. Build sand castles and catch some waves with a visit to one of the many renowned beaches on the Gulf Coast or Atlantic shore.
Georgia
Boasting equal parts big-city sizzle and small-town charm, Georgia delivers a peachy time to families. Atlanta is home to the massive Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park and many more top-rated family attractions. Make a trip outside the city to Stone Mountain Park, which is chock-full of activities and natural attractions. Keep your eyes on the waters as you watch for gators in the swamplands and dolphins along the seashore.
Kentucky
Horse lovers know of Kentucky as the home of Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby bursts from the starting gate each spring. Lovers of bluegrass will imbibe this homegrown musical style throughout the state. Explore the underside of the state with a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park, and stand in three states at once with a hike to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s Tri-state Peak.
Maryland
The small state of Maryland is a big family destination. Explore the state’s role in U.S. history with visits to Antietam National Battlefield, site of a pivotal Civil War battle, and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, inspiration for our national anthem. Hit Ocean City for a quintessential boardwalk experience with funnel cake, street performers and carnival rides. A visit to Baltimore provides access to museums and cultural opportunities.
Mississippi
Civil War aficionados will want to start their visit to Mississippi with stops at Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. Take the Natchez Trace Parkway through the heart of Mississippi for a scenic drive with lots of historic stops and recreational opportunities to explore along the way. Along the coast, families will find great beaches in Biloxi and Gulfport. Jackson is another popular stop for the art museum, children’s museum and more.
North Carolina
From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the west to the Outer Banks in the east, North Carolina is packed with family adventures. Float along Deep Creek in an inner tube or hike to the top of Chimney Rock for panoramic views. Learn about aviation history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial or Fayetteville’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Enjoy the old-fashioned fun of paddleboats and a carousel ride at Pullen Park in Raleigh.
South Carolina
Although South Carolina extends deep inland, most visitors stay close to the coast. With a busy boardwalk and awesome activities, Myrtle Beach is packed with fun. Spend a quieter day gathering seashells at Hunting Island State Park or riding bike trails on scenic Hilton Head Island. Explore the historic town of Charleston with a horse-drawn carriage ride, a stop at Fort Sumter National Monument, and a visit to an antebellum mansion.
Tennessee
The hills of Tennessee are home to iconic music sites and spectacular landscapes. Music lovers will want to visit Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Grand Ole Opry, and Elvis fans can’t leave the state without a visit to Graceland and Sun Studio in Memphis. Both towns have thriving live-music scenes. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is overflowing with waterfalls, hiking trails and rippling creeks, while Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are chock-full of family fun at places like Dollywood.
Virginia
With its rolling green hills and picturesque seashores, Virginia is a scenic state. Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park offers some of the best views. Biking along Virginia Beach is a perfect way to enjoy the coast. Families can learn about America’s Founding Fathers with visits to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Go further back in time to explore the Colonial history of Williamsburg. Kayak along Assateague Island National Seashore for a chance to spot the wild horses that call this area home.
West Virginia
The rugged Appalachian Mountains form a captivating backdrop for your family adventures in West Virginia. Find waterfalls and craggy peaks in the picturesque Blackwater Falls State Park or Seneca State Forest, while the New River Gorge National River is the place to go for hiking and exhilarating whitewater rafting. Make a stop in the historic Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where your family will be transported to the past during the living history weekends.