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Family Fun in the Southeast
What do Elvis Presley, Mickey Mouse and Davy Crocket have in common? They all hail from the southeastern states, where colorful characters come in great supply. Walk in their footsteps in places like Graceland or Disney World, or get away from it all in the Great Smoky Mountains, which looms over Dollywood and a replica of the Titanic.
Jump to a State
Alabama
Alabama is packed with history and scenic stops. Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park is home to ships, submarines and aircraft, while the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville shares astronomic artifacts. Montgomery’s Civil Rights Memorial Center provides an educational background for this era. Then visit historic sites with ties to 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 138 million artifacts, allowing families to explore science, history and art. Visit the institutions dear to U.S. democracy with stops at the White House, the Supreme Court and Capitol Hill.
Florida
More than 700 miles of coastline welcome families for boating, fishing and other watery adventures. Head inland to Orlando for Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Take a canoe ride on one of the rivers that thread the state, or zoom on an airboat across the Everglades. In Tampa, a slew of family-friendly museums and amusement parks greet families.
Georgia
With a nice blend of big-city excitement and small-town charm, families will have a peachy time in Georgia. Atlanta is home to the massive Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park and many more top-rated family attractions. Savannah preserves centuries-old buildings in one of the nation’s most eye-opening historic districts. Hit the beach at nearby Tybee Island for the ultimate family getaway.
Kentucky
Horse lovers know of Kentucky as the home of Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby takes place each spring, while baseball lovers might instantly think of Louisville, where Louisville Slugger bats are produced. There’s more to the Bluegrass State than these popular family destinations. 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
Maryland packs big family fun in a relatively small space. History unfolds at Antietam National Park, site of a pivotal Civil War battle, and Fort McHenry National Monument, inspiration for the national anthem. Kayak along Assateague Island National Seashore for a chance to spot the wild horses that call this area home, or hit Ocean City for a quintessential boardwalk experience with funnel cake, street performers and carnival rides.
Mississippi
The Civil War comes alive at Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. Take the Natchez Trace Parkway — a centuries-old route used by Native Americans — through the heart of Mississippi for a scenic drive with lots of historic stops and natural places to explore. Along the coast, the beautiful towns of Biloxi and Gulfport beckon.
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.
South Carolina
South Carolina knows how to throw a beach party. With a busy boardwalk and family-friendly activities, Myrtle Beach is a classic destination. 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 and stop at Fort Sumter National Monument, the spark of the Civil War.
Tennessee
Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash got their big breaks in the Volunteer State and went on to change the course of popular music. Visit Sun Studios and Memphis, then cruise over to Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. To the east, Great Smoky Mountains National Park overflows with waterfalls, hiking trails and rippling creeks, while nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge serve up lots of family fun.
Virginia
Virginia’s lush scenery is unmatched. Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park offers views of green valleys and mountains. The Virginia Shoreline on the other hand, is home to wild ponies and fantastic boating. 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 at Colonial Williamsburg.
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 Rocks State Park, while the New River Gorge National River is the place to go for hiking and exhilarating whitewater rafting. Watch for daredevils taking death-defying leaps off the New River Gorge Bridge. 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