11 Perfect Southern Getaways For Every Type Of Friend Group
From relaxing beaches to vibrant cities, from history tours to wine tastings, these trip ideas are tailored for you.
Wynn Myers
No matter how much time passes, there will always be something uniquely special about planning a trip away with your closest friends. With the inevitability of busy schedules and often spread-out home bases, it can be difficult to find the best time and place to catch up on old times and current life updates, as well as take a fun break from your typical daily routines. When planning out a group trip, there are generally many things that everyone can agree on, such as booking great meals, but there also might be varying ideas on how different friend groups would prefer to spend their days on vacation. Luckily, we have perfectly planned group trip ideas to inspire your next adventure and get your whole group excited, no matter what your interests are.
From relaxing beaches to vibrant cities, from history tours to wine tastings, these trip ideas are totally tailored for you. Here are 11 Southern trip ideas for every type of friend group.
Orange Beach, Alabama
For a Relaxing No-Makeup Trip
With powdery white sands, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and the "world-famous" Bushwackers from Flora-Bama—a tavern that has served up the spiked milkshake cocktail since 1964—this laidback beach town offers a big dose of relaxation. Beyond the beach-sitting, sunset-enjoying, and seafood-eating, the area is also abundant in natural wildlife, and you can even stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park to fully enjoy untouched, protected shoreline and scenery. However, booking a group house near the public beach accesses is also popular. Head to Zeke's Restaurant for a half-dozen Alabama oysters.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
For an Activities-Packed Trip
Outdoor enthusiasts can't get enough of this active little city, and it offers many activities for every level of physicality. Your group can try out stand-up paddle-boarding on the Tennessee River, and go hiking in the Appalachian foothills all in the same day—and still make it to dinner at a cool downtown restaurant. The Walnut Pedestrian Bridge and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway are classic attractions, but people are increasingly exploring the Scenic City's local flair in areas like the Bluff View Art District and NorthShore neighborhood.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Gabriela Herman
For a Small-Town Texas Trip
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is the perfect small-town destination and is easily accessible for a weekend jaunt from all of Texas' big cities. From over 100 wineries and tasting rooms to a Main Street bustling with shops, galleries, restaurants, and Texan-German biergartens, there are plenty of things to do when visiting Fredericksburg. Hit other small towns such as Drippings Springs and Boerne while in the area.
Charleston, South Carolina
For an Exploring-Around City Trip
We'd be remiss to not include that ultimate Southern girls' trip destination: Charleston. Between charming cobblestone streets, colorful historic homes, waterfront strolls, and a dazzling food scene that will leave you full and happy, there is a rather resolute chance that it'll be the best group getaway yet. Make sure to book an afternoon tea experience at the pink-adorned Camellias located in Hotel Bennett on King Street.
Cashiers, North Carolina
For a Scenic Mountain Trip
This charming mountain town boasts many cozy cabins for rent, complete with wood-burning fireplaces and scenic views, as well as a cute downtown area with shops and restaurants. The area has a number of impressive waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls, the highest cascade east of the Rocky Mountains. Silver Run Falls, with its swimming hole and picnic-worthy rocks, is one of the closest to town and is accessed via an easy 100-yard trail. Head a few minutes' drive away for a shopping day in picture-perfect Highlands.
New Orleans, Louisiana
SeanPavonePhoto/Getty
For a History-Buff Trip
Between the food, music, architecture, and history, New Orleans offers something to do for everyone that doesn't have anything to do with the rowdier aspects of the city, and there are plenty of tours—self-guided and otherwise—to embark on. The French Quarter and Lower Garden District’s towering Creole townhouses are decorated in ornate Spanish balconies. The Marigny and Bywater blocks are prime for afternoon architecture strolls, with Caribbean-hued ornate cottages. Hit up the historic Carousel Bar, and make sure to book a jazz brunch at the iconic Commander’s Palace.
Round Top, Texas
Wynn Myers
For an Antiques-Shopping Trip
It's easy to get distracted while wandering the triannual antiques fair extravaganza in Round Top with your gal pals, where you can score all sorts of unexpected goodies, but this town has much more to it than just shopping. Visit Royer Round Top Café, a family-run institution since 1987, for a slice of their famed pies, such as the Original Buttermilk Pie and the Texas Trash Pie. The converted silos in Round Top are available for a one-of-a-kind glamping experience.
Birmingham, Alabama
For a Food-Centric Trip
James Beard Award winners are a dime a dozen in this city, but what's equally impressive is the diversity of cuisine found here. Spend an afternoon catching a minor league baseball game, or hit up one of more than 10 breweries located downtown. For a fancier meal, grab dinner at one of Frank Stitt's or Chris Hastings' restaurants. For a modern take on the classic meat ‘n’ three, Johnny’s in Homewood is the place to go.
Wilmington, North Carolina
LISA CORSON
For an Atlantic Coast Trip
The beauty and charm of this historic port on the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River only adds to the appeal of its beachfront views and scenic Riverwalk bustling with restaurants and businesses. Soak up the sun at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Also, make the most of the coastal location with a sunset boat cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
For a Steel Magnolias-Inspired Trip
Natchitoches (pronounced NACK-a-tish) holds the title of Louisiana’s oldest settlement, established in 1714 and besting New Orleans by four years. For Southern pop-culture aficionados, no trip to Natchitoches is complete without a photo opportunity at the Steel Magnolias house, now conveniently converted into a Bed and Breakfast. Steel Magnolias fans can even take a self-guided tour of 17 locations from the film. The City of Natchitoches offers a downloadable map that will put you on the scene of some of the movie’s most memorable moments, most within walking distance.
San Antonio, Texas
Wynn Myers
For a Vibrant Cultural Trip
This cultural hub is a packed-full escape for exploring the River Walk and eating your way through authentic Tex-Mex. Historic Market Square and The Alamo are the heart of River Walk tourism, so make sure to dedicate a whole afternoon to exploring it. We recommend hopping on a Rio Taxi boat—$15 for a day pass—to Museum Reach, the 3-mile River Walk extension that leads north past the San Antonio Museum of Art, nearly a dozen new public art installations, and the Pearl district.
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