Top Trips | Southern Escapes

The Very Best Southern Escapes

Every winter, those of us who live in colder climates dream of escaping winter for a few days. We dream of sunny skies, warm weather, and palm trees, blowing in the breeze. These ten cities are just a few of the fabulous places you can go for a southern escape. Each is unique and has something wonderful to offer visitors.
Florida Keys, Florida
The Florida Keys are, like Mexico and Hawaii, often visited by those seeking a southern escape. These beautiful islands are one of Florida's treasures and should be considered one of the nation's best southern escapes. The Keys are comprised of Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, Big Pine Key, and the Lower Keys. Among the many delights of the Florida Keys is the spectacular snorkeling and diving. As the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, it is the place to go for vacationers seeking a great diving experience. The underwater world of the Keys is filled with colorful fish, vibrant coral, and stunning shipwrecks. Islamorada is know as the sport-fishing capital of the world, and it truly earns its reputation. Key West is an amazing spot to stop and enjoy the sunset, and of course no visit to Key West would be complete without a visit to Ernest Hemingway's home.

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a fabulous romantic getaway, and it has earned numerous awards for being a great travel destination. This beautiful southern city combines historic architecture with modern fun. In the morning you can take a carriage tour of the city and in the evening you can enjoy modern authentic southern cuisine. Savannah is a great city to enjoy while simply walking through the streets. Spend your days exploring the city's history while walking through the streets and parks at your leisure. Forsyth Park is one of Savannah's many worthy destinations, as is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, which dates as far back as 1736.

Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the place to visit if you are looking for a unique Carnival or Mardi Gras experience. The diverse cultural influences of the city make it one of Alabama's most unique cities. Its mix of Catholic, Creole, French, and Spanish make for an amazing Carnival celebration. Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras celebrations. The Carnival celebrations can start in November and continue until midnight on Mardi Gras. During this time period the streets are filled with parades, live marching bands, and immense crowds of revelers. If you can't visit during the Carnival season, you can still visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to experience the long, rich history of Mardi Gras and Carnival in Mobile.

New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the South's most amazing cities. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still rebuilding.  If you are looking for a vacation where you can serve others while reveling in some of our nation's most unique history, New Orleans is the place for you. Your help in rebuilding the city is greatly appreciated no matter how much or how little you have to offer.  One of New Orleans' greatest attractions is the music. Throughout the year visitors will find amazing music festivals, clubs, and more. The city has a number of Jazz Clubs as well. If you are looking for a little cajun experience, New Orleans will open your eyes to the world of Cajun food and culture.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, known as the Red Stick, is Louisiana's capital city and it is just as rich with the unique culture of Louisiana as New Orleans is. In this city you can steep yourself in the history of the south with a plantation tour. Nottoway Plantation is the largest plantation in the South and it was recently restored to its original splendor. The Louisiana State Museum is one of Baton Rouge's best destinations for learning all about the history and culture of this amazing state. If you want to try something a little different for your southern escape, you can take the Alligator Bayou Swamp Tour where you can see the wildlife of a real Louisiana Swamp.

Austin, Texas
If you are looking for a southern escape with plenty of live music this year, Austin is the place for you. This city is known as the live music capital of the world, and it truly deserves its reputation. There are over 200 live music venues in the city. Austin City Limits is one of the city's better-known music events - you can even take a tour of the the studio. If you want to learn more about Texas music, a visit to the Texas Music Museum is worth a visit. If you fly in or out of the airport, you may be able to catch one of the eleven live shows featured there every week.

San Antonio, Texas
Beautiful San Antonio is a great city with a long and fascinating history. The home of The Alamo certainly is not lacking in interesting attractions. For history buffs, San Antonio has it all: historic sites, events, landmarks, and museums. You can even eat at historic restaurants.  If you want to stay in a historic venue, try the Crockett Hotel which was built on the very site of the Alamo Battlefield in 1909. Of course, no visit to San Antonio would be complete without a little time spent at the Alamo. The Alamo was the first Mission in San Antonio and had already been in the city for 100 years before it became famous in the Battle of the Alamo. Visitors to San Antonio will also spend time at the River Walk. This relaxing walk along the San Antonio River is a great way to enjoy some of the dining and shopping of the city.

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a great destination for art and culture enthusiasts. This city highlights the unique culture of the southwest and features the amazing artwork of the Pueblo Peoples. The city has over 300 galleries and art dealers. If you prefer the environment of the museum over that of the gallery, you will still find plenty of attractions to interest you. Also, Santa Fe is the home of the annual Indian Market, which is the biggest event in the city each year. Visitors to the Market will find hundreds of booths and artists featuring the unique art of the southwest. Southwestern cuisine also tastes its best in Santa Fe.

Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a city with something to offer every type of traveler. In Sedona you will be able to pamper yourself in a a city surrounded by stunning red-rock monoliths and the amazing Oak Creek Canyon. Visitors to Sedona can enjoy relaxing scenic drives which will highlight the amazing natural beauty of Arizona. Sedona is one of Arizona's amazing destinations where you can relax in luxury while reveling in the natural beauty of your surroundings. 

Santa Cruz, California
As the most western of the cities in this list, Santa Cruz has a very different culture than the other cities, but it is just as vibrant. Santa Cruz is considered to be a great spot for surfing, and it also has a great skateboarding culture. For skateboarders, the Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park is a must-see destination. For those seeking some amusement, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of only a few seaside amusement parks that combines traditional boardwalk activities with the thrill of modern amusement parks. One of Santa Cruz's real gems is the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot. The Mystery Spot draws people year round and helps to keep Santa Cruz quirky and weird.