Places to see in the Southeast USA
The Southeast corner of the USA is a great place to enjoy everything from space rockets to a hike through the many national parks and stunning coastal walks. From family fun days at the many theme parks in the region to a trip down memory lane in the Country Music Hall of Fame, there is something for everyone in the Southeast.
This article gives you a few ideas to help you plan your trip and decide how you want to spend your time in the Southeast USA.
Orlando
Starting with the most obvious, Orlando is the place to be for non-stop entertainment for all the family. Whether you choose to spend your time in the Walt Disney World Resort and stick with the mouse or pick and choose across the massive variety of other parks, Orlando has something for everyone.
From the excitement of the movies at Universal Studios to the thrills and spills of SeaWorld Orlando, the only difficult decision is which parks you will have to miss out on. The newly revamped Epcot is a must for science and technology buffs, and Legoland is one for budding builders of all ages.
Kennedy Space Center
Before leaving Florida, your next mission is to head an hour south from Orlando to take in some pure rocket-fulled adrenaline at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
With its out-of-this-world exhibitions, memorabilia, and experiences, the space center is an absolute shoe-in for a visit. Take in everything from a trip to Mars to an up-close tour of the space shuttle Atlantis. You can also see sights and sounds from NASA’s various expeditions in the center’s IMAX cinemas and various simulators.
Deck the halls
To unwind after your exploits in the parks of Florida, it is time to get a bit more cultured. The Southeast US is a hotbed of music halls of fame, so again it’s time to take your pick.
Two top recommendations are the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham, AL featuring greats such as Ray Charles’ piano and a general look back at jazz and its contribution to American culture and art.
Another surefire bet for music fans is the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN. Some stunning effects and interactive exhibits top off an inspiring visit and walk-through memory lane.
Graceland
Staying with music, but this time with a global icon instead of a particular genre. Head on over to Elvis Presley’s former retreat in Memphis, TN, during your trip to the Southeast.
A visit to the King of Rock and Roll’s mansion features a trip through the house, gardens, and even his airplane. From Elvis’ biggest fans to a more passing interest, Graceland is a major part of the history of American music that is a must-see.
Pink Palace Museum of Science and History
Memhpis is also home to the Pink Palace Museum, an invigorating and inspiring collection of science and history of the southern US. Featuring a range of exhibits and attractions to bring science to life, the museum is sure to inspire young and old alike.
Choose from a planetarium, giant screen theater, nature center, and series of historic houses and museums to create a must-see experience on your tour of the south.
Old Alabama Town
A visit to Old Alabama Town in Montgomery is also well worth a visit.
You can stroll through six blocks of 50 restored nineteenth and twentieth-century buildings to get a glimpse into the past. See how bygone generations first settled in and developed the southern state and lived their lives.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Next, head on over to the North Carolina and Tennessee border to take in the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The broad, timeless, and mystical landscape takes in every terrain from forests, rivers, and wildflower clearings. Perfect for biking or hiking, you can explore the Appalachian Trail from the highest mountains to the deepest valley peaks. On Climgmans Dome, the highest mountain in the range, you can also take a breathtaking view of the whole Smoky Mountain range. An absolute must for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts.
Montgomery Zoo
Staying with nature, animal lovers will also want to take in the beautiful 40-acre Montgomery Zoo in Alabama.
Home to around 750 animals, the park features various ecosystems and species and is organized into five continents of the world. Visit Africa, Australia, Asia, North and South America all in one place, not to mention the fascinating up-close look at stingrays in Stingray Bay.