City Guides

Summer Travel Guide

From the glistening beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, to North Carolina's storied Outer Banks, these dreamy destinations promise a season of sun-soaked delight.
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Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

This season, seek out some wide-open spaces. Amid thirty-two miles of spacious Alabama coastline, it’s easy to spread out and claim a slice of beach as your own. From dawn to dusk, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer unparalleled fishing, paddling, and boating, while come evening, the day’s freshest catch is served up in the open-air seafood restaurants along the shore.

GULFSHORES.COM@VISITALBEACHES

Corolla, North Carolina

In North Carolina’s northernmost region, a remote stretch of beaches make up the enchanting Currituck Outer Banks. Here, a world of natural wonders awaits those who visit, from the rare birds of the maritime forest to the wild horses that roam the pristine shores. Corolla, one of the local villages, is also home to captivating historic sites and charming accommodations, adding up to one unforgettable vacation.

VISITCURRITUCK.COM@CURRITUCKOBX

Mississippi

With a rich history and a stunning landscape, Mississippi offers the best of the South. Be it hiking the Appalachian foothills or canoeing the mighty Mississippi River, outdoor lovers will delight in the state’s wild spaces. Meanwhile, a collection of celebrated museums capture legends from the civil rights era to the Grammy stage, and local restaurants serve up delicacies such as fresh-caught catfish and Delta hot tamales.

VISITMISSISSIPPI.ORG@VISITMS

Lake Oconee, Georgia

Just beyond Atlanta lies a getaway so idyllic that the bustle of the everyday will seem worlds away. Along 376 miles of shoreline, Lake Oconee is home to breathtaking scenery, a world-class marina and water sports center, and six award-winning golf courses. The locale is a beloved destination for generations of travelers, and its collection of vacation homes, cottages, campgrounds, and resorts (including the freshly renovated Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee) cater to every taste.

VISITLAKEOCONEE.COM@VISITLAKEOCONEEGA

Columbus, Mississippi

Overlooking the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Columbus, Mississippi, offers beauty and excitement in abundance. A quintessentially Southern destination, the city brims with historical heritage, from the iconic Tennessee Williams House Museum to three National Register of Historic Places districts. Columbus Lake provides a 9,000-acre backdrop for boating, fishing, and water sports, while elevated fare and classic comfort food are served in the slew of beloved restaurants onshore.

VISITCOLUMBUSMS.ORG@VISITCOLUMBUSMS

Old 96 District, South Carolina

Encompassing five small counties, South Carolina’s Old 96 District is a true haven for outdoor adventure. The area includes three lakes, six state parks, and more than 250
miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as two Revolutionary War battlegrounds and the birthplace of civil rights leader Benjamin E. Mays. Each town is also a treasure trove of local art, culture, and cuisine, promising a truly inspired getaway.

VISITOLD96SC.COM@VISITOLD96SC

Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Nestled among ten lush acres on the Atlantic Ocean lies Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club. Lago Mar offers one-of-a-kind comfort, genuine hospitality, and a spacious tropical retreat. Consistently named among the world’s finest hotels, the resort teems with luxury at every turn.

LAGOMAR.COM@LAGOMARRESORT

Fredericksburg, Texas

Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a small Southern town with a unique European feel. Here, family-owned vineyards offer personalized tours and tasting experiences, local boutiques dot the tree-lined streets, and incredibly fresh produce appears on restaurant menus. Whether it’s traditional Texas barbecue or a bit of museum hopping you seek, there’s no better place to get away from it all—especially for a midweek escape.

VISITFREDERICKSBURGTX.COM@VISITFREDTX