Great Southern Getaways
Make the most of summer this year with these delightful escapes – whether it’s on the water adventure, thrilling entertainment, or serendipitous seaside slumbers – we’ve got the vacation for you.
Relax on the shore of a pristine white sand beach, enjoy a rollicking good time over rapids, or soar through the air on one-of-a-kind rollercoasters – the summer is simply about having fun.
Rivers and Lakes
Looking for that perfect place to cool down – look no further than the South’s refreshing rapids and radical lakes. There’s nothing boring or diluted about these wonderful watery escapes.
Lake Guntersville
Alabama
Located along the banks of the Tennessee River in Northern Alabama – Lake Guntersville State Park satisfies all your summer vacation needs. Whether you are looking for a resort-style retreat or an outdoor adventure in the park's 6,000 acres of natural woodlands, Lake Guntersville State Park is a delight for the whole family. Featuring 36 miles of hiking and biking trails, the park’s many recreational offerings include an 18-hole championship golf course, the Screaming Eagle Zipline, a beach complex, an outdoor nature center, and of course, the best fishing in Alabama’s largest lake.
alapark.com/parks/lake-guntersville-state-park
Lake Oconee
Georgia
Closer than you think, Lake Oconee is one rare and unique attraction. This most delightful escape is rustic, remote, and authentically beautiful. Cherished by all, Lake Oconee's 19,000 acres of waters and 374 miles of shorelines create a refreshing, relaxing, and exhilarating way to spend the day. Located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, Lake Oconee’s swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding or just sitting on the shoreline offers something for everyone.
visitlakeoconee.com
Lake Cumberland
Kentucky
One of the largest and most visited lakes in the eastern United States, Lake Cumberland has earned a reputation as an excellent fishing spot, a year around houseboat hangout, and a lake lover’s paradise. Boasting the largest fleet of rental houseboats in the country, this “Houseboat Capital of the World” is a vacationer’s dream. Explore thousands of wooded coves, rocky cliffs, and more than 1,200 miles of shorelines on Lake Cumberland. An excellent fishery for striped bass, visitors enjoy spectacular lake sunrises, thrilling afternoons on standup paddleboards and ski boats, and finally, fall asleep to the gently rocking waters of one of Kentucky’s most delightful bodies of water – Lake Cumberland.
parks.ky.gov/jamestown/parks/resort/lake-cumberland-state-resort-park
Swell Stays on the Surf
Savor the salt sea air in these incredible beachside getaways. Slip into the water, lounge in the surf, or escape into a coastal community.
Hilton Head Island, NC
One of the top ten family beaches in the United States, Hilton Head Island is a truly magical experience. With an array of world-class golf courses, abundant natural beauty, and an incomparable spirit, Hilton Head Island offers a relaxing, laid-back, and welcoming vibe making it the perfect vacation destination. Discover Lowcountry living and a one-of-a-kind, luxury stays in Hilton Head Island. Unwind in style at a spacious beachfront villa, an intimate boutique hotel, or a marvelous historic mansion, the perfect night's sleep awaits you on Hilton Head Island. Southern hospitality, exquisite charm, and extraordinary culture, a vacation to Hilton Head Island is a delightful, relaxing, and most unforgettable adventure.
hiltonheadisland.org
South Padre
Texas
A tropical oasis located off the southern tip of Texas – South Padre Island is a year-round vacation destination. Leave the daily grind behind and escape to the beachy barrier island. Offering the unsurpassed beauty of Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to experience the joys of Texas’s tropical getaway. With 34 miles of beautiful white sand, clear emerald water, and more than 300 days of sunshine every year, South Padre Island is one exquisite place to live and visit. Sip on an icy beverage as the cool sea breeze blows through your hair, leave all your cares behind on South Padre Island – where fun is a way of life.
sopadre.com
South Walton
Florida
This Northwest Florida destination is a dream come true. 26 miles of white sand beaches, vibrant turquoise waters, and 16 acclaimed beach neighborhoods, South Walton is a delightfully luxurious adventure in the Florida Panhandle. A “hassle-free beach”, South Walton’s convenient access to the water, a plethora of outdoor adventure, and pristine natural environments, make it the perfect vacation. From standup paddleboards and kayaks at local outfitters to well-known luxury brands, up-and-coming designers, and unique boutiques, South Walton is Northwest Florida’s premier shopping destination. Full of personality and style, in South Walton you can find your perfect beach experience. An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to recharge and build lasting memories.
visitsouthwalton.com
Thrilling Theme Parks and Alluring Lights
Ramp up your next vacation with an all-out thrill ride. Splash around in the water, soar through the sky on the coaster of your dreams and lose yourself in the dazzling lights of the Midway – these theme parks are a great choice to keep the whole family entertained.
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
Louisville, Kentucky
Ride, slide & play through an unforgettable summer at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. With over 70 rides and attractions, 2 amazing wave pools, 2 splash and play kids zones, crazy lazy rivers, and more, the whole family will enjoy a day in the sun! Located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay takes adventure to a whole new level. Get your kicks on six world-class roller coasters and splash into summer on exhilarating water slides. Experience the perfect hideaway for families at Buccaneer Beach or catapult-like a cannonball down a thrilling water ride, everyone will enjoy a refreshing and wild time at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.
kentuckykingdom.com
Pleasure Pier
Galveston, Texas
Featuring waterfront fun and entertainment like no other Gulf Coast destination, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues, and retail shops. Hop on a roller coaster and fly over guests on the Pier and soar over the Gulf of Mexico. Head to the Midway for fun games with flashing and dazzling lights. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many delightful dining options. Or get wet on the Pirate’s Lunge, a pirate ship to ride this specialty log flume, full of twists, turns, and two drops measuring 40 feet and 22 feet. Make memories that will last a lifetime at this waterfront amusement park, Galveston’s Historic Pleasure Pier.
pleasurepier.com
Dollywood
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Celebrate the best of life in the Smokey Mountains at Dollywood. With rides, slides, music, food, and laughter, this Tennessee attraction is a family favorite in the great outdoors any season of the year. A must-do experience in the mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood features more than 40 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining, and the friendliest park atmosphere in the world. Tucked into the mountainside with lush trees and beautiful mountain views, Dollywood's Splash Country has slides and splashes for every age. And be sure to get a good night’s sleep after a thrilling day outdoors at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, where family time comes naturally. Surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and only minutes away from excitement, Dollywood has everything to make your family's trip a success.
dollywood.com
