With the sunshine, summer fun, and plenty of sweet surprises, these are the Top 15 places to see – now!  

1. Dauphin Island, Alabama 

Known as the Sunset Capital of Alabama, Dauphin Island is full of exciting attractions, incredible history, and natural beauty. On the east side of the island, explore the 164 acres of swamps, woodlands, and beaches of the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. With a handicap-accessible 1,000-foot boardwalk leading from the parking lot to a breathtaking view overlooking Galliard Lake, everyone can experience the beauty of Dauphin. Uncover the past at the historic Fort Gaines. One of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century brick seacoast fortifications in the east, Fort Gaines was completed in 1861 and is a prominent site on the Mobile Bay for generations. Get up close to the nifty nautical plants and animals at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a public aquarium with over 100 species of animals on display and a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool. Delight in the beautiful, white, sugar sand beaches, the public golf, courses, and parks with ancient oaks of Dauphin Island – a wonderful and relaxing vacation destination. 
dauphinisland.org 

 

2. Onyx Cave, Arkansas 

Discovered in 1891, Onyx Cave is the oldest toured cave in Arkansas! Home to a variety of wildlife and living formations, Onyx Cave is one of the most beautiful examples of subterranean beauty. Spend an afternoon panning for semi-precious gems on the expansive outdoor deck and enjoy the stunning views. Discover 20 different types of stone at the water sluice or get some frustration out with Axe Throwing. With easy access ramps, Onyx Cave is perfect for all ages. While the cave does not contain onyx, it does contain flowstone also known as "cave onyx". Since the cave stays at an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (13.8 degrees Celsius) year-round, Onyx Caves is a great place to stay cool even on the hottest of summer days.
onyxcaveeurekasprings.com 

 

3. Cumberland Island, GA 

Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, Cumberland Island is where ocean winds whisper across the marsh, undeveloped beaches offer refuge for endangered wildlife, and maritime forests remain in a pristine and undisturbed condition. Home to over 9,800 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, Cumberland Island supports a rich diversity of plants and animals and offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cumberland Sound. With little commercial development, Cumberland Island is filled with moss-covered oaks, nature trails, dunes, and natural getaways for the whole family.  
nps.gov/cuis 

 

4. Daniel Boone National Forest, KY 

Spread over 2,000,000 acres across 21 counties, Daniel Boone National Forest is a national treasure in the heart of the Bluegrass State. Activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, tubing, and water skiing are just some of the adventures visitors can enjoy in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Hike the 600 miles of trails, widely considered one of the premier sport-climbing areas in the country. Explore the Sky Bridge Trail and discover the Red River Gorge section of the park. With three large lakes located within the National Forest – Cave Run Lake, Laurel River, and Lake Cumberland – a multitude of animals call the area home, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, riding, and relax. Discover the wilderness that shaped the frontiersmen of America at the Daniel Boone National Forest.
fs.usda.gov/dbnf 

 

5. Cameron Parish, LA 

Natural splendor to leave one breathless, Cameron Parish in Southwest Louisiana is a fantastic place to enjoy breathtaking views and relax in the great outdoors of the Pelican State. Home to the Creole Nature Trail, create an outdoor adventure with world-class fishing and birdwatching. A natural gem of the Gulf Coast, Cameron Parish delights visitors with peaceful marshlands, gorgeous beaches, and some of the greatest waterways providing exceptional saltwater and freshwater fishing. Cameron Parish – painted by nature, experienced by all.  
cameronparishtouristcommission.org 

 

6. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, MS 

Offering a unique experience to explore the natural world first-hand – The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is one of the most impressive museums in the South. Located in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, in Jackson, the Museum is home to a gigantic 100,000-gallon aquarium, an extensive fossil collection, and greenhouse-enclosed swamp habitat. Overlooking 300-acres of natural wilderness, explore 73,000 square feet of eye-opening exhibits at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. 
mdwfp.com/museum 

 

7. Outer Banks of NC 

Offering no shortage of natural splendors, Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks of North Carolina charm and delight visitors and locals every day of the year. With wild horses roaming windswept beaches, Cape Hatteras is the perfect backdrop for a vacation of a lifetime. Established as England’s first settlement in the New World, the Outer Banks’s Roanoke Island is steep in tragic and unknown historic mystery. 

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore lets visitors engage all the senses, with the Atlantic’s melodic ocean waves, the stunning star-filled night skies, and the biologically diverse salt marshes. Climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and discover the dazzling view from the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. A hotspot for windsurfing, kayaking around the sound, and exceptional fishing, North Carolina’s Outer Banks is full of outdoor adventure, guaranteed to make a vacation of a lifetime.  
outerbanks.org 

 

8. Devil’s Fork State Park, SC 

Trek through Devil’s Fork State Park and find the awe-inspiring treasures of Lake Jocassee. The 7,565-acre lake is surrounded by primarily undeveloped land, home to the endangered Oconee Bell, a rare yellow and white blooming flower of Southern Appalachia, with red stem and red-tinged leaves. Once on the mountain spring-fed waters of Lake Jocassee, hop aboard a boat to view several stunning waterfalls and access some of the best trout fishing in South Carolina. With unusually clear water, the Lake is also a great place for scuba divers and swimmers. With 3 public boat ramps, 20 multi-bedroom lakeside villas, 59 campsites for RVs, 25 tent camping sites, and a campground only accessible by boat, Lake Jocassee is an incredible adventure in Devil’s Fork State Park. 
southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork 

 

9. Ocoee Country, TN 

Wild adventures and unforgettable memories are made in Ocoee Country. A haven for all that is natural, Ocoee Country is an unforgettable excursion destination. At the Ducktown Basin Museum, learn about the history of copper mining in Tennessee and the region. Explore the two-story Victorian railroad station, the Etowah Railroad Depot, and Museum, home to the “Hiawassee River Rail Adventure” and a symbol of the town’s founding. Visit Fort Marr and see some of the last visible remains of the Cherokee confinement camps before their tragic removal. Poignant and important history, dazzling natural wonders, and impeccable Southern hospitality make Ocoee Country a magical Southern escape.  
ocoeecountry.com 

 

10. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, TX 

Discover the spectacular natural wonders of the Lone Star State at Pedernales Falls State Park. Whether camping, hiking, and biking, be sure to stop at a scenic overlook above the falls and take in the glory of the Texas Hill Country. Ranging in length from half a mile to six miles long, the Park's trails offer a variety of difficulty levels, from easy to challenging. Including mountains, canyons, natural creeks, and waterways, Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City is beautiful. Visit Bee Creek as it spills out over stair-stepped pools and soak your feet in the cool water of the Arrowhead Pool. Fun on land and water, visitors can enjoy bird watching, horse riding, swimming, tubing, fishing, and more, all at Pedernales Falls State Park.
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls 

 

11. Montpelier in Virginia  

Located in Orange County, James Madison’s Montpelier offers over eight miles of well-marked walking trails. One of Piedmont’s best-kept secrets, this familial plantation home of America’s fourth president and father of the Constitution is conveniently located to several metropolitan areas, like Washington, DC, and Charlottesville. With trails winding through an Old-Growth Landmark Forest, horse pastures, and wildflower meadows, Montpelier offers incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Focused on promoting the enduring legacy of Madison, and his belief in government by the people, this National Historic Landmark is 2,650 acres of natural and historic entertainment, open seven days a week.  
montpelier.org  

 

12. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, WV 

Spread across three counties, the 17,371-acre Dolly Sods Wilderness Area inside the Monongahela National Forest. With elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,700 feet, Dolly Sods features 47 miles of trails next to old railroad grades and logging roads and across small streams. One of West Virginia's most treasured natural assets, the Wilderness Area is characterized by weather typically experienced in more northern climes like Canada. Situated atop the highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, avid backpackers and photographers embrace the wild landscape and natural adventure of West Virginia. With notable boulder-strewn summits like Coal Knob, Breathed Mountain, and Blackbird Knob, the lofty views found at Dolly Sods inspire awe. Discover the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and discover a little bit of Canada gone astray.  
canaanvalley.org 

 

13. Ozark Folk Art Center in Mountainview, Arkansas 

Dedicated to perpetuating the music, craft, and culture of the Ozarks, the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountainview, lets visitors get up close to artisans perfecting their craft. Stroll through the Heritage Herb Garden and be serenaded by live Southern mountain music while enjoying the beauty and intoxicating fragrance of medicinal herbs, native plants, and edible herbs. At the Craft Village, watch more than 20 craftsmen demonstrating, creating, and selling handmade gifts and goods. With items like copper jewelry, leather purses, wood carvings, spun yarn, candles, stained glass, pottery, ironworks, knives, quilts, and so much more. Go wild at Loco Ropes, a challenging ropes and zip line course.  

Experience the culture and crafts of Arkansas and the Ozarks at the Ozark Folk Art Center.
arkansasstateparks.com/parks/ozark-folk-center-state-park 

 

14. Hawk’s Nest State Park, West Virginia 

Located on one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the country, Hawks Nest State Park is 270 acres of recreational excitement. Spend a restful night in the 31-room luxurious lodge, and enjoy the day at the Park’s nature museum, aerial tramway, jetboat rides, and hiking trails. Located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, Hawks Nest offers numerous scenic overlooks, each with a bird’s eye view of the National River below. A well-known nesting ground Osprey, the aptly named, Hawk’s Nest State Park is a must-visit in the heart of whitewater rafting country.  
wvstateparks.com/park/hawks-nest-state-park 

 

15. Sound Waves at Gaylord Opry Nashville, TN 

The newest addition to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, Sound Waves is a thrilling indoor water adventure – guaranteed to become an instant family favorite. Not a typical waterpark, Sound Waves is the nation's first truly upscale indoor/outdoor resort-style water attraction. This unexpectedly delightful aquatic attraction in Nashville seamlessly blends the extraordinary amenities, relaxing water features, immersive music, and engaging rides together to create an upscale ambiance all year round. With a steady temperature of 84 degrees, modern aesthetic, and luxe environment, this divine oasis was designed for all ages to enjoy, every day of the year.  
soundwavesgo.com 

Discover the excitement of a family-friendly vacation, the history of the diverse and eclectic communities, and the beauty of the great outdoors with these Top 15 attractions!