As a true Southern woman at heart, I may be a little bias, but I think the perfect place to vacation, or escape to a slower pace in life, is the South. So, what better place to plan your trip than where the tea is sweet, but the people are sweeter? Check out these perfect southern honeymoon destinations or romantic getaways!
I have compiled a list of where I think the best southern honeymoon destinations and am here today to give you all the details.
Table of Contents
Destination #1: Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida
Honestly, is there a better place to honeymoon or getaway as a couple? Disney treats their guests like royalty and the cast members love to celebrate you and create magical moments (which I can say as a former cast member – to read more click here).
As a honeymooner, you can get the cheesy bride and groom mickey ears, share a churro in front of the castle, wear matching shirts, and no one will judge you.
I have had multiple friends go to Disney World on their honeymoon and they have come back raving. In fact, my parents when to WDW on their honeymoon 30 plus years ago.
WDW also has wedding packages and you can get married AT DISNEY! If you are a fellow Disney enthusiast, it is worth looking into if you have the budget.
Recommended: 12 Tips for the Best Walt Disney World Vacation
Destination #2: The Gulf – Gulf Shores or Orange Beach Alabama
People talk about the prettiest beaches in the world being in these exotic places and you see these amazing pictures, but honestly, you get there and there are a lot of rocks and shells.
For me, it never lives up to the hype, then talk about the expense to even get there in the first place. Why go around the world, when the Gulf of Mexico is in your backyard.
There are many, many amazing beach towns on the coast, but Alabama and Florida have the most appealing beaches. Florida is more expensive and the Mississippi and Louisiana beaches have been ravaged by hurricanes. So, my go to is Alabama.
There are so many good restaurants and going to the beach is free or with less overhead expense. Plus, you can spend all day in your bathing suit on your honeymoon and who does not want that?
Recommended: The Perfect Bachelorette Weekend in Orange Beach, Alabama
Destination #3: Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is that typical southern town with the most charm. It would be perfect for a shorter honeymoon where you are looking to just get away and be together for a few days after the wedding. It is also perfect for a short weekend getaway.
There are a ton of fun restaurant and places to eat. Plenty of places to explore and a slow pace of life to keep you appreciating what is important. I have a full list of things to eat and do, so check it out if you are aplanning a trip!
Charleston’s historic area will leave you posting photos on instagram for days. Also, you cannot miss out on a romantic carriage ride around the town with your lover. Honestly, you can’t go wrong if you pick this as your go to out of the southern honeymoon destinations.
Recommended: A Weekend Guide to Charleston, South Carolina
Destination #5: Biloxi, Mississippi
Mississippi might not be your first thought when planning your honeymoon or romantic getaway, but if you are looking for something different, then this might be the place for you.
Biloxi is home to some casinos , so if this is your cup of tea Biloxi is the place for you. Not to mention the museums, close proximity of the beach, and wonderful historic areas.
Biloxi is not the only trip worthy place in Mississippi. Go North to visit Elvis’ Graceland. Drive South to the beaches. Visit the small town of Laurel (that I was named after) that is becoming a star on the rise with the new show HomeTown on HGTV.
Destination #6: Nashville, Tennessee
When most people think of Nashville, they think of drunk bachelorette parties or loud country music. Although you will find both, it is also a wonderful city full of adventures.
Great restaurants, museums, and music for all who come. Also, just outside of Nashville if the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort, the PERFECT romantic getaway.
You never even have the need to leave the resort, as they have eating areas, attractions, gift shops, and more to keep you busy for days. Make sure to pack your boots and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Furthermore, check out which concerts are going on during your trip.
The city of Nashville is not the place for the couple looking to relax, but the Gaylord Opryland offers an oasis in the city. Because of this, couples can get the best of both worlds as Hannah Montana said.
Destination #7: St. Augustine, Florida
Wow, can I just tell you how much I love St. Augustine? Whenever I went to visit my in-laws as Reid and I were dating, we would make a day trip. I always wanted to spend more time there, because there is so much to offer.
Not only is it close to an airport in Jacksonville and the many adventures the city offers, St. Augustine is just precious. The historic area is huge, you cannot even cover it in one day.
There are tree lined streets, so many fun eating places, and it is right next door to Amelias Island. Take a walk around the fort and the fountain of youth (admission required).
There will still be plenty of time to relax and with the beach being so close. Make sure to take time to dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean.
I have seen many people pick this as their southern honeymoon destination!
Recommended: Exploring the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Destination #8: Atlanta, Georgia
The ATL is another larger city, but has so much to offer. It has the southern roots, but not the country feel as a small town.
They are known for their aquarium and the museum of coke. Both are a lot of fun to stroll through. There are also many new areas like the Ponce City Market that offer hip areas for all visitors.
Traffic is a nightmare, so I would not try to drive, but uber is always available. If you and your spouse are huge sports fans, there is a professional football and basketball team in ATL. You could attend a game while in the city to cheer on your team.
Atlanta is the perfect place if you are looking to visit somewhere new, do not want to just sit around and relax all day, but also do not want to do outdoor adventures.
Destination #9: Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a quaint, historic town and will make your fall in love with the southern charm. Although this might not be a week-long destination, Savannah is perfect for a short getaway when you cannot take off work for very long.
To plan your trip to Savannah, CLICK HERE for a full city travel guide.
The oak trees covered with Spanish moss that line all the streets and adorable coffee shops and eateries will have you swooning with your significant other faster that the mosquitoes can bite you.
Recommended: Savannah Georgia Packing List
I put so much weight on choosing the perfect southern honeymoon destinations or romantic getaway, but ultimately the important part is that you get to spend time with your honey and cherish the special moments.
BUT that does not mean you cannot plan a stellar vacation. Whether you are looking to slow down and relax, be in the middle of the hustle and bustle, or just travel somewhere new, these southern honeymoon destinations are the perfect place for your honeymoon.
Have you traveled somewhere down south and absolutely loved it? Let us know in the comments!
Lots of Love, Laurel McDaniel
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I’ve never really been to the southern states so would love to visit one day! Love the history in the older towns 🙂
Author
Yes, you need to visit. Savannah and St. Augustine has a ton of history, so I recommend those, plus you get the beach 🙂
Beautiful post! Savannah would make the top of my list but then I have only been to the Southern US once…
Author
Thank you! Savannah is beautiful and a dream. I definitely recommend making it down south again, especially during the summer!
Savannah is one of my favorites. If it comes to old Southern charme and plantations, I would probably ad Charleston to the list too.
Once you have sen all of Savannah, you can head out to Tybee Island and spend time on the beach or visit Ft. Pulaski or Hilton Head.
Author
I have yet to spend an extended period of time in Charleston, but yes I would definitely group it into this list! When we visited Savannah, we explored Tybee Island too. The lighthouse is precious and Wormsloe Historic sight has a beautiful drive.
The only place I’ve visited on your list is Disney and I can imagine it’s a great place for a fun experience as a couple. St Augustine sounds like a wonderful place and I can see why you like it so much. I’d be tempted to combine a trip to Disney or St Augustine followed by a cruise to the Caribbean.
Author
Great idea! St Augustine is only about a hour and a half drive from Orlando. You could even make it a whole road trip and head up to Savannah, which is only about 2 hours from St. Augustine.