So you're wondering "what are the southern states of the United States"? Honestly, I used to get this wrong myself before researching for a road trip last fall. The South isn't just about sweet tea and accents - it's a complex region with shifting boundaries depending on who you ask. When I first planned my Tennessee-to-Louisiana drive, I was shocked how many definitions existed.
Official Southern State List: The Core 16
According to the US Census Bureau (the most widely accepted authority), these 16 states make up the South:
| State | Capital | Nickname | Must-Visit City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Montgomery | Heart of Dixie | Birmingham (civil rights history) |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | The Natural State | Hot Springs (historic bathhouses) |
| Delaware | Dover | The First State | Rehoboth Beach (boardwalk & seafood) |
| Florida | Tallahassee | Sunshine State | St. Augustine (oldest US city) |
| Georgia | Atlanta | Peach State | Savannah (historic squares) |
| Kentucky | Frankfort | Bluegrass State | Louisville (bourbon trail) |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge | Pelican State | New Orleans (French Quarter) |
| Maryland | Annapolis | Old Line State | Baltimore (Inner Harbor) |
| Mississippi | Jackson | Magnolia State | Oxford (literary culture) |
| North Carolina | Raleigh | Tar Heel State | Asheville (Blue Ridge Mountains) |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | Sooner State | Tulsa (art deco architecture) |
| South Carolina | Columbia | Palmetto State | Charleston (historic plantations) |
| Tennessee | Nashville | Volunteer State | Memphis (Graceland) |
| Texas | Austin | Lone Star State | San Antonio (River Walk) |
| Virginia | Richmond | Old Dominion | Charlottesville (Monticello) |
| West Virginia | Charleston | Mountain State | Harpers Ferry (historic town) |
A quick geography tip: states like Missouri sometimes get included in regional discussions, but technically they're Midwest per federal standards. Learned that the hard way when I asked for "Southern BBQ" in St. Louis and got puzzled looks.
Borderline Cases: Where Does the South Really End?
This debate gets heated! During my Appalachian Trail hike, locals argued fiercely about border states. Here's why definitions vary:
| State | Why Some Include It | Why Others Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Ozark Mountains culture, Southern dialect in rural areas | Midwest economy, Union state in Civil War |
| Kentucky | Bluegrass music, bourbon tradition, mint juleps | Border state during Civil War, less pronounced accents |
| Florida | Northern FL has plantations and antebellum architecture | Southern culture diluted in Miami/Orlando by transplants |
Honestly? After spending a month in Pensacola versus Miami, Florida feels like two different worlds. The panhandle has more in common with Alabama than South Beach.
Traveler's Essential Info: Southern States By Region
Breaking down the South by sub-regions makes trip planning easier. Pro tip: avoid July and August unless you enjoy 95°F heat with 90% humidity.
Deep South Experience
Heart of Southern culture - think Spanish moss, soul food, and complex history. Best visited October-November.
- Louisiana: French Quarter (New Orleans), open 24/7, no entry fee but $30+ for ghost tours
- Mississippi: Vicksburg Military Park (3201 Clay St, $20 vehicle entry)
- Alabama: Civil Rights Trail (Birmingham), free walking tour map available
Don't miss Faulkner's home in Oxford, MS. The bookshop next door has first editions you can't find online.
Atlantic Coast States
Historic colonies with beach options. Spring and fall are ideal.
- South Carolina: Magnolia Plantation (3550 Ashley River Rd), $29 adult entry
- Georgia: Savannah Historic District, free to walk (paid trolley tours $35)
- Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg (Visitor Center at 101 Visitor Center Dr), $45 day pass
Mountain South Charm
My personal favorite for scenery. October foliage is spectacular.
- Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains NP (free entry, parking $5/hr)
- North Carolina: Biltmore Estate (1 Lodge St, Asheville), $75+ tickets
- West Virginia: New River Gorge Bridge (visitor center at 162 Visitor Center Rd)
Insider Advice: Rent a car. Public transport between southern states is practically non-existent. I learned this after a 7-hour bus delay from Atlanta to Nashville.
Cultural Hallmarks of Southern States
You haven't experienced the South until you've:
- Tried biscuits with sawmill gravy at a Tennessee diner (expect to pay $6-10)
- Heard live bluegrass in Kentucky (check Renfro Valley schedules)
- Joined a second-line parade in New Orleans (usually free, Sundays in Tremé)
Food is serious business down here. Charleston chefs will debate shrimp & grits recipes for hours. Skip the chain restaurants - the real magic happens at places like:
| City | Must-Try Dish | Local Spot | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | She-crab soup | 82 Queen (82 Queen St) | $10-15 bowl |
| Austin, TX | Breakfast tacos | Veracruz All Natural (1704 E Cesar Chavez) | $3-5 each |
| New Orleans, LA | Po'boys | Parkway Bakery (538 Hagan Ave) | $12-18 |
Key Historical Sites Across Southern America
The South's history is layered and often contentious. These sites handle it respectfully:
Civil Rights Trail
Powerful and essential visits. Allow time for reflection.
- National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis, TN) - $18 adult entry, 9am-5pm
- 16th Street Baptist Church (Birmingham, AL) - Free tours by appointment
Civil War Battlefields
Best with guided tours to understand context:
- Gettysburg (PA) - Wait, Pennsylvania? Technically not Southern but strongly connected
- Antietam (MD) - Bloodiest single-day battle, visitor center at 302 E Main St
Plantation Tours
Choose carefully - some still romanticize the past. Whitney Plantation (LA) focuses on enslaved experiences ($25, 9:30-4:30).
Southern States Climate Guide
Pack based on sub-region and season. That "light summer jacket" I brought to Arkansas in July? Never left my suitcase.
| Area | Summer (Jun-Aug) | Winter (Dec-Feb) | Best Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast | Hot, humid, rainy (90°F+) | Mild, some cold snaps (45-60°F) | Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov |
| Appalachian | Warm days, cool nights (75-85°F) | Snow possible, cold (20-40°F) | May-Jun, Sep-Oct |
| Atlantic Coast | Hot, humid, hurricane risk | Chilly rain, occasional snow | Apr-May, Sep-Oct |
Hurricane season runs June-November. Always check forecasts if coastal.
Top Mistakes Visitors Make in Southern States
After three extended Southern trips, I've made most of these:
- Assuming uniform culture: Texas barbecue differs wildly from Carolina styles
- Underestimating distances: Driving from Memphis to NOLA takes 6+ hours
- Scheduling too tightly: Everything moves slower here - it's not inefficiency, it's a rhythm
Seriously, add 30% more time than Google Maps suggests. That "quick lunch" might turn into a two-hour storytelling session with locals.
FAQ: Southern States Questions Travelers Actually Ask
How many states are considered Southern?
Typically 16, but regional definitions vary. The continental southern United States include all states south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Is Florida culturally Southern?
Northern Florida absolutely is (Tallahassee, Pensacola). Orlando and south? Less so. Miami feels like its own country.
What are the southern states known for?
Distinct food culture (barbecue, fried chicken), musical traditions (blues, country, jazz), complex history, and famously hospitable people.
Which southern state should I visit first?
For beginners: Tennessee (Nashville music scene + Smoky Mountains). For history buffs: Virginia (Colonial Williamsburg + Civil War sites). For foodies: Louisiana.
Are southern states expensive to visit?
Outside major cities like Atlanta or Miami? Very affordable. I ate well on $25/day in Mississippi backroads. Hotel pricing varies wildly - book plantation stays months ahead.
What's the best road trip route through southern America?
Classic route: Start in Virginia → North Carolina mountains → Charleston → Savannah → New Orleans. Allow 2-3 weeks minimum.
Do I need to rent a car?
Absolutely. Public transport between southern United States is limited. Book early - rental shortages happen.
How do Southerners feel about discussing Civil War history?
Be respectful and open to learning. Many historical sites now present balanced perspectives. Avoid arguments - listen more than talk.
Final thought? Don't just check states off a list. Sit on a porch swing. Talk to strangers. Try the fried okra even if it sounds weird. The magic's in the details you can't Google.
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