The 20 Best Family Travel Destinations in the Southeast | Busrental.net Travel Guide

The southeastern part of the USA offers so many excellent destinations for multigenerational family vacations and trips. From the beautiful beaches of Florida at Miami & Daytona to the mountains of Tennessee, this amazing region provides beautiful scenery, historical attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly entertainment options to delight travelers of all ages. To help you plan the perfect multigenerational trip, our travel experts at Busrental.net have curated this list of the 20 best destinations in the Southeast. With our extensive experience providing charter bus rentals for group travel, we know how to craft the perfect family getaway. Each destination on our list offers a variety of activities, accommodations, and amenities to meet the needs of children, parents, grandparents, and the whole family.

So keep reading for the inside scoop on the top spots for your next big multigenerational vacation in the Southeast. And when you're ready to book transportation, contact Busrental.net at 877-200-4461 for help arranging charter bus rentals to get you there!

Destin, Florida

Destin delivers all the best of a Florida beach vacation - white sand, sparkling emerald waters, abundant seafood restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Its beaches offer relaxed vibes for sunbathing and building sandcastles. At Henderson Beach State Park, take leisurely nature walks amid sand dunes and coastal forests. For outdoor adventures, charter a fishing boat or take thrill rides at Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. Destin Harbor Boardwalk comes alive at night with restaurants, live music, and harbor cruises.

With condos directly on the beach and family resorts like Holiday Inn and Hilton Sandestin, there's no shortage of accommodation options. Destin hits all the marks for a laidback, sunshine-filled family vacation on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston exudes old-world Southern charm and history. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the downtown historic district and take in rainbow-hued antebellum mansions and quaint parks. Fort Sumter National Monument provides an engaging history lesson on the first shots of the Civil War. At Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum, tour the WWII-era aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The South Carolina Aquarium delights kids of all ages with sea turtles, sting rays, and thousands of exotic fish.

Nearby plantations like Magnolia Gardens and Middleton Place offer gardens, house tours, and Lowcountry cuisine. Accommodations range from boutique inns to beach resorts on nearby Sullivan's Island. With a mild climate year-round, Charleston is a can't-miss destination.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

For a quintessential family beach vacation, Myrtle Beach is hard to top. Its wide sandy beaches serve up swimming, sandcastle building, beachcombing, and endless fun in the sun. An oceanside boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and amusement park rides like the SkyWheel promises excitement. Hit the links on 90+ golf courses, or take adventure rides and water slides at Wild Water & Wheels water park.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Ripley's Aquarium, and Medieval Times dinner show provide family entertainment. Score big savings on lodging with condos and budget hotels along the Strand. With 60 miles of beaches, attractions galore, and a festive boardwalk, Myrtle Beach rocks a classic fun-in-the-sun family vibe.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans's vibrant culture and living history make it a one-of-a-kind destination for multigenerational travel. Take a streetcar through the historic French Quarter and listen to jazz on Bourbon Street. Savor Cajun and Creole cuisine at diners, cafes, and fine dining restaurants. Learn about voodoo and peruse exhibits at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Stroll along the mighty Mississippi admiring paddle steamers or take a jazz cruise on a riverboat.

The National WWII Museum and Mardi Gras World offer interactive experiences, while City Park provides green space with pedal boats, botanical gardens, and an art museum. Stay in the thick of the action at family-friendly hotels in the French Quarter or Garden District. With its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment, New Orleans promises an unforgettable multigenerational travel experience.

Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located in the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and family attractions. In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood amusement park delivers world-class coasters, shows, and Southern hospitality. Gatlinburg boasts arts, crafts shops, hiking trails, and scenic chairlift rides with mountain views.

Zipline through the canopy or ride an alpine coaster with fabulous vistas at Ober Gatlinburg. Stay in family-sized cabins and enjoy foothills foliage on scenic drives. With stunning natural beauty and exciting attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, Titanic Museum, and Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud dinner show, this mountainous region is a top family travel pick.

Orlando, Florida

Of course, Orlando is making its way on to this list! As one of the world's top family travel destinations, Orlando needs no introduction. Theme park magic abounds with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND. Exciting rides, shows, characters, themed hotels, and so much more provide nonstop family fun. Beyond the big parks, take an airboat ride, kayak with manatees, or explore boutique museums dedicated to chocolate, coins, and tennis.

With Orlando's warm weather and almost endless attractions, every member of the family can craft their ideal itinerary. Sensational restaurants and family-sized vacation home rentals complete the perfect package for a multigenerational dream vacation.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah captivates visitors with Southern charm. Stately live oaks draped in Spanish moss shade 22 refreshing city squares. Take a trolley or walking tour to admire gorgeous antebellum architecture and quaint townhomes. Stop for pralines, sweet tea, and she-crab soup along River Street. Explore local history at the Pin Point Heritage Museum at the former A.S. Varn & Son Oyster & Crab Factory. Kids and parents alike enjoy dolphin cruises, ghost tours, and free family concerts.

Nearby Tybee Island offers quintessential beach fun with water sports, amusement park rides, and seaside eateries. With mild weather, easy walkability, and cultural immersion, Savannah promises quality bonding and fun for the whole family.

Cape San Blas, Florida

For off-the-beaten-path beach adventures, head to the "Forgotten Coast" of Cape San Blas along Florida's Gulf Shore. Sugar-white sand beaches give way to emerald waters teeming with scallops and crabs. Beachcombing uncovers an array of shells, starfish, and sand dollars. Swimming, kayaking, and fishing abound in St. Joseph Bay. Climb the Cape San Blas Lighthouse for spectacular views.

Nearby wilderness preserves offer excellent birdwatching and nature hikes. Stay at accommodations ranging from no-frills to upscale along pristine Port St. Joe Beach. With fewer crowds and miles of natural beauty, Cape San Blas promises quality family downtime enjoying sun, sand, and the soothing surf.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach delivers quintessential family beachfront fun along the sparkling Emerald Coast. Build sandcastles, boogie board, parasail, and enjoy 27 miles of white sand beaches. At Shipwreck Island Waterpark, make a splash on thrilling slides and attractions. Learn about local marine life at Gulf World Marine Park, where kids can swim with dolphins. Pier Park offers shopping, dining, and amusements with an iconic 200-foot observation wheel.

Score huge savings on accommodations with condos and family suites near the beach. With endless coastline, family entertainment, and laidback vibes, Panama City Beach promises sun-soaked family fun for all generations.

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola combines historic charm, diverse museums, and sugar-white beaches along Florida's Panhandle. Get your fill of sun and surf at Casino Beach before visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum, home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Dig for fossils at Florida Caverns State Park, or let the kids run wild on the splash pad at Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park.

The whole family will appreciate gorgeous beaches and coastal scenery. Stay at beachfront hotels or save money at value properties near attractions. With history, nature, and family entertainment, Pensacola promises memorable adventures and quality bonding for the entire crew.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

The Alabama Gulf Coast promises 32 miles of pristine beaches, outdoor adventures, and family entertainment. Build sandcastles or try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing. At Waterville USA, families find amusement rides, mini golf, laser tag, and go karts. The Gulf State Park Pier stretches almost a mile into the Gulf for excellent fishing and relaxing views.

Kids will love petting sting rays and feeding birds at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Museums like the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum and Fort Morgan provide engaging historical education. The whole family can bond over chartered deep sea fishing trips or dolphin cruises. With condos, hotels, and beach houses, lodging abounds. Sandy beaches, southern hospitality, and entertainment for all ages make Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a winning coastal destination.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga delivers outdoor adventures against a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Ride one of America's steepest passenger railways up Lookout Mountain for panoramic views. At the Tennessee Aquarium, get eye-to-eye with penguins and navigate through a shark tank. History buffs will appreciate Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Kids can run wild exploring 220 acres at Coolidge Park and carousel rides at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park.

Nearby Ruby Falls features a thundering 145-foot underground waterfall. Lodging ranges from family campgrounds to downtown hotels like The Chattanoogan with water slides and poolside fun. With incredible natural scenery and attractions for all ages, Chattanooga promises adventurous family fun.

Helen, Georgia

Experience Bavaria without leaving the country in the charming mountain village of Helen, Georgia. Cobblestone alleys, old-world architecture, and German cuisine provide a taste of Europe. Ride Alpine Coasters, mine for gems, or enjoy tubing down alpine rivers. Mini golf, horseback riding, and ziplining provide outdoor adventures for all ages and abilities.

The family can bond over live polka music, seasonal festivals, and fairy tale lights in the winter. Unwind in a spacious cabin rental in the woods or cozy inn downtown. Experience Germany's heritage and culture without the long flight. Helen brings the magic of Bavaria to Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Gulf Breeze & Pensacola Beach, Florida

Along Florida’s Panhandle, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach offer gorgeous shorelines, nature preserves, family attractions, and historic forts. At the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Fort Pickens, discover pristine beaches, hiking trails, and early 1800s fortifications used in the Civil War. Tour the Pensacola Lighthouse for outstanding sunset views over the bay. Go dolphin watching, try stand up paddleboarding, or charter a deep sea fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico’s calm emerald waters.

Kids will love building sandcastles, playing mini golf, and going on amusement rides at the family-friendly Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Choose from beach resorts, value hotels, and condos along the shoreline. With outdoor adventures, historical education, sandy beaches, and family entertainment, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach have something for everyone.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island charms visitors with Southern hospitality, championship golf courses, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, and 12 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline. Families relax on the beach, explore lush nature preserves, and find adventure with kayaking, dolphin cruises, and eco-tours. At Coastal Discovery Museum, uncover the island’s natural history and Gullah culture. Enjoy fresh seafood like shrimp and oysters straight from the dockside restaurants.

Stay in family-sized villas or full-amenity resorts like Sonesta and Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. With gentle waves, easy bike paths, and a vibrant arts scene, Hilton Head Island promises the ultimate island escape for multigenerational families.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is a hub for multigenerational travel in the Southeast. Tour the new World of Coca-Cola museum then see the impressive Georgia Aquarium, home to beluga whales and the world’s largest fish species - the whale shark. Cheer on pro sports teams like the Braves at Truist Park or grab barbecue at an authentic soul food restaurant.

Civil War buffs appreciate the Atlanta History Center and Cyclorama exhibit. Pro football and baseball teams, zoo animals, indoor skydiving, and amusement parks like Six Flags Over Georgia ensure endless family entertainment. With diverse attractions, accommodations, and cuisine, Atlanta keeps every generation engaged, entertained, and making family memories.

Asheville, North Carolina

Right in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville delights families with its unique blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate for a glimpse into the Gilded Age. Ride to the top of Chimney Rock Park for 75-mile panoramic views and hiking trails. At Navitat Canopy Adventures, zipline through the treetops or test your balance on suspended bridges.

Downtown, locally-owned restaurants, shops, galleries, and street musicians create a lively scene. Kids love splashing in the fountains at Pack Square Park, admiring street art in the River Arts District, and exploring the Western North Carolina Nature Center. With its stunning scenery, artsy local vibe, and abundance of attractions, Asheville fires up the imagination and sense of adventure in travelers of all ages.

Fort Walton Beach, Florida

The Emerald Coast shines in Fort Walton Beach with snow-white sand, clear green waters, and great family attractions. Build castles on the beach or try watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, and dolphin cruises. At Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone, families find amusement rides, mini golf, arcade games, and zip lines overlooking the Gulf. Swim alongside playful dolphins or embark on a deep sea fishing charter out of Destin Harbor just minutes away.

Kids can dig for shark teeth fossils at nearby Grayton Beach State Park or admire fighter jets at the Air Force Armament Museum. With midrange hotels and condo rentals, Fort Walton Beach offers affordable beachfront fun and entertainment options for every taste and generation.

Memphis, Tennessee

In the birthplace of blues, rock 'n roll, and soul, families encounter music history and cultural attractions. Tour Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion or Sun Studio where legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded iconic songs. View exhibits on Memphis's musical heritage at the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum and the GRAMMY Museum or catch a live show on Beale Street.

Kids love admiring prowling big cats, pandas, and meerkats at the Memphis Zoo. Ride vintage roller coasters at Libertyland Amusement Park or a riverboat along the mighty Mississippi. The National Civil Rights Museum provides an impactful history lesson for all ages. With family-friendly hotels, downhome barbecue joints, and endless music memories around every corner, Memphis delivers a multigenerational travel experience filled with rhythm, flavor, and fun.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville commands the spotlight with live entertainment, music history, tasty Southern fare, and family fun. Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and stand in the studio where music legends recorded at Historic RCA Studio B. Kids love interacting with exhibits at the Johnny Cash Museum and Madame Tussaud's celebrity wax figures.

Cruise past Music Row on a paddlewheeler or take in the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. Outside the city, families appreciate the adventure activities, camping, and hiking trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park. In the “Music City,” families bond over toe-tapping tunes, downhome cooking, and attractions celebrating iconic artists.

Book Your Transportation With Busrental.net

Busrental.net wants to help make getting your family to these amazing Southeastern destinations simple and stress-free. Our charter bus rentals allow the whole group to travel together conveniently and comfortably. Our extensive fleet connects you with the ideal transportation - from party buses, minibuses, and motorcoaches to wheelchair-accessible buses equipped for special needs. For excellent service and the best buses guaranteed at competitive, budget-friendly rates, choose Busrental.net as your transportation partner. Contact us at 877-200-4461 or book your charter bus transportation online today!