Experts Say These 7 Cities Will Be the South’s Hottest Travel Destinations in 2026
Domestic travel momentum, new hotel openings, upgraded airports, and stacked events calendars are converging across the American South. Based on current tourism trends, air connectivity, and hospitality pipeline data, these seven cities are primed to be the South’s hottest destinations in 2026.
Tip: Book peak weekends 3–6 months ahead. For holiday periods and marquee festivals, 6–9 months is safer.
1) Nashville, Tennessee
Why it’s surging in 2026: Nashville
- Live music capital with a deep bench of venues beyond Broadway
- Growing culinary scene (hot chicken to chef-driven Southern)
- Strong weekend airlift and new midscale-to-luxury hotel stock
Book early for: Spring/summer festival weekends, big concert announcements, football home games.
Best time to go: March–May, September–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: The Gulch, East Nashville, Germantown.
2) New Orleans, Louisiana
Why it’s surging in 2026: New Orleans
- Evergreen draw for food, culture, and festivals well beyond Mardi Gras
- Streetcar access, compact historic neighborhoods, strong boutique hotel scene
Book early for: Mardi Gras season, Jazz Fest, Halloween/Voodoo season.
Best time to go: February–May, October–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: French Quarter (central), Marigny/Bywater (arts), Garden District (quiet charm).
3) Charleston, South Carolina
Why it’s surging in 2026: Charleston
- Coastal history meets destination dining and barrier-island beach days
- Walkable historic core with refined inns and new boutique hotels
Book early for: Spring bloom season, fall wedding weekends.
Best time to go: March–May, September–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: Historic District, South of Broad, Mount Pleasant (bridge access + value).
4) Savannah, Georgia
Why it’s surging in 2026: Savannah
- Squares, oaks, and a rising food-and-art footprint; easy coastal add-on to Charleston
- Expanding riverfront and restored inns
Book early for: St. Patrick’s Day, spring/fall festival weekends.
Best time to go: March–May, October–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: Historic District, Starland District, Riverfront.
5) Austin, Texas
Why it’s surging in 2026: Austin
- Music, BBQ, Hill Country escapes, and lake days; maturing luxury and lifestyle hotel mix
- Year-round events and growing tech/business travel boosting weekends
Book early for: Major festival/conference weeks and spring lake season.
Best time to go: February–April, October–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: South Congress (SoCo), East Austin, Downtown/2nd Street.
6) Miami, Florida
Why it’s surging in 2026: Miami
- Beaches plus design, dining, and culture; new luxury openings and refreshed classics
- Strong international airlift supports steady shoulder-season demand
Book early for: Art and music weeks, New Year’s, spring break.
Best time to go: December–April (peak), May and November (shoulder).
Neighborhoods to base in: South Beach (iconic), Mid/NoBe (quieter beachfront), Brickell/Wynwood (urban style).
7) Atlanta, Georgia
Why it’s surging in 2026: Atlanta
- World’s busiest airport equals abundant, often affordable flights
- Reimagined BeltLine neighborhoods, major attractions, and a booming dining scene
Book early for: Holiday periods, marquee concerts, big game weekends.
Best time to go: March–May, September–November.
Neighborhoods to base in: Midtown (arts + parks), Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward (BeltLine), Buckhead (shopping/dining).
How we picked the list
We assessed:
- Air connectivity and route growth
- Hotel and attraction pipeline (openings/refreshes)
- 2026 event calendars and seasonality
- Walkability and neighborhood depth for weekenders
- Dining, culture, and outdoors mix
Budget and booking tips (2026)
- Fly Thursday–Saturday or Saturday–Tuesday to dodge Sunday surges.
- Lock flexible rates 3–6 months out; re-check 2–3 weeks before arrival.
- Target shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) for value and weather.
- Use transit/ride-share where parking is costly; consider bike/scooter on BeltLine (ATL) and riverfront paths (SAV/CHS).
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit the South broadly?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) balance milder weather with plenty of events.
Are these cities family-friendly?
Yes—each offers parks, aquariums/zoos or kid-friendly museums, plus outdoor spaces and casual dining.
Do I need to rent a car?
Not always. Nashville, New Orleans, Charleston, Savannah, Miami, and Atlanta are doable without a car if you base centrally. Austin benefits from ride-share; rent a car for Hill Country day trips.
How far ahead should I book for festivals?
Six to nine months for headline events and holiday weeks; three to six months for typical peak weekends.
Planning a Southern getaway in 2026? Start with flights and flexible hotel bookings now, then layer in restaurants and tickets as dates firm up. The South’s mix of music, food, culture, and coastlines is only getting stronger in the year ahead.