What States are in the Southeast?
If you don’t live in this region, then you may be wondering what states are in the southeast US.
While the boundaries can get a bit fuzzy, depending on who you talk to, ten states generally make up the Southeast: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
There are a few others that are arguably in the southeast according to other opinions, but more on that later.
Each state has its own unique culture and attractions — from rich history to natural wonders — that makes it an essential part of the southeast US experience!
If you’re interested in visiting the southeast, then there are plenty of guides under our USA travel guides; otherwise, read on to learn more about these fun southern states!
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Map of States in the Southeast
What States Are in the Southeast?
Here are the states that you can typically find all the lists of what states are in the southeast. This region is full of great places to explore!
Virginia
Virginia is at the northern end of the southeastern states and borders Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
From its stunning beaches along the Atlantic Coast to its picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, Virginia offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Roanoke is a trendy up-and-coming city close to lots of hiking and biking opportunities as well.
History buffs will love exploring the many historical sites throughout Virginia, such as Colonial Williamsburg (near Busch Gardens) and the Jamestown Settlement. Other sites include the Appomattox Courthouse and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Those looking for some fun can find plenty of nightlife and entertainment destinations in cities like Richmond and Virginia Beach.
West Virginia
This one was left out of a few southeastern state lists that I came across, but in my opinion, it’s absolutely part of the region. It borders Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Known as the Mountain State, adventure seekers will love visiting for the world-class whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge, skiing or boarding at Snowshoe and Canaan Valley, and the abundance of hiking opportunities.
The small towns scattered throughout the state are full of charm and a few of my favorites are Fayetteville, Davis, and Lewisburg.
Visit the New River Gorge National Park – one of America’s best East Coast National Parks – or Harper’s Ferry. Ride ATVs on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system. Take a ride on one of the many scenic railroads.
You can also visit America’s first spa in Berkeley Springs, WV and soak in their healing waters. Their many state parks are also gorgeous – especially Blackwater Falls State Park.
Kentucky
Kentucky is known for its stunning outdoor opportunities, rich history, and unique culture. From the hills of Appalachia to the vibrant cities of Lexington and Louisville, this state has so much to offer.
It’s bordered by Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, a tiny bit of Missouri, and Tennessee.
One of its most well-known attributes are the outdoor adventures available such as Mammoth Cave National Park – home to over 400 miles of explored cave passages – and the Red River Gorge where you can hike, kayak, rock climb, and so much more.
Check out Fort Boonesborough State Park – where Daniel Boone settled in 1775 – if you love history.
Other major attractions here include the Bourbon and horse industry. The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the US and one of the most famous in the world. Make a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail if you love trying local spirits.
Tennessee
Here’s another southeastern state known for its stunning mountain views, history, and music. From the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, Tennessee is perfect for road trippers, foodies, music-lovers, and outdoorsmen and women.
States that border TN are Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. It touches a lot of other states in the South!
You’ll find a wealth of historical sites throughout Tennessee such as Andrew Johnson National Historic Site – home to Andrew Johnson’s tailor shop and homestead – and Fort Donelson National Battlefield, where an important Civil War battle took place.
Other popular attractions include Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion; and Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge.
Nashville and Bristol have huge ties to country music and Memphis is steeped in the Blues. One of my favorite areas is Northeast Tennessee which is home to amazing hiking opportunities and some of the best whitewater rafting in TN.
North Carolina
I was born and raised in North Carolina and it will always be home. People always ask me where my favorite place is that I’ve traveled and while I love traveling, these Blue Ridge Mountains of NC will always have my heart.
North Carolina truly has so much to offer from the Outer Banks in the east to the highest peak east of the Mississippi in the west. Surrounding states include Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The mountains bring people from all over for some of the best East Coast hikes and gorgeous views. The stunning beaches along the coast are a major tourist attraction as well.
You can find fun big cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville or explore our charming small towns throughout the state.
Love history? Check out Fort Raleigh National Historic Site – home to America’s first English colony – Old Salem where the Moravians settled or the Wright Brothers National Monument & Museum.
Other popular attractions include Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the Biltmore Estate; and Charlotte Motor Speedway. There are so many fun things that North Carolina is known for.
South Carolina
The first things that come to mind when thinking of South Carolina are typically Charleston and Myrtle Beach but there is so much more to this state. It’s only bordered by North Carolina and Georgia.
Two gorgeous natural areas are Congaree National Park – home to some of America’s tallest hardwood forests – and Table Rock State Park which features stunning views from its namesake mountain peak.
Nearby Table Rock State Park is Oconee County which has been one of my favorite travel destinations to date. There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Oconee County and things to do near Seneca.
Make sure to visit historic Charles Towne Landing, where colonists first arrived in 1670; Fort Sumter National Monument which marks where one of the most important battles took place during the Civil War; or Boone Hall Plantation – one of America’s oldest working plantations.
Whether you’re visiting Upstate to enjoy the lakes and mountains or headed to the Lowcountry for the gorgeous beaches and relaxed towns, you’ll love exploring South Carolina.
Georgia
As you can see, many of the southeastern states are blessed with beautiful mountains and beaches and Georgia is one of them.
You’ll find the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida all border Georgia.
Northern Georgia is at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains and you can find waterfalls, hiking galore, and great wineries here. On the east coast, you’ll find the iconic city of Savannah plus Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island.
Of course it’s also full of historical sites like Fort Frederica National Monument – where Spanish forces were defeated by the British in 1742 – and Andersonville National Historic Site which was home to one of America’s most notorious Civil War prisons.
More popular attractions in Georgia include Stone Mountain Park; Okefenokee Swamp; and the city of Atlanta.
Alabama
Alabama will really surprise you. Plenty of cultural sites, big cities, beautiful mountains, and white-sand beaches. This state is surrounded by Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida.
Huntsville is the largest city in the state and is located in northern Alabama surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes.
Florence and Muscle Shoals are two other towns in northern Alabama with lots of history, especially in the music industry.
In southern Alabama, you’ll find Gulf Shores & Orange Beach which have the most beautiful white sand you’ve ever seen. Gulf State Park is also one of the best state parks in the south.
Other popular attractions in the state include Little River Canyon National Preserve; Cheaha State Park; and Battleship Memorial Park.
Birmingham is a cool city in central Alabama with lots of Civil Rights history and an amazing food scene. There are also tons of fun things to do in Tuscaloosa which is home to the University of Alabama.
Mississippi
Mississippi is SUCH an underrated state in my opinion. It’s surrounded by Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Tupelo is known as Elvis’ Birthplace and a popular stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway which also runs through Alabama and Tennessee.
Grenada is a cute small town with some of the best crappie fishing in the US on Grenada Lake. Starkville is a small town that’s home to Mississippi State University and the gorgeous Noxubee Wildlife Refuge.
Ridgeland, just outside of Jackson, sits right on The Reservoir and is another great stop off the Natchez Trace. Vicksburg has a cute downtown and is home to Vicksburg National Military Park, where The Battle of Vicksburg took place during The Civil War.
In southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg is a vibrant city with a fun downtown area, one end of the Longleaf Trace – a hiking and biking trail, and some amazing restaurants.
Coastal Mississippi is not to be missed either and the towns of Biloxi or Gulfport are popular choices.
Florida
Known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and exciting attractions, Florida has long been popular among vacationers. Especially those looking for warmer weather.
Whether you’re looking for amazing nightlife in Miami or Key West or just want your feet in the sand in a small beach town, you’ll find it here in Florida. The only bordering states are Georgia and Alabama; the rest is stunning coastline.
History lovers will want to visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. Beach lovers head to one of the beaches along 30A, Gulf County, or Sanibel Island.
Florida is also home to three National Parks – Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas – and many other park sites.
You can’t forget the theme parks near Orlando either. Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens are just a few located here.
Other States Arguably in the Southeast
I’ve lived in North Carolina my entire life and know what I consider to be the southeast, but of course I did some research before writing this article.
These are the states that I found mentioned a few times on different sites when searching for what states are in the southeast.
Maryland
I believe Maryland is included in many lists because it’s technically south of the Mason-Dixon line. It’s bordered by Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and DC.
From the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, Maryland is so diverse and has so much to offer.
Fort McHenry National Monument is where Francis Scott Key wrote The Star Spangled Banner during The War of 1812 or you can visit Antietam National Battlefield which was the site of one of America’s bloodiest battles during The Civil War.
Baltimore is the major city in the state where there are tons of museums, parks, and other things to explore.
Other popular attractions include Assateague Island National Seashore; National Harbor; and Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Delaware
This one surprised me a bit but I guess because it’s on the same level as Maryland. Personally, I feel like it’s a huge stretch to consider Delaware part of the southeast.
This small state is bordered by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
You can enjoy hiking and biking trails throughout the state such as Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge which is preserved for many waterfowl and migratory birds or Cape Henlopen State Park which offers stunning views of both land and sea.
There are tons of historical sites throughout Delaware such as Fort Miles which was built to ward off the Germans by sea in WWII or First State National Historical Park which tells the story of Delaware’s roll in the American Revolution.
Wilmington is the major city in Delaware and the place to go if you’re looking for nightlife or a big-city feel.
Other popular attractions include Delaware Art Museum; Dover Motor Speedway; and Brandywine Creek State Park.
Arkansas
Now this is one that I can see as being part of the southeast. This state is surrounded by Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
It’s most well known for its mountains and beautiful lakes from the Ozarks in the north to the Ouachita Mountains in the west.
From the history of Hot Springs National Park to the gorgeous state parks and Buffalo National River, Arkansas will really surprise you.
Little Rock is the most well-known city in the state and is centrally located. Fayetteville and Bentonville are two other up-and-coming towns in the northwest corner of the state.
Louisiana
The unique culture of Louisiana and its beautiful swamps make this state special. It’s bordered by Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas.
Visitors come from all over to experience the thrill of New Orleans but there is more to this state than The Big Easy. Shreveport, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette are other great destinations.
Kisatchie National Forest is the only National Forest in Louisiana and full of beautiful long leaf pines. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve is where you can explore wetlands and historic sites.
Other popular attractions include the National WWII Museum, Rosedown Plantation and Gardens, and any Mardi Gras events.
Don’t miss a swamp tour here either!
Southeastern US Climate
The southeastern United States is known for its hot and humid climate. Summer months are typically very warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
Winters tend to be milder, but occasional cold snaps can occur with temperatures dropping into the 20s or below. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, though it tends to be heaviest during spring and summer months when thunderstorms are more common.
There’s also a risk of hurricanes along coastal areas due to their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean.
Attractions in the Southeast US
The southeastern United States is home to some amazing attractions whether they are manmade or natural. I’ve already mentioned many under each state but here are a few other fun ones.
We have some amazing National Parks like Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains, and the Everglades. Take advantage of the state parks as well.
The theme parks of Orlando are major attractions that tourists love. The Georgia Aquarium, US Space & Rocket Center, and Graceland are also very popular.
Major tourist cities include Asheville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Charleston, and Savannah. Personally, I prefer visiting the small towns in the south myself though.
This list is absolutely just a start and is mean to give you ideas. I know there are so many more great attractions here.
Wrap Up: What States Are in the Southeast?
It’s easy to see why so many people love visiting the southern states and exploring what we have to offer. From the picturesque Appalachian Mountains to the warm beaches, these states have something for everyone.
You can also find exciting big-city getaways or a relaxing small town escape that’s close to nature. Whichever one you prefer.
I hope this guide to what states are in the southeast will help you to plan a trip to the area!
