Family Vacation Ideas in the South

Bourbon Street is a popular tourist destination in the Big Easy.

New Orleans is a Southern city enriched with French influence, smooth jazz and blues music, Creole and Cajun cuisine, and historic, tree-lined neighborhoods. Take the family to the famous French Quarter for a carriage ride through the captivating district. Enjoy the sights of wrought-iron architectural details, charming shops and quaint homes while listening to the sound of hoof beats on cobblestone. Lunch on fried green tomatoes, gumbo and jambalaya along the riverfront. Families will enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the Big Easy that create a dreamlike, magical experience with weeping willows blowing in the breeze and Spanish moss hanging from trees. Educate the entire family on natural disasters and community development through a post-Hurricane Katrina tour. View the levees first hand and visit the 9th Ward, Superdome and St. Bernard Parish. Consider volunteering in the local community for an afternoon to benefit the human spirit and condition. Afterward, enjoy a fun, guided swamp tour (such as at Honey Island) to discover cypress trees, alligators, local birds and even wolves.

Uncrowded North Carolina beaches are easy to find.

Family beach escapes to Hatteras Island--a thin barrier island off the North Carolina coast--are building popularity over more tourist-plagued areas (such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head). Rent from one of the many vacation homes in Avon, Waves, Rodanthe and Salvo for quick access to the beach and favorite restaurants. Plan a day for adventure by windsurfing, hang-gliding or sailing, or soak up the days leisurely by fishing, birdwatching, sand castle-building, bicycling and kite flying. Nearby day trips include Kitty Hawk's Wright Brothers National Memorial, Ocracoke Island tours, Nagshead miniature golf and shopping, botanical gardens on Roanoke Island, nature walks at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and lighthouse tours up and down the coast. Grab a pound of delicious crab legs at The Mad Crabber (40618 NC Highway 12, Avon, NC; (252) 995-5959), and tell your children bedtime stories filled with tales of famous Outer Banks shipwrecks and the legends of Blackbeard the Pirate.

American alligators can be observed at Gatorland.

Orlando could be considered a central hub for exciting family vacation activities in the South. Consider taking the whole troop to Disney's Magic Kingdom for a classic, must-have experience. Seven themed regions, parades, light shows and theatrical events provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. Other hot Orlando attractions include MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Gatorland, Epcot, Sea World and Universal Islands of Adventure. Added tip? Stop in one of Florida's many visitor centers (or look online before you travel) for discounted tickets and special package rates, as theme parks have a costly ticket face value. Visit the island paradise of Discovery Cove to snorkel, swim and feed tropical fish, dolphins and stingrays (note that reservations are required before visiting). Outdoor enthusiasts may also enjoy fishing aboard a guided pontoon boat on Bay Lake. The knowledgeable boat captains and fully stocked boats make experiencing Orlando's waters a breeze. Make sure the whole family attends the campfire singalong at Disney's Fort Wilderness resort & Campground before the vacation comes to a close. Enjoy making s'mores, hanging out with Chip 'n Dale and singing around the fire before watching a Disney film beneath the open sky.

Savannah is famous for its moss-draped trees.

Families looking for a vacation that is overflowing with Southern charm, history and intrigue should look no further than Savannah. Stay at one of the legendary bed and breakfasts downtown, such as The Marshall House (123 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA; (912) 644-7896). Visitors can take a trolley tour to discover the narrow streets, quaint courtyards, nearby plantations, diverse architecture and historic homes through an educating, narrated tour. Learn about Savannah's role in the Civil War and the famous people who have lived in the area. Tourists love the nightly ghost tours. Older children will be fascinated with the plentiful legends of local haunts, as Savannah is a city with deep roots in voodoo, dramatic events and curses. Walk down the famous River Street for excellent shopping opportunities and a beautiful water view. Looking for good, old Southern cuisine? Plan a family meal at The Lady & Sons (102 W. Congress St., Historic District, Savannah, GA; (912) 233-2600) for a taste of Paula Deen's famous dishes, including fried chicken, shrimp and grits, peach barbecue grouper, and banana pudding. Consider spending a day at nearby Tybee Island, 16 miles outside Savannah, to visit the Fort Pulaski National Monument and to enjoy soft, sandy beaches and sea kayaking.