Get ready for adventure! These 26 incredible things to do in Southern USA belong on your bucket list this fall. From giant festivals to breathtaking waterfalls, Florida, Georgia, and Texas have a lot to offer this time of year.
Choose your destination for the experience of a lifetime.
Alice's Wonderland at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Price: $21.95
Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Why You Need To Go: Step into Alice's Wonderland in this gorgeous garden rendition of the beloved story. You'll see the White Rabbit, the Chesire Cat, and more on this whimsical journey in Georgia.
Cattail Falls
Price: $30 per vehicle, $15 per individual
Address: Big Bend National Park near Marathon, TX
Why You Need To Go: This waterfall is tucked away in a remote national park near the border of Texas and Mexico. Follow Cattail Falls Trail to find this hidden gem.
Enchanted Rock State Nature Area
Price: $7
Address: 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Why You Need To Go: You can marvel at incredible rock formations at Enchanted Rock in Texas. This hiking area will give you unbeatable landscape views.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Price: $176 for two days
When:
Address: 200 Epcot Center Drive,Orlando, FL 32821
Why You Need To Go: Adventurous food-lovers need to go to this Florida festival! There will be foods to try from all over the world, not to mention delicious drinks to enjoy while you people-watch.
Amicalola Falls
Price: $5 parking
Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Why You Need To Go: Hike to Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Southeast! This huge, gorgeous waterfall in Georgia is every explorer's dream.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Price: from $115
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Why You Need To Go: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a unique and magical experience in Florida. Ride on Hagrid's motorbike and try delicious Butterbeer.
Providence Canyon
Price: $5 parking
Address: 8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815
Why You Need To Go: This Georgia park offers incredible views of deep canyons and the beautiful skyline, decorated with pops of color from the vibrant canyon soil.
Devil's Den Spring
Price: Snorkeling $15, diving $38
Address: 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696
Why You Need To Go: This prehistoric sinkhole is an unparalleled Florida adventure. Descend a narrow staircase into a turquoise well of water and bathe in the natural light streaming into this unique spring.
Jacob's Well
Price: $5-$9, reservations required
Address: 1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, TX 78676
Why You Need To Go: This incredible swimming hole in Texas is one of the nation's most unique and beautiful natural features. However, it is also dangerous and deep, so be careful!
Ginnie Springs
Price: $14.02
Address: 7300 Ginnie Springs Road, High Springs, FL 32643
Why You Need To Go: This crystal-clear natural spring is a must-see in the sunshine state. Wade into the vivid blue waters in a clear kayak for an unforgettable Florida experience.
McDonald Observatory Star Party
Price: $15
When: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening
Address: 3640 Dark Sky Drive at McDonald Observatory, TX 79734
Why You Need To Go: If you like to stargaze, you will love Star Party at McDonald Observatory in Texas. View bright constellations and stunning celestial events. Telescopes are provided!
The Venetian Pool
Price: $13 for non-locals, $5.50 for locals
Address: 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Why You Need To Go: The Venetian Pool in Florida is the largest freshwater pool in the US. This gorgeous spring features crystal-clear water and two waterfalls.
Lanier Islands
Price: $15 parking
Address: 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
Why You Need To Go: You can rent a boat or take a kayak out on Lake Lanier and view these scenic islands in Georgia. Stay the night in one of the lodges or villas offered on the islands for unbeatable views of the water.
Texas Corn Maze
Price: $8
When: September 21 through November 10
Address: Sweet Berry Farms, 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Why You Need To Go: This year's theme for the Texas Corn Maze is "O, How I love Texas." Enter the maze and see if you can find all 12 Texas towns that end with an "O"!
The Fountain of Youth
Price: $4 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian
Address: 2860 Ponce De Leon Springs Rd, Ponce De Leon, FL 32455
Why You Need To Go: This is an incredible experience entirely unique to Florida. You can take a dip in Ponce de Le Leon's historic "Fountain of Youth"!
Secluded Intown Treehouse Airbnb
Price: $375 per night
Address: Downtown Georgia, address provided upon booking
Why You Need To Go: This Airbnb is spectacular! You can spend the night in a peaceful treehouse in downtown Georgia. Bathe in the dappled light of the forest as you relax in an urban oasis.
Gorman Falls
Price: $6
Address: 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824
Why You Need To Go: This huge waterfall at Colorado Bend State Park in Texas will take your breath away. Hike the Gorman Falls Trail to reach this natural beauty.
Halloween Horror Nights
Price: $68 for 1-night admission
When: Select nights between Sept. 6-Nov. 2
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Why You Need To Go: If you love all things spooky, you need to go to Halloween Horror Nights in Florida. Wander through the Stranger Things and Us-themed haunted houses.
Space Center Houston
Price: $29.95
Address: 1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas, USA77058
Why You Need To Go: At the Space Center in Houston, you can step inside shuttle replicas, see real-life spacesuits, and watch space documentaries. Marvel at the history and future of human space exploration.
Tallulah Gorge
Price: $5 parking
Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Why You Need To Go: The breathtaking falls at Tallulah Gorge are a must-see in Georgia. Go in the fall to see colorful foliage framing the flowing water.
Venice Beach
Price: Free
Address: Venice Beach, Venice, FL 34285
Why You Need To Go: Visit Florida's black sand beach! This unique beach has beautiful black sand that's full of shark teeth waiting to be discovered.
Chattahoochee National Forest
Price: $3-$15 for single-day passes
Address: Chattahoochee National Forest, Suches, GA 30572
Why You Need To Go: Explore Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia for unbeatable views of rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls, not to mention diverse plants and wildlife.
San Antonio Day of the Dead
Price: Free!
When: October 26-27
Address: 630 Nueva Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Why You Need To Go: This gigantic annual festival is an incredible celebration of Mexico's Día de los Muertos. Festival-goers can enjoy face painting, authentic food, and Mexican culture.
Georgia National Fair
Price: $10
When: October 3-13
Address: 401 Larry Walker Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069
Why You Need To Go: Don't miss the Georgia National Fair! Ride the Ferris wheel, try a fried candy bar, and see cute llamas, cows, and goats up close.
Krause Springs
Price: $8
Address: 424 County Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669
Why You Need To Go: This Texas swimming hole is the ultimate destination for natural beauty. Gaze in awe at the towering trees, gigantic rocks, and tumbling waterfalls.
Wakulla Springs State Park
Price: $6 per vehicle
Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs FL 32327
Why You Need To Go: Head to Wakulla Springs in Florida to experience the world's deepest freshwater spring. You can snorkel or free-dive in the beautiful, clear blue water.
Strap on your boots or bathing suit and knock these things to do in Southern USA off your bucket list. Bring your camera and make some memories!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
