Deep South, United States - Travel Guide

The Deep South offers a journey through America's complex history and extraordinary culture. From Charleston's antebellum architecture to Savannah's Spanish moss-draped squares, from Atlanta's civil rights legacy to the Gullah Geechee culture of the Sea Islands, this region blends Southern hospitality with world-class cuisine, music traditions, and fascinating heritage.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$180/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

deep_southgeorgiasouth_carolinacharlestonsavannahatlantasouthern_hospitalitycivil_rightsantebellumplantationssoul_foodbbqlowcountryspanish_mosshistoricmusicbluesjazzroad_tripamerican_southgullahcoastalbeachesgolfsea_islands

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer (June-Aug) can be oppressively hot and humid (85-95°F/29-35°C). Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) are ideal. Winters mild but occasional cold snaps. Hurricane season June-November affects coast.

Best Time to Visit

Best Season: March
May, October
November
Summer: June
August (hot, humid, hurricanes)
Winter: December
February (mild but variable)
Hurricane Season: June
November (coastal areas)

Getting There

Atlanta Hartsfield
Jackson (ATL) is the world's busiest airport with extensive domestic and international connections
Charleston (CHS) and Savannah (SAV) have good domestic service
The region is best explored by car along scenic routes connecting the coastal cities

Getting Around

Rental car essential for proper exploration
The region is made for road trips
Coastal cities are walkable in historic cores
Uber/Lyft available in cities
Scenic drives like Highway 17 (Coastal Route) connect major destinations
Some historic districts have excellent trolley tours

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
Mosquito repellent useful in summer
Stay hydrated in summer heat
Excellent medical facilities
Watch for heat exhaustion in summer

Staying Connected

Excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout
All major US carriers
eSIM works perfectly
WiFi everywhere
No connectivity issues

Local Cuisine

Shrimp and Grits must_try

The quintessential Lowcountry dish - creamy stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp, bacon, and gravy. Elevated to fine dining but best when sim

She-Crab Soup must_try

Creamy soup made with blue crab meat and roe, finished with sherry. A Charleston original dating to the early 1900s. Rich, elegant, and utterly Southe

Carolina BBQ must_try

South Carolina's unique mustard-based BBQ sauce (Carolina Gold) sets it apart. Slow-smoked pork with tangy, sweet mustard sauce. Hash and rice as trad

Lowcountry Boil must_try

One-pot feast of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage boiled with Old Bay seasoning. Dumped on newspaper-covered table for communal eating. Also called

Fried Green Tomatoes local_favorite

Tangy unripe tomatoes breaded and fried crispy, often served with remoulade. Southern comfort food at its finest.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Top Restaurant Reservations Dining

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Charleston especially - top restaurants book weeks ahead.

MLK Birth Home Tour tour_or_activity

Free tours limited capacity - often book out same day.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Charleston Hotels (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book 1-3 months in advance for peak season

Historic district hotels limited and popular in spring/fall.

Fun Facts

1. The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the Blues, which gave rise to rock and roll, jazz, and hip-hop.
2. New Orleans is the only major American city to be below sea level - parts sit 8 feet below.
3. The region produces 90% of the world's crawfish.
4. Louisiana is the only US state with parishes instead of counties, a legacy of French and Spanish rule.

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