Savannah, Charleston, New Orleans and Nashville share a slow, food-driven style of travel. They are best done on foot, over long meals, with one or two anchor activities per day instead of a checklist.

Each itinerary covers where to stay, how many days the city actually needs, the neighborhoods to walk and how to pair it with a nearby city if you are building a longer Southern route.

These cities pair well. Charleston and Savannah are two hours apart and make an easy week with a stop on the coast. Nashville and New Orleans each work best as a long weekend, with music and food leading the day.

Visit in spring or fall if you can. Summer heat and humidity are real, and the best patios and walking days fall outside July and August.

Part of USA Destinations & National Parks guides. Browse the other topics there to keep planning.