7 Best-Selling Southern United States Travel Guide Books Readers Can't Put Down

Drawing from a deep personal connection to the American South, Darwin Porter, a North Carolina native, alongside Danforth Prince, offers a travel guide that goes beyond listings to capture the spirit of Charleston and Savannah. You’ll find candid reviews of accommodations and dining options with precise pricing, helping you tailor your experience to both budget and taste. The guide doesn’t just list sights—it evaluates them, helping you decide what’s truly worth your time, including nearby Hilton Head. If you seek a sincere, no-frills companion to navigate these cities’ charms, this book delivers insights grounded in the authors' extensive regional exploration.

Maryann Jurkofsky draws on two decades of living and working in Savannah to craft a tour guidebook that makes the city's history and charm accessible without overwhelming you. You move through two well-paced walking tours, each about an hour long, that highlight iconic sites like Johnson Square and the City Market, all supported by clear maps and numbered directions. The book is tightly focused, ideal for those who want a meaningful, self-guided experience without investing days in research or expensive tours. If you want to revisit Savannah’s heritage or explore it for the first time with a local’s insight, this concise guide fits the bill perfectly.

This tailored guide explores battle-tested methods for confident and efficient travel planning throughout the Southern United States. It examines popular destinations from bustling cities to coastal retreats and reveals practical insights on navigating local culture, cuisine, and historic landmarks. By focusing on your interests and travel goals, this personalized book matches your background and experience level, helping you master trip preparation without unnecessary information overload. It combines widely valued travel knowledge with customized pathways to create a meaningful and engaging learning experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning explorer, this guide addresses your specific needs for an authentic Southern journey.

The breakthrough moment came when Bethany E. Bultman crafted a travel guide deeply rooted in local expertise, transforming a typical regional guide into an immersive cultural journey. You gain access not just to practical travel tips but to rich historical context, captivating literary excerpts, and vivid photography that bring Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi’s Gulf Coast to life. The book’s detailed maps and curated recommendations on lodging and dining serve those who crave more than surface-level exploration—whether you’re a vacationer seeking authentic experiences or a resident rediscovering your backyard. If you want a travel companion that blends insider knowledge with cultural depth, this guide fits the bill.

Fodor's decades of experience in travel publishing shines through in this compact guide tailored for Savannah and Charleston explorers. You'll find focused insights on must-see landmarks, dining options across budgets, and nightlife, all boiled down to essentials for efficient trip planning. The book’s practical tips cover everything from local holidays to public transport, making it easier to navigate these historic Southern cities without getting overwhelmed. If you're looking to maximize a short visit with clear, well-organized information, this guide answers that need without unnecessary detail or fluff.

Millions have gravitated toward Fodor's Pocket Savannah and Charleston for its concise yet thorough portrayal of two iconic Southern cities. This guide distills essential travel information into a pocket-sized format, making it easy to navigate major sights, dining, lodging, and nightlife without overwhelm. You'll find practical tips on public transportation, local customs, and even packing advice, helping you tailor your visit to the time you have. Whether you're squeezing in a weekend getaway or planning a longer journey, this book supports smart decisions with clear maps and curated recommendations across budgets.

This personalized book explores the rich and diverse landscapes of Southern United States travel, offering a tailored roadmap to plan your ideal trip within 30 days. It covers key destinations, local culture, regional cuisine, and historic sites, focusing on your interests and travel goals. By combining widely appreciated insights with your unique preferences, the book reveals customized itineraries and actionable steps that help you experience the South authentically and efficiently. It matches your background and desired travel pace, ensuring each chapter aligns with what excites you most about this vibrant region. This tailored guide turns popular knowledge into a personal adventure, making your Southern journey engaging and fulfilling.

Renee Wright brings an intimate knowledge of the Myrtle Beach area and South Carolina's Grand Strand that few can match, drawing on her deep regional expertise to guide you through this vibrant coastal destination. The book offers detailed chapters on dining, lodging, history, and recreation, including practical listings like hospitals and transportation to help you navigate smoothly. For example, the sections on Wilmington and the North Carolina Low Country provide insights into lesser-known but captivating spots, enriching your travel experience beyond the typical tourist trail. If you're planning a trip to this part of the Southern United States, this guide equips you with thorough, accessible information to tailor your getaway according to your interests and needs.

What sets Cynthia Campbell’s Explorer's Guide Louisiana apart is her deep local insight as a longtime Baton Rouge travel editor who intimately understands her home state’s unique culture. You’ll find detailed recommendations for the best places to stay and eat, along with vivid descriptions of Louisiana’s natural bayous, vibrant history, and soulful music scene. The book doesn’t just list attractions; it guides you through the experience of Louisiana’s unpretentious people and diverse landscapes, making it ideal if you want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you’re planning a first visit or a return trip, Campbell’s insider tips help you navigate the state’s rich offerings with confidence.