Travel The South's Best The South's Best 2025 By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on March 11, 2025 Our editors are always looking for hidden gems across the region. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that locals know these beloved spots better than anyone. Our ninth annual South’s Best awards celebrate readers’ favorite places, from barbecue joints and beach towns to seafood dives and resorts. (Plus, we’ve even added a few picks of our own.) The Voting Process An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South. The survey was fielded from July 10 to August 21, 2024, and had over 10,000 respondents. Peter Frank Edwards The Vacation Of The Year 2025 There’s nowhere on earth quite like the Outer Banks, a string of wild but well-loved barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Learn more about our 2025 Vacation of the Year. Courtesy Graduate By Hilton Auburn, AL/Marc Mauldin The South's Best New Hotels 2025 With innovative design, thoughtful touches, and world-class service, these recent openings top our list of the best new hotels of 2025. Robbie Caponetto The South's Best Classic Hotels 2025 These storied establishments have stood the test of time and continue to define Southern hospitality. Explore the best classic hotels in the South, as voted by our readers. Courtesy Royal Caribbean International The Best Cruise Lines 2025 With so many cruise options, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve compiled the top cruise lines, chosen by Southern Living readers, to make your decision easier. Ball & Albanese The South's Best Resorts 2025 Mountain retreats, seaside escapes, and more dreamy getaways await. Here are the best resorts in the South, as voted on by our readers. The 50 Best Beach Towns In The South 2025 The South's Best Cities 2025 19 Best Things To Do In St. Simons Island, Georgia The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina Peter Frank Edwards The Best Barbecue Joints In Every Southern State 2025 One thing we can say about our readers: You are remarkably steadfast in your loyalties, especially when it comes to barbecue. Here are this year’s favorites. Robbie Caponetto The South's Best Seafood Dives 2025 Whether you prefer your catch fried to golden perfection, broiled with a squeeze of lemon, or steamed with Cajun spices, these beloved restaurants more than know their way around a seafood plate. Robbie Caponetto The South's Best Beach Bars 2025 Drinks just taste better when there's an ocean breeze in the air or sand between your toes. At these reader-selected waterfront institutions, frozen drinks and salty breezes go hand in hand. Peter Frank Edwards The Restaurant Of The Year 2025 With an open-air kitchen and live-fire cooking, Lost Isle in Johns Island, South Carolina, redefines eating out. See why our editors picked this outdoor eatery as the Restaurant of the Year. How To Spend A Long Weekend In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina The Ultimate Guide To Florida's 30A—The South's Best-Kept Beach Secret 16 Best Things To Do In Fairhope, Alabama Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit