Mild climate, white sand beaches, exceptional golf courses, the home of music, famous battlefields and food like nowhere else in the USA, the South is usually and rightly called the most original, unique area in the country.
The South States include: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
I was lucky enough to travel across some of these Southern States starting from Florida: the territory of this state extends over a sun-kissed peninsula of sandy coasts along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. My search for the perfect beach began on Amelia Island, a small barrier island just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, where there is nothing but beaches, fishing, sailing, golf, tennis and top-notch hotels.
It maintains a Victorian style charm but also shows the cultural heritage of the influences it got over time (Spanish, Portuguese, French, etc.) who, during their explorations and conquests, landed on its coasts.
Florida's Space Coast is still the only place in the USA from which space expeditions have departed and the average temperature is 23° C year long.
Less than an hour away, you will find the most famous amusement parks in the world like Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios but this area is also very attractive for numerous other attractions, many golf courses, elegant restaurants and shopping centers where you can go shopping.
Miami is often called the American Riviera, for its stylized architecture, vibrant nightlife and decidedly international food scene.
It is the starting point for visiting the Florida Keys, but it also offers many opportunities to practice water sports and scuba diving on this stretch of the coast.
Florida maintains its wild appearance unchanged in the Everglades National Park, which is the only ecosystem of its kind in the world.
Further south, Islamorada – part of the Florida Keys – is known as the fishing capital of the world. Finally, Key West is the ideal destination for fishing and diving and, to end the day, don't miss the sunset celebration, which every evening artists and street musicians offer to passers-by.
On the Gulf coast lies Naples, rightly proclaimed the world capital of golf with many excellent courses. Rent a canoe to observe the mangroves up close or head to Naples Pier with your fishing rod.
In the vicinity of Marco Island, visitors are spoiled for choice between beaches, sailing trips, dolphin watching and night cruises.
If you are looking for the ideal beach, also go to Panama City in the Florida Panhandle area, where the beaches resemble immense expanses of sugar.
Pensacola, the gateway to the Sunshine State, is home to the famous Blue Angels, one of the largest aviation museums in the world as well as having the record for a pristine coastline of over 50 miles.
FLORIDA:MIAMI SKYLINE
To the west, Florida borders Alabama whose white sand beaches overlook the Gulf of Mexico.
Mobile Bay has an interesting historical legacy and it is possible to enjoy various outdoor activities, namely golf and water sports.
The numerous golf courses have also made Alabama, also known as the Heart of Dixie, a destination for enthusiasts from all over the world, whether they are professionals or simple beginners.
Once you have finished playing, in the immediate vicinity of the fields you can take advantage of numerous hotels, restaurants and clubs where you can listen to live music of all kinds: folk, pop, blues or jazz.
Alabama's musical legacy is on display in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in a town in the northwest of the state. The shows offer a comprehensive retrospective of the achievements of Alabama-born authors such as Lionel Richie and Nat King Cole.
ALABAMA: LAKE VIEW
