There is something quietly satisfying about opening a real travel guide at the kitchen table. Maps unfold across the page, scenic photos invite slow planning, and the possibilities of a road trip begin to take shape.

Many tourism boards still offer free printed visitor guides, while others provide a current digital version alongside their request form. They are an easy starting point for families planning a road trip, travelers comparing destinations, and anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned piece of mail.

Below are 14 Southern destinations where you can request a free official guide or find the destination’s current visitor-guide information. Availability and mailing policies can change, so it is always smart to confirm the details on the official tourism site before ordering.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a natural starting point for travelers drawn to Blue Ridge Parkway views, waterfalls, independent restaurants and the creative energy of western North Carolina.

The official guide is useful for planning scenic drives, brewery stops, hiking days and a longer mountain weekend.

Request or view the official Asheville guide

Carolina Relocation

Thinking About Moving to the Carolinas?

A short scouting trip can help you experience the neighborhoods, commutes and everyday character of a possible new home. Compare places to stay in several of the Carolinas’ fastest-growing destinations.

Explore Charlotte stays Explore Raleigh stays Explore Greenville stays Explore Charleston stays

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Browse places to stay in Asheville, including The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston rewards slow exploration: historic streets, Lowcountry cooking, waterfront views and neighborhoods filled with architecture that feels remarkably intact.

Its visitor guide highlights historic sites, gardens, food, walking routes and nearby beaches.

Request the official Charleston guide

Browse places to stay in Charleston, including The Dewberry Charleston.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah moves at a slower pace. Its historic squares, moss-draped oaks, riverfront and coastal setting make it one of the South’s most distinctive city breaks.

The official guide includes ideas for exploring the historic district, nearby islands, museums, food and walking tours.

Request the official Savannah guide

Browse places to stay in Savannah, including The Perry Lane Hotel.

Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands is a peaceful mountain retreat surrounded by waterfalls, forest trails, scenic overlooks and a compact downtown full of inns, shops and restaurants.

The guide is especially helpful for travelers planning a nature-focused getaway in western North Carolina.

Request the official Highlands guide

Browse places to stay in Highlands, including Old Edwards Inn & Spa.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga combines a walkable riverfront, outdoor adventure, family attractions and easy access to mountain scenery.

The area guide is a strong resource for planning scenic rail rides, river activities, Lookout Mountain and a weekend built around the outdoors.

Find the official Chattanooga-area guides

Browse places to stay in Chattanooga, including The Edwin Hotel.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville has become one of the Southeast’s most appealing small-city escapes, centered on Falls Park on the Reedy and an energetic, highly walkable downtown.

Its guide covers restaurants, trails, events, neighborhoods and day trips toward the mountains.

Request the official Greenville guide

Browse places to stay in Greenville, including Hotel Hartness.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks offer wide beaches, lighthouse country, maritime history and a long string of distinct coastal towns.

The official guide helps visitors compare the islands, find beach access, plan lighthouse stops and explore wildlife areas.

Request the official Outer Banks guide

Browse places to stay in the Outer Banks, including the Sanderling Resort.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

At the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is an easy choice for travelers who want hiking, scenic drives, cabins and family attractions in one trip.

The guide covers park highlights, seasonal events, scenic routes and things to do around town.

Request the official Gatlinburg guide

Browse places to stay in Gatlinburg, including The Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach is known for white sand, clear Gulf water, state parks and a broad range of family-friendly beach activities.

The official guide offers maps, beach information, outdoor ideas, restaurants and seasonal events.

Request the official Panama City Beach guide

Browse places to stay in Panama City Beach, including the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach.

Georgia State Travel Guide

The official Georgia Travel Guide is the broadest option on this list. It covers destinations across the state, including mountains, coastal towns, historic cities, outdoor recreation, dining and events.

It is particularly useful for travelers who have not yet decided whether their Georgia trip will be built around Atlanta, the mountains, Savannah, the coast or a longer road trip.

Request the official Georgia Travel Guide

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a relaxed beach escape with sugar-white sand, boating, seafood and nature preserves. It is a practical drive-to option for many Southern families.

Request the official Gulf Shores & Orange Beach guide

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine works well for travelers who want beaches, history and a walkable old city in the same trip. The region’s guide is useful for sorting through historic sites, lodging areas and nearby coastal stops.

Request or view the official St. Augustine guide

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is far more than one long stretch of shoreline. The Grand Strand includes beaches, golf, family attractions, restaurant districts and quieter nearby communities.

Request the official Myrtle Beach guide

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is ideal for a long weekend built around music, food, historic neighborhoods and culture that feels unlike anywhere else in the United States.

Request or view the official New Orleans guide

Why These Guides Are Still Worth Ordering

Printed guides slow the planning process down in a good way. Instead of opening dozens of tabs, you can compare maps, circle neighborhoods, save restaurants and build an itinerary at your own pace.

They are especially useful for Southeast road trips, where a great vacation often begins with a simple question: mountains, coast, food city or family beach week?

One note before you order: tourism offices occasionally change whether a guide is mailed, offered as a download or available only by request. Check the official link above for the current option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these travel guides really free?

Most are free through the destination’s official tourism office. Some destinations offer a mailed copy, while others provide a digital guide or may limit mailings by location.