5 Toddler-Friendly Getaways in the Southeast I’d Visit Again in 2025

5 Toddler-Friendly Getaways in the Southeast I’d Visit Again in 2025

Traveling used to be easy breezy—just me, a suitcase, and a carefully curated list of hot spots where I wanted to eat (and an itinerary broken down by the hour, running from 9am-10pm). But nothing changes the way you plan a trip quite like having a toddler in tow. Gone are the days of sleeping in and spontaneously booking a dinner reservation at 8 PM. Now, I find myself researching stroller-friendly sidewalks, toddler-approved activities, and—let’s be honest—the best coffee spots for those early wake-up calls.

Over the past few years, I’ve found that some destinations just get it when it comes to traveling with little ones. The places that make my list have walkable areas, family-friendly accommodations, and just enough adventure to keep things fun for both toddlers and parents. Here are five spots I’d go back to in a heartbeat in 2025!

1. Highlands & Cashiers, NC – A Mountain Retreat for All Ages

If you love fresh mountain air, scenic hikes, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to buy a log cabin and start making homemade jam, Highlands and Cashiers are for you. We spent our days taking toddler-friendly hikes like Sunset Rock, splashing in the shallows at Lake Glenville, and stopping in cute cafés that made us feel like locals. The Highlands Nature Center is a must for little ones who love animals (or just need to burn off some energy before nap time).

2. Rosemary Beach, FL – A Beach Trip That Feels Effortless

If there’s one place that keeps calling us back, it’s Rosemary Beach. It’s like someone designed the perfect beach town for parents who still want a little bit of style and relaxation with their Goldfish cracker-covered vacation. The entire area is walkable, which means no wrestling with a car seat 10 times a day. Mornings are for beach time, afternoons for naps in a shady courtyard, and evenings for ice cream and sunset strolls. And let’s not forget the bikes—toddler seats on the back, wind in your hair, feeling like you have it somewhat together as a parent.

3. Adairsville, GA – A Cozy, Storybook Stay at Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort has a little magic to it. Maybe it’s the historic ruins, maybe it’s the winding garden paths, or maybe it’s the fact that George and I visited when I was newly pregnant, dreaming up baby names by the fire in our cozy cottage. Addy hasn’t been yet, but I’d love to bring her back to see the farm animals, explore the fairy-tale-like grounds, and play outside while we sip coffee on the porch. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and as a parent, that is a rare and beautiful thing.

4. Chattanooga, TN – A City Full of Outdoor Fun

Chattanooga is the city where people casually say things like, “Oh yeah, let’s just run to the brewery—it’s only 8 miles!” The locals are active, the energy is contagious, and there are so many things to do that I know Addy would have the best time. Between the Tennessee Aquarium, Coolidge Park (hellooo, splash pad), and taking the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, we’d have no shortage of adventures. Plus, with so many great coffee shops, I’d have all the fuel I need to keep up with a toddler on the move.

5. Fairhope, AL – A Charming Coastal Escape

Fairhope is one of those places that just feels special. It’s charming, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of town where you could spend an entire morning just wandering (which is basically a toddler’s dream activity). The downtown area is packed with adorable shops and bakeries, the Fairhope Pier is the perfect spot for a stroller walk, and The Grand Hotel is one of the most family-friendly places to stay. We haven’t taken Addy here yet, but I know she’d love it. And let’s be honest—I’d be very happy to lounge by the bay with an iced coffee while she plays.

Looking Ahead to More Family Adventures

These destinations have all been special in different ways, and I’d love to experience them again—this time with a toddler in tow. Traveling as a family might take a little extra planning (okay, a lot of extra planning), but with the right destination, it can still be just as fun and memorable.

Where’s a place you’ve taken your little one that you’d love to visit again? Let me know!