Top 6 Southern Cities For A Family Friendly Weekend Getaway

Do you usually travel on Labor Day? Us too! We’re playing it safe this year, so in the meantime, I’m counting down six of my favorite Southern cities to keep my spirits up. These are the perfect spots for a quick family-friendly weekend getaway, so you’ll definitely want to save this post for when travel becomes a little safer. Let’s get into it!

Dallas

If you live in Oklahoma like me, Dallas is literally a hop, skip, and a jump away. Since Dallas/ Ft. Worth International Airport is a national hub, it’s also a relatively cheap plane ride from most parts of the country, making it a great option for a family friendly weekend getaway. We’ve driven up several times since we moved to Oklahoma, and I love that city more and more every time we visit.

• Bringing the kids? Check out The LegoLand Discovery Center (my girls fell in love with their aquarium) and the American Girl Boutique And Bistro (featuring a grown-up approved lunch menu and delightful smoothies).
• If you’re into Ramen, you’ll definitely want to try Raman Hakata, a genuine Japanese Ramen restaurant right down the road from the Dallas/ Ft. Worth Airport Marriott where we stayed.
• Grab dinner at Black-owned spot, Wing Bucket, home to the best jumbo wings in Dallas accompanied by unique, inventive sauces, according to Travel Noir.
• Don’t forget to pay a visit to the African-American Museum on Grand Avenue. Home to one of the largest Black art collections in the country, this museum is a must-see. Tickets will run you $10 and kids under 3 get in free.

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Myrtle Beach

Back when we lived in Georgia, we visited Myrtle Beach several times and always had so much fun!

• Stay at Oceans One Resort a converted condo style hotel with beautifully decorated, spacious rooms, some of which are 50% glass (which make for AMAZING views).
• Take an early morning walk along the only Black-owned beach in the United States, Atlantic Beach, also known as The Black Pearl. Check out Atlantic Beach Bike Fest (normally during Memorial Day weekend, but moved to Labor Day weekend this year due to COVID-19), a colorful, vibrant celebration of custom cars and bikes with tons of food, music, and unique vendors.
• Grab dinner at family-owned spot, Big Mike’s Soul Food. Kiddos will enjoy the attractions at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and the arcade games, shows, and carnival rides at Broadway at the Beach.

Oklahoma City

We now live right up the road from Oklahoma City so we’ve taken the hour and 1/2 drive tons of times. We’re getting to experience more of the city little by little and we love it so far.

• Are you a fan of minor league baseball? Catch an Oklahoma City Dodgers game at Chicasaw Bricktown Ballpark. While you’re there mosey around Bricktown and check out the shops, galleries, and restaurants the little town has to offer. The last time we visited with the kids, we strolled through Exhibit C Native Gallery & Gifts which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
• Kiddos will also love the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and the Science Museum Oklahoma.
• Grab dinner at Magnolia Bistro, a Cajun-Creole spot nestled in the heart of OKC’s Automobile Alley. (Read my review here)
• Check out the Deep Deuce District for live Jazz shows, or check out the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo And Festival which runs in May and celebrates the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo, one of the country’s oldest and only African-American rodeos.
• Check out the Black Market Facebook group for more Black-owned vendors, restaurants, and shops in Oklahoma City.

Galveston, TX

I couldn’t forget Galveston, home to one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. We have technically never visited (plans to visit this Summer were cancelled because of pesky old COVID-19), but we definitely want to go next year if everything settles down. Until then, I don’t mind sharing a few tidbits from our itinerary with you guys.

• Stay at the Galvestonian, one of the highest rated hotels located right on the beach. The Galvestonian is just over 4 miles from the downtown district of Seawall and a little over 2 miles from the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (home to shops, restaurants, and rides the entire family will enjoy).
• Be sure to grab dinner at casual Black-owned spot Victoria’s Seaside Bistro, and enjoy relaxed vibes and delicious breakfast/ brunch goodies.
• If you’re lucky enough to visit Galveston during Juneteenth, definitely do a little exploring and check out all the city has to offer by way of festivals, art exhibits and history tours. You can also visit several sites where Union General Gordon Granger read the proclamation officially declaring freedom for the slaves (The Osterman Building on the Strand and Reedy Chapel are sights to see).

Jacksonville, FL

Since Jacksonville offers a unique mix of beaches, shopping, sight-seeing, and unique restaurants, it’s the perfect location for a quick family-friendly weekend getaway.

• We love to stay at the Omni on Waters St. for their insanely yummy French Toast and the proximity to the Times Union Center For Performing Arts (literally next door to the hotel, and great for a Broadway show). The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort And Spa at nearby Ponte Vedra is also a beautiful, family-friendly option with direct beach access.
• Dine in at Farmhouse Chicken & Donuts or walk up to the Honey Dripper Hutt food truck, both Black-owned and serving up hot, fresh, yummy fare.
• If you’re in need of a little pampering during your trip (because let’s face it, self-care is ALWAYS appropriate), book an appointment at Black-owned Massage Trinity for a hot stone massage or body wrap. Oshi The Nail Place is also a great Black-owned spot, known for their signature Canni Pedi.
• History buffs will enjoy a self-guided tour of the Jacksonville African-American Heritage Trail featuring spots of interest like the Springfield neighborhood where Zora Neale Hurston grew up and the Old Brewster Hospital. The Brewster Hospital became the first medical facility in Jacksonville to service African-Americans in 1901.

Savannah, GA

Savannah is one of my favorite spots on this list. Admittedly, I’m a little biased having lived about 45 minutes outside of the city for several years of my life. But it really is one of the best Southern cities for history, culture, and, of course, good food.

• If you want to stay right in the middle of the action, I suggest the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront located right on River St. You could also try the Hyatt Regency which is technically located on Bay St. but has direct access to River St.
• The Westin, which is just across the river, (there’s a ferry that runs every night until 12am) and the Desoto Savannah, which overlooks Madison Square in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, are lovely options if you prefer a little seclusion.
• Footprints of Savannah and The Freedom Trail Tour are fun ways to spend the day exploring Savannah’s rich African-American history.
• Church-goers will enjoy their Sunday mornings in service at the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest African-American congregations in the country.
• Savannah is, of course, known for varied options for every type of food you could imagine. Our favorites include Black-owned fine dining restaurant, The Grey and their market and cafe on Jefferson, The Grey Market. Also consider Back In The Day Bakery for yummy and unique baked goods like their Cream-Cheese Pepper Jelly Biscuits (seriously, my mouth is watering right now).

Aaand I’m officially excited to travel again next year! What about you? Who’s making Labor Day travel plans? Who’s staying close to home this year like us? What other weekend getaway vacations would you suggest? Sound off in the comments below!