Scenic venues elevate meetings with natural beauty and built-in teambuilding and adventure
When it comes to creating unforgettable meetings and events, few things set the stage quite like a natural backdrop. From lakeside lodges and mountaintop retreats to gardens, golf courses, and coastal venues, scenic spaces across the South are practically made for groups to gather. These natural venues provide more than just natural beauty; they also deliver built-in opportunities for teambuilding, outdoor adventures, and moments of connection. Whether attendees are set up inside a room with a view or outside enjoying hands-on activities in the fresh air, nature-inspired settings elevate the experience from standard to spectacular.
“Science shows that getting out into nature reduces stress,” says Kristin Kastelic, senior director of sales and marketing at Nantahala Outdoor Center. “When people get out into nature, it inspires creativity and gives them a blank space to create and connect with themselves and their team.”
Mountains made for meetings
The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, N.C., offers a one-of-a-kind setting in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Set on 500 acres along the Nantahala River—just more than one hour from Asheville and two hours from Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn.—this nationally recognized adventure resort combines the natural beauty of the outdoors with dynamic programming designed to foster team connection. “Our location at the intersection of the Nantahala River and the Appalachian Trail brings a culmination of so many different outdoor adventures to help attendees reconnect with nature and those they work with,” Kastelic adds. “It’s the perfect place to get away without having to travel too far.”
Indoor meeting spaces include two classrooms and the SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medical School training space, ideal for workshops or breakouts. For larger groups, the Relias indoor dining and event hall seats up to 125 and doubles as a functional meeting venue. Outdoors, the Relias Lawn and adjacent covered picnic area allow groups to enjoy teambuilding sessions or casual meals al fresco. Down by the river, The Backyard at Big Wesser provides a space for private events, post-meeting receptions, or team celebrations, complete with a stage and customizable setup options. “We’ve facilitated many private events there, such as food and drinks to celebrate the end of a meeting,” Kastelic says. “There’s also a covered stage platform nearby if a group wants to include presentations.”
Nantahala Outdoor Center’s teambuilding and retreat offerings are fully customizable, with packages including whitewater rafting—its most popular activity, Kastelic notes—a zipline adventure park, guided hikes, ropes challenge courses, and more. Groups wanting to dive deeper into teambuilding can take advantage of the center’s SOLO Southeast Wilderness Medicine programs, which include wilderness survival, shelter building, fire-making skills, and how to clean water, Kastelic says.
With its whimsical landscapes, winding trails, and legendary views from Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Tenn., is a versatile, nature-forward venue ideal for meetings, retreats, and team gatherings. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga and its city conveniences, this mountaintop destination brings a sense of wonder and creativity to any event.
Breanna Lingerfelt, sales specialist at Rocky City Enterprises, says groups can take advantage of the Hearth Pavilion, an open-air, covered space for groups of up to 200, or the Aladdin Grounds, a customizable space seating up to 600. Rock City also offers small-group lodging at the charming Chanticleer Inn, a 16-room bed-and-breakfast with a cozy cottage, perfect for breakout sessions or overnight accommodations for VIP guests.
To round out the experience, planners can opt for creative add-ons like gemstone panning, group photos, geode cracking, and a one-of-a-kind Tom Thumb Timber Roll course—adding interactive fun to any itinerary.
Just 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Ky., Jefferson Memorial Forest is an expansive 6,910-acre forested escape and one of the most remarkable natural venues in the region. At its heart is Horine Conference Center, a historic home perched atop one of the highest points in Jefferson County, offering panoramic views of the forest and Louisville skyline. With seating for up to 25 in the main room, plus breakout rooms, a cozy den, and a full kitchen, the space is ideal for small conferences, leadership retreats, and strategy sessions that benefit from a change of scenery. Outside the walls of the conference center, the forest opens up countless opportunities for teams to reconnect—with each other and with nature, notes Jessica Kane, parks and recreation administrator, Natural Areas Division, of Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation. Steps from the building, a scenic trailhead leads to a serene lake hike, or groups can opt for guided programs like interpretive hikes, canoeing, archery, or an orienteering challenge—a lighthearted but effective teambuilding option. A large outdoor pavilion, rustic picnic shelters, and tented lawn setups offer additional flexibility for hosting events of up to 90 attendees, Kane adds.
Arkansas’ altitude advantage
Arkansas’ mountain venues offer inspiring heights and scenic splendor for groups looking to rise above the ordinary meeting spaces. Whether perched atop ridgelines in the Ozarks or lakeside in the Ouachitas, these naturally elevated destinations provide a natural balance of business and breathtaking surroundings.
At Mount Magazine State Park, guests meet at the state’s highest point—2,753 feet above sea level—in a setting known as one of Arkansas’ best. The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers sweeping views of the Petit Jean River Valley from 60 guest rooms and 13 cabins, plus a 3,840-square-foot conference center that can be divided into breakout spaces. For groups seeking outdoor spaces for dinners, receptions, or just opportunities to move the festivities outside, there’s also a terrace, an amphitheater, an overlook, a gazebo, and a picnic pavilion. Adventurous groups can take advantage of hang-gliding, rock climbing, and ATV trails, or keep things grounded with a guided nature hike or evening campfire program, led by expert park interpreters. “We can offer a hike in the middle of the meeting day or as an afternoon activity, or one of our interpreters can come chat during the meeting day to provide a break,” says Sarah Keating, park superintendent. “We can even do an evening campfire program for groups to enjoy each night.”
Farther south, DeGray Lake Resort State Park delivers an all-in-one retreat experience. As Arkansas’ only resort state park, it pairs modern meeting facilities—including a flexible 300-person conference center—with recreation like golf, paddleboarding, and sunset lake tours led by interpretive rangers. Groups can unwind with catered events on the lakefront lawn or in one of two pavilions, ideal for relaxed receptions and team meals. Most groups take advantage of the lake with a sunset tour, notes Dru Edmonds, park superintendent. “Groups often have a day of meetings and then wrap up with a lake tour led by our interpretive rangers.”
There’s more to incorporate into a day at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Edmonds adds, including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, eagle watch tours (during the winter months), and golfing. “Groups often enjoy night golf, which is unique, with glow-in-the-dark balls,” Edmonds explains. “We have a full pro shop with rental clubs, so groups can take advantage of the course and have it to themselves after hours.”
For groups wanting a dose of Arkansas history with their highland views, Petit Jean State Park offers a timeless escape. As Arkansas’ first state park, Petit Jean blends rustic charm with modern-day amenities at the iconic Mather Lodge. Joe Buckley, park superintendent, notes the lodge will offer 21 scenic rooms and 31 cabins when its renovation is complete. With scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and more than 20 miles of trails, Petit Jean State Park is a natural fit for groups seeking to experience nature during their retreats and meetings. Groups can choose from the 115-person Visitor Center to lakeside pavilions and the historic CCC Barracks, an original park structure ideal for smaller groups. Add in kayaking on Lake Bailey or a guided nature hike, and it’s easy to see why groups return here generation after generation, Buckley says. “We have more than 20 miles of hiking trails and Cedar Falls, a 90-plus-foot waterfall. It’s the whole package.”
Gathering lakeside
Lakeside destinations provide built-in opportunities for memorable group experiences, and The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee checks all the boxes. Tucked along the tranquil shores of Lake Oconee in Georgia on 30 acres of pristine grounds—and just 90 minutes from Atlanta—the resort features a backdrop for meetings and retreats that leaves a lasting impression.
With 32,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space and more than 36,000 square feet of outdoor venues, the resort is designed to accommodate everything from board meetings to full-scale conferences. The 7,200-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Ballroom can be divided into three salons, while the 6,000-square-foot Pavilion offers a timber-framed, glass-walled retreat, where guests can experience the best of both worlds—indoor comfort with outdoor ambiance. “We had a group host a meeting in the Pavilion in January,” says Michael Baumuller, director of sales, “and they had a fire going in the fireplace and both glass accordion doors open. They could hear the birds chirping and feel the breeze while watching a PowerPoint presentation. It’s a truly different perspective on a meeting.”
The resort’s partnerships and programming options further elevate group experiences. Team-building options range from pontoon scavenger hunts and sandbar gatherings to off-road driving adventures in a Ford Bronco. The Sandy Creek Barn features a brand-new Aerial Adventure Course, with more than three miles of cabling, multiple ziplines, and capacity for up to 30 people at once. The Landing—a standout lakeside venue, boasting the property’s largest capacity, able to accommodate 600 people—offers an add-on option for a falconry encounter with a Harris hawk in flight. “It’s a unique experience that can be built into your meeting,” Baumuller says. “Guests can be standing at the lake level, looking at the water and watching boats go by, with a hawk on their arm and a cocktail in hand. It’s in that moment that guests know their meeting here is going to be one of a kind.”
Blooming outside the boardroom
A garden setting naturally encourages creativity, connection, and a breath of fresh air. The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis takes this idea to the next level. With lush landscapes, historic architecture, and versatile event spaces blending indoor elegance with outdoor beauty, the Garden offers a one-of-a-kind experience for groups of all kinds.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, this 79-acre oasis can easily accommodate meetings and conferences. The Bayer Event Center and Spink Pavilion both provide indoor spaces with open-air extensions like terraces and porches, which let events spill seamlessly into the surrounding gardens. Whether it’s a networking reception with views of the iconic Climatron dome—an enclosed tropical greenhouse—or a quiet gathering under a gazebo, every event hosted in the Garden is elevated by its vibrant landscape, just steps away.
Many groups build in garden breaks between sessions or incorporate guided walking tours, private tram rides, or custom scavenger hunts to keep attendees energized and engaged, says Keary Harris, meeting and events coordinator. “People want to be outdoors in the gardens—it’s obviously one of the main reasons for coming here,” Harris adds. “We can provide them with maps to explore themselves, set up tours for them, or bring in someone to talk about various aspects of the Garden if they are interested.”
Lowcountry, high impact
A Lowcountry setting is effortlessly charming, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature. Set within 20,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry landscape, Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C., features towering oaks, winding waterways, and salt-kissed breezes—making meetings feel less like formal gatherings and more like meaningful retreats.
The property offers a pristine mix of indoor and outdoor venues, totaling more than 16,000 square feet of flexible space—from the Wilson Ballroom to open-air spaces like the Village Green, its most sought-after outdoor event space, nestled beside the historic 1920s Wilson Mansion ruins. Moreland Landing, another favorite, is renowned for its signature five-story treehouse.
Attendees can spend mornings in a sunlit meeting room and afternoons kayaking through tidal creeks, biking beneath moss-draped branches, or swapping stories around a grand outdoor fireplace.
Shoreline settings
When it comes to meeting destinations that inspire, few places compete with the coastal calm of beach settings. The natural beauty, laid-back vibe, and built-in opportunities for relaxation and recreation make beaches ideal backdrops for everything from corporate retreats to incentive trips and teambuilding events.
Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., delivers a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat for groups looking to trade the typical ballroom for ocean breezes and golden-hour gatherings. Located in one of the country’s top surf towns, this reimagined property—which debuted earlier this year—reimagines nearly every element of the former property and now offers a distinctly modern take on meetings and events with a coastal-chic aesthetic. “It’s one of the only properties on the East Coast where guests can enjoy unrivaled views of and access to the beach and sound,” says Maureen Donovan, regional director of sales.
Planners can choose from an array of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed to suit everything from strategy sessions to sunset receptions. Indoors, spaces like the Sunrise Room and Sunset Room offer natural light, garden views, and built-in presentation features, while the 2,800-square-foot Tides Ballroom accommodates larger gatherings with ease. Outdoors, the Promenade, Soundside outdoor area, and expansive Seaside Event Lawn provide the perfect setting for everything from teambuilding lawn games and oyster roasts to evening dinners around the firepit, Donovan adds.
When it’s time to connect beyond the meeting agenda, Trailborn Surf & Sound’s team can arrange group excursions like kayaking, surf lessons, beach bonfires, or a private boat cruise to hidden islands,” Donovan says. “The property recently hosted a healthcare association’s teambuilding event—an afternoon of friendly competition including an organized cornhole tournament with 40 participants, complete with local beer offerings, and a Hobie Cat Relay on the Soundside for others,” she says. “Everyone came together for an evening under the stars on the Seaside Event Lawn, with a seafood feast curated by chef Michelle Mathews.”
Situated along the waterfront in West Palm Beach, Fla., Manatee Lagoon offers a rare combination of meeting space and marine life to set it apart from traditional venues. Groups can gather in climate-controlled indoor rooms for focused sessions, then step outside to the expansive deck or scenic South Lawn for fresh air and views of the lagoon—often with manatees gliding by just beyond the railing.
Groups can also take advantage of a variety of nature-based activities that go well beyond the average meeting break. Property-wide scavenger hunts are popular for teambuilding, guided waterfront tours showcase the seagrass tank and teach about the marine ecosystem, and educational presentations from the facility’s Manatee Masters highlight Florida’s marine life in memorable ways. “The versatility of our indoor and outdoor spaces allows groups to transition between focused work sessions and refreshing outdoor breaks, helping to boost creativity and engagement,” says Natalie Fisher, senior communications strategist. “The calming presence of the lagoon and its wildlife creates a unique atmosphere that naturally reduces stress and encourages innovative thinking.”
Beach meets back nine
Pairing the coastal charm of the beach with a round of golf taps into two of the most sought-after experiences for groups. Beach-and-golf destinations offer the best of both worlds, giving attendees the chance to unwind, network, and recharge—all in one trip.
The Breakers Palm Beach (Fla.) blends beachfront elegance with world-class recreation. Situated on 140 acres of prime oceanfront property, this legendary resort combines iconic architecture with natural beauty, offering more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space—both indoors and out. The Breakers provides an array of scenic settings, equally inspiring and functional—from the stately, 9,600-square-foot Venetian Ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, to the breezy beachfront Ocean Lawn, framed by swaying palms, and the garden-like expanse of the Front Lawn. “This variety gives planners the flexibility to create everything from conferences and incentive programs to networking events and celebrations,” says Fernando Teixeira, director of conferences and events. “Each space reflects a relaxed sophistication and adapts effortlessly to a wide range of formats and styles.”
The Breakers also delivers on outdoor experiences for groups, especially when it comes to golf. The Breakers features two distinct courses: the historic Ocean Course and the modern Rees Jones Course, which allow attendees to enjoy everything from friendly scrambles to personalized clinics, led by pros at the resort’s acclaimed John Webster Golf Academy. For groups seeking to swap clubs for paddles, the new Racquet Sports Complex offers tennis, pickleball, and hydroponic grass courts—perfect for tournaments, wellness breaks, or laid-back competition. “Each space at The Breakers fosters creativity and connection,” Teixeira says. “Nature plays a central role in shaping the experience, helping guests feel more present, engaged, and inspired. For groups seeking a destination that blends luxury with the restorative power of the outdoors, The Breakers is an ideal choice.”
Spanning from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, The Boca Raton (Fla.) delivers an unmatched fusion of beachside luxury and championship golf—all within a single destination of five distinct hotels, including the centrally located Cloister and oceanfront Beach Club. Whether it’s breakfast on the Ocean Lawn, a morning breakout on the Grand Lawn overlooking the fairways, or sunset cocktails on the Dune Deck with sea breezes and surf in the background, this property was made for experiences beyond the boardroom.
On the Harborside, groups find ample space to mix business with leisure. The Audubon-certified Harborside Golf Course at The Boca Raton, framed by native landscaping and 12 acres of lakes, can be more than a place to play; it transforms into a meeting venue itself, thanks to the Mulligans & the Clubhouse Patio overlooking the finishing hole and water, which is ideal for open-air breakfasts, post-play receptions, or sunset awards dinners. Racquet sports are also a standout, with 18 tennis and 14 pickleball courts—frequent sites for executive meet-and-greets or black-light pickleball matches under the stars. A quick water-taxi ride takes guests across the water to the Beach Club, where two miles of private shoreline and freshly renovated event spaces await.
Naturally unforgettable spaces
For planners looking to make a lasting impression, it doesn’t get more memorable than hosting an event in a venue shaped by nature or steeped in nostalgia. These one-of-a-kind environments offer a built-in “wow factor” and give attendees a true sense of place.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers something no modern venue can replicate. Just a short drive from Orlando or Tampa, this 78-year-old park transports guests back to Old Florida charm and wonder. Visitors appreciate the crystal-clear spring, but the main attraction is the live underwater “mermaid” performance—viewed from a 400-seat theater, built 16 feet below the surface of a first-magnitude spring. Between meetings in the Enchanted Mermaid Ballroom, groups can take a riverboat cruise, attend wildlife encounters, or even book a photo op with a mermaid or baby alligator. “You can’t experience this anywhere else in the world,” says John Athanason, multimedia communications specialist for Florida’s Adventure Coast, who also worked at Weeki Wachee for 20 years.
Natural Bridge Caverns delivers a setting that’s literally underground and unmistakably unforgettable. Just 30 minutes from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and nestled at the edge of Texas Hill Country, this one-of-a-kind venue combines natural wonder with full-scale event capabilities. The Hidden Cavern’s underground ballroom offers a weatherproof, otherworldly space for dinners or receptions, surrounded by ancient geological formations.
Groups can also book private VIP cave tours, explore a 5,000-square-foot maze, or create a custom experience combining adventure with teambuilding. “No matter how beautiful a hotel or convention center is, it doesn’t offer the same experience as our caverns,” says Winter Prosapio, director of communications. “Here, you’ll see something so incredibly beautiful and unique that takes your event to a different level.”
The San Antonio River Walk is so much more than a pretty backdrop—it’s an immersive experience that can make any meeting feel more like a celebration. Known as “the world’s largest hotel lobby,” this 15-mile oasis winds through downtown, connecting major hotels, restaurants, the Henry B. González Convention Center, and some of the city’s most iconic attractions, explains Tyler Orwig, senior vice president of sales for Visit San Antonio.
San Antonio River Walk infuses a visit to the city with unique culture and charm—live music, public art, open-air patios, and historic venues around every bend. Planners can make the most of it by hosting receptions on scenic terraces, staging a private river parade, or booking a dinner cruise that floats through the heart of the city. “GO RIO River Cruises offers river barges for dinners, tours, and private charters, and now you can even curate a private River Parade for your attendees,” Orwig adds. “All of these options offer an immersive experience gliding down the iconic River Walk in the vibrant spirit of San Antonio. It is a memorable experience that brings the city’s heritage to life and leaves a lasting impression.”
