- Why Georgia
- Destinations
- Things To Do
- Nature & Adventure
- Useful Info
Discover Unique Georgia
Tbilisi - The Capital of Georgia
Kakheti - Region in Eastern Georgia
Sea, mountains, resorts and culture in one place . We’ve got you covered.
A Taste of Georgia, Literally...
Protect Your Trip »
Best places to visit in georgia.
With big cities, iconic small towns, picturesque mountains and a prime spot along the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia is one of the most diverse vacation destinations in the South. To help you decide which Georgia locales are most worth your time and vacation dollars, U.S. News took into account the variety and uniqueness of attractions, availability of accommodations and opinions of everyday travelers to decide the best places to visit in Georgia. Vote for your favorite places below to help determine next year's list.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Jekyll island, callaway gardens, amicalola falls state park, st. simons island, cumberland island national seashore, tybee island, marietta, ga, columbus, ga, arabia mountain national heritage area.
The charm of Savannah is undeniable. From the early 1800's architecture to the romantic Spanish moss-lined streets to the shops, eateries and party-hard reputation of River Street, Savannah gives a nod to the past while bringing its own personality into the present. Plus, the city offers a heavy dose of laid-back Southern hospitality to match, earning it its Hostess City of the South nickname. Spend your time meandering through Forsyth Park and Savannah's 22 squares, filling up on Lowcountry cuisine or spooking yourself on a ghost tour .
If you want to feel like you're in Europe without leaving the U.S., consider taking a trip to Helen . This small North Georgia town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is modeled after a Bavarian Alpine village, so you can expect to find lots of colorful architecture, authentic German fare and fun renditions of German festivals, including an annual Oktoberfest celebration. But beyond its charming atmosphere, Helen offers all kinds of amenities, including more than 200 stores and access to local wineries, plus proximity to Unicoi State Park & Lodge's lake and hiking and bike trails.
For a look at jaw-dropping natural wonders, venture to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Located just west of the Georgia-South Carolina border in the northern part of the state, the park is home to Tallulah Gorge, which measures 2 miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the gorge from its rim or obtain a free permit to see it from its floor. Tallulah Gorge State Park also features a suspension bridge that provides fantastic views of the park's five waterfalls, plus more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.
The southernmost of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island beckons to travelers seeking a quiet beach getaway. The entire island is designated as a Georgia state park, meaning conservation and wildlife preservation are top priorities. Visitors can see sea turtles, alligators and other coastal animals at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, lounge on 10 miles of pristine beaches (Driftwood Beach is one of the most photogenic in Georgia) or meander through the historic district (also known as Millionaires' Village) to see homes that have belonged to some of America's richest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers and the Pulitzers.
A trip to Callaway Gardens is all about reconnecting with nature. Tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the small town of Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens features 2,500 acres of gardens, a butterfly center with 1,000-plus butterflies and more than 10 miles of bike and nature trails, among other amenities. Additionally, visitors can head to Robin Lake Beach to swim, pedal boat, paddleboard or simply soak up some sun during the warmer months. Families can also take advantage of the beach's inflatable water playground called Aqua Island.
The Empire City of the South is a hub for business (Coca-Cola, CNN and Delta Air Lines are all headquartered here) and music (rappers have long made Georgia's capital city their home), as well as a family-friendly destination with world-renowned sights like the Georgia Aquarium and Lego Discovery Center Atlanta. Atlanta also houses several impressive historical attractions, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. What's more, the city is solidly on the foodie map thanks to the combination of cultures and traditions represented in its restaurant offerings.
Amicalola Falls State Park gets its name from the Cherokee word for "tumbling waters," so you can expect to see an impressive waterfall during your visit. The North Georgia park's namesake measures 729 feet tall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park offers hiking trails to the base and rim of the falls, as well as the 8-mile Approach Trail, which connects to the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail. If you're traveling with kids, consider staying at the on-site lodge, which offers activities like archery, animal encounters and guided hikes.
With its sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle, the Golden Isles' largest island invites travelers to slow down and relax. Visitors can head to East Beach to enjoy activities like shelling and fishing or make their way to one of the island's golf courses to practice their swing. Plus, St. Simons offers more than 20 miles of bike paths, many of which lead to can't-miss attractions like the World War II Home Front Museum. While exploring, keep an eye out for tree spirits: These faces were carved into the island's oak trees in the '80s by American artist Keith Jennings.
The largest and southernmost of Georgia's barrier islands, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers both a rich history and a beautiful landscape. You'll have to catch a ferry from nearby St. Marys to get here, but the journey is well worth the effort. When you arrive, you'll discover nearly 10,000 acres of protected wilderness and 17-plus miles of secluded beaches. Cumberland Island National Seashore also features multiple historical sites, such as the Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church and the Dungeness Ruins, that tell the story of the Carnegie family, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans and others who once lived on the island.
Situated less than 20 miles southeast of Savannah, this small barrier island has been a popular family vacation destination for more than a century. Tybee Island's miles of sandy beaches and relatively warm weather most of the year make it a prime spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. Additionally, travelers can spend a few hours looking for the island's 200-plus bird species. Other Tybee must-dos include climbing up the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, and participating in educational programs at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
A haven for historians, this Atlanta suburb, which sits about 20 miles northwest of the city, boasts five National Register Historic Districts and a historic town square. Must-see attractions include the William Root House, Brumby Hall (home to the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum) and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. And no trip would be complete without catching a show at the beautifully restored Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. Beyond its historical draws, Marietta has an artsy side, with sleek galleries and a monthly art walk, as well as a burgeoning food scene, including a host of buzzworthy restaurants and the Marietta Square Market Food Hall.
Best known as the home of the University of Georgia, the country's first public institution of higher education, and as a bona fide music hub, Athens in northeast Georgia makes for a lively weekend getaway . The university campus is worth a visit, as it is home to the Georgia Museum of Natural History, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Museum of Art (not to mention some spirited football games). Meanwhile, downtown Athens is the place to go for trendy eats, sweet boutiques and live music venues like the iconic Georgia Theatre.
Georgia might not come to mind when you think of wine destinations, but Dahlonega is worth consideration. This northern town is often labeled the Heart of Georgia Wine Country and features more than a dozen wine tasting rooms, wineries and locally owned and operated vineyards. For a festive atmosphere during your vacation, arrive in May when the annual Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival takes place. Dahlonega is also where America's first gold rush occurred, so be sure to save time for a visit to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and a former mine.
Activities in this city on the Georgia-Alabama border are centered around the Chattahoochee River. Thrill-seekers can raft down the longest urban whitewater course in the world or zip line across the river at Blue Heron Adventure Park. Meanwhile, those who enjoy more leisurely pursuits can stroll or bike along the 15-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk, which winds past historical monuments and sites like the National Civil War Naval Museum and the experiential National Infantry Museum. Follow the path to Uptown Columbus to shop at local boutiques and bookstores, take in a show or go out for a night on the town.
Featuring more than 40,000 acres of surreal landscapes, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area offers plenty of opportunities for adventure close to Atlanta. The park captivates visitors with its monadnocks (stone outcrops), which were formed over the course of 400 million years. Spend your time hiking through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve or walking or biking the more than 30-mile Arabia Mountain PATH. The heritage area also boasts nearly 90 geocaches for travelers to find. For those who enjoy fishing, there are numerous waterways ideal for casting a line. But remember, fishing here requires purchasing a Georgia fishing license.
Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings
Lake Lanier
Augusta, GA
You may be interested in.
Best Beaches in Georgia
Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
Best Places to Visit in Florida in 2024
Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
Best Food Cities in the U.S.
Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024
Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024
The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World
Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024
9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024
Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024
24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024
Erin Evans January 4, 2024
26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024
Zach Watson December 28, 2023
Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024
Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023
26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget
Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023
The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World
Holly Johnson December 1, 2023
The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.
Rachael Hood November 16, 2023
44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive
Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023
The 9 best places to visit in Georgia for karaoke, Porsches and hikes
Apr 6, 2022 • 6 min read
Georgia offers a kaleidoscope of historical landmarks and natural treasures © Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
As a former battleground during the Civil War and cradle for the Civil Rights Movement, it's hard to separate Georgia from its loaded past.
But look closer and you'll see a kaleidoscope of historical landmarks, contemporary communities and natural treasures skirting the cityscapes; each offering a variety of experiences for a range of travelers.
Here’s our list of the best places to visit in Georgia.
Go shopping in Helen
The town of Helen is brimming with revelry during the fall Oktoberfest, but it can turn into a shopper’s paradise during the holiday season. Kitschy at first glance, gift shops and strings of lights illuminate the streets of this faux Germantown situated along the Chattahoochee and about two hours from Atlanta.
The tinny clink of bells on shop doors signal the hurried movement of shoppers while the clacking in the woodshop keeps time for them as a countdown to Christmas.
Here, visitors can purchase apparel, toys, or decadent treats from the fudge shops that fill the air with the cloying scent of vanilla, cream, and chocolate at once.
A life-size gingerbread man and technicolor light display make this town a festive spot to snap holiday photos and warm up to a steaming bowl of goulash or spätzle after.
Embrace eco-friendly life at Serenbe
Ground yourself with an escape to Serenbe , a collection of sustainable neighborhoods in the rural hamlets on the outskirts of Atlanta . Dirt paths, quaint cottages and penned pastures abound along its winding farmsteads. The settlement’s layout and building features minimize environmental impact.
The scent of sodden earth, the bleating of livestock or the succulence of locally-grown produce will detox the mind and reinvigorate the body.
From outdoor goat yoga to farmer's markets, art galleries to healing centers, Serenbe's eco-friendly establishments make way to reconnect with oneself and strengthen a connection to one's surrounding spaces.
Don’t miss dinner at the Farmhouse , where hearty risottos, Georgia fowl and signature bourbon pecan pie are favorites. In the summer months, visitors can roll up their sleeves for flower arrangement workshops or blueberry picking.
Enjoy the nightlife in Poncey Highlands
Rooftop bars, underground karaoke and alternative strip clubs find a unique home in Atlanta’s Highlands. This vibrant neighborhood plays host to Clermont Lounge , Atlanta’s oldest and most offbeat adult entertainment venue, flaunting an entirely female ownership, quirky dancers, live music, an enviable rooftop bar and indiscriminate patronage. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity visitors.
For those looking to take a more active role in the entertainment, look no further than karaoke in the basement of Dark Horse Tavern . A live metal band provides vocalists with accompaniments.
But it’s not all adult fun. Grab some grub in the mess hall of Ponce City Market and then head to the roof for vintage games and a brilliant panorama of the Atlanta skyline. The whole family can enjoy post-dinner amusement amidst the carnival atmosphere at Skyline Park .
Top 7 state parks in Georgia
Get a dose of wealthy history on Jekyll Island
Join the ranks of the richest American families in history who comprised one-sixth of the world’s wealth — from J.P. Morgan to Joseph Pulitzer and John D. Rockefeller.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is luxuriously furnished with Victorian decor while offering modern comforts and activities to make for a memorable stay. The beachside bungalow once hosted the likes of the Vanderbilts, who came down to Jekyll Island for a respite from city life in the North.
Along the isolated coasts of Georgia’s barrier island, they enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Here, an exclusive group of them, identified only by first name, drafted the beginning of the nation’s federal bank, the Federal Reserve.
Today, visitors can enjoy modern room amenities and ample activities, such as boating, art classes, biking and guided horse-drawn carriage rides.
History buffs will particularly enjoy walking the lavishly draped halls and sun-bathed terraces where the movers and shakers of the 19th and early 20th centuries once stood.
Escape to Georgia’s rolling hills at Chateau Elan
The plush, pillowy villas of Chateau Elan in Braselton beckon to couples seeking a secluded, sensuous experience. The sweeping views of the European-style resort against Georgia's undulating hills (just an hour from Atlanta) transport one to the French countryside.
Enjoy a sumptuous brunch at the Versailles restaurant in the hotel's lofty atrium. Take part in a hands-on culinary class during the day, or indulge in the syrupy sweetness of Georgia's local, hand-picked muscadine grapes.
For ultimate relaxation, unravel in the mist of the spa's eucalyptus steam room or melt away stress with a candlelit couple's massage. End the night with a guided stargazing session away from city lights.
The14 best free things to do in Georgia
Rev your engines at the Porsche Experience Center
Adrenaline junkies put the pedal to the medal at the Porsche Experience Center – one of three locations in the USA. The 1.6-mile racing track emulates the countryside and gives drivers the thrill of hugging sinuous roads at high speeds – if they dare.
For the less ambitious, an indoor Simulator Lab offers virtual access to drive a myriad of tracks and Porsche models around the world.
And if the cars weren't exhilarating enough, the elevated Restaurant 356 provides a bird's-eye perspective of the track as well as uninterrupted views of commercial jets taking off and landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The restaurant's locally-sourced seasonal menu includes tasty seafood and pasta dishes.
Stroll the cobblestone streets of Savannah
Savannah stoops seep with charm – from cobblestone squares to horse-drawn carriages. Take a stroll through the arboretum at Forsyth Park , with its collection of Spanish-moss swathed trees, fountains and scattered sidewalk musicians.
To soak up architecture, tour the historic district, particularly the Hamilton-Turner Inn , one of the first buildings in Savannah to be completely equipped with electricity. From there, traverse Jones Street still paved in the original colonial-era red brick.
At twilight, promenade the riverwalk or take a river cruise to explore the waterways surrounding this coastal city that has so much of America’s history to tell.
Savannah vs. Charleston: which Southern gem to visit
Go for a hike at Providence Canyon
The vermillion ridges of Providence Canyon carved by erosion from poor farming practices in the 1800s attract visitors every year. Less than an hour from Columbus, this 1003-acre state park has miles of trails to check out.
The wondrously colorful red, pink, purple and orange layers of soil make it one of the most picturesque destinations in the region.
Visitors can hike the canyon itself, but your feet will get wet from the water table below that permeates the canyon base. Looking to stay dry? A rim trail traces the outer edge of the canyon.
Backcountry overnight stays are available.
You might also like: Georgia’s 10 best hikes Top things to do in Macon, Georgia Top 7 beaches in Georgia
Explore related stories
Destination Practicalities
Feb 25, 2024 • 8 min read
With packing tips and info on health and safety, here's everything you need to know before visiting Memphis.
Feb 7, 2024 • 5 min read
Jan 22, 2024 • 12 min read
Nov 16, 2023 • 6 min read
Sep 10, 2023 • 7 min read
Aug 21, 2023 • 6 min read
Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read
Aug 9, 2023 • 5 min read
Apr 21, 2023 • 8 min read
Dec 20, 2022 • 3 min read
COMMENTS
Get out and explore the best attractions and places to stay in Georgia, from beaches to small towns and cities. Plan your Georgia vacation today.
From the Black Sea to the Caucasus Mountains the country of Georgia is packed. Discover the beauty and culture of Georgia (Country), a hidden gem in the Caucasus region! Visit our official website and explore our breathtaking landscapes, ancient landmarks, and vibrant cities.
We rank the 15 Best Places to Visit in Georgia. See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites.
Put together your own "must-see" and "must-do" list from among Georgia's varied attractions. Discover what travelers love about the state’s top-rated attractions, from the Savannah Historic District to Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain and Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta.
Georgia Travel Guide. Find inspiration for your next trip to Georgia in articles from the free 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide and bonus content only available on ExploreGeorgia.org.
Come and explore all Georgia has to offer. As an iconic destination of the U.S. South, Georgia welcomes visitors with a wealth of unforgettable sights and experiences that can only be found here. Georgia stands out for how it lives up to expectations – and how it defines them.
The best time to visit Georgia. Despite its mountainous topography, Georgia is a year-round destination. Late spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit Georgia's cities, the central plains and the low ridges of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south.
A first-timer's guide to Georgia, gateway to the Caucasus. Feb 17, 2022 • 9 min read. Georgia is the gateway to the Caucasus, a nation of rich culture, dense history and thrilling terrain. Here's what you need to know as a first-time visitor. in partnership with getyourguide.
Georgia’s 10 best hikes. Top things to do in Macon, Georgia. Top 7 beaches in Georgia. From cool rooftop bars in the Poncey Highlands to revving your engines at the Porsche Experience Center, here are the best places to visit in Georiga.
How to Visit Georgia the Country in 2024: The Ultimate Georgia Travel Guide. The Caucasus. Everything you need to know to visit Georgia in 2024, including up-to-date city and regional guides, insider tips, and a wealth of resources collected from my Georgia travel blog. Last updated: January 2024.