Starting from the bustling cosmopolitan cities to the sandy coastline beaches, Georgia is a state full of culture, history and natural charm.
The state offers a bunch of fantastic places to visit, so you can have a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Here is the list of the best places to visit in Georgia that should surely be on your bucket list!
1. Tybee Island
Popularly known as Savannah’s beach playground, Tybee Island is a paradise for beach lovers. 5 miles of sandy public beach with historic sand dunes is the perfect place to take a walk to uplift your mood and soul. If you are looking for some activities on this beach while enjoying the spectacular views, there are plenty of options for you available.
You can enjoy sunbathing, hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, eating or even just relaxing under the shade of an umbrella. The possibilities are endless. Within a 22 square mile area, you can explore to have the best time exploring the maritime.
To learn more about the history of the island, you can visit the Tybee Lighthouse and Tybee Museum in the area. For kids, Fort Pulaski is just the right place to explore the turbulent past of the state, Georgia.
2. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
When you visit Georgia’s Jekyll Island Campground, you can choose to take a short walk and explore Driftwood Beach. With the mesmerizing beauty of the beach, you will surely wonder why you have not visited this place before. The tree graveyard along the beach is particularly pleasant with its incredibly shaped dead trees. The branches and stems of the trees are bleached because of the tides and winds. Nevertheless, you will come to appreciate this natural phenomenon.
On the beach, you can enjoy an introspective stroll by watching the sunset. Photographers will surely love taking different shots of the stunning landscape. Many new weds come and shoot their wedding photos on this gorgeous beach.
3. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a charming town with a distinct artsy vibe. Also known as the “Switzerland of the South, you can find magnificent views of Switzerland in Georgia. This small town has been a tourist destination since 1886, when five hotels were built. Through the development of the North Georgia Railroad, the town gained popularity.
You can explore the galleries, enjoy live music and drink craft brews indoors. For outdoor enthusiasts, you can explore the surrounding nature of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Or, you can kayak and canoe in the Ocoee river nearby.
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4. Arabia Mountain
Truly an ancient granite monadnock, Arabia Mountain is an isolated exposed rock that is 954 feet above sea level. You can explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The impressive vegetation will surprise you. Some rare vegetation like amphianthus and black-spored quillwort are found in the area.
You can go for a hike on the Arabia Mountain Top Trail. Bird watching and sightseeing are fun activities you can enjoy. While you are visiting this stunning place, remember to stop by the Monastery of the Holy Spirit to see the traditional bonsai tree planted by the Trappist monks in Georgia.
5. Callaway Botanical Gardens
Encompassing a large landscape of 14000 acres, Callaway Botanical Gardens is in the Pine Mountains in Appalachia. It was opened by Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia Hand Callaway, who built the garden in 1952. You can explore the natural spaces and attractions of the area. There is also a resort that provides you with diverse options of activities.
In the gigantic garden, you can bike or take a walk along the walking and biking trails. Interestingly, the largest world man-made white fine sand beach, Robin Lake Beach, is also present in the area. Along with two golf courses, there is an adventure Zip line for fun time.
6. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
For a wildlife exploration journey, you can visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Encompassing an extensive area of 401,880 acres of land, this beautiful place was established in 1937. It is a breeding ground and refugee land for migratory birds and wildlife. At the heart of the refuge, there is the unique Okefenokee swamp where endangered species are found.
The population of amphibians is diverse in the refuge. With over 600 plant species, you can visit the area to find out more about the wildlife of the world. The lush environment of the area is perfect for hiking, bird watching, hunting and many more activities.
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7. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the best trails for scenic exploration in Georgia. These 79 miles of trails is a great place for excursion and hiking in the mountainous area of the trail. Visitors can join hikes under 6 miles in groups.
Starting from the northbound trek to Springer Mountain, this trail is made with a bronze plaque. There is also a trail log which is perfect for beginner level hikers.
8. Wormsloe Historic Site
To explore a cool and shady avenue lined with historic oak trees, you have to visit the Wormsloe Historic Site. You can explore the ruins of the colonial home of Noble Jones. He was a settler of England in 1733, and he built this giant estate near Savannah. The area is covered with Spanish moss.
Those who want to visit this popular tourist site, can look at the artifacts of the Wormsloe. You can hike along the scenic hiking trail. The trial will also lead you to the Colonial Life Area that will show you a glimpse of the colonial past of Georgia.
9. St. Simons Island
Off the coast of Georgia, St. Simons Island is one of the famous Golden Isles of the state. With its natural beaches and many parks, you can explore the abundant wildlife. Along with it, you will come across the historic sites and monuments of the state. This island is one of the oldest ones which is surrounded by the historic Southern Oaks.
You can enjoy the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Besides this, you can even explore the waterways, marshlands and sandbars of the island. If you want to enjoy some time indoors, you can visit the boutiques and exotic dining options on the island for a relaxing time.
10. Etowah Indian Mounds
With a history dating back to the 1550 A.D, Etowah Indian Mounds is one of the significant archeological sites in Georgia. There lived more than a thousand Native Americans along the Etowah River. When you visit these mounds, you can explore the village site. Within the 54 acres of land, there are six earthen mounds, borrow pits, a defensive ditch and a plaza.
This site has been protected in Bartow County, Georgia. You can learn about the South Appalachian Mississippian culture and learn about the prehistoric people, including the ancestors and Creek people.
11. Panther Creek Falls
Panther Creek Falls is an extraordinary waterfall located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. To make your way to this waterfall with several tiers of clear blue water, you have to take a 5.8 mile long trail known as the Panther Creek Trail. This trail is one of the hidden gems for hikers as you can reach the Smoky Mountains through it as well.
For campers and hikers, visiting these creek falls will be an excellent choice. With the pleasant sound of water gushing in the background, you can camp and explore the natural beauty of the surroundings of the falls.
12. Providence Canyon State Park
Located near Lumpkin, Georgia, Providence Canyon State Park is a fascinating park. It is known as one of the Natural Wonders of Georgia and is famously called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. Not only can you explore the Canyon, you can also explore the deep gullies that plunge down 150 feet.
The Canyon is in a range of colors: pink, red, orange and purple colors that look absolutely stunning in photographs and paintings as they look in real life. Hiking along the Canyon’s rim will give you a spike of adrenaline while you enjoy the magnificent views.
13. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is the number one most visited historical site in Georgia. Visitors can explore the original Ebenezer Baptist Church and the boyhood home of Reverend King. These historical buildings hold great value in the history of America.
In the visitor center at the National Historic Site, there is a museum which contains the exhibits of Dr. King’s leadership and Atlanta Fire Department. The Freedom Hall is also open year-round.
14. Duluth
In Duluth, Georgia, the motto of this small town is “Pride in Old and New” with big city amenities, This town has an historic downtown area. You can view the old charm display of the area. For those who love the aesthetics of an old town, this town is a must-visit for them.
The town is home to the modern Arena at Hudgens Center for the Arts. Every year, different festivals are held, and the most popular one is the Duluth Fall Festival. You must visit the festivals if you love arts and crafts.
15. Ocmulgee National Monument
Ocmulgee National Monument is a spiral mound built by native people in North America. This 20-foot high mound has been used dating back to the 16th century. There are no park entrance fees required, so you can stroll through the place with your entire family.
Additionally, there is a hiking trail of 6 miles and a museum near the mound. In the museum, more than 2000 artifacts preserve the history of the mound.
16. Tallulah Falls
Massive amounts of time and energy have gone into creating the stunning vistas. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking are all available in the gorge, which is a popular destination for adventure lovers.
Stairs lead down into the canyon, which is also home to bridge decks, watering holes, boulders, and waterfalls, among other features. The gorge is an attraction for tightrope walkers, and there’s a concrete walkway that follows the ancient railroad track.
17. Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s highest cascading waterfall plunging over 730 ft, it’s four times higher than Niagara Falls. A hike up to the falls provides breathtaking vistas, while a descent down the falls is made possible by a series of steps and bridges.
Flowing in stages through Amicalola Falls State Park at Dawsonville in the North Georgia highlands along the Appalachian Trail, the Amicalola falls down in stages.
18. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park is a popular place for families since it serves as a site for festivals and laser displays.
Additionally, the mountain is 825 feet high and reaches seven kilometers beneath the earth.In addition to circling the park, the standard gauge Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad is a terrific opportunity to explore and take in the mountain scenery.
With the unmatched natural beauty of Georgia, every year thousands of visitors flock to visit this impressive state. Whether you like indoor or outdoor places to visit, you won’t run out of places in Georgia. So start adding the ones you like from this list of the best places to visit in Georgia and plan your next getaway full of fun and exploration.