Georgia is one of the most unique and surprising states in the country. On one hand, it features the world’s busiest airport and one of the nation’s biggest cities—including the world’s largest aquarium the Georgia Aquarium. On the other hand, it’s filled with stunning natural splendor ranging from white-sand beaches and gorgeous green mountains to rugged gorges and ravines in places like Chattahoochee National Forest or the Arabia Mountain. It’s one of the only states in the country where you can find wild alligators, and the entire state is seeped in so much American and Native American history that you can’t seem to pass by a building without learning about its essential place in our nation’s past.
But choosing which of the many locations and attractions to visit in Georgia isn’t always easy. You only have so much time available, and Georgia is a large state. That’s where we come in. We don't just offer cheap car insurance in Georgia, we also want you to make the most out of your time while you're there. We put together this in-depth list of the top 10 places to visit in Georgia. You’ll find something from everyone, from the city-loving urbanite to the nature-loving adventurer who just wants to find a quiet place with a beautiful view. By the end, we hope you’ll love Georgia as much as we do—and start planning your next trip to this stunning destination along the nation’s southern coast.
Savannah
When you imagine a quaint southern city rich with culture, delicious cooking, and stunning mansions that call back to the early days of the antebellum south, Savannah is exactly the city you’re imagining. This historically rich city on the coast of Georgia is a stunning testament to the area’s history, filled with magnificently old oak trees covered in moss and a thriving cultural scene that’s as timeless as it is contemporary.
While exploring the city, you’ll find everything from incredible eateries to Civil War reenactments that will place you directly into the fascinating history of the city. We recommend taking a ride on one of the city’s historic old trolleys to explore old-town Savannah, or browse the city’s thriving market and botanic gardens. You can also check out Savannah River Street, where you’ll find a bustling series of restaurants, retail spaces, cafes, and even art galleries. And because of the city’s location on the southern coast of the United States, the weather is warm enough for sightseeing year-round.
If you’re looking for a city that’s off the beaten path but offers a richness and depth rarely found in other cities around the country, Savannah is the place to go. You can even enjoy getaways to white sand beaches on nearby islands, a favorite of which is nearby Tybee Island, where you’ll find gorgeous beach living in an idyllic paradise you won’t believe is so close to the city’s downtown. It all adds up to make this one of the to top 10 places to visit in Georgia.
Providence Canyon State Park
Georgia might not be known for its red rock landscapes—those are often associated with places like Utah and Arizona—but the state does have a hidden gem where viewers can see a canyon-like landscape that contrasts vibrant green trees with rich orange and red stone and soil.
It’s all available at Providence Canyon State Park, a fascinating ‘natural’ wonder of Georgia whose history is as interesting as the site itself. In fact, the canyon located in southwest Georgia isn’t technically natural at all. It developed as the result of farming practices in the 1800s which caused the soil to erode and create deep gullies in the earth which have grown overtime.
Regardless of the cause, you’ll be able to glimpse fantastic colors of all shades thanks to the red, orange, and pink stone and soil, the beautiful wildflowers and trees, and that distinct blue Georgia sky. We recommend visiting in summer when the most flowers and trees are likely to be in bloom, but it’s a stunning spot to visit at just about any time of year. And because it encompasses over 1,000 acres of land, you’re sure to find your own isolated corner of the park to enjoy all that the natural beauty of Georgia has to offer. Providence Canyon State Park can be found near the town of Lumpkin in the southwest region of the state.
Tallulah Gorge
Encompassing over 2,500 acres of land near the town of Tallulah Falls, Tallulah Gorge State Park is a beautiful park that’s been beloved by visitors and locals alike for years. The park is arranged around the Tallulah Gorge, a stunning canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep and forged by the water erosion of the Tallulah River that flows through the gorge, carving away a little bit more every year. In one mile-long section of the gorge, a series of six waterfalls drop the river’s level by 500 feet, making it the most visited section of the gorge.
Throughout the park, one of our top 10 places to visit in Georgia, you’ll find beautiful hiking trails that reward your efforts with stunning views of the gorge. You can even hike along the floor of the gorge where the river doesn’t flow, though doing this will require you to obtain a permit from the local park service. There’s also an 80-foot suspension bridge suspended above the gorge, plus a wide range of other attractions in the area to keep you entertained. One of Georgia’s hidden gems, Tallulah Gorge is an absolute must-visit attraction for photographers, painters, and all those who love taking in a beautiful scene created by millennia of natural erosion.
Athens
Many non-locals may not know that the famous Blue Ridge Mountains of the eastern U.S. extend all the way down to Georgia. And tucked along their southern tip is the city of Athens, a culturally vibrant town that’s rich with southern history and plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy—making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Georgia.
Despite its big sister Atlanta having the more well-known reputation as a music city, Athens itself has been the birthplace of plenty of major acts including the B-52s. That musical heritage is alive and well, as a stroll down any main street will allow you to hear live music from a wide range of world-class venues.
When you’re done taking in the local tunes, you can check out some of the delicious restaurants that Athens has to offer. Or perhaps you’d like to enjoy the antebellum architecture on display throughout the city, or enjoy some contemporary art galleries. You can even check out Civil War-era historical sites and attractions, including a genuine double-barreled cannon left over and preserved from the war.
Athens is a city on the rise, and now is the perfect time to enjoy all it has to offer before the rest of the world takes notice.
St. Mary’s
Did you know that St. Mary’s in Georgia was one of the first places that Europeans set foot in what’s now the U.S.? That makes it one of the oldest places settled by Europeans in the country, and it certainly shows with the rich historical culture that is scattered throughout the town. Here you’ll find fascinating museums filled with tales of the town’s past, plus historic architecture including a list of centuries-old churches that are a must-see for any history buff. You can even take a history tour on the retro tram that travels through the town.
Meanwhile, you’ll have the chance to do some shopping at trendy boutiques and taste the southern-coastal restaurants throughout the town.
Looking for something more outdoorsy? St. Mary’s also offers fishing, hiking, kayaking, and biking in the nearby Crooked River State Park. You’re also close by another attraction on our list, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. That’s two beautiful Georgia attractions within a short drive of each other. What could be better than that?
Atlanta
As the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is an absolutely booming cultural centerpiece filled with music, culture, art, and night life that have earned it the much-deserved nickname of ‘Hot-lanta.’ Here you’ll find everything that big cities have to offer, from great restaurant options and cultural opportunities like museums and galleries to great clubs, bars, and outdoor events. You’ll also have the chance to appreciate the city’s rich and storied history, particularly as it pertains to its role in the Civil Rights movement. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Martin Luther King Jr.’s home plus other historic sites, as well as currently operating attractions like the massive Centennial Olympic Park right next to the Georgia Aquarium.
Visiting with your family? Check out the local Legoland park or the High Museum of Art, while the even more adventurous can get wet and wild at the Six Flags White Water waterpark.
If you’re a music buff, you already know the integral place that Atlanta has played in current popular music—particularly rap and hip-hop. Here you’ll find some of the best music venues in the country, plus a music culture that’s seeped into every street. For example, Atlanta is famous for its performance platforms, where performers can step up and show off their talents to passersby as they try to make names for themselves. Popular music acts like Outkast, Usher, John Mayer, and Ludacris all started their careers in Atlanta, and it shows in the rich musical culture of the city. Check out some live acts, hit up a concert at the arena, or just enjoy the music pouring out of what seems like every door and window.
If you want to experience one of the south’s most vibrant cities, Atlanta is for you.
Okefenokee Swamp
You might not immediately feel pumped to visit a place with ‘swamp’ in its name, but names can be deceiving. Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most distinctive, memorable, and visually stunning places in Georgia. Despite its difficult-to-pronounce name, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 and has become one of the state’s most popular attractions. It features over 400,000 acres of wild, unkempt land, and serves as an effective refuge for a wide range of bird life.
You’ll also find the St. Mary’s and Suwannee Rivers, where plenty of wild animals roam free—including alligators and amphibians of all kinds. In fact, Okefenokee is one of the largest freshwater ecosystems currently in existence in the world.
Traveling through the reserve is easy thanks to plenty of boardwalks and even observation towers that let you get up above the tree line to see the stunning landscape from a birds-eye-view.
Popular activities in the swamp include fishing, hiking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even hunting. For the nature and wilderness lover, there’s no better place in Georgia to get your outdoors fix.
Cumberland Island
Georgia’s coast is defined by a large series of border islands including the Golden Isles, serving as a barrier between the mainland and the sea. One of the most famous of these is Cumberland Island, the largest uninhabited barrier island in the state. Its absolutely stunning natural landscape has made it a regional icon, featuring miles of pristine beaches, forests growing directly out of the water, and even a thriving population of wild horses that lucky visitors can glimpse running free along the white-sand beaches. Because the government has made the space a congressionally designated wilderness, it’s kept largely untouched and protected. That means you can truly feel like you’ve escaped the bustle of the world and landed in a quieter, more peaceful place.
Comprising over 36,000 acres of land, Cumberland Island is reached via ferry. The ferry leaves from nearby St. Mary’s, and is a treat in its own right thanks to the stunning panoramic views it gives of the island and surrounding area. Once you arrive, you’ll be faced with a wide range of activities to choose from—maybe you’d like to rent a bike and explore the island solo. Or perhaps you can contact the local park rangers for a guided tour.
Nature-lovers will enjoy the vast range of wildlife on the island, including horses, alligators, deer, wild boars, and tons of species of local birds.
Amateur historians will have the chance to enjoy the ruins of the Dungeness mansion, built by the famous Carnegie family in the 1850s before it was partially destroyed by a fire in the 1950s.
From nature to history and everything in-between, Cumberland Island is a must-see destination the next time you’re exploring Georgia’s magnificent coast.
Fayetteville
‘Quaint’ may be a word that’s overused to describe historic towns around the U.S., but we can’t think of a better word to describe the town of Fayetteville. Imagine beautiful red barns, idyllic water mills, relaxed southern charm, and enough historical and cultural attractions to keep history buffs entertained for days.
Fayetteville has recently undertaken a massive revitalization project in an effort to restore its downtown to the glory of its peak. The effort is designed to make the town look and feel as it did nearly 150 years ago, with richly-built architecture and life.
Fayetteville does have a claim to fame all its own— it serves as a key setting in the classic film, Gone with the Wind.
Want to explore the town for yourself? Take yourself on a walking tour through the historical district, where you’ll find relics and artifacts from the pre-Civil War era. Then you can relax and enjoy a laid back concert at the beautiful Southern Ground outdoor amphitheater. Fayetteville may not be as high-profile as tourist cities like Atlanta, but it has its own set of distinct charms that are sure to keep you wanting more.
Jekyll Island
Another of Georgia’s beautiful barrier islands is Jekyll Island. More developed than Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island nonetheless still offers plenty of awe-inspiring natural beauty and serene solitude that will let you unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
We recommend finding accommodations to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer roughing it at the Jekyll Island Campground or more classy living at the Villas by the Sea Resort, you’ll find something to suit your unique tastes and preferences. Once you’ve settled into your accommodations, it’s time to explore the island.
One of the most iconic places on the island, and one of the most iconic beaches in America, is Driftwood Beach. This gorgeous and otherworldly beach is littered with entire driftwood trees that have been bleached by the sun and left standing in the sand. The stunning contrast of the smooth sand beaches dotted with large driftwood trees makes this one of the nation’s most photographed beaches, and it’s also a popular spot for weddings and receptions.
We recommend taking a stroll at sunset, when the beach is less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy the striking colors of the Georgia sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
From its remarkable barrier islands to the big cities and vibrant culture of the mainland, Georgia is a state with a style all its own. It’s the place where some of pop culture’s greatest music has been born, where major historical events and figures were set in places like St. Simons, and where some of the first Europeans first arrived in what’s now the United States. Whether you’re looking for history and culture or nature and solitude, Georgia has what you need. All you have to do is be willing to explore its beauty, and soon you’ll be rewarded with its unparalleled southern charm thanks to these top 10 places to visit in Georgia.
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