Places to Visit in Georgia, USA

1. Savannah

• What makes Savannah a great place to visit?
  • From its quaint cobblestone streets shaded by old oaks covered in Spanish Moss and surrounded by magnificent antebellum Southern mansions to the white sand beaches on Tybee Island to art galleries and Civil War re-enactments, Savannah is thrilling for all ages and a treat for all the senses.
• How can visitors explore the city?
  • Take an old trolley to explore the beautiful old city in style, check out City Market for fun during the day as well as night, and explore Savannah River Street to see galleries, cafes, and restaurants, and breathtaking views of the river.
• Are there events happening year-round?
  • And whatever time of the year you visit, there will be some kind of festival to get everyone out on the streets, locals and visitors alike.

2. Atlanta, Georgia

• What makes Atlanta a great place to visit?
  • The capital of Georgia, Atlanta is vibrant, buzzing, modern, and very Southern at the same time. Both cosmopolitan and elegant, Atlanta has played a major role in the history of the country and is great fun to visit.
• Where should visitors start exploring Atlanta's history?
  • History is a big part of what makes Atlanta what it is, so start your exploration at the Atlanta History Center.
• What are some must-visit landmarks in Atlanta?
  • Pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at his former home, today a National Historic Site. Visit the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park and the adjoining Georgia Aquarium.
• What are some fun activities for families in Atlanta?
  • You can also take the kids to the Six Flags White Water waterpark and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, visit the High Museum of Art, and explore the Margaret Mitchell house to see a beautiful example of Southern architecture and lifestyle.
• Where can visitors relax and enjoy nature in Atlanta?
  • Take a stroll through the Atlanta Botanic Gardens on a hot day to cool off and enjoy the lush, verdant world of plants.

3. Tybee Island

• What makes Tybee Island a great beach destination?
  • Tybee Island is Savannah's beach playground. Only a short 20-minute drive away, Tybee is a paradise under the sun boasting five miles of sandy public beach with ancient sand dunes in the back covered with golden sea oats.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on Tybee Island?
  • The views are spectacular everywhere you go, and there is no end to the fun—you can take part in sunbathing, fishing, sailing, boating, hiking, biking, eating, drinking, or doing absolutely nothing under the shade of an umbrella.
• What historical sites can visitors explore on Tybee Island?
  • There is a lot to see in this 22-square-mile area covered with old maritime forests. Don't miss the historic Fort Screven area with the scenic Tybee Lighthouse, learn about the island's history at Tybee Museum, and take the kids to Fort Pulaski to get a sense of the turbulent past of the country.
• Where can visitors dine and stay on Tybee Island?
  • Enjoy wonderful restaurants, beach bars, and cafes, and experience sunsets to die for. We love the oceanfront Hotel Tybee for a weekend stay.

4. Cumberland Island

• What is Cumberland Island?
  • Cumberland Island is the largest uninhabited barrier island in Georgia. It is rich in history and boasts ancient maritime forests, 17 miles of untouched beaches, wild horses, and curious tourists.
• What is the historical significance of Cumberland Island?
  • Native American peoples originally inhabited the area, which later became a working plantation for a time and then the Carnegie family winter retreat. Today, Cumberland Island is a national seashore and a congressionally designated wilderness.
• How large is Cumberland Island?
  • The island is only 17.5 miles long but spans 36,415 acres, with more than 16,850 acres consisting of mudflats, marshes, and tidal creeks.
• How do you get to Cumberland Island?
  • The adventure starts on the ferry from St. Mary’s, the only way to access the island, which provides a wonderful view of its diverse habitats.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on Cumberland Island?
  • Rent a bike, book a tour with park rangers, or bring a pair of good hiking shoes—the island is a wonderful place to explore. You can spot wild horses roaming freely, raccoons, wild boars, alligators, white-tailed deer, and many birds.
• What historic sites can be visited on the island?
  • Stop by the ruins of the Carnegie Dungeness mansion, built in 1884 by Thomas Carnegie and burned in the 1950s. The historic Greyfield Inn will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

101 Wheeler St, St Marys, Georgia 31558, Phone: 912-882-4336

5. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island

• What is Driftwood Beach?
  • Just a short walk from Georgia's Jekyll Island Campground, stretching to the Villas By The Sea Resort and Clam Creek Picnic Area, Driftwood Beach is a place of mesmerizing beauty. It is a tree graveyard with miles of incredibly shaped dead trees and fallen branches that have been whipped and bleached by the winds and tides.
• Why is Driftwood Beach popular?
  • The beach is a great place for an introspective stroll, and it is a photographers' dream, as it is secluded and often empty.
• Is Driftwood Beach a popular spot for events?
  • It also serves as a fantastic background for wedding photos, so do not be surprised if you see a few well-dressed people walking through the sand.
• What makes the sunsets at Driftwood Beach special?
  • The sunsets from Driftwood Beach are spectacular, creating breathtaking views that enhance the beach’s otherworldly beauty.
• What caused the tree formations on Driftwood Beach?
  • Erosion of the north end of the island due to development over the last hundred years caused the extensive death of the trees. Most of them were cut for construction, and land was cleared for the building of golf courses, leaving the remaining vegetation unprotected from nature's power.

6. Callaway Botanical Gardens

• What is Callaway Botanical Gardens?
  • Callaway Botanical Gardens is an enormous, 14,000-acre landscape on Pine Mountain in the foothills of Appalachia, designed by Cason J. Callaway and his wife Virginia Hand Callaway. Opened in 1952, the Gardens started as a place to grow rare azaleas and have since evolved into a unique combination of natural spaces and attractions.
• What accommodations are available at Callaway Botanical Gardens?
  • The Gardens include a resort that offers a variety of options for shorter or longer stays.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The garden features numerous walking and biking trails that wind through its diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Overlook Azalea Garden, and Robin Lake Beach—the world’s largest man-made beach with white, fine sand.
• What unique attractions are found at Callaway Botanical Gardens?
  • The Gardens also boast the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, home to more than 1,000 butterflies from 50 species, along with two golf courses, the TreeTop Adventure Zip Line and Obstacle Course, and the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel.

17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822, Phone: 800-852-3810

7. Alpharetta

• What is Alpharetta known for?
  • A suburb of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a historic town that includes an eclectic mix of eateries, shops, and galleries. Of particular note is its thriving music scene, including the outdoor amphitheater.
• What kind of events take place in Alpharetta?
  • The town is a hub for music, art, and street festivals, as well as farmer’s markets, parades, and special events throughout the year.
• What can visitors explore in downtown Alpharetta?
  • The historic downtown area boasts renovated century homes, boutique shopping, and high-end dining.
• What accommodations are available in Alpharetta?
  • Accommodations to fit all budgets can be found among the hotels available. Check out The Hotel at Avalon for an overnight stay.

8. Tallulah Gorge State Park

• What is Tallulah Gorge State Park?
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park is a scenic 2,689-acre state park near Tallulah Falls, Georgia. The park surrounds Tallulah Gorge, which is 1,000 feet deep and two miles long, formed over thousands of years by the relentless flow of the Tallulah River.
• What are the main attractions in the park?
  • The park's main attraction is the six Tallulah Falls, which drop the river level by 500 feet over a mile, creating a breathtaking landscape.
• Are there hiking opportunities in the park?
  • There are hiking trails along the rim of the gorge that offer spectacular views. However, for hiking on the canyon floor, visitors need to obtain a permit.
• Where can visitors get the best views of Tallulah Gorge?
  • One of the best views comes from the suspension bridge, which swings 80 feet above the bottom of the gorge, providing a stunning perspective.
• Is there an educational center in the park?
  • The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center provides information about the history, terrain, and the area's fragile ecosystem.
• Where can visitors stay near the park?
  • We recommend the Glen-Ella Springs Inn for a romantic weekend stay.

338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573, Phone: 706-754-7981

9. Blue Ridge

• What makes Blue Ridge special?
  • Called the "Switzerland of the South", Blue Ridge is a charming small town with a distinct artsy vibe. The area boasts galleries alongside craft breweries that serve excellent brews and feature live music.
• What is the history of Blue Ridge?
  • A tourist destination since its early days, Blue Ridge had five hotels soon after its founding in 1886, thanks to the easy access provided by the arrival of the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad.
• How can visitors explore the natural beauty of Blue Ridge?
  • Taking the historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a great way to see the surrounding nature.
• What attractions can be found in downtown Blue Ridge?
  • Check out what’s happening at the popular downtown Blue Ridge City Park, and visit the historic 1937 Fannin County Courthouse, which now houses art studios and galleries.
• What adventure activities are available in Blue Ridge?
  • Let the Ocoee Whitewater Center take you down the Ocoee River in one of their kayaks or canoes for an adrenaline rush.
• What family-friendly activities are available in Blue Ridge?
  • Take the kids hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or picking fruits at Mercier Orchards.

10. Wormsloe Historic Site

• What is Wormsloe Historic Site?
  • A cool, shady avenue lined with ancient live oaks covered in Spanish moss leads to the ruins of Wormsloe Historic Site, the colonial home and estate of Noble Jones.
• Who was Noble Jones?
  • Noble Jones was one of the first settlers who arrived in the area from England in 1733. A trained carpenter, he worked as a constable, doctor, Royal Councilor, Indian agent, and surveyor while helping establish the towns of New Ebenezer and Augusta. He later built a large estate near Savannah.
• What makes Wormsloe a significant historic site?
  • Wormsloe's tabby ruin is the oldest standing structure in Savannah and a popular tourist attraction.
• What can visitors experience at Wormsloe Historic Site?
  • Interpreters dressed in period costumes entertain visitors with stories of the past and the adventures of Noble Jones. A museum located at Wormsloe displays various artifacts.
• Are there outdoor activities at Wormsloe?
  • A scenic hiking trail leads to the Colonial Life Area, which was built for special events focused on Georgia’s colonial past.

7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah, Georgia 31406, Phone: 912-353-3023