Things to Do in Georgia, USA

A timeless blend of Southern charm, architectural splendor, and rich history, the Savannah Historic District preserves the layout and spirit of the city just before the American Civil War. Designed in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, the city’s founder, Savannah’s original grid system of wards centered around public squares remains one of the most distinctive urban designs in the country.

Highlights:

• Original city layout with central squares and historic wards
• Stunning architecture and preserved landmarks from the 18th and 19th centuries
• Live oak-lined streets with iconic Spanish moss
• Historic homes, churches, cemeteries, and the railroad roundhouse
• Trolley tours, walking paths, fine dining, and shaded squares

Pro Tip:

Start with a trolley tour to get oriented, then pick a few favorite squares to explore on foot. Visit early in the morning or just before sunset for the most magical light filtering through the trees.

Tucked away in Cartersville, Georgia, the Booth Western Art Museum is one of the state’s true hidden gems and a must-see for anyone interested in the American West. Opened in 2003, the museum holds the distinction of housing the largest permanent exhibition of Western art in the United States.

Highlights:

• Largest permanent Western art exhibit in the country
• Features murals, bronzes, photos, and paintings of frontier life
• Presidential portraits and original letters from U.S. presidents
• Life-size period stagecoach on display
• Interactive children’s gallery modeled after a working ranch

Pro Tip:

Allow at least two hours to explore all the galleries—especially the presidential collection, which is a standout even beyond the Western theme. The museum café is a great stop for a midday break.

Booth Western Art Museum, 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: 770-387-1300

Recommended Activities for Families

A true marvel of marine life, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. Since its grand opening in 2005, this Atlanta icon has captivated millions of visitors with ten million gallons of water and some of the most awe-inspiring aquatic displays on Earth.

Highlights:

• Ten million gallons of water and thousands of marine animals
• Whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins
• 20–30 minute dolphin shows in a state-of-the-art stadium
• Walk-through tunnels and immersive reef exhibits
• Sea otters, African penguins, and other mammalian sea life

Pro Tip:

Buy tickets online in advance to skip the lines and arrive early to catch a dolphin show. For an unforgettable experience, book a behind-the-scenes tour or animal encounter.

Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404-581-4000

A pivotal site in Civil War military history, the Fort Pulaski National Monument is located just east of Savannah on Cockspur Island. This well-preserved masonry fort was the scene of a groundbreaking Union victory during the American Civil War—the first successful combat use of rifled cannons, which rendered traditional stone-and-brick fortifications obsolete.

Highlights:

• Site of the first effective use of rifled cannon in warfare
• Historic masonry fort on Cockspur Island, near Tybee Island
• Walkable ramparts, preserved architecture, and interior rooms
• Scenic nature trails, museum exhibits, and gift shop
• National Monument managed by the National Park Service

Pro Tip:

Bring insect repellent and wear comfortable shoes for walking the ramparts and trails. Plan to arrive in the morning to beat the heat and enjoy peaceful views over the Savannah River and surrounding marshes.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, U.S. Hwy 80, Savannah, GA 31416
Phone: 912-786-5787

Museums

Tucked away along the scenic marshes just outside Savannah, the Pin Point Heritage Museum offers a powerful glimpse into one of the South’s most unique and enduring cultures. Housed in the former A.S. Varn & Sons Oyster and Crab Factory, which operated from 1926 to 1985, the museum tells the story of a tight-knit community founded by descendants of freed African-American slaves after the Civil War.

Highlights:

• Housed in the historic A.S. Varn & Sons Oyster Factory (1926–1985)
• Explores Gullah-Geechee culture and traditions
• Exhibits on seafood harvesting, net making, and community life
• Oral history recordings and a 30-minute documentary film
• One of the few surviving Gullah communities in the South

Pro Tip:

Visit in the morning when the marsh light is at its most beautiful, and allow time to sit with the oral histories—they’re the emotional heart of the museum.

Pin Point Heritage Museum, 9924 Pin Point Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-355-0064

Located just outside the gates of Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is a world-class tribute to the American infantryman. Spanning from the Revolutionary War to modern-day conflicts in the Middle East, the museum traces the evolution of the U.S. Army infantry through powerful storytelling, immersive exhibits, and one of the most comprehensive collections of military artifacts in the country.

Highlights:

• Spans U.S. infantry history from the Revolutionary War to today
• Interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and historical artifacts
• Includes a Holocaust exhibit and combat simulators
• 3D movie theater, restaurant and bar, and gift shop
• Focus on values like honor, courage, and service

Pro Tip:

Start your visit early to take full advantage of the simulator experiences and allow time for reflection at the memorials outside. Don’t miss the Vietnam Memorial Plaza just steps from the main building.

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903
Phone: 705-685-5800

Gardens

Nestled beside Piedmont Park in the heart of the city, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a lush 30-acre oasis offering beauty, serenity, and discovery for visitors of all ages. Since opening in 1976, the garden has become one of Atlanta’s most beloved green spaces, blending horticultural excellence with cultural enrichment and family fun.

Highlights:

• 30 acres of gardens adjacent to Atlanta’s Piedmont Park
• Japanese Garden with koi ponds and traditional landscaping
• Children’s Garden with play spaces and carnivorous plants
• Fuqua Conservatory with rainforest and desert habitats
• Fuqua Orchid Center showcasing rare global orchid species

Pro Tip:

Visit in spring for peak blooms, or come in December to see the gardens transformed by the spectacular Garden Lights, Holiday Nights display. Don’t forget your camera—this garden is picture-perfect year-round.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: 404-876-5859

Unique Attractions

Opened in 2014 in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is a dynamic museum dedicated to the ongoing global struggle for human rights and the legacy of the American Civil Rights Movement. Through powerful exhibits and immersive storytelling, the center brings history to life and inspires future generations to continue the work of justice and equality.

Highlights:

• Powerful exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal papers and sermon recordings
• Interactive Woolworth’s lunch counter experience
• Global gallery highlighting human rights abuses and advocacy
• Located steps from Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium

Pro Tip:

This museum is emotionally impactful—take your time in each gallery, and consider bringing tissues. Mornings tend to be quieter for a more reflective experience.

Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 678-999-8990

Just west of Savannah in Pooler, Georgia, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force honors one of the most decorated divisions of the United States military. The museum tells the powerful story of the Eighth Air Force, which originated during World War II and continues to serve today from its base in Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Tribute to the Eighth Air Force and its WWII roots
• Exhibits on strategic bombings and Cold War operations
• Restored military aircraft, including a B-17 and MiG-17
• Peaceful memorial garden honoring fallen crews
• Guided tours, pub-style café, and gift shop

Pro Tip:

Plan at least two hours for your visit. Don’t miss the orientation film—it’s a moving introduction to the Eighth’s legacy. The garden is especially serene in the late afternoon.

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA 31322
Phone: 912-748-8888

A powerful memorial to the suffering of prisoners of war, the Andersonville National Historic Site stands on the grounds of one of the most notorious military prisons of the American Civil War. Located in southwest Georgia, the site includes the remains of the Andersonville prison camp, a national cemetery, and the National Prisoner of War Museum.

Highlights:

• Historic site of the Confederate Andersonville prison (1864–1865)
• National Prisoner of War Museum with exhibits on global POW experiences
• Graves of 13,714 Union soldiers, including 921 unknowns
• Emotional and historically significant visitor experience
• Managed by the National Park Service

Pro Tip:

This is a deeply moving site—bring tissues and allow time for quiet reflection. For those interested in Civil War history or the broader story of POWs, it’s one of the most important places to visit in the South.

Andersonville National Historic Site, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, GA 31711
Phone: 229-924-0343