Places to Visit in Georgia, USA
When people ask me where they should go in Georgia, I'm a little biased. I always want to plan another trip to Georgia's sandy beaches, waterfalls and lakes that I explored during two months while living there as a local. But just as mazing are Georgia's cities!
Wherever you decide to go in Georgia, you’ll find yourself wrapped in Southern charm, natural beauty, and a mix of old-world tradition with modern energy. From my many trips exploring this diverse state (from mountains to coastline weeks at a time) here’s my collection of favorite destinations and experiences.
1. Savannah
I thought Savannah was enchanting with its graceful antebellum architecture, cobblestone squares, and a romantic riverfront.
We flew about 3.5 hours from Austin (950 miles) into Savannah, one of America’s most beautiful historic cities and the oldest city in the state of Georgia. I strolled through Forsyth Park (30 acres, with its iconic 1858 cast-iron fountain), and took a tour of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace ($15 admission, built 1821). For two days, we stayed at the 3-star Marshall House ($199), Savannah’s oldest hotel (1851), with original wood floors and gas lamps!
I loved how just a short walk from my hotel brought me into the heart of the historic district steeped in old-world Southern charm. I started my morning at Foxy Loxy Café, nibbling on warm kolaches in the courtyard before going out and exploring.
Midday, I joined the Savannah Taste Experience food tour, which threaded through local eateries and taught me the stories behind local staples (like pralines and shrimp & grits!). Later, I rolled up my sleeves at Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table for a hands-on class—part cooking lesson, part Savannah history, fully delicious.
- Location Map
- Location: Chatham County on the Atlantic coast of southeast Georgia
- Population: nearly 148,000
- Scenery: coastal riverfront, historic squares, Spanish oaks, cobblestone streets
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was dinner; a classic Lowcountry affair at The Olde Pink House. After dark I joined a lantern-lit ghost walk that made the city’s layered past feel very alive.
The only caveat: Savannah’s popularity means some venues can feel crowded at peak times.
2. Cumberland Island
I found Cumberland Island to be one of the places to visit in Georgia when I moved to the South. Why? First off, it felt like stepping into a wild, world, an untouched barrier island where you are greeted with windswept dunes and pristine beaches. The sense of remoteness was immediate.
We drove about 45 minutes north from Jacksonville (35 miles on I-95) to St. Marys, then caught the ferry (45 minutes, $20 round trip) to Cumberland Island (Georgia’s largest barrier island, 36,000 acres of protected wilderness). We stayed in St. Marys at the Riverview Hotel ($139) for two days, a 1916 inn facing the waterfront.
I spent the day exploring maritime forests, salt marshes, and miles of empty shoreline. Yes, wild horses really wandered around freely... One of the highlights was walking through the haunting ruins of Dungeness Mansion, a once-grand Carnegie estate that you can visit.
- Location Map
- Location: Camden County, on Georgia’s southeastern coast near the Florida border
- Population: fewer than 50 permanent residents
- Scenery: pristine beaches, maritime forests, dunes, salt marshes, and wild horses roaming freely
What I loved best:
We were thrilled when we spotted crabs scuttling across the tidal flats, a reminder of how untouched this island still is by civilization.
Local tip: The island’s sheer size means it’s impossible to see it all in one visit so don't worry about packing it all into one day trip!
3. Atlanta
Atlanta is such a cool mixture of Southern tradition and modern innovation. My mind was blown by the contrast of tall skyscrapers on one hand and historic leafy neighborhoods on the other. I love the food scene in Atlanta and if you are a foodie this is the first place you'll want to visit in Georgia! We usually start our road trip here. We stayed at the 4-star Georgian Terrace ($189) for two days, an iconic 1911 hotel across from the Fox.
I spent 2 hours exploring the Atlanta BeltLine, a lively urban trail with murals, cafés, and greenery. My personal highlight was the Atlanta History Center, where we learned a lot about history from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement.
Of course, I couldn’t miss the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, a moving site that included his childhood home and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Last month we caught the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival in March which celebrated spring so well with music, food and a lively social scene.
If you love the ocean, Georgia Aquarium is the most amazing place I've ever been to! It won numerous awards like the WAZA Conservation Award for its whale shark program and the Evoqua Water Sustainability Award.
- Location Map
- Location: Fulton County (with portions extending into DeKalb County) in north-central Georgia
- Population: approximately 510,823
- Scenery: urban skyline, rolling hills, tree-lined neighborhoods, and expansive city parks like Piedmont Park
What I loved best:
In the afternoon, my personal highlight was checking out Ponce City Market for an hour. It's actually open all day, from 10am to 9pm (11m to 8 pm on Sundays), so you can go any time. Set in a historic Sears building, the market offers eclectic food stalls and shops and I just enjoyed looking around a bit.
4. Callaway Resort & Gardens
I thought Callaway Resort & Gardens was one of the best places to visit in Georgia when I moved to the South. Why? First off, it's a serene and relaxing retreat with lush landscaping across thousands of acres, truly a private paradise. Secondly, there were enough activities to keep things fun and engaging the whole time we were there.
We drove about 1 hr 20 min southwest on a day trip from Atlanta to Callaway Resort & Gardens (2,500 acres, admission $24.95 online/$29.95 gate). Founded in 1952, the gardens were first created to promote conservation and showcase the region’s azaleas. From my first step into the gardens, I was completely won over.
I began my visit at the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl in May (everything was in blooms!), then wandered into the Butterfly Center, where hundreds of delicate butterflies floated around tropical flowers -- it felt magical and a little surreal.
The afternoon was spent biking along the roughly 10 miles of paved trails, past woodlands, meadows, and even lovely lakes!. In warmer months, Robin Lake Beach on the lake added was ideal for families. We walked barefoot on the sand and my husband and son played volleyball (there's a court!).
What I loved best:
On my next trip, we stayed overnight at the 4-star Lodge & Spa at Callaway which I loved! My room for two days was very comfortable and offered nature views and easy access to the grounds. Dinner at the Piedmont Dining Room was relaxed but elevated, with fresh Southern-inspired dishes that I loved. It was the best kind of trip for me, combining a 60-minute sugar scrub at the spa, romantic walks in the gardens and a lovely setting for dinner to finish the day!
5. Alpharetta
In Alpharetta you'll find both small-town Southern charm and modern suburban polish. Just 40 minutes north of Atlanta, it felt welcoming yet upscale, with pretty neighborhoods, lots of shopping spots and dining districts, and plenty of green spaces too.
My day began at Avalon, Alpharetta’s open-air lifestyle center with boutiques, cafés, and shaded spots to rest while you walk around and browse. From there, I wandered into Downtown Alpharetta, a revitalized historic district that has lovely brick sidewalks, shops, and local restaurants.
- Location Map
- Location: North Fulton County, part of the northern Atlanta metropolitan area
- Population: approximately 67,213
- Scenery: suburban cityscape, tree-lined streets, modern downtown, nearby parks, and green spaces like Wills Park
What I loved best:
In the afternoon, we drove to the Big Creek Greenway, a beautiful multi-use trail perfect for a relaxed stroll through shaded areas.
6. Marietta, Georgia
Marietta is a Southern town with lots of history and hometown warmth, red-brick downtown square, an easygoing energy perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway in Georgia.
We drove about 30 minutes northwest from Atlanta to Marietta. I started at the lively Marietta Square, where boutiques, antique shops, and locally owned restaurants encircle a park with a fountain. We enjoyed our time at the Marietta Square Market, a restored warehouse turned food hall. We sample Southern comfort food and bought some for a picnic lunch we had a few hours after.
History runs deep here and you can see it come to life at the Gone With the Wind Museum. In the afternoon, we hiked along part of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (2,965 acres, free entry) which offers interpretive trails that make the Civil War history come alive.
- Location Map
- Location: Cobb County, northwest of Atlanta in the Piedmont region of Georgia
- Population: approximately 63,394
- Scenery: historic downtown square, mountain views from Kennesaw Mountain, leafy neighborhoods, and classic Southern architecture
What I loved best:
My room at the Stanley House Inn ($169) for two days was a personal highlight, a Victorian B&B right off the square.
7. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a great small town for slowing down and relaxing on vacation. We drove just under 2 hours north from Atlanta to Blue Ridge, a former railroad town turned mountain getaway.
Kids love riding on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ($52, 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa River in vintage coaches). Plan some time around browsing Main Street’s historic brick storefronts from the early 1900s. Antique shops, craft galleries, and the Swan Drive-In Theatre (open since 1955) gave the day a nostalgic flavor. We stayed for two nights at the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast ($189), an 1890 Victorian home with porches made for rocking chairs.
- Location Map
- Location: Fannin County in the North Georgia Mountains, near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders
- Population: approximately 1,245
- Scenery: Appalachian mountain vistas, forested hills, Lake Blue Ridge, rivers, waterfalls, and a charming small-town downtown area
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was lunch at Harvest on Main, where I ordered the trout BLT (bacon, tomato, and flaky grilled trout on toasted sourdough). It came with rosemary roasted potatoes and a slice of house-made pickle.
8. Tybee Island
It's not really possible to talk about the places to visit in Georgia without Tybee Island. It's a wonderful vacation spot with beaches, colorful cottages, and a slow pace of life. It felt worlds away from Savannah though it’s only about 20 minutes down the road. When friends ask me where to go on a beach vacation in Georgia, Tybee Island is the first choice that pops into my head.
We stayed at 3-star DeSoto Beach Hotel ($159), the island’s only beachfront hotel. Our room for two nights overlooked the Atlantic.
We climbed the steps of the Tybee Island Light Station (178 steps, $12 admission).
- Location: Chatham County, about 18 miles east of Savannah on the Atlantic coast
- Population: approximately 3,114
- Scenery: sandy beaches, dunes, salt marshes, lighthouse views, and a laid-back coastal town atmosphere
- Location Map
What I loved best:
Lunch at The Crab Shack is not to be missed, a unique historic eatery with wonderful sunset views. We were there during the annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest in October which was extra fun.
9. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
I thought Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island was one of the most otherworldly coastal landscapes I’ve ever seen, incredibly beautiful with gnarled, weather-bleached driftwood trees scattered like sculptures along the sand. The mix of bleached trunks, tidal pools, and the endless horizon gave the place an almost surreal, timeless feel, especially in the soft light of sunrise and sunset.
We drove about 1 hr 40 min south from Savannah (90 miles on I-95) to Jekyll Island (population 1,300), once the exclusive retreat of America’s gilded-age millionaires.
- Location Map
- Location: northern end of Jekyll Island in Glynn County, along Georgia’s southern coast
- Scenery: weathered driftwood trees scattered along the shoreline, wide sandy beach, tidal pools, and striking coastal sunsets
Before heading to the beach, I toured the Jekyll Island Historic District (240 acres, $9 daily parking fee, grand “cottages” built by Rockefellers and Pulitzers). We stayed at the Jekyll Island Club Resort ($229) for two days, the restored 1888 clubhouse that once hosted the country’s elite.
10. Toccoa Falls Waterfall
Welcome to Toccoa Falls, one of Georgia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Tucked into the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, this 186-foot waterfall is taller than Niagara and cascades dramatically into a quiet pool below. Surrounded by forested hills and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that feels both hidden and accessible — a serene escape into the beauty of North Georgia.
Just a quick tip to orient yourself: the falls are located directly on the college grounds, with a short and easy walking path leading to the viewing area. The accessibility makes it perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, and the gentle trail allows you to take in the sights without a strenuous hike.
- What to Know Before Visiting Toccoa Falls
- Best Airport: Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International (ATL), about 1.5–2 hours away
- How Many Days: 1 day trip or overnight if pairing with nearby attractions
- Time of Year to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and vibrant foliage
Where do you stay near Toccoa Falls? While there aren’t hotels at the falls themselves, you’ll find charming inns and mountain cabins nearby. Downtown Toccoa offers boutique stays and bed-and-breakfasts, while larger resorts and lodges are available in surrounding areas like Clarkesville or Tallulah Falls for those wanting a full mountain retreat experience.
So where should you eat near Toccoa Falls? After your visit, head into downtown Toccoa for local dining. Try farm-to-table meals at a cozy café, Southern classics at a diner, or grab coffee and pastries at a small-town bakery. For something heartier, barbecue joints and casual restaurants are just a short drive away.
- Location Map
- Location: on the campus of Toccoa Falls College in Stephens County, northeast Georgia
- Scenery: 186-foot waterfall cascading over a towering cliff, surrounded by forested hills and rocky terrain — one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi
What should you do at and around Toccoa Falls? Start with the waterfall itself — the walk to the base is the highlight and makes for stunning photos. Beyond the falls, explore the town of Toccoa with its historic downtown, local shops, and museums. Outdoor lovers can continue to nearby trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest, or take a short drive to Tallulah Gorge State Park for even more dramatic views and hiking opportunities.
11. Augusta, Georgia
I thought Augusta blended Southern elegance with a laid-back riverside energy—historic homes shaded by towering magnolias, a revitalized downtown, and a legacy tied to both music and golf. Known worldwide for hosting the Masters Tournament, the city surprised me with how much charm it offers beyond the greens.
We drove about 2 hr 15 min east from Atlanta to Augusta, one of Georgia’s oldest cities, founded in 1736. I walked along the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (free trails, boat tours $14) to learn how this 1840s waterway powered textile mills.
Downtown, we toured the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson (1858, $5 tours) and admired the 1918 Sacred Heart Cultural Center. We stayed one night at 3-star The Partridge Inn ($179), a historic 1836 hotel perched on the hilltop.
We started our day near the river, where the sidewalks were quiet and the air smelled faintly like damp brick and magnolia. Augusta felt older than its buildings, grounded, measured. We walked slowly through the historic district, past porches with white columns and hanging ferns, until we reached the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson.
Inside, the air was cool and still. Each room held just enough furniture to feel lived-in without feeling staged. The guide spoke softly, pointing out details like the fireplace where young “Tommy” would have warmed his hands during cold winters.
- Location Map
- Location: Richmond County, along the Savannah River on Georgia’s eastern border with South Carolina
- Population: approximately 202,081
- Scenery: riverfront downtown, historic architecture, tree-lined streets, golf courses including Augusta National, and scenic parks along the Savannah River
For lunch, we headed to Hildebrandt’s, a family-run deli just a few blocks away. I ordered the German roast beef sandwich on rye, with a side of warm potato salad spiced with mustard and onion.
Conclusion
From the misty heights of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal charm of Savannah and the Golden Isles, Georgia is a state that blends natural beauty, deep history, and Southern hospitality.
Georgia invites you to slow down, soak in in its diverse landscapes, and leave with memories that are as rich as its culture. No matter where your journey takes you, you’ll find that every corner of the Peach State has its own story to tell and plenty of reasons to return.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
