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
We flew about 3.5 hours from Austin (950 miles) into Savannah (population 148,000), one of America’s most beautiful historic cities. 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). We stayed at 3-star The Marshall House ($199), Savannah’s oldest hotel (1851), with original wood floors and gas lamps.
I thought Savannah was enchanting with its graceful antebellum architecture, cobblestone squares shaded by moss-draped oaks, and a romantic riverfront that seemed to glow in the late afternoon light.
A short walk from my hotel brought me into the heart of the historic district, where every corner felt steeped in old-world Southern charm. I started my morning at Foxy Loxy Café, sipping a cortado and nibbling warm kolaches in the leafy courtyard before roaming the city’s famed squares—Forsyth Park’s fountain was a highlight.
Midday, I joined the Savannah Taste Experience food tour, which threaded through tucked-away eateries and taught me the stories behind local staples (hello, 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.
Dinner was a classic Lowcountry affair at The Olde Pink House, and after dark I joined a lantern-lit ghost walk that made the city’s layered past feel very alive. I stayed two restful nights at The Marshall House, a boutique inn that balanced history with modern comfort. The only caveat: Savannah’s popularity means some venues can feel crowded at peak times.
2. Cumberland Island
I thought Cumberland Island felt like stepping into a wild, enchanted world—an untouched barrier island where windswept dunes meet unspoiled beaches, and centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a dreamy canopy. 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), a 1916 inn facing the waterfront.
I spent the day exploring a mix of ecosystems—maritime forests, salt marshes, and miles of empty shoreline where wild horses wandered freely. One of the highlights was walking through the haunting ruins of Dungeness Mansion, a once-grand Carnegie estate now overtaken by nature.
I also spotted armadillos, seabirds, and crabs scuttling across the tidal flats, a reminder that this is as much a wildlife sanctuary as it is a historic site. I packed a picnic and biked some of the sandy trails, though the island’s sheer size means it’s impossible to see it all in one visit.
Plan your vacation:
- Drive Time from Savannah to St. Marys: ~2 hours south, then ferry
- Vibe: Wild, peaceful, remote
- Highlights: Wild horses, Dungeness Ruins, beach hiking, maritime forest
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for pleasant hiking weather
3. Atlanta
I thought Atlanta was a dynamic blend of Southern tradition and modern innovation—gleaming skyscrapers rising above leafy neighborhoods, world-class cultural institutions balanced by a thriving food scene, and a deep sense of history intertwined with a bold, forward-looking energy. We stayed two nights at the 4-star Georgian Terrace ($189), an iconic 1911 hotel across from the Fox.
I spent my mornings exploring the Atlanta BeltLine, a lively urban trail where murals, cafés, and greenery made it feel like part art gallery, part community park. A highlight was the Atlanta History Center, which wove together stories 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.
Afternoons were for indulgence—like wandering through Ponce City Market, set in a historic Sears building now filled with eclectic food stalls and shops, or visiting the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. Evenings often ended with cocktails on a rooftop, where I could watch the skyline glow in the warm Georgia dusk.
Plan your Atlanta vacation:
- Highlights: Festival on Ponce (spring and fall), Swan Coach House Gallery, Folk Art Restaurant, Wagaya, Le Petit Marché
- Best Time: April and October for festival weather; year-round for dining and gallery visits
4. Callaway Botanical Gardens
I thought Callaway Resort & Gardens was a serene and restorative retreat—lush landscapes unfolding across thousands of acres, with every turn revealing blooming gardens, shimmering lakes, or quiet woodland trails. It felt like a place where nature and relaxation take center stage, balanced with just enough activities to keep things fun and engaging.
We drove about 1 hr 20 min southwest from Atlanta to Callaway Resort & Gardens (2,500 acres, admission $24.95 online/$29.95 gate). Founded in 1952, the gardens were created to promote conservation and showcase the region’s azaleas that completely won me over.
I began my visit at the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, where the vibrant colors were stunning in spring, then wandered into the Butterfly Center, where hundreds of delicate butterflies floated around tropical flowers—it felt magical.
The afternoon was spent biking along the 10 miles of paved trails, weaving past woodlands, meadows, and lakes. In warmer months, Robin Lake Beach added a touch of summer playfulness, with water sports and sandy stretches perfect for families.
Dinner at the Piedmont Dining Room was relaxed but refined, with fresh Southern-inspired dishes. I stayed overnight at the Lodge & Spa at Callaway, which offered cozy rooms with nature views and easy access to the grounds. Prices felt a bit higher than a standard garden visit, but the scale and amenities made it feel more like a resort than just a day trip.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~1.5 hours southwest
- Vibe: Tranquil, floral, restorative
- Highlights: Butterfly Center, Azalea Bowl, walking trails, Robin Lake Beach (seasonal)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for peak blooms; fall for cooler walks
- Cost: General admission ~$25/person; lunch ~$10–15/person
5. Alpharetta
I thought Alpharetta struck a perfect balance between small-town Southern charm and modern suburban polish. Just north of Atlanta, it felt welcoming yet upscale, with leafy neighborhoods, lively shopping and dining districts, and plenty of green spaces to escape into.
We drove about 35 minutes north from Atlanta to Alpharetta, a city that blends Southern heritage with new growth.
My day began at Avalon, Alpharetta’s open-air lifestyle center where boutiques, cafés, and shaded plazas created a walkable, European-inspired vibe. From there, I wandered into Downtown Alpharetta, a revitalized historic district with brick sidewalks, local shops, and chef-driven restaurants that gave it a cozy yet contemporary feel.
In the afternoon, I drove to the Big Creek Greenway, a beautiful multi-use trail perfect for biking or a relaxed stroll beneath tree canopies.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~40 minutes north
- Vibe: Upscale, friendly, relaxed
- Highlights: Avalon, Downtown Alpharetta, food scene, local shops
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for patio dining and town festivals
6. Marietta, Georgia
I thought Marietta was a charming blend of Southern history and hometown warmth, with its red-brick downtown square, shaded streets lined with historic homes, and an easygoing energy that made it feel welcoming and authentic. Just northwest of Atlanta, it’s close enough for day trips yet has a strong identity of its own.
We drove about 30 minutes northwest from Atlanta to Marietta, a city steeped in Civil War and railroad history.
I started at the lively Marietta Square, where boutiques, antique shops, and locally owned restaurants encircle a leafy park anchored by a fountain. A highlight was the Marietta Square Market, a restored warehouse turned food hall with everything from Southern comfort food to international bites.
History runs deep here—walking through the Gone With the Wind Museum offered glimpses into Georgia’s layered past. In the afternoon, I hiked part of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (2,965 acres, free entry), where sweeping views over Atlanta and interpretive trails made the Civil War history come alive.
We stayed at the Stanley House Inn ($169), a Victorian B&B right off the square for two nights.
7. Blue Ridge
I thought Blue Ridge was the epitome of a cozy mountain getaway—nestled in the North Georgia mountains with crisp air, charming streets, and a perfect blend of rustic adventure and boutique comfort. It felt like a small town designed for slowing down, savoring good food, and soaking up mountain scenery.
We drove just under 2 hours north from Atlanta to Blue Ridge (population 1,200), a former railroad town turned mountain getaway.
I visited the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ($52, 26-mile round trip along the Toccoa River in vintage coaches), then browsed 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 two nights at the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast ($189), an 1890 Victorian home with porches made for rocking chairs.
We took the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a short ride along the Toccoa River, windows open to the breeze.
Lunch was at Harvest on Main, where I ordered the trout BLT, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and flaky grilled trout on toasted sourdough. It came with rosemary roasted potatoes and a slice of house-made pickle that added just the right bite. The restaurant smelled like herbs and wood smoke, and everything about it felt warm. I looked out at the quiet town and thought, “We don’t have to be anywhere else today.”
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, tucked away
- Highlights: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Downtown shops, hiking trails, Harvest on Main
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for color; spring for blooming trails
8. Tybee Island
We drove about 30 minutes east from Savannah (18 miles on US-80) to Tybee Island (population ~3,000), a barrier island with both history and beach town charm. Battery Garland at Fort Screven showcased coastal defenses from the Spanish–American War. We stayed at DeSoto Beach Hotel ($159) for two nights, the island’s only beachfront hotel, with rooms opening straight to the Atlantic.
I thought Tybee Island was the perfect coastal escape—laid-back and breezy with sandy beaches, colorful cottages, and a carefree vibe that felt worlds away from Savannah’s stately charm even though it’s only about 20 minutes down the road.
We climbed the steps of the Tybee Island Light Station (178 steps, $12 admission), pausing now and then to catch our breath and look back.
Lunch was at The Crab Shack, where we sat under palm fronds and string lights, picnic tables weathered smooth from years of salt air.
Tybee Island Inn was perfect for a romantic stay.
Plan your vacation:
- Drive Time from Savannah: ~30 minutes east
- Vibe: Laid-back, beachy, sun-worn
- Highlights: Tybee Island Light Station, North Beach, The Crab Shack, marine center
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for warm weather without peak-season crowds
9. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
I thought Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island was one of the most otherworldly coastal landscapes I’ve ever seen—hauntingly 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.
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), the restored 1888 clubhouse that once hosted the country’s elite.
Plan your vacation:
- Drive Time from Savannah: ~1.5 hours south
- Highlights: Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island Historic District, picnic areas, Fuse restaurant
- Best Time to Visit: Low tide for best beach access; spring or fall for mild weather
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.
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.
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.
Plan your getaway:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~2.5 hours east
- Vibe: Historic, reflective, Southern-paced
- Highlights: Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson, Augusta Riverwalk, downtown shops and cafés
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for garden blooms and mild weather
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. Whether youre chasing waterfalls like Toccoa Falls, strolling through cobblestone streets lined with moss-draped oaks, or discovering vibrant city life in Atlanta, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
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.
