Situated on the eastern seaboard of the United States, just shy of Florida, Georgia is an incredible place to visit. Best of all, due to its location, it has heaps of different landscapes, shorelines, and parks to visit—and that’s even before we get onto the cities in Georgia.
Now, Georgia is a pretty big state in the east of the United States. This is great if you’re travelling around Georgia on a road trip across the state. However, its sheer scale does make it hard to whittle down a concise list of the best places in Georgia to visit if you’re only heading through (or to) the state for a limited time.
So, to help you make the most of your trip, I’m sharing the top places in Georgia that I think you’ll love. This way, you can focus on route planning. Have the best time visiting Georgia.
1.) Jekyll Island
Not too far from the city of Brunswick, Jekyll Island is one of the best places in Georgia to visit if you’re looking for a beach break.
Now, for a stunning and quiet beach on Jekyll Island, head to the northern tip around Driftwood Beach. It’s a totally unspoilt and picturesque island area with no development at all. It’s just like it would have been thousands of years. Also, you can easily park your car in this area to head out strolling across the beach.
Also, don’t forget to stop off at the waterpark and head south on Jekyll Island to Summer Waves Water Park, which is seasonally open and so much fun.
Finally, you’ve got the stunning South Dunes and St Andrews Beach, not too far from Jekyll Island Causeway itself.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
2.) Savannah
Right on the border with South Carolina, Savannah is a lovely city in Georgia to visit for a few days trip. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect to stay for a night or two and really explore the historic centre itself.
Once you’re here, visit City Market, which is situated between Ellis Square and Franklin Square and is lovely to walk around. Here, they have heaps of foodie spots, art exhibitions and bars to whisk away a day. It’s lovely.
Oh, and make sure to head to Forsyth Park, which is lovely on a warm sunny day. This park is so gorgeous, especially with the walks around the fountain and into the open green area past Collins Quarter at Forsyth (where you can stop for a glass of wine).
Also, there are heaps of seasonal activities happening throughout the summer months. You can attend events such as musicals, sports, and heaps of other events. Plus, the Farmers’ Market is usually open on weekends, too.
For a bite to eat, head to The Olde Pink House for their delicious chicken pot pie. It’s so good and right in the centre of Savannah.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
3.) Tybee Island
On the state border of Georgia and South Carolina, Tybee Island is a stunning area to spend a few days on the Georgian coastline. Best of all, Tybee Island is really easy to visit as it’s connected by road to the mainland.
After parking up, make sure to head to Tybee Island Light Station, one of Georgia’s historic lighthouses. Once here, you can visit the lighthouse and learn more about its history in the region. Just remember that it’s closed every Tuesday.
Also, don’t forget to visit The Crab Shack for their famous seafood platters. Their shrimp and freshly caught crabs are so yummy.
Read more: Best places in South Carolina to visit
4.) Stone Mountain Park
Not too far from the centre of Atlanta, Stone Mountain State Park is one of the best places in Georgia to visit as you make your way east from the city to Augusta.
Best of all, there is something going on throughout the year. From the Highland Games, Pumpkin Festivals and Native American Festivals.
Also, don’t forget to stroll the Cherokee Trail that heads around Stone Mountain. It’s a great walk, and you’ll be able to walk around the absolutely colossal granite dome.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
5.) Macon
South of Atlanta, Macon is another city in Georgia that’s well worth staying overnight as part of a wider road trip in the state.
Once here, you can visit the Grand Opera House for a show (or tour). It’s been around since the 1800s in Macon, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Also, don’t forget to visit Hay House, a museum and mansion that dates back to the 1800s. The architecture is beautiful. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the spiralled staircase. It’s stunning.
Finally, if you’re looking for art, head over to the Tubman Museum. It’s a stunning art museum in Macon and a great place to explore if you’re looking for a quiet day while browsing some of Georgia’s modern artist exhibits.
6.) Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles and right on the state border with Florida. Now, Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat (from St Marys), located just off the Georgia Coast of St. Marys.
Once here, you’ll be able to head out. Hiking, biking (bring it with you), birdwatching, and visiting the Dungeness Ruins. It’s just shy of the Saltwater Marsh Boardwalk.
Also, don’t forget to visit the sandy shores of Dungeness Beach itself. It’s beautiful and is said to be the most westerly point on the eastern coastline in the United States.
Read more: Best places in Florida to visit
7.) Athens
Around a 70-minute drive east of Atlanta, Athens is another one of Georgia’s cities you shouldn’t miss as part of a state road trip. It’s relatively small compared to sprawling cities like Atlanta, which is great for a half-day trip to the city.
Once you’re here, make sure to check out the Georgia Theater for the latest live music events in Athens. Typically, there’s something each weekend, and it’s such a great venue.
Also, you kind of have to see one of Athen’s most quirky spots, called ‘Tree That Owns Itself‘. Long ago, in the 1800s, a local branded the tree as a ‘self-owner’ and that it was no one else’s property. Ever since that point, the tree has ruled the land. Today, it’s still going strong.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
8.) Atlanta
Atlanta is probably one of Georgia’s most famous places to visit and with good reason. There’s so much to see and do in Atlanta, and you can easily spend 2-3 days exploring the city.
Once you’re here, make sure to visit the World of Coca-Cola, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It’s an incredible city.
For a deeper dip into things to do in Atlanta, take a look at our post, here.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
9.) Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeast corner of Georgia and is incredible to visit. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Georgia to visit if you want to explore the region’s famous swampland.
Do you know this is North America’s largest freshwater and blackwater wilderness swamp? Not only that, but there is also a heap of wildlife to be spotted once you’ve arrived at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife, such as cranes, American black bears, alligators, woodpeckers, and wood storks, roam the swamp’s grounds. So keep your eyes peeled.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
10.) Ocmulgee Mounds National Monument
Built by Native Americans, the Ocmulgee National Monument is dedicated to 12,000 years of the human race habitation in the Macon area. This makes it one of the best places in Georgia to visit if you’re already visiting Macon and the wider area.
Once here, you can explore the earthen Mounds and a ceremonial Lodge and spend a good few hours exploring the grounds. The ancient mounds were used for burials, protection, and as a symbol of honour for elite members in centuries past.
Today, you can walk around the trails to the different mounds and read the information to learn more about each mound. There is also a visitor centre that houses an archaeology museum.
Also, don’t forget that you can get a unique mound view from the Earth Lodge.
11.) Pine Mountain/Callaway Gardens
Established by the renowned industrialist Cason Callaway, Callaway Gardens is located at Pine Mountain. It is a place where you can unwind and chill at Robin Lake Beach, butterfly houses, and gardens of Magnolias and Azaleas.
You can also enjoy watersports during the Master’s Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament. Don’t forget to check out the golf courses and diverse walking trails, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Atlanta
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