18 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Georgia

I spent two months road-tripping around Georgia, from its romantic historic coastal cities to its Insta-worthy mountain trails, and was completely won over by the state’s natural beauty, interesting history, and Southern charm. It wasn’t easy narrowing it down, but these were my standout places…

1. Savannah

I thought Savannah was an absolute gem — cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and grand antebellum mansions gave it such an enchanting old-world beauty, while the romantic, soulful, and slightly mysterious vibe gave it an extra edge!

I started my trip here basing myself at the 4-star historic boutique Kehoe House for three days and I lost myself in the city  – wandering cobbled streets and moss-draped squares, touring the elegant Mercer-Williams House, strolling through picturesque Forsyth Park, and falling for the haunting beauty of moss-draped Bonaventure and the cinematic oak-canopied drive at Wormsloe.

Along elegant River Street I poked around the old cotton warehouses turned unique boutiques and bars, and feasted on crispy fried green tomatoes at the Olde Pink House and golden corn muffins accompanied with okra gumbo at the quaint Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.

My favorite highlights…

• My historic paddlewheel cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises – the old brick waterfront views, soulful live jazz and hearty Southern-style buffet (especially the Baked Tilapia and Savannah Red Rice) made it all very special!

2. St Simons Island

I thought St. Simons Island was an absolute coastal gem — wide golden beaches, moss-draped oaks, shimmering marshes, and charming cottages gave it a nostalgic, Southern village feel that instantly won me over!

Just a short 15-minute drive across the scenic causeway from Brunswick, I settled in for three relaxing days at the chic 4-star Inn by Sea Island. The pace was beautifully laid-back – I strolled along sunlit East Beach, climbed the historic lighthouse and was treated to stunning coastal views, wandered the mossy ruins of Fort Frederica, hiked through wild Cannon’s Point where I caught the briny, salty smell of the marsh at low tide, and browsed the boutique-filled Pier Village.

• Location: part of the Golden Isles, off the southeastern coast of Georgia (between Savannah and Jacksonville)
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: 17 square miles and population around 16,000 people

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at the upscale Georgia Sea Grill – I loved the chic vibe, how it sourced ingredients from its own kitchen garden, and the decadent Georgia Pecan Pie which came drizzled in rich, golden Bourbon Honey!

3. Tallulah Falls State Park

I thought this place was absolutely breathtaking with its plunging gorge, roaring waterfalls, moss-covered canyon walls, and that dramatic swaying suspension bridge that made it feel both wild and exhilarating!

Just over an hour southeast of the Northeast Georgia Mountains I drove a scenic forested route that hugged rivers and hills, then based myself for two nights at the cozy Lake Rabun Hotel only 10 minutes from the park. My day here was packed with jaw-dropping Overlook Trail views and the dramatic suspension bridge crossing, gazing at waterfalls from Inspiration Point, strolling past the historic dam, and cooling off with a swim at the lake beach.

My highlights…

4. Jekyll Island 

I thought this tranquil barrier island was one of the most beautiful spots on Georgia’s coast, with its ghostly Driftwood Beach lined with twisted sun-bleached trees, wide sandy stretches, serene marshes, moss-draped oak forests, and elegant historic buildings.

Just a 30-minute drive south from St. Simons took me past coastal marshlands before I settled into the chic 4-star Jekyll Ocean Club, where the island’s peaceful, nostalgic vibe felt secluded and quietly elegant.

I spent my days pedaling the scenic island loop, wandering the otherworldly Driftwood Beach, picnicking on the windswept dunes, and spotting playful dolphins at St. Andrew Sound, exploring historic landmarks, and adoring the rescued turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center—it was no wonder filmmakers chose it for X-Men and The Walking Dead! 

• Location: southeastern coast of the state, between Brunswick and St. Simons Island
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: covers around 5,700 acres
• Wildlife: nesting sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, deer, alligators, wading birds like herons and egrets, and migratory shorebirds

My favorite highlights…

• The Georgia Sea Turtle Center – I loved hearing the passionate guides explain how each turtle had its own backstory, from boat strike injuries to cold-stunning events, and seeing them up close in the rehabilitation tanks, some with prosthetic flippers!

5. Cumberland Island

Georgia’s largest and wildest barrier island completely won me over with its 17 miles of windswept empty beaches, dramatic dunes, peaceful salt marshes, moss-draped oak forests, haunting ruins, and the unforgettable sight of wild horses roaming freely (though I kept my distance during their frisky moments!).

Just over an hour south from Jekyll Island I drove to St. Marys, caught the 45-minute ferry I’d wisely booked a week ahead, and arrived at a place that felt remote, untouched, and a little mysterious.

Over three days I hiked and biked mossy trails to the haunting Dungeness Ruins, toured the grand Plum Orchard Mansion and explored the historic Stafford Plantation chapel and cemetery relaxed on wild beaches, and spotted horses, armadillos, and countless birds along the island’s 50 miles of trails. I have to just mention that the amenities were limited — so I was glad I packed snacks and water!

• Location: southeastern coast of the state, near the Florida border
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: around 36,000 acres
• Wildlife: wild horses, armadillos, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, dolphins, and over 300 species of birds

My highlights…

• Staying at the historic Greyfield Inn – with its 1900s Carnegie-era architecture, candlelit dinners made with garden-grown ingredients, and vintage bikes for exploring the island it actually felt like stepping back into the Gilded Age in the middle of the wild!

6. Madison

I thought this charming small town was absolutely beautiful with its oak-shaded streets lined with antebellum mansions, manicured gardens, and a walkable historic district filled with 19th-century architecture, fountains, and genteel Southern storefronts.

After a 1.5-hour drive northeast from Macon through rolling hills and quiet backroads, I arrived in a place that felt timeless, peaceful, and steeped in Southern elegance, like stepping gracefully back into the 1800s.

During two nights at the romantic James Madison Inn, I toured the elegant Heritage Hall and the historic Rogers House, strolled through the leafy Town Park, browsed antiques at the quirky Unique Treasures, admired vibrant folk art at the interesting Steffen Thomas Museum, and made a moving stop at the humble Rose Cottage, built by Adeline Rose after she gained her freedom.

My highlights…

• Tasting modern twists of traditional Southern Cuisine at the trendy Town 220 – I loved the exposed brick decor, my dish of charred okra with smoked paprika aioli, roasted beet salad and candied pecans and the divine Jack Daniels Bread Pudding which came with a velvety whiskey caramel sauce!

7. Tybee Island

I loved this relaxed barrier island on Georgia’s Atlantic coast — its wide sun-bleached beaches, rolling dunes, tranquil marshes alive with wildlife, historic landmarks, and quaint 19th-century keeper’s cottages made it such an attractive spot.

Just a 30-minute drive east from Savannah along scenic Highway 80 brought me past salt marshes and ocean glimpses to a place that felt frozen in time—carefree, breezy, and full of retro beach-town charm.

Over three days I swam and sunbathed at the lively South Beach, climbed the historic lighthouse, and explored the imposing Fort Pulaski, spotted dolphins on a sunset cruise, tucked into crispy-edged sweet potato fries with cinnamon butter at the laid-back AJ’s Dockside and soaked up ocean views and the small-town buzz from Tybee Pier and Pavilion.

• Location: southeastern coast of the state (18 miles east of Savannah)
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: covers approximately 3.2 square miles
• Wildlife: bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, pelicans, herons, marsh rabbits, many species of birds

My highlights…

8. Providence Canyon State Park

I thought this was one of Georgia’s most underrated spots — a dramatic “Little Grand Canyon” where vivid red, orange, pink, and white sandstone walls rose above wildflower trails, pine forests, and jaw-dropping overlooks.

After a 4-hour drive north from the Okefenokee Swamp through farmland and forest, I reached Lumpkin and was stunned by this wild, otherworldly landscape that felt like Georgia’s own secret slice of the Southwest.

In just one day I hiked the scenic Canyon Loop Trail, descended to the dramatic canyon floor, and stumbled across rusted-out ’50s cars near the quirky White Blaze Trail, and even camped overnight at a quiet backcountry site surrounded by nature. I found it did get muddy after it rained so I was glad I packed good shoes!

My highlights…

• After a 2-mile hike through pine-scented woods, I camped at a remote Backcountry site, loving the solitude, crackling campfire under starry skies, and waking to golden canyon walls glowing at sunrise!

9. Lookout Mountain

I thought this dramatic mountain ridge was absolutely stunning, with sweeping views across seven states, towering sandstone cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and the whimsical charm of Rock City’s garden trails, stone bridges, and quirky formations.

After a two-hour drive northwest from Lake Allatoona along scenic ridge roads, I reached the summit of Lookout Mountain and found it bold, adventurous, and full of mountain mystique. While staying at the charming Chanticleer Inn, I hiked to the panoramic Sunset Rock and saw jaw-dropping ridge views, explored the magical underground Ruby Falls, and wandered the whimsical Rock City stone trails and rode the steep Incline Railway and saw breathtaking panoramas from the top station.

• Location: northwestern corner of the state, near the town of Rising Fawn
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: 100 miles long, spanning parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama
• Wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, barred owls, wild turkeys, and songbirds

My highlights…

• Visiting the extraordinarily located Covenant College which was perched atop Lookout Mountain, it looked liked a fairytale castle with its striking stone Gothic Revival buildings, and I loved gazing at the views across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama from there too!

10. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

I thought the Georgia stretch of this legendary 2,180-mile trail was absolutely breathtaking, with winding mountain paths through misty forests, wildflower meadows, rhododendron tunnels, and panoramic vistas.

Just 20 minutes from Amicalola, the Springer Mountain trailhead felt remote and meditative, with that exhilarating mix of solitude and wild beauty.

Over four unforgettable days I hiked from iconic Springer Mountain to Blood Mountain’s epic overlooks, dropped into the historic Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap, and camped beneath the starry skies at remote Dicks Creek Gap, (where I met some great fellow hikers!), and detoured to the misty charm of Long Creek Falls. From here I wrapped up my Georgia loop with a 4.5-hour drive southeast back to Savannah.

• Location: begins at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, located in the northeastern part of the state near Dahlonega and Amicalola Falls State Park.
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: The Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail spans 78.6 miles
• Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, barred owls, salamanders, and songbirds

My highlights…

• Seeing the famous “shoe tree” at Mountain Crossings Gear Store and Hostel, where worn-out hiking boots dangled from the branches – I even spotted raggedy handwritten notes tucked into the laces!

11. Macon

I was completely charmed by this elegant small town, the birthplace of Little Richard and Otis Redding, with its tree-lined streets, grand antebellum homes, scenic Ocmulgee River views, and a downtown brimming with historic churches, theaters, and music landmarks.

After a 2.5-hour drive northeast from Providence Canyon past pecan groves and pastureland, I found a place that felt soulful, artistic, and deeply rooted in music and history, with a warm blend of Southern charm and creative energy.

During two nights at the historic 1842 Inn, I toured the opulent Hay House, explored the ancient earthworks at the intriguing Ocmulgee Mounds, admired African American art at the interesting Tubman Museum, browsed Cherry Street’s indie shops and galleries, and caught a performance at the opulent Grand Opera House with its plush red interiors.

My personal highlights…

• Dining on the Jamoie Bowl at iconic H & H Soul Food – I really enjoyed the zesty black bean and corn salsa, the warm cornbread side, and the soulful vibe with vintage photos and classic Southern rock tunes!

12. Okefenokee Swamp

I thought this sprawling wetland was truly special, with glassy blackwater channels winding through cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss, floating peat islands, and wildflower-filled prairies.

After an hour’s drive northwest from St. Marys along sleepy backroads, I entered through the Folkstone gate and was struck by its haunting, tranquil vibe — ancient, mysterious, and deeply wild, like a hidden world.

Over two days at the rustic Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins I glided the scenic Suwannee Canal on a boat tour, walked the wooden Chesser Island Boardwalk to its lookout tower, toured a preserved settler homestead, spotted gators and egrets along wild Swamp Island Drive, and explored the excellent Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

• Location: southeastern part of the state, near the towns of Folkston and Waycross
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: approximately 700 square miles (around 450,000 acres)
• Wildlife: over 600 species of animals, including American alligators, black bears, sandhill cranes, wood storks, otters, and a wide variety of turtles, frogs, and migratory birds.

My highlights…

• Going on a guided swamp boat tour with Okefenokee Adventures, I loved the mossy, earthy scent of the wetlands and hearing about ‘Okefenokee Joe,’ the legendary 12-foot alligator who ruled these waters for decades before passing at 80! 

13. Helen

This quirky Bavarian-style mountain town completely charmed me with its colorful Alpine buildings, flower-filled balconies, cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and eateries, and its gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop.

After a 2.5-hour drive east from Lookout Mountain on winding scenic byways, I arrived to find a festive, whimsical place that felt like a cozy European village tucked into the North Georgia Mountains, full of Bavarian culture, seasonal festivals, and mountain charm.

Over two days I wandered cobblestone streets, hiked to the spectacular Anna Ruby Falls, rode the thrilling Georgia Mountain Coaster, and browsed the charming Helen Arts & Heritage Center, savored authentic German potato pancakes at the cozy Bodensee Restaurant, and went wine tasting at the family-run Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room.

• Location: North Georgia Mountains in the northeastern part of the state in White County (90 miles from Atlanta)
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: population around 630

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the Bavarian-style Helendorf River Inn, I loved the hand-painted Alpine murals, the sound of the Chattahoochee from my balcony, the cozy chalet vibe, and joining their lively “Alpine Stroll” walks! 

14. Northeast Georgia Mountains

This scenic stretch of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains completely blew me away with its forested ridges, clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and charming little towns tucked among ancient hardwoods.

Just a 30-minute drive deeper into the mountains from Helen past farm stands and tiny towns brought me to a place that felt peaceful, fresh, and full of small-town warmth. Over three days at the rustic-chic Dogwood Inn, I hiked to Brasstown Bald’s lofty summit and saw stunning views, explored the dramatic Tallulah Gorge and cascading Amicalola Falls, kayaked the tranquil waters of tree-lined Lake Rabun, and browsed quirky folk art at Rocky’s Place in Tiger.

• Location: far northeastern part of the state
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: spans roughly 1,700 square miles
• Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, songbirds, and a variety of amphibians.

My personal highlights…

• Stopping by the Château Élan winery and resort, I sipped the smooth, berry-rich Château Élan Velve, loved the vineyard views, chic decor, modern spa, and learning the winemaking process on a guided tour.

15. Lake Allatoona

I thought this big, family-friendly reservoir was beautiful, with clear calm waters framed by green forests and rolling hills, sandy beaches for swimming, scenic trails with lake views, and even tucked-away historic sites along the shoreline.

Just over an hour northwest from Atlanta along I-75, I reached a place that felt peaceful and outdoorsy—laid-back, family-friendly, and full of lakeside fun mixed with history. Over four days at the cozy Allatoona Lake House with Dock, I swam at the sandy Bartow Beach and hiked the picturesque Pine Mountain Trail Loop explored the Civil War-era Allatoona Pass Battlefield, rented a boat at the marina, and capped it all off camping under the stars at Red Top Mountain State Park.

• Location: northwest part of the state
• Map Location and Directions
• Size: covers around 12,000 acres
• Wildlife: white-tailed deer, osprey, great blue herons, and bass and catfish in the lake

My highlights…

16. Atlanta Botanical Garden

I thought this beloved urban garden was absolutely stunning, with dazzling seasonal flower displays, bold tropical and desert collections, a treetop canopy walk, striking Chihuly glass sculptures, and serene Japanese gardens all framed by Atlanta’s skyline.

After a 1.5-hour drive west from Madison, I stayed two nights at the cool 4-star Hotel Clermont and made the quick Midtown trip to what felt like a vibrant urban oasis where art, nature, and community blended seamlessly.

I spent three wonderful hours here—wandering the Fuqua Orchid Center Fuqua Orchid Center where the air was perfumed with orchids and sweet jasmine, walked the elevated canopy walk, admired the colorful Chihuly sculptures, and relaxed in the zen-like Japanese Garden and enjoying the Edible Garden and whimsical Model Train Garden.

My personal highlights…

• Seeing (and smelling!) all the potent fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, and fruit plants including blueberries and figs alongside interesting live cooking demonstrations at the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen! 

17. Amicalola Falls State Park

I thought this park was a true beauty spot, with Georgia’s tallest waterfall plunging 729 feet into a lush green gorge, miles of trails through hardwood forests and streams, and sweeping viewpoints over the Appalachian foothills.

After a 1.5-hour drive southwest from Tallulah Falls along the foothills, I arrived to a place that felt peaceful, refreshing, and awe-inspiring. Over two days I hiked the Base of the Falls Trail for a dramatic close-up of the cascade, explored the attractive Amicalola Falls Trail, stopped at the towering Appalachian Approach Trailhead, and unwound in a forest-fringed safari tent, with the visitor center confirming the falls’ record height.

• Location: Dawsonville, Northern Georgia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Size: 829 acres
• Wildlife: deer, black bears, songbirds, and wild turkeys
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Staying at Amicalola Falls Lodge in one of their luxurious Safari Tents – I loved the stylish boho decor, huge bed, and a private porch where I sat sipping on a Brash Coffee Dos Niñas while listening to the distant melodic trills of tree frogs! 

18. Brunswick

This historic port city, the gateway to the Golden Isles, I personally thought was full of intriguing charm — from its tree-lined streets and graceful Victorian buildings to the scenic tidal rivers and wildlife-rich marshlands.

I came here from my previous stop at Tybee Island and I drove 1.5 hours south along the coastal highway, crossing long causeways and passing through charming small towns. Once here, I really enjoyed soaking up the laid-back, coastal Southern vibes!

I stayed overnight at the Baymont by Wyndham and made the most of it – exploring the storybook streets of Old Town Brunswick lined with quirky antique shops, walking along the quaint marina, touring the historic Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and pausing under the sprawling branches of the centuries-old Lover’s Oak.

My favorite highlights…

• Sampling the bold Richland Cask Strength Rum with dark cherry and caramel notes at Georgia’s only rum distillery, Richland Rum, where I also tried their award-winning small-batch rums!

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