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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 an enchanting old-world beauty, while the romantic, soulful, and slightly mysterious vibe gave it an extra edge! I based myself at the elegant 4-star historic boutique Kehoe House and fell really hard for the city!
I wandered cobbled streets and moss-draped squares, toured the refined Mercer-Williams House, ambled through Forsyth Park, and took in the haunting beauty of both Bonaventure Cemetery and the oak-canopied drive through Wormsloe Historic Site. I also squeezed in browsing old cotton warehouses turned into intriguing boutiques and bars along River Street and feasted on heavenly crispy fried green tomatoes at the Olde Pink House.
Location: Coastal Georgia | Size: population ~147,000 | Vibe: historic, atmospheric and effortlessly charming
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 completely won me over!
Just a short 15-minute drive across the scenic causeway from Brunswick, I settled in for three very 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, wandered the mossy ruins of Fort Frederica, hiked through wild Cannon’s Point where I caught the salty aroma of the marsh at low tide, and browsed the boutique-filled Pier Village.
Location: Golden Isles, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~17.7 sq miles | Vibe: coastal, genteel and blissfully laid-back
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 a very rich, golden Bourbon Honey!
3. Tallulah Falls State Park
I thought Tallulah Falls State Park 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 incredible Overlook Trail views and the dramatic suspension bridge crossing, gazing at waterfalls from Inspiration Point, strolling past the historic dam, and then cooling off with a swim at the lake beach.
Location: Northeast Georgia | Size: ~2,689 acres | Vibe: dramatic, gorge-carved and exhilarating | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, river otters, wild turkeys, and birds of prey
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 30 minutes south of St. Simons Island, I drove past shimmering marshlands and checked into the chic 4-star Jekyll Ocean Club, where the island felt blissfully secluded. I spent my days cycling the scenic island loop, wandering the otherworldly Driftwood Beach, picnicking on windswept dunes, spotting dolphins at St. Andrew Sound, and fawned over rescued turtles — it was such a unique spot, I wasn’t surprised to learn it had been featured in both X‑Men and The Walking Dead!
Location: Golden Isles, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~5,700 acres | Vibe: coastal, refined and gently nostalgic | Wildlife: nesting sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, deer, alligators, wading birds, 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 friskier moments!).
Just over an hour south of Jekyll Island, I drove to St. Marys, hopped on the 45-minute ferry (booked a week ahead), and arrived somewhere wonderfully remote and slightly mysterious. Over three days I hiked and biked moss-draped trails to the haunting Dungeness Ruins, toured grand Plum Orchard Mansion, explored the historic Stafford Plantation chapel and cemetery, and spotted horses along the island’s 50 miles of trails, although with limited amenities, I was very glad I’d packed snacks and water!
Location: Southern Georgia Coast | Size: ~36,415 acres | Vibe: wild, windswept and hauntingly beautiful | Wildlife: wild horses, armadillos, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, dolphins, and over 300 species of birds
My highlights…
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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 along rolling hills and quiet backroads, I arrived somewhere that felt timeless and steeped in Southern elegance — like slipping back into the 1800s. Over two nights at the romantic James Madison Inn, I explored elegant Heritage Hall and the historic Rogers House, checked out antiques at the quirky Unique Treasures, admired bold folk art at the Steffen Thomas Museum, and made a moving stop at Rose Cottage (which was built by Adeline Rose after she gained her freedom)!
Location: Central Georgia | Size: population ~4,500 | Vibe: elegant, historic and quietly refined
My highlights…
- Tasting modern twists of traditional Southern Cuisine at the trendy Town 220 – I loved 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 relaxed at lively South Beach, tackled the steep stairs at the historic lighthouse, explored imposing Fort Pulaski, spotted dolphins offshore, and soaked up both the ocean views and the small-town buzz around Tybee Pier and Pavilion!
Location: Near Savannah, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~3.9 sq miles | Vibe: laid-back, beachy and effortlessly fun | Wildlife: bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, pelicans, herons, marsh rabbits, many species of birds.
My highlights…
- Staying at the funky South Beach Views – I loved the flamingo cushions, seashell lamps, pastel porch chairs — and waking up each morning to the sound of crashing waves!
8. Providence Canyon State Park
I thought Providence Canyon State Park 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 blown away by a wild, otherworldly landscape that felt like Georgia’s own hidden slice of the Southwest. In a single day, I hiked the scenic Canyon Loop Trail, stumbled across rusted ’50s cars near the quirky White Blaze Trail, and even camped overnight at a quiet backcountry site — it got muddy after rain, so I was very glad I’d packed proper hiking shoes!
Location: Southwest Georgia | Size: ~1,108 acres | Vibe: colourful, canyon-carved and unexpectedly dramatic | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, armadillos, wild turkeys, and lizards.
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 up to Sunset Rock and saw beautiful ridge views, discovered the underground wonder of Ruby Falls, and wandered Rock City’s stone trails perched high above the valley.
Location: Northwest Georgia | Size: ~8,684 acres | Vibe: panoramic, dramatic and quietly awe-inspiring | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, barred owls, wild turkeys, and songbirds.
My highlights…
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Visiting the dramatically perched Covenant College — its stone Gothic Revival buildings rose castle-like from the cliffs, scented with pine and wind, with sprawling, hazy views stretching across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama!
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 superb panoramic vistas.
Just 20 minutes from Amicalola Falls State Park, the Springer Mountain trailhead felt remote and quietly meditative. Over four days, I hiked from Springer Mountain to the epic overlooks of Blood Mountain, passed through Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap, camped under starry skies at Dicks Creek Gap, and detoured to misty Long Creek Falls — before wrapping up my Georgia loop with a 4.5-hour drive back to Savannah.
Location: North Georgia | Size: ~79 miles | Vibe: forested, rugged and deeply restorative | Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, barred owls, salamanders, and songbirds.
My highlights…
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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, I arrived somewhere soulful and creative, where music, history, and Southern charm naturally collide. Over two nights at the historic 1842 Inn,, I visited the opulent Hay House, explored the ancient earthworks of Ocmulgee Mounds, admired African American art at the Tubman Museum, window-shopped at Cherry Street’s indie shops, and caught a show inside the plush red interior of the Grand Opera House.
Location: Central Georgia | Size: population ~157,000 | Vibe: musical, historic and character-filled
My personal highlights…
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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 completely awe-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 walked the wooden Chesser Island Boardwalk to its lookout tower, discovered a slightly creepy preserved settler homestead, and stopped by the very informative Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Location: Southeast Georgia | Size: ~438,000 acres | Vibe: wild, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful | Wildlife: over 600 species of animals, including American alligators, 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 lashings of mountain charm!
Over two days I wandered cobblestone streets, hiked to the spectacular Anna Ruby Falls, dipped inside the charming Helen Arts & Heritage Center, savored authentic German potato pancakes at the cozy Bodensee Restaurant, and tried the tart Dry Blueberry Wine at the family-run Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room.
Location: North Georgia | Size: population ~560 | Vibe: Alpine-themed, kitschy and cheerfully quirky
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the Bavarian-style Helendorf River Inn – I adored 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 took in seriously stunning views, explored the famously dramatic Tallulah Gorge and cascading Amicalola Falls, and browsed quirky folk art at Rocky’s Place in Tiger.
Location: Northeast Georgia | Size: ~1.2 million acres (approx.) | Vibe: misty, forested and refreshingly untamed | 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, hiked the picturesque Pine Mountain Trail Loop explored the Civil War-era Allatoona Pass Battlefield, rented a boat at the marina, and then ended up camping under the stars at Red Top Mountain State Park!
Location: Northwest Georgia | Size: ~12,010 acres (48.6 km²) | Vibe: easygoing, outdoorsy and family-friendly | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, osprey, great blue herons, and bass and catfish in the lake.
My highlights…
- Walking the cool, echoing 175-foot-deep “Deep Cut” at Allatoona Pass Battlefield, I then admired the striking red clay cliffs and sweeping views over the railroad gorge and Lake Allatoona!
16. Atlanta Botanical Garden
I thought the Atlanta Botanical 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 based myself at the cool 4-star Hotel Clermont and made a quick Midtown trip to the lush, art-filled calm of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I spent three blissful hours wandering the perfume-heavy Fuqua Orchid Center, strolling the elevated canopy walk, admiring glowing Dale Chihuly sculptures, and unwinding in the serene Japanese Garden.
Location: Atlanta, Northwest Georgia | Size: ~30 acres | Vibe: lush, curated and quietly enchanting
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 incredibly awe-inspiring. Over a two day stay, I hiked the Base of the Falls Trail and was treated to a dramatic close-up of the cascade, trundled the very attractive Amicalola Falls Trail, and stopped at the towering Appalachian Approach Trailhead.
Location: North Georgia | Size: ~829 acres | Vibe: powerful, waterfall-driven and invigorating | Wildlife: deer, black bears, songbirds, and wild turkeys.
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 packed full of intriguing charm — from its tree-lined streets and graceful Victorian buildings to the scenic tidal rivers and wildlife-rich marshlands.
After leaving Tybee Island, I drove 1.5 hours south along the coastal highway, crossing long causeways and passing small-town Georgia before arriving somewhere wonderfully laid-back and coastal. I stayed overnight at budget-friendly Baymont by Wyndham and explored the storybook streets of Old Town Brunswick, wandered the quiet marina, toured the historic Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and picnicked under the branches of the centuries-old Lover’s Oak!
Location: Southeast Georgia Coast | Size: population ~15,000 | Vibe: historic, coastal and quietly characterful
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!
