Attractive Georgia is usually recognized for being house to charming historic cities stuffed with leafy squares and oak-lined streets, sprawling farmlands, towering mountains, and lashings of Southern attraction. It was a tricky activity, however I’ve managed to slender down my favourite locations…
1. Savannah
Continuously ranked amongst one of many “friendliest cities on the earth”, Savannah’s colourful historical past attracts thousands and thousands of tourists yearly. Located alongside the effervescent Savannah River, this strategic port metropolis is Georgia’s fifth-largest metropolis.
With an nearly 300-year historical past, the host metropolis retains its essence, with cobbled and oak-lined streets, stunning parks, and archaic buildings.
I like to recommend strolling down the historic 22 parklike squares in downtown Savannah or getting intrigued with the Telfair’s Academy of Arts and Sciences, South’s first public museum, this charming metropolis is stuffed with vintage hallmarks.
A reasonably and complicated metropolis with funky nightlife and scrumptious meals, this place exudes pure magnificence and exquisite locales.
I might recommend heading to Savannah’s Historic District and visiting the gorgeous public inexperienced house full with shaded inexperienced areas Forsyth Park, the Mercer Williams Home Museum, the well-known Bonaventure Cemetery (which was featured within the 1994 novel Midnight within the Backyard of Good and Evil by John Berendt), the Wormsloe Historic Website and the Olde Pink Home is fashionable for advantageous eating within the metropolis.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Savannah, GA 31401
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: From March to July
My favourite highlights…
- Experiencing Savannah’s Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour and exploring town.
- Taking a riverboat sightseeing cruise and listening to intriguing tales and historic details in regards to the metropolis.
- Visiting the charming Savannah Historic District the place I discovered museums, church buildings, monuments and well-known forts of the Revolutionary and Civil Battle eras.
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2. Jekyll Island
For my part, this stunning 5,500-acre island is only a dream and is only a brief drive from Savannah. It’s additionally been the filming location for X-Males First Class, the Legend of Baggar Vance, and The Strolling Lifeless.
Jekyll Island, one of many Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands, is house to over 10 miles of unspoilt seashores, together with the long-lasting and really photogenic Driftwood Seashore.
It additionally has a sea turtle rescue centre, acres of pristine protected land, a historic landmark, a district, leisure services, and over 20 miles of motorbike paths.
Different highlights embody amassing advantageous historic properties, year-round occasions, and family-friendly actions. Some glorious lodges, resorts, self-catering cottages, and campsites are excellent for brief breaks or longer holidays.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 901 Downing Musgrove Cswy, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: From September to November
My favourite highlights…
- Capturing a dreamy sundown on the picturesque Driftwood Seashore.
- Educating myself in regards to the super-cute sea turtles at Georgia Sea Turtle Heart.
- Biking the scenic Jekyll Island Path System.
3. Tallulah Falls State Park
Get drenched within the awe-inspiring fantastic thing about one of the vital spectacular canyons within the japanese US.
The beautiful Tallulah Gorge, two miles lengthy and neatly 1,000 ft deep, is the place the Tallulah River flows by the rugged terrain with 5 distinct waterfalls.
I like to recommend mountaineering alongside the Hurricane Falls and Sliding Rock Path, braving the suspension bridge 80ft above the rocky backside, or kayaking within the glowing waters with spectacular views!
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
- Location Map
- Greatest occasions to go to: between March to June and September to November
My highlights…
- Mountaineering the gorgeous Tallulah Gorge Overlooks Path.
- Exploring the gorgeous Panther Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Testing the Jane Harm Yarn Interpretive Heart, the park’s well-equipped customer middle.
4. Windfall Canyon
Typically known as “Little Grand Canyon,” Windfall Canyon is a must-see vacation spot in Georgia. Its uncommon geological formations, together with colourful ravines and towering sandstones, make the ever-evolving panorama an ideal spot for exploration and images.
The huge gullies brought on by poor agricultural practices throughout the 1800s as we speak make up for the prettiest vista. The canyon’s hued soils make for pure portray on this quaint park. You’ll discover a skinny layer of water alongside the soft-bedded, sandy mountaineering trails.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
- Greatest occasions to go to: From Might to September
My highlights…
- Mountaineering the Canyon Loop Path (rated straightforward).
- Having a picnic surrounded by canyons.
- In a single day tenting at Williford Department Camp.
5. St Simons Island
That is the biggest island of the Golden Isles positioned off the Georgia Coast, made well-known within the poem Marches of the Glynn by Sidney Lanier.
It’s a laid-back and tranquil place with quaint streets lined with moss-draped oaks, miles of gorgeous unspoilt seashores, an iconic lighthouse (St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse has been a working lighthouse since 1872), an enthralling pier, beautiful surroundings, golf programs, museums and an excellent assortment of retailers, eating places, biking trails, and annual occasions.
There are lots of issues to do right here, together with excursions, kayaking, strolling, and biking, and quite a lot of lodging can be found for a gorgeous spring, summer season, fall, or winter Georgia trip or a brief break.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 529 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
- Greatest occasions to go to: Summer season
My favourite highlights…
- Mountaineering the scenic John Gilbert Nature Path.
- Having a time out exploring Neptune Park.
- Stress-free on the gorgeous East Seashore.
6. Macon
Positioned about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta, Macon is the right vacation spot for Southern journey. A reasonably metropolis with a wealthy historical past, unimaginable structure, and music heritage, Macon is “The place Soul Lives”.
Hike to the world’s 17,000-year heritage at Ocmulgee Nationwide Monument, which features a reconstructed earthen lodge, or stroll down the streets and uncover the state’s largest assortment of African-American artwork in Tubman Museum.
You’ll uncover the untold tales of the Civil Battle at each landmark. Pay tribute to Macon’s native son, Otis Redding, at his life-size statue alongside the spacious avenues with artwork galleries and vintage boutiques. Macon is a proud house to numerous cultures and structure, and that’s why I’m such an enormous fan!
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 450 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon, GA 31201
- Peak occasions to go to: Might, October and November
My private highlights…
- Visiting Ocmulgee Mounds Nationwide Historic Park which provides 17,000 years’ value of historical past.
- Discovering St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a neo-Gothic church from the Nineteenth century.
- Watching a present on the majestic Grand Opera Home.
7. Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is an excellent, placing mountain ridge within the state’s northwest nook. It provides really gorgeous views and exquisite environment, and it is usually the place the place you possibly can view many of the states without delay.
Positioned 25 miles from three totally different states, when the skies are clear (and with a superb set of binoculars helpful), you possibly can see as much as seven totally different states in the event you attempt arduous sufficient – go to and see for your self!
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 110 Level Park Street, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
- Peak occasions to go to: From August to November
My highlights…
- Falling in love with the seven surrounding states to the Civil Battle website.
- Paying a go to to the Battles for Chattanooga Museum.
- Taking a hike to Sundown Rock.
8. Athens
This engaging metropolis in northeast Georgia is thought for its antebellum structure and for being the beginning of the Antebellum Path of historic Civil Battle cities. It’s additionally an excellent vacation spot for distinctive annual festivals, occasions, procuring, eating places, and stay music.
Highlights of this advantageous metropolis embody the Greek Revival mansion the Taylor Grady Home, the Nineteenth-century Church-Waddel-Brumby Home, and the well-preserved T.R.R. Cobb Home, the mansion of a mid-Nineteenth-century lawyer the place you possibly can see historic interval furnishings and displays.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
- Peak occasions to go to: between March and Might and from September to November
My highlights…
- Spending the afternoon on the beautiful State Botanical Backyard of Georgia.
- Testing Downtown Athens, which was stuffed with nice eating places and attention-grabbing unbiased retailers.
9. Lake Allatoona
Located on the Etowah River, stunning Lake Allatoona is a well-liked spot for campers, anglers, boaters, kayakers, and hikers in search of enjoyable and journey away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. The Military Corps manages Allatoona Lake.
With majestic vistas and starry nights, this place is stuffed with belongings you’ll like to discover. Soak in some solar at Bartow Seashore, nestled in a cove, or hike the Iron Hill path on Purple Prime Mountain State Park alongside the shores of Allatoona Lake. There’s a lot number of choices to fulfil your adventurous need.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1138 GA-20 Spur, Cartersville, GA 30121
- Peak occasions to go to: April and October
My highlights…
- Mountaineering the Pine Mountain Path loop.
- Having fun with a swim on the secluded Bartow Seashore.
- Going for a stroll on the fashionable Purple Prime Mountain State Park.
10. Helen
Helen is a beautiful and distinctive mountain city and a preferred trip spot in Northeast Georgia. It’s subsequent door to the favored Unicoi State Park.
It’s house to charming Bavarian-style buildings, over 200 speciality retailers, vineyards, many mountains and forest trails, and a close-by engaging lake, waterfalls, and campsites. Well-liked issues embody river tubing, wine tasting, and the enjoyable Georgia Mountain Coaster.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
- Peak occasions to go to: April
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a peaceable stroll within the surrounding areas of Anna Ruby Falls.
- Wandering across the nice Unicoi State Park.
- Having enjoyable river tubing on the Chattahoochee River.
11. Atlanta Botanical Backyard
Aside from gorgeous landscapes and points of interest, Gainesville is a brand new vacation spot for connecting magnificence with the pure world. Based in 1976, the backyard has developed a sturdy horticulture program and one of many largest conservation nurseries.
With an informative customer centre, outside gardens, a mannequin prepare backyard, and an amphitheatre, it hosts thrilling occasions, artwork exhibitions, and academic applications. Additionally it is house to the Cover Stroll, a 600-foot-long skywalk that gives a scenic view of the gardens under.
Additionally, make time to discover the remainder of town and different superior issues to do in Atalanta, together with the Museum of Excessive Museum of Artwork, stunning Piedmont Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Nationwide Historic Park, and Oakland Cemetery, the ultimate resting place of well-known metropolis residents.
Household-friendly points of interest within the metropolis embody the favored Six Flags over Georgia and the Fernbank Museum, 3D Theater, and Forest.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: Atlanta, GA 30309
- Greatest occasions to go to: From March till Might (weekdays are higher)
My favourite highlights…
- Admiring the uncommon assortment of orchids.
- Photographing the wonderful exhibitions.
- Attending the gardening ideas courses.
12. Northeast Georgia Mountains
Sometimes called the Georgia Mountains, the Northeast Georgia Mountains’ picturesque magnificence, countryside, tumbling waterfalls, and delicate mountains present a much-needed escape from the bustling metropolis. One of many oldest mountain chains that ends in Georgia is the Blue Ridge.
Tucked in Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest, Blue Ridge provides glorious mountaineering, scenic drives, and farm-fresh produce. Brasstown Bald, the very best level within the Blue Ridge Mountains, is thought to show the season’s first fall colours.
Hike to the highest for a panoramic 360-degree view and witness the 4 states from the customer middle. The Brasstown Bald provides a secluded retreat with elegant views and plush forests.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 152 Orvin Lance Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
- Greatest occasions to go to: From April to Might and from mid-September to November
My private highlights…
- Discovering Château Élan, a premier place that gives a golf course and a vineyard.
- Visiting the people artwork gallery Rocky’s Place, the place I discovered work from self-taught artists.
- Paying a go to to The Farmhouse Co, which offered antiques to pet merchandise.
13. Lake Lanier and Lanier Islands
Positioned within the foothills of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, it is a fashionable magnificence and trip and weekend vacation spot in Georgia. Folks go swimming, boating, and enjoyable right here on its beautiful shores.
Lanier Islands is a large trip resort complicated in the midst of Lake Lanier, which is reachable by highway from the mainland.
It provides lodging, leisure and journey actions, occasion venues, and loads of spectacular lake surroundings.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1050 Buford Dam Rd. Buford GA 30518
- Peak occasions to go to: September to December
My highlights…
- Having a ball at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park which can be ultimate for households.
- Making an attempt the Paranoia Quest Escape the room.
- Having a go at Legacy Golf Course which provides 12 holes and exquisite greenery.
14. Amicalola Falls State Park
Nestled within the North Georgia Mountains, northeast of Dawsonville is Georgia’s most visited State Park. The attractive Amicalola Falls State Park spills down a towering bluff, falling 720 ft right into a mossy forest.
Also referred to as “tumbling waters” within the Cherokee language, this Georgia state park was established in 1940.
Chill out within the confinement of nature or hike alongside the most well-liked trails by the park. Amicalola Falls’ mesmerizing vistas and spectacular sunsets provide a pleasant mountain getaway.
Play, discover, and uncover numerous fun-filled actions on the Amicalola Falls Guests Heart.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
- Peak occasions to go to: From June to August
My highlights…
- Making an attempt the thrilling ziplines and suspension bridges
- Taking the right scneic shot from the highest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of many tallest mountains in Georgia.
- Photographing the majestic Amicalola Falls.
15. Tybee Island
Most likely the closest seaside to Savannah, fairly Tybee Island is among the top-rated seashores within the US. Bursting with historical past and enjoyable within the solar, Tybee Island has stunning sandy seashores excellent for water sports activities and swimming.
A solution to the right seaside trip, a nature lover’s paradise, and the largest catch for fishing lovers, this barrier island has received you coated.
Journey again in time with the traditionally preserved Tybee Lighthouse and Museum. Paddle over the pristine, uninhabited Little Tybee Island for quaint tenting and kayaking.
Some nice lodges are on the island, so I like to recommend kicking again and enjoyable. Tybee Island is a beautiful, tranquil getaway for Savannah residents.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 802 1st St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
- Peak occasions to go to: From April to Might, and from September to November
My highlights…
- Visiting Georgia’s tallest and oldest lighthouse the Gentle Station.
- Hiring a kayak and going sea kayaking.
- Having fun with a vegan ice cream on the island’s favourite ice cream spot, The Sugar Shack.
16. Callaway Gardens
A real Nationwide Pure landmark, Callaway Gardens was established in 1952. Positioned alongside the Pine Mountains, it connects guests to nature with a gorgeous assortment of fauna and flora.
That includes quite a lot of leisure actions, Callaway Gardens is Georgia’s genuine vacation spot for stunning gardens, golf, lodging, eating, and rather more.
Take in some solar at Robin Lake Seashore or hike alongside the Pine Mountain path. This place is stuffed with seasonal occasions.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
- Peak occasions to go to: March to Might
My highlights…
- Photographing the gorgeous Rhododendron Path.
- Visiting throughout Christmas and seeing the Fantasy in Lights and the Christmas Village.
17. Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path
Also referred to as the Appalachian Path or A.T., this marked mountaineering path extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It’s about 2,200 miles lengthy, however its precise size is rerouted or modified over time.
The hike alongside this path traverses scenic woods, pastoral lands, and wildlands of the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1937, the path is managed by the Appalachian Path Conservancy and quite a few state companies as we speak.
Hiding by 14 states and eight nationwide forests, mountaineering the path takes 5 to seven months.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
- Greatest occasions to go to: March to Might and September to December
My highlights…
- Discovering the gorgeous surroundings!
- Recognizing crimson squirrels and white-tailed deer.
18. Madison
The gorgeous historic district of Madison is positioned simply an hour from Atlanta. Spared from the destruction of the Civil Battle, Madison is a real gem alongside the Antebellum Path.
Right now, as many as 100 antebellum properties have been restored. Designated as one of many state’s “Historic Heartland Cities,” this city is among the most picturesque villages you’ll encounter.
The historic society displays the pristine antebellum properties. Heritage Corridor, Rogers Home, and Rose Cottage will introduce you to Madison’s historic facilities.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 115 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650
- Greatest occasions to go to: March to Might
My highlights…
- Testing the Heritage Corridor, a gorgeous landmark with an attention-grabbing historical past.
- Exploring Rogers Home and Rose Cottage, a historic website constructed within the Nineteenth century.
- Going to The Madison Flea Market, an indoor market providing an array of merchandise.
19. Okefenokee Swamp
This magnificent space covers over 440,000 acres and is the biggest blackwater swamp in North America. It borders Florida and Georgia, and the Okefenokee Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness defend many of the shallow peat-filled wetland.
It was additionally famously house to the alligator ‘Okefenokee Joe, ‘who sadly just lately handed away at 80 years of age. The surroundings right here consists of cypress and black gum bushes, upland pine forests, and scenic freshwater lakes.
There are many guided boat excursions, kayaking, and an AutoRoute right here to completely discover the world. If you wish to keep in a single day, there are cottages and tenting lodging, too.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 115 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650
- Peak occasions to go to: Might to June
My highlights…
- Occurring a captivating boat tour.
- Studying about snakes and alligators in a stay setting.
20. Cumberland Island
A ferry experience of about 45 minutes from St. Mary’s will take you to Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. This island covers roughly 36,000 acres and is a part of a nationwide park and seashore. It options unspoiled seashores, extensive marshes, white sands, and quite a lot of wildlife.
Little Cumberland Island is linked to the principle island by a marsh. With a deep historical past of the inhabitants and settlements, you possibly can glimpse the Ruins of Dungeness and Greyfield Inn.
It’s additionally an excellent place in the event you’re an animal lover—this place is house to a band of gorgeous feral horses that stay and wander free on the island, which I liked!
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 113 St Marys St W, St Marys, GA 31558
- Peak occasions to go to: March to Might
My highlights…
- Visitng the Ice Home Museum, which is housed in an unique ice home.
- Watching the wildlife, together with ponies and feral horses.
- Visiting the traditional Greene-Miller Cemetery.
21. Brunswick
This can be a nice metropolis to discover on account of its scenic location on the Southeast coast, its charming structure, its Victorian-era Outdated City Historic District, the massive centuries-old Lover’s Oaktree, and its hyperlinks to the 4 barrier islands often known as the Golden Isles.
Well-liked issues embody visiting the engaging marina, the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and the Historic Glynn County Courthouse.
There are additionally loads of points of interest right here for nature lovers, and the world is stuffed with considerable wildlife and scenic pure areas. The Intracoastal Waterway is known for its pods of dolphins, and the Colonial Coast Birding Path is ideal for twitchers!
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 40 W Potomac St, Brunswick, MD 21716
- Peak occasions to go to: July to September
My favourite highlights…
- Having a time out on the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation and studying extra about Georgia’s rice coast.
- Going for a rum tasting at Georgia’s solely rum distillery – Richland Rum
- Visiting the Silver Bluff Brewing Co. and making an attempt scrumptious beers and attractive meals.