Updated: March 16, 2026
While the state of Georgia may be synonymous with peaches and resounding chants of “Go Dawgs,” it’s also a region filled with history, charming small towns, bustling cities, and incredible biodiversity. With nearly 60,000 square miles to explore, it can be hard to narrow down your Georgia must-see list—so we did it for you. From the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque beaches of the Golden Isles, here are the best places to visit in Georgia.
Jekyll Island
In the Industrial Age, the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts, among other wealthy families, retreated to Jekyll Island during the winter months. Its appeal is still strong today, thanks to its stunning landscape, robust culinary scene, and a concerted effort to preserve the land. Whether you’re staying at the storied Jekyll Island Club Resort or pitching a tent at the Jekyll Island Campground, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the otherworldly Driftwood Beach deserve spots on your itinerary. When you’re ready to venture beyond the sand, take a guided kayak tour through the salt marshes, or rent a bike to pedal the island’s 24 miles of cycling paths.
Lake Oconee
A day on the water is the perfect antidote to Georgia’s humid summers, and you’ll find plenty of respite from the oppressive heat on Lake Oconee. Halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, the human-made lake offers opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports. It’s also the backdrop for the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, which hosts the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival every year. If you’re in town on a Saturday, visit the farmers market and snag some beignets and donuts from the Café du Papa food truck.
Blue Ridge
When the mountains are calling, a trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia, just might be the answer. Like many mountain towns, Blue Ridge has a thriving arts scene as well as seemingly endless outdoor activities. If you’d prefer to explore the area by train, hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the historic depot downtown for an out-and-back adventure along the Toccoa River. Then, stop by Mercier Orchards to pick your own apples, peaches, or berries, or swing by the bakery for apple cider donuts and fried pies.
Savannah
Famous for its highly walkable Historic Landmark District, Savannah is one of those rare cities that’s just as beautiful in person as it is in stylized, perfectly lit pictures. Its cobbled streets, tree-lined squares and parks, and gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century buildings make it one of the South’s most photogenic cities—not to mention, its culinary scene is one of the best in the region. Be sure to grab an espresso from The Paris Market Cafe, pick up a new read from E. Shaver, Booksellers, go on a ghost tour, and tuck into a meal at James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey.
Athens
You don’t need to be a die-hard University of Georgia fan to visit Athens, although we wouldn’t recommend going during football season if you’re rooting for the other team. Outside of sports, the college town has a lively music scene, numerous craft breweries, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Bear Hollow Zoo. See how many bulldog statues you can spot while walking through the downtown area, and then snag some tickets for a show at one of Athens’ iconic music venues, like the 40 Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre.
Cumberland Island
Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Cumberland Island is one of the most scenic places on the East Coast. Wild horses, historic ruins, long stretches of untouched beaches, marshes, and maritime forests can be found on the 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness. Its remoteness and sheer beauty were no doubt two of the reasons John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy held their wedding there in 1996. If you want the full scoop on the island’s history, book a spot on the Lands and Legacies tour that kicks off right after the 9 a.m. ferry arrives on the island. Afterward, find your way to one of the island’s pristine stretches of sand—among the best in the state—to unwind.
Atlanta
It’ll take more than one trip to check off all the essential things to do in Atlanta, so return visits are recommended to experience everything the capital city has to offer. First-timers, however, should make sure to reserve tickets to the Georgia Aquarium (one of the largest aquariums in the United States), have a meal at Ponce City Market, and check out a Braves game at Truist Park. A visit to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a must; it includes the home where the Civil Rights leader was born, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the final resting place of both King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. If the heat gets to be too much, do like the locals do and “shoot the Hooch,” also known as cruising down the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail on a raft or tube.
Dahlonega
You’ll only need to drive about an hour north of Atlanta to make it to Dahlonega, the site of America’s first gold rush and the setting of quite a few Christmas movies. One of the most charming small towns in Georgia, it’s full of art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. Dahlonega is also in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, boasting incredible spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain, and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant. If outdoor adventure is more your style, you can hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail or swim in the pool below Dicks Creek Falls.
Sea Island
Each of Georgia’s Golden Isles has a distinct personality, and Sea Island is, by far, the grandest of the four. Resort reservations are required to get past the gates (unless you’re a Sea Island Club member), but once you do, you’ll find complete paradise. The grande dame is The Cloister at Sea Island, a stunning Mediterranean-inspired resort that looks more like a European palace than a secluded coastal escape. Pristine beaches, a tennis club, and a world-class clay shooting school can all be found on the five-mile-long island, while the resort’s championship golf courses are on adjacent St. Simons Island. Keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles or go for a horseback ride along the south end of Sea Island Beach.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Georgia’s mountains refuse to be overshadowed by its spectacular beaches, so it’s no wonder millions of travelers make their way to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest every year. Encompassing almost 867,000 acres, the national forest is home to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, numerous campgrounds, and plenty of space to hike and breathe in the fresh mountain air. For epic views, drive the 40-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway through valleys and mountain passes, with stops at scenic overlooks along the way.
Augusta
Every spring, fans of the “greatest game ever played” descend upon the city of Augusta and, more specifically, the Augusta National Golf Club. Washing down one of the famous pimento cheese sandwiches with an Azalea cocktail is basically a requirement of attending the Masters, but you can also find quintessential Southern cuisine outside of the golf club. Frog Hollow Tavern, Beck’s, and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar frequently make the “best of Augusta” restaurant lists. Stroll along the Riverwalk, visit local art galleries, and then check out what’s on exhibit at the Morris Museum of Art.
Tybee Island
A 20-minute drive will take you from Savannah to Tybee Island, one of the best beach towns in the South. Here, you’ll find miles of bike-friendly beaches, unparalleled sunsets, and Georgia’s tallest (and oldest) lighthouse. House rentals are easy to find, but if you’re just visiting for the weekend, book a room at the historic 17th Street Inn. For a bit of history, visit Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War fort where you can walk through old tunnels and learn about its role in the battle for Savannah and how it became a stop on the Underground Railroad. The extensive grounds have a number of nature trails worth exploring.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park is rife with heart-pumping activities, including hiking along its two-mile gorge. One of the most popular trails includes a staircase descent to an 80-foot-high suspension bridge crossing over the Tallulah River. If you’re there in the fall, your views of the powerful river and waterfalls will be accented by the colorful foliage that covers the region. Summer visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking at nearby Tallulah Falls Lake.
Lake Rabun
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Rabun is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway full of hiking and fun on the water. While the phrase “stepping back in time” may be clichéd, it accurately describes the surrounding community—especially if you take into account the flotilla of vintage wooden boats that traverse the lake. Book a room or a table at the Historic Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant, where you can dine on farm-to-table fare on a deck shaded by mature oak trees.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, just north of Florida. This vast wetland, which spans about 407,000 acres and contains an officially designated wilderness, can be explored on foot or by boat (visitors can rent canoes and kayaks). No matter which of its diverse areas you choose to visit—the forested cypress swamps or the wet “prairies”—you’ll probably see at least one of the thousands of alligators who call the Okefenokee Swamp home.
