Georgia, a state in the Southeastern United States, was the final one of the Thirteen Colonies to be established. It has majestic mountains in the north and a picturesque coastline in the east, along with expansive swamps and stunning barrier islands.
In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, Georgia is also known for its diverse towns, cities, and cultural diversity. The bustling city of Atlanta offers a variety of attractions for tourists and a vibrant cultural scene. On the other hand, the city of Savannah is more refined and rich in history and heritage.
15. Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island is a secluded and beautiful place, accessible only by ferry. It has stunning beaches, dunes, freshwater lakes, and marshes. It is now protected as part of a National Seashore and can be found in the southeast of the state. The island is separated from the mainland by the winding East River.
Apart from hiking and camping, visitors can explore interesting historical sites such as the ruins of the Dungeness Estate and the lovely Plum Orchard mansion. Additionally, there is a museum in St. Mary’s on the mainland where visitors can learn about the island’s history and nature.
14. Amicalola Falls
The Amicalola Falls is an incredibly tall waterfall, standing at a height of 222 meters. It holds the title of being the tallest waterfall in the southeastern part of the United States. Located in the picturesque North Georgia State Park, it is set in a secluded and scenic area surrounded by majestic mountains.
The falls cascade down a rocky cliff, creating a captivating view. The lush vegetation that surrounds the falls adds to their beauty, making it a mesmerizing sight. Aside from admiring its splendor and capturing photos, visitors can also indulge in some delightful hiking activities in the nearby mountains and enjoy the wonders of nature.
13. Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe Historic Site is situated south of Savannah’s city center. It offers a captivating glimpse into the history of a beautiful plantation. To reach this colonial estate on the Isle of Hope, you drive along a road flaunted with ancient oak trees.
Besides marveling at the estate’s impressive size and charming antebellum architecture, visitors can also explore its extensive grounds. Additionally, the site is home to a remarkable museum that showcases intriguing artifacts and engaging exhibits. The museum also provides knowledgeable interpreters who dress in period costumes, bringing to life what life was like on the plantation during Georgia’s colonial era.
12. Chattahoochee National Forest
Chattahoochee National Forest is a beautiful place with breathtaking views and natural wonders that will bring joy to those who appreciate nature and enjoy outdoor activities. It was established almost a century ago in 1936 and occupies a significant portion of the North Georgia Mountains.
Within the forest, there are powerful rivers and amazing trails that meander through its vast wilderness. The mountains and wide valleys are covered in a pristine forest, creating a habitat for various animals like bobcats, black bears, and deer that can be seen in the remote areas.
In addition to hiking and camping in the incredible surroundings, visitors can also experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Chattooga River.
11. Finish (or Start) the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is an amazing hiking route in the United States that stretches for 3,500 kilometers. It takes you through beautiful and rugged areas, passing through 14 states. Georgia is where the trail begins or ends, depending on the direction you choose. It takes several months to hike the entire trail to Mount Katahdin in Maine. However, Georgia’s section of the trail is filled with stunning natural sights.
10. Wolf Mountain Vineyards
If you’re in the North Georgia Mountains, you should definitely check out Wolf Mountain Vineyards, which is located in the southern part of the forest. This vineyard is known for its delicious wines and has won many awards. People from all over come here to try their handcrafted wines and take tours of the vineyards.
While visiting, you can also enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and vineyards from the veranda, and pair your wine with some tasty gourmet snacks.
9. Toccoa Falls
The Toccoa Falls, located in northeast Georgia, is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the state. It can be found on the campus of the Christian College of Georgia. This waterfall is an impressive 57 meters tall and its beautiful white waters flow over a rocky edge, creating a breathtaking scene as they fall into a pool below.
The waterfall stands out against the rugged cliff and the lush plants that surround it, making it a great spot for taking stunning photos. In fact, it is known to have the highest vertical drop of any waterfall east of the Mississippi River, even surpassing the famous Niagara Falls, which is only a third of its height. If you ever get the opportunity, make sure to visit this incredible natural wonder.
8. The Golden Isles
The Golden Isles of Georgia consist of four barrier islands and the mainland port city of Brunswick. These beautiful islands offer stunning scenery along the shoreline and many historical sites. Due to their abundant wilderness, wildlife, and various recreational activities, these islands are a highly popular holiday destination.
Located at the entrance to the East River, the Golden Isles have gorgeous beaches where visitors can relax, surrounded by vast marshes and forests along the Atlantic coastline. While Little St. Simons remains mostly untouched, both Jekyll and St. Simons have resorts, restaurants, numerous golf courses, and exciting water sports. Additionally, there is the historic heart of Brunswick to explore and the more upscale and exclusive Sea Island to visit.
7. Providence Canyon
Providence Canyon is a beautiful and impressive feature of Providence State Park, located about a 45-minute drive south of Columbus. It is often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon” of Georgia because of its stunning views and distinct cliffs, ridges, and rock formations.
Although some parts of the canyon took thousands of years to form due to natural forces like wind and rain, many of its large gullies were actually caused by early settlers’ farming practices. Today, the canyon is considered a natural wonder and offers amazing hiking opportunities. You can enjoy walking through the enchanting woods, spotting diverse wildlife, and admiring the vibrant colors of the eroding cliffs.
6. Helen
Helen is a charming tourist town located in the northeast of the state. Despite being in the Appalachians, it resembles a cozy alpine village. The buildings in Helen are designed in a lovely Bavarian style. This unique ambiance attracts many visitors, especially during Oktoberfest.
Along with delightful bakeries and restaurants serving authentic German food, tourists can also enjoy the town’s beautiful surroundings and engage in various outdoor activities.
5. Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
If you are interested in the history of the United States, the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site is a place you should definitely visit. It tells the story of the famous Civil Rights leader’s life and the impact he had. The site is spread out in different locations in Atlanta, and you can see significant places like his childhood home and the church where he was a pastor.
The site’s museum is wonderful and teaches you about the civil rights movement and how Martin Luther King Jr fought against segregation and oppression to achieve freedom, justice, and equality. Apart from touring his old neighborhood, you can also visit memorials dedicated to King and Gandhi, as well as the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, which is a commemorative area.
4. Savannah Historic District
The city of Savannah is known for having one of the largest and most beautiful historic districts in the United States. It was founded in 1733 and was the first city and capital of Georgia. Many of the historical elements from its past can still be seen in the center of town.
The city’s prosperity as a port allowed for the construction of grand mansions and impressive monuments along its streets. The architecture, colonial-era churches, and buildings have been well-preserved, making a leisurely walk through the historic heart an amazing experience.
The area also offers excellent dining and shopping options, as well as a variety of historic homes and museums. The Savannah Historic District is considered as one of the state’s most remarkable attractions.
3. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeast part of the state. It has been protected since 1937 and is known for its vast swamp area. The flooded forests and wetlands in the refuge are a great place to explore. The best way to see the submerged scenery is by taking a boat tour or kayaking.
While on these trips, visitors can see various types of birds and amphibians. The marsh is also home to more than 10,000 alligators. Despite its challenging environment, Native Americans lived in the area for many years. The name Okefenokee means ‘Land of the Trembling Earth’ in the local language. At the visitor center, there are interesting exhibits about the swamp’s history and nature, as well as information about the different trails available to explore.
2. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a popular attraction in Atlanta, not too far from the city center. It is the largest aquarium in the United States and offers many galleries filled with various species of fish and marine mammals. Visitors can enjoy watching the beautiful fish, sharks, and manta rays swim in shimmering groups.
The playful penguins and sea lions are always a favorite among families. However, the real stars of the show are the bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, and whale sharks. The aquarium also has educational exhibits to provide an engaging experience for visitors. If you’re in Atlanta, be sure not to miss a visit to the Georgia Aquarium.
1. World of Coca-Cola
Just a short distance from downtown Atlanta, you will find the World of Coca-Cola. It is a fascinating museum that tells the story of this globally successful company. The museum has many engaging exhibits and even a great film about Coca-Cola’s refreshing drinks. At the end, visitors can enjoy tasting around 60 different flavors.
Additionally, the museum showcases old vending machines and merchandise from different time periods. But the most exciting part is the opportunity to sample Coke products from various countries.
