18 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Georgia

2. St Simons Island

I think this is a gorgeous hidden treasure! It’s a barrier island – part of the Golden Isles – located off the coast I come here for peace and to immerse myself in unspoilt nature – I love the laid back atmosphere here! 

I also love the quaint streets lined with moss-draped oaks, miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches, the iconic lighthouse (St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse has been a working lighthouse since 1872), the charming pier and its small town feel. There’s also a great collection of shops, restaurants and miles of hiking and biking trails.

On my visit, it was great to discover the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, explore the ruins of the historic Fort Frederica National Monument (which dates back to 1736), swim and relax on gorgeous East Beach and sample the vibrant culinary scene in the main social hub, Pier Village! 

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the main trail at Cannon’s Point the 600-acre nature preserve on the northern tip of the island – I love that it took me through the pristine marshland, ancient oak forests, scenic salt marshes, tidal creeks and even I spotted brown pelicans and great blue herons! 
• Dining at the upscale Georgia Sea Grill – I loved the chic vibe, that it sourced ingredients from its own kitchen garden, and the delicious Georgia Pecan Pie which came with delicious Bourbon Honey! 

3. Tallulah Falls State Park

This places always wows me! Located in northeastern part of the state (near the town of Tallulah Falls), it’s one of favorite state parks and I’m always in awe of the incredible scenery which has the jaw-dropping two-mile long canyon Tallulah Gorge as a focal point, which plunges the depths of nearly 1,000 feet!

The rest of it is special too with the fast-flowing Tallulah River, cascading waterfalls (there are six!), forested cliffs, a stunning suspension bridge and miles of scenic hiking trails. 

On my trip, I also really enjoyed kayaking on the calm waters of Tallulah Lake, white-water rafting on Tallulah River, picnicking on Tallulah Lake Beach and trying out the natural waterslide Sliding Rock! 

• Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
• Best times to visit: spring and fall (for the flowers, foliage and powerful waterfall flow)
• Map Location and Direction

My highlights…

• Seeing Instagram-worthy views of the gorge and Suspension Bridge on the Tallulah Gorge Overlooks Trail which took me two hours to complete – the incredible scenery made it worth it though! 
• Seeing the incredible Tallulah Falls Dam and Hydroelectric Plant on the easy 1.7 mile Shortline Trail.  

4. Jekyll Island 

This is a another island gem! It’s a barrier island part of the Golden Isles which is located off the coast of Georgia and I’m always enchanted by the tranquil and untamed spot which covers around 5,700 acres. 

I love that its home to over 10 miles of unspoilt beaches, including the hauntingly beautiful Driftwood Beach which is filled with gnarled and bleached trees and miles of hiking and biking trails. 

It’s also home to serene marshlands, oak trees atmospherically draped in Spanish moss, and wonderful Gilded Age architecture in the Jekyll Island Historic District. It’s so atmospheric that it’s been used as a filming location for X-Men movies and The Walking Dead!

On my trip, I discovered the family-friendly Great Dunes, gorgeous Glory Beach, the scenic South Dunes (which had an elevated boardwalk), and St Andrews Beach Park which had a handy wildlife viewing platform for spotting birds and playful dolphins and Beach Village which I found out was the main hub and filled with awesome seafood restaurants.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 901 Downing Musgrove Causeway, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
• Best times to visit: spring to fall (for the best weather)
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights…

• Educating myself about the super-cute sea turtles at Georgia Sea Turtle Center – I really enjoyed learning about how they care for injured turtles and seeing them in recovery in the rehabilitation tanks.
• Taking a trolley tour to explore the fascinating historic district – I loved seeing well-preserved mansions that the very wealthy used as winter homes as well as the charming Faith Chapel and the engaging Mosaic Museum! 

5. Cumberland Island

I have to mention this very unique gem! The serene barrier island (which covers an areas of 36,000 acres) is located off the southeastern coast of the state, and it took us a 45 minute ferry ride from the city of St. Marys to get there. 

Part of a National Park, once there, I felt like I was on a different planet to the mainland and I love how different and wild this place feels! It has 17 miles of windswept sandy beaches unspoiled beaches, wide marshes, tranquil salt marshes, rolling sand dunes and freshwater ponds.

My favorite highlight though was easily the herd of gorgeous feral horses that live free and wander the island unique landscapes! Although make sure you respect their space as they can be quite frisky! 

On my trip I explored the biking and hiking trails (there are over 50 miles of them!), the haunting Dungeness Ruins which was a grand mansion which dates from 1880s, the intriguing historic Chapel and Cemetery at Stafford Plantation and the elegant Plum Orchard Mansion (I went on a guided tour). I also found it was great place to spot wildlife – armadillos, sea turtles, and over 300 bird species all live here! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 113 St Marys St W, St Marys, GA 31558
• Best times to visit: March to May and October to November for mild weather and fewer bugs.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Staying at the historic gem, Greyfield Inn – with its fine architecture dating from 1900, charming atmosphere and staff and gourmet dining it felt like I was living in the Gilded Age! 
• Visiting the ancient Greene-Miller Cemetery – it was really interesting (and moving) to see the graves of American Revolutionary War major generals.
• Camping overnight at Sea Camp designated tent camping spot near the sand dunes which had direct access to the beach – I loved sleeping under clear starry skies and waking up hearing the ocean waves each morning! 

6. Madison

This is a fine and elegant fem of a town! Located in the northeastern part of the state only around an hour’s drive from Atlanta. I’m always charmed by its pretty historic district lined with grand antebellum homes, the perfectly manicured lawns and fountains of Town Park, fine cultural attractions and modern, farm-to-table restaurants which serve up creative and traditional Southern cuisine! 

The town has over 100 beautifully restored antebellum homes and I loved just wandering around gazing at them all, it’s actually one of the picturesque towns I’m come across! Strolling through Madison feels like stepping back in time, with its stunning architecture and small-town Southern charm.

On my visit, I discovered Heritage Hall (a grand mansion which dates back to 1811), the simple yet elegant historic home Rogers House which dates from 1809, Rose Cottage which was built by Adeline Rose (one of the first African-Americans to own property after being freed from slavery) and I also explored the quaint independent shops and fine collection of restaurants.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 115 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650
• Best times to visit: from March to May and September to November for mild weather and blooming gardens.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Going antique and boutique shopping in the charming downtown, my favorite were the White Rabbit Cottage for gorgeous vintage tableware and Unique Treasures Of Madison for unique and eclectic furniture.
• Seeing colorful and intricate art in Steffen Thomas Museum of Art – I especially loved The Prometheus Fountain the impressive bronze fountain sculpture and the incredible mosaic called the The Resurrection! 
• Tasting modern twists of traditional Southern Cuisine at the trendy Town 220 – I loved the exposed brick decor, the shrimp risotto and the divine Jack Daniels Bread Pudding!

7. Providence Canyon State Park

I think this jaw-dropping place is so underrated! It’s located in the southwest part of the state, near the town of Lumpkin. It’s often called “Little Grand Canyon,” and I love to see the stunning red, pink, and orange canyon walls, lush greenery, unusual geological formations, colorful ravines and towering sandstones.

The protected area covers over 1,003 acres of land and I visited to take in the extraordinary landscapes, hike the spectacular trails, gaze out from the scenic overlooks and discover the rare plants here (especially the pretty plumleaf azalea) and stay overnight under the stars! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
• Best times to visit: spring and fall (for the most comfortable temperatures for hiking)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Hiking the Canyon Loop Trail which was an 3-mile loop around the rim of the canyons and down to the canyon floor which took me two hours to complete – the views of the deep, colorful gullies were incredible! 
• Camping overnight in a Backcountry Campsite located along the backcountry trails – it was a bit of a hike to get there but I loved the solitude and waking up to the incredible vistas of the canyon and forest each morning!

8. Lookout Mountain

I love this striking natural gem! Located in northwestern corner of the state in Dade County (near the town of Rising Fawn), this is a truly stunning mountain ridge and I’m always captivated by its scenery of dramatic rock formations, lush valleys, rolling hills, rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and thick forests. 

Covering around 100 miles across three states; Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, I come to hike the magnificent trails, see the incredible foliage in the fall and to see the iconic “Seven States” view (where you can see seven states all at once on a clear day!) from the Lover’s Leap in Rock City.

On my recent trip, I also explored Ruby Falls, a spectacular 145-foot underground waterfall located inside Lookout Mountain Cave, took a breathtaking scenic drive on Lookout Mountain Parkway and watched the brave hang-gliders at rock-climbers at Sunset Rock.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
• Best times to visit: April to June and September to November (for mild weather and clear views).
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Hiking the incredible 1.5 mile round trip at Sunset Rock Trail for the famous sunset views at the Sunset Rock. It took me 1.5 hours and I had to return by flashlight for the hike back down but the spectacular views made it worth it! 
• Visiting the extraordinarily located Covenant College, a liberal arts college – the striking Gothic Revival architecture and the scenic views were both spectacular and made the trip worth it!
• Riding the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the world – it was a slightly vertigo-inducing ride but the views from both the upper and lower stations made it worth it!

9. Tybee Island

This is the place I come to really kick back and relax! Located on the southeastern coast of the state (18 miles east of Savannah) I can’t get enough of the nostalgic, old-school beach town vibe this place has as well as the pretty scenery which includes wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, marshy tidal creeks, serene ocean views and a striking historic lighthouse! 

The laid-back island escape is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 80, which connects the island to the mainland and when here I really enjoyed swimming and sunbathing on gorgeous Tybee Island Beach, hiking and biking the many trails, discovering the interesting Fort Pulaski National Monument, people-watching at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion and going on a magical sunset boat tour and spotting super-cute dolphins playing the surf (my favorite)! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 802 1st St, Tybee Island, GA 31328
• Best times to visit: spring to fall (for the most pleasant temperatures)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

10. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

This trail is famous for a reason! The 78.6 mile Georgia section on the sprawling 2,180-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail is very scenic. The trail actually begins in this state and in my opinion it covers some of the most picturesque and challenging sections of the entire trail. 

I think the scenery here is really breathtaking and features rolling ridges, dense forests, panoramic mountain views, wildflower-filled meadows, and dramatic peaks like Blood Mountain, all set within the lush Chattahoochee National Forest.

On this part of the trail, my stand out places included the scenic vistas of the starting point Springer Mountain, the highest point Blood Mountain, the iconic hiker’s stop Neel Gap and Mountain Crossings, camping at Dicks Creek Gap (and meeting fellow hikers!) and photographing the stunning Long Creek Falls! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Best times to visit: April to June and September to November (for mild weather and clear hiking conditions).
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Seeing the famous “shoe tree” at Mountain Crossings Gear Store and Hostel – this is where a large collection of worn-out hiking boots and shoes hang from the tree branches there! 
• The incredible viewpoint from Tray Mountain – I loved the misty panoramic views, especially Blue Ridge Mountains. 

11. Macon

I’m always charmed by this fine small town which has strong musical roots! Located in the central part of the state (about 85 miles south of Atlanta), is this easy-on-the-eye soulful spot which was actually the birthplace of the birthplace of both Little Richard and Otis Redding! 

I’m a big fan of its historic Southern charm, tree-lined streets, grand antebellum homes, pretty cherry blossom, lush parks and peaceful views of the Ocmulgee River.

On my trip it was also awesome to discover the intriguing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park which is home to a prehistoric American Indian site, the state’s largest collection of African-American art in Tubman Museum and Cherry Street which was with art galleries, antique stores and unique boutiques.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 450 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Macon, GA 31201
• Best times to visit: spring to fall (for the best weather)
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights…

• Going for Jamoie Bowl breakfast at the iconic Southern Food cafe H & H Soul Food. I especially loved the black bean and corn salsa! 
• Watching the wonderful Macon Pops Orchestra at the historic Grand Opera House – I loved the Romanesque Revival architecture and the ornate plush red interiors!

12. Okefenokee Swamp

I think this is a really special hidden gem! Located in the southeastern corner of the state (and crosses over into Florida) this is a sprawling and unique spot which spans around 450,000 acres and the majority of the swamp is Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge 

It’s actually one of the largest and most well-preserved freshwater wetlands in North America and I find this place to be so serene, atmospheric and so breathtaking that to me it feels almost otherworldly!

It’s home to huge blackwater channels, peat-filled wetlands, towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, floating islands, and open prairies. Unsurprisingly its also a protected refuge home to a huge array of wildlife including the American alligator and a number of birds of prey.

On my trip I loved kayaking past mysterious looking cypress and black gum trees and over scenic freshwater lakes, hiking breathtaking trails in upland pine forests and going on a breathtaking scenic Swamp Island Drive and experiencing an incredible nighttime tour – guided of course, it would have been too scary otherwise! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 4159 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537 and 17515 GA-177, Fargo, GA 31631
• Best times to visit: November to April (when the weather is cooler, and there’s fewer mosquitoes)
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Going on a guided swamp boat tour with Okefenokee Adventures – as well as the extraordinary scenery I loved learning about ‘Okefenokee Joe’ a legendary alligator who sadly recently passed away at 80 years of age! 
• Visiting the fascinating historic Chesser Island Homestead – I loved seeing how early swamp settlers lived in the 20th-century and walking the Chesser Island Boardwalk, which lead to an observation tower which had stunning views over the swamp.

13. Helen

This is such a cute and quirky gem of a town! It’s tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains in the northeastern part of the state in White County (90 miles from Atlanta) and I’m always charmed by this unique, Bavarian-style resort mountain town and I have huge admiration to its commitment to the theme, with Oktoberfest events, whimsical architecture, cobblestone streets, vineyards and themed shops!

Aside from discovering all the German-influenced food, beer and quaint architecture, I also really enjoyed exploring the miles of stunning hiking and biking trails in Unicoi State Park, going wine-tasting, trying the fun Georgia Mountain Coaster seeing Anna Ruby Falls in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest and Hardman Farm State Historic Site 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
• Best time to visit: spring to fall (for the best weather)
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights…

• Dining on authentic Bavarian food at Bodensee Restaurant – I loved that it was run by German chef and had a cozy rustic, German beer hall feel. I can recommend the potato pancakes with came with apple sauce!
• Staying at the quaint Bavarian-style Helendorf River Inn – I was charmed by the Alpine-themed rooms (complete with European-style murals!), its cozy vibe, riverfront views and hosted “Alpine Stroll” walks!
• Watching clay pots being made and seeing the work of local artists at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.

14. Northeast Georgia Mountains

When I need some invigorating outdoor adventures I come here! Located in the far northeastern part of the state this serene, unspoilt area actually includes the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains I can’t get enough of the breathtaking mix of rolling, forested hills, scenic vistas, towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes!

The fall is particularly stunning and I love coming here during that time and photographing the spectacular autumn colors! 

On my trip I loved hiking to the top Brasstown Bald – the highest point in the whole state – for superb panoramic 360-degree of no less than four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee!), hiking the gorge floor of the dramatic Tallulah Gorge which had stunning waterfalls and kayaking on the pristine Lake Rabun.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 152 Orvin Lance Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
• Best times to visit: April to June and September to November (for mild weather and beautiful scenery).
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights…

• Exploring the luxurious winery and resort Château Élan – I loved their gorgeous vineyard, the chic decor, the modern onsite spa and going on a guided tours and sampling the wine and learning about the winemaking process. I can highly recommend trying the Château Élan Velve! 
• Visiting the quirky Rocky’s Place, a unique folk art gallery located in Tiger where I found awesome whimsical paintings from self-taught artists! I even bought a couple of them! 
• Stopping by the charming shop and café The Farmhouse Co. – I loved the cozy vibe and rustic-chic gifts they had here, I also really their unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs! 

15. Lake Allatoona

This is a fabulous family-friendly recreational lake! Located in the northwest part of the state, on the Etowah River, it’s actually one of the most popular recreational lakes in the state and I love that there’s huge range of water-activities on offer as well as miles of hiking and biking trails.

I’m a big fan of the tranquil vibe and lush scenery here which consists of calm, clear waters framed by stunning forests, rolling hills, and picturesque shorelines. 

On my trip I relaxed and went swimming on the sandy Bartow Beach, rented a boat from Allatoona Landing Marina and exploring the gorgeous waters and then camped out under the stars at the scenic Red Top Mountain State Park campsite. 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1138 GA-20 Spur, Cartersville, GA 30121
• Best times to visit: April to October (for best hiking temperatures).
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Hiking the challenging the 4.5 mile long Pine Mountain Trail Loop which took me 3 hours to complete. The panoramic views of the Lake Allatoona made it worth it though! 
• Visiting the interesting Allatoona Pass Battlefield – it was great to learn about the battle in 1864 and see Battle of Allatoona Pass as well as the scenic views of steep cliffs and gorge and the moving Lion’s Memorial, which honored the fallen soldiers! 

16. Atlanta Botanical Garden

I always enjoy Atlanta when I visit, I love how it blends its Southern roots with a modern outlook and lots of diversity, but if I was forced to choose my favorite beauty spot, I would pick here! I’m not alone either – it consistently ranks highly in lists of top botanical gardens in the whole of the USA due to its breathtaking design, huge range of plant collections, and large range of unique attractions! 

Founded in 1976, the gorgeous family-friendly attraction spans 30 acres in the heart of Midtown Atlanta (adjacent to Piedmont Park) on on my visit on was in awe of the colorful seasonal blooms, lush tropical landscapes, towering treetop views (from the popular Canopy Walk), and striking art installations such as Chihuly’s glass sculptures, all set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s urban skyline! 

I also really enjoyed the Fuqua Orchid Center which was full of rare orchids and other exotic plants, the incredible urban views in the Skyline Garden, the decorative Chihuly Glass Sculptures, the pretty rose garden, the incredible Fuqua Conservatory which is home to many gorgeous tropical plants, the informative visitor centre, and the amphitheater which hosts an exciting calendar of events, art exhibitions, and educational programs! 

My personal highlights…

• Visiting at Christmas which was truly magical – I absolutely loved the annual Garden Lights and Holiday Nights which featured millions of lights including animal figures (my favorite were the glowing butterflies!), the Model Train Garden and the Instagram-worthy Tunnel of Lights! The carol singers were also an atmospheric addition! 
• Discovering the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen – as I keen cook myself it was great to learn about all the edible plants and see live cooking Demonstrations in the open-air kitchen!

17. Amicalola Falls State Park

I have to mention this majestic and Instagram-worthy spot! The protected area which covers 829 acres is located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains near Dawsonville.

I’m always captivated by the lush forested mountains, and panoramic vistas here but the main attraction is the mighty Amicalola Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in the state!

There are camping spots but I usually visit here on a day trip and explore the scenic hiking trails and to see the gorgeous falls tumble down a towering bluff, falling 729 feet into the mossy forest below! It’s an incredible sight! 

When here I also hike the scenic 8.5-mile Appalachian Approach Trail (which leads to the southern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail), 

• Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Best times to visit: March to May and September to November (for mild weather and powerful waterfall flow)
• Map Location and Direction

My highlights…

• Staying at Amicalola Falls Lodge in one of their luxurious style Safari Tents – I loved that it offered a mix of comfort and nature immersion! I especially loved the cool boho styling and comfy king sized beds!
• Hiking the Base of the Falls Trail which was only a mile round trip and took me past incredible viewpoints of the waterfall – I thought it was great that I could climb the wooden staircase and take photos of the falls at different vantage points! 

18. Brunswick

I personally think this place is picturesque historic gem! Located in the southeast part of the state, it’s often known as the gateway to the Golden Isles (and it connected to them via several bridges).

I think it’s a pretty place in its own right though, with its blend of historic coastal charm, tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and stunning views of tidal rivers and marshlands which are filled with wildlife and bird-spotting opportunities. The Intracoastal Waterway is even famous for its playful pods of dolphins!

On my most recent visit I really enjoyed exploring the quaint, tree-lined Old Town Historic District, the centuries-old Lover’s Oak Tree, the attractive marina, the well-preserved Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and the Historic Glynn County Courthouse.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1229 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
• Best times to visit: spring to fall (for the most pleasant weather)
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at the funky Tipsy McSways Neighborhood Bar & Grill which was located near the waterfront in downtown Brunswick – I loved the colorful decor, the laid back local charm and their incredible Disco Fries! 
• Going for a rum tasting at Georgia’s only rum distillery – Richland Rum tasting room in Brunswick – it was great to the sample their award-winning locally crafted, small-batch rum! I especially loved the full-bodied Richland Cask Strength Rum! 

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