From charming mountain towns and coastal escapes to vibrant cities and quiet countryside, Georgia is a state made for exploring. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to discover. These travel guides are designed to help you make the most of your trip—whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a scenic road trip, or a full vacation.
1. North Georgia Mountains
The Blue Ridge region is perfect for travelers who love scenic drives, cozy cabins, and outdoor adventure. Explore mountain towns like Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen, each offering hiking trails, waterfalls, wineries, and small-town charm. In the fall, the area lights up with brilliant foliage, while winter brings snow-dusted views and holiday markets.
Top highlights: Appalachian Trail access, wineries, scenic overlooks
Best for: Couples, hikers, fall road trips
2. Savannah
Historic, walkable, and hauntingly beautiful, Savannah is Georgia’s crown jewel for culture and history. Take a walking tour through moss-draped squares, explore the Historic District, and visit iconic sites like Bonaventure Cemetery and Forsyth Park. The food scene is world-class, and nearby Tybee Island offers a quick beach escape.
Top highlights: River Street, ghost tours, historic homes
Best for: History buffs, couples, photographers
3. Atlanta
As the state’s capital and largest city, Atlanta blends Southern history with a modern, metropolitan vibe. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, tour CNN Studios, explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and discover a vibrant arts and food scene. Each neighborhood—from Midtown to East Atlanta—has its own personality.
Top highlights: Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market, MLK Jr. National Park
Best for: Urban explorers, families, cultural travelers
4. The Golden Isles
Georgia’s coastline is short but stunning, with barrier islands offering sun, nature, and history. The Golden Isles—St. Simons, Jekyll, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons—are ideal for relaxing beach days, marsh kayaking, and scenic bike rides. Jekyll Island also offers historic landmarks like the Jekyll Island Club and Driftwood Beach.
Top highlights: Beach walks, coastal wildlife, Gullah-Geechee heritage
Best for: Beach lovers, families, nature seekers
5. Historic Heartland
Central Georgia is full of towns that played key roles in the state’s—and the nation’s—history. Explore Macon, home to rich musical roots and African American heritage, or Milledgeville, Georgia’s former capital with gorgeous antebellum architecture. Madison and Eatonton are also ideal for leisurely road trips with stops at antique shops and historic homes.
Top highlights: Music history, Civil War sites, literary landmarks
Best for: History fans, slow travel, architecture lovers
6. South Georgia Adventures
South Georgia offers wide-open skies, quiet countryside, and unique natural wonders. Explore the Okefenokee Swamp, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the U.S., or take a detour through Thomasville, a town known for its historic charm and Southern hospitality. Farther south, Valdosta offers theme park fun and college town energy.
Top highlights: Swamp tours, plantation history, small-town gems
Best for: Families, nature enthusiasts, road-trippers
7. College Town Vibes
Georgia is home to several vibrant college towns with youthful energy and strong cultural scenes. Athens, home of the University of Georgia, is known for its live music, funky shops, and great food. Statesboro and Carrollton offer art, theater, and homegrown charm in smaller doses, perfect for quick, off-the-beaten-path escapes.
Top highlights: Live music, breweries, local art
Best for: Young travelers, creatives, weekend escapes
8. Family-Friendly Escapes
Looking for something the whole family will enjoy? Georgia has you covered. Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta offers hiking, history, and a laser light show. The Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta are musts for kids, while Callaway Gardens combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities and seasonal displays like Fantasy in Lights.
Top highlights: Hands-on activities, nature, theme parks
Best for: Parents, grandparents, school breaks
9. Scenic Road Trips
One of the best ways to see Georgia is from the road. Drive the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway for breathtaking mountain views, or cruise down Coastal Highway 17 for marshland, seafood shacks, and tiny historic churches. Add stops like Providence Canyon or Tallulah Falls for epic detours.
Top highlights: State parks, scenic pull-offs, local eats
Best for: RVers, photographers, weekend warriors
10. Underrated Small Towns
Georgia is dotted with under-the-radar towns full of character. Explore Bainbridge on the banks of the Flint River, Washington with its Revolutionary War ties, or LaGrange, home to museums, gardens, and a surprising dose of culture. These towns offer affordable getaways with fewer crowds and friendly faces.
Top highlights: Local museums, walkable squares, historic inns
Best for: Budget travelers, offbeat explorers, weekenders