53 Best Places to Visit and Things to do in Georgia, USA

Georgia is a beautiful state to visit and explore! From the mountains in North Georgia to the beaches in Southeast Georgia to the big city of Atlanta, there are so many places to see and things to do!

We both grew up in the small town of Rome, but we enjoy planning day trips or vacations to different places in Georgia. We enjoy visiting the mountains, beaches, and historic sites all throughout the state. We love our home state of Georgia and are excited to share some of the best places to visit and the best things to do!

We hope this guide will make it easier for you to plan a trip- whether you’re from out of state or live in Georgia.

Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Georgia, USA

1. Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls is located in Dawsonville, Georgia. It is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and find adventure! Be prepared to hike to the top of the falls and take beautiful pictures while you are there.

2. Arabia Mountain

Arabia Mountain is located in the Metro-Atlanta area in Dekalb County, Georgia. The best way to explore is by bike. There are plenty of biking trails throughout Arabia Mountain. The geology and flora are also very unique!

3. Athens, Georgia

Athens is home to the University of Georgia. It is a fun college town with plenty to do! You will not regret visiting Athens. I would say this is a must-see place in Georgia. Especially on a game-day weekend!

4. Atlanta Botanical Garden

In the heart of midtown, this is the perfect place for adventure-seeking and nature-loving families. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Atlanta. I have always wanted to visit during the holiday season because they have a beautiful light show! It is beautiful to visit all year long, though.

5. The Atlanta Zoo

The Atlanta Zoo has fun for the whole family, from interacting with the animals to fun family events! Who doesn’t love to see different animals from all over the world and possibly get the chance to feed them? Even as an adult, I love seeing animals!

6. Bellwood Quarry

Bellwood Quarry is a beautiful area located in Atlanta. It’s filled with parks and trails for those who visit to enjoy some natural beauty.

7. Blackbeard Island

When visiting Blackbeard Island, you will want to take a ton of pictures! This island is beautiful with the scenery and wildlife. Be prepared to book your own transportation to the island because they do not provide a ferry to the island.

8. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a super fun idea for a family fun day! It takes you along the Blue Ridge. Georgia mountains up to the Tennessee/Georgia state line. Once you get to the state line, you have time to shop and eat lunch before heading back to Blue Ridge. The trip is fun and filled with beautiful scenery the whole way!

9. Blue Ridge, Georgia

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of my absolute favorite places to go! There is so much to do and see there. Check out our Travel Guide to Blue Ridge, Georgia, to plan your trip.

10. Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald is the highest mountain in Georgia. We traveled to Brasstown Bald A few years ago, and it was absolutely beautiful! There are hiking trails and a shuttle that takes you to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the top, you can see four different states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Say you have been to the highest point in Georgia and visit Brasstown Bald!

11. Callaway Gardens

We have both visited Callaway Gardens with our families when we were younger, but never together. We would love to go during the holidays to see the beautiful Christmas lights they have! It’s southwest of Atlanta and has plenty to do for a weekend’s stay.

12. CDC Museum

The CDC Museum is located in the capital city of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a neat place to go to learn about what the CDC is, what they do, and their accomplishments.

13. Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the legacy of the 1996 Olympics that were held in Georgia. It is a really fun area of downtown Atlanta. It is one of the best picnic areas in Atlanta. It’s great to visit, get some pictures, and have lunch if you are in the area.

14. Chickamauga Battlefield

Chickamauga Battlefield is located in LaFayette, Georgia. It is the site of a major battle that was fought during the American Civil War. It is a lot of fun to explore the site of the battle. It also has beautiful cedar glades with rare plants that you can walk through and take pictures.

15. Chief Vann House

The Chief Vann House is located in Chatsworth, Georgia. It is a historic plantation house. According to the website, “Chief Vann’s historic plantation house, and grounds, serve as a physical connection to present-day visitors of the early nineteenth century Cherokee cultural assimilation efforts planned to counter Georgia’s early expansion which ultimately led to the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Schedule a tour to view this beautiful Cherokee Indian home.

16. Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon is full of fun outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, biking trails, geocaching, and more! You can also enjoy camping with your family. You can easily spend the day or a full weekend because there is plenty to do.

17. The CNN Center

The CNN Center is located in Atlanta. Make sure to take some time to tour the CNN Center and see where live broadcasts happen! Get behind the scenes with a tour.

18. Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a beautiful area off the coast of Georgia. I have always wanted to visit and see the beautiful wild horses. It would be an amazing experience!

19. Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia is known as the gold rush town. It has a rich history, which makes it a wonderful place to visit. You can learn about the town and history while also indulging in wine, good food, art, and fun shopping experiences. There are also great places to stay in the mountains nearby.

20. Etowah Indian Mounds

The Etowah Indian Mounds are a neat historical area to visit. They are located in Cartersville, Georgia. They were home to many Native Americans around 1000 A.D. You can tour the area where they lived, hunted, and fished.

21. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a place you must visit! A few years ago, my husband and I got to visit so I could do a project for school. It was so much fun! They have so many cool exhibits (inside & outside) and they have some really neat dinosaur replicas!

22. Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is located in Savannah, Georgia. It is their largest and oldest park. The park is beautiful and it is a prime example of landscape and architecture from the 19th century. If you ever visit Savannah, be sure to include Forsyth Park in your itinerary.

23. The Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It. Is. Beautiful. We went to see the Phantom of the Opera play there a few years ago and it was amazing! The building itself is worth going to see, but I recommend looking on their website to see if there is a performance you’re interested in!

24. The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a super fun experience getting to see the marine life and learn about it as well. My favorite part is the tunnel you get to go through that has marine life all around you!

25. Gibbs Gardens

Gibbs Gardens is located in Ball Ground, Georgia. It is one of the nation’s largest gardens and is worth the drive to see it. It is breathtaking with the flowers, landscaping, and gardens. It is open for the majority of the year but closes for winter.

26. Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia is such a fun place to visit. We went a few years ago to float the river in Helen and had a blast! It is a great place to spend the weekend exploring, eating, shopping, and having fun with the family.

27. The High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is filled with beautiful art, exhibits, and the work of well-known artists and architects.

28. Hike the Appalachian Trail that Runs Through Georgia

The Appalachian Trail runs for 78 miles in the state of Georgia. It is perfect for nature lovers! Brett has hiked and camped all 78 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. He enjoyed it and plans to continue the rest throughout other states.

29. The Montaluce Winery

The Montaluce Winery is located in Dahlonega, Georgia. The vineyard is absolutely beautiful. They offer tours, weddings, tastings, and much more! Your visit there will be worth it.

30. The National Infantry Museum

If there are any history buffs in your family, this is a great place to visit with them! The National Infantry Museum is located in Columbus, Georgia. The museum was opened to honor U.S Army Infantrymen. There are many exhibits, galleries, and displays.

31. Ocmulgee National Monument

Ocmulgee National Monument is located in Macon, Georgia. This is a fun area to explore because it is a pre-historic Indian site. There are mounds remaining from when Indians lived on the land.

32. Okefenokee Swamp Park

Okefenokee Swamp Park is located at the edge of the Georgia and Florida state line. When I was younger, I remember we stopped to check out the park when my brother was heading to a playoff game for football. The swamp was neat and there were real alligators hanging out! It is definitely somewhere I want to go back.

You can also check out the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

33. Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls is a beautiful area in Clarksville, Georgia. It requires a hike to get there so make sure to prepare and have enough time to make it to the beautiful falls!

34. Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park is beautiful! It is also known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”. There are hiking nature trails for all levels of experience. You can even camp overnight in some of the areas. It is the perfect day trip or weekend trip idea!

35. Red Top Mountain State Park

Red Top Mountain State Park is located in Cartersville, Georgia on Lake Allatoona. This is a fun destination to go swimming, boating, and fishing. Take some time to soak up the sun!

36. Rock City

Rock City is such a neat place to visit. It is located on top of Lookout Mountain and is full of interesting rock formations. My favorite time to visit is during Christmas. They deck the whole place out in Christmas lights and it is so beautiful!

37. Ruby Falls

is technically in Tennessee, but it is so close to the Georgia line I sometimes forget (oops!). It is a very neat experience. I have been here several times throughout my life, and I have loved it every time! It’s definitely worth a trip with the whole family. Rock City and Ruby Falls are something you can do on the same day.

38. Roosevelt State Park

Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest state park! It is a beautiful place to visit. You can also see Pine Mountain while you are there. I visited when I was younger, and it is a really neat place to go! I can’t wait to go back someday with Brett.

39. Roosevelt’s Little White House

Roosevelt’s little white house is something that you can see when visiting the state park. Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the house in 1932. He sought out Warm Springs, Georgia in hopes of curing his polio. You can see the house, memorial, museum, and tons of exhibits.

40. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is located on the east coast of Georgia. It is somewhere we have always talked about traveling to. It is known for its beauty, history, and antebellum style. If you are looking for a dose of southern charm, Savannah, Georgia is a town you need to visit!

41. Six Flags and White Water

Who doesn’t love having a little fun in the sun? Six Flags is filled with tons of fun roller coasters and rides. White Water is filled with tons of water and rides to cool you off in the Georgia heat!

42. Springer Mountain

Springer Mountain is part of the Appalachian trail near Ellijay, Georgia. It is a beautiful area to take a day hike and enjoy the spectacular views it has to offer. Take your family and your fur baby because it is a dog-friendly hike!

43. St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is a nice, relaxing, and beautiful area to visit on the East Coast of Georgia. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly beach- you will love St. Simons Island!

44. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain is a fun and beautiful state park. I have several memories of Stone Mountain from my childhood days and we have a few memories together. It is a neat place to visit. You can travel to to top of the mountain either by sky ride or hiking! Then in the evening, you can sit out on the lawn and watch a laser show on the mountain. There are many other things to do at Stone Mountain and they even offer camping! It is a must-visit place in Georgia.

45. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is located in central Georgia near Atlanta and is a popular destination for those who want to spend time outdoors. It is named after the creek that runs through the park. It is a great place to visit to see nature’s beauty and to spend time learning about the area’s history.

46. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is located in northeast Georgia. This is one of Georgia’s most beautiful canyons. Hike to the suspension bridge for great views of the creek and waterfalls.

47. Toccoa Falls

Toccoa Falls is also located in northeast Georgia. I have heard it is a beautiful place to visit. It is taller than Niagara Falls! Seeing Toccoa Falls is high on our Georgia bucket list!

48. Tybee Island

Tybee Island has beautiful sandy beaches located on the southern coast of Georgia near Savannah. It is a beautiful family-friendly beach and is perfect for soaking up the sun and having some fun!

49. Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park is somewhere we have always wanted to visit! It has really nice camping areas, a beautiful lake, and great hiking trails.

50. Walking Dead Tour in Atlanta

The Walking Dead Tour would be a really cool day trip! We are huge Walking Dead fans and would love to tour the filming locations and get behind-the-scenes information about the show!

51. The World of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of those places that if you live nearby, you have probably been. I have been here several times with family and on field trips with my school. It is really neat to learn about one of the largest companies in the world, how they started, and how they have evolved over the years. My favorite part is the tasting room. You get to try different Coke products from all over the world!

52. Wormsloe Historic Site

Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the many historical sites located in Savannah, Georgia. It was once a colonial estate that is now filled with beautiful hiking trails, sites, and history.

53. The Georgia Winery

The Georgia Winery is one of our favorite places to visit! It isn’t very far from where we live. It was Georgia’s first farm winery. They offer tours of their winery, free tastings, wine by the glass, wine slushies, fun gift baskets, treats, and more! You can go visit for the afternoon and enjoy yourself with friends or family. It is located in Ringgold, Georgia which is very close to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

54. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is another beach town located in southeast Georgia. It’s a beautiful, quaint town to visit for family fun at the beach.

55. The Varsity

You can’t visit the Atlanta area without visiting the iconic Varsity! It’s been around since 1928 and is a great place to stop in for a quick, delicious meal. We are excited because they are building a Varsity in our city!

If you are traveling from out of state, I recommend visiting a visitors center. You can get a lot of information about places to visit, main attractions, and things to see that will be close to where you are staying. Sometimes, you can even get coupons for these places!

There are plenty of national parks, landmarks, and unique places to visit in Georgia. These are perfect for a long weekend or planning a vacation with your family. We hope you have fun checking these places off your bucket list!

Until Next Time,

The Traveling Tylers