Georgia is the unsung star of the southeast. While Atlanta’s hip food and music scenes grab the headlines, the state’s mix of lowcountry and mountain towns hold endless stories waiting to be written. Go beyond the roadside pamphlet display, and you’ll discover many diverse things to do in Georgia, from white water rafting on the Chattahoochee to camo-covered Christmas markets in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors with a week or more to spare should tackle the ultimate state-wide adventure for outdoor lovers: the 7 Natural Wonders of Georgia.
Fall is an excellent time to visit Georgia. The Bavarian-built town of Helen hosts a huge Oktoberfest party, while the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons play big games. In winter, northern Georgia’s Christmas markets rival that of Germany’s. Stop in Delonga, Blue Ridge, or other picture-perfect towns to embrace the holidays. You might see snow in the mountains, but Georgia’s southern climate means you can whitewater raft and hike in winter without worrying about frigid temperatures.
A car offers reliable transportation when sightseeing in Georgia, especially if traveling to further-flung spots like the Masters golf tournament in Augusta and St. Simon Island. Most cities and counties have local bus routes, and Atlanta has MARTA, a 4-line city metro system with stops including Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Downtown Atlanta also has a streetcar. Walk the BeltLine trails, an unused railroad track turned public space initiative in the city’s core neighborhoods.
Georgia may be midrange when it comes to state size, but its diverse landscape lends it a wealth of scenery. One of the coolest ways to immerse yourself in Georgia’s outdoors is by checking out the seven natural wonders of Georgia: Amicalola Falls, Okefenokee Swamp, Providence Canyon, Radium Springs, Stone Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, and Warm Springs. You’ll go from the mountains to the lowcountry and get a taste of the southeast state’s breadth.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 70 | Tours 520 | Reviews 67,408 |
On the surface, Georgia is best known for the city of Atlanta, peach farms, and college football. However, longtime locals and visitors know that this diverse state has stunning mountainous landscapes, rich history, and a deep culinary scene that blends Southern (including soul food) and coastal cuisines.
...MoreThe most popular places to visit in Georgia include Atlanta and Savannah for urban fun, Tallulah Falls and Amicalola Falls State Parks for hiking, and the Etowah Indian Mounds and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park to soak up the state’s rich history.
...MoreYou’ll need to spend at least a weekend in Georgia, depending on where you stay and what you want to see or do. Atlanta alone has great museums, nightlife, and neighborhoods to explore. Northern Georgia’s mountains are an outdoor paradise while the coast features charming Southern cities.
...MoreVisitors with all kinds of interests will find fun in Georgia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the mountains and kayaking the coast. History buffs can explore American Indian, Black, and colonial history, while contemporary culture lovers will find emerging trends in hip-hop and cuisine originating from Atlanta’s clubs and restaurants.
...MoreYou shouldn’t miss visiting Savannah, one of the prettiest cities in the US, and spending some time in Georgia’s beautiful outdoors—popular options include Tallulah Falls State Park, Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, and Providence Canyon.
...MoreYou should try two types of food in Georgia: Lowcountry cuisine and Southern cuisine. Though similar, Lowcountry cuisine is coastal fare like shrimp and grits, catfish stew, and crab cakes, while Southern cuisine includes collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and cornbread. Other popular foods include fried chicken and peach cobbler.
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