Over the course of the past almost two years, we needed to learn how to interact with each other again, how to work from home, and how to go about our daily lives differently. The COVID pandemic found its way into our lives in ways we never believed possible. Everything from the way we shop to how we organize our holidays changed, but one thing is as clear now as it was when all of this began. We’re still not out of the woods.
So what’s the solution then?
Let’s go into the woods. Let’s explore the beauty of nature and everything else that catches our eye in the incredibly history-packed and culturally enlightening state of Georgia. There’s more to Georgia than its peaches, and it’s about time we discover the many facets and attractions waiting for us. Aside from the best places to live in Georgia, we’ll find some unique places to visit in Georgia. While some of the following might involve adventurous things to do in Georgia, off the beaten path, and not nearly as crowded, others will take the adventure in historic downtown areas. It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid nature lover or a conscious history buff; the state of Georgia has something for the whole family and every possible interest. Your next trip will be unforgettable if you add a dash of adventure, safety measures for your health, and a few of the best places to visit from the following on your holiday itinerary. You might even come across some of the cheapest and safest places to live in Georgia during your trip.
Callaway Gardens
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Georgia, mountains should be at the top of your list as they are on ours. The Callaway Gardens and Resort is spread across 2,500 acres in the Appalachian foothills, close to Pine Mountain. The multi-acre blanket of kaleidoscope flowers provides one of the most breathtaking views available so far from the ocean. This establishment came to be due to Cason Callaway, an industrialist who created an oasis for adventurers just north of Columbus. With artificial lakes, a beautiful butterfly house with over 1,000 butterflies, more than 10 miles of bike and nature trails, the Callaway Gardens welcomes over 750,000 people every year.
If you like to experience some water-based adventures, fear not, for you don’t have to drive all the way to the coast. Robin Lake has all you could possibly desire. From basic and everyday things like swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding, you’ll be able to enjoy the still artificial lake located in Callaway Gardens. Soaking up the sun is another leisure activity that vacationers can indulge in, as Robin Lake is also the home of the world’s largest man-made white-sand beach. There’s nothing they can’t offer here in the realm of adventures and relaxation. If you don’t believe us, check their spa amenities and reconsider.
Savannah Historic District
There’s no way you could possibly go wrong by stopping by the city of Savannah, GA. The city’s historic district will charm its way into your heart, mind, and soul, and how could it not? Having the opportunity to see approximately a square mile of architecture, streets, and organization preserved as it had been designed around the Civil War era, as Georgia’s first city, isn’t something you come across every day. The squares are surrounded by gracious mansions with access by cobblestone streets lined with large Spanish-moss-covered oaks. Real estate agents in Savannah GA adore their city. What is there not to absolutely adore? In Savannah, you’ll find some of the most romantic things to do in Georgia, and as one of Georgia’s most romantic destinations, it’s easy to see why many consider it one of the best places to live in Georgia.
If history isn’t your thing, however, in Savannah’s Historic District, you’ll find the center of art, culture, museums, and mansions to visit. If you’re heading north, you’ll find the riverfront with its glamour of shops, restaurants, and galleries, while down south, you’ll be able to cherish Forsyth Park. Now, if you are to explore the area around Savannah, you won’t be disappointed as you’ll find Tybee Island merely 18 miles away, which is around 25 minutes by car, packed with nature adventures at your disposal.
Okefenokee Swamp
“The Land of Trembling Earth” is the common indigenous name for Okefenokee Swamp. We’ll get to the reason behind that name in a second, but first, let’s learn a bit more about one of the most incredible and unique places to visit in Georgia. Spread across 770 square miles in southern Georgia, the largest unscathed freshwater and black water wilderness swamp located in North America must be experienced first-hand to be believed. The vast vegetation gives way to a maze of cypress swamps, watercourses, and swamp grassland housing various wildlife species. From the around 10,000 alligators to cranes, raptors, bobcats, bears, and countless species of amphibians, the Okefenokee Swamp is barely scratching the surface of attractions it has in store for visitors. The “floating islands” will turn every head 180 degrees. If you step on them, they quake, move, shake, call it what you may, but they are not still. However, they support whole forests and were used as shelters as they protected the Indian settlements. Even history buffs will be able to enjoy themselves here as they discover the intricate history of Native American inhabitants and the early settlers that encountered them.
Atlanta
The lovely and iconic town of Alpharetta, GA, is among the best suburbs to live in Atlanta’s greater area. Living there or in the big metropolis of Atlanta, GA, you’ll get access to some of the most important historical attractions in Georgia, as well as some of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia, so buckle up. You’re not getting out of this area as soon as you might have planned to. If some of the most beautiful national parks in America aren’t big enough for you, the Georgia Aquarium, the largest in the world, houses over 100,000 species of aquatic animals from both fresh and saltwater habitats in over 10 million gallons of water. Going there without a plan might result in you getting lost because of the sheer size of the aquarium itself, but areas are divided by themes, and you can focus on one each visit. The 30-acre Atlanta Botanic Garden will keep your eyes and senses plenty occupied as you move among flowers and plants that ensure bloom, color, and spectacular smells regardless of the season. From the Edible Garden to the Japanese Garden and Fuqua Orchid Center, you’ll find something worth seeing, photographing, and Instagramming every day of the year.
Along with many places where you can discover the wilderness around Alpharetta, GA, nature adventurers can enjoy the best view of Atlanta’s skyline from Stone Mountain Park. Providence Canyon State Park is located around 2 hours south of Atlanta, but the over 1,000-acre splendor of “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” is well worth the trip. In the northwest of Atlanta, you can find the Etowah Indian Mounds, a 54-acre site of the most intact Mississippian culture with archeological artifacts, hand-carved stone effigies, and possibly the most incredible history lesson ever. Close by is the Allatoona Lake, a 12,000-acre body of water housing several recreational activities for people of all ages. Lake Lanier is in the northeast if you want to enjoy a gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
South-west from Atlanta, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the waterfalls of Cochran Mill Park. This 800-acre nature splendor also includes historic mill ruins, trails, and rare flowers to admire from afar, allowing for sunrise and sunset moments as it opens 30 minutes before and after the sun graces us with its presence. In the east of Atlanta, less than an hour away, you shouldn’t miss quite possibly the most serene place in America, if not the world: the Arabia Mountain. Recognized as one of the 49 National Heritage Areas in the US for the area’s contribution to the country’s history, the landscapes will simply bewitch you.
Georgia Islands
Aside from the mountains, the natural preserves, and endless options for natural wonder across the state of Georgia, we can not overlook the east coast’s Islands. Spread between the city of Savannah, GA, and Florida’s Jacksonville, Georgia has a few masses of land that give way to the Atlantic Ocean. Cumberland Island is the most southern option on our list. Once you get there, you’ll feel like you’re on your own private beach due to its sheer size. It is Georgia’s largest island, after all. While you might come across some wild horses, ancient turtles, and trees that look like they fought historical battles and came out triumphant, you won’t see any cars here. Why is that, you might ask? It’s a car-free zone.
From there, we’ll move northwards and find Jekyll Island. The first and southernmost of the so-called Golden Isles, in its entirety, is a designated State Park, meaning that the first focus is the conservation and protection of wildlife. Driftwood beach is located on this island. As one of the most stunning beaches in Georgia, the tree-clad shores provide an alien-like scenery suitable for sci-fi movies or other planets incredible for photography and Instagram-worthy moments. Next is St. Simons Island, the largest of the Golden Isles that goes out of its way to hit the brakes on visitors’ hectic lives. Here you need to slow down, enjoy the view, and experience water-front activities that will ease your troubled mind better than any amount of yoga and meditation might. Combining yoga, meditation, and the fantastic views might seem like a perfect match, so why not give it a try when you get the chance?
Conclusion
There’s so much more to promote and enjoy across the state of Georgia, but we simply could not include everything. But trust us, if you manage to see at least two of these destinations, you will surely travel to some of the best places to visit in Georgia. Don’t take our word for it. Go ahead and explore, enjoy, and stubbornly decide to contradict us. That stubbornness will go away once you reach any of these destinations. We know what we are talking about, and we only mentioned the ones that stood out from the rest. And the initial list was much, much longer than this. We also included several attractions in each major place we discussed so, if you travel to Atlanta, you’ll have quite a bit to scout.
Let us know in the comment section below if there’s one place in particular that mesmerized you or intrigued you enough to be included on your next itinerary. Like & Share this article with friends and family that might want a chance to discover and explore the best places to visit in Georgia. The Peach State is ready and quite anxious to welcome any and all visitors. Book your trip now!
Great, but it’s the same over and over! Try looking ant Rome, Cave Spring,
Hey Louise! While there are many cities in Georgia that are worthy of a visit, as many have their own tourism industries and attractions that appeal to visitors, we have selected the ones on this list based on a series of characteristics. There is only a number of cities that can be included in these lists and we can not include every city that’s worth mentioning from Georgia.