Vacationing in Georgia is a fun and unforgettable experience. There are parks, museums, theme parks and entertainment in Atlanta that appeal to different age groups. In addition, there are campgrounds along the coastlines, lakes and rivers throughout the state. A vacation in Georgia can be a great escape as well as a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Traveling on a budget in Georgia has never been easier with this unusual guide to the famous and less-known attractions of this gorgeous country. This article offers you tips on how to save money and discover the best of Georgia.

The state of Georgia is a wonderful state located in the deep southern United States. It has been blessed with beautiful scenery and tourism in the Peach state has increased steadily over time. In fact, according to Wikipedia, there were 2.27 million visitors in 2008 who pumped $6.2 billion into the local economy. Of course, as with most states, there are a number of tourist attractions that draw thousands of visitors each year including places like Stone Mountain Park, Six Flags Over Georgia, Callaway Gardens and America’s largest aquarium that can be found along the coast in downtown Atlanta.

Vacation In Georgia

Whether you want to swim, ride or just see the sights, Georgia is the place for you. You’ll never be short of things to do in Georgia, with mountains, beaches and tundra all within easy reach.

Best Places to Visit in Georgia

With big cities, iconic small towns, picturesque mountains and a spot on the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia has a lot more to offer than its peaches. To help you decide which Georgia spots are most worth your time and vacation dollars, U.S. News took into account the variety and uniqueness of attractions, availability of accommodations and opinions of everyday travelers to decide the best places to visit in Georgia. Vote for your favorite spots below to help determine next year’s list. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

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View 43 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNo Savannah#1 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaThe charm of Savannah is undeniable. From the remnants of its antebellum past in the Historic Landmark District to the romantic Spanish moss-lined streets and iconic fountain in Forsyth Park to the shops, eateries and party-hard reputation of River Street, Savannah encompasses what the state of Georgia is all about: Giving a nod to the past while bringing its own personality into the present. Plus, the city offers a heavy dose of laid-back Southern hospitality to match, earning it its Hostess City of the South nickname. READ MORE BEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
Belongs on List?YesNoGolden Isles#2 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaThese barrier islands and port town along the Atlantic coast get their name from the golden sand beaches that dot the Georgia coastline. The region’s larger islands feature all of the amenities out-of-towners could want, while Brunswick serves as a mainland town complete with a wharf and plenty of shrimp boats. Smaller islands like Little St. Simons and Sea Island offer private, world-class resorts. No matter which island you choose, don’t forget to snap a photo of the stunning sunsets over the ocean’s horizon.
Belongs on List?YesNoAthens, GA#3 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaHistory buffs should make a beeline to Athens. The city marks the starting point of Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, which highlights Civil War-era homes and period architecture in its 17 historic districts. The University of Georgia, the country’s first public institution of higher education, is also worth visiting, as it is home to the Georgia Museum of Natural History, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Museum of Art. For a more modern getaway, check out Downtown Athens’ shops, restaurants and live music venues.
View 86 PhotosBelongs on List?YesNo Atlanta#4 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaGeorgia’s capital city wears many hats and goes by many nicknames – ATL, Hotlanta and A-Town, just to name a few. The Empire City of the South is a hub for business (Coca-Cola, CNN and Delta are all headquartered here) and music (rappers have long made ATL their home), as well as a family-friendly destination with world-renowned sights like the Georgia Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. The city also houses several impressive historical attractions, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. What’s more, this major metropolis is still quintessentially Southern, with the friendliness and manners to match. READ MORE BEST HOTELS|FLIGHTS|THINGS TO DO
Belongs on List?YesNoCumberland Island#5 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaThe largest and southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands, Cumberland Island offers both a rich history and a beautiful landscape. You’ll have to catch a ferry from nearby St. Marys to get here, but the journey is well worth the effort. When you arrive, you’ll discover nearly 10,000 acres of protected wilderness and 17-plus miles of secluded beaches. Cumberland Island also features multiple historical sites, such as the Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church and the Dungeness Ruins, that tell the story of the Carnegie family, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans and others who once lived on the island.
Belongs on List?YesNoCallaway Gardens#6 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaA trip to Callaway Gardens is all about reconnecting with nature. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the small town of Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens features 2,500 acres of gardens, a butterfly center with 1,000-plus butterflies and more than 10 miles of bike and nature trails, among other amenities. Additionally, visitors can head to Robin Lake Beach to swim, kayak, paddleboard or simply soak up some sun during the warmer months. Families can also take advantage of the beach’s inflatable water playground called Aqua Island.
Belongs on List?YesNoDahlonega#7 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaGeorgia might not come to mind when you think of wine destinations, but Dahlonega is worth consideration. This northern town is often labeled the Heart of Georgia Wine Country thanks to its 12 wine tasting rooms, five wineries and locally owned and operated vineyards. For a festive atmosphere during your vacation, arrive in May when the annual Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival takes place. Dahlonega is also where America’s first gold rush occurred, so be sure to save time for a visit to the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and a former mine.
Belongs on List?YesNoJekyll Island#8 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaThe southernmost of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island beckons to travelers seeking a quiet beach getaway. The entire island is designated as a Georgia state park, meaning conservation and wildlife preservation are top priorities. Visitors can see sea turtles, alligators and other coastal animals at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, lounge on 10 miles of pristine beaches or meander through the historic district (also known as Millionaire’s Village) to see homes that have belonged to some of America’s richest families, including the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers and the Pulitzers.
Belongs on List?YesNoTybee Island#9 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaSituated less than 20 miles southeast of Savannah, this small barrier island has been a popular family vacation destination for more than a century. Tybee Island’s miles of sandy beaches and relatively warm weather most of the year make it a prime spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. Additionally, travelers can spend a few hours looking for the island’s 200-plus bird species. Other Tybee must-dos include climbing up the Tybee Island Light Station, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, and participating in educational programs at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
Belongs on List?YesNoArabia Mountain#10 in Best Places to Visit in GeorgiaFeaturing three lakes and more than 2,000 acres, Arabia Mountain offers plenty of opportunities for adventure close to Atlanta. Visitors can hike through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve or walk or bike the Arabia Mountain PATH. The latter also boasts 60 geocaches for travelers to find. For those who enjoy fishing, there are numerous waterways ideal for casting a line. But remember, fishing here requires purchasing a Georgia fishing license.