I spent two months road-tripping around Georgia, from its romantic historic coastal cities to its Insta-worthy mountain trails, and was completely won over by the state’s natural beauty, interesting history, and Southern charm. It wasn’t easy narrowing it down, but these were my standout places…
1. Savannah
I thought Savannah was an absolute gem — enchanting old-world beauty, moss-hung oaks, stately mansions, and a romantic, slightly mysterious atmosphere gave it an extra edge! The elegant 4-star boutique Kehoe House made the perfect base too!
I wandered cobbled streets and moss-draped squares and soaked up the city’s haunting beauty at Bonaventure Cemetery, followed by the oak-canopied drive through Wormsloe Historic Site and crispy fried green tomatoes at the Olde Pink House.
Location: Coastal Georgia | Size: population ~147,000 | Vibe: historic, atmospheric and effortlessly charming
My favorite highlights…
- My historic paddlewheel cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises – the old brick waterfront views, soulful live jazz and hearty Southern-style buffet (especially the creamy Shrimp and Grits and smoky Savannah Red Rice) made it all very special!
2. St. Simons Island
I thought St. Simons Island was an absolute coastal gem — wide golden beaches, moss-draped oaks, shimmering marshes, and charming cottages gave it a nostalgic, Southern village feel that completely won me over!
After a 15-minute scenic drive across the causeway from Brunswick, I chilled at the chic 4-star Inn by Sea Island. The pace was beautifully laid-back — I spent a week wandering sunlit East Beach, exploring the mossy ruins of Fort Frederica, and hiking through wild Cannon’s Point, catching the salty marsh air at low tide.
Location: Golden Isles, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~17.7 sq miles | Vibe: coastal, genteel and blissfully laid-back
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the upscale Georgia Sea Grill – I loved the chic vibe, how it sourced ingredients from its own kitchen garden, and the decadent Georgia Pecan Pie, which came drizzled in a very rich, golden Bourbon Honey!
3. Tallulah Falls State Park
I thought Tallulah Falls State Park was absolutely breathtaking with its plunging gorge, roaring waterfalls, moss-covered canyon walls, and that dramatic swaying suspension bridge that made it feel both wild and exhilarating!
Deep in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, I followed a scenic, river-hugging forest drive and spent two cozy nights at Lake Rabun Hotel, just 10 minutes from the park. I tackled the cliff-edged Overlook Trail and admired waterfalls.
Location: Northeast Georgia | Size: ~2,689 acres | Vibe: dramatic, gorge-carved and exhilarating | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, river otters, wild turkeys, and birds of prey.
My highlights…
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Braving the suspension bridge swaying 80 feet above the gorge as the Tempest Falls roared below and a cool mist hit my face (the staircase climb down to the suspension bridge was steep though)!
4. Jekyll Island
I thought this tranquil barrier island was one of the most beautiful spots on Georgia’s coast, with its ghostly Driftwood Beach lined with twisted sun-bleached trees, wide sandy stretches, serene marshes, moss-draped oak forests, and elegant historic buildings – it felt wonderfully secluded.
A scenic 45-minute drive south of St. Simons Island took me to the chic 4-star Jekyll Ocean Club – I cycled the scenic island loop, wandered the eerie beauty of Driftwood Beach, and spotted dolphins — the landscapes felt so cinematic I wasn’t shocked to discover it has appeared in both X‑Men and The Walking Dead!
Location: Golden Isles, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~5,700 acres | Vibe: coastal, refined and gently nostalgic | Wildlife: nesting sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, deer, alligators, wading birds, and migratory shorebirds
My favorite highlights…
- The Georgia Sea Turtle Center – I loved hearing the passionate guides explain how each turtle had its own backstory, from boat strike injuries to cold-stunning events, and seeing them up close in the rehabilitation tanks, some with prosthetic flippers!
5. Cumberland Island
Georgia’s largest and wildest barrier island completely won me over with its 17 miles of windswept empty beaches, dramatic dunes, peaceful salt marshes, moss-draped oak forests, haunting ruins, and the unforgettable sight of wild horses roaming freely (though I kept my distance during their friskier moments!).
After an hour and 15 minutes south from Jekyll Island to St. Marys, caught a 45-minute (pre-booked) ferry, and felt the mysterious vibes! I hiked and biked moss-draped trails, saw the haunting Dungeness Ruins and toured the grand Plum Orchard Mansion but with limited amenities, I was glad I’d packed food and water.
Location: Southern Georgia Coast | Size: ~36,415 acres | Vibe: remote, windswept and hauntingly beautiful | Wildlife: wild horses, armadillos, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, dolphins, and over 300 species of birds
My highlights…
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Staying at the historic 1900’s Greyfield Inn for three nights – with its candlelit dinners made with garden-grown ingredients, and vintage bikes it felt like stepping back into the Gilded Age!
6. Madison
I thought this charming small town was absolutely beautiful with its oak-shaded streets lined with antebellum mansions, manicured gardens, and a walkable historic district filled with 19th-century architecture, fountains, and genteel Southern storefronts.
After a 1 hour drive northeast from Macon along rolling hills and quiet backroads, I arrived to a place where I felt I slipped back into the 1800s! Over two nights at the romantic James Madison Inn, I toured Heritage Hall and the very moving Rose Cottage which was built by Adeline Rose after gaining her freedom!
Location: Northeast/East-Central| Size: population ~4,500 | Vibe: elegant, historic and quietly refined
My highlights…
- Tasting modern twists of traditional Southern Cuisine at the trendy Town 220 – I loved the divine Jack Daniel’s Bread Pudding which came with a velvety whiskey caramel sauce!
7. Tybee Island
I loved this relaxed barrier island on Georgia’s Atlantic coast — its wide sun-bleached beaches, rolling dunes, tranquil marshes alive with wildlife, historic landmarks, and quaint 19th-century keeper’s cottages made it such an attractive spot.
After a 30-minute drive east from Savannah along scenic Highway 80, I arrived to a place that felt carefree, breezy, and full of retro beach-town charm! I swam at South Beach and paid visits to Tybee Island Lighthouse and buzzy Tybee Pier.
Location: Near Savannah, Coastal Georgia | Size: ~3.9 sq miles | Vibe: laid-back, beachy and effortlessly fun | Wildlife: bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, pelicans, herons, marsh rabbits, many species of birds.
My highlights…
- Staying at the funky South Beach Views Hotel – I loved the flamingo cushions, seashell lamps, pastel porch chairs — and waking up each morning to the sound of crashing waves!
8. Providence Canyon State Park
I thought Providence Canyon State Park was one of Georgia’s most underrated spots — a dramatic “Little Grand Canyon” where vivid red, orange, pink, and white sandstone walls rose above wildflower trails, pine forests, and jaw-dropping overlooks.
After a 4-hour drive north from the Okefenokee Swamp I reached Lumpkin – an otherworldly landscape that felt like Georgia’s own hidden slice of the Southwest. In one full day, I tackled the rust-red Canyon Loop Trail and wandered past old abandoned farming equipment near the White Blaze Trail (good hiking shoes proved a lifesaver)!
Location: Southwest Georgia | Size: ~1,108 acres | Vibe: colourful, canyon-carved and unexpectedly dramatic | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, armadillos, wild turkeys, and lizards.
My highlights…
- After a 2-mile hike through pine-scented woods, I camped at a remote Backcountry site, loving the solitude, crackling campfire under starry skies, and waking to golden canyon walls glowing at sunrise!
9. Lookout Mountain
I thought this dramatic mountain ridge was absolutely stunning, with sweeping views across seven states, towering sandstone cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and the whimsical charm of Rock City’s garden trails, stone bridges, and quirky formations.
After a two-hour drive northwest from Lake Allatoona along scenic ridge roads, I reached the summit of Lookout Mountain full of mountain mystique. While staying at the charming Chanticleer Inn, I hiked up to Sunset Rock gazing at beautiful ridge views and discovered the underground wonder of Ruby Falls.
Location: Far Northwest Georgia (near Chattanooga) | Size: ~8,684 acres | Vibe: quietly awe-inspiring | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, barred owls, wild turkeys, and songbirds.
My highlights…
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Visiting the dramatically perched Covenant College — its stone Gothic Revival buildings rose castle-like from the cliffs, scented with pine and wind, with sprawling, hazy views stretching across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama!
10. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
I thought the Georgia stretch of this legendary 2,180-mile trail was absolutely breathtaking, with winding mountain paths through misty forests, wildflower meadows, rhododendron tunnels, and superb panoramic vistas.
Just 20 minutes from Amicalola Falls State Park I reached the Springer Mountain trailhead. I spent a remote four days hiking from Springer Mountain (the steep rock scramble up Blood Mountain was tough!), stopping at Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap, camping at Dicks Creek Gap, and detouring to foggy Long Creek Falls — before a final 6.5 hour drive back to Savannah!
Location: North Georgia | Size: ~79 miles | Vibe: forested, rugged and deeply restorative | Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, barred owls and salamanders.
My highlights…
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Seeing the famous “shoe tree” at Mountain Crossings Gear Store and Hostel, where worn-out hiking boots dangled from the branches – I even spotted raggedy handwritten notes tucked into the laces!
11. Macon
I was completely charmed by this elegant small town, the birthplace of Little Richard and Otis Redding, with its tree-lined streets, grand antebellum homes, scenic Ocmulgee River views, and a downtown brimming with historic churches, theaters, and music landmarks.
After a 2.5-hour drive northeast from Providence Canyon, I arrived to a place filled with music, history, and Southern charm. Over two nights at the historic 1842 Inn, I moved from the grandeur of Hay House to the ancient Ocmulgee earthworks, then rounded things out with bold African American art at the Tubman Museum.
Location: Central Georgia | Size: population ~157,000 | Vibe: musical, historic and character-filled
My personal highlights…
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Dining on the Jamoie Bowl at iconic H & H Soul Food – I really enjoyed the zesty black bean and corn salsa, the warm cornbread side, and the soulful vibe with vintage photos and classic Southern rock tunes!
12. Okefenokee Swamp
I thought this sprawling wetland was truly special, with glassy blackwater channels winding through cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss, floating peat islands, and wildflower-filled prairies.
After an hour’s drive northwest from St. Marys along sleepy backroads, I entered through the Folkstone Gate and found a hidden world! Over two days at the rustic Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins I discovered a slightly creepy preserved settler homestead and stopped by the very informative Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.
Location: Southeast Georgia | Size: ~438,000 acres | Vibe: wild, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful | Wildlife: over 600 species of animals, including American alligators, otters, and a wide variety of turtles, frogs, and migratory birds.
My highlights…
- Going on a guided swamp boat tour with Okefenokee Adventures, I loved the mossy, earthy scent of the wetlands and hearing about ‘Okefenokee Joe,’ the legendary 12-foot alligator who ruled these waters for decades before passing at 80!
13. Helen
This Bavarian-style mountain town charmed me instantly with its colorful Alpine façades, blooming balconies, cobbled streets, and sweeping Blue Ridge views — after a 2.5-hour drive from Lookout Mountain, it felt like a festive little European escape hidden in North Georgia.
Over two days I wandered cobblestone streets, hiked to the spectacular Anna Ruby Falls, dipped inside the charming Helen Arts & Heritage Center, savored authentic German potato pancakes at the cozy Bodensee Restaurant, and tried the tart Dry Blueberry Wine at the family-run Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room.
Location: North Georgia | Size: population ~560 (but swells in peak season)| Vibe: Alpine-themed, kitschy and cheerfully quirky
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the Bavarian-style Helendorf River Inn – I adored the hand-painted Alpine murals, the sound of the Chattahoochee from my balcony, the cozy chalet vibe, and joining their lively “Alpine Stroll” walks!
14. North Georgia Foothills & Wine Country
This scenic stretch of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains completely blew me away with its forested ridges, clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and charming little towns tucked among ancient hardwoods.
Just a 45-minute drive south from Helen took me to the rolling vineyards of Braselton and then this beauty spot. For the three days based at the rustic-chic Dogwood Inn, I hiked to Brasstown Bald’s lofty summit, explored the famously dramatic Tallulah Gorge and cascading Amicalola Falls, and browsed quirky folk art at Rocky’s Place in Tiger.
Location: Northeast Georgia | Size: ~1.2 million acres (approx.) | Vibe: misty, forested and refreshingly untamed | Wildlife: black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, songbirds, and a variety of amphibians.
My personal highlights…
- Stopping by the chic Château Élan winery and resort in Braselton – I sampled a smooth, berry-rich Château Élan Velve and learnt about the winemaking process on a guided tour!
15. Lake Allatoona
I thought this big, family-friendly reservoir was beautiful, with clear calm waters framed by green forests and rolling hills, sandy beaches for swimming, scenic trails with lake views, and even tucked-away historic sites along the shoreline.
Just over an hour northwest from Atlanta along I-75, I reached a place that felt peaceful and outdoorsy. Over four days at the cozy Allatoona Lake House with Dock, I swam at the sandy Bartow Beach, hiked and rented a boat at the marina.
Location: Northwest Georgia | Size: ~12,010 acres (48.6 km²) | Vibe: easygoing, outdoorsy and family-friendly | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, osprey, great blue herons, and bass and catfish in the lake.
My highlights…
- Walking the cool, echoing 175-foot-deep “Deep Cut” at Allatoona Pass Battlefield, I then admired the striking red clay cliffs and sweeping views over the railroad gorge and Lake Allatoona!
16. Atlanta Botanical Garden
I thought the Atlanta Botanical Garden was absolutely stunning, with dazzling seasonal flower displays, bold tropical and desert collections, a treetop canopy walk, striking Chihuly glass sculptures, and serene Japanese gardens all framed by Atlanta’s skyline.
After a 1.5-hour drive west toward Atlanta from Madison, I based myself at the cool 4-star Hotel Clermont and made a quick Midtown trip. I lost track of time exploring the fragrance-filled Fuqua Orchid Center, walking above the treetops on the Canopy Walk, and being zen in the Japanese Garden.
Location: Atlanta, North-Central Georgia | Size: ~30 acres | Vibe: lush, curated and quietly enchanting
My personal highlights…
- Seeing (and smelling!) all the potent fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme, and fruit plants including blueberries and figs alongside interesting live cooking demonstrations at the Edible Garden and Outdoor Kitchen!
17. Brunswick
This historic port city, the gateway to the Golden Isles, I personally thought was packed full of intriguing charm — from its tree-lined streets and graceful Victorian buildings to the scenic tidal rivers and wildlife-rich marshlands.
After leaving Tybee Island, I drove 1.45 hours south along the coastal highway and stayed overnight at budget-friendly Baymont by Wyndham. Between the storybook streets of Old Town Brunswick, the history-rich Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, and a picnic beneath the majestic Lover’s Oak, I loved Brunswick’s gentle, old-soul feel.
Location: Southeast Georgia Coast | Size: population ~15,000 | Vibe: historic, coastal and quietly characterful
My favorite highlights…
- Sampling the bold Richland Cask Strength Rum with dark cherry and caramel notes at Georgia’s only rum distillery, Richland Rum, where I also tried their award-winning small-batch rums!
Great list. Cumberland Island is such a relatively unknown island that I almost hate for you to let the secret out. 🙂 I love how pristine it is with only a small number of tourists visiting.