17 Stunning Places to Visit in Georgia That Prove the State Is Seriously Overlooked

Georgia State probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about a vacation. It doesn’t have the national name recognition of New York, the dramatic landscapes out west, or the turquoise water of Gulf Coast Florida.

But after spending quite a bit of time exploring the state, I can tell you that skipping out on Georgia is a big mistake.

There are charming towns tucked into the mountains, scenic drives through fall foliage, fascinating Civil War sites, and waterfalls that rival anything you’ll find in more well-known parks.

Down south, the coastline has its own kind of magic—think quiet beaches, picturesque historic cities, romantic live oak trees with Spanish moss, and barrier islands where time seems to slow down.

Seriously, Georgia has so many cool places worth visiting. These are 17 of my favorites (from south to north).

17 Incredible Places to Visit in Georgia

1. Okefenokee Swamp

Okefenokee Swamp is one of the largest and most unique wetlands in the U.S., covering over 600 square miles in southern Georgia.

Most of the swamp is only a few feet deep, but sits on a thick layer of floating peat that can shift under pressure—earning it the name “Okefenokee,” or “trembling earth.” This surreal, blackwater swamp is home to an estimated 15,000 alligators (!!!), plus turtles, frogs, birds, and other wildlife.

The best way to explore the swamp is by water. A guided boat tour or kayak rental will take you deep into cypress-lined canals, where you’ll likely spot dozens of gators, egrets, plenty of wildlife, and beautiful mirrored tree reflections in the dark water. This is truly one of Georgia’s most unique landscapes.

2. Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is a remote barrier island off Georgia’s southern coast, only accessible by ferry from St. Marys. With no paved roads or commercial development, it feels completely wild and undeveloped—full of dense forests, wide beaches, marshes, dunes, and historic ruins.

Over 10,000 acres are protected as wilderness, and the island is home to wild horses, armadillos, and the Gullah Geechee heritage of the Black community that lived here.

There are multiple ways to enjoy Cumberland; for example, you can camp overnight in one of the island’s isolated campgrounds, or just for the day. You can rent a bike or take a guided tour and explore the northern sites of the 18-mile-long island, or stick to the popular Southend Loop,

The Southend Loop, a 4.5-mile trail, is particularly charming, and takes you past the Dungeness Mansion Ruins, on boardwalks and pathways through marsh and forest, and along a stretch of undeveloped beach.

I absolutely adore Cumberland Island—it has such a romantic and enchanting vibe in its wild beauty.

3. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a peaceful barrier island on Georgia’s coast (just north of Cumberland Island) where historic buildings, quiet beaches, and marshy wilderness all blend together in one incredibly scenic spot. Only 35% of the island is developed, and no further development is allowed to preserve its quiet, natural feel.

Jekyll was once a private retreat for Gilded Age millionaires like the Morgans and Rockefellers, and their “cottages” still stand today in the island’s Historic District, which are open for tours.

The most famous spot on the island is Driftwood Beach, filled with massive tree trunks and gnarled limbs scattered along the sand. The rest of the island’s beaches are long and wide—perfect for wandering or relaxing.

You can bike around the entire island on 20 miles of flat trails, visit rescued turtles at the Sea Turtle Center, and explore quiet spots like Horton House ruins, the Plantation Oak tree, or Clam Creek.

All of this comes together to create one of Georgia’s most idyllic coastal escapes.

4. Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon, with its deep gullies, vibrant reds and oranges, and dramatic cliffs, almost feels more like Utah or Arizona than the southeastern U.S. But here it is, tucked into a quiet corner of southwest Georgia near the Alabama border.

Nicknamed Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” this colorful landscape wasn’t carved out by ancient rivers—it’s actually the result of poor 19th-century farming practices. Aggressive deforestation and bad erosion control led to massive soil runoff, eventually creating the steep-walled gullies you see today. It’s a natural wonder with a pretty unnatural origin story.

The 4.5-mile Canyon Loop Trail takes you down into the canyon floor and out to nine different spur trails that weave through tall, multicolored cliffs, dramatic eroded ridges, and winding ravines that almost felt like walking through a mini Bryce Canyon.

The section along the rim at the end of the trail is no less scenic, with fantastic panoramic views of the red and white ridges. Overall, this is one of the most fun and photogenic day hikes in Georgia.

5. Savannah

Savannah is the kind of place that charms you instantly, and then keeps delighting you the more you explore. The historic district is a maze of leafy squares, cobblestone paths, and elegant buildings draped in Spanish moss. Every few blocks, you stumble onto something photo-worthy: an old fountain, a tucked-away café, or a beautifully restored home.

Savannah was England’s first city in Georgia and played a major role in the early days of colonization, the Revolutionary War, and the rise of the plantation economy. That history still shapes the city today, and many of the best tours and museums don’t shy away from telling the full story—including the legacy of slavery.

Some of the city’s most interesting spots include the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters museum, the historic and incredibly charming Bonaventure Cemetery, and the iconic fountain in Forsyth Park. You also can’t miss strolling the shops and river views along River Street, or visiting the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

6. Macon

Macon is a charming historic city that’s been revitalized in all the best ways. You’ll still see churches from the 1800s and plenty of old homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places—but now they sit alongside a lively downtown filled with over 50 restaurants, 30 bars and music venues, and tons of local shops and galleries.

If you’re visiting in March, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival—the city has around 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees (yes, really), and it’s absolutely stunning when they’re all in bloom. (For comparison, Washington, D.C. has about 3,800.)

While you’re in town, check out Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to walk among ancient Native American earthworks, or take a tour of the Hay House, a 19th-century mansion known as the “Palace of the South.” There’s a lot to see and do here!

7. Rome

Rome is such a delightful surprise—it’s got the charm of a small town, but with lots of interesting things to see and do. Start by strolling along Main Street, where historic buildings house cozy cafés, independent boutiques, and local restaurants.

From there, check out the iconic clock tower perched on a hill, walk across the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Etowah River, and follow the scenic riverside paths that wind through town. Stop at the Town Green, pop into the Rome Area History Center, and see the statue of First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson, who grew up here.

You have to grab a sweet treat from Honeymoon Bakery (their pastry case is deliciously impressive), then head across the river to Myrtle Hill Cemetery. It’s peaceful, historic, and offers great views back over the city.

8. Berry College

Berry College might be a school, but it’s also one of the most scenic places to visit in North Georgia. With 27,000 acres of fields, forests, and historic buildings, it’s the largest college campus in the entire world—and it regularly shows up on lists of the most beautiful college campuses in America.

Visit the Ford complex to see the reflecting pool and the striking Gothic-style architecture of the Ford Dining Hall and Auditorium, which was a filming location for Remember the Titans. You can also stop by the Martha Berry Museum, featured in Sweet Home Alabama, or just enjoy a peaceful walk through the picturesque grounds.

9. Dahlogena Gold Mine

Dahlonega was the site of the first major gold rush in the United States, kicking off in 1828—two decades before the California Gold Rush. At first, gold was so abundant miners could pick it up right off the ground. That quickly shifted to river panning, and eventually to deep underground mining.

At the Consolidated Gold Mine, miners discovered a massive quartz vein packed with gold and spent decades excavating it before the mine closed in 1906.

Today, you can take a 45-minute guided tour that leads you down into the historic mine shaft, where you’ll learn how the operation worked and see original tools and drilling holes still in the rock. At the end of the visit, you get to pan for actual gold (it’s essentially gold dust- not worth mining, but makes for a fun activity for tourists).

Overall, the mine is a fascinating look at Georgia’s unexpected gold rush history.

10. Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Georgia—and for good reason. At 729 feet tall, it’s the tallest waterfall in the state and the third tallest east of the Mississippi. The waterfall tumbles down the mountainside in a series of dramatic cascades, and the scale of it in person is truly jaw-dropping.

There are quite a few trails you can take to reach the falls, but I really enjoyed the Creek Trail, which follows a scenic creek, passes a calm reflection pool, and ends at the base of the falls.

From there, you can climb a series of staircases—175 steps to a bridge with an up-close view of the water, and another 255 if you want to reach the top. There are plenty of rest stops along the way to take in the scenery.

The Appalachian Approach Trail starts at the top of the falls, but even if you’re not heading off on a long trek, hiking from the bottom to the top of Amicalola Falls is an unforgettable experience.

11. Springer Mountain

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the United States, stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine.

Even if you’re not planning to thru-hike to Maine, you can still take a short hike to the summit and see the official southern terminus marker. There are actually two plaques here, and snapping a photo is kind of a rite of passage.

The trail is 1.9 miles round trip with a steady but manageable incline, and it’s a fun way to experience a piece of the Appalachian Trail without committing to the full journey.

12. Helen

Tucked into the North Georgia mountains, Helen is a quirky little alpine town designed to look like a Bavarian village—complete with half-timbered buildings and German restaurants.

It’s definitely got a kitschy vibe, with polka music playing from loudspeakers and funky specialty shops. But it’s also fun, especially if you can just enjoy it for what it is. You’ll find everything from schnitzel and soft pretzels to specialty hat shops, Christmas stores, and candy shops.

We loved the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen for their handmade chocolates and caramels, and Hofbrauhaus had solid German comfort food.

In summer, you can rent a tube and float down the Chattahoochee River, which winds right through town. And if you’re visiting in the fall or winter, Helen really leans into traditional German holiday vibes—hosting Oktoberfest celebrations in October and a Christmas market and parade in December.

13. Tallulah Gorge State Park

One of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is home to a thousand-foot-deep canyon carved by the Tallulah River, surrounded by rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forest.

You can hike scenic rim trails along the canyon’s edge or tackle the Hurricane Falls Loop for a mix of stairs, suspension bridges, and river views—but the real adventure lies on the Gorge Floor Trail (also known as the Sliding Rock Trail).

This strenuous hike takes you deep into the gorge itself, where you’ll scramble over slick boulders, wade across the river, and pass by multiple waterfalls, ending at a smooth rock slide and swim spot at Bridal Veil Falls.

Permits are required and limited to just 100 per day, so plan to arrive early—especially on weekends. It’s not an easy hike, but if you’re up for the challenge, this is one of the most unforgettable trails in the Southeast.

14. Richard B Russell Scenic Highway

This winding 40-mile route through the North Georgia mountains is one of the most scenic drives in the state. Just north of Helen, the Richard B. Russell Scenic Parkway climbs through the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering sweeping mountain views, access to waterfalls, and some great hiking trails—including sections of the Appalachian Trail.

The drive itself is beautiful any time of year, but in the fall, it’s especially breathtaking. The foliage lights up in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, and there are plenty of pull-offs where you can stop and admire the view. Just take it slow—this is a mountain road with a lot of curves and elevation changes.

Some of the best stops along the parkway include:

• Hog Pen Gap Overlook – A stunning mountain viewpoint with layered ridges stretching to the horizon, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Dukes Creek Falls – A short forest hike leads to a large platform overlooking two dramatic waterfalls where Duke’s and Dodd’s Creeks meet.
• Tesnatee Gap to Cowrock Mountain – A steep but rewarding climb up a section of the Appalachian Trail ending at a rocky overlook with sweeping valley views.

15. Bell Mountain

Bell Mountain is one of the most stunning overlooks in Georgia, with panoramic views of Lake Chatuge and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

The main viewpoint is just steps from the parking lot, with a wooden platform that looks out over the lake’s winding inlets and forested shoreline. However, for an even better vantage point, climb the staircase to the top viewing deck—it’s a short walk up and totally worth it for the higher perspective and picturesque staircase photo ops.

(Be aware: the rocks near the base of the stairs are covered in graffiti, which does detract from the setting a bit—but the view from the top is so good, it’s worth looking past it.)

While Bell Mountain is nice anytime, sunset is especially magical. The sun drops right behind the mountain ridges across the lake, casting a golden glow over the water and trees.

16. Brasstown Bald Mountain

If you want sweeping mountain views, Brasstown Bald is one of the best places to go in Georgia. At 4,784 feet, it’s the highest point in the state—and the 360-degree views from the top are seriously impressive.

From the main parking area, you can hike the short but steep 0.6-mile trail to the summit or hop on a seasonal shuttle for a small fee. At the top, an observation deck wraps around the visitor center, offering phenomenal panoramic views across North Georgia and beyond.

On a clear day, you can see into four different states—Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—and even spot a stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the distance. The ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains unfold in every direction, and are particularly beautiful in fall, when the entire landscape transforms into a colorful sea of red, orange, and gold.

17. Chickamauga Battlefield

Just 15 minutes south of Chattanooga, Chickamauga Battlefield is one of the most important Civil War sites in the South, with the battlefield spanning over 5,000 acres. This was the very first National Military Park and is now part of the National Park Service

Start at the visitor center to watch a short film and browse the exhibits. Both do a great job explaining the events of the battle and why this area was so significant. Then hop in your car to drive the 7 mile loop through field after field of battlefield.

As you drive, you’ll see markers, cannons, monuments, and plaques that show what happened at different points during the battle. Blue signs mark Union positions, red signs mark Confederate ones, and piles of cannonballs show where generals were killed.

The whole area really brings the scale of the battle to life—more than 150,000 soldiers fought here over several days.

You can stop at as many places as you want along the route, whether that’s hopping out to explore key sites like Wilder Tower or just driving through and taking it in. If you enjoy history, Chickamauga is a fascinating place to visit.g out to explore key sites like Wilder Tower or just driving through and taking it in. If you enjoy history, Chickamauga is a fascinating place to visit.

The Wrap Up

From beautiful and intriguing natural wonders, to charming cities and historic sites, Georgia has a lot to offer. There really is an impressive amount of diversity in this often overlooked state that invites you to explore.