15 Must-Visit Places in Georgia — From Enchanting Mountain Towns to Serene Beaches

Home to more than peaches and the ubiquitous "Go Dawgs" cheer, Georgia is a state that truly has it all - historic ties, charming small towns, thrilling cities, and unique flora and fauna. Airports to pass through: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (world's busiest airport)Georgia - Home of Hartsfield-Jackson; the world's busiest airport, true charm lies beyond the terminals Visit the enchanting bookstores in Savannah or experience heart-racing hikes in Tallulah Gorge. Nothing beats a refreshing swim in Lake Oconee or the oceanfront cool breeze of Tybee Island in the hot summer months.

Busy-the state of Georgia is one of the largest in the U.S., boasting nearly 60,000 square miles of incredible destinations. Georgia's Top Destinations Index From beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain vistas to classic Golden Isles shorelines, these are the very best getaways Georgia has to offer.

1. Athens

Athens is not only a college town for University of Georgia fans. It has a great music scene, several craft breweries, and family-friendly fun with places like the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Bear Hollow Zoo. Feel free to plan a trip to Athens even if you are not the most die-hard University of Georgia fan (in fact, it may be smart on gameday to catch this as one of your stops before heading elsewhere).

2. Savannah

The walkable Historic Landmark District is known for its cobblestone streets, and 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Offering some of the best in local cuisine attractions. Have an espresso at The Paris Market Café and grab a Novel from E Shaver Booksellers.

3. Lake Oconee

Lake Oconee is a cool spot to beat Georgia's hot summers, with boat rides, dips, fishing, and fun on the water. It's set between Atlanta and Augusta and has the posh Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, where they throw a big food and wine party every year.

4. Cumberland Island

You can only get to Cumberland Island by ferry or boat. It has wild horses, old ruins, long sandy shores, marshes, and deep green woods. Its quiet and wild charm was why John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy chose it for their wedding spot in 1996.

5. Atlanta

In Atlanta, you need to come more than once to see everything. First-timers should go to the Georgia Aquarium, eat at Ponce City Market, watch a Braves game at Truist Park, and check out the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park, which has his old home and the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

6. Dahlonega

An hour north of Atlanta, in the lower Blue Ridge Mountains, is Dahlonega, where the first big gold hunt in the US happened. This town is loved for its art spots, small shops, and wine places like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain, and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant.

7. Sea Island

Among Georgia’s Golden Isles, Sea Island stands out for its luxury. You need a resort booking or a Club pass to get in. Once inside, you'll see clean beaches, top-notch golf, a tennis club, and a great shooting school for clay targets.

8. Jekyll Island

This island was once a getaway for the rich in the old days, and it still draws folks with its beauty and good eats. Be sure to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the amazing Driftwood Beach, whether you're staying at the Jekyll Island Club Resort or the campground.

9. Blue Ridge

When the mountains give a shout out to their one true love, Blue Ridge, Georgia, it in turn brings its lively art scene and also, provides you with all the outdoor sporting equipment needed. Start with a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway from the historic downtown depot along the Toccoa River.

10. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

As fascinating as Georgia’s beaches are, so are its mountains, thus attracting masses to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest each year. Comprising nearly 867,000 acres, it consists of numerous freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, campsites, and many opportunities to hike, which allows individuals to enjoy the fresh air and the mountain.