Georgia Travel Guide

Looking for a destination that has it all? From misty mountains to sun-drenched beaches and charming small towns to bustling cities, Georgia is calling your name! This travel guide is packed with inspiration, and we’ve got the highlights to get your adventure started.

Featured Destinations & Activities

Mountains

Georgia’s mountains are a haven for nature lovers. Head to Toccoa Falls, nestled in the foothills of Northeast Georgia, to see a majestic waterfall cascading 186 feet. The path to the falls is even ADA-friendly, making it accessible for everyone. If you’re looking for a thrill, check out Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia for hiking, biking, and even hang-gliding at Lookout Mountain Flight Park. For a unique overnight stay, book a canvas glamping yurt at Cloudland Canyon State Park, which comes with electricity and air conditioning. And don’t forget to visit Ellijay, known as Georgia’s “Apple Capital” , a great destination for families with year-round outdoor activities.

You can discover outdoor activities and natural wonders in the North Georgia mountains.

• Ellijay: Known as the “Apple Capital,” Ellijay offers mountain biking trails like the Bear Creek Trail, which passes by the Gennett poplar tree. You can also find numerous wineries and a new distillery, House of Applejay.
• Dahlonega: This town is highlighted for its month-long “Old Fashioned Christmas” celebration with caroling, a live nativity, and carriage rides.
• Cloudland Canyon State Park (Rising Fawn): This park is a hiker’s paradise with deep chasms, cliffs, and waterfalls. You can stay in a yurt equipped with electricity and air conditioning.
• F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain): As the largest state park in Georgia, it has over 40 miles of trails, including the Pine Mountain Trail.
• Helen: A Bavarian-inspired village that hosts an annual Oktoberfest.
• Blue Ridge: This town, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, has an artsy vibe with shops, galleries, and an impressive culinary scene. It is also home to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and Mercier Orchards.
  

Cities

Georgia’s cities are a perfect blend of energy and sophistication. In Columbus, you can explore Uptown with its trendy boutiques and diverse dining , then take a peaceful stroll along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. The city is also home to the National Infantry Museum, which honors American soldiers with life-sized dioramas and historical artifacts. Atlanta, a major filming hub, offers world-class arts and sports, from the High Museum of Art to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. You can even visit iconic filming locations like the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center, which served as President Snow’s mansion in “The Hunger Games” series.

• Atlanta: Atlanta is a hub for major sports and entertainment events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The city also offers museums like the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta History Center.
• Columbus: The city’s RiverWalk along the Chattahoochee River offers a mix of city life and nature. The National Infantry Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
• Savannah: Known as “America’s most haunted city,” Savannah offers ghost tours and is a filming location for movies like “Forrest Gump”. You can explore the city’s historic squares, museums, and City Market.

Small Towns

Step into a movie set in one of Georgia’s small towns. Covington’s historic square was a key filming location for television shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals”. For a magical holiday trip, visit Dahlonega, a picturesque town in the North Georgia mountains that hosts a month-long holiday celebration with caroling, a live nativity, and carriage rides. For a mix of history and outdoor fun, head to Greensboro, which is located near Lake Oconee and has a wealth of historic sites, antique shops, and local markets. And don’t miss Senoia, where you can take a film tour and grab a bite at Nic & Norman’s, co-owned by “The Walking Dead” actor Norman Reedus.

• Covington: The town square is a filming location for shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals”. You can also visit the Mystic Grill, inspired by the show.
• Milledgeville: This town, home to author Flannery O’Connor, offers a historic trolley tour and a visit to Andalusia Farm.
• Senoia: Fans of “The Walking Dead” can take guided tours of filming locations and visit Nic & Norman’s restaurant, co-owned by actor Norman Reedus.

Beaches & Islands

Discover Georgia’s beaches and coastal isles for an idyllic escape. The Golden Isles, including St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island, were named the number one “Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” by Travel + Leisure. On Jekyll Island, you can cruise along miles of shoreline and explore the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. For a more rustic experience, camp on Cumberland Island National Seashore and sleep among wild horses. If you’re a fan of “Forrest Gump,” head to Savannah’s Chippewa Square, made famous for scenes in the film. You can also visit Sapelo Island, an unspoiled coastal destination where you can stargaze and see the island’s lighthouse.

• Golden Isles: The Golden Isles, which include St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Brunswick, were voted the number one Best Islands in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure.
• Cumberland Island: You can camp on this island among wild horses and explore the Dungeness Ruins.
• Sapelo Island: This island is recommended for stargazing and quiet reflection on the coast.

Specialized Trips & Guides

• Pet-Friendly Travel: The guide features a “Wag Your Way Across Georgia” road trip with pet-friendly destinations like Alpharetta, Columbus, and Thomasville.
• Film Tourism: There is a road trip dedicated to visiting filming locations for various TV shows and movies, including “Stranger Things” in Jackson and Marvel films in Atlanta and Fayetteville.
• Budget-Friendly Travel: The guide offers tips for saving money on trips, whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with a partner. You can find ideas for budget-friendly dining, lodging, and activities in places like Pine Mountain, Brunswick, and Savannah.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: The season is celebrated for its blooming flowers at various botanical gardens, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Gibbs Gardens.
• Summer: You can find ideas for cooling off, from tubing on the Toccoa River to visiting water parks like Summer Waves on Jekyll Island.
• Fall: The guide highlights autumnal activities like leaf peeping on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and picking apples at orchards in Ellijay and Blue Ridge.
• Winter: Experience the magic of holiday lights at events like Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens or ice skating in Atlanta.