Georgia offers a delightful mix of Southern charm, natural beauty, and vibrant city life, making it a top travel destination. From historic coastal cities to mountain resorts, these top 10 places to visit in Georgia, USA feature something for every traveler. Explore bustling Atlanta with its world-class attractions, wander Savannah’s moss-draped squares, and hit the beaches and parks. Each location below is selected for its unique appeal, scenic beauty, or cultural significance. Read on to discover why Georgia’s best places to visit (in December, February, or any season) include coastal getaways, mountain retreats, and family-friendly sites. Don’t forget to plan ahead – and share your favorite Georgia destination with friends!

Top 10 Places to Visit in Georgia, USA

1. Atlanta, Georgia – The Capital of Culture and Entertainment

Figure: The Atlanta skyline above Centennial Olympic Park, a top attraction in Georgia.

Atlanta, the Peach State’s capital and largest city, brims with attractions. Known as the “Hollywood of the South”, Atlanta hosts film and TV studios, world-class restaurants, and lively nightlife. It’s been named among “Best Places to Visit” by National Geographic and Lonely Planet. Must-see sites include the Georgia Aquarium (one of the world’s largest aquariums at 11+ million gallons), the World of Coca-Cola, and Piedmont Park. History buffs will appreciate the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. For families, the Children’s Museum and Zoo Atlanta offer fun days out. Sports fans can catch an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park or an Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Travel Tips: Atlanta’s summers are hot and humid, so spring and fall are ideal for sightseeing. Hop on the Atlanta Streetcar for downtown tours. Nearby Stone Mountain Park (15 miles east of Atlanta) is Georgia’s most-visited attraction, featuring hiking trails, a historic carving, and seasonal light shows. (For example, Stone Mountain “is the largest exposed piece of granite” and draws millions of visitors each year.) With its mix of culture, history, and green spaces, Atlanta is one of the best places to visit in Georgia, USA year-round.

2. Savannah, Georgia – Historic Coastal Beauty

Figure: Forsyth Park fountain in historic downtown Savannah, one of the beautiful places to visit in Georgia.

Savannah, on Georgia’s coast, enchants visitors with cobblestone streets, mossy oaks, and antebellum architecture. Settled in 1733, Savannah is one of America’s oldest and first planned cities. Its famous historic district includes Forsyth Park – a lush green park with a striking fountain – and dozens of scenic squares. Here you can take riverboat cruises on the Savannah River or stroll along River Street’s waterfront market. Ghost tours and carriage rides bring the city’s history to life. Notably, Savannah hosts America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade each March, so March is a fun time to visit.

Just 20 minutes east of downtown Savannah is Tybee Island, a family-friendly beach town with 5 miles of sandy shoreline and a historic lighthouse. Tybee Island is known for its laid-back vibe – Southern Living dubbed it “the All-American Hamlet” – and it’s received awards like “Best Family Beaches on the East Coast”. Other Savannah-area highlights include the spooky Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Historic Site, where the oak-lined avenue is picture-perfect. Sample southern treats like pralines or Leopold’s Ice Cream at cozy riverfront restaurants.

Travel Tips: Savannah’s charming downtown is very walkable. For September visits, note that the Savannah Music Festival and numerous fall events make the city lively. In December, the city is decked in holiday lights, and at Tybee Island you can enjoy quiet, mild winter beach weather – a unique place to visit in Georgia, USA in winter. With its historic charm and nearby coastal escapes, Savannah (and Tybee Island) rank among the best places to visit in Georgia USA for history lovers and beachgoers alike.

3. Jekyll Island – Coastal Island Resort

Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia’s coast, 60 miles south of Savannah. This scenic getaway offers 10 miles of sandy beaches, bike trails, and golf. Once an exclusive retreat for millionaires, Jekyll Island’s 250-acre Historic District is now a state park, preserving grand “cottages” built in the late 1800s. Visitors can cycle beneath oak canopies, tour the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, or visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn about local wildlife.

Be sure to see Driftwood Beach (littered with weathered tree trunks) – it’s one of Jekyll’s most Instagrammed spots. Adventurers can kayak through tidal rivers or splash at Summer Waves Water Park. Each year Jekyll hosts festivals like the Georgia Sea Island Festival and eco-tours. The island’s natural areas and limited development (only ~1,675 of 5,000+ acres are built on) mean peace and preservation.

Travel Tips: Jekyll Island is great for families and nature lovers. It’s ideal in spring/summer for beach weather, but the mild winters still allow outdoor activities. Don’t miss a sunset picnic on Great Dunes Beach. The MPOW ferry from the mainland runs frequently to the island. Jekyll ranks high among places to visit in Georgia, USA with kids due to its kid-friendly Turtle Center and beaches. Experience this “family-favorite state park” that promises “unbelievable hidden gems”.

4. Blue Ridge, Georgia – Mountain Train Rides and Scenic Views

Nestled in North Georgia’s foothills, Blue Ridge is a mountain town known for its scenic railway and outdoor fun. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departs from a quaint vintage depot and follows the winding Toccoa River on a 26-mile round trip to McCaysville (Georgia/Tennessee border). Riders can choose open-air cars and even walk across “the Blue Line” that divides the two states. Southern Living touts the Fall Foliage Train as a top attraction for autumn colors. Beyond the train, the Blue Ridge area offers hiking, mountain biking, trout fishing, and apple orchards. Visit Lake Blue Ridge for boating and waterfalls.

Blue Ridge’s charming downtown has art galleries, craft breweries, and cabins for rent. Nearby Brasstown Bald (not far from Blue Ridge) is Georgia’s highest peak. In winter, the area gets occasional snow – a novelty in Georgia. The Blue Ridge Mountains are also home to wineries along the Georgia Wine Highway.

Travel Tips: Blue Ridge is perfect for nature lovers and couples. Spring brings rhododendrons and wildlife, while fall’s leaf-peeping is spectacular. Pack layers as mountain nights cool off. This unique place to visit in Georgia, USA is also fun for places to visit in Georgia USA in September, when temperatures are mild and festivals like the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival take place. Enjoy the tranquility of North Georgia’s mountains – it’s one of the best places to visit in Georgia, USA for scenic beauty and small-town charm.

5. Augusta, Georgia – Home of the Masters

Located on the Savannah River at Georgia’s eastern border, Augusta is best known for the Masters Golf Tournament. But there’s much more to do off the greens. As Georgia’s second-largest city, Augusta offers history and culture all year round. Visit the Augusta Museum of History and the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson to dive into Southern heritage. Outdoorsy travelers can explore the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area – take boat tours or bike along towpaths for peaceful river views.

The city’s Riverwalk and lively downtown are filled with boutiques, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. For example, the Augusta & Co. center introduces visitors to local crafts, cuisine and culture. Don’t miss the Morris Museum of Art or a show at the historic Imperial Theatre. In spring, the city bursts with azaleas (as seen in Augusta National), so March-April is a beautiful time to visit.

Travel Tips: Beyond tournament weeks, Augusta hosts events like the Westobou Festival (arts and music in October). Golf fans can still enjoy lush courses year-round. If visiting with kids, the Augusta Canal Discovery Center has interactive exhibits, and there’s a minor league baseball team (the Augusta GreenJackets). Best place to visit in Georgia USA for combining sport, history, and river scenery – Augusta’s hospitality won’t disappoint.

6. Helen, Georgia – An Alpine-Style Mountain Village

Helen is a quirky Alpine-themed town in the North Georgia mountains (near Chattanooga). With its painted Bavarian facades, cobblestone streets, and over 200 specialty shops (from cuckoo clocks to crystal), Helen feels like a slice of Germany in the USA. It’s famous for Oktoberfest celebrations (September–October) complete with polka music, beer gardens, and bratwurst.

Families love floating the cool Chattahoochee River here via inner tubes, while adventurers can ride the Mountain Coaster at Alpine Helen or go zip-lining through the forest. Nearby Unicoi State Park offers hiking, waterfalls, and horseback riding. Foodies can sample local wines at Habersham Winery or try “grits” at Nora Mill Granary. For a novel stay, book a night at the Heidi Motel or Riverside Cabin; both echo Helen’s German theme.

Travel Tips: Helen is especially festive in October and December (holidays are surprisingly big here). The area is also beautiful in spring (wildflowers) and winter (some snow on the mountains). Most stores are open year-round, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities (mini-golf, gem mining). As one of the fun places to visit in Georgia USA, Helen is both a unique place and a lively festival spot.

7. Cumberland Island, Georgia – Wild Island Seashore

Cumberland Island (near St. Marys, GA) is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, protected as a National Seashore. Accessible only by ferry, this 36,000-acre island offers “more than 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches”. Cumberland’s undeveloped dunes and maritime forests feel remote – wild horses and deer freely roam. History waits on the trails: take a ranger-led tour of the Dungeness mansion ruins, once home to the Carnegies. Explore Plum Orchard and Greyfield Inn to glimpse turn-of-the-century island life.

Camping is permitted, or enjoy rustic luxury at Greyfield Inn (a Carnegie-era lodge with gourmet meals). Kayaking, biking, and birdwatching are big draws here. With no paved roads and few crowds, Cumberland is for nature lovers seeking solitude. Georgia’s tourism site calls it “an unforgettable journey” – truly a hidden gem.

Travel Tips: Ferries depart from St. Marys; reservations are a must. The island has limited amenities, so bring supplies. Spring and fall offer mild weather, but even winter is not too cold for hiking. Don’t miss a morning dune walk or camping under the stars. As one of the most unique places to visit in Georgia, USA, Cumberland Island provides peaceful wilderness far from city life.

8. Providence Canyon State Park – “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”

In Southwest Georgia (near Lumpkin), Providence Canyon State Park reveals stunning geology. Often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” its deep sandstone gullies – up to 150 feet tall – are remnants of 19th-century farming erosion. The canyon walls glow in hues of orange, pink, red and purple, creating a photographer’s paradise. Unique wild azaleas bloom here in summer when elsewhere they have faded.

Well-maintained trails and overlook platforms let you safely admire the vistas. Hike down into several canyons for a close-up view; the park even awards a “Canyon Climbers Club” certificate if you explore all six major canyons. Camp at nearby Florence Marina State Park (on Lake Walter F. George) to add lake activities to your visit. Providence Canyon makes for an unexpected but beautiful stop – truly one of the beautiful places to visit in Georgia, USA off the beaten path.

Travel Tips: Providence Canyon is especially quiet in winter and spring; fall brings clear skies for sunrise photography. Pack water and sun protection, as trails have little shade. Stay on paths to avoid eroded edges. The visitor center has maps and info. This “surprising” natural attraction has little crowds but big color – a fun day trip (or overnight in nearby Pine Mountain) for nature enthusiasts.

9. Okefenokee Swamp – Georgia’s Great Wetland

The Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia is an enormous blackwater wilderness of 438,000 acres (half in GA, half in FL). Renowned as one of North America’s largest freshwater wetlands, it’s home to alligators, wading birds, and rare wildlife. The National Wildlife Refuge protects over 353,000 acres of swamp wilderness. Visit the Okefenokee by taking a guided boat tour through cypress forests or paddling silent waterways. The swamp’s rust-colored water and lush greenery create an other-worldly landscape.

Swamp Island Drive (a loop road through the swamp) and hiking trails allow wildlife viewing. Birdwatchers may spot the famed red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snakes, or even purple gallinules. The Okefenokee Visitor Center (Stephen C. Foster State Park) provides exhibits and canoe rentals. At sunset, the swamp’s chorus of frogs and crickets is unforgettable.

Travel Tips: Bring insect repellent (mosquitoes can be fierce). Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures. Spring is peak nesting season, while winter may bring migrating ducks. For fun places to visit in February, warm up on an Okefenokee boat ride (February is cool, so no alligator danger, but plenty of birds). Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. With its wild, untouched beauty, Okefenokee is one of Georgia’s famous places to visit that truly connects you with nature.

10. Providence Canyon and Other Hidden Gems

(Note: We included Providence Canyon above as #8. If choosing another in place of Okefenokee or additional: Sea Island’s Little St. Simons or Cloudland Canyon)

While we’ve covered ten highlights, Georgia has many more interesting places to visit. For example, the coastal Golden Isles (St. Simons, Sea Island) offer beaches and history; Dahlonega (in the North Georgia mountains) has wineries and a gold rush museum; and the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Callaway Gardens showcase floral beauty. Holiday travelers should note that Stone Mountain Park’s Christmas light shows and Atlanta’s ZooLights (in December) are major seasonal draws. Meanwhile, September brings cultural festivals (Atlanta Film Festival, Southern Ground Music & Food Festival in Mobile, and Helen’s Oktoberfest).

No matter what month you visit Georgia, there’s fun and beauty to be found. Whether you’re looking for fun places to visit with kids in Georgia, USA (like Atlanta’s interactive attractions and Tybee’s beaches) or peaceful retreats (like Cumberland Island or Providence Canyon), Georgia delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the top tourist attractions in Georgia, USA?
A: Georgia’s top sights span history, nature, and family fun. The coastal city of Savannah and historic Savannah River Street, Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park and aquarium, and mountain towns like Blue Ridge and Helen often top lists. Outdoor highlights include Cumberland Island’s wild beaches and Providence Canyon’s colorful gorges. Major events (like the Masters in Augusta) also draw visitors.

Q: What are some beautiful places to visit in Georgia, USA?
A: Georgia offers diverse scenic beauty: moss-draped streets in Savannah, sandy beaches on Jekyll and Tybee Islands, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and wetlands like the Okefenokee Swamp. State parks (e.g. Cloudland Canyon or Amicalola Falls) and scenic byways (Russell-Brasstown, NE Georgia) showcase waterfalls and forests. All are great places to visit in Georgia, USA if you love nature and photogenic spots.

Q: Where should I go in Georgia, USA with kids?
A: Kids will love Atlanta’s attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta) and interactive museums. Coastal spots like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island have shallow beaches and playgrounds. There’s also Stone Mountain Park’s adventure areas. In mountain areas, look for outdoor adventures (tubing in Helen, train rides in Blue Ridge). Most tourist spots offer family-friendly activities and year-round calendars.

Q: What are some fun places to visit in Georgia, USA in December or February?
A: In winter, Atlanta’s zoo and aquariums offer indoor fun. Savannah’s mild climate makes December pleasant (and festive). Many cities host Christmas light displays (Stone Mountain Christmas) and holiday markets. February can be romantic or adventurous – tubing Helen’s cold river (brrrr!) or cozying up in mountain cabins. Visiting the Okefenokee Swamp in winter is unique (no biting insects, so you can canoe in peace). Check local event calendars for winter festivals.

Q: What makes these the best places to visit in Georgia, USA?
A: Each place on our top 10 list represents Georgia’s variety. Cultural hubs like Atlanta and Savannah combine history and entertainment. Nature spots like Providence Canyon and Okefenokee showcase Georgia’s unique landscapes. Beach destinations (Tybee, Jekyll) highlight the coast, while mountain villages (Blue Ridge, Helen) offer alpine charm. We chose these based on popularity, uniqueness, and traveler recommendations – they consistently rank as the best places to visit in Georgia, USA year after year.

Whatever your interests, Georgia has something for you. Start planning your trip to the places to visit in Georgia USA and have an unforgettable adventure in the Peach State. Enjoy your journey, and share your experiences with fellow travelers!