7 Best Attractions To Visit In Georgia

Georgia consistently ranks among the most visited states in the US and is a well-liked tourism destination. But it might be difficult to know where to begin when there is so much to see and do in the southern state. A list of Georgia’s top attractions is provided below to assist you in organizing and getting ready for your trip. Each highlights a distinct aspect of the Peach State’s character, such as its stunning natural features, rich history, contemporary conveniences, and native heroes. The state’s distinctive attractions promise a holiday unlike any other, regardless of your travel preferences.

Savannah Historic District, Savannah

Savannah, Georgia’s oldest European settlement, was established in 1733, so it’s no surprise that it has one of the nation’s greatest and biggest historic districts. Over 20 park squares shaded by trees and cobblestone pathways dotted with residences from the 18th and 19th centuries make up this Historic Landmark District. The district can be explored in a number of ways. You may either schedule a trip with one of the many local companies that offer Segway, carriage, and trolley excursions, or you can wander and take your time exploring the attractions.

Forsyth Park, located in the center of the historic district, is a good place to start a solo exploration. Since its creation in 1851, the park has served as a magnificent setting for numerous films, such as Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Forrest Gump. Additionally, you should visit the 1819 Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, which is now a specialist museum, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, whose imposing spires were finished in 1896.

Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park was created in 1980 to preserve the locations of the famous civil rights activist’s birth, life, career, and burial. About a million people visit the 39-acre complex annually, which is home to 38 historic buildings. Highlights include the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized and later started his ministry, and the “Birth Home,” a Queen Anne Victorian-style home built in 1895 where he was born and resided until he was twelve.

For a park map, building information, and to schedule a tour, call the Visitor Center at the park’s entrance. You may view a number of exhibitions here, such as “Freedom Road,” which honors protest marchers; “Courage To Lead,” which chronicles Martin Luther King, Jr.’s trip as he joined the movement; and “Children of Courage,” which tells the tale of the children of the Civil Rights Movement. With the exception of January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is open every day.

Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain

Located around Stone Mountain, the largest exposed granite outcrop in the world, is Stone Mountain Park, a 3,200-acre preserve and adventure park. This natural beauty, which lies northeast of Atlanta, offers a plethora of family-friendly events and attractions. Hike the 1.3-mile hike to the top of Stone Mountain or take a leisurely ride up in the Summit Skyride cable car to experience the stunning views from the summit. Are you afraid of heights? No issue. At ground level, there’s a lot to see and appreciate. Travel five miles around the mountain on a 1940s engine by boarding the scenic railroad.

In addition to a 363-acre lake with pedalboard and kayak rentals, the park has two golf courses. Try the park’s newest activity, the Lakeside Zip Line Adventure Course, which takes guests skyward, if you’re feeling adventurous. The park regularly hosts seasonal events, such as summer light shows, a Pumpkin Festival, and a Stone Mountain Christmas, so it’s worth looking at the schedule before making travel plans. The park is open all year round, although the attractions are only open during certain seasons. Weekends from March to May, Memorial Day weekend through the end of July, and August and December weekends are the usual times for operation.

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Named one of the best aquariums in the United States by US News, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. More than 500 marine species call the aquarium home and its fascinating exhibits bring the undersea world to life in a way that entrances both adults and kids.

From seasonal events to educational exhibits and displays, the aquarium has a lot going on but the real stars of the show are its animals. The Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium in the United States that houses the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. It might be the largest, but it’s not the only famous fish in the tanks however. You can also see Tiger Sharks, Beluga Whales, and Bottlenose Dolphins. Other popular residents include playful penguins, lively sea otters, and elegant manta rays.

If you want to get up close with the incredible wildlife at the aquarium, book an animal encounter or catch a presentation. Encounters include a tour of the sea otter facility, a meet and greet with seals, and swimming with sharks and manta rays. Presentations include seeing a dolphin training session and a sea lion splash show.

The aquarium is open year-round. Peak periods are during the busy summer months and around holidays. If you’re visiting at those times, you may want to consider buying your tickets in advance and making reservations for encounters or presentations.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southern Georgia is a truly special place. Currently applying to become a World Heritage Site, the preserve is the largest, best-preserved precipitation-based freshwater wetland ecosystem in the United States. It’s also home to many rare and endangered species, including over 500-year-old pond cypress trees, gopher tortoises, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Other residents include black bears, alligators, deer, and bobcats.

Begin your visit at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, located within the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area of the refuge. Here you can pick up maps of the preserve’s hiking and paddling trails, book a guided tour with a ranger, check on the latest wildlife sightings, and browse interactive and educational exhibits. The refuge contains around 5 miles of walking and bicycling trails and over 120 miles of paddling trails. Accessible from the Visitor’s Centre parking lot, the Swamp Island Drive is a 7-mile self-guided auto-tour that loops around trailheads, historic sites, observation areas, and other points of interest.

One of the most popular activities at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is paddling. Gliding through the swamp and wetlands brings visitors right into the heart of the preserve’s incredible biodiversity. Day-use paddling trails are accessible from the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, and visitors are welcome to bring their own canoes and kayaks or rent them on-site. If you’d rather let someone else do the work, book a trip with the refuge’s licensed operators, Okefenokee Adventures, who offer guided boat tours through the wilderness. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to either 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., depending on the season. The Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain

If you’re going to Rock City Gardens on Georgia’s Lookout Mountain, take your camera and a sense of whimsy. This unique attraction consists of a 4100-ft walking trail surrounded by dozens of natural wonders and attractions with quirky names like ‘Fairyland Caverns’, ‘Goblin’s Underpass’, and ‘Mother Goose Village’. Aside from the trail and gardens, the property also features several restaurants and gift shops.

One of the most popular destinations at the Gardens is the Seven States Flag Court, where, on a clear day, you can look far into the horizon over seven states. Enjoy more stunning vistas at Lover’s Leap, a sheer precipice where couples can get cozy while taking in the breathtaking panorama. Look out for tiny gnome guides on the trail and be sure to call into the Hall of the Mountain King, an ancient rock formation with modern-day sculptures and lighting effects. Kids will also love the Rainbow Hall, where a cavernous rocky corridor is lit in brilliant colors thanks to some dazzling stained glass windows. Rock Garden is open throughout the year, but operating hours change seasonally, so be sure to check the park’s current timetable before your visit.

Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta

In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympic Games. While the world-famous tournament is long over, its legacy lives on thanks to Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre green space built for the games. Located conveniently in the heart of downtown, Olympic Park carries the iconic rings statue — a great place to pose for a photo — as well as the famous Fountain of Rings interactive fountain that puts on a vibrant display of color, lights, and music. Give yourself plenty of time to wander the park as there’s lots to see, from sculptures to commemorative displays, and lush gardens to walking trails.

Get a map at the Visitors Center, then visit the Paralympic Plaza, the Magnolia Tribute Garden, the Legacy Gardens Promenade, the Water Garden, and the Water Garden, which are water features that cascade through five plazas. The park’s Southern Company Amphitheater frequently hosts meetings, festivals, and other events, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule before you go.

In Summary

In Georgia, you don’t need to search far for entertainment. From its historic landmarks and heritage sites to its lush and biodiverse landscapes, the Peach State is a place of many surprises. Hike to the top of the biggest granite outcrop in the world, visit the birthplace of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., honor Olympic competitors, or take the kids to an oddball adventure park with gnomes. The fact that you most likely won’t be able to see everything on this list in a single trip is a fantastic reason to make plans for a follow-up visit.