Top 25 Must-See Attractions in Georgia

The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia showcases a striking diversity at each of its borders. The state exemplifies southern culture and serves as a remarkable display of what the South has to offer its visitors. The culture in Georgia varies significantly, mirroring its geographical landscapes, where contrasting political ideologies coexist alongside picturesque mountain ranges and marshlands home to alligators.

The state capital, Atlanta, is a vast metropolis that hosts the headquarters of some of America’s—and the world’s—largest corporations, alongside friendly neighborhoods and local markets. This compilation of the Peach State’s top 25 attractions, derived from the bustling cities of Atlanta and Savannah, as well as the state’s breathtaking natural landscapes, serves as a comprehensive guide for travelers.

Having resided in Georgia for my entire life and traversed its many regions, I have uncovered several hidden gems that I am pleased to present in this enumeration of the finest activities and sights in Georgia.

1. Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is a renowned leisure facility located north of Columbus on Pine Mountain.

The gardens feature artificial lakes, a butterfly house, and a plethora of plants and flora. Robin Lake serves as an excellent venue for water-sport enthusiasts and hosts the annual Masters Waterski and Wakeboard Tournament.

Visitors can also enjoy two world-class golf courses and a variety of quality walking trails.

2. Ocmulgee National Monument

This national monument commemorates the human inhabitants of the Macon area throughout history, dating back to the earliest settlers 12,000 years ago.

A ceremonial lodge and earthen mounds are accessible for public viewing, allowing visitors to learn about the Native American inhabitants of the region and the significant Civil War battles that transpired here.

3. Chattahoochee National Forest

Encompassing approximately 750,000 acres, the Chattahoochee National Forest is filled with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Visitors can discover rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and an abundance of trees, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as camping, canoeing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.

4. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island was acquired by a consortium of millionaires from the East Coast known as the Jekyll Island Club.

Also referred to as “Millionaires Island,” it was sold to the state of Georgia in 1947 for utilization as a state park.

Presently, it serves as a picturesque locale for camping, featuring exceptional golf courses, beaches, and nature trails. A visit is particularly rewarding for those who appreciate leisurely walks.

5. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Located in Southwest Georgia, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site encompasses Carter’s boyhood home and family farm.

The site also includes the Plains Train Depot and Plains High School, providing insights into the president’s upbringing and the influences that shaped his later decisions.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

This National Historic Site in Atlanta allows visitors to view both the birthplace and gravesite of this renowned civil rights leader.

Additionally, the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Freedom Hall Complex are located here, enhancing the site’s historical significance.

Self-guided tours are a favored option for exploring the area, with abundant information available both online and on-site.

7. Forsyth Park

In a city famed for its scenic parks and squares, Forsyth Park stands out prominently.

Situated in Savannah, it is the city’s largest park and serves as an exquisite example of a mid-19th-century Southern park. Notable features include a historical fountain, walking trails, and ancient trees that create shaded areas for visitors to enjoy the park’s beauty.

8. Okefenokee Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp, traditionally known to Native Americans as “The Land of the Quaking Earth,” spans over 770 square miles in southern Georgia.

The watercourses, swamp grasslands, and cypress swamps create a maze of breathtaking yet rugged terrain.

The “Floating Islands” within the swamp support entire forests and once provided shelter for Native American settlers, although they tend to tremble underfoot.

It is estimated that over 10,000 alligators inhabit this region, and a boat trip offers the best opportunity to observe these prehistoric creatures.

9. Atlanta History Centre

This expansive attraction comprises the Olympic Games Museum, the Atlanta History Museum, Swan House, Smith Family Farm, and the Kenan Research Centre.

It features a variety of historical gardens, including the Frank A. Smith Rhododendron Garden.

The Atlanta History Museum showcases an array of permanent and temporary exhibits that document both the history and culture of Atlanta, along with features on the Civil War and Southern Folk Art.

10. The Fox Theatre

Constructed in the 1920s as the Yaarab Temple Mosque, the Fox Theatre is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Its history has been diverse, yet it has remained a beloved landmark despite challenges during the Great Depression.

The interior has undergone extensive restoration efforts to maintain its 1920s aesthetic.

Currently, the theatre features a wide range of performances, including ballet, opera, and rock concerts.

Additionally, it houses two beautifully restored ballrooms available for special events.

11. World of Coca-Cola

Invented in 1886 by chemist Dr. John Pemberton, Coca-Cola originated as a syrup intended to alleviate headaches.

When mixed with carbonic acid and water, it transformed into the iconic beverage.

The World of Coca-Cola details the history and significance of the renowned Coca-Cola drink and brand.

12. Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is located northeast of Downtown Atlanta and is the oldest and largest park within the city’s metropolitan area.

The grounds originally featured in the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the American Civil War.

Revitalization plans for the park commenced in 2006, resulting in significant enhancements.

The former bathhouse has been repurposed into a lakefront venue known as Greystone, hosting weddings and various events.

The park is an excellent area for fishing and walking along numerous nature trails.

13. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Conceived in the 1970s and opened to the public in the 1980s, the Atlanta Botanical Garden features a wide array of beautifully designed garden spaces.

Since its inception, the gardens have expanded continually, offering new features and programs for visitors.

These gardens are visually appealing throughout the year, with springtime being particularly captivating.

Key highlights include the Japanese Garden, Winter Garden, and the Orchid Display House.

14. Oakland Cemetery

This historic cemetery began as six acres of garden cemetery in 1850.

Over time, it has expanded to cover more than 88 acres.

In 1884, the cemetery ceased selling plots and fell into disrepair.

In 1976, it was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now open for public tours, accompanied by a visitor center and gift shop on the premises.

15. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History provides an in-depth exploration of Georgia’s natural history and the region’s scientific aspects.

Notable exhibits include enormous dinosaur statues and skeletons, as well as the engaging “Sensing Nature” exhibition.

Additionally, the museum features a large IMAX theater and an extensive gallery dedicated to temporary traveling displays.

16. Michael C Carlos Museum

This museum, located at Emory University, boasts one of the largest collections of ancient art in the Southeastern United States.

The collection features artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and the Ancient Americas.

Moreover, the museum’s permanent collection presents artworks from the Renaissance period through to contemporary artists.

17. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is situated 16 miles east of Atlanta’s center and commemorates the soldiers from the southern states of the USA who perished during the Civil War.

Stone Mountain itself refers to a prominent 863-foot high outcrop of exposed granite located at the center of the park.

It has a circumference of 5 miles, with visitors able to access its summit via a cable car.

The park also features an artificial lake that offers paddle-steamer cruises, as well as museums detailing the region’s industrialization and the Civil War.

18. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is home to some of the ocean’s most impressive creatures, including the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and offers a diverse array of marine life.

This aquarium provides visitors the opportunity to snorkel or dive in tanks with the fish, although SCUBA certification is required.

For those preferring to remain dry, a large acrylic tunnel allows guests to view fish swimming around them from an extraordinary perspective.

19. High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary works, with a significant emphasis on 19th-century French art.

Forming part of the Woodruff Arts Center, the museum was designed by architect Richard Meier, and it has expanded with three additional buildings to accommodate its growing collection.

In addition to its art collection, the museum hosts an annual film festival focused on foreign and independent cinema.

20. Center for Puppetry Arts

This interactive museum features a substantial collection of puppets from various cultures, including African rod puppets and Chinese hand puppets.

In addition to puppets, the museum provides posters, videos, and informative materials, along with a range of puppet productions catering to all age groups, with more serious themes explored in productions aimed at adults.

21. CNN Center

This extensive center serves as the headquarters for CNN news coverage and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to engage with the dynamic world of news reporting.

The tour includes a ride on the large escalator within the building, which ascends above the food court into a model globe that encompasses the upper levels of the facility.

22. Cathedral of St John the Baptist

This cathedral, located in Savannah, was completed in 1986 but unfortunately suffered damage from a fire two years later.

It was reopened in 1912 and is adorned with remarkable stained glass windows depicting Christ’s ascension and Bavarian wood carvings representing the Stations of the Cross.

The building is as impressive externally as it is internally, making it a must-visit for travelers.

23. Museum of Aviation

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins is the second-largest aerospace museum of the United States Air Force.

The museum houses an extensive collection of aircraft and equipment, as well as permanent exhibits focused on World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Its collection is continually expanding as new military vehicles are regularly added to its exhibits.

24. Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta holds significant architectural and historical value.

It is included in the national register of historic places and is one of only forty-three landmarks in Georgia to receive this designation. Guided tours of the facility are highly recommended, providing insights into Georgia’s history and government, as well as the architectural grandeur of the building.