Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Georgia, the biggest state east of the Mississippi River, is a great way to get a taste of everything the South has to offer. A journey to Georgia places to visit provides travelers with the opportunity to see breathtaking natural landscapes, unspoiled nature, and culturally significant sites.

In the Peach State, everyone from hikers to history enthusiasts may find something interesting or pleasant to do. Beautiful state parks, as well as the huge metropolis of Atlanta, are among the best places to visit in Georgia. It was formed in 1732 with even wider state borders and is known as the Peach State. Georgia, despite its small size, has a lot of interesting and entertaining holiday locations to visit. We’ve put together a travel list of places you might wish to see on your trip to assist you to choose the finest of them. Here are our recommendations for the top tourist spots and best things to do and see in Georgia:

• See Rock City: While Rock City is most commonly connected with Chattanooga, Tennessee, it is located in Georgia, specifically Lookout Mountain.

This kind of amusement park combines a gorgeous natural environment atop Lookout Mountain with a hefty dose of kitschiness, featuring a range of hidden garden gnomes. A 100-foot waterfall, a 200-foot hanging bridge, and the tight rock corridor known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze” are all worth seeing.

From Lovers Leap, you’ll be able to observe seven different states from the peak of the mountain. Small garden gnome figurines and eccentric sculptures may be seen everywhere along the pathways. Rock City is famous for being the birthplace of the world’s first miniature golf course, Tom Thumb Golf.

Rock City became one of the most popular places to visit in Georgia as a result of a highly effective marketing effort. Clark Beyers, a painter and sign maker, was hired to paint the now-famous slogan “See Rock City” on the roofs and walls of barns across the Southeastern United States. Don’t miss your chance to “See Rock City” if you’re seeking the best things to do in Georgia! No wonder, it is one of the top 10 places to go in Georgia all around the year.

• Savannah Historic District: The Savannah Historic District is well-known throughout the United States. It’s also the largest urban historic area in the United States, with proportions that are roughly true to the old city of Savannah as it existed during the Civil War. Over 20 city squares brimming with tourist attractions such as park areas, historical architecture, and the best touristsattractions in Georgia, make for a memorable experience. Savannah was Georgia’s first capital and is the country’s oldest city.

It was founded in 1733 and is currently the state’s third-largest metropolitan area, with some of the most unique and one-of-a-kind city designs, particularly in the south. The founder of Georgia’s colony, James Oglethorpe, is responsible for much of the state’s distinctiveness. As was customary throughout the Age of enlightenment, his thoughts were mainly centered on civic equality and morality. As a result, the design is divided between four trust lots and forty housing lots that circle public squares.

Ironically, the ward architecture proved beneficial to the military, allowing for militia unit structure and simple gathering locations. Only 22 of the original squares exist today. The Savannah Historic District covers 1,300 acres and is designated as a National Historic Landmark District.

• Hike to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point: North Georgia, which is less than 90 minutes from Atlanta, is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and casual nature lovers alike. North of the city’s I-285 border, there are over 20 state parks that provide it all from mountain climbing and rock climbing to equestrian riding and spelunking.

The Chattahoochee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail’s starting and conclusion are also nearby. In the autumn, when the temperature is cold and the leaves are beginning to reach their pinnacle of flaming hues, trekking in this region is very lovely.

Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s tallest peak at 4,784 feet above sea level, is one of the greatest hiking paths in the state. The Cherokee called this location Enotah, but the modern name derives from settlers mistaking the Cherokee term “Itse’y” (New Green Place, or Place of Fresh Green) for “tsaiy” (Brass).

What about the “Bald” part? That alludes to the breathtaking 360-degree panorama tourists enjoy from the top, where a simple turn of the head may reveal four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). The main drawback is that during the summer season, the Observation Tower at the top can become quite crowded. However, the rocking chairs, modest picnic area, and beautiful panoramic vistas make it the ideal tourist spots in Georgia fall afternoon. Brasstown Bald is one of the best places to see in Georgia. 

• View Georgia Aquarium: One of the best things to do in Georgia is to visit the Western Hemisphere’s largest aquarium, which is also the world’s second-largest. That is why the Georgia Aquarium is a wonderful family outing that you won’t be able to repeat anywhere else. It has exhibits that need 10 million gallons of water in total!

The aquarium, which opened in 2005, provides a view into the everyday life of a variety of marine creatures, including bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and beluga whales, as well as sea otters.

There are also African penguins, who are known for their cuteness, and manta rays with long arms of up to thirteen feet! The tropical fish exhibits include marine life from the South Pacific Ocean, while the North American fish tank allows visitors to stroll beneath some of the country’s most famous fish. Don’t forget to visit the dolphin stadium, where you may see a half-hour dolphin performance.

They’re the centerpiece of every aquarium visit and are often regarded as the best in the world. You may even scuba dive or snorkel with the fish if you have a SCUBA certification!

• Visit Tbilisi: With a population of little over a million people, Georgia’s capital has started to develop a reputation as a dynamic city with an extraordinary combination of old and new.

Tbilisi is surrounded by mountains, one of which is home to the remnants of the fourth-century Narikala Fortress. Take the cable car to the top for spectacular views of the city and the Mtkvari River. Colorful window frames, beautiful balconies, ornate spiral staircases, and interesting passageways abound throughout the restored old Old Town. Tbilisi is one of the top places to visit in Georgia. 

In contrast to its history, Tbilisi has a rising number of modern attractions, including the technologically advanced bow-shaped Peace Bridge and an increasing number of fashionable clubs and restaurants. If you want to dance the night away, head to Bassiani, one of the city’s most prominent nightclubs.

• Try a Sulfur Bath: Tbilisi is famed for its sulfur baths, mineral-rich natural hot springs that are claimed to assist with joint discomfort, arthritis, dermatitis, and dry skin. They’ve been a part of the city’s history since its founding, and they’re currently a popular tourist and local activity. (There are over two thousand mineral waters in Georgia, so you can have a spa day even if you’re not in Tbilisi.)

The baths beneath the Narikala Fortress are the most convenient location to partake in this renowned Georgian ritual; you can also enjoy a traditional scrub and massage. Large brick domes rise out of the earth to cover the therapeutic waters, making the baths easy to detect.

• Explore popular wine region of Georgia: The most well-known wine area in Georgia is Kakheti. There are several vineyards in the area that provide tours of their chateaux, factories, and gardens. But don’t limit yourself to only those grapes; the region is known for its lovely cities and historic sites. Take a stroll through Signaghi’s tiny cobblestone alleyways and take in the beautiful vistas of the Alazani Valley. As you traverse the rest of the city wall, take in the colorful timber buildings with red roofs and the view of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance.

Take a little diversion on your route to Kakheti and explore the cave settlement of David Gareja. The area, which is located in the country’s desert region, shares its border with Azerbaijan. The site, which was founded by one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers who established Christianity in Georgia in the sixth century, is a fascinating destination to visit.

• See Mtskheta: Mtskheta was Georgia’s ancient capital and is currently recognized as the country’s religious hub. It’s approximately a half-hour drive north of Tbilisi, and it’s full of old churches and stunning Middle-Eastern architecture. In 2014, the Georgian Orthodox Church designated the entire city a Holy City. Mtskheta is one of the popular tourist spots in Georgia. 

Going up to Jvari Monastery on the mountain, where Christianity was designated the national religion in 319 CE, is one of the greatest things to do in Mtskheta. The monastery was founded in the sixth century and has remained virtually unaltered since that time. The views of the town and the two rivers that merge in Mtskheta are breathtaking from here.

Don’t forget to visit the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the fourth-century Samtavro Monastery. There are several reasons that make it one of the most popular places to visit in Georgia.

• Finish (or start) the Appalachian Trail: The diversity of activities and things to do in Georgia is astonishing, ranging from relaxing at the beach to ghost-hunting in Savannah to climbing a variety of routes. Hiking the Appalachian Trail’s beginning (or end, depending on how you look at it) is one of Georgia’s most underrated activities.

The Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine and takes around 5-7 months to complete. If you’re in Georgia and want to claim that you climbed the Appalachian Trail without devoting that much time, go to Springer Mountain in North Georgia.

The A.T.’s Springer Mountain trek is only 2 miles roundtrip, but it can be difficult owing to the rocky outcroppings that run the length of the path. For the finest views, visit in the spring or fall, and visit early to avoid the crowds. The vistas of the neighboring Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as the prestige of trekking one end of the Appalachian Trail, make this walk worthwhile.

The Springer Mountain summit has free parking, but it is limited, and the dirt road to get there is a bit rocky, so plan accordingly.

• Visit the Vadrzia Cave Monastery: The Vadrzia Cave Monastery is situated in Aspindza in Georgia’s south, some four hours away by vehicle from Tbilisi. It is one of the best places to visit and top tourist attractions in Georgia and thecountry’s most well-known monasteries. It’s a labyrinth of caverns cut into the slope of Erusheli Mountain that was built in the 11th century. The complex once had 13 floors and approximately 6,000 units. The Mongols devastated the region in the 12th century, and these were employed to help defend the inhabitants. 

After major earthquakes and invasion attacks, there are around 300 surviving apartments and hallways that may still be visited today. The subterranean Church of the Dormition, which has paintings representing historical episodes of Georgian monarchy, is still standing.

• Visit Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: A visit to a beautifully gorgeous Hindu temple is the only thing on your mind when you think about Georgia, yet that is precisely what sets the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir unique. This temple is part of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which promotes Hindu principles of faith, harmony, and selfless service. It is located in the small town of Lilburn and it is the top tourist attraction of Georgia. 

To come, you do not need to be Hindu or even interested in Hinduism. The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is accessible to the public and is free to visit. If you want to understand more about Hinduism or the building of the Mandir, you may rent an audio tour for $5 per person.

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is opened Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For your visit, you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

•  Admire waterfalls in Tsalka: The Dashbashi Canyons, located near Tsalka, are among the country’s most magnificent natural wonders. No matter what time of year it is, the emerald-green waterfall is a stunning sight to see. The spring and summer months are a little cold, but the region is lush and beautiful. It is one of the top places to see and best places to see in Georgia. 

What’s next waiting for you?

Georgia, being one of the most gorgeous states in the country, is overflowing with exciting things to see and do. No matter where you are in the state, there is no shortage of tourist destinations. When it comes to the best places to see and things to do in Georgia, this list only touches the surface. There are hundreds more historical monuments, monasteries, caverns, and castles to see, as well as a vast array of breathtaking scenery.

Don’t be hesitant to go into the specialized, odd, or even dark while looking for the greatest of them. You’ll discover that Georgia has a lot more to offer than parks, estates, and museums. Now you know where to go and what to do in Georgia, you can plan your travel with utmost enthusiasm. If you like this Georgia travel guide, check out our other travel guides to explore best places to visit near Georgia.