What is the best place to visit in Georgia? Travel + Leisure lists these 15 as must sees
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What is the best place to visit in Georgia? Travel + Leisure lists these 15 as must sees
Travel + Leisure ranked the 15 best places to visit in Georgia. The list includes Athens, Dahlonega, Cumberland Island and Lake Oconee. Georgia is home to more than 867,000 acres of national forest land. The state is also home to the University of Georgia and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, among other attractions. The U.S. National Park Service has more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails in the U.K. and Canada, including the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Blue Ridge Mountain and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The National Weather Service has recorded more than 2,000 lightning strikes in Georgia in the past year. The Georgia Department of Tourism has recorded over 1,200 lightning strikes since the start of the year, more than any other state. The number of lightning strikes per year in Georgia is the highest in the United States, according to the department’s website. The average lightning strike rate in the state is about 1.5.
Here’s which ones were highlighted and what the writers had to say about each destination:
Athens
“You don’t need to be a die-hard University of Georgia fan to visit Athens… Outside of sports, the college town has a lively music scene, numerous craft breweries, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Bear Hollow Zoo.”
Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the best place for solo travelers.
Augusta
“Every spring, fans of the ‘greatest game ever played’ descend upon the city of Augusta and, more specifically, the Augusta National Golf Club….Frog Hollow Tavern, Beck’s, and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar frequently make the ‘best of Augusta’ restaurant lists. Stroll along the Riverwalk, visit local art galleries, and then check out what’s on exhibit at the Morris Museum of Art.”
Atlanta
“It’ll take more than just one trip to hit all of Atlanta’s hot spots….First-timers, however, should make sure to reserve tickets to the Georgia Aquarium….have a meal at Ponce City Market, and check out a Braves game at Truist Park. A visit to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a must….If the heat gets to be too much, do like the locals do and ‘shoot the Hooch,’ also known as cruising down the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail on a raft or tube.”
Blue Ridge
“Like many mountain towns, Blue Ridge has a thriving arts scene as well as seemingly endless outdoor activities. If you’d prefer to explore the area by train, hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway at the historic depot downtown for an out-and-back adventure along the Toccoa River. Then, stop by Mercier Orchards to pick your own apples, peaches, or berries, or just swing by the bakery for apple cider donuts and fried pies.”
Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the best place for families.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
“Encompassing nearly 867,000 acres, the national forest is home to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, numerous campgrounds, and plenty of space to hike and breathe in the fresh mountain air. For epic views, drive the 40-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway through valleys and mountain passes, with stops at scenic overlooks along the way.”
Cumberland Island
“Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Cumberland Island is one of the most scenic places on the East Coast. Wild horses, historic ruins, long stretches of untouched beaches, marshes, and maritime forests can be found on the 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness….If you want the full scoop on the island’s history, book a spot on the Lands and Legacies tour that kicks off right after the 9 a.m. ferry arrives on the island.”
Dahlonega
“The site of America’s first gold rush and the setting of quite a few Christmas movies. One of the most charming small towns in Georgia, it’s full of art galleries, boutiques, and wine bars. Dahlonega is also in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, boasting incredible spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain, and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant. If outdoor adventure is more your style, you can hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, or swim in the pool below Dicks Creek Falls.”
Jekyll Island
“Whether you’re staying at the storied Jekyll Island Club Resort or pitching a tent at the Jekyll Island Campground, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the otherworldly Driftwood Beach deserve spots on your itinerary. When you’re ready to venture beyond the sand, take a guided kayak tour through the salt marshes, or rent a bike to pedal the island’s 24 miles of cycling paths.”
Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the best tourist destination.
Lake Oconee
“Halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, the human-made lake offers opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports. It’s also the backdrop for the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds….If you’re in town on a Saturday, visit the farmers market and snag some beignets and donuts from the Café du Papa food truck.”
Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the most underrated hidden gem.
Lake Rabun
“Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Rabun is a perfect spot for a quiet getaway full of hiking and fun on the water. While the phrase ‘stepping back in tim’ may be clichéd, it accurately describes the surrounding community—especially if you take into account the flotilla of vintage wooden boats that traverse the lake. Book a room or a table at the Historic Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant, where you can dine on farm-to-table fare on a deck shaded by mature oak trees.”
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
“Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, just north of Florida. The 680-square-mile wilderness can be explored on foot or by boat….and no part of the refuge is the same. No matter which area you choose to visit—the forested cypress swamps or the wet ‘prairies’—you’ll probably see at least one of the thousands of alligators who call the Okefenokee Swamp home.”
Savannah
“Its cobbled streets, tree-lined squares and parks, and gorgeous 18th- and 19th-century buildings make it one of the South’s most photogenic cities—not to mention, its culinary scene is one of the best in the region. Be sure to grab an espresso from The Paris Market Cafe, pick up a new novel from E. Shaver, Booksellers, go on a ghost tour, and tuck into a meal at James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey.”
Travel + Leisure also ranked it as the best place for couples.
Sea Island
“Each of Georgia’s Golden Isles has a distinct personality, and Sea Island is, by far, the grandest of the four….The grande dame is The Cloister at Sea Island, a stunning Mediterranean-inspired resort that looks more like a European palace than a secluded coastal escape. Pristine beaches, championship golf courses, a tennis club, and a world-class clay shooting school can all be found on the five-mile-long island. Keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles or go for a horseback ride along the south end of Sea Island Beach.”
Tallulah Gorge State Park
“Tallulah Gorge State Park is rife with heart-pumping activities, including hiking along the two-mile Tallulah Gorge. One of the most popular trails includes a staircase descent to an 80-foot suspension bridge crossing over the Tallulah River….Summer visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking at nearby Tallulah Falls Lake.”
Tybee Island
“One of the best beach towns in the South. Here, you’ll find miles of bike-friendly beaches, unparalleled sunsets, and Georgia’s tallest (and oldest) lighthouse. House rentals are easy to find, but if you’re just visiting for the weekend, book a room at the historic 17th Street Inn. For a bit of history, visit Fort Pulaski National Monument….The extensive grounds have several nature trails worth exploring.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email atmlegoas@gannett.com.