Georgia is comprised of so many charming places. You’ll find beauty all over Georgia from cascading waterfalls, majestic live oaks, winding mountain roads, golden marshes, and so much more! I’ve been lucky to call Georgia “home” for almost 20 years, and I am so proud to showcase my home state. Check out these stunningly beautiful places in Georgia you have to visit!
Map of Places to Visit in Georgia
North Georgia
Bell Mountain
Have you heard of the Stairway to Heaven hike in Hawaii? Bell Mountain is Georgia’s very own version of the famous hike with sweeping views of North Georgia. Plus, it is definitely less intense than the trek in Oahu. Additionally, you’ll find rocks painted with colorful graffiti near the observation deck. It is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Bell Mountain certainly tops my list of one of the most beautiful places to visit in Georgia.
Richard B Russell Scenic Highway
The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway is one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done! This 23-mile stretch will take your breath away. The peaks and valleys of North Georgia are unbelievably beautiful, especially during golden hour. The scenic highway starts near Helen at the Smithgall Woods State Park and then you head north on Hwy 348.
Along the way, there are wonderful spots to pull over and enjoy the scenic view or stop for a hike. Highlights include:
- Duke Creek Falls Trail (easy): 2 miles out and back trail through a beautiful, mountain stream-filled forest; the trail descends alongside a shallow, mossy stream, leading to several waterfalls
- Raven Cliffs Trail (moderate): one of the most beautiful and popular hiking trails in North Georgia; a 5.8 miles trail that leads to a gorgeous waterfall that cascades through a 40-foot-tall, towering cliff
- Hogpen Gap: Check off your bucket list item of hiking the Appalachian Trail! You can access part of the famous trail right from the scenic highway. You will have access to 14 miles of beautiful wilderness hiking from Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap.
- Tesnatee Gap Trail (easy): Start from the Tesnatee Gap trailhead and head to Cow Rock Mountain for sweeping views
Fort Mountain State Park
Georgia has plenty of beautiful state parks, one being Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth. It is a picturesque place to visit year-round, but especially in the fall when the leaves turn different shades of reds, oranges, and yellows. It is also one of my top places to visit in Georgia to see fall colors!
Lula Lake and Falls
Lula Lake and Falls is one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets! It is protected by the Lula Lake Land Trust, and you must have a reservation to visit the 8,000-acre land trust that includes Lula Lake and Lula Falls. Located just outside of Chattanooga, TN, and Lookout Mountain, there are several scenic trails in Lula Lake Land Trust. The main highlights are two impressive waterfalls, one at a spectacular 120-feet and another smaller one that cascades into an emerald-hued lake. Note that the land trust is only open to the public on specific weekends. Please reserve your tickets on the official website in advance.
Barnsley Resort Gardens
You can find these beautiful gardens and ruins in Adairsville on the grounds of the impressive Barnsley Resort! The Manor House Ruins, called Woodlands, are the remnants of the original 19th-century Italianate villa built by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife Julia. The good news is that you do not need to be a guest to visit the gardens. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and it is $15 adult. Make your reservation online for a visit.
Atlanta Metro
Chateau Elan Vineyards
You’ll find yourself transported to the French countryside as you step foot onto the vineyards at Chateau Elan. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort is located just 45 minutes from Atlanta and is a great destination for locals and visitors alike. You can book a stay at the world-class resort and experience the many amenities on the property or you could make a day trip and visit the winery. Either way, I highly recommend visiting the Tasting Room and partaking in the wine tasting. Indulge in the experience by choosing seven from any wine in Chateau Elan’s extensive portfolio, including reds, whites, sparkling wines, and ports.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River runs through metro Atlanta from the North Georgia mountains, and the many trails and parks along the river provide a great place to experience the outdoors. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a 48-mile-long, 10,000-acre chain of parks that cover a variety of trails that’ll take you through forests, meadows, creeks, and marshlands. You could also partake in water activities on the river such as kayaking, tubing, fishing, and boating.
One of the most well-loved trails is the East Palisades Trail. This 3.4 mile trail offers views from towering bluffs along the river and hikes through a bamboo forest! It is one of the most scenic parts of the Chattahoochee River.
Swan House
Tucked in Buckhead, Swan House is a 20th-century manor built for Edward and Emily Inman, an established Atlanta family. Today, it is a part of the Atlanta History Center, and you can tour the house! The interior of the house is absolutely stunning, and the grounds are beautiful. More recently, the Swan House is a filming location for the Hunger Games!
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden features beautiful grounds, fountains, and a conservatory. There are special events and themed exhibitions throughout the year depending on the season. During the holidays, thousands of lights light up the garden. Check their website for the events calendar to plan your visit!
Starrs Mill Waterfall
The Starrs Mill Waterfall is just 40 minutes south of Atlanta! This beautiful and serene spot is well worth the visit.
South Georgia
Providence Canyon
Did you know that Georgia has its own version of the Grand Canyon? Providence Canyon is actually nicknamed “Little Grand Canyon”! Take a stroll along the rim trail, and take in the panoramic views and the canyon’s beautiful colors of pink, orange, red, and purple hues. If you’re up for an adventure, hike to the bottom and explore the many crevices and treasure coves within the canyon.
Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens is an award-winning, 2,500-acre garden and resort nestled in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Wander around the vast grounds and take in the beauty that surrounds you. One of their most anticipated events is the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival! This event takes place during Labor Day weekend to end summer on a fun note. At night, hot air balloons and fireworks will light up the sky!
Coastal Georgia
Wormsloe Historic Site
Walkthrough an avenue of live oaks draped in Spanish moss to the historic home of Noble Jones, a humble carpenter who arrived in Georgia in 1733 with James Oglethorpe and the first group of settlers from England. Wormsloe. The name “Wormsloe” actually came from Jones’ township in England: Wormslow Hundred in Herefordshire.
This site is absolutely breathtaking – especially with the dramatic shadows that the sunbeams through the trees create.
Cumberland Island
When I first stepped foot on Cumberland Island, I was absolutely blown away by the natural beauty of the island. It felt so wild and untouched. The land is actually undeveloped and preserved by the U.S. National Park Service. I couldn’t recommend visiting Georgia’s southernmost and largest barrier island more! With pristine white beaches and sand dunes, roaming wild horses, historic mansion ruins, and towering live oaks, the Cumberland Island National Seashore is a treasure cove.
Cumberland Island is one of the must visit places in Georgia! Check out my guide to visiting the Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a luxurious Victorian-style clubhouse turned into a hotel that’s located on Jekyll Island. It was once proclaimed as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world”! The resort is deemed one of the Historic Hotels of America, and it has such a fascinating history! The Jekyll Island Club was actually founded in the late 1800s by the elites of America’s Gilded Age such as JP Morgan and Joseph Pulitzer. Other members included the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. It is said its membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. While the clubhouse was the main building for the Jekyll Island Club, some members developed their own seasonal cottages.
Today, guests can stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in the main clubhouse, Cherokee, or Crane Cottage. The resort is conveniently located in the historic district of Jekyll Island. It is just minutes away from top attractions, restaurants, and beaches on Jekyll Island!
Driftwood Beach
Sunrise at Driftwood Beach is a sight you can’t miss! Located on the northern end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach makes a dramatic backdrop for any photo. These driftwood trees are left behind from years of erosion and have created a scene from another world. Take a stroll along this sandy beach that is constantly voted as one of America’s most romantic beaches.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of must visit places in Georgia! There’s so much to experience in the Peach State. Keep Georgia on your mind as you plan your next trip!
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