Top Things to do in Georgia
Top Hotels in Georgia
- 1. River Street Inn
- 2. The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District / Riverfront
- 4. Hyatt Regency Savannah
- 5. The Marshall House
- 6. Best Western Central Inn
- 7. Hotel Clermont
- 8. The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
- 9. Mansion on Forsyth Park
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Georgia That You Shouldn't Miss
While Atlanta is the anchor and capital of Georgia, you can aim in any direction to find distinctly different regions – from the tail of the Appalachians in the North to the rolling Piedmont hills and on down to the seaside marshes in the East. Atlanta lays claim to the state’s number one attraction – Stone Mountain State Park. They say it best - “Serious fun. Endless adventure.” Just 15 minutes from downtown, the world’s largest exposed granite dome is surrounded by 3,200 acres of natural beauty and stimulating activities for every member of the family – sky rides and hiking paths, laser shows and pedal boats along Stone Mountain Lake. Golfers tee it up, while red foxes dash across the fairways in a state where the Masters Golf Tournament creates revered green-jacket memories every year. It’s a long downhill ride down to historic Savannah, a ‘stone’s throw’ from the Atlantic and a virtual step back in time to Southern architecture and stately squares. St. Simon’s and Jekyll Islands offer barrier island beauty and a wonderful combination of outdoor activities, historic sites and artistic culture. Originally the private winter playground of wealthy northeasterners, Jekyll Island stretches along 10 miles of coastal beaches and inland marshes. Cycling and walking paths wind under moss-laden oaks, and a tour of Millionaire Village takes you back to those Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan days. The kid-friendly Summer Waves Water Park adds man-made fun to natural water sport activities. Coastal golf courses and sophisticated St. Simon’s Island appeal to moms, dads and vacationing couples.
Restaurants in Georgia
1. Brasstown Bald Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,118 reviews
Reviewed By Homekeeper - Ocala, United States
While you shouldn’t miss the views from the top of the paved trail, don’t overlook the Amazing hike of the Wagon Trail! It was more rugged and lonely with fewer hikers. It really felt like we were on an adventure. We were visiting the third week of March and the weather that day was perfect with clear blue skies and about 40 degrees. The rhododendron and laurel had not bloomed yet, but we thought it would be beautiful in a few weeks! Expect to walk through some mud and areas where the streams converge with the trail. Don’t miss it!
2. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 787 reviews
The Christ Church, Frederica has docents available Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. The churchyard is open to the public from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. The church and the grounds are closed to the public on Monday's for maintenance. Bus tours and group tours are available, please call or email the office to set up a group tour. From time to time, the church and churchyard are closed to accommodate funerals and weddings.
Reviewed By CissiK
I absolutely love coming here. The grounds are so peaceful and the historical cemetery behind the church is like stepping back in time. The church has the most beautiful stained glass windows and The Christmas floral decorations both inside and out were outstanding. This is a must see if you're visiting the island.
3. Hills & Dales Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 243 reviews
Hills & Dales Estate is the historic home and garden of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway. Located in LaGrange, Georgia. The centerpiece of the estate is a beautiful Georgian-Italian style home built in 1916. Designed by the noted architectural firm of Hentz & Reid it is one of the finest homes built toward the end of the country house era. The home was occupied by two generations of the Callaway family and contains all of the families' original furnishings. Formal gardens surrounding the home and were created by the original owner of the property, Sarah Coleman Ferrell prior to the Civil War. Within the gardens visitors will see many of Sarah's religiously inspired planting including a large planting of the word "God" and her personal motto "God is Love." The extensive formal boxwood garden also feature an herb garden, greenhouse, fountains and garden sculpture. The 35-acre estate, complemented by a Visitor Center containing family artifacts and displays, opened to the public in 2004. In May of 2010 twenty additional rooms on the second and third floor of the home opened for tours.
Reviewed By rosie1969 - Sanford, United States
What a surprise! We were staying in Pine Mountain with a morning to spare and decided to take a ride. We were blown away. If you enjoy restorations or beautiful gardens, this is definitely a place to visit. We had, what amounted to, a private tour of the magnificent home and our guide, Joanne, made the place come alive. We were amazed at the breath and depth of her knowledge about the estate and the family. In fact, all the staff, from the tram driver to the gardeners were terrific and welcoming. Also, LaGrange is a charming little town with many great places to lunch.
4. Anna Ruby Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,690 reviews
Reviewed By susannet175 - North Carolina Mountains, United States
Love coming here and this time we were very positively surprised that Anna Ruby Falls and the gift shop were open on New Years Day! Loved the hike and the falls were quite full with water and very impressive. The trails are well maintained, the gift shop well stocked and the Trail for the visually impaired is a great stroll along the river.
5. Build an Ark Animal Rescue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 335 reviews
Build an Ark, TripAdvisor's #1 Thing to Do in Ellijay, is an animal rescue and hospice with residents including sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, and pigs, as well as ducks, cats, and other amazing animals. All visitors enjoy an interactive experience feeding and loving on these dear animals. * Learn about each animal, its upkeep, and the unique stories that bring each one to the Ark. * Enjoy feeding and cuddling with each one. Bring the camera to capture special moments! * Your donations support the Ark animals, and fund special needs student field trips, nursing home visits, and interactive experiences at events around Georgia. We run on donations and with volunteers. $7 each person (2yrs & under free) Animal food included. (Cash, check, venmo, paypal, cashapp) **WE MAY BE CLOSED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.** (Please call ahead)
Reviewed By ryanmichelledr
We were staying at a nearby cabin when the kids noticed this rescue when we drove by and begged us to take them. Honestly, we weren’t expecting much but then we read the positive reviews which piqued our curiosity. Every positive review is absolutely accurate!! We had a gloriously wonderful time and the kids (ages 13&11 and animal lovers)didn’t want to leave. The owner, Ms Susanne, is such a lovely, kind person and everyone that works there is just as nice. Wish we could come visit and volunteer here everyday!! If we are ever back to this area, we will definitely come back and visit this sanctuary!!
6. Hay House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Hay House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark that is owned and operated by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Guided tours of this antebellum mansion are offered daily.
Reviewed By eagledress85 - Georgia, United States
If you love historic homes, the Hay House is a must! First, we had an excellent guide who was very personable and very informative. The architecture of this home is just amazing. This is the first home that we have ever seen curved pocket doors, unbelievable! If you have the opportunity to get the extended tour then definitely do it. Unfortunately, they weren't offering it when we went due to COVID restrictions, but we would definitely go back just to add that to the tour. It's nice to visit a historic home that actually has almost all of the original details. If you're in Macon, definitely make this one of your stops!
7. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 612 reviews
17,000 Years of Continuous Human Habitation! Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a memorial to the relationship between people and natural resources. Native Americans first came here during the Paleo-Indian period to hunt Ice Age mammals. Several cultures occupied this land for thousands of years, each creating their own history here. The Mississippian culture arrived here around 900CE and constructed mounds for the elite members of their society. Today the mounds remain for all to see and explore.
Reviewed By davidfD5507HF - Winston Salem, United States
This park does an excellent job of both meeting your expectations (learning about Native Americans and their traditions in a direct way) and expanding your awareness in unexpected ways. The displays of artifacts from this largest archaeological site in the U.S.A. are very engaging and impressive. The Earth Lodge is the most moving site on the grounds. Walking around the mounds is also very informative with the outdoor text panels.
8. Bonaventure Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,548 reviews
Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 100 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The main office of the Department of Cemeteries is located in the Bonaventure Administrative Building at the entrance.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Established in 1846 and covering nearly 160 acres on a scenic bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, east of Savannah, Georgia, the Bonaventure Cemetery is the largest of the city's municipal cemeteries. In recent years, it has become one of Savannah's most popular tourist attractions, primarily due to its role in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which was turned into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood. The cover of the book features the "Bird Girl," an evocative sculpture which used to reside in the cemetery. After going virtually unnoticed for over 50 years, it was relocated from the cemetery in 1997 for display in the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah. Many of the city's statesmen, prominent citizens and soldiers are buried in Bonaventure Cemetery in the shade of 250-year-old moss-laden oak trees, including Savannah founders Noble Wimberly Jones and Edward Telfair. Five Civil War generals and one admiral are buried there. So is singer, lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken. In a cemetery of many unusual tombstones, perhaps one of the most unique is one in the shape of a piano, Mercer's grave site. The interesting tombstones and vaults and mausoleums, the colorful azaleas and camellias and the old oak, dogwood and magnolia trees have made the cemetery one of the most photographed in the country. The cemetery is open from dusk to dawn with tours available at the Bonaventure Historical Society Visitor's Center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
9. Wild Animal Safari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 863 reviews
Visitors to this 500-acre park can view exotic animals on a self-drive or on a group bus tour.
Reviewed By 222shadh - Cocoa Beach, United States
Although the journey from Atlanta was long it was worth it. My whole family enjoyed themselves. The entire Safari lasted about on hour, but it was fun the entire time. The animals walk up to your car and open their mouths for food, it was lots of fun we used our own vehicle
10. Rock City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,530 reviews
Located atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views.
Reviewed By O2710RXjeffs
After having seen the numerous "See Rock City" signs on road trips through Tennessee, my wife and I decided to visit on a recent stop in Chattanooga. This was a fun attraction with a variety of rock/garden paths to walk. The scenic view over lookout mountain was great, as was the bridge walk over the rock canyon. We enjoyed the fairy tale and other family oriented exhibits, wishing we'd brought our daughter to Rock City when she was younger ... If you have kids, they will definitely enjoy Rock City. The park has a variety of food options and gift shops. Overall, this was a fun experience, and we were glad we visited !
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