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
The 10 Best History Museums in Georgia, Georgia
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. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,233 reviews
The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Reviewed By A3278NLdeborahp
As an Army daughter born at Ft. Benning Army Base, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center was a bonus for me visiting my birthplace. It makes you proud of your veteran and all the American veterans. Plus it's free. I definitely recommend this tour.
2. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 989 reviews
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force preserves the stories of courage, character and patriotism displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to present.
Reviewed By MarnetteS - Webster, United States
We have driven past the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum off of I-95 in Pooler many times. During COVID-19, we made it a point to do some local sightseeing that would permit social distancing. Masks were required in the venue which had very few visitors the day we were there. Three disappointments: there were no brochures or interactive displays because of the pandemic; and, the Chapel was closed. Entrance is $11 for seniors. The museum is funded solely by donations and grants and receives no government support. Ordinarily, aircraft does not appeal to me. However, we lived in Berlin for the first three years we were married and its WWII history holds a special place in our hearts. The Wall was still up then and we were reminded daily of the tragedy that befell those unlucky enough to be living in the East and those who had to live in captivity. The museum has several kinds of displays in addition to the prominent aircraft on display outside (F4C Phantom and MiG) and inside of the venue. The museum "aims to preserve the stories of courage displayed by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force from WWII to the present." The "Combat Gallery" displays original aircraft engines and scale models including the B-17 Flying Fortress which is being restored as the "City of Savannah." The B-17 is dedicated to and named after the 5,000th plane to leave Hunter Airfield during WWII. "Prelude to WWII" and "Mission Experience": what it's like to fly a bombing mission were among our favorites. The art gallery displays paintings from the world's leading aviation artists. Do not miss the Luftwaffe video, a chilling reminder of what it must have felt like to live with daily bombings. The 8th Air Force suffered 26,000 fatalities during the war. "Lights Come on Again" honors the return to peacetime. Take time to visit the Memorial Garden outside of the museum. I never realized just how many bombing units existed. This is a heartbreaking and sobering reminder of just how many lives were lost. More sobering were the displays of dog tags placed on metal flowers throughout the garden. Benches provide places to sit, rest and reflect. A visitor could spend several hours reading about the displays and watching the videos. We spent two hours and felt we did the museum justice. The gift shop has a good supply of books, shirts, stationery, mugs and accessories. Lunch is available in Miss Sophie's from 11-2 featuring deli sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads. Tables are socially distanced with hand sanitizers on each table.
3. Biblical History Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
Our mission at the Biblical History Center is to help people experience the ancient biblical world, its history, and culture. We have an Archaeological Replica Garden with life-size replicas of archaeological digs including a typical house, Roman step theater, goat hair tent, tombs, and more. Our Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery houses 250 artifacts from Israel and is one of seven of its kind in the world! We also have fun activities available for kids and teens. Reservations are required for guided tours, the Biblical Meal, the Shepherd's Bread, and the Kid's Dig.
Reviewed By joant2015 - Lilburn, United States
Our trip to the Bible History Center surpassed our expectations. If you live in or around Atlanta, it is a perfect day trip. Or stay in Callaway Gardens and go from there. Our guide made the Bible come alive and the stories were interesting and filled with biblical history. The meal is not to be missed. Not only is it informative, but also delicious in every way. I highly recommend this Georgia experience.
4. Pin Point Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 519 reviews
Reviewed By RunnerGirl53 - Columbia, United States
What an amazing experience! This unassuming heritage museum is fascinating-made even more interesting and educational by the wonderful guides who provided the history of the area and the Gullah/Geechee culture in a most engaging manner. After the tour, and the documentary included with the tour, I recommend going back through the buildings to read the displays and savor the atmosphere at your leisure.Leave some time to explore the "Company Store" (gift shop).
5. Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By Rosewoodfoodie - Cedar Key, United States
The Land and Legacy tour is wonderful . Cumberland Island is a rather large island and to see it in one day you really need to take the van tour. Mike our guide was super. As retired educators we were amazed at how he delivered the history of the island from the beginning history to the present. His knowledge of the people and the structures at Cumberland were unsurpassed ,a walking history book was he!!! This tour is definitely worth the price and then some. The roads were rough but that added to the adventure of exploring such a beautiful place! We saw lots of wildlife and are planning on returning with family and friends. Thanks again Mike for making our day GREAT.
6. World War II Home Front Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
The World War II Home Front Museum brings to life Coastal Georgia's extraordinary contributions during World War II. Through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors will learn about blimps on anti-submarine patrol, radar training to direct fighter pilots, building Liberty ships to supply troops overseas, and much more.
Reviewed By X9974QTjeremym - Topeka, United States
This is an amazing museum detailing the history of WWII on the home front and how it affected the area of Brunswick and St. Simon's during World War II. It talks about the merchant ships being torpedoed by German U-Boats and how this area of the United States rallied and built Liberty Ships, and trained WWII radar technicians, aviators etc. It was a refreshing look at the war and how it affected normal citizens. It is situated in the old Coast Guard station
7. Senoia Area Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Located a short walk from downtown, the Senoia Area Historical Society HISTORY MUSEUM provides a personal encounter with the traditions, history, and culture of Senoia. Inside the historic home at 6 Couch Street, the central hall and five rooms are filled with memorabilia that bring to life the story of Senoia. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00.
Reviewed By bikerbon - Fayetteville, United States
In my opinion, a visit to the Senoia Area Historical is like time traveling. You step back in time to experience the people and places in the area, all through lovely, descriptive displays and their knowledgeable, friendly docents. The chronological layout enables you to experience the progression of the people and the town - very interesting and helpful. This is a great stop for people wanting to capture the flavor of Senoia, the era, or researching ancestors or the time periods. Highly recommended!
8. Little White House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 812 reviews
President Franklin D. Roosevelt built his "Little White House" in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 1932 while serving as governor of New York.
Reviewed By Wngrl - Rockmart, United States
Expect to stay at least an hour to see this fascinating bit of Georgia history. Enter at the museum- a movie shows often and it's worth the viewing. All real footage or the era. Then walk through the artifacts including the car that he engineered to be able to drive with hand controls. There is a stagecoach that has been beautifully restored by an Atlanta artist, a collection of his walking sticks, and the unfinished portrait of him along with a finished one. For those who enjoy a walk there is the 50 state flag walk. Travel down to the home and take a self guided tour. There is a state employee there in the home to answer any questions. He was very knowledgeable. The home is sparse but very interesting-all in all highly recommended!
9. 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!
10. Atlanta History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,406 reviews
The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center.
Reviewed By 921jamesl - Pasadena, United States
I really enjoyed walking the grounds between the Smith farm, the Swan House, and the cabin. Beautiful and relaxing. House tours were interactive and great for kids; you are allowed to touch everything. Swan House had actors in character and costume providing info about the people who lived and worked in the home. Allow three hours for the history center and house tourslcombined, and save the Margaret Mitchell house (located in Midtown)for another day; the ticket is good for 9 days. Also enjoyed the Civil War exhibit.
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