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
Things to do in Georgia, Georgia: The Best Gardens
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. 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.
2. Meadow Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Meadow Garden is one of Georgia’s oldest dwellings. This national historic landmark is a quiet and inviting oasis in the midst of the industrialized city of Augusta, Georgia. Meadow Garden was the home of George Walton, one of the youngest signers of the Declaration of Independence. Come and visit this beautiful treasure! Guided tours are available Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00AM to 4:00. The home features 18th and 19th Century American and English furnishings, porcelains, paintings and primitive household equipment.
Reviewed By alexsD3748PY
There is alot of restoration being done at Meadow Garden at this time. While this might be considered a problem with some places, it remains an eye opening experience for this historic home. Examples of the restorations of the past, the expansion of the home, and the original inner workings are revealed due to the restoration project. It also gives a ton of new information that is being discovered (Some only weeks old.) I recommend this location to anyone even during it's restoration and will return when it has been restored even more to see what new secrets might have been revealed. The tour guide was a treat to spend time with, and even though the house isn't too large you can spend quite a bit of time. I enjoyed myself fully.
3. Mansell House and Gardens
4. The City Gardens of Southern Oaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
A beautiful garden spot that is available for strolls, photography, weddings and all kinds of events. Wander the garden paths and take in the beauty of nature, right in the downtown historical district of Fayetteville. Pack a picnic lunch and relax under the tall oak trees. The garden, two turn-of-the century renovated homes; and a one of a kind spiral staircase await your visit. The Prime Experiences Team is on the property and is available to answer your garden questions or to assist with your next celebration.
5. The Rock Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Scenic14437988923
I was totally in awe at the craftmanship in this garden. I admire the time and effort and expertise it has taken to create this peaceful place. There was so much to see and to actually see it all took some time. There is no charge to go, but I did contribute to the donation box. I have never in my life seen anything so amazing.
6. UGA Research and Education Garden
7. 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.
8. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,012 reviews
Step into a world of magic and serenity at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where features like the Fuqua Orchid Center treat visitors to a rare collection of high-elevation orchids never before grown in the southeast.
Reviewed By AtlantaToSeagrove - Atlanta, United States
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. We go at least once a month spending a few hours there each time. With rotating exhibits and the constant change of the plants the place is magical, all year long. The many features/shows of the garden just enhance the gardens themselves; concerts in the green, the Garden holiday lights, the scarecrows, spring in all of its glory and wonderful sculptures (botanical, glass, stone). Oh yes and one of the most amazing collections of orchids you will ever see, as well as unbelievable indoor and out door gardens. Mary Pat Matheson has made this garden into one of the top botanical gardens in the country and it never stops growing (small pun). My wife and I have maintained our family membership for over 15 years. It is our escape our joy and one of the best things we do together. The garden is expansive, great for kids (and grand kids) and wonderful for adults of all ages. Romantic, educational, beautiful and full of warmth. The staff is attentive and maintain a perfect environment. The paths through the garden give incredible views that change constantly. The gardens sit in the middle of midtown with great views of the city and of Piedmont Park, it has ample parking and easy access. You will not regret a moment you spend here. Did I mention, you have to see this place, visitors and residents alike, it is a must see.
9. Brumby Hall and Gardens
10. Swan House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Enter the iconic blue doors of Atlanta's Swan House and discover a world of culture, commerce, quality, and comfort. Constructed in 1928 at the end of the Jazz Age, the house missed the Depression by mere months. Swan House was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Emily Inman. They built the house for entertaining – we hope you enjoy it, too!
Reviewed By bhlraven1916 - Atlanta, United States
The Swan House is an excellent example of the Second Renaissance Revival style and represents the architectural and decorative tastes of affluent citizens in the late 1920s. Built by Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune, the house was designed by well-known Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Schutze in 1928 and decorated by Ruby Ross Woods of New York. Swan House and its gardens are together considered Shutze's finest residential work, in which he adapted Italian and English classical styles to accommodate 20th-century living.
