Top 10 Free Things to do in Georgia, Georgia

December 6, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

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. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

222 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401-4616 +1 912-233-4709 [email protected] http://www.savannahcathedral.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 9,384 reviews

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia.

Reviewed By P5560OMamym

This enormous Cathedral is in the heart of historic Savannah and is an exotically prayerful & powerful landmark for which to visit, admire, study, film and light a candle.

2. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way Off Benning Blvd, just outside Fort Benning, Columbus, GA 31903-3674 +1 706-685-5800 [email protected] http://nationalinfantrymuseum.org
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
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5.0 based on 2,233 reviews

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

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.

3. Savannah Historic District

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401-4217 +1 912-944-0455 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/1.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 14,018 reviews

Savannah Historic District

Savannah's picturesque historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life.

Reviewed By mmwinters

The Savannah historic district will thrill those who love American history, especially colonial or civil war times; African American history; art and architecture; seafood or southern foods; trees and landscaping; fountains and sculptures. Several convenient modes of travel will help you get around - trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, Uber type services, and the free DOT bus system. Parking for cars is limited. I think it would be difficult to try to see things with your personal car. Be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and stay hydrated. It’s hard to recommend the “best” things to see and do. As a history lover, I wanted to see it ALL and hope to return someday to see the places I couldn’t get worked in. I think Savannah, budding and blooming in the spring, would be the most beautiful time to tour. August is very hot and humid, but bearable because the the sites are just so darned interesting and the beach is nearby!

4. Appalachian Trail

GA
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80%
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Appalachian Trail

5. Christ Church

6329 Frederica Rd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522-5812 +1 912-638-8683 [email protected] http://ccfssi.org
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 787 reviews

Christ Church

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.

6. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

1207 Emery Highway, Macon, GA 31217-4320 +1 478-752-8257 http://www.nps.gov/ocmu
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 612 reviews

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

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.

7. Bonaventure Cemetery

330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404-3295 +1 912-651-6843 http://www.bonaventurehistorical.org/
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 6,548 reviews

Bonaventure Cemetery

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.

8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312-1504 +1 404-331-5190 http://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htm
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,430 reviews

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.

Reviewed By BaseballTraveler16 - Washington DC, United States

This historic site encompasses a couple city blocks that contain the birth home that you can have a guided tour of, a historic fire house, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the tomb. Start at the Visitor Center and visit what your heart desires. Walk-able from the King Memorial Marta stop but it is 1/2 mile.

9. Marietta Square

Marietta, GA +1 770-429-1115 http://www.marietta.com/attractions/marietta-square
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 1,036 reviews

Marietta Square

Colorful gardens and park in Marietta. Perfect for picnic lunches in the summer.

Reviewed By J5841OKdeborahw

Marietta GA is my home. Beautiful period architecture, lovely tree lined streets, friendly staff in all the shops and restaurants, crazy fun to people watch because the two courthouses sit on the square LOL. LOVE the Farmers Market ... nice shaded streets in summer, hot cider in winter just a delightful place to visit for a taste of the "New South"

10. Fort Frederica National Monument

Off Frederica Rd. just past Christ Episcopal Church St. Simons Island, Saint Simons Island, GA +1 912-638-3639 http://www.nps.gov/fofr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,112 reviews

Fort Frederica National Monument

This beautiful park was the site of one of the first British colonies.

Reviewed By mekopp - Middletown, United States

I always take my national park passport book with me when I travel. When I realized I was about 20 miles from this site ,we drove to see it and get my stamp. I was so pleased with our visit. First of all , there is a legit introductory movie. I love when historic sites have this because it really does set the stage. When we got outside the visitor center there were people in colonial dress. One asked me if I wanted to make a candle. The blacksmith made and gave us a hook. This site is home to over 5000 artifacts and many of them were on display. It’s really an interesting piece of colonial history. Being from the north, I forget that the south has its share of colonial history as well. This site was beautiful and I could have spent more time here if I wasn’t traveling. The town of Frederica Georgia was also beautiful.

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