Whether it’s the rich history, the peaceful peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains or delectable food scene, it’s easy to see why many come to the Peach State. With an array of historic small towns, featuring quaint downtown streets and easy access to the outdoors, Georgia has plenty to offer those seeking a diverse holiday.
Discover the lively streets of Atlanta or explore the historical charm of Savannah’s cobblestone squares. Music plays a role here showcasing Macon’s musical legacy and Athens vibrant independent music scene. With its warm climate, varied landscapes and vibrant culture Georgia presents a delightful travel destination.
9. Columbus

Known as Fountain City, Columbus is home to a vast number of water features installed in the early 1900s. But that’s far from the only interesting thing in Columbus. The town that brought Coca-Cola to the world has a vibrant downtown lined with stunning Antebellum homes by day and a great selection of nightlife and community events by night.
Speaking of events, not a week goes by without a fabulous farmers market, a music or food festival. Locals and visitors also love the RiverWalk, which shows off the city’s rich history.
8. Gainesville
An hour north of Atlanta, Gainesville is a paradise for the outdoorsman. Having played host to rowing events during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the town features the stunning Lake Lanier.
Offering a plethora of outdoor activities on water and in the surrounding foothills, Gainesville is just 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta and 35 minutes south of the Georgia Mountains. Staying here is all about having the best of both worlds.
7. Augusta
Part southern metropolis, part country town, Augusta balances big-city amenities with access to nature. With parks and recreational activities just around the corner, Augusta is a family-friendly destination.
Along the banks of the Savannah River, Augusta is the oldest city in Georgia, a fact easily recognizable thanks to the beautiful buildings down 8th and Broad Street. The spacious Broad Street is home to eclectic boutiques, while 8th Street hosts the Augusta Market, featuring regional artisans and tasty treats.
6. Atlanta
As the state’s capital city, Atlanta is a hub for major industry along with having a strong grassroots music scene. Visitors will also have easy access to the vast selection of tourist attractions from the Georgia Aquarium to the Coca Cola Museum. While the city is also represented in all major sports besides the NHL.
There’s never a reason to be bored in Atlanta with many free things to do, from Piedmont Park to walking along the Beltline Trail. You can clearly see how your calendar will quickly grow crowded.
As the city continues to expand, so too does the development of trendy restaurants and bars, along with the improvement of local suburbs like Buckhead. The city also features 18 Fortune 500 companies and is a hub for Delta Airlines. This makes domestic travel to Atlanta a breeze.
5. Macon
In central Georgia, Macon provides a lovely balance of lifestyle to go with its accessible location. Like Athens below, Macon is a college town providing tourists with a happening downtown featuring diverse restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.
More than just a social town, Macon is home to several major museums, including the Tubman Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The city also has strong musical connections to soul and Southern rock, leading to a variety of music festivals and the development of the Allman Brothers Band Museum.
Those in Macon can also visit the historic Ocmulgee National Monument which has the only example of a spiral mound in North America.
4. Athens
As the starting point of Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, history buffs and those fond of old architecture will love Athens. But perhaps what makes modern-day Athens a wonderful place to visit is the University of Georgia. The first public university in the United States, it’s also home to the Georgia Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Art.
With a spirited university population to complement the history and culture of Athens, visitors also enjoy an energetic dining and nightlife scene with events held almost every weekend. With all this within walking distance, being only an hour from Atlanta, Athens is a great place to spend some time while in Georgia.
3. Canton
In the foothills of the wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is one of the fastest growing towns in Georgia. A mix of cultural and social opportunities, not to mention the vast selection of outdoor activities on offer, has fueled Canton’s rapid growth.
Far from being overwhelmed with fresh development, Canton still feels like Canton. This is because of the several historic buildings, such as the century-old Canton Theater and the city’s connection to the Cherokee Nation.
Canton remains enveloped by the surrounding nature, and combined with the Etowah River, visitors can enjoy a swath of healthy fun.
2. Decatur
It’s been said that “everything is greener in Decatur”, and the cozy town in DeKalb County will give you no reason to think otherwise. The leafy suburb is a splendid spot to visit thanks an abundance of outdoor activities, dining and shopping on offer.
The small population of just 27,000 allows residents and visitors to enjoy the town as it is without the crowds. This is all despite Decatur’s fantastic proximity to all the amenities and attractions in downtown Atlanta.
The main streets in Decatur are lined with inviting bars, boutique restaurants and unique shops.
1. Savannah
Along the moss-lined streets that shroud the historic buildings and iconic landmarks is an undeniable charm. Savannah, beside a river of the same name, combines modern convenience, dining and nightlife with old antebellum mansions and Forsyth Park.
Often called the “Hostess of the South” visitors will quickly fall in love with the local architecture, prominent museums and hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, rivaled only by those found in New Orleans. Despite its southern roots, the local food scene is remarkably diverse.
At night wandering along River Street will bring a party atmosphere that contrasts to the quiet cobblestone alleys around the corner. With the powder-white sands on Tybee Beach just a short drive away, it’s easy to see that Savannah has a little something for everyone.
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