Southern comforts and Georgian charm go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. Things might move a little slower in Georgia, from the way people talk, walk, and cook; that doesn’t mean you’ll ever be bored, however. Georgia has lots of great things to do, outside of sampling the South’s best servings of soul food.
Visit Atlanta for some great city sights, as well as historic museums, zoos, and the world’s largest aquarium. If you’re looking to escape the urban setting for a while, go to the Cumberland Island reservation. They have wild horses that run free along the island’s coasts like a scene out of a romantic novel.
Georgia has an additional 47 state parks to explore, if you’re looking for more great places to view wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’re a history buff, you’ll find plenty of Civil War monuments, museums, and memorials. Here are the top 10 attractions in Georgia that you should include in your itinerary.
Home to tens of thousands of animals and sea creatures, the Georgia Aquarium is a fabulous place to take the whole family during your time in the area. This is known as the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and provides an educational, fascinating, and exciting day out for people of all ages.
In addition to being able to see the wide variety of sea life and other creatures up close and personal, visitors can enjoy additional fun with exhibitions, events and even the 4D Theater.
The aquarium even hosts sleepovers so the little ones can enjoy a truly unique and memorable experience. There are plenty of great activities for visitors to look forward to making this an excellent choice for a great day out for the family.
Located in the historic Savannah area of Georgia, Forsyth Park spans thirty acres and is the largest park in the district. This is a park that only provides access to attractive surroundings but also offers plenty of recreational opportunities as well as access to entertainment.
You can enjoy kicking back and relaxing as you read a book, watching the world go by, or even attend the various musical, entertainment and sports events that take place there.
At weekends you can pay a visit to the Farmer’s Market at the park and when you visit don’t forget to pay a visit to the famous Forsyth Park Fountain, which dates back to the 1850s.
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Georgia provides you with access to well over two centuries of rich and fascinating history, which can be explored in a variety of ways. You will find a range of interactive displays and exhibitions to look forward to here including artifacts, exhibits and video presentations.
You can also look forward to the immersive attractions on offer here including military documentary screenings on giant screens, simulators, and more. This is a venue that also holds a variety of events over the course of the year and provides you with access to a range of facilities including an onsite bar and restaurant.
Get ready to be amazed! Found in the heart and soul of Georgia, Stone Mountain Park is a true testament to Mother Nature’s ethereal beauty.
It is more than just the mountain itself--- however, the mountain is truly a spectacular sight. It towers over everything in the area, and makes for an awe-inspiring view no matter which way you hike it.
Stone Mountain Park is also an ideal weekend getaway! It has golf, cable car rides, lodging, events, activities, and so much more to explore.
All this and more within the welcoming borders of one of the most breathtaking national parks in the state. Buy a daily pass for $15 per vehicle per day, or invest in an annual parking pass which is $40.
A trip to Jekyll Island in Georgia is a trip that you will not forget in a hurry, as this is a unique and stunning place that enables you to enjoy natural beauty, history and entertainment as well as total relaxation in wonderful surroundings.
Not only can you look forward to taking in the beautiful beach and forests but there are also plenty of events and activities to enjoy. This includes beach activities and events, which take place over the course of the year.
Summer camps are also held at Jekyll Island and those who enjoy outdoor recreation will find plenty to keep them busy. You can enjoy everything from golf and shopping to a visit to the wonderful Georgia Sea Turtle center when you visit this destination.
Experience all the wonders of nature with North America’s largest blackwater swamp! Covering a massive 438,000 acres the Okefenokee Swamp is no short feat. It is also the northern entryway into the Okefenokee National wildlife Refuge.
This particular part of Georgia is known for massive stretches of land dedicated to the best in preserves and reservations. Here you can really embrace the wild world of nature from the water all the way to what lives in it. Keep in mind: swamps are a popular location for alligators, so always keep an eye out!
The Okefenokee Swamp Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day. For admission, rates vary based on age. For adults (12 and up) admission is $17, for children (3-11), seniors (62 and up), and active military members (ID required) it is $16. Children 2 and under are free.
Also, be sure to check with the official website for an insider look at boat tours, packages, and even a discount coupon or two.
Tours are a great idea to see it all as guides will know what to point out, what to watch for, and how to stay safe in this gigantic wildlife oasis. Guides will also be able to identify any animals, answer questions, and recommend a couple of paths to explore.
Take a day on the greens! The Sea Island Golf Course is one of the best spots in all of Georgia for a game with a view. Every hole here is tailored to perfection for both functionality and beauty.
Right on the banks, patrons can see some natural beauty while they play the day away on this 18-hole wonder. It harbors some of the top instructors in the state as well as a full-fledged Golf Performance Center on site.
It has also been the proud host to three championships which just shows how coveted and praised this location is.
As such a respected attraction in Georgia, you’re going to want to plan ahead for this adventure. Check out prices and request a tee time all on Sea Island’s wonderful website.
Sea Island Golf Course is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., however playing times are by reservation only.
Look into instructors, caddy’s, and carts to make this course one for the books. Enjoy 18 holes of golf all on one the banks of Georgia’s stunning natural beauty.
Filled with natural beauty and resources as well as recreational opportunities, Chattahoochee Oconee National Forests span close to 870 acres running through multiple counties. There is an abundance of greenery to take in as well as crystal clear waters and woodland.
If you are looking for outdoor recreation you will have plenty to choose from when you head here, including picnicking, camping, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
This is a great way to immerse yourself in stunning surroundings and enjoy being out in the fresh air with the chance to explore and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
You can walk in the footsteps of a civil rights icon at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The historic site includes several of Dr. King’s most beloved locations, including his childhood home and church.
It also includes several influential locations from the civil rights movement. You can walk through the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where many civil rights leaders fought their most important cultural battles.
At the King Center, you can learn about Dr. King’s life and even pay your respects at Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb.
No two trips are the same to Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s had more than 50 updates since opening in 1976. The garden includes over 30 acres of exhibits showcasing some of the most beautiful plants from around the world.
You can meander through displays at the tropical rotunda, desert house, orchid display house, high elevation house and more. In addition to a renowned plant collection, the Atlanta Botanical Garden plays host to myriad events throughout the year.
The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights display is a crowd favorite. It’s a display of one million LED lights scattered throughout the grounds during the holidays. A visit to the garden is informative and educational and will inspire you to start a small garden of your own in your home.
