Georgia is a state that every traveler should visit. No matter if you are a history buff, appreciate sports and outdoor recreation, are a foodie, enjoy music and arts, or just like a place where everyone is friendly, Georgia is for you! Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Savannah Ghost Tour
Savannah is my favorite city in Georgia. It has beautiful mansions, huge trees covered with Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and fragrant gardens. It’s the perfect place for a girls’ trip, romantic weekend, or even a tranquil solo trip.
There are many things to do in Savannah, but definitely don’t miss a ghost tour! Savannah is supposedly one of the most haunted cities in America. Book a tour that takes you through the city’s historic streets and Bonaventure Cemetery and be regaled with tales of restless spooks and spirits. It’s a fun and memorable way to learn about the history of Savannah!
There are plenty of places to stay in Savannah. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
World of Coca-Cola Museum
Like Savannah, Atlanta features all of the charm and history of a Southern city. But unlike sleepy Savannah, it’s a bustling metropolis featuring a vibrant cultural scene, active nightlife, and professional sports. In my opinion, no visit to Atlanta is complete without a stop at the World of Coca-Cola Museum.
At the museum, you will learn about the history of this iconic beverage. View exhibits on how scent and taste trigger memories, Coke’s “secret formula,” and the beverage’s influence on pop culture. Then have your photo taken with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and shop until you drop buying Coke-themed merch. Best of all, you can taste various Coke products from around the world. You may find a new favorite and decide to plan a trip to where they sell it!
There are many great places to stay in Atlanta. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
While you are in Atlanta, stop by the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Here you can honor the legacy and impact of the civil rights leader who died for a great cause. Tour the home where MLK was born, admire roses in the World Peace Rose Garden, view the “Behold” Monument, and listen to Dr. King’s moving sermons and speeches at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
There are many great places to stay in Atlanta. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Macon’s Musical History
Deep in the heart of Georgia lies Macon, a beautiful city that will appeal to a variety of travelers. History lovers will enjoy visiting Hay House, Cannonball House, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and the Tubman African American Museum. Outdoorsy types will thrive while hiking the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and exploring Amerson River Park. Also, Macon’s status as a college town provides a youthful vibe that will appeal to most people.
Music lovers have additional reasons to visit Macon. The city has made a significant impact on the music scene. First, it’s the home of the Allman Brothers Band, founders of the Southern rock genre of music. Visit The Big House Museum to learn more about the band and see the house where members of the band lived from 1970-73. Macon is also the birthplace of Otis Redding. Known as the “king of soul,” Redding’s music inspired a generation of soul artists. Learn more about his legacy at the Otis Redding Museum. You can also visit the Capricorn Records Museum to learn about its unique role in introducing Southern rock to the world.
If you are a budding musician, you can rent rehearsal rooms and sound studios at the preserved Capricorn Record Studios. There are plenty of jam sessions and open mics available in the city to demonstrate your talents. Prefer to listen to music? Macon has plenty of live music venues and festivals and continues to contribute to the music scene by nurturing local talent.
There are many great places to stay in Macon. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Tybee Island
After you have visited a few cities in Georgia, you will be ready for a beach break. Look no further than Tybee island! Located a short drive from Savannah, Tybee offers pristine beaches, water sports, close encounters with marine life, and delicious seafood.
Make sure to visit Tybee Island Lighthouse during your visit. This is Georgia’s tallest lighthouse, dating from 1736. After you climb up 178 steps, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the island. If you are there in the summer, don’t miss the Sunset Tour to experience beautiful views of the setting sun and smaller crowds.
Military history buffs will enjoy touring Fort Pulaski National Monument dating from the Civil War. Also don’t miss Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn more about native marine life. Between lounging on the beach, visiting the sites, and enjoying a variety of water sports and bike trails, enjoy the delicious low-country cuisine Tybee Island offers.
There are many great places to stay in Tybee Island. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Okenfenokee Swamp
As one of the largest and best-preserved freshwater wetlands in the United States, Okenfenokee National Wildlife Refuse deserves time on your trip itinerary. It is located in the southern part of Georgia on the Florida border. You can get up close (but not too close!) to the many wildlife species populating the area, such as alligators, turtles, snakes, and birds.
Canoeing or kayaking through the swamp is the best way to explore. But if you prefer to leave the paddling to others, you can book a guided boat tour. End your day stargazing, enjoying the swamp’s status as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park.
There are many great places to stay near the reserve. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
On the opposite side of the state from Okenfenokee Swamp you can experience the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Board the train in Blue Ridge and enjoy a four hour trip along the Toccoa River in Nothern Georgia. You spend one hour on the train enjoying scenic forest views before disembarking at the station of sister towns McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennesee.
During your layover, enjoy meandering around the quaint villages of McCaysville and Copperhill and their myriad of cute shops and cafes. Then board the train for your return to Blue Ridge.
There are many great places to stay in Blue Ridge. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area
What’s on your Georgia trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Georgia. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
We hope you have enjoyed this installment on our 7 Sensational Sites in Each State of the USA series. Tell us what you think in the comments below. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post.