With big cities, iconic small towns, scenic mountains and a speck of Atlantic Ocean, Georgia has so much more to offer than just its peaches. To help you decide which places in Georgia are most worth your time and vacation dollars, U. News considered the variety and uniqueness of attractions, lodging availability, and the opinions of everyday travelers to determine the best places to visit visit to Georgia. Vote for your favorite places below to determine next year's list. (Note: Some of
The following travel destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the US Department of State before you travel.
1. atlanta
Georgia's capital has many features and nicknames: ATL, Hotlanta and A-Town to name a few. The Empire City of the South is a hub for business (Coca-Cola, CNN, and Delta are all based here) and music (rappers have long made ATL their home), as well as a family destination with world-famous attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. The city is also home to several impressive historical attractions, including the Martin, LutherKing, Jr. National Historical Park.
Plus, this great metropolis remains southern through and through, with friendliness and manners to match
2. Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island, Georgia's southernmost and largest barrier island, offers a rich history and beautiful scenery. You'll have to take a ferry from nearby St Marys to get here, but it's well worth the trip. Upon arrival, you'll discover nearly 10,000 acres of protected wilderness areas and more than 17 miles of secluded beaches. Cumberland Island is also home to several historic sites including the Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church and Dungeness
Ruins that tell the story of the Carnegie family, African American slaves, Native Americans and other people who once lived on the island.
3. dahlonega
Georgia may not come to mind when you think of wine destinations, but Dahlonega is worth considering. This northern city is often referred to as the heart of Georgia wine country thanks to its 12 wine tasting rooms, five wineries and locally owned and operated vineyards. For a festive atmosphere during your vacation, arrive in May when the annual Dahlonega Wine and Art Festival takes place. Dahlonega was also home to America's first gold rush, so make time to visit the Dahlonega
Gold Museum State Historic Site and an old mine.
4. macon
This city in central Georgia is home to a variety of attractions. Attractions in Macon include visiting Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (a prehistoric Native American site), the Tubman Museum (one of the nation's largest museums dedicated to African American history, art, and culture), and Amerson River Park (where you can walk, kayak or float in a tube). The city also has deep musical roots thanks to its ties to southern rock and soul music genres. , visit the Allman Brothers Band Museum in the Big House and Mercer Music in Capricorn.
5. helen
If you want to feel like you're in Europe without leaving the US, consider a trip to Helen. This small town in northeast Georgia is modeled after a Bavarian Alpine village, so expect lots of colorful architecture. , authentic German cuisine and entertaining re-enactments of German festivals like the annual Oktoberfest. But alongside its charming vibe, Helen offers all manner of amenities, including over 200 shops and a winery, as well as being close to Unicoi State Park, Lodges Lake and hiking and biking trails.