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The 16 Best Tourist Attractions in Georgia

The 16 Best Tourist Attractions in Georgia

Ah, sweet Georgia. Are you and your friends planning a trip to the Peach State? From riveting hikes in the South’s tremendous wilderness to a lazy afternoon at the aquarium, there’s countless things to do in Georgia.

It stands out among the Southern states due to its blend of big-city life and rural charm. You can spend a day in the big city or chill in the swamps and woods. Virtually anything is possible here.

16 of the Best Georgia Attractions in 2024

A good chunk of the attractions featured on this list is based in Atlanta. Since there is so much to do, we have narrowed your options. Here are 16 of the best tourist attractions in Georgia.

1. Georgia Aquarium

Silhouette of people taking pictures while in awe on three young whale sharks and other marine lifeforms inside Georgia Aquarium, a piece on the best tourist attractions in Georgia

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When it comes to aquariums, the Georgia Aquarium is king. The Georgia Aquarium is the third-largest aquarium on Earth and the second-largest in the United States.

It holds more than 11 million gallons of water. At the Georgia Aquarium, you can get up close and personal with thousands of animal species. Its gallery is stunningly massive.

Visitors can watch the most exotic animals the world can offer, from zebra sharks to beluga whales and African penguins. With the proper certification, you can even scuba dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

The Georgia Aquarium is based in Atlanta and is open between 9:00 a.m and 9:00 p.m. Please purchase your tickets ahead of time. Make sure to arrive before your scheduled visit.

2. The Olde Pink House

The Olde Pink House is the tastiest Georgia attraction on this list. Stop by if you’re a fan of seafood and soul food. The restaurant offers jumbo shrimp, BBQ Pork Sliders, crab cakes, and more. Also, expect to have a good time if you like to drink.

Its color and architecture make it stand out from the other houses in the neighborhood. The Olde Pink House is a beautiful-looking piece of American history based in Savannah. It gets its name from the fact that it’s, well, pink!

You will be blown away by the murals and antique wooden details that cover the interior. The original owners built the house in 1789, after the American Revolution.

The Olde Pink House gives off such historical vibes that it is said to be haunted by a ghost from pre-colonial America. The building is open from 11:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m. You can find it in Savannah’s historic district.

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

3. Truist Park

Statue of Phil Niekro in a pitching pose in front of the empty 3rd Base Gate entrance at Truist Park, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, with the large signage of Braves overhead

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Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves. In 2017, the Braves left Turner field for this much newer stadium. Truist Park is air-conditioned, modern, and furnished with plenty of amenities.

What better way to spend a laid-back afternoon than at the ballpark? MLB season is something every sports fan should experience in person. Whether you’re a casual fan or a zealot, Truist Park has something for everybody.

Gift shops and restaurants are open to visitors during games. Come to batting practice if you’re trying to perfect your hitting. You can even take a tour of the field or meet Blooper, the Braves mascot.

4. Panther Creek Falls

Water rushing over moss and fern covered rocks at Panther Creek Falls, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia

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Panther Creek Falls might seem a bit out of place for Georgia. This 7-mile hike nestles itself in Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s one of the more strenuous hikes, but the experience is worth it.

At the end of the hike, you arrive at the trail’s namesake. White, billowy waterfalls spill thousands of gallons of water to the sound of a thunderous clap. At one point in the falls, water drops some 102 feet, the height of a seven-story building.

The hanging moss and shady groves make this park an excellent tourist spot. It’s great for picnicking and day-treks. However, do not get too close to rushing water. Always heed any park warnings and make sure you’re acting responsibly. 

5. Cumberland Island

Visitors trekking one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, Cumberland Island's dreamy path over thick unpruned tree branches

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Cumberland Island is located in Camden County, Georgia. The island is even longer than Manhattan, at 17.5 miles in length. It is so underdeveloped that it makes you feel like you’re one of the first people to discover it.

There is much to see on Cumberland Island. There are feral horses, deer, Spanish moss creeping off the trees, and plenty of other unique things that make this island worth visiting.

Its pearly-white beaches make it an excellent vacation spot. The island is relatively empty, which gives it a serene vibe. The island is open 24 hours a day and all year round.

Take note; it can only be accessible by boat. If you would like to visit Cumberland Island, make sure to arrive an hour before the departure so you don’t miss your sail.

6. Delta Flight Museum

Our next entry proves once again that no vacation is complete without a visit to Atlanta. If you’ve ever wanted to take a real-life flight simulation or see the inside of a plane from the 1940s, head to the Delta Flight Museum.

Aviation fans are in for a treat when they visit the museum. Two hangers await you full of sleek-looking jets, antique biplanes, and gigantic commercial airliners. Some of these planes, like the Waco 125, were built a century ago.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children between 5 and 18. Visiting is free for children under 5. The planes here are unique and iconic pieces of aviation history.

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Atlanta in 2024

7. Rock City

A view on man-made High Falls and Lovers Leap standing above a green natural landscape at Rock City, a piece on the best tourist attractions in Georgia

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To say that Rock City is beautiful is an understatement. Rock City is a region of Lookout Mountain full of luscious green foliage, towering gray cliffs, and waterfalls.

Throughout its history, many visitors have claimed they can see seven states when perched at the peak of Rock City. The point overlooks Georgia’s sprawling green countryside. In autumn, you can watch this sea of green shift into a symphony of red and orange.

The view is simply astonishing. On top of that, the cool breeze feels excellent on your skin. This location has a lot of history. Both sides of the Civil War visited Rock City and commented on its beauty.

7. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park

An old winding boardwalk and a hut in the midst of a greenery at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia

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Located on the South Carolina border, we have another fantastic park. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is unique for its atmosphere and ecosystem. It’s also open to the public for free 24 hours a day, year-round.

The nature park is located right across from the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences. A walk through the trail feels like a scene out of Jurassic Park.

The large, looming trees provide plenty of shade for the visitors to the grounds. They also make efficient homes for the variety of birds and wildlife that reside here.

Phinizy Park is an excellent spot for birdwatching. You can sometimes spot rare species of fowl circling the water. Alligators are usual sights in the park, both in the water and on land. Make sure not to bother them.

8. World of Coca Cola

Tourists standing below a gigantic Coke icon inside a globe at World of Coca Cola as one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, casting a sharp shadow in the late afternoon

Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta makes a fun day trip, especially with your kids or grandkids. It’s chock-full of memorabilia from the company’s 135-year-old history.

The facility houses several theaters, merchandise stores, and an inside view into the bottling process. Before you leave, make sure to spoil yourself. Your sweet tooth will love the tasting galleries of the facility.

Visitors love sampling the wide variety of Coca-Cola flavors. Some of these flavors are only available in other countries, making this Georgia attraction extra special.

You can even create your own combinations of Coca-Cola flavors. Tickets are $20.00 for visitors aged 13-16 and $15:00 for youths ages 3-12. The facility opens at 10:00 a.m and closes at 5:00 p.m on weekdays. On weekends, the attraction closes at 7:00 p.m.

9. Stone Mountain Park

Image of three people mounted on hoses sculpted on the gigantic boulder at Stone Mountain Park, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, with a trees and fountains at its foot

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Stone Mountain is the most visited attraction in Georgia. The park is complete with covered bridges, picnic areas, and many places to stop and stare. Stone Mountain also has a historical district depicting life in Antebellum-Georgia.

The park covers about 583 acres. Because it’s so large, you’ll never run out of things to see or do. You can camp, hike, eat and tour to your heart’s content!

Are you tired of walking? Why not take a cable car or riverboat? There are many ways of getting from point to point in the park.

Kids will love Stone Mountain and its many slides, trampolines, and displays. The park also has a 4-D movie theater. Visitors can even make their own candy. 

10. Fox Theater

Huge deep red signage of Fox Theater, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, attached on its iconic old looking structure

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The Fox Theater is world-famous for its extravagance. It hosts 250 performances a year and welcomes more than half of a million people annually. Nobody leaves a play here unsatisfied.

Out of all the buildings in Atlanta, the Fox Theater looks the most impressive. The mix of Islamic and Egyptian architecture gives this building a unique flair.

The interior walls of the ballrooms are adorned with chimneys and antique columns. Arguably, the most impressive feature of the theater is the ceiling.

The ceiling is decorated with gold and bronze details. Shades of deep blue give visitors the impression that they’re lying under the night sky. You must see it for yourself to understand.

11. Wormsloe

Dreamy trail below live Oaks in Wormsloe, believed as one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, where lichen and fern infested branches covers a path

Serge Skiba/Shutterstock

If you love calm, beautiful walks through historical landmarks, you’ll feel right at home in Wormsloe. Live oak trees coated in green Spanish moss canopy over the streets. Wormsloe is complete with gift shops, a picnic area, and a 7-mile nature trail.

Take a tour through three centuries of American history at Wormsloe. The property was acquired in the 1700s. This colonial estate houses the oldest structure in the city of Savannah, the old tabby building. 

Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $4.50 for youths aged 6-17. The site is open from 9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Wormsloe is definitely worth visiting.

12. Okefenokee Swamp

A White Egret landing on a shallow swamp with water plants in Okefenokee Swamp, a piece on the best tourist attractions in Georgia

Deborah Ferrin/Shutterstock

The Everglades hosts one of the most unique ecosystems in North America. Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia is a diamond in the rough when it comes to nature tourism.

The park is a whopping 438,000 acres (about 684 square miles). It’s the largest blackwater swamp on the continent. Wait until you see the wildlife. Alligators, black bears, owls, and snakes make this park one of a kind.

Listen to the toads croak and the birds chirp as you paddle through the lily pads. It’s one of the wildest places in Georgia. The park offers group tours, kayaking, and canoeing.

There are also plenty of picnic areas to rest on your trek. Okefenokee offers unique viewing areas for local wildlife. Make the most of your experience by visiting the beehive observatory.

13. Callaway Gardens

A pocket of Spring Tulips on a refreshing morning at one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, Callaway Gardens

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It is time to take a trip to West Georgia. Callaway Farms is one of the greenest places in Georgia. With over 2500 acres of foliage and landscape, you will be in the heart of Southern nature.

Whether you spend the day on a golf course or hiking, you will find yourself content. The garden grounds are stunning. The wildlife is spectacular too. Barn owls and monarch butterflies dot the sky in the warm months.

You can head over during Labor Day weekend for a hot air balloon festival. The kids are sure to love it. After taking in the scenery, rest the day away at Callaway Resort and Gardens four-star hotel.

The hotel is complete with two golf courses and four dining venues. Callaway Gardens even has a lodge and spa. It’s a perfect low-intensity vacation spot for the family.

14. Old Car City

A vintage blue Chevrolet car junked in a forest at Old Car City, one of the best tourist attractions in Georgia, and portions of other old cars visible in background

Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock

Next on our list of Georgia attractions is a peculiar location north of Cartersville. Old Car City has been collecting automobiles since the Great Depression, when it began as a general store. The charge is $30.00 for photography and $20.00 for entry.

The collection is impressive; it is the world’s largest classic car junkyard. This 32-acre lot features cars from every generation of American drivers.

In fact, there are more than 4000 cars stocked here. You can find just about every automobile decaying under the trees of this North Georgia attraction. At first, visitors might feel lonely when they visit Old Car City.

In their defense, the visit can be a very sentimental experience. But that loneliness couldn’t be further from the truth. These living time capsules are being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

15. Providence Island State Park

Vibrant orange soil at Providence Canyon in Providence Island State Park, pictured on a solemn sunset for a piece on the best tourist attractions in Georgia, where trees thrives at the top and below the canyon

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

When people think of road trips, they think of the Grand Canyon. Everyone has heard of it, but not everyone has heard of the so-called Little Grand Canyon. However, the state of Georgia is about to give Arizona a run for its money.

Providence Island State Park, also known as the Little Grand Canyon, is one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. It lies on the Alabama border.

The canyon walls tower over you with their streaks of pink and red. The colors of the stone look like something straight out of the American Southwest. What’s most impressive is that this place isn’t entirely natural.

You wouldn’t guess it, but the canyon is partially a result of erosion. Most of the park is a result of farming practices in the 1940s. You’ll undoubtedly find yourself charmed by such an unexpected tourist attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forsyth Park in Savannah, one of the best Georgia attractions, pictured in the Fall

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Here are some common questions about tourism in Georgia:

How far is Atlanta to Savannah?

It takes about three hours and 40 minutes to drive between the two metropolitan areas with a distance of 248 miles. The town of Allentown is the midway point between these two cities.

How safe is Georgia?

As of 2020, the violent crime rate per 1,000 people was 261. This rate makes it safer than other large states, like Texas or California. Crime tends to be more common in larger metropolitan areas like Atlanta.

Is Georgia busy?

Georgia is home to 10.9 million Americans. That’s about a quarter of the population of California. It has some of the worst interstate congestion in the country, and Atlanta has terrible traffic in particular.

What’s the weather like in Georgia?

The weather in Georgia is usually mild. The coldest month is January; it can reach lows of 35° F. In July, it can get up to 95° F. Georgia is known for being humid.

The Best Georgia Attractions: Final Thoughts

Georgia is a big state with many things to offer the avid traveler. From the big sprawling city of Atlanta to the beachy coast not far from Savannah, you’ll have plenty to do during your visit. There will be something for every member of your family to enjoy!