Are you looking for a chance to take a vacation and escape from the normal rhythms of life? Do you have an upcoming business trip that will include some free time to sightsee? Are you a solo traveler trying to plan your next destination?

Traveling is an opportunity to engage in new experiences, interact with different cultures, and step outside of your comfort zone to create memories. Whether you are planning a vacation or going on a mandatory business trip, the chance to try new things can be invigorating and improve your quality of life.

We understand how important mental health is to every individual. Everyone needs a break every once in a while. The question is, where should you go? If the plan is to step away from your normal geography, there are hundreds of other countries in the world with thousands of cities and millions of unique places to explore.

Here is a suggestion for your next trip; visiting Georgia. A visit to the Peach State may not sound all that interesting when you first think about it. In fact, if you do not live in this state, you probably know very little about it other than the city of Atlanta and lots of peach production.

However, what if we told you that Georgia is the perfect place to travel for your next vacation, business trip, or cross-country road trip?

Georgia Has Something for Everyone

The best part about the state of Georgia is how diverse the experiences are. An adventurer can find plenty of outdoor activities to engage in that will provide thrills and excitement. Someone traveling with the whole family can enjoy a week of family-oriented attractions. An outdoorsy person can experience the natural wonders of the state with sweeping landscapes and diverse species of flora and fauna. Fans of hip-hop music can get a taste of one of the most vibrant settings for the genre in Atlanta. History buffs can also find their fair share of top Georgia attractions that tell the fascinating story of this state.

No matter what type of personality you have, or the makeup of the group you are traveling with, there are so many things to do in Georgia that can create lifelong memories.

The following can serve as a guide for your journey through the state of Georgia, whether you are a current resident, road-tripper, world traveler, or business professional attending a work event.

A Relaxing Vacation

If you care more about escaping to Georgia for a relaxing vacation, then there is plenty to be excited about. The number of attractions that you can enjoy as part of your plan to rest during your trip is high. Let’s take a look at some of the things to do in Georgia that will allow you to make the most of a relaxing time in the state.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Midtown Atlanta is a great place to spend your vacation, and the presence of the Atlanta Botanical Garden makes this even better. 30 acres of greenery and vast species of flora make it a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon in the city. The purpose of the facility is to promote the conservation of plant species and caretaking of the natural world. Walking through the beautifully-maintained gardens filled with greenery can take your relaxing vacation to the next level, providing a huge boost to your mental health.

World of Coca-Cola

A vacation becomes much more interesting when you take some memorable experiences home. Traveling gives you the opportunity to try things that you never would have or could have back home. With that said, a visit to the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta can be a fun and unique experience to add to your trip itinerary. Learn about the history of this popular drink through interactive exhibits, all while enjoying plenty of beverage samples. Check out The Loft, home to over 200 artifacts contained in the World of Coca-Cola that help tell the 135-year story of the iconic drink.

This museum/event venue is located right next to Centennial Olympic Park.

Centennial Olympic Park

Speaking of which, this park deserves a stop while you are planning your visit to the World of Coca-Cola. The Centennial Olympic Park is a popular 22-acre greenspace in downtown Atlanta that commemorates the 1996 Summer Olympics. Many other unique attractions surround the area, and it is a highlight of the entertainment district. Notable features of the park include the Fountain of Rings Plaza, the Water Garden, the Southern Company Amphitheater, and the Hermes Towers.

Learn about the history of these historic games in a beautiful park in the heart of Atlanta for an easy afternoon of walking and sightseeing.

Georgia Aquarium

Right next to the downtown park is one of the world’s largest aquariums, the Georgia Aquarium. This historic facility houses thousands of species in seven major galleries, with 11 million gallons of water being used to create habitats for plants and animals. Participate in the immersive shark or manta ray interaction experience, or simply explore the massive facility to observe the various species. You can even get face-to-face with immense whale sharks at this tourism hotspot.

A trip to the Georgia Aquarium is a wonderful, low-energy activity that can make your relaxing vacation even more enjoyable, and it is one of the top Georgia attractions in the state.

Golf Courses

One of the most relaxing activities for competitive spirits is a round of golf, (if you go in with the right mindset that it. Enthusiasts might disagree with the “relaxing” description). For those who can enjoy the game during a relaxing vacation, Georgia is home to many beautiful golf courses that are waiting to be enjoyed. Chicopee Woods Golf Course is a great option in Gainesville, as well as The Frog Golf Club in Villa Rica.

Additionally, Augusta National, the home of the Masters tournament, is in the state of Georgia, though it is a private club.

A Ball Game

There are a lot of great sports teams in Atlanta, but if you want to enjoy a more relaxing event, then a day at Truist Parkwatching the Atlanta Braves is hard to top. Sit back and relax for a game of baseball with a hot dog in one hand and a drink in the other. If you have kids, then this is the perfect way to kill off a couple of hours in the afternoon or evening.

Resorts

A relaxing vacation often comes with luxury resorts. These accommodations can take much of the weight of planning a vacation off of your shoulders, giving you the chance to put up your feet and enjoy your time in the state.

Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is a resort and golf course near Pine Mountain. In 2018, this resort was ranked as the best attraction in Georgia by USA Today. It also features the world’s largest azalea garden, so it is a beautiful place to spend your vacation.

Jekyll Island Club Resort

The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a high-end vacation spot with an outdoor pool, three restaurants, and a prime location on the Atlantic coast. Jekyll Island itself contains multiple resorts and the popular Driftwood Beach.

Sea Island Resort

This luxury resort offer plenty of activities for vacationing families, including swimming, tennis, golf, and a high-end room experience. Located on Sea Island, this spot is a perfect place to spend your weeklong vacation in Georgia.

Beaches

Since Georgia is an east coast state, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy a day on the sand, in the water, or both. Driftwood Beach, as mentioned previously, is a popular tourist destination on Jekyll Island. The North Beach at Tybee Island is another great spot for public swimming. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain is also worth visiting if you are staying at the resort.

Musicals

Georgia has a rich history of hip-hop, particularly in Atlanta, but that is not the only type of music that can be enjoyed in the city. Musicals are a great opportunity to take in a live performance during your relaxing vacation, especially if you are a fan of the performing arts. Perhaps the best spot to take in a musical or another kind of play is the Fabulous Fox Theater of Atlanta, though there are plenty of other venues worth stopping by throughout the state.

Exploring the Natural World

The land on which the United States of America was founded is full of diversity and natural wonders, and the state of Georgia is no exception. There are many things to do in Georgia that will thrill lovers of landscapes, flora, and fauna.

Here is a brief tour of the natural beauty that exists in the Peach State.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A 402,000-acre refuge that spans three counties in Georgia and one in Florida is a must-see for wildlife fanatics traveling in this state. Over 600 plant species have been identified within Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which features the Okefenokee Swamp. This habitat protects threatened and endangered species like the indigo snake and the wood stork.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Northern Georgia is home to two protected forests; the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Oconee National Forest. This park demonstrates the vast natural beauty of the state with over 800,000 acres of forest. You can explore thousands of miles of freshwater streams, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and dozens of campgrounds where you can spend the night in the Georgia wilderness.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest should be your top priority if you want to immerse yourself in the natural world of this beautiful state.

Lookout Mountain

In the northwestern corner of Georgia lies Lookout Mountain. This landscape feature, as well as the nearby town of the same name, is one of the top attractions in the state and often features in lists of the most exciting things to do in Georgia. There are multiple attractions that can be enjoyed at this location, so head to the visitor center to learn about the various options.

Rock City

This touristy adventure includes many incredible encounters with the surrounding landscape. Rock City includes an amazing trail that leads to breathtaking views where you can see seven states on a clear day. You can also view a 100-foot waterfall from the hiking trails during your visit to Rock City.

Lover’s Leap, Fairyland Caverns, and dining options complete the Rock City experience that you can have at this unique geographical location.

Incline Railway

Known as America’s Most Amazing Mile, the Incline Railway will take you up and down the mountain in a leisurely ride that will give you wondrous views of the surrounding landscape.

Providence Canyon State Park

Head toward the Alabama border to find another beautiful location that demonstrates the wonders of Georgia at Providence Canyon State Park. Often called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” this geographical feature was actually formed due to poor farming techniques centuries ago. However, the purple, orange, and pink hues of the soil have created a beautiful backdrop of bluffs that will serve as a perfect background for any photograph.

The rim trail is a great way to get the best views of the canyon, and you can also explore the deepest canyons of the region. Campsites and cottages are available for overnights if you want more time to see the area.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Let’s stick with the theme of canyons for the time being. Northwest Georgia is home to the Cloudland Canyon State Park, a beautiful spot where you can explore deep gorge trails to find multiple cascading waterfalls. Thousand-foot canyons, a cave system, and sandstone cliffs make this park a paradise for those who want to admire the natural world of this state.

Blue Ridge Mountains

An extension of the Appalachian Mountain range, the Blue Ridge Mountains in north Georgia are often the subject of photographs and paintings of the American landscape. Plenty of hiking enthusiasts have included this area in their Appalachian trail endeavors.

The view of the mountains can be simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of roads, trails, and towns from which you can view the peaks of this range.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is one of the most visited attractions in the state. Nature and art collide here as the faces of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis are carved into the face of the mountain. You can take a gondola ride for a great view or the scenic railroad that will take you around the base of Stone Mountain.

This attraction is located just east of Atlanta, so you can include it easily if you plan to stay in the capital.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

The southernmost of Georgia’s barrier islands is Cumberland Island, which contains the National Seashore. This park preserves the largest of the Golden Isles, which features beaches, dunes, marshes, and lakes. You can take a self-guided tour, bike, hike, camp, canoe, or find plenty of other ways to enjoy Cumberland Island, which is well-populated by coastal flora and fauna species.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

One of the hidden gems of the state of Georgia is Tallulah Gorge State Park. It is home to the deepest canyon that is east of the Mississippi River. You can feel truly immersed in nature while avoiding big groups of people at this lesser-known state park, though the views and landscape will surely confuse you as to why it is not more popular. Six cascading falls that drop the river by 500 feet are a highlight of the park at Tallulah Falls.

Impressive Wildlife

Georgia has immense biodiversity when it comes to animal species. Wild horses can be found rather easily on Cumberland Island. Black bears, brown thrashers, green tree frogs, and beavers are also commonly spotted throughout the state.

From the barrier islands to the sweeping forests and the mountains and plains in between, there are diverse habitats for thousands of animal species that add to the natural beauty of Georgia.

Rich History

One of Georgia’s most interesting characteristics is its connection to the history of the United States. From its massive role in the Civil Rights Movement to numerous historic sites that are still preserved today, Georgia is sure to satisfy history buffs during their travels.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Luther King Jr., the famous leader of the Civil Rights Movement, was born in Atlanta, GA. As a result, many national historical sites can be found in the state honoring this great man. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta contains a history museum, his birth home, and many other features that can help you get to know this important figure in history. Take a guided tour of the home he was born in, hear his voice in the church, stop at the visitor center of the national historic site, and learn the story of how Martin Luther King Jr. became the civil rights leader that inspired the nation.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized in the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. He was also ordained as a minister there and eventually became the co-pastor alongside his father. Now, the church has been restored to reflect the look of this significant time period for congregants and visitors to enjoy.

Atlanta History Center

Located in the Buckhead district of the capital of Georgia, the Atlanta History Center is a museum and research center. It includes 33 acres of land that contains historic houses, beautiful gardens, multiple exhibits, and even spaces for events.

A visit to the Atlanta History Center can teach you about the unique history of the city, the state, and the greater region of the South.

Margaret Mitchell House and Museum

The Center contains the Margaret Mitchell House, home of the renowned author in the early 20th century. Margaret Mitchell is well-known for publishing the pre-Civil War book Gone With the Wind, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937.

Tybee Island Light Station

Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse is located at Tybee Island. There are multiple components to the station, including three keeper’s cottages, a military battery that houses the Tybee Island Lighthouse Museum, and an 1812 summer kitchen with archaeological finds. The long history of this lighthouse dates back to 1736. Learn about the history of the Euchee tribe, Fort Screven, and Tybee’s golden era during your visit to the light station.

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

This relatively new museum opened in 2009. The facility honors the infantryman and the importance that these individuals have in their service to the country, both past and present. 190,000 square feet of galleries contain one of the largest collections of military artifacts in the world.

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is located just outside the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, one of the largest Army installations in the country.

Savannah Historic District

The coastal city of Savannah, GA is a popular tourist destination. The Savannah Historic District is the largest historic landmark district in the entire country, with over twenty city squares to explore. Within this area, you can find museums, churches, mansions, cobblestone streets, manicured gardens, famous forts, and tons of entertainment/dining options. The Savannah Historic District is a great destination for every type of vacationer, but history buffs will find even more to appreciate about the area because of the architectural designs and numerous opportunities for learning.

You can even book a Savannah Ghost Tour in this national historic site if you are looking for more of a thrill and an interesting perspective on the city’s history.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Another Centennial Park attraction is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. You can admire some of the artifacts and papers of Martin Luther King Jr. Multiple exhibits tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement and how it has shaped America today. The Center is also focused on empowering people to support human rights all over the world.

This facility was built in 2014 and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see how history connects with the present relative to human rights.

College Football Hall of Fame

Perhaps you are a fan of sports history and want to engage with a different kind of museum. Look no further than the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The Hall commemorates legendary players and coaches that have made their names at the highest level of amateur football in the country. These All-Americans can be discovered through various interactive exhibits in a state-of-the-art facility.

Some of these names have even gone on to play for the local NFL team, the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Other Unique Spots in Georgia

Some things to do in Georgia fall outside of the categories above but are absolutely worth mentioning. Here are a couple of other traveler hotspots throughout the state that can make your vacation, business trip, or road trip one to remember.

St. Simons Island

The largest of the Golden Isles barrier islands is St. Simons Island. This location combines history, landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures into one for the perfect getaway. Check out the St. Simons Island Lighthouse which was originally destroyed by Confederate forces that wanted to prevent it from being used by the Union for signaling, and rebuilt in 1872. Explore the sandy beaches and observe many species of birds. Plan your own boat tours by kayaking or canoeing around and through the island. Explore the many trails by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. Learn about island history at one of the multiple museums.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy St. Simons Island, so make sure you include this locale on your itinerary.

Warm Springs

This small town located an hour south of Atlanta is also worth a visit if you have the time. A perfect spot to experience southern charm at its finest, this town was named after the naturally heated waters that were made famous by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This Victorian-era town can tell the story of this former president while wowing you with beautiful rolling hills that surround the town and plenty of delicious eats.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

This award-winning vineyard, and Georgia’s premier winery, will make any wine enthusiast very happy. A beautiful backdrop in the North Georgia Mountains makes Wolf Mountain a truly incredible experience to include on your Georgia vacation. Take a tour of the vineyard, enjoy wine tasting, and take in the beautiful views of the countryside.

It might be one of the most relaxing things to do in Georgia.

Appalachian Trail

Avid adventurers often tackle the various spots along the Appalachian Trail, which runs for 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia. The final length of the trail in Georgia extends for roughly 78 miles and is often considered one of the more difficult stretches. If you love the idea of backpacking, then maybe this adventure would be perfect for you. If you just want to hike a section of the rail, you can probably find some free parking spots that will allow you to go a few miles out and then come back for a day hike.

You could even hike right up to the border with South Carolina if you wish.

Endless Activities

As mentioned before, there are so many things to do in Georgia that every type of personality can find something to enjoy. Do you love miniature golf with the family? Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Duluth, GA will thrill the kids. Do you want an exciting sporting event to take in to express your fandom? Get tickets to an Atlanta Hawks NBA game at State Farm Arena. Bike the trails of various state and national parks, or go swimming in the Atlantic off of the barrier islands, check out a national historic site in Savannah.

The list of things to do in Georgia is long, so take advantage of your trip and make memories.

It’s Time to Plan Your Georgia Journey

Whether you are heading to the Peach State for business or for leisure, you will find plenty to enjoy in this beautiful southern state. The famous World of Coca-Cola offers a truly unique experience where you can learn about the history of this iconic beverage. the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium will blow your mind with their sheer size. The history of Civil Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. are prominent throughout the state, and you can learn more about this fascinating era in multiple locations. Places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Rock City can display the wonders of the natural world during your stay.

There are so many other things to do in Georgia that were not included on this list. For example, you could head to southwest Georgia to find the Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area for more views of various flora and fauna. Plenty of amusement parks can be found throughout the state to keep the kids busy for a day, such as Wild Adventures in Lowndes County. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah is an architectural marvel that you do not have to be religious to admire.

Now that you know a little more about the state of Georgia and everything that it has to offer, it is time to create memories with a trip to this unique area of the United States.

Use This Guide as a Roadmap

Planning a trip to a new place with so many possible attractions to explore can be difficult. Of all the things to do in Georgia, how do you narrow it down to a few priorities? You know yourself better than anyone, so make sure that you choose a few highly desirable attractions to prioritize. The last thing you want to do is try to hit as many locations as possible in a short time span. This may leave you feeling even more drained at the end of the trip.

Instead, list out your top choices for things to do in Georgia. Choose a couple and then build your itinerary around those attractions. Leave some room to improvise in case you find other places that you want to visit or activities that would be fun to do. If you over-schedule your trip, it will be hard to enjoy the experience. Give yourself time each day to rest and relax after a fun day of sightseeing and adventure.

Whether you are coming into town for a business trip, traveling the world and looking for a state to explore, or simply learning more about the state that you live in full-time, take advantage of all the things to do in Georgia during your trip, and create memories that will last a lifetime.