Georgia is often overlooked in the travel industry. Situated in southeast portion of the United States, Georgia is a state filled with southern hospitality, plenty of natural beauty, and dozens of historical sites. A trip to the "Peach State" will leave you inspired and likely looking forward to a return trip.
Things to Do in Georgia
Georgia offers something for everyone regardless of age or race. The state is especially ripe with family-friendly attractions including:
- Appalachian Trail: The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest above-sea mountains in the world. The low sweeping hills are covered in trees, flowers and other natural wonders.
- Blueridge Mountains: Northeast Georgia offers some of the finest scenery anywhere in the world, as well as hiking, camping, horseback riding, or the favorite activity of the locals, the fine art of nothing.
- Atlanta Braves: It's hard to resist the crack of a bat, and that brings many to Turner Field to watch the Atlanta Braves play baseball against their National League adversaries. If the dog days of summer are past, take in some football or basketball with the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks.
- Stone Mountain Park: If the adventure at the Appalachian Trial and the Blueridge Mountains isn't enough, visit Stone Mountain Park. It includes camping and lodging facilities, and also features the country's largest adventure course and the largest piece of exposed granite.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park: Once the most-visited natural site in the southeast, Tallulah Gorge is a mighty rift in the ground just off US Hwy 441. Numerous camping and hiking opportunities are located here. The most popular leads to awesome views of Angel Falls.
Major Tourist Attractions
Georgia attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. Most of them spend at least some time at the following attractions:
- Okefenokee Swamp: Covering over 700 square miles, the Okefenokee swamp is the largest in North America. Take eco-tours and see the thriving swamp life at this wonder of the natural world.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Included at this historical site is a chance to walk down "Freedom Road." Relive the civil rights leader's dream by taking a tour of his birth home, followed by a visit to the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he gave his first sermon.
- Centennial Olympic Park: The site was originally built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and includes the Fountain of Rings water fountain and an ice skating rink. A very special part of the park features a memorial quilt constructed in remembrance of the victims of the Olympic bombing.
- World of Coca-Cola: The aim of the World of Coca-Cola is the entertain, inspire, and educate. The soft drink museum features a history of Coke, a lesson on the bottling process, and samples of the popular soda.
- Georgia Aquarium: Boasting eight million gallons of fresh and saltwater habitats, the aquarium is home to tens of thoudsands of indigenous and sea life. Exhibits include Dolphin Tales, Tropical Diver, and Ocean Voyager.
- Jekyll Island: Georgia's jewel on the coast, Jekyll Island offers white sandy beaches and a world of sunshine to its visitors.
Georgia Travel Regions
Most people consider Atlanta as the only place worth visiting in Georgia. However, there are plenty of other popular tourist regions in the state, such as:
- Savannah: Georgia's oldest city offers plenty of southern charm to its visitors.
- Athens: Home to the University of Georgia, Athens combines the best of big-city life and southern charm. Major events, concerts, conventions and other activities take place here.
- Helen: While it might not be as famous as the other big cities in Georgia, Helen is a hot spot for history buffs as it was the site of a gold rush, and features the Anna Ruby Falls Trail.
Georgia on My Mind
With a state song such as Georgia on My Mind, it's obvious Georgia travel leaves quite an impression on visitors and residents alike, Whether you want a taste of southern life or you are looking to become one with nature, Georgia has what you are looking for. Just remember that the southern state is also home to scorching hot temperatures in the summer, so if you don't like the heat, then visit during the fall and winter months.
