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10 Things You Can Do in Georgia
by Jordan McDowell Content StrategistIf you’re searching for year-round sun and Southern charm, look no further than Georgia.
The Peach State is ripe with opportunities for adventure. So pack your best and comfiest outdoor attire and head on down to Georgia for an unforgettable stay. You’ll discover a unique culture that’s bursting with Southern flair. We’ve rounded up our top 10 picks for the best things to do when you visit Georgia.
Explore Nature at Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon State Park tops our list with activities for the whole family. It’s no wonder it’s one of Georgia’s top attractions. Even the phone addicts in your group will stop scrolling once they get a load of what Cloudland has to offer!
Horseback riding, overnight camping, hiking, creeks, wildlife, and fishing are just some of the activities on offer at this scenic state park. An electric bike will help you conquer the stiff slopes as you explore the terrain. But first make sure to read up on electric bike laws in Georgia, as they vary from state to state.
Don’t forget to catch one of Cloudland’s famous waterfalls. Or play a leisurely round on the golf course. You may even catch sight of a blushing bride, as the park is known to host weddings.
Take a Hike at Providence Canyon
Not far outside of Atlanta, Georgia’s own “Little Grand Canyon” looks like a true marvel of Mother Nature. In this case, looks can be deceiving. This sunset-colored beauty was actually the happy accident of faulty farming.
In the early 1800s, befuddled settlers overplowed the land, leaving dips in the soil that eroded over time. Eventually, the landscape collapsed into a full-blown canyon complete with perfectly formed ravines and incredible views.
Today, Providence Canyon is known as one of Georgia’s Seven Wonders and one of the state’s most unique hiking experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts will find over ten miles of trails winding through the vibrant landscape. Take in the sights (and maybe a selfie or two) as you pass over streaming brooks, unique flora, and diverse wildlife.
Paddle the Okefenokee Swamp
There’s nothing more Southern than a swamp, and this one stretches over 700 miles long. Besides having the best name ever (try saying it out loud: Oh-kee-fan-oh-kee), this protected wetland is also a great place to visit. Keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that hang out along its marshy shores. Alligators, turtles, snakes, herons, woodpeckers, and Florida black bears are common sightings here.
Don’t forget to bring your kayak because Okefenokee has over 40,000 acres of swampland and cypress forests to explore. Canoes are also available for year-round rental. Consider adding something like a GoPro camera chin mount to document your experience.
Ride a Cable Car up Stone Mountain
At first glance, it may just look like a big ol’ dome, but Stone Mountain is much more than that. This giant grey behemoth is made of solid quartz monzonite and stands 1,686 feet above sea level. Georgia’s most-visited attraction sees over four million annual visitors who flock here for the breathtaking views, seasonal festivals, and diverse activities.
A forty-five-minute hike will take you to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of downtown Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains. If you’re feeling lazy, hop on the swiss-style cable cars and ride your way up. You’ll also find golf courses, fishing, cable cars, and picnic areas along the mountain base.
Looking for a laser light show? Well, Stone Mountain has that too. This quirky event has taken place since the 1980s and is still going strong today. The bright neon lights against the stark mountainous backdrop is a view you won’t soon forget.
Day Trip to Cumberland Island
Arriving at Cumberland Island feels like falling into a fairytale. Accessible only by ferry (no cars allowed!), the island offers an 18-mile stretch of pure, savage beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses — over 100 of them roam freely across the rugged terrain.
Once you arrive, head down to the national seashore to take in the untouched white sands. Or, take a guided tour to learn about Cumberland’s long and tumultuous history. You’ll pass by old plantations and the eerie ruins of the Carnegie family’s Dungeness mansion. You can even visit the tiny Baptist church where John F. Kennedy Jr. was married.
Daytrippers to Cumberland have one of two options: book a 6-hour van tour, or go it alone on foot. If you want to stay here for the night (or forever - we wouldn’t blame you!), make sure to plan ahead. The Greyfield Inn is the only place you can stay on the island. Camping is also permitted, but spots book up well in advance.
Follow the Stars in Atlanta
If you’re sick of mother nature, why not immerse yourself in some good old movie magic? You may be surprised to learn that Georgia is a favorite filming location for Hollywood film studios. Forrest Gump, Black Panther, and My Cousin Vinny were all filmed here. Atlanta also plays host to popular television series like The Walking Dead and Vampire Diaries.
Entertainment lovers will find plenty of ways to relive their favorite scenes when they visit the Peach State. Tours in Atlanta stop by iconic locations for productions like Stranger Things and the Hunger Games. In Savannah, savvy guides will take you to famous sites from Forrest Gump and In the Garden of Good and Evil.
Take a Leisurely Stroll in the Park
The parks of Savannah are an iconic Georgian landmark and the epitome of Southern beauty. If you’re in the area, visiting them is an absolute must. If you’re short on time, Forsyth Park is the one you shouldn’t skip. Take in the idyllic Spanish Moss-lined walkways and stunning Parisian-style fountains as you stroll through its lush walkways. Bonaventure Cemetery is another impossibly picturesque attraction. You’ll be surprised at the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere felt within its gates. During the daytime, that is — Bonaventure is rumored to be haunted by night!
Get Spooked in Savannah
Speaking of haunted — if you’re into things that go bump in the night, Savannah is the place to be. It’s known as one of the most haunted cities in America.
Ghost-lovers from across the country come for the paranormal chills and stay for the rolling thrills in this vibrant city. After all, even the undead in Savannah is dripping in Southern charm. Savannah offers a number of tours that stop in the city's most famous haunted locations, including cemeteries, haunted squares, antebellum homes, and even ghostly pubs.
Sample the Local Flavor
Doesn’t food just taste better right at the source? Georgia has some of the best around, with over 40 varieties of peaches growing in its rich soils. Though it’s known as the Peach State, peanuts, pecans, and Vidalia onions are also produced here. Make sure to stock up on these tasty delicacies when you visit Georgia. Or try them in a homemade pie (you may want to skip the onions!).
If your sweet tooth is still kicking, head down to Atlanta to visit the World of Coca Cola museum — it was invented here in 1886. The family-friendly experience features historical exhibits, memorabilia, an interactive scent experience, and even a 3-D movie theater.
Get a Tan on the Golden Isles
Well, it’s not quite the Caribbean coast, but the pristine beaches and mild weather of Georgia’s Golden Isles will easily satisfy your island craving. Located just south of Savannah, the Golden Isles are composed of 4 main islands, each with their own unique character.
St. Simons Island - The largest of the Isles with a population of roughly 12,000, St. Simons is a popular tourist destination known for its historic attractions, nightlife, and upscale golf courses. Take in a piece of history by visiting Bloody Marsh and Fort Frederica - both important battleground sites during the British and Spanish war.
Jekyll Island - Jekyll Island is famous for its beautiful driftwood beaches. It features over 10 miles of sandy shoreline, 20 miles of bike trails, and a number of small local shops and restaurants. There’s lots of family-friendly fun to be had here, including horseback riding, dolphin tours, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Sea Island and Little St. Simons Island- Both Sea Island and Little St. Simons Island are privately owned and closed to the public. You can still visit, though, if you’re willing to cough up the cash. Sea Island houses a 5-star Luxury resort for overnight vacationers with money to spare. Little St. Simons also offers private lodging for those seeking solitude. Only 32 people can stay at a time!
Georgia may be known for its slow lifestyle, but with so many things to see and do you’ll be scrambling to fit it all in. Luckily, Georgians are known for their hospitality. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to visit again and again.
Images (Order of appearance):
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Providence_Canyon_from_rim.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cloudland_Canyon_State_Park_(8648811184).jpg
https://pixabay.com/photos/savannah-graveyard-cemetery-5280178/
https://pixabay.com/photos/atlanta-georgia-coca-cola-world-1641396/
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About Jordan McDowell 
Content Strategist
10 connections, 0 recommendations, 61 honor points.Joined APSense since, May 18th, 2021, From Los Angeles, United States.
Created on May 24th 2021 10:55. Viewed 455 times.
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