Attractions & Entertainment

Georgia’s most popular attractions range from world-famous landmarks in Atlanta to scenic natural wonders across the state. Visitors can marvel at marine life at the Georgia Aquarium and sip their way through the exhibits at the World of Coca-Cola. Savannah’s Historic District continues to draw travelers looking to stroll beneath moss-draped oaks, explore historic homes, and dine along River Street — one of the most beloved destinations in the entire Southeast. The smaller towns of Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Bavarian-inspired Helen in the North Georgia mountains are popular for unique attractions and beautiful scenery.  

Beyond the cities, Georgia offers unforgettable attractions from the mountains to the coast. Explore panoramic views at Rock City, take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, or discover wildlife at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island for an adventure that showcases the best of Georgia.

Families will find no shortage of kid adventures in Georgia, from interactive museums and wildlife encounters to exciting Georgia theme parks and outdoor activities for all ages. In Atlanta, favorites include the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, and LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta. Thrill-seekers won't want to miss Six Flags Over Georgia or cool off at Six Flags White Water during the summer months.

Just outside the city, Stone Mountain Park offers a little something for everyone — from the Summit Skyride and laser shows to hiking trails and seasonal events. Nature-loving families will love exploring the waterfalls and trails at Amicalola Falls State Park or rafting the rapids near Helen in the North Georgia mountains.

Beyond the mountains, families can paddle through the Okefenokee Swamp, spot sea turtles along Georgia's coast, or spend the day at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta. With pumpkin patches in the fall and holiday light shows in the winter, Georgia serves up family-friendly fun in every season.

Georgia is filled with romantic getaways for every type of couple. Stroll beneath the oak-lined squares of Savannah, sip wines in North Georgia, or settle into a cozy cabin in Blue Ridge, where the mountain scenery feels straight out of a romantic film. For a luxurious escape, Barnsley Resort in Adairsville offers English manor-style charm, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton pairs vineyard tours with spa experiences, and Sea Island delivers classic coastal elegance.

Outdoor-minded couples can kayak through the marshes of the Golden Isles, including romantic Jekyll Island, hike to sweeping overlooks at Tallulah Gorge State Park, or catch sunset views from Rock City. In Atlanta, date-night favorites include the Atlanta Botanical Garden, live performances at the Fox Theatre, and the restaurants, breweries, and public art along the Beltline.

From intimate clubs to iconic amphitheaters, the music and entertainment legacy of Athens, Macon, and Atlanta spans the entire state. Music fans can catch live performances at legendary Atlanta venues like the Fox Theatre, Tabernacle, and Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, while Athens favorites like the Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club continue the city's influential live music tradition. In Savannah, District Live at Plant Riverside District brings world-class performances to the Georgia coast.

Sports and large-scale entertainment events take center stage in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Truist Park, which host everything from Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta Braves games to major concerts, comedy tours, and championship events throughout the year. Sports fans can also explore The Battery Atlanta, an energetic entertainment district surrounding Truist Park packed with restaurants, bars, and live entertainment on game days and beyond.

From adrenaline-filled adventures to scenic hikes and relaxing escapes on the water, Georgia's great outdoors have something for every type of explorer. Thrill-seekers can tackle the rapids on Georgia’s rivers with whitewater rafting, and soar high above the forest floor on zip lines and aerial obstacles like at TreeTop Adventure at Callaway Gardens and Historic Banning Mills

Hikers can chase waterfalls at Amicalola Falls State Park, explore the dramatic canyons at Tallulah Gorge State Park and Providence Canyon State Park, and summit Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, for sweeping panoramic views. Beyond the trails, ride the open rail cars of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, camp and stargaze in Georgia State Parks, and spot wildlife at the Colonial Coast Birding Trail — Georgia's outdoor adventures continue year-round.

For a slower-paced outdoor experience, visitors can cruise along Georgia's waterways on riverboat cruises and guided boat tours, cast a line at the state's many prime fishing spots, and tee off at world-class golf courses. In South Georgia, tours at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge offer a chance to paddle through the legendary blackwater swamp while spotting native wildlife. Along the coast, stroll the iconic shores of Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, or wander the secluded beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore for an unforgettable escape.

For arts and culture, Georgia is the place to be. From world-class museums and Broadway performances to colorful murals and small-town galleries, the state’s creative scene stretches from the mountains to the coast. In Atlanta, visitors can explore the High Museum of Art, catch a show at the historic Fox Theatre, or visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The city’s neighborhoods are also packed with public art, live music venues, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Savannah blends historic charm with a thriving arts scene thanks to its galleries, museums, and creative institutions like the SCAD Museum of Art. Beyond the major cities, Georgia’s cultural landscape continues with legendary live music venues in Athens, Macon attractions like the Grand Opera House, and folk art landmarks including Pasaquan in Buena Vista and Paradise Garden in Summerville. 

Georgia's cultural diversity runs just as deep. Along the coast, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor traces the rich cultural heritage of descendants of enslaved Africans through sites like Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island. And in Lilburn, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir —  the largest Hindu temple in the United States — welcomes visitors of all backgrounds for tours and ceremonies year-round.

Few states carry as rich and layered a history as Georgia, and that story comes to life at landmarks and museums across the state. In Atlanta, visitors can explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which preserves sites connected to Dr. King’s life and legacy. History lovers can also discover Southern history at the Atlanta History Center and tour the Georgia State Capitol for a closer look at the state’s political past and architecture. Art and pop culture attractions add even more to explore, including the High Museum of Art and the iconic World of Coca-Cola.

Beyond Atlanta, Georgia’s history and culture continue through museums and historic sites across the state. Savannah’s Historic District showcases beautifully preserved architecture, while the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville houses one of the country’s largest collections of Western art. Other notable attractions include the Little White House State Historic Site in Warm Springs, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt spent his final days, and the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, which honors more than 240 years of American military history.

Georgia's Indigenous and multicultural history is equally worth exploring. New Echota State Historic Site in Calhoun is the former capital of the Cherokee Nation, and the Tubman Museum in Macon is one of the largest museums in the Southeast dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. Along the coast, the Pin Point Heritage Museum near Savannah and Sapelo Island offer a deeper look at the history and resilience of Georgia's Gullah Geechee communities.

Georgia shopping destinations range from luxury boutiques and outlet malls to charming downtown districts filled with locally owned stores. In Atlanta, the metro area is packed with shopping hotspots, especially in Buckhead, where Buckhead Village District, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza offer upscale brands like Dior, Hermès, and Christian Louboutin. 

Destinations like Ponce City Market and Atlantic Station combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in one stop, while the Mall of Georgia in Buford — one of the largest malls in the Southeast — features more than 200 stores ranging from major retailers to specialty shops. Travelers looking for deals can also explore outlet malls in cities like Dawsonville and Woodstock.

Beyond the cities, Georgia’s small towns are packed with unique finds and delightful downtowns to explore. Thomasville, Athens, and Madison are known for their boutiques, craft shops, and antiques. Along the coast, Savannah favorites like Broughton Street, City Market, and Plant Riverside District offer galleries, specialty shops, and Georgia-made gifts. 

Travelers looking to recharge can discover luxury spas, mountain retreats, and wellness-focused resorts throughout Georgia. Along the coast, The Cloister at Sea Island offers oceanfront relaxation and upscale wellness experiences, while Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton pairs vineyard views, wine tastings, and European-inspired spa treatments for the perfect weekend escape. At The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, visitors can unwind with lakeside spa experiences, golf, and peaceful waterfront scenery.

For a slower pace, wellness seekers can retreat to the North Georgia mountains for weekends filled with hiking, yoga, and cozy cabin stays at Elohee. Coastal destinations on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island also offer relaxing escapes with bike trails, beach walks, and scenic views designed to help travelers fully unwind.

Spring is one of Georgia's most spectacular seasons, when mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and a packed festival calendar make it the perfect time to explore. Botanical gardens across the state put on their finest show, from the sweeping daffodil fields of Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground and the native wildflowers of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens to the stunning rose garden at Savannah Botanical Gardens.

Spring also means fresh flavors across the state. U-pick farms and orchards open their doors for strawberry season at spots like Southern Belle Farm in McDonough and Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley, while Dickey Farms in Musella — Georgia's oldest peach packinghouse — begins offering its beloved Clingstone peaches in May. Nature lovers can also chase some of Georgia's most dramatic waterfalls, including Amicalola Falls, swollen with spring rainfall and at their most spectacular during the season.

Festival season kicks into high gear each spring, with Macon's International Cherry Blossom Festival, the Savannah Music Festival, and the Vidalia Onion Festival drawing visitors statewide for live music, local food, and seasonal celebrations. Along the coast, Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Darien's Blessing of the Fleet round out a spring calendar packed with reasons to get outside and explore.

Across the state, there's no shortage of ways to cool off and get outside, making Georgia one of the most celebrated summer destinations in the South — with water parks, coastal escapes, and lake destinations waiting at every turn. Beat the heat at Six Flags White Water in Marietta, tube the Chattahoochee River near Helen, splash around at Summer Waves Water Park on Jekyll Island, or escape the heat entirely at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Along the coast, kayak around a historic lighthouse at Tybee Island,  photograph the iconic Driftwood Beach, or head inland to Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair for watersports, fishing, and cool morning breezes.

Thrill-seekers can soar through the treetops on ziplines at Banning Mills — home to the largest continuous zip line canopy tour in the world — or take the adventure to Blue Heron Zipline Adventure Park in Columbus. Farmers markets across the state are also in full swing during summer, offering fresh produce, local seafood, and Georgia-grown goods at spots like Dublin's Market on Madison, the Atlanta State Farmers Market, and the Cordele State Farmers Market, a major watermelon distribution hub for the Southeast. Summer is also peak peach season in the Peach State, and no visit is complete without biting into a fresh Georgia peach from a roadside stand or local spot like Pearson Farm. 

For a classic Georgia summer experience, celebrate the Fourth of July at the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, the world's largest 10K winding from Buckhead to Midtown and one of Atlanta's most beloved traditions. As the sun goes down, Georgia's drive-in theaters come alive, with spots like Swan Drive-In in Blue Ridge and the Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater in Trenton offering the perfect warm-weather night out. 

Fall is one of the best times to visit Georgia, when cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, and seasonal festivals bring the state to life. The North Georgia mountains are the star of the season — visitors flock to Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Helen to soak in the fall color along scenic drives and hiking trails. Helen also hosts one of the longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, drawing visitors each year for live music, authentic German food, and plenty of festive fun.

Apple picking, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals make for perfect fall day trips across the state. North Georgia orchards and farms open their doors each season for family-friendly fun, while Georgia State Parks offer some of the best fall foliage, camping, and stargazing in the Southeast. Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge State Park are especially stunning when the leaves turn.

As the nights grow longer, many of Georgia’s historic cities and towns lean into their haunted reputations with ghost tours, Halloween events, and spine-tingling walks through  historic squares and cemeteries. Savannah's moss-draped atmosphere feels tailor-made for the season, making it one of the most popular fall destinations in the South.

Winter in Georgia offers a little something for everyone, from festive holiday events and cozy mountain retreats to indoor attractions and cold-weather adventures. In North Georgia, the season is best experienced from the comfort of a cabin in Blue Ridge or Dahlonega, where crackling fireplaces, mountain views, and nearby wineries make for the perfect winter escape. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway also offers special holiday rides during the season, winding through the North Georgia mountains in festive style.

Holiday light shows and seasonal events light up the state each winter. Families can ice skate, tube down snow slopes, and take in dazzling displays at License to Chill Snow Island, while Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual holiday lights spectacular. From small-town Christmas festivals to large-scale productions, Georgia's holiday events calendar fills up fast.

When the temperatures drop, Georgia's indoor attractions offer a welcome retreat. Atlanta's World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and High Museum of Art are perennial favorites, while Savannah shines in winter with fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and a festive atmosphere throughout its historic squares.