Georgia's Urban Journeys
Explore world-famous attractions, historic neighborhoods and trip-worthy dining in dynamic cities from Atlanta to Macon and Savannah.
Georgia’s cities make way for visitors to experience different cultures, savor excellent cuisine, dive into regional history, and visit top attractions, arts venues and world-class festivals. Atlanta, Macon and Savannah honor the old and usher in the new, marrying Southern hospitality and charm with modern amenities. Boutique hotels housed in renovated historical buildings and chef-driven restaurants breaking Southern food norms are just two examples. And “urban” doesn’t mean they’re all asphalt and glass: Each metro area boasts easy access to green spaces, breathtaking river sports, pastoral paths for cyclists and much more.
Atlanta
The South’s capital is a progressive melting pot, which is evident in its robust culture, trendy restaurants and neighborhoods with their own distinct personalities. Just drive down Peachtree Road, one of the city’s major veins, to find everything from falafel and bulgogi to authentic Neapolitan pizza, and chicken and waffles. Take a world-tasting tour under one roof at innovative food halls, including The Municipal Market, Chattahoochee Food Works and Ponce City Market.
Family attractions cater to many interests: Learn about the Civil Rights Movement at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, stroll through magical displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, try hands-on creative activities at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or go on a nature quest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Atlanta is made up of a grouping of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and strong sense of community. Get to know a couple: Grant Park boasts Zoo Atlanta (and its beloved giant panda cubs) along with too-pretty-not-to-Insta Victorian-era houses. Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place of Margaret Mitchell, Maynard Jackson and Bobby Jones, and is also home to blooming gardens, magnolia trees and themed tours like Black Magnolias — which explores the lives of Atlanta’s African American women.
Inman Park’s treelined streets, cobblestone lanes and lush front-yard gardens make you want to slow down and breathe in the fresh air. Sit awhile at the many sidewalk cafes, before popping into chic boutiques or sipping a creative cocktail, especially along Highland Avenue, or strolling the Freedom Park Trail.
As you roam the city, keep an eye out for more than 1,000 vivid street murals — and maybe even some Tiny Doors — created by local and international artists.
Eat
Taste an eclectic mix of cuisines at Colony Square’s elegant Politan Row food hall, complete with a hidden cocktail lounge and curated tasting experience that raises the bar of communal dining — think ponzu tuna bowls, chutney-topped pizzas and oxtail street tacos.
Follow that with chef Deborah VanTrece’s globally inspired fusion soul food at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours — a consistent standout on Atlanta’s robust foodie scene. Try the flash-fried chicken wings with coconut gravy, sweet-tea baby-back ribs and peach-cobbler parfait to satisfy chic comfort-food cravings.
Sleep
Soak in some of the best panoramic views of downtown Atlanta from the observatory level of the 73-floor Westin Peachtree Plaza. The modern hotel is an excellent hub for visiting most of the city’s attractions.
The elegant Georgian Terrace hotel evokes a Southern interpretation of Parisian architecture and luxurious accommodations. Just steps away from the Fox Theatre, it’s central to Atlanta’s performing arts scene.
Do
Stroll around Centennial Olympic Park, an attraction unto itself. A legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, today the park is host to playgrounds, gardens, picnic spots and The Fountain of Rings, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Within walking distance of the park, there are several attractions: Travel 20 stories up to take in the city from a private gondola on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. Get nose to nose with a Beluga whale or bottlenose dolphin, and witness frolicking sea lions and African penguins at Georgia Aquarium. Sip beverages from around the world, guess the ingredients by their scents and see the hypnotic bottling process at World of Coca-Cola. Participate in a lunch-counter sit-in simulation at The National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
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Macon
Venture beyond downtown Macon to discover 150 historical buildings, including Hotel Forty Five — a revamped Art Deco high rise sporting modern comforts with a retro twist. Macon shines a light on its rich African American, Native American and music histories: At the Tubman African American Museum, learn how Black Americans helped shape modern-day Macon, including influencing the music scene. A rhythmic saunter with Rock Candy Tours and exhibits at the Museum at Capricorn Records and The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House (the former home of the band) round out your music history lesson. Explore the museum at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (on tap to become Georgia’s newest national park), then marvel at Native American mounds built in 900 AD.
Savannah
Moss-laden live oaks cover Savannah’s walkable squares and parks, while design-driven boutique hotels breathe fresh life into historical buildings. This globally inspired city is filled with annual festivals celebrating Black heritage, film, jazz, seafood and more. Harmoniously blending the traditional and contemporary, Savannah’s cup runneth over with award-winning restaurants. Taste the flavors of the city for yourself at trendy new eateries like Common Thread and Ardsley Station. Explore even more dining options — ranging from authentic lowcountry boils to duck mole — at Plant Riverside District, where you’ll also find an array of boutique shops, art galleries and events like Sunday Gospel Brunch, Movies in the Park, live music and comedy shows.
Did you enjoy this feature from the 2023 Official State Travel Guide? Order your copy for more Georgia travel inspiration!
