8 Unforgettable Places You Can Experience Only in Georgia

1. Driftwood Beach: A Spectacular Island Escape

On the northern end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach presents a hauntingly beautiful scene, where ancient oaks and pine trees, weathered and gnarled, are natural monuments along the shoreline. Sculpted by wind and surf, this eerie yet elegant landscape offers a surreal setting for photography, contemplation, or connection with nature – and it’s the best part of the island for witnessing a colorful sunrise. Salt-bleached branches twist against the sky like something out of a dreamscape – perfect for an afternoon siesta in a hammock. To make the most of your visit, be sure to check the tide schedule. This special beach is only accessible at low tide.

2. Little White House: A Presidential Sanctuary

Drawn to Warm Springs for rest and relaxation, President Franklin D. Roosevelt found it so special that it became his annual retreat, now known as Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site. The town’s tranquil setting – along with soaking in the area’s warm natural springs – offered President Roosevelt relief from his debilitating polio. You can now tour the modest cottage where America’s 32nd president spent his final days. In the historic site’s museum, you can view his hand-controlled Ford convertible, a 1930s radio, and the famously unfinished portrait of FDR that captured a nation’s grief.

3. Providence Canyon: Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon

Known as the “Little Grand Canyon” in west Georgia, Providence Canyon State Park showcases a striking range of hues. With soil in shades of pink, red-orange, buff-yellow, and lavender, it’s a captivating spectacle caused by an unintended legacy of poor 19th-century farming practices and erosion. The unusual geological formations make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting and remain an unexpected marvel of the Deep South. Hiking trails along Providence Canyon’s rim offer panoramic vistas that are a testament to nature’s resilience. Watch for relics from 1950s America as you trek. You may spot what’s left of old cars abandoned at the park’s former homesteads, including a classic two-door Ford Fairlane.

4. Okefenokee Swamp: Where the Wild Things Are

Spanning more than 400,000 acres, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is North America’s largest blackwater swamp – and it’s one of the wildest places in the nation. It’s no surprise this wildlife-rich area is home to more than 10,000 alligators – keep watch and you may see one swimming or basking in the sun. Encounter rare birds like the red-cockaded woodpecker, or spot furry creatures like the river otter, black bear, or gray fox from a distance. Alive with floating islands and densely tangled forests, the Okefenokee – a Native American word meaning “trembling earth” – teems with lush flora, including carnivorous plants like pitchers and sundews. Explore its winding waterways by boat or kayak, or hike one of the boardwalk trails through ancient cypress trees to get a true sense of the ecosystem that defines this natural wonder. Then, camp at Stephen C. Foster State Park for the promise of glittering stars – it’s Georgia’s only certified International Dark Sky Park.

5. Helen: Alpine Charm in the Appalachians

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen transports you to a Bavarian village that celebrates all things German. With cobblestone streets, alpine architecture, and a festive atmosphere, this fairytale town blends Old World charm with Southern hospitality and outdoor recreation. Catch the longest-running Oktoberfest in the country, involving multiple weeks of traditional polka dancing, food, beer, and a lot of lederhosen. In summer, it’s also the perfect backdrop for zip lining through evergreen forests, tubing down the Chattahoochee River, and climbing the eight-story lookout tower at Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Castle, for rugged Blue Ridge views. Discovering Helen means you may forget for a moment you’re in Georgia at all.

6. Athens: A Haven for Indie Southern Music

Athens pulses with creativity, and as one of America’s first influential small-town music scenes, it’s celebrated as a trailblazer. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, the city helped define the new wave and alt-rock movements, launching international sensations like R.E.M. and The B-52s. That spirit endures, with iconic venues like the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre anchoring a scene where punk, folk, hip-hop, Americana, and experimental performers all thrive together. Outside of catching a concert, take a guided Athens Music History Walking Tour with a passionate expert – local music historian Paul Butchart – to gain insights into the city’s deep-rooted past.

Take a piece of Georgia home with you

Fuel your road trip – and memories – with a bag of locally roasted beans from one of Jittery Joe’s coffeehouses in and around Athens. Or, pick up a box of assorted truffles and bean-to-bar chocolate from Condor Chocolates. Thoughtfully crafted, these edible keepsakes bottle the spirit of Georgia – ready to bring a little Southern comfort wherever you roam.

7. Rock City: Enchanted Lookouts & Hideaways

Perched atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City lures explorers to the summit of its ancient rock formations and staggering cliffs. Ready to be awed? Stop on a clear day for unmatched views at the “See Seven States” panoramic overlook, 1,700 feet above sea level, and Lover’s Leap, a jutting rock formation that promises sweeping views all around. For whimsical gardens dotted with gnomes, emerald green moss, and funky fungi, wander down the Enchanted Trail. Cross the swinging suspension bridge and discover a 100-foot waterfall cascading into natural pools below. Should you stumble upon the Fairyland Caverns Path, expect winsome fairytale and nostalgic nursery rhyme scenes, which give way to a truly magical adventure.

8. Columbus: Whitewater Rafting & Zip Lining

Venture to Columbus for exhilarating adventures: raft the world’s longest urban whitewater course, soar across two state lines on a zip line, or navigate the Chattahoochee River via kayak. You’ll traverse rapids that range from chill to thrilling, then dry off and head downtown. Cycle or stroll the scenic Chattahoochee RiverWalk that hugs the banks of one of the most vital rivers in Georgia. Nearby the RiverWalk, dive into the expansive Banks Food Hall for a bounty of local vendors. Here, you can dig into build-your-own poke bowls, piled-high hot dogs, and crispy Filipino pork egg rolls – ideal fuel after a long day playing outside.