Georgia is full of wonderful things to do and wonderful places to see for the weekend. Be it the active street life of Atlanta city or the calmness of the Mountain regions in North Georgia, there is something for everyone. If you love adventurous beauty or historical places or, perhaps, you just want to have a good time relaxing in a quiet place, a weekend in Georgia will be something you will never forget. Here are the top 13 weekend getaways in GA.
Best Weekend Getaways in GA
1. Savannah
Popular for its beautiful walkways, gardens, and total houses, Savannah is the simplest place to go if you need the touch of the southern part of the United States. Authentic local landmarks include Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to discover history. Take a walk along the riverside at River Street with shops, and galleries or go for a ghost and graveyard tour at night. Various squares located in the city differ in their style and statues; they provide an opportunity to find a quiet area in this seaside complex.
2. Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the most populated cities that offers both cultural and adventure-based tourist activities. Take a trip to the Georgia Aquarium, general to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site, or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, or head to the World of Coca-Cola and get more acquainted with this world-famous soft drink. Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the famous tourist attractions that has beautiful plant collections and specific seasonal events. For natural sights, you can go for a short trek up Stone Mountain or walk around Piedmont Park.
3. Helen
A trip to Helen is as if one has been transported to a German-style town. This town is located in North Georgia and has become highly popular mainly for its shops. Tubing on the Chattahoochee River is allowed or you can go for nature lovers to Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park. It is an ideal weekend destination because of the combination of cultural celebrations and outdoor recreational facilities; I was intrigued by the cultural trappings of the Helen festival when I first saw the calendar of events last year.
4. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a beautiful town in North Georgia that is surrounded by mountains which make it a perfect place for outdoor lovers. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway also provides a scenic railway tour throughout the landscape of mountains and valleys of Blue Ridge Georgia while Lake Blue deals in boating, fishing, and swimming. Outsiders can go for a hike and undertake the Appalachia trial or go for the Chattahoochee National Forest Trails.
5. Jekyll Island
The state of Georgia is famous for its Golden Isles and one of them is Jekyll Island with sandy beaches, historical sites, and fauna. Ride bikes around the island and check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Centre; take a walk in the historic district with fabulous cottages built in the Gilded Age. Driftwood Beach with the twisted trees that feel like out of a fairy tale is a perfect spot for photo makers or just people who appreciate the beauty of nature.
Read More: Romantic Getaways in North Georgia
6. St. Simons Island
The last of the Golden Isles, the sceneries of St. Simons Island are more relaxed but still provide a range of fun activities. There is the St Simmons Island Lighthouse museum which can be visited to learn about the maritime history of the island and guided kayaking through the southern coastal marshes. The beaches of the island are good for sunbathing and swimming arcade as the village where shopping and eating places are available. The history lovers have a chance to visit Fort Frederica National Monument.
Book Hotels in St. Simons Island
7. Dahlonega
Pan for gold at the Dahlonega Gold Museum or enjoy the Georgia Wine trail for wine connoisseurs and Wine lovers in Georgia. Bordered by the Amicalola Falls State Park which holds one of the highest waterfalls in the South Eastern region of the United States; the park also has a trail that offers an excellent view of the waterfalls and the mountains. The countryside town’s romantic downtown with a historical square fully equipped with local stores contributes to the attractiveness of Dahlonega.
8. Augusta
It is an American city with cultural activities and is home to The Masters golf tournament. Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is a great place for kayaking, biking, or walking along a towpath that is lined side. You should go to the Morris Museum of Art to view artworks of the south or take a tour of the Augusta Downtown Historic District homes. The Riverwalk the Savannah River is an asset of this city and is perfect for a nice walk or a picnic.
9. Athens
Located in the beautiful state of Georgia, Athens is a college town that is famous for the University of Georgia and its rich music culture. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is an escape from the hustle and bustle of life with a plant and walking collection. Athens’ downtown is full of unique specialty stores and local cuisine restaurants that spice up the modern high-caliber nightclubs, and cafes exhibiting local talent, making the city ideal for a weekend break.
10. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is another beautiful beach destination that is just a few minute’s drive from Savannah. Sunbathe on the enormous sandy beaches of the island or climb to the top of Tybee Island Light Station. Visit Tybee Island Marine Science Center to learn about the natural structure of the island or join a kayaking tour through tidal creeks and marshes. The atmosphere is laid back and there are beautiful sceneries worth appreciating. Hence, making the island the best place for a weekend full of seas and sand.
11. Macon
Macon is a historic city where one can easily plan a vacation with lots of things to do in it. Preserving the Native American history is the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park; explore the opulent antebellum house known as Hay House. As for the outdoor adventures, it is suggested to visit the Amerson River Park where tracks for hiking, opportunities to rent a kayak, as well as the view of the Ocmulgee River.
Read More: Romantic Getaways In GA
12. Cumberland Island
Cumberland is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island which makes it a historical and naturally beautiful island. It is a rather small but beautiful island reachable by ferry and famous for its beaches, wild horses, and ruins. One can wander in the Dungeness Ruins- the remains of once a palatial habitation or take a trek in the maritime forests and the sandy coasts. The pristine tropical environment and seclusion must also be a major factor when choosing this island since people go on holidays and vacations to look for peace and tranquillity.
Wrapping Up
A weekend in Georgia is something that can hardly be compared; it combines everything that the modern person needs – entertainment, historical landmarks, and rest. With compressed and bright city life to the majestic beauty of Georgia, visitors will always have something memorable.
