10 Weekend Getaways In Georgia That Make Perfect Road Trips
Georgia is a beautiful southeastern state in the United States and offers an exciting list of things to do. The state is known for its cultural heritage, including irresistible street foods. So, it is unsurprising that Georgia is dubbed the Empire State of the South. But there are several other things Georgia is known for.
Like every other state in the United States, Georgia boasts vibrant cities and charming small towns, racking up its allure as one of the best places to unwind on a weekend during spring or any other season. When planning a Georgia day trip, these destinations are so iconic that travelers won’t be able to resist taking a road trip.
10 Blue Ridge Mountains
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
One of the best places to visit in Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains is a segment of the world’s renowned yet somewhat risky Appalachian Mountains, but that’s just one reason it’s so popular.
Among the scenic attractions in the area, tourists can explore Mount Mitchell, which stands at an elevation of 2037 meters, making it the highest point in the Appalachian Mountain range.
Tourists who want to spend time with family can pick juicy apples at Mercier Orchards, ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, hike the Appalachian Trail, or take a sightseeing plane tour and enjoy aerial views of natural attractions.
- Highest Point: Mount Mitchell
- Mountain Range: The Appalachian Mountains
- Top Places to Stay: Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA, Blue Ridge Lodge & RV Park, and Cooper Creek Campground and Recreation Area.
- Things to Do: Hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and plane and train tours.
9 Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park Atlanta Georgia
Stone Mountain Park is an itinerary for every outdoor lover who wants to visit the best places in Georgia. This gorgeous park is a family-friendly vacation spot encompassing 3,200 acres of beautiful landscapes, towering peaks, and crystal-clear waters.
Stone Mountain is the park’s centerpiece and boasts an impressive height of 1,686 meters above sea level—an advantageous position that delivers the most picturesque views of nearby attractions.
Visitors who want the most authentic Stone Mountain experience will enjoy attending exciting annual festivals, including Summer at the Rock, Yellow Daisy Festival, and Stone Mountain Christmas.
- Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
- Entry: $20 per vehicle
- Camping: RV rental sites, safari tent sites, tent & pop-up sites, and yurt rental sites.
- Campground Amenities: Grills, fire rings, picnic tables, swimming pool, volleyball court, free Wi-Fi, and a dump station.
- Things to Do: Biking, canoeing, picnicking, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
8 Forsyth Park
Famous fountain in Forsyth Park in the Historic district of Savannah, Georgia, USA
When tourists only have a weekend to explore Georgia, Forsyth Park is a destination that always delivers. This 30-acre park has been a top tourist attraction since its installation in 1858.
Although Georgia boasts much newer parks, the serene Forsyth Park still pulls a great crowd of tourists as nature enthusiasts stop to admire Forsyth Fountain, which is reputed as the major draw of the park.
Tourists can take a stroll underneath the canopy of trees, soak up the sun in the playgrounds, and enjoy the jaw-dropping architecture of historical buildings on the outside perimeters of the park.
- Address: 10 Whitaker St., Savannah, GA 3140
- Entry: Free parking
- Nearby Campsites: Skidaway Island State Park, Camp Villa Marie, Sunshine RV Park.
- Things to Do: Jogging, walking, picnicking, hiking, people watching.
7 Georgia Aquarium
People Watching Big Fish at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia
Tourists who want to explore thousands of marine life in their natural habitat will enjoy embarking on a road trip to the Georgia Aquarium, as this destination is worth seeing at least once. This tourist hot spot remained the world’s largest aquarium for seven years after its founding in 2005.
Although it now takes fifth place on the list of the world’s largest aquariums, Georgia Aquarium is still the largest in the United States. Tourists can enjoy proximity to some of the world’s most intriguing sea creatures, watch them through floor-to-ceiling acrylic windows, and may even decide to pet dolphins and sea otters for an extra fee.
- Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Entry: $47.99
- Aquarium Size: 11+ million gallons
- Nearby Places to Stay: Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
6 Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah River running through Tallulah Gorge toward Tallulah Falls Lake in Georgia
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-see in Georgia. This stunning state park encompasses 2,689 acres of beautiful landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, and dramatic geological formations.
Tourists who spend a weekend at Tallulah Gorge State Park can choose from an exciting array of outdoor adventure options, from hiking the 2.25-mile Hurricane Falls Trail to strolling along the North and South Rim Trail, which provides scenic views of the park’s natural beauty.
Tourists don’t have to head out of the park and spend the night at a hotel, as the park offers well-equipped campgrounds catering to tent and RV campers.
- Address: 388 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 3057
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Camping: RV, rent, and trailer campsites.
- Things to Do: Tennis, picnicking, fishing, archery, bicycling, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Campground Amenities: Handicap access, picnic tables, shirts, swimming pools, tennis courts, a playground, and a dump station.
5 Toccoa Falls
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Seasoned tourists know to include Toccoa Falls when planning a road trip to Georgia. The beauty of this tourist destination can be spotted even from a distance, as the route to Toccoa Falls is dotted with stunning attractions such as Toccoa Falls Dam, Currahee Mountain, and the dazzling Toccoa Falls themselves.
The falls plunge 186 feet and are one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern corner of the United States. Spending a weekend at Toccoa Falls allows tourists to hike gorgeous trails and get immersed in the beauty of nature.
- Address: 325 Chapel Dr Campus of Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa, GA 30598-9600
- Entry: Free for children 6 and under; $2 for adults.
- Camping: Toccoa Valley Campground
4 Providence Canyon State Park
Providence Canyon in Southwest Georgia
Providence Canyon State Park is an unmissable spot that delivers an exhilarating break from the mundane. This stunning tourist attraction is dubbed Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, which is a fitting title, as it offers an unmissable tourist experience in southwestern Georgia.
Tourists who add Providence Canyon State Park to their George weekend bucket list will enjoy exploring the colorful canyon walls the park is known for.
The park also features several hiking trails, the most popular of which is the Canyon Loop Trail, which offers spectacular views of the park’s fascinating geological formations.
- Address: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Camping: 2 picnic shelters, 3 pioneer campsites, 6 backcountry campsites.
- Things to Do: Hiking, picnicking.
3 Amicalola State Park
Amicalola Falls, Georgia
Amicalola State Park has made a name for its breathtaking beauty, which makes it the perfect place for a weekend road trip to Georgia. This weekend getaway is so beautiful that tourists can’t resist taking gorgeous photos against the backdrop of stunning waterfalls and towering hills.
The park is named after the Amicalola waterfall, an iconic 729-foot natural gem renowned as the third highest to the east of the Mississippi River. After hiking the park’s trails, tourists can retreat to Amicalola Falls Lodge, where every room boasts a great view of natural beauty.
- Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Camping: 24 wooded campsites
2 Okefenokee Swamp
Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia
When tourists make their lists of the top places to visit in Georgia, a swamp is rarely given consideration. But it is one of the best places worth checking out, especially a swamp as enchanting as Okefenokee Swamp.
While Okefenokee Swamp may not be as popular as Georgia’s national parks and forests, explorers who have discovered this hidden gem in Georgia can’t get enough of its natural beauty.
Tourists can stroll across the wooden walkway leading to the gigantic observation tower and enjoy panoramic views of the swamp. And, when the skies darken, visitors can recline in designated campgrounds to watch the skies and get immense in the swamp’s nighttime beauty.
- Address: 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Road Waycross, Georgia 31593
- Entry: $5 per vehicle.
- Camping Fee: $15 per night
- Things to Do: Hiking, boat tour, kayaking.
1 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
People swimming in Chattahoochee River, Georgia
Whether tourists are nature enthusiasts or just want an Instagrammable weekend spot, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest never disappoints. The forest is known for its enchanting waterfalls, including Raven Cliff Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, and Ammons Creek Falls.
This massive forest spans 26 different counties and therefore boasts numerous lakes and clear-running streams, which can be spotted from its high peaks. While in the forest, tourists will get to see numerous wildlife species, including river otters, American black bears, and even foxes.
- Forest Size: 867,000 acres
- Camping: Cabin rentals, campgrounds, and RV camping.
- Things to Do: Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and horseback riding.
While these weekend getaways in Georgia might entice travelers to explore new destinations in the state, they might need to extend their road trip to see it all.
