Georgia

Watching the sunrise from Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island

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Evening view of a docked riverboat in downtown Savannah

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Boardwalk access to a secluded beach in the Golden Isles

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Observing a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

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View of the downtown Atlanta skyline

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Seafood and drinks on the waterfront in the Golden Isles

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Catching the band Umphrey's McGee perform at The Classic Center in Athens

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Golfing in the RSM Classic PGA Tour event on St. Simons Island

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Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, a prehistoric Native American site in Macon

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The quaint Main Street of small-town Plains, birthplace of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter

Explore Georgia

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Major Airports:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV)
Nickname:

Peach State

Discover surprising adventures and rich culture, from mountains to shore to cities

It may be home to the world’s busiest airport (Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson), but the Southeastern U.S. state of Georgia is so much more than an international travel hub. You’ll want to stop and explore this destination full of surprising experiences. Discover the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, see literary landmarks along the Gone With the Wind Trail from Jonesboro to Marietta, stroll one of the largest historic districts in the charming city of Savannah, and delight at the wild horses roaming the pristine beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore. And if you’re happiest outdoors, you can plan a whole vacation’s worth of adventures at Georgia’s 47 state parks.

Official Georgia Tourism Commercial

Delve Into Georgia History

From Native American inhabitants to the 13 colonies to the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia has many stories to share. Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, New Etocha State Historic Site and Kolomoki Mounds State Park preserve some of the state’s most important native tribal sites. Savannah, the oldest city in the state, has one of the largest historic districts in the USA. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see centuries-old landmarks, stunning architecture and the city’s famous squares. If you’re interested in war history, check out the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in Oglethorpe, National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, or the family-friendly Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins (30 minutes south of Macon). In Atlanta, explore Civil Rights history along the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail, a collection of must-see museums, churches, homes and other important landmarks to the leader’s legacy.

Trails to Remember

Leave room in your itinerary to explore Georgia’s plentiful hiking trails, many of which include unique natural and historical features. In the northern region of the state, discover Civil War sites at Sope Creek Trail and Historic Banning Mills. In central Georgia, explore 64 kilometers of trails at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Warm Springs or marvel at ancient Indian mounds at Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in Macon. Coastal Georgia is full of treasures including Skidaway Island State Park, where a 4.8-kilometer path meanders through Civil War ruins and circa-1930s moonshine stills. On Jekyll Island, pose for beautiful photos on the island’s famous driftwood beaches and hike the unique Wanderer Memorial Trail, commemorating the survivors of the Wanderer, one of the last-known slave ships to travel to the USA.

State of Entertainment

Pop culture fans, great news: Georgia has served as the backdrop for countless movie and hit TV shows. Visit Neegan’s Sanctuary, Alexandria, the Hilltop and other familiar settings of “The Walking Dead” on an official studio tour in Senoia. Savannah’s historic avenues and homes have set the scene for major films including “Forrest Gump,” “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and “Something to Talk About.” Take a Segway tour for a unique experience. Marvel fans will recognize film locations from “Black Panther,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Avengers: Infinity War” in Atlanta, often dubbed the Hollywood of the South. Other noteworthy destinations include “The Vampire Diaries” sites in Mystic Falls, idyllic Juliette for “Fried Green Tomatoes” fans, “Hunger Games” sites in beautiful Dahlonega and the Chattooga River, where “Deliverance” was filmed (plan ahead to book a paddling tour).

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Contact the Travel Trade Team

We inspire tourists to visit and work with the travel industry to promote this destination worldwide.

For general inquiries and travel information:

Send email

Phone:

404.962.4084

Web:

http://www.exploregeorgia.org/travel-professionals/

Fun Fact

Coca-Cola was invented in Georgia; a tour of its headquarters in Atlanta is a popular visitor experience.

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

Kayaking on the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia

North America’s largest blackwater swamp is the Okefenokee in South Georgia.

Photo: Explore Georgia

Must see places

Providence Canyon State Park

With dramatic cliffs and deep gulleys, rainbow-hued soil and lush forests, Providence Canyon in southwest Georgia rightfully earned its nickname, the Little Grand Canyon. Ironically, this striking natural beauty was caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. Enjoy hiking, camping, astronomy programs and outstanding photography opportunities.

Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau

Radium Springs Gardens

Georgia’s largest natural spring pumps 265,000 liters of refreshing, 20-degree Celsius water per minute, earning its place among the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. This scenic park outside Albany was once home to a casino and resort. Today, it’s perfect for a stroll or a picnic.

Explore Georgia

Warm Springs

This bucolic destination was made famous by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s search for a polio cure in its soothing natural hot springs. Visit FDR’s Little White House, browse downtown boutique and savor traditional Southern fried chicken and homemade biscuits at the Bulloch House. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike more than 60 kilometers of trails at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, the largest in Georgia.

Explore Georgia

Tallulah Gorge State Park

In 1970, daredevil Karl Wallenda walked a tightrope across the Tallulah Gorge, a 304-meter-deep, 3.2-kilometer-long gorge carved out by the Tallulah River. (Tip: You can still see the towers that held his tightrope.) Pick up a free permit that allows you to hike to the gorge floor, where a suspension bridge crosses the rushing river.

Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Experience the mystery and beauty of the largest blackwater swamp in North America, the 163,000-hectare Okefenokee Swamp. Established in 1936 to protect migrating birds and wildlife, this refuge offers fishing, paddling, camping and fantastic views from boardwalks and observation towers.

Explore Georgia

Amicalola Falls

Northern Georgia is home to the USA’s third-highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, the 222-meter Amicalola Falls. The waterfall is easily accessed, inviting picnickers and hikers alike to relax and listen the soothing sounds. The adjacent state park and lodge of the same name offer outdoor activities and overnight stays. This natural escape is just 1.5 hours north of Atlanta.

Georgia Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta offers an up close look at thousands of unique aquatic species including penguins, dolphins, sharks, otters, fish and reptiles. In addition to shows and animal demonstrations, the aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters and swim-and-dive experiences.

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Located in rural central Georgia, the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is home to the 39th president's boyhood farm, high school and presidential campaign headquarters (housed in a historic train depot). Walk the tranquil butterfly trail established by his wife, Rosalynn Carter.

Rapids on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Georgia

Columbus Whitewater Course

Whitewater rafting in the heart of a city? It’s true. In Columbus, located on Georgia’s western border, you can enjoy the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world. This man-made whitewater on the Chattahoochee River boasts a four-kilometer stretch of Class II-V rapids, which you can experience on a guided paddling adventure.

Cumberland Island

Board a ferry in St. Marys to Cumberland Island, an undeveloped barrier island off the southern Georgia coast. Explore hiking trails, go boating, visit the historic Dungeness Mansion ruins, or just relax on the sand. Island camping is available and on clear nights, the stargazing is absolutely stunning.