The southern states of the U.S. are known for their kind hospitality, quaint Main Streets, and nostalgic charm. Georgia has lots of these places, and they’ll renew your heart and mind when you take a break from busy city life to explore them. Visitors’ favorite towns here have lots of local shops to explore, breathtaking natural areas that surround them, and fun festivals that invite you to experience life like a local. They also have deep historical roots, kitschy themes, and have even gained popularity through television and movies.
These are top Georgia towns that are beautiful, charming, and well worth visiting. Take a tour around the state and see which one is your favorite!
Savannah
Savannah is a famously beautiful town in Georgia that every traveler should make a point to visit at least once. Southern roots run deep here, and there are so many historical sites to see and learn about. But this is also a place for local artists, trendy boutiques, delicious food, classic cocktails, and ghost stories. There are many local tour operators that will take you around town to fill you in on all the hot spots and significant places. Or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to make this city even more romantic than it is on its own. Take a walk through the squares and parks to get some shade under the oak trees and Spanish moss. Top attractions are City Market, the Davenport House Museum, River Street, the Jepson Center Museum of Art, and Leopold’s Ice Cream. Foodies also love Savannah because of all the amazing culinary opportunities here. For a trip overnight, choose one of the top hotels or vacation rentals nearby.
Helen
By far, Helen is one of the most uniquely beautiful towns in Georgia. The entire town has a Bavarian theme that almost makes you feel like you stepped out of the American South and into a village in Germany. Even the chain restaurants and shops that you’re used to seeing in every small town have Bavarian architecture thanks to zoning laws that were introduced in the 1960s. This is a fun town to wander around and pop into shops to browse souvenirs and gift items. You can take a carriage ride around town and eat and drink at traditional German restaurants, many with outdoor seating. This area is also popular for river tubing, so you can watch the tubers while you design or join them for a refreshing and relaxing day on the water. For an overnight stay, book a night in one of Helen’s cozy cabins.
Athens
The Athens in Greece may be far more famous for its stunning beauty, but Athens, Georgia isn’t too shabby either. This Athens is a lively college town that is a hip place to check out touring bands and creative artwork. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy the battle cannons from the Civil War, and architecture buffs can take note of the Antebellum architecture around town. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Sanford Stadium, Bear Hollow Zoo, and the Georgia Museum of Art are all top things to do in Athens. It isn’t far from Atlanta, so it draws tourists and even wedding crowds. The Blue Ridge Mountains are on the other side, so you can also use Athens as a home base to explore the surrounding natural area. Make sure to visit the Sandy Creek Nature Center and then hit up Creature Comforts Brewing Company when you get back into town. Top hotels here include Graduate Athens, Best Western Athens, and the Hotel Indigo Athens-University Area.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega is one of the most beloved towns in North Georgia, and it’s most famous for its role in America’s first gold rush. Before masses of gold-seekers began traveling west to California, they came to Dahlonega. You’ll find quite a few gold-related landmarks around town and a Gold Museum to learn more about this period of local history. This town is also in the heart of Georgia’s vineyard scene, so there are many wineries that you can visit and spend an afternoon at when you visit Dahlonega. Some of the best wineries to visit are Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery, Montaluce, Cavender Creek Vineyards, and Frogtown Cellars. This town sees its fair share of tourists since it’s only about an hour from Atlanta. Some of the top-rated hotels to stay at in Dahlonega are Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and the Smith House.
Senoia
While many of the often-visited towns of Georgia are in the northern part of the state, Senoia is farther south. One of Georgia’s most charming small towns, it’s less than an hour south of Atlanta but offers a quaint atmosphere that boasts of “small-town America pride.” These days, Senoia is most famous for being the film site for the television show “The Walking Dead.” Walking dead tours are offered and memorabilia can be purchased in local shops. Besides the popular zombie culture, you can also spend a day in Senoia browsing antique shops and eating at local restaurants downtown.
Blairsville
Tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Georgia town of Blairsville is a wonderful place of natural beauty. Arts and culture are also prominent here, and there are mountain culture and history festivals that are worth checking out. Brasstown Bald, which is the highest mountain in the state, is nearby, and so is the epic Appalachian Trail. If you want to spend some time on the water, it’s an easy drive from Blairsville over to Lake Nottely and Lake Trahylta. Helton Creek Falls, Meeks Park, and DeSoto Falls are other beautiful places to visit in the Blairsville area. Good hotels to stay at here are the Comfort Inn and the Best Western Milton Inn, as well as B&Bs like Your Home in the Woods Bed & Breakfast about four miles outside of town.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is another Georgia town that is full of history and culture. This is where the famous author, Margaret Mitchell, was inspired to write “Gone with the Wind” about life during the American Civil War. There’s also a lake here and many gardens that are charming and stunningly beautiful. One of the most beautiful sights to see here is the Starr Mill’s Waterfalls, which has been captured in countless photographs and postcards. Lake Horton and the Prime Community Park Secret Garden are other lovely spots.
Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a well-known nature spot in Georgia for hikers and campers. But there’s a nearby town called Tallulah Falls that was originally designed as a tourist town in the 1880s. The town itself is tiny, but it’s still a perfect launching point for all your outdoor adventures. At one point in the early 20th century, this was a busy resort town that rivaled the crowds of Niagara Falls! There are hotels, inns, cabins, and campgrounds in the area to accommodate guests for relaxing weekends in the wilderness. Many of the nearest hotels are in Helen and Toccoa. While in Tallulah Falls, also make sure to check out the Panther Creek Recreation Area, Tallulah Point Overlook, and the Shortline Trail.
Cumming
The town of Cumming is surrounded by lovely mountain peaks and a beautiful lake. It’s in the northern part of Georgia and along what’s affectionately called the Hospitality Highway. You can attend a festival in town during the summer or catch a performance at the Cumming Playhouse in the evening. For nature lovers, the Sawnee Mountain Preserve is nearby and an ideal place for hiking and having a picnic. Other beautiful places here are the Big Creek Greenway, Fowler Park, and Warbington Farms. Plan to stay at the Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, or Comfort Suites in Cumming.
Perry
Head to the Warner Robins metro area and you’ll find the quiet and quaint town of Perry. Perry has a charming downtown area and is surrounded by beautiful parks. It is a popular travel destination because it’s home to the Georgia National Fair, but it’s much quieter to visit at other times of the year. The fair typically takes place in October and hosts horse shows, livestock demonstrations, a circus, art exhibits, and even a writing competition. For specialty gifts and workshops, check out Mossy Creek Natural and Mossy Creek Soap. There’s also a small theater in town called the Perry Players where you can catch a performance. The top hotels in Perry to stay at are the Jameson Inn Perry, Best Western Bradbury Inn & Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express.
