Gorgeous Georgia is mostly known for being home to charming historic cities filled with leafy squares and oak-lined streets, sprawling farmlands, towering mountains, and lashings of Southern charm. It was a tough task, but I’ve managed to narrow down my favorite places…
1-Savannah
This is a gorgeous gem of city! Located in southeastern part of the state along the Savannah River, I fall head over heels with this city every time I visit! It’s filled with gorgeous scenery – quaint cobblestone streets, picturesque oak-lined avenues draped with Spanish moss, fine historic architecture and elegant parks.
It dates from 1733 and I always enjoy wandering around and gazing at the immaculately-preserved architecture which dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and I always try as much as I can of the distinctive Southern cuisine, from the crispy fried green tomatoes at the upscale Olde Pink House to the tasty corn muffins and okra gumbo at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room!
On my recent trip, I took a trip to the lively cultural hub River Street (which had quaint cobblestone streets) and the rest of the superb Savannah Historic District, oak-tree lined Forsyth Park, the iconic Mercer Williams House Museum, the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery and the breathtaking Wormsloe Historic Site, where the famous Oak-tree lined avenue resides!
2. St Simons Island
I think this is a gorgeous hidden treasure! It’s a barrier island – part of the Golden Isles – located off the coast I come here for peace and to immerse myself in unspoilt nature – I love the laid back atmosphere here!
I also love the quaint streets lined with moss-draped oaks, miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches, the iconic lighthouse (St. Simon’s Island Lighthouse has been a working lighthouse since 1872), the charming pier and its small town feel. There’s also a great collection of shops, restaurants and miles of hiking and biking trails.
On my visit, it was great to discover the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, explore the ruins of the historic Fort Frederica National Monument (which dates back to 1736), swim and relax on gorgeous East Beach and sample the vibrant culinary scene in the main social hub, Pier Village!
3. Tallulah Falls State Park
This places always wows me! Located in northeastern part of the state (near the town of Tallulah Falls), it’s one of favorite state parks and I’m always in awe of the incredible scenery which has the jaw-dropping two-mile long canyon Tallulah Gorge as a focal point, which plunges the depths of nearly 1,000 feet!
The rest of it is special too with the fast-flowing Tallulah River, cascading waterfalls (there are six!), forested cliffs, a stunning suspension bridge and miles of scenic hiking trails.
On my trip, I also really enjoyed kayaking on the calm waters of Tallulah Lake, white-water rafting on Tallulah River, picnicking on Tallulah Lake Beach and trying out the natural waterslide Sliding Rock!
4. Jekyll Island 
This is a another island gem! It’s a barrier island part of the Golden Isles which is located off the coast of Georgia and I’m always enchanted by the tranquil and untamed spot which covers around 5,700 acres.
I love that its home to over 10 miles of unspoilt beaches, including the hauntingly beautiful Driftwood Beach which is filled with gnarled and bleached trees and miles of hiking and biking trails.
It’s also home to serene marshlands, oak trees atmospherically draped in Spanish moss, and wonderful Gilded Age architecture in the Jekyll Island Historic District. It’s so atmospheric that it’s been used as a filming location for X-Men movies and The Walking Dead!
5. Cumberland Island
I have to mention this very unique gem! The serene barrier island (which covers an areas of 36,000 acres) is located off the southeastern coast of the state, and it took us a 45 minute ferry ride from the city of St. Marys to get there.
Part of a National Park, once there, I felt like I was on a different planet to the mainland and I love how different and wild this place feels! It has 17 miles of windswept sandy beaches unspoiled beaches, wide marshes, tranquil salt marshes, rolling sand dunes and freshwater ponds.
My favorite highlight though was easily the herd of gorgeous feral horses that live free and wander the island unique landscapes! Although make sure you respect their space as they can be quite frisky!
On my trip I explored the biking and hiking trails (there are over 50 miles of them!), the haunting Dungeness Ruins which was a grand mansion which dates from 1880s, the intriguing historic Chapel and Cemetery at Stafford Plantation and the elegant Plum Orchard Mansion (I went on a guided tour). I also found it was great place to spot wildlife – armadillos, sea turtles, and over 300 bird species all live here!
