5 Must-See Places to Go When You Visit Georgia

Are you planning to visit Georgia this summer? Good choice!

But to get the most out of your trip, don’t fill your whole itinerary with places that are bound to be packed with tourists. Instead, check out Georgia’s greatest treasures that are hidden just off the beaten path.

Whether you’ve lived in The Peach State for your entire life or you’re just passing through, here are five of the top must-see spots that you need to visit this summer. And if you’re thinking about moving to Georgia, these are some spots that will definitely help you decide.

1. Minnehaha Falls

Most majestic waterfalls are set far back within the woods, meaning you have to hike on strenuous trails to find them. Not Minnehaha Falls! This beautiful landmark just off of Lake Rabun is only a quarter mile away from parking.

These 100 foot cascades are the perfect place for photography, a picinic, or a restful afternoon.

2. Macon, Georgia

If you’re looking for an eclectic city that’s a bit more off the beaten path than Atlanta and Savannah, Macon is the place for you. It’s a hub of culture, boasting attractions like the Tubman Museum (dedicated to the African American art, history, and culture), the Allman Brothers Band Museum, and the Ocmulgee National Monument, with Native American earth mounds and a historical museum. And if you want to get out of the city, explore the 180 acres of Amerson River Park.

3. East Palisades Trail

If you’re heading to the Atlanta area, pack your kayaks and hiking boots for a trip down the East Palisades Trail. This spectacular landscape is hidden just outside the city, offering unbeatable views from the bluffs and a bamboo forest. The trail follows the eastern banks of the river, making it a challenging (but less populated) hiking experience.

4. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Always wanted to see the Taj Mahal, but can’t swing a trip to India? The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta is the second best thing.

This ornate Hindu temple was hand-carved in India, shipped to America, and assembled like a giant puzzle. It’s now open for visitors to tour for free, but they do ask that you dress conservatively (wraps are provided).

5. The Petersburg Ghost Town

Only the best tour guide Georgia has to offer will know about this hidden gem. You can’t get there by car, plane, or foot—because it’s sunken deep beneath the waters of Lake Thurmond (also known as Clarks Hill Lake).

The town of Petersburg was once the third largest town in Georgia, drawing people in after the installation of a tobacco inspection warehouse in the late 1700s. But by the 1830s, most families were moving west and abandoning the tobacco trade for cotton production. By 1856, only three families were left in the town.

In the early 1950s, the American Corps of Engineers built a reservoir and sunk what was left of the town. Today, visitors can gaze down at it from the shores of the lake in Bobby Brown State Park. But if you visit when lake levels are low, you may be able to walk along the actual edges of the ghost town.

Don’t Visit Georgia Without Stopping Here

No trip to Georgia is complete without seeing these five famous sites. So when you’re planning your itinerary, make sure to save time for them all!

Before you head out to visit Georgia (or anywhere else!), stop by the Tutorials section for tips on everything from drying clothes in your hotel room to talking with strangers on your travels.