35 Best Relaxing Places to Visit in Georgia

Georgia is a state on the east coast filled with rich history and natural beauty. Since Georgia is near states like South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina, it is the perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway on the Atlantic Coast.

The state of Georgia offers unique places to explore with a plethora of activities for day trips like Lake Oconee or Greensboro in Eastern Georgia. From a small town to one of the oldest cities in the country, Georgia is one of the best places and weekend getaways for U.S. residents.

Here’s the scoop on relaxing places to visit in Georgia!

Relaxing Places to Visit in Georgia

1. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. The island is on the map for weekend getaways due to the famous Historic District known as “Millionaire’s Village” long ago.

When visitors step foot on the island, they are greeted by the Atlantic Ocean, historic buildings, and charming cottages that the country’s most wealthy used to call home. You won’t be pressed to find an outdoor pool at the resorts.

Besides the historic buildings, the island offers so much more like Driftwood Beach, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and Summer Waves Water Park.

2. Tybee Island

Just a short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is another barrier island tucked away from the bustling cities.

While Jekyll Island is known for its historical architecture, Tybee Island is known for its incredible beaches. For travelers wanting a little seaside bliss, Tybee Island is a great place to visit.

If you’re visiting the island for the first time, make sure to stop by and explore Tybee Island Lighthouse, and Fort Pulaski National Monument, and grab a bite of delicious ice cream at The Sugar Shack.

3. Savannah

One of the top destinations in Georgia and in the United States, Savannah is the oldest city in the state and is a gold mine for history lovers with historical sites, cobblestone squares, a suspension bridge, and charming homes and museums.

Visit the visitor center on Main Street and participate in a ghost tour of the city or take a self-guided walking tour at your own pace. You can also take a self-guided tour of the city without the spooky history,

What makes this historic city relaxing and worth adding to your weekend getaway list are the beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss and neatly groomed parks offering a breather from Atlanta.

4. Little St. Simons Island

Nurture your connection with nature by visiting one of Georgia’s least developed islands. While the other islands focus more on historical attractions and beaches, Little St. Simons Island allows visitors to experience 11,000 acres of untamed wilderness and wonderful hospitality.

Although, there are some historical landmarks worth visiting including Fort Frederica National Monument, St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, and Fort King George State Historic Site.

5. Forsyth Park, Savannah

One park in particular in Savannah has drawn many tourists due to the majestic fountains and its convenient location within the historic district.

While the city park gives visitors a relaxing way to spend the day, the park is well-known for special events due to its immaculate natural beauty. Forsyth Park was also featured in the Garden of Good and Evil.

6. Okefenokee Swamp

Kayak or canoe through the shallow swamp of Okefenokee. Situated between the Georgia and Florida line, this wetland is one of the Seven Wonders of Georgia.

The swamp is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and is known not only for being one of the most beautiful places but also for its history of the earliest known inhabitants, the Native Americans, specifically the Timucua.

7. Callaway Gardens & Resort

A resort and garden situated in the Pine Mountains, Callaway is the place for travelers to slow down and soak in the surrounding nature. When planning your trip to Callaway Gardens & Resort, make sure to visit during the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.

Experience the Butterfly Center and the Azalea Bowl. After exploring the botanical gardens, check in at the resort and try their dining and shopping options.

8. Sea Island

The perfect place for a family vacation, Sea Island offers world-renowned restaurants and accommodations with a multitude of activities for all ages including golf courses.

In order to visit this barrier island, guests must be planning to stay at one of the hotels. While indulging in a quiet paradise, stop by Cannon’s Point Preserve and Sea Island Beach.

9. Barnsley Resort

A historic southern estate in Adairsville, Barnsley Resort is a laid-back getaway offering amenities, recreation, and dining.

With 3,000 acres of scenic views of the North Georgia landscape, Barnsley Resort is one of the best ways to connect with nature and history alongside participating in adventurous activities for the whole family.

While visiting the area, visitors can stop by the Georgia Aquarium, Manning Mill Park, and the Tellus Science Museum.

10. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful state parks in the country located in the North Georgia Mountains. Tallulah Gorge State Park provides plenty of activities for visitors including hiking, swimming, biking, and other outdoor activities that require a permit.

After hiking the North and South Rim Trails, visitors can easily access top attractions like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alpine Village of Helen.

11. Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is known for its rocky landscape dipped in history. This city near Atlanta offers a gateway to Stone Mountain Park with 3,200 acres of natural landscapes. When visiting the park, families have access to lodging options, outdoor activities, and special events.

After marveling at the Civil War generals carved into the rock perched at the center of the park, take a Skyride cable car up to the rock’s peak.

12. Cumberland Island

One of the barrier islands with protected beaches and maritime forest, Cumberland Island is filled with marshes and tidal creeks. It is the perfect place to seek out wild horses, sea turtles, wild turkeys, and historic buildings.

Make your way over to the island by taking the passenger ferry before exploring the Ice House Museum, Dungeness Ruins, and Plum Orchard.

13. Blue Ridge Mountains

Spend the weekend exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. The best time to visit this mountain range on the east coast is to go during the fall season.

Since the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch through several states, it is fairly easy to stop and connect with nature during your travels. In Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains consist of Brasstown Bald, Springer Mountain, and a part of the Appalachian Trail.

14. Amicalola Falls State Park

Tucked into a natural wonderland, Amicalola Falls is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is considered to be one of the most popular parks in Georgia.

When visitors stop by this mossy, waterfall-filled park, they are instantly greeted by Georgia’s tallest waterfall. Hikers can also walk through a beautiful forest to reach the Len Foote Hike Inn.

15. Toccoa Falls

Spend a relaxing getaway in Georgia at Toccoa Falls between Atlanta and South Carolina. The majestic waterfall towers over a 186 feet high rocky cliff and is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi. This nature retreat is especially popular amongst students of Toccoa Falls College.

16. Athens

Located in northeastern Georgia, Athens is a city and college town with stunning architecture and history on every corner.

Marking the start of the state’s Antebellum trail of Civil War towns, Athens is home to T.R.R Cobb House, Taylor Grady House, and the Church-Waddel-Brumby House.

After soaking in the historic homes, spend time at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Bear Hollow Zoo, and the Georgia Museum of Art for a small commission.

17. Augusta

Close to the South Carolina border, Augusta is dedicated to history and art. Stop by this city to learn about James Brown at the Augusta Museum of History or relax at the Augusta Riverwalk along the Savannah River.

The charming area may not be filled with endless activities like Atlanta; however, Augusta has its own unique sites like the Morris Museum of Art and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.

18. Helen

A German-inspired Alpine Village nestled in the mountains, Helen is a place for the whole family with beautiful Bavarian architecture and close proximity to Unicoi State Park with campsites and houses resting near a lake.

Helen is one of the best weekend getaways in Georgia and is known for main attractions like Cool River Tubing, Gem Mining, and the Georgia Mountain Coaster with the ride lasting for about 4 minutes at an extra cost. A great time to visit is during Oktoberfest and Christmas.

19. Columbus

Columbus is a family-friendly city just waiting to be unraveled with a plethora of nature and museums. While the location may be known for its well-curated museums, the city also takes pride in its flavorful cuisine, stunning boutiques, and fun outdoor activities with a nice view of the Chattahoochee River.

20. Macon

macon georgia garden with fountain — Sean Pavone

Located in Central Georgia, Macon is a place where history and culture come to life. Visitors have the opportunity to hike through 180 acres of forest at the Amerson River Park or ride through the Historic Downtown area and visit the Ocmulgee National Monument.

For more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, spend time kayaking along the Ocmulgee River.

21. Kennesaw

Have your family learn more about the Civil War in Kennesaw, a city northwest of Atlanta. This city in Georgia was the staging ground for the Great Locomotive Chase in 1862 and is home to the Kennesaw Mountain National Park & Battlefield.

The suburban city is a great place to stop for a family vacation with its top amusement centers, parks, and historic museums. When visiting Kennesaw, stop by the Smith-Gilbert Gardens, Lazy Guy Distillery, and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.

22. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Explore the vast underwater world at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. For families and couples, this aquarium offers a breathtaking view of animals while giving visitors the opportunity to bring out their inner adventurer.

Learn about the Beluga Whale or the African Penguins. Walk around Atlanta and soak in the live music, unique restaurants, Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art as well as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

23. Big Trees Preserve, Sandy Springs

A nature preserve in Georgia, this 30-acre of scenic beauty is a nature lover’s paradise with bridges and streams. Even though it’s in the heart of the city, Big Trees provides a quiet atmosphere for travelers looking to find calm and relaxation.

The best part about this nature preserve is that volunteers and donations keep the natural scenery beautiful and safe from harm.

24. Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa

Located on a mountaintop in northern Georgia, Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa is the perfect spot and a relaxing retreat for guests who love staying in bed and breakfasts.

While the spacious and comfortable rooms provide guests with relaxation, there are plenty of things to do in the area including river tubing, Habersham Winery, and Anna Ruby Falls.

25. Providence Canyons State Park

Discover ‘Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon’ at the Providence Canyons State Park. When visiting the park, families can take advantage of the visitor center, gift shop, exhibits, and maps to help them experience the park to its fullest.

Offering over 10 miles of nature trails, Providence Canyons is one of the seven wonders of Georgia with breathtaking views.

26. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

Find yourself immersed in a luxurious French-style resort with 3,500 acres of rolling hills and wooded forests. Take advantage of the Chateau Elan Resort’s relaxing amenities including the all-inclusive spa and vineyard.

The first winery in the region after the prohibition, Chateau Elan is one of the most popular wineries on the southeast coast that features wine tasting and tours.

27. Peachtree City

The largest city in Fayette County, Peachtree City is known for its use of golf carts for seeing nearby sights. After driving your golf cart down the golf cart paths, visit the Fredrick Brown Amphitheater for a concert or marvel at historic planes at the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing.

28. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa offers guests the opportunity to slow down and soak in the landscape while also learning about the local history. One of the most notable aspects of this resort is the delicious food options even though the rooms are dated.

However, this resort is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Georgia for nature lovers with Chatuge Lake and Crane Creek Vineyards less than 20 minutes away.

29. Yellow Daisy Bed and Breakfast

Explore Downtown Dahlonega and all of the boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries by spending the night at the Yellow Daisy.

Within walking distance of the town, the Yellow Daisy is a husband and wife-owned property striving to provide all guests with a relaxing environment that reminds them of home.

30. Marietta

Similar to Columbus, Marietta is also a city dripping with history. Northwest of Atlanta, this historic city is near leafy Marietta Square and is home to The Gone with the Wind Museum.

Engage in one of the family-oriented activities like the World of Illumination Theme Park or explore William Root House Museum and Garden.

31. FDR State Park

The largest state park in Georgia, F.D. Roosevelt in Pine Mountain is a hiker and backpacker’s haven. With over 9,000 acres of natural beauty, this popular state park never fails to surprise visitors with rolling mountains within driving distance of Atlanta.

Take part in the historic sites, accommodations, and facilities before embarking on one of the many trails in one of the most relaxing places to visit in Georgia.

32. Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Find your rustic oasis at the Southern Cross Guest Ranch. Only an hour away from Atlanta, this family-friendly ranch offers a plethora of fun and relaxing activities including horseback riding.

Within a short driving distance, visitors can explore the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art and the Madison Morgan Cultural Center.

33. Senoia

A laid-back place in Georgia, Senoia is one of the best relaxing places for families with a stunning lake and a beach. The most popular attractions include The Woodbury Shoppe and the Senoia Area Historical Society.

If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, Senoia is a must-visit where they offer tours of almost all filming locations from season 1 and onwards.

34. Hard Labor Creek State Park

A small stream that cuts through the park, Harbor Labor boasts over 5,000 acres with its very own golf course. The lakeside beach is also a popular activity for visitors during the summer. Travelers wanting to stay overnight, they can choose between a modern campground and cottages.

35. Clayton

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clayton is a small town offering a charming downtown area with close proximity to Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Chattahoochee National Forest, Tiger Mountain Vineyards, and Goats On The Roof.

Take your family on an adventure to Clayton by eating at the Fortify Kitchen and Bar or The Market at the Clayton Cafe.

Places to Relax in Georgia

Some of the most romantic places happen to be in the beautiful state of Georgia.

Home to Mountain Creek Villas at Callaway Gardens, Rock City with the Lookout Mountain, amusement parks, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, Georgia is a state worth exploring for families, couples, and sweet tea lovers.

Whether you’re going to Atlanta to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to learn about his involvement in human rights or visit one of the smaller islands on the Georgia coast, or visit Robin Lake Beach in Pine Mountain, the state is filled with locations and some of the best cities for perfect getaways.

That’s the scoop on relaxing places to visit in Georgia!

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