Full of natural wonders, vibrant towns and pristine beaches, there’s always a good reason to visit Georgia. But what about when you can enjoy it during the holidays without the excessive crowds?
To find some undiscovered destinations, look no further. We have put together a list of them 7 incredible hidden gems in Georgia to visit in 2024 so you can jump straight into the car and head out for a great trip.
Hindu Temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn
You don’t have to travel far to experience the peace and quiet of a Hindu temple. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the largest of its kind outside India and is located in Georgia, in the suburbs of Atlanta.
Apart from the spiritual atmosphere, it features unique architecture, beautifully crafted ornate carvings and sculptures. Outside there is a serene garden, perfect for meditation. Every day at 11:15 am you can participate in a prayer ceremony. The temple also offers guided tours for groups or audio guides for individuals.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Georgia’s coast features numerous beautiful barrier islands. Cumberland Island National Seashore is both the southernmost and the largest and should not be missing from any travel bucket list.
It offers 27 kilometers of quiet sandy beaches and the opportunity to see wild horses, armadillos, various butterflies and birds. You can explore it by bike or via hiking trails. Both provide a different experience.
One day should be enough to see the main sights. But if you want to extend your visit, you can stay at one of the island’s campsites or at the more luxurious Greyfield Inn.
Stone Mountain Park
Atlanta is a vibrant metropolis. But did you know that there are 3,200 hectares of natural beauty in the suburbs? Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape, go fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding on the lake, or hike to the top of the granite Stone Mountain for 360-degree views of the city. You can also get there by high-speed cable car.
There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions. Walk through the treetops at SkyHike, go back to prehistory at Dinosaur Explore or enjoy a short 4D film. So take your kids and go Stone Mountain Park. We guarantee that it will satisfy even the most demanding members.
Ghost town under Lake Thurmond
Lake Thurmond, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, is located along the South Carolina border and is a fantastic place for summer recreation, especially if you enjoy fishing. However, there is much more going on at Lake Thurmond. Below the surface you will find a sunken city.
Petersburg was once a thriving frontier market town, but was flooded to create the reservoir. On drier days you can catch a glimpse of the remains from the coast. You can also get closer to them by boat. Diving is not recommended as the lake is often murky and there is some water traffic.
Chateau Elan winery and resort
We also have something for those who like to spend their holidays relaxing and pampering themselves with first-class amenities. And there’s no better way to do that than to stay at a luxury hotel, like Chateau Elan Winery and Resort.
It is located in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, not far from Atlanta. It offers a fantastic spa with massages and body wraps, excellent dining options and golf courses. You can stay in a comfortable room, suite or villa. And you can even book the whole thing for yourself for a special occasion, such as a big birthday or a wedding.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
There are more hidden gems in Atlanta. You will find it adjacent to the popular Piedmont Park Atlanta Botanical Garden. It is known for its unique plant collections, such as roses and orchids, charming displays, exhibitions and various family-friendly seasonal activities.
Reserve at least two hours to get the full experience. And if you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at Longleaf. This modern two-storey glass restaurant offers fantastic food, fascinating garden views and a terrace – perfect for relaxing among the trees and sunbathing with a drink on a fun day out.
New Manchester Mill Ruins
We stay at the ruins a little longer. Deep within Sweetwater Creek State Park lie the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. It was built in 1849 for clothing production, but was destroyed during the Civil War.
It takes place on the Red Trail; getting there can be challenging, but manageable. Although you can visit the site on your own, guided tours are available for about $10 per person. That way, if you’re interested, you can learn a little more about the history of the area and not get lost.
