Georgia broke its own tourism records in 2022, welcoming more than 168 million visitors to the state. It’s no surprise; that Georgia offers beautiful views, a vast Atlantic coastline and breathtaking botanical gardens, among other little-known things to do for travelers, visitors and locals.
While some travelers flock to tourist favorites like Savannah and the Georgia Aquarium, many tourists enjoy the thrill of the hunt: seeking out the state’s “hidden gems,” or less densely populated, little-known attractions that skip the long lines and leave a lasting impact. on travelers.
Some of those secret spots have been collected here, giving travelers a bucket list of spectacular, tranquil places to visit during their trip in the fall of 2023.
Peach tree town
Located on Lake Peachtree, Peachtree City is known for one thing: its primary mode of transportation. Guests who add this little-known destination to their Georgia vacation itinerary will enjoy exploring the city by golf cart, navigating 100 miles of cart paths designed specifically for that purpose. According to Explore Georgia, you will see filming locations from blockbuster hits such as Sweet Home Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes and Spider Man Homecoming.
Helena
Helena, Georgia, can be described as typical. With a population of 545, this small Georgia town offers a little bit of everything, from zip-lining and whitewater rafting to a Cabbage Patch Kids hospital. Perhaps a textbook tourist destination, Helen is not on every Georgia traveler’s bucket list, but it should be.
Travelers looking for culture, adventure and nature can find it in Georgia – and by choosing these hidden gems they can avoid long lines and focus on spectacular experiences instead.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island has a rich history, where “natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and wealthy industrialists all walked,” according to the National Park Service. Travelers board a ferry in St. Marys, Georgia, and take a 45-minute ride to the island, which is home to swamps, forests, and undeveloped beaches. Once on Cumberland Island, visitors can bike along dirt trails, enjoy guided bus tours, or camp at a primitive campsite.
Radium Springs Gardens
Named one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders, Radium Springs Gardens combines rich history with incredible natural beauty in Albany, Georgia. As visitors stroll through the gardens, they enjoy clear spring water and exotic flora in a storybook setting. Nearby restaurants, shops and attractions make it worth the trip.
Stone Mountain Park
While it may not qualify as a hidden gem, Stone Mountain Park makes the list because it is a must-do for families with children. Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta offers 3,200 acres of family fun, including on-site lodging, hiking trails, adventure golf, a scenic railroad and more. Many travelers flock to Stone Mountain year-round for their themed seasonal events, making Stone Mountain Park a great destination for Spring Break, 4th of July, Fall, Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s. During the summer months, their Music Across America Drone & Light Show is a bucket list experience.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
A two-mile-long, thousand-foot-deep gorge is the star of the show at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Visitors can choose to hike or bike around the rim of the canyon, walk across the suspension bridge that hovers 80 feet above the canyon floor, or even bike along the canyon floor. Lush trees and rapid waterfalls make the experience even more incredible.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
With locations in Atlanta and Gainesville, Atlanta Botanical Garden features beautiful botanical gardens, themed seasonal events, educational classes and more. Families, couples, and solo travelers can spend an hour, a few hours, or a whole day at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, tailoring their itinerary to their party and schedule.
Unique rock garden in Calhoun
The Unique Rock Garden in Calhoun, Georgia, is a one-of-a-kind attraction that captivates visitors with its extraordinary rock formations and artistic displays. This hidden gem showcases a beautiful collection of rocks and minerals, artfully arranged to create an enchanting landscape.
