Georgia defies easy definition, offering an alluring combination of stunning mountains, cosmopolitan cities and a scattering of tranquil barrier islands.
Georgia is a state that is full of surprises. Hang out in the modern, culture-rich capital city of Atlanta and you wouldn’t necessarily picture yourself in the Deep South, but a trip down roads lined with moss-covered trees will remind you that you’re in Dixie. Trek into the mountains in the north of the state and you might not imagine that Georgia is also the home of near-tropical islands and humid swampland.
Travel around rural Georgia to pass numerous antebellum mansions and plantations offering tours that shed light on the region’s troubled past. Georgia’s initially inglorious history involved a dependence on slavery.
Explore the lively city of Atlanta to experience modern, multicultural Georgia and to taste some of its finest cuisine. Stroll around welcoming neighborhoods such as trendy Midtown and creative Little 5 Points. The High Museum of Art, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the Georgia Aquarium are just a few of the city’s numerous attractions.
Atlanta is both the birth and burial place of Martin Luther King Jr. Remember the civil rights movement at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and visit the place where he used to worship at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Visit other cities in Georgia such as old-world Savannah, the home of Wormsloe Historic Site and other antebellum monuments. The city of Athens has the Georgia Museum of Natural History and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
Explore the breathtaking wildernesses of Georgia in one of its 47 state parks. Head south to kayak through Okefenokee Swamp or go north for the Appalachian Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest.
Hike through the gorges of Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area or drive to the coast for wild experiences on one of the barrier islands. Choose one of the Golden Isles for dramatic, deserted beaches, stunning architecture and nature trails.
The easiest route to Georgia is on board a plane to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, one of the busiest airports in the world. Summer in Georgia is exceptionally hot, so come in spring or fall for cooler temperatures and beautiful colors.