55 Unforgettable, Unique Places to Visit in Georgia, US, By a Local
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When you think of the state of Georgia, you likely think of Atlanta. After all, it’s the most well-known city in the Peach State. While Atlanta has a lot to offer, and I’ll review some of my favorite destinations, Georgia has other unique places worthy a visit.
Let’s dive into the 50 super cool places to see in Georgia – the Empire State of the South.
50 Best, Most Unique Places to Visit in Georgia
The following list doesn’t focus on cities alone. I’m going to share some of the coolest attractions in Georgia and why you should visit them.
From museums to outdoor adventures, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. I’ll also share a few personal tips along the way.
Tip #1
You might want to frequent some of your favorite chain establishments, but shopping (and eating) local can support the people and places you visit along your way. To make the most of your trip, skip the places you can enjoy anywhere and try something unique to your destination.
1. Radium Springs Gardens — Albany
Radium Springs Gardens is just one of Georgia’s Natural Wonders (we have seven). The park is on the grounds of a former casino. The water at Radium Springs comes from an underground cave and stays at a cool 68 degrees.
You can’t swim in the springs, but you can stop by for a stroll or picnic on the gorgeous garden grounds. This beautiful garden and spring is one of the more unusual destinations you can visit in the state.
2. Bear Hollow Zoo— Athens
Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, Georgia, is one of my favorite destinations in the state. Located inside Memorial Park, the zoo’s wildlife trail offers you the chance to see black bears, owls, otters, eagles, alligators, snakes, foxes, and other wild animals.
This accessible zoo also offers hiking trails and a paved Lake Walkway Loop. The zoo only features animals that cannot be released into the wild. Bear Hollow provides a place of sanctuary for animals and education for visitors.
Tip #2
Bring quarters with you when you go to Bear Hollow Zoo. There are machines that dispense turtle food. Yes, you can feed the turtles at the lake loop!
3. State Botanical Gardens — Athens
My absolute favorite location in Athens, Georgia, is the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, which is a University of Georgia property.
This garden offers free parking and admission but will happily accept donations in the visitor’s center.
The botanical gardens are incredibly beautiful, but this destination also offers hiking trails, a nature-inspired children’s garden, and educational events and workshops. There’s also live music hosted at regular intervals in the garden.
A recent addition to the garden is the Winter Wonderlights. While this does incur an admission cost, it’s worthwhile to visit the garden during the holiday season to walk through this magical display.
The gardens have many accessible paths, and the event is family-friendly.
Tip #3
When you visit the holiday lights, you might not realize that the event includes s’more making stations and locally sourced hot chocolate (both for an additional fee). You’ll find the hot chocolate comes directly from Athens’ chocolatier Condor Chocolates, which I cannot recommend highly enough.
4. Breman Museum — Atlanta
One of the lesser-known destinations in Georgia can be found in the city of Atlanta. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum features a permanent Holocaust exhibit, a gallery dedicated to Southern Jewish history, and many traveling exhibits.
Years ago, I was fortunate to see the Dr. Seuss exhibit at the Breman, which I highly recommend. While that exhibit is no longer available, the Breman Museum is still a wonderful destination for learning more about Jewish art, heritage, and history.
Tip #4
Combine your visit to the Breman with a trip to the Center for Puppetry Arts next door.
5. Center for Puppetry Arts — Atlanta
You might think that the Center for Puppetry Arts is just for kids, but this family-friendly attraction can be fun for anyone.
In fact, they even have adult performances. The Ghastly Dreadfuls is easily one of my favorite Halloween traditions!
For daytime family performances, you can see a show, make a puppet, and even tour the puppet museum, which features many famous Jim Henson puppets as well as puppets from around the world.
6. Georgia Aquarium — Atlanta
The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see destination in the city of Atlanta. You can pet sharks and stingrays, watch a dolphin show, observe otters and penguins, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour to see the whale shark up close.
The aquarium offers many wonderful programs including mindfulness activities, yoga by the water, and dives with some of the aquatic residents.
Combine it with a CityPASS to take advantage of even more Atlanta tourist destinations.
Tip #5
Fun Fact: Throughout the year, the Georgia Aquarium offers select nights with live music and a cash bar in the evenings. If visiting during the day when school field trips could happen doesn’t sound like the most peaceful way to enjoy this aquatic destination, try one of the themed evening events. They are more adult-friendly, and it can be a great way to enjoy a chill evening with friends or to get to know a date.
7. High Museum of Art — Atlanta
Another Atlanta destination that you’ll want to check out is the High Museum of Art.
You’ll find plenty of art exhibits to occupy your time as well as programs for children and teens. There’s even a Jazz Night that makes for the perfect date night in the city.
8. Piedmont Park — Atlanta
There’s much to see and do in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.
Some of the park’s attractions include a splash pad and swimming pool, playgrounds, camps, dog parks, and a green market.
Workshops, classes, and trivia nights offer plenty of activities fun for the whole family! Piedmont Park is the perfect place to go on a walk, have a picnic, or enjoy time with your furry friends.
9. Skyline Park at Ponce City Market — Atlanta
You’ll want to head to THE ROOF at Ponce City Market to visit Skyline Park. You’ll find vintage amusement park games and rides, miniature golf, and fun for the whole family with a spectacular view of the city.
Plus, you’ll be right there at Ponce City Market where you can enjoy shopping and restaurants.
10. Truist Park — Atlanta
If you visit the city of Atlanta during baseball season, you’ll want to visit the Atlanta Braves at their new home in Truist Park.
You can check out a game and enjoy one of the city’s favorite sporting attractions. Plus, you’ll be located near The Battery where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants.
11. Gibbs Gardens — Ball Ground
Gibbs Gardens in North Georgia is one of the best places to visit in the state.
Some of the featured galleries include daffodil gardens, Japanese gardens, Manor House gardens, and waterlily gardens.
The gardens are a great place to walk but be advised that outside food is not allowed in the garden. There is an Arbor Cafe where you can enjoy snacks or lunch.
12. Georgia Adventure Park — Banning Mills
Adventurers just might find that one of the best places to visit in the state of Georgia is located in Historic Banning Mills.
The Georgia Adventure Park has the world’s longest zip line canopy tour. You’ll also find an aerial course, climbing wall, ATV tours, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are plenty of nature trails available in the park.
13. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — Blue Ridge
Another favorite Georgia destination is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway located in Blue Ridge.
This 26-mile trip takes visitors to the towns of both McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where there’s a two-hour layover to shop, eat, or simply enjoy a stroll.
During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy a Holiday Express train with music, stories, and treats.
14. Mercier Orchards — Blue Ridge
While you’re visiting the Blue Ridge area, you don’t want to miss Mercier Orchards — particularly during apple season.
With over 80 years in business, this family-owned orchard offers a market, u-pick tours, tractor tours, cider and wine tastings, and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a fall day, but you can find the market open year-round.
15. Swan Drive-In — Blue Ridge
Another must-see stop in Blue Ridge is the Swan Drive-In Movie Theater. Enjoy a new release film, double feature, and concessions from the comfort of your own car.
Pets are allowed, but outside food and drinks are not. You can enjoy the old-fashioned experience of a drive-in movie while you’re visiting the beautiful north Georgia mountain region.
16. The Mall of Georgia — Buford
There aren’t many successfully operating shopping malls in the state anymore. While some do exist, the most popular one is noteworthy enough to earn a mention in the 50 best places to visit in Georgia.
The Mall of Georgia is located in Buford. This enormous shopping center features multiple floors of stores, an indoor carousel, a ride-on train for small children, a play area, and more.
It’s the perfect place to do your holiday or back-to-school shopping, and it will truly evoke nostalgia for the glory days of shopping malls.
17. Booth Western Art Museum — Cartersville
The Booth Western Art Museum is located in Cartersville, Georgia, and it’s one of the best places to see in the state.
This western-themed museum features permanent and visiting exhibits. The museum also has outdoor sculptures and a bistro for lunch.
This is certainly one of the more unusual destinations, and you just might want to combine it with the Tellus Science Museum.
18. Tellus Science Museum — Cartersville
While you’re in Cartersville enjoyiWesternern art, don’t forget to include the Tellus Science Museum in your visit.
Although it’s not as well-known as some of the Atlanta museums, it’s definitely worth the trip. Exhibits include a planetarium, a mineral gallery, vintage cars and motorcycles, a hands-on discovery garden, and more.
You can dig for fossils, pan for gems, check out a solar house, and investigate the stars in observatory.
Don’t forget to walk through and identify your favorite fossils and take a selfie in front of the 9-foot-wide jaw of a Megaladon shark.
19. Downtown Covington
When I considered adding Covington, Georgia, to this list, I had trouble narrowing down just what you should and do here.
Then, I decided that the city itself is the best destination. You’ll want to head to the historic downtown to enjoy food, shopping, and even movie and television tours.
Covington isn’t just the filming location of Sweet Magnolias and The Vampire Diaries. It’s been a prime spot for many favorite shows and films.
In the downtown area alone, you’ll find multiple coffee shops, an axe-throwing gym, an escape room, and so much more.
You’ll even find a nearby walking or cycling trail, a local farmer’s market, and year-round festivals and events.
20. Cumberland Island National Seashore
One of my favorite places in the state of Georgia is the Cumberland Island National Seashore.
It’s easily one of the best places to visit in the state. Visitors arrive by ferry to enjoy this largely unspoiled and protected oasis.
The island features live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Walk through the forest and be amazed as it opens up onto a pristine white sand beach.
There aren’t shops and hotels crowding this island. Instead, visitors come here seeking peace, quiet, and spectacular views.
Tip #6
You can walk around and explore the ruins at Dungeness. Keep an eye out for wild horses on the island. Don’t feed or approach them but do enjoy the natural beauty of these magnificent mammals.
21. Dahlonega Wine Trail
When visiting Dahlonega, don’t miss out on the Dahlonega Wine Trail. This 39-mile trail takes visitors through North Georgia wine country.
Enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours along the way. While I could easily have highlighted a single vineyard, the area is known for having many great wines, and the wine trails can help visitors decide their favorites.
22. Red Oak Lavender Farm — Dahlonega
While visiting Dahlonega, be sure to stop by Red Oak Lavender Farm.
The farm offers u-pick flowers (check their website for seasonal dates), art and craft classes, farm tours, photography, a market, and more. This is a beautiful destination you’ll want to include on any visit to North Georgia.
23. Amicalola Falls State Park — Dawsonville
Another favorite destination is Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. There are many beautiful waterfalls in the state of Georgia, but this one is not to be missed.
You can drive directly to the top of the falls to see the view, or you can hike the two-mile trail.
The other option is to climb 600 stairs to the top. I did that option, and it is steep. No matter which option you choose, the view is amazing!
24. Burt’s Pumpkin Farm — Dawsonville
When pumpkin season comes, one of the most popular destinations is also in Dawsonville at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm.
This seasonal attraction allows visitors to pick their own pumpkin on the farm, enjoy a hayride, and shop the farm market. You can also get gourds, Indian corn, and winter squash.
Don’t forget to try one of the baked pumpkin goods like pumpkin pies, pumpkin rolls, or candied popcorn.
25. Fausett Farms Sunflowers — Dawsonville
Another agritourism destination is Fausett Farms Sunflowers in Dawsonville. It offers 13-acres of gorgeous sunflowers during the season.
It’s located between Amicalola Falls and Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, making it an ideal destination during your visit. There is an entry fee for visitors and photographers, and dogs are allowed on the farm as long as they are leashed.
26. Lake Oconee — Eatonton and Greensboro
Lake Oconee is a local favorite near where I live, and visitors will find that the lake reservoir extends into Eatonton and Greensboro. Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds on the lake offers a shooting range, archery, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking adventures.
Local companies also offer jet ski, paddleboard, and boat rentals for fun on the water. There are also extensive golf courses in the area for the golfing enthusiasts.
With so much to see and do, Lake Oconee is a great place to relax and enjoy a getaway. It’s also a much safer alternative to the more popular but more dangerous Lake Lanier.
27. BabyLand General Hospital — Helen
Perhaps the most adorable destination on this list is BabyLand General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch Kids.
This is a fun place to visit for children, families, and children at heart. Visitors can expect to find a “hospital” where dolls are born from the Cabbage Patch, a nursery, and a store selling everything Cabbage Patch.
Located near Helen, Georgia, in nearby Cleveland, this surprising and delightful destination could be a nostalgic location for Gen Xers and millennials who grew up with these dolls. Admission is free, and self-guided tours are encouraged.
28. Cool River Tubing — Helen
While you’re in Helen, outdoor adventurers will want to check out Cool River Tubing for a gentle float down the river.
If you haven’t been tubing before, you’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen and a waterproof container for your phone.
While there are many tubing companies available in Helen, Cool River is one of the most popular. You can “Shoot the Hooch” right through Helen’s Alpine Village.
Life jackets are available — and required for children 12 and under. Dogs are allowed but must ride in their own tube for an additional fee.
29. Oktoberbest — Helen
If you happen to visit Helen during the fall season, you’ll want to check out Oktoberfest. It’s a well-known destination in Georgia.
Visitors can even dress in typical German attire for this celebration in Helen’s Alpine Village. The festival includes live music, dancing, and plenty of German food and drinks.
This is a family-friendly but not dog-friendly event.
30. Driftwood Beach — Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach has been famously featured on The Walking Dead, but it’s not the only filming that’s been done on this haunting driftwood-covered beach.
Jekyll Island is one of the barrier islands in the state of Georgia, and Driftwood Beach is the most unique of its beaches.
Visit to see the natural sculptures created by time, tides, and drifting trees. This is a great place to enjoy a quiet beach or simply to take an unusual selfie.
31. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Visitors will find Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Kennesaw, Georgia. History buffs might want to check out this Civil War battlefield, but many visitors come to the park for the hike to the top.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll have a unique view of the city of Atlanta. Want the view without the climb? Happily, you can drive to the lookout point and avoid the trail or road hike.
32. Smith-Gilbert Garden — Kennesaw
Smith-Gilbert Garden might be one of the best-kept secrets in Kennesaw. This gorgeous garden has 32 sculptures and 15 separate garden areas.
You’ll also find a 150-year-old house that was once owned by a Confederate railroad worker who was present during the “Great Locomotive Chase”.
The Hiram-Butler House is located at the center of the 17-acre garden. This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
33. Providence Canyon — Lumpkin
Providence Canyon State Park is considered Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” with gullies at least 150-feet deep.
The park also has hiking trails and campgrounds. Visit in July and August to see the rare Plumleaf Azalea in bloom. The canyon’s brilliant colors make this a must-see destination in the Peach State.
34. The International Cherry Blossom Festival — Macon
Another of the best places to visit in Georgia is the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia. This festival takes place in March of each year.
It involves beautiful cherry blossom trees in bloom, live concerts, rides, games, food, shopping, and more.
While Macon is worthy of a visit year-round, the Cherry Blossom Festival is not to be missed!
35. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park — Macon
While in Macon, make time for a visit to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park to enjoy a prehistoric indigenous tribe site that’s been around since the Paleo-Indian Period.
The mounds were constructed during the later Mississippian Period and still exist today.
Hike miles of trails at the park or view over 2,000 ancient artifacts from the archaeological dig that uncovered this historic site.
36. Historic District — Madison
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Madison is one of the best small towns in Georgia — and this isn’t just my very biased opinion as a local resident.
Visitors to our charming town can enjoy shopping, dining, history, art, and more. Visit Town Park to sit on a porch swing and enjoy the view of the stage and fountain in the historic district. Walk the Wellness Trail.
Take a self-guided tour of the historic district and learn about the many antebellum homes you’ll see in town. You can even tour Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage.
Stop by the Welcome Center for a friendly greeting and to find out just what to see and do on your visit.
Add the Cultural Center to your checklist, and don’t neglect to drive over to the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art while you’re here.
Although the town is small, there’s plenty to see and do on your visit. This is great for a romantic weekend, family getaway, solo exploration, girlfriend getaway, and more.
Tip #7
Stop by the Madison Artists Guild and Gallery for local art and books by local authors. You’ll find signed copies of my small town romance series here. Pssst…it’s set in charming Madison.
37. Horseback Riding at Southern Cross Guest Ranch — Madison
One of the best places to visit in the state of Georgia is Southern Cross Guest Ranch. Guests of the ranch can enjoy rides twice a day with the all-inclusive package.
That’s four hours of time in the saddle! This beautiful destination has plenty of room to ride and is conveniently located a short drive from the historic district in Madison, Georgia.
38. Marietta Square — Marietta
Marietta Square has long been one of my favorite places to visit in Georgia. Glover Park is at the center of the square.
This beautiful park has a playground with a train replica as well as a gazebo and fountain. Around the park, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants.
There’s also a historic theatre and a Gone with the Wind museum. You can easily spend the day exploring, and Marietta Square is famously pup-friendly.
39. The Story Shop — Monroe
The Story Shop is one of the most special places to visit in the state of Georgia.
It’s a personal favorite of mine, and book lovers will enjoy the wonder and whimsy of this small but special store.
Located in historic downtown Monroe, The Story Shop has a few features you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. This magical children’s bookstore has a wardrobe that extends into the Narnia-like story room.
There’s a hobbit hole play area in the walls and a spectacular story-themed party room at the center of the store.
From hardcover classics to the latest in children’s literature, this local shop offers a magical experience for bookworms.
40. Mitcham Farm — Oxford
Mitcham Farm is another personal family favorite. We go each year during strawberry season.
Not only can we pick our own strawberries, but we can enjoy strawberry slushies, strawberry shortcake, and even freshly made strawberry donuts.
There’s a Strawberry Festival with family-friendly activities each year. This family-owned and operated farm is located in Oxford, Georgia, less than an hour from Atlanta.
41. Callaway Resort & Gardens — Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain, Georgia, offers much to see and do, but one of the best places to visit is Callaway Resort and Gardens.
It has 2,500 acres of gardens, trails, and golf. It also has a lake with its own beach. This year-round destination has plenty of events for visitors from hot air balloon festivals to holiday lights.
There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful garden location. You can even stay in the resort so that you’re conveniently located to leisure and adventure activities.
42. Wild Animal Safari — Pine Mountain
Another one of the best places to visit includes the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain. This drive-through safari features giraffes, Bengal tigers, African lions, peacocks, lemurs, monkeys, and more.
You can even feed the animals and enjoy a hands-on experience with some of the residents of this amazing safari park.
There’s plenty to learn about conservation efforts here while you enjoy a wild animal experience in safe conditions.
43. Hard Labor Creek State Park — Rutledge
Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of the largest parks in the state of Georgia. While the name might not evoke relaxation, this beautiful park is the perfect place to soak in nature or enjoy an outdoor adventure.
Visitors can stay in cabins or campsites, and there’s even a lakeside beach where swimming is open during the summer season.
There are 24 miles of trails for hikers and horseback riders, and the lake is the perfect place to bring a kayak or paddleboard.
There’s even a golf course at the park and a miniature golf course for families and children. This park has plenty to see and do and makes a relaxing getaway in the “Small but Special” town of Rutledge.
Tip #8
During the summer months, you can also enjoy plant-based food and exquisite tea from Ruby’s by the Beach, a new business we’re happy to welcome to the area. I’m not vegan but the grilled cheese sandwich is AMAZING! I recommend all of the loose leaf teas.
44. Historic District — Savannah
The Historic District of Savannah is easily one of the best places to visit in the state. In case you haven’t noticed yet, this list is alphabetical, not in order of best to worst (or vice versa).
The charming town of Savannah is known for beautiful homes, gorgeous gardens, ornate fountains, ghost tours, and the bustle and beauty of River Street where you’ll want to soak in the nightlife and try a praline pecan.
Savannah was planned in squares so it’s nearly impossible to get lost there.
Between lush parks and a historic cemetery, there’s simply not enough space to share all the good things about visiting Savannah, Georgia.
45. St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the state of Georgia. With white sand beaches and miles of beautiful coastline, it’s a popular destination.
While there’s much to see and do here, my favorite activities include spending a day at the beach and enjoying the dining and shopping options near the Pier.
For the best view, check out the Lighthouse.
There are museums in the area to teach you about the history of the island, but if you just want a relaxing beach trip with little more than sun and sand to occupy you, this is the perfect Peach State destination.
46. Tallulah Gorge State Park — Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls offers a spectacular canyon over 1,000 feet deep, a suspension bridge, a lake and sand beach, and plenty of hiking trails.
Bike, paddle, hike, and fish this beautiful park, and don’t miss out on seeing the waterfall!
This gorgeous natural wonder is one you’ll want to add to your list on your trip to the state of Georgia. Just don’t bring your furry friends. Pets aren’t allowed for their own safety.
47. Goats on the Roof — Tiger
Goats on the Roof is a weird and wonderful tourist attraction in the small town of Tiger, Georgia. If you’ve ever been here, you likely stopped on your way to somewhere else.
Still, it’s one of the best places you can visit in Georgia. There’s much to do at this fun family stop.
Feed the goats, mine for gems, have lunch at the food truck, enjoy homemade fudge or award-winning nitrogen ice cream, play on the playground, shop for local goods, or just use this as a restroom and rest stop.
The ice cream is phenomenal, the t-shirts are funny, and the services is consistently friendly.
48. Tybee Island Light Station and Museum — Tybee Island
Lighthouse fans will love the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. This historic lighthouse has been around 1773.
It’s Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. Tybee Island is located on the Georgia coast near Savannah.
While there are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy in the area, you’ll find the best views from the top of the lighthouse.
49. Washington Farms
You’ll find Washington Farms in Bogart, Georgia, close to nearby Watkinsville. This family-friendly farm is a popular attraction during the fall season.
You can pick your own pumpkin or flowers, enjoy a hayride, watch miniature pigs race, find your way through a corn maze, enjoy sensory play with corn kernels, pet the farm animals, ride a farm train, and jump on bounce houses and bounce pillows.
There’s so much to do, and it’s certainly a family favorite. You can even have dinner or enjoy some of the fresh popcorn, cotton candy, or donuts sold at the concession stand.
This is easily one of the best places to visit — particularly if you’re traveling with kids.
50. Fox Tale Book Shoppe — Woodstock
Fox Tale Book Shoppe is one of my favorite independent bookstores anywhere. It’s located in historic Woodstock, Georgia, and it has much to recommend it.
Once upon a time, I lived near this bookstore and was able to join its book club, which is still in existence today.
Book lovers will enjoy the beautiful selection of books, staff recommendations, and author events.
Although it’s not one of the largest bookstores in the state, it’s easily one of the best in my opinion. The staff won’t steer you wrong with reads, and the welcoming store has plenty to delight the avid reader.
51. Augusta Street Art — Augusta
There are two major art exhibits in downtown Augusta that you don’t want to miss. One is the Augusta Sculpture Trail, and the other is the downtown murals. Both are free exhibits that you can tour on your own. View the art and learn more about the artists as you explore the beautiful historic downtown area.
Augusta Sculpture Trail Locations
Endeavour by Chris Plaisted — at Augusta Common & Broad Street
Duet’s Dance: Herons in Conversation by Lee Bell — at Augusta Common & Broad Street
Soccer Dude by Gonz Jove — at Augusta Common & Reynolds Street
Popsicles by Craig Gray — at Augusta Common & Reynolds Street
Without Limits by Gus & Lina Ocamposilva — at Eighth St. & Riverwalk
Unstoppable by Gus & Lina Ocamposilva — at Eighth St. & Riverwalk
Maestro and Forever Young — at Founder’s Overlook on upper level of Riverwalk
Hurrying Home by Charles Brouwer — on upper level of Riverwalk
Book Bench — A Novel Idea by Craig Gray- at Sixth St. & Riverwalk
Sun Lion — at 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge entrance to the Marina
Tropical Dream by Roger Finch — at 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge entrance
What’s in the Queue? by Gregory Johnson — on 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge
Ruthless by Flaminio Antonio — on 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge
Rise by James E. Weitzel — on lower level of Riverwalk
Oraiste agus Liath by Aisling McDonald — on lower level of Riverwalk
Augusta Mural Locations
Black Lives Matter • 307 11th St., Artist: Aort Reed
Robot and the Moon • 215 12th St., Artist: Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman
Girl with Butterflies • 739 Green St., Artist: Jay Jacobs
SoSal Augusta Mural • 1008 Broad St., Artist: April Henry King
You can find the entire list here.
52. James Brown Journey — Augusta
While visiting Augusta, take the James Brown Journey, a self-guided tour of the points of interest involving this musical legend and icon. You can scan URL codes at each point to hear more about his life and legacy. Not only is it a fascinating journey, but it’s fun and free. Plus, you’ll get to see more of downtown Augusta than you might ordinarily see.
53. Phinizy Swamp & Nature Park — Augusta
To be honest, I thought I would be underwhelmed by a trip to a park that has the word “swamp” in it. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I arrived to one of the most beautiful parks in the state. Maybe it was the autumn foliage that created the magic or the contrast of wetlands and forests, but Phinizy Swamp and Nature Park is worth a visit.
Visitors can hike the many trails in the park, and you might even see an alligator or two (do not feed or approach). It’s a beautiful park with plenty of places to picnic, play, and explore, and a visit to Augusta would be incomplete without a stop here.
54. Vidalia Onion Fountain — Vidalia
If you happen to find yourself in Vidalia, Georgia, you’ll want to stop and take a selfie at the unusual Vidalia Onion Fountain, which is located behind City Hall and across from the stage at Ronnie A. Dixon City Park.
While the fountain wasn’t operational when I visited, I’ll come back in the Spring and Summer to see the Onion in all its glory. The fountain was designed by local artist Ruth Williams English in a basin designed by Greg Goff.
55. Vidalia Onion Museum — Vidalia
You’ve probably seen Vidalia onions in the produce section of your grocery store. Visit the Vidalia Onion Museum to hear all about how the Vidalia sweet onion became famous.
Visitors to the museum will enjoy free admission and 1,300 square feet of museum exhibits. Guided tours are available, or you can choose to explore the exhibits on your own. Musuem exhibits include the following:
- Pioneers, Problems, & Promise
- Recipe for a Vidalia Onion
- Protecting a Name and its Fame
- A Year-Round Job
- Onion Town
- A Living Exhibit
There’s so much to see and do in the state. These are my picks for the best 50 places to visit in Georgia. What would you add to this list?
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