Here is the list you've been waiting for--the ultimate Georgia bucket list. If you've been wanting to travel and experience the best Georgia has to offer, then this is the year to do it. You're definitely going to want to print this list out and get started right away. Here are 31 things everyone must do in Georgia before they die.
Restaurants
1. Mary Mac's Tea Room
Mary Mac's is a 1945-era southern food gem located in the heart of Atlanta. This restaurant is a local favorite for Atlanta residents and can be one of yours as well!
2. Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
If you don't go to any other restaurant in Georgia, visit Mrs Wilkes Dining Room. This is perhaps the most popular southern food restaurant in Savannah, and it's evident by the line that wraps around the corner every day! This family owned restaurant serves up southern favorites in a picnic style setting.
3. Southern Soul BBQ
This is a great southern restaurant in St. Simons Island that locals go crazy for. One of the most unique places to eat in Georgia, it's a former gas station that now serves delicious barbecued meats and sides. The brunswick stew is a favorite and there are even some unique beverages, too, including Cheerwine Bourbon!
4. Wiley's Championship BBQ
Southern Soul BBQ is an extremely popular southern BBQ spot on beautiful St. Simons Island. If you want some authentic southern coastal cuisine, this little spot is the place to visit!
Attractions
5. VIP Southern Tours
Georgia is the second best place for wine next to Napa County. Our muscadine winerys here are to die for! Get a taste of Georgia's best wines on this Southern-style wine tour.
6. Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort, just about an hour north of Atlanta is one of the best romantic getaways in Georgia. Visit their spa, amazing gardens, go horse back riding, or just relax.
7. The Lodge & Spa at Callaway Gardens
Visit the Callaway Gardens in style at this upscale resort. Go golfing or visit the gorgeous Callaway Gardens. This resort is set in 6,000 acres of natural pine forests and gardens with luxurious country-chic rooms, an outdoor pool, and a seasonal pool bar.
8. Justine Inn
This bed and breakfast is probably the best B&B in Georgia. This 1877 townhome is decorated in a French Renaissance style, and it's within walking distance from Forsyth Park and City Market.
9. Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are one of the prettiest places in the whole city. They have amazing seasonal attractions that you just have to see!
Nature
10. Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is one of the most popular nature spots in North Georgia. You can walk the trails, canoe, fish, or just sit outside and enjoy nature.
11. Amicalola Lodge
Amicalola State Park has some of the most magnificent waterfalls in all of Georgia, great hiking, and of course, great lodging at Amicalola Lodge.
12. Gibbs Gardens
Gibbs Gardens is another fantastically beautiful place in Georgia. This well-kept garden is a must-see place for anyone who lives or visits Georgia.
13. Hiking in the North Georgia Mountains
Of course hiking in our North Georgia Mountains had to make this bucket list! Our North Georgia Mountains are some of the most beautiful mountains the world has ever seen. There are plenty of mountain ranges, camping spots, and hiking for all levels and ages in the North Georgia Mountains.
14. Cloudland Canyon
Gorgeous Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia's natural wonders and its no wonder why! This breathtaking site is just a pleasure to behold.
15. Okefenokee Swamp
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest swamp in North America, so it is one of Georgia's natural wonders as well. There are hundreds and hundreds of species of animals and plants in this thriving habitat. This place is definitely a must-see for Georgia residents!
16. Providence Canyon
17. Tallulah Gorge
Tallulah Gorge is amazing. It's two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Tallulah Gorge is a hot tourist attraction in North Georgia and anyone can see why!
18. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is a very popular place to hike for people in the Atlanta area. There's also an amusement/water park for kids, a resort, and a lake. Plus, there are always AMAZING firework shows during the holidays.
19. Warm Springs
Warm Springs is a wonderful place that used to be the favorite location of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medicinal waters of the warm springs helped with his polio symptoms. You can check out his home, the Little White House, the warm springs, Pine Mountain, and more!
20. Georgia's Barrier Islands
Along the coast of Georgia are our beautiful barrier islands. There are eight in total and four of them are accessible by car (Tybee, Sea, Jekyll, and St. Simons Islands). These islands are the more popular ones and they have an assortment of attractions and lodging. The other four are accessible by boat or ferry. They are less developed but just as extraordinary! Pictured above is Wassaw Island.
Adventure
21. Banning Mills - 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185
Visit the world's largest zipline at Banning Mills. Located on 300 acres of wooded land, Banning Mills also has aerial obstacle courses, adventure resort, and a bed and breakfast.
22. Lanier Islands - 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
Lanier Islands is a sprawling vacation spot 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. Lake Lanier Islands is a group of islands on the largest lake in Atlanta. There are tons of activities, lodging, and adventures to get into!
23. Adult Treehouse
You can feel like a kid again in this treehouse conclave in Buckle. You can rent a couple of nights at this amazing treehouse here.
24. Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Rides
213 Capitol Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30334
Explore Georgia from the skies on a magical hot air balloon ride.
Must-See Cities
25. Savannah, GA
Everyone in Georgia should visit the historic Savannah. There's ton to see, learn, and eat! visit River Street, take a tour, or cruise down the river on a river boat. This hot tourist spot is a favorite vacation destination for people all over the country.
26. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and one of Georgia's main tourist spots. There's tons of things to do and see as the city really is set up to cater to tourists. Catch a game at the stadium, eat from one of hundreds of restaurants, visit Piedmont Park, or ride the Ferris Wheel. There are also tons of museums and the largest aquarium on this side of the world!
27. Rome, GA
Rome is a charming and beautiful city north of Georgia. Just outside of Rome is the gorgeous Berry College.
28. Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge is Georgia's favorite mountain town. On top of hiking in the mountains, couples and friends love to visit this town to lodge, shop, and just get away from it all!
29. Helen, GA
Helen is another favorite mountain town in North Georgia. Check out Ruby Falls, go hiking, and shopping. Visitors love the fact that Helen is a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village. They quickly fall in love with the beauty and festivity of this town!
30. Athens, GA
Athens is Georgia's favorite college town, home of the infamous University of Georgia. UGA is country's first charted university and home to one of our favorite collegiate teams, the Georgia Bulldogs. There's so much more to do in Athens besides hitting the local bar scene. They have their own zoo, botanical garden, theatre, and museums!
31. St. Marys, GA
St. Marys is the best large little town in Georgia. This historic city is beautiful and storybook perfect. Ride a train, visit Cumberland Island, or eat some great southern coastal cuisine.
What do you think about this list? Want even more places to check out in Georgia? Check out my previous articles such as 18 awesome free things to do in Georgia, 20 great day-trips in Georgia, 14 hidden gems in Georgia, 10 awesome things to do in Georgia when it's raining, and 10 awesome road trips through Georgia. Just be sure to check out our road trip packing list before you hit the highway on those road trips.
What spots am I missing on this list? Tell me in the comments below!
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