Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in GA

This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach. Photo by Charlotte B
This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach. Photo by Charlotte B
2/14/25 - By Melanie Preis

From a lively metropolis to the quaint coastal life, Georgia is a must-visit state! Whether you want the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, the largest Southeastern city in the United States; the lush landscape of Savannah; the quiet seabreeze of Tybee Island; the vibrant college scene of Athens; the charming Bavarian spirit of Helen; the jaw-dropping views of Tallulah Gorge State Park; or somewhere between, Georgia has it all. Take a look at our list of the best things to do in Georgia and let us know what you've visited and what you have yet to discover!

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Tree Top Adventure at Callaway Gardens: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
Explore the amazing Tree Top Adventure at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Photo by Bill Leffler

Amicalola Falls - Dawsonville

Amicalola Falls is a stunning 729-foot waterfall that's the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Andersonville National Historic Site - Andersonville

This national park serves as a memorial to all Americans ever held as prisoners of war. The features the National Prisoner of War Museum, the historic prison site, and the Andersonville National Cemetery.

Athens, GA

Drive about 60 miles northeast from Atlanta and you'll hit the coolest college town. However, Athens is so much more than just the home of the University of Georgia -- this city offers family-friendly attractions like the Sandy Creek Nature Center, Athens Skate Park, North Oconee River Greenway, and more.

Atlanta BeltLine - Atlanta

One of my favorite places to explore the intown neighborhoods of Atlanta is spending the day on the BeltLine. Whether by foot, bike, scooter, Segway, or skates, this winding path allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the city, as well as the public art that dots the trail.

Atlanta History Center - Atlanta

Get a taste of the past by visiting the Atlanta History Center, featuring the new Goizueta Children's Experience that just opened in 2025!

Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta

Golf fans must visit the hallowed grounds of The Masters tournament, held each year in Augusta, Georgia.

Blue Heron Adventure Park - Columbus

Zipline from Georgia to Alabama across a treetop canopy tour with three sky bridges! Participants must be age 10 or older, between 70 to 265 pounds. 

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Blue Ridge

Families will love riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along northern Georgia's Appalachian countryside. In addition to the seasonal train rides, Blue Ridge offers a special holiday experience during the winter months.

Bonaventure Cemetery - Savannah

This historical site has become a famed tourist destination in Savannah for its lovely tree-lined roadways, notable "residents," and unique cemetery sculptures. Make a visit during Halloween for a spooky tour!

Brasstown Bald - Hiawassee

Every Georgia elementary student learns that Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state (standing tall at 4,780 feet above sea level). Hike the trail and enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding north Georgia mountains.

Callaway Resort & Gardens - Pine Mountain

Callaway Resort & Gardens offers adventure, relaxation, and fun within a breathtaking landscape. In addition to acres of gorgeous flowers and shrubbery, enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, ziplining, fishing, and more.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Savannah

Step inside the architectural wonder that is Cathedral Basilica, recognized for its beauty and historical significance by Pope Francis.

Centennial Olympic Park - Atlanta

During a trip to downtown Atlanta, visit the 22-acre Centennial Olympic Park, home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Cool off in the iconic Fountain of Rings sprayground, enjoy gardens and playgrounds, and much more.

Center for Puppetry Arts - Atlanta

One of the coolest museums in Atlanta centers on the fantastical world of puppets! Located in Midtown, the Center for Puppetry Arts spotlights the history and art of puppets, as well as features wonderful, age-appropriate puppet shows throughout the year.

Chattahoochee RiverWalk - Columbus

Enjoy the great outdoors by walking along this 15-mile linear park that hugs the Chattahoochee River.

Children's Museum of Atlanta - Atlanta

Let kids be kids at this downtown museum focused solely on inquistive children. Toddlers and babies enjoy an age-appropriate section just for their needs, as well as all-inclusive exhibits and daily shows.

College Football Hall of Fame - Atlanta

Bring football lovers and die-hard sports fans to downtown Atlanta's College Football Hall of Fame. Tour the hall and get on the field!

Cumberland Island National Seashore - St. Marys

This is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island, where visitors board the ferry to visit the museum and learn about the history and nature of this land.

Cyclorama - Atlanta

This famed Battle of Atlanta painting is 138 years old, stands 49 feet tall, stretches longer than a football field, and weighs 10,000 pounds!

Dahlonega, Georgia

Kids can pan for gold and parents can sip Georgia wine during a visit to the always charming Dahlonega. This mountain getaway sits one hour north of Atlanta and features waterfalls, beautiful hikes, and lots of fun. 

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve - Stonecrest

Enjoy this nature preserve by foot or bike, surrounding Arabia Lake and looking out to amazing rock formations and other natural wonders.

Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island

As the name implies, this Jekyll Island beach showcases ancient driftwood collections along the waterfront.

Ebenezer Baptist Church - Atlanta

Located in the Sweet Auburn community, Ebenezer Baptist Church was founded in 1886 and served as a place of worship for many famed leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and senator Dr. Raphael Warnock. 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History - Atlanta

This museum is THE perfect place to take young kids looking to discover their world. With hands-on activities and exhibits, an amazing Giant Screen theater, cool outdoor playground and treetop walkway, the Fernbank is the best.

Georgia Aquarium: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the United States. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Georgia Aquarium - Atlanta

Go under the seas without actually going under the seas upon visiting the famed Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta.

Helen, GA: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia. Photo by Bill Leffler

Helen, Georgia

Escape to the quaint Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia about two hours north of Atlanta for some major fun. Whether you come during the exciting Oktoberfest celebration or prefer a quieter weekend, Helen packs a punch of pure pleasure.

High Museum of Art - Atlanta

Atlanta's premier art museum features a collection of more than 20,000 works of art, as well community-focused programs and family-friendly events.

Historic Oakland Cemetery - Grant Park

Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's oldest public park and the final resting place for notable city figures. In addition to being beautiful, this cemetery offers more than 20 special topic tours throughout the year as well as special events, summer camps, and more!

Jepson Center & Telfair Children's Art Museum - Savannah

This gorgeous building is filled with art, activities, and educational projects for all generations of visitors.

Jimmy Carter National Historical Park - Plains

Learn more about our 39th president by visiting rural Plains, Georgia to take guided tours of the property, including the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum - Atlanta

Honor the late Jimmy Carter by visiting his namesake presidential library and museum, featuring immersive exhibitions, unique artifacts, and replica of the Oval Office.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum - Savannah

Uncover the legacy of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America, during a visit to her birthplace home. Enjoy original and period furnishings, unique architectural features, and more.

Lake Lanier - Buford

Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia and makes it major destination for visitors and residents alike. Enjoy water activities, camping, and more at this famed aquatic attraction!

Margaret Mitchell House - Atlanta

Literary nerds and lovers of Gone With the Wind will definitely want to visit the home of author Margaret Mitchell in midtown Atlanta. 

Margaritaville at Lake Lanier - Buford

Margaritaville welcomes families throughout the year, including its famed winter attraction: License to Chill Snow Island.

Marietta Square - Marietta

Enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Marietta by hanging at the epicenter of fun at Marietta Square.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site - Atlanta

Learn more about the leader of the modern civil rights movement by visiting Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he co-pastored; and the Park Visitor Center.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights - Atlanta

Learn about the power of justice and dignity for all within immersive exhibtions, inspiring events and conversations, and engaging programs.

The National Infantry Museum - Columbus

This free museum teaches visitors about the history of the U.S. Army Infantry and honors the brave soldiers who have served this country. Enjoy fun and informative attractions, including virtual reality (VR) combat simulators.

Okefenokee Swamp - Waycross

Explore the wetlands of Georgia at the Okefenokee Swamp, which crosses into Florida and covers about 640 acres. There are 21 habitat types within the swamp, including hundreds of species of plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Ponce City Market - Atlanta

Ponce City Market is one of the coolest places to see and be seen, with endless shops, an awesome food hall, and cool events on The Roof.

Providence Canyon State Park - Lumpkin 

Known as Georgia's Little Grand Canyon, Providence Canyon State Park features gullies plummeting 150 feet and gorgeous hikes highlighting geological formations.

Rock City Gardens - Lookout Mountain

Discover ancient rock formations, gorgeous views, the wonderful gardens, and the Fairyland Caverns. 

Skyview Atlanta: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
SkyView Atlanta offers an amazing experience for Atlanta visitors and tourists alike! Photo by Bill Leffler

Skyview Atlanta - Downtown Atlanta

Take a spin above downtown Atlanta by boarding Skyview Atlanta, the city's ultimate Ferris wheel.

Stone Mountain Park : Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
Hike to the peak at Stone Mountain. Photo by the author

Stone Mountain Park - Stone Mountain

One of the biggest (literally) attractions in Georgia is Stone Mountain Park! Visitors tackle Stone Mountain by riding the sky gondola to the top, taking a train around the base of the mountain, or using good, old fashioned foot power. In addition, see dinosaurs, ride the attractions, and catch the drone show at night! 

St. Simons Island, Georgia

For those beach lovers who desire simple serenity, St. Simons Island is a must visit. This charming beach town is part of Georgia's Golden Isles.

Truist Park & The Battery: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
Atlanta baseball is a beloved activity, so cheer on those Atlanta Braves at Truist Park! Photo by Claire Robinson

Truist Park & The Battery - Atlanta

Cheer on your Atlanta Braves by enjoying a game at Truist Park! If you can't make it during baseball season, there's always something cool to do at The Battery that surrounds the stadium.

Tubing - Various Locations

Whether you choose the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Chattooga River in Clayton, Toccoa River near Blue Ridge, or another body of water, Georgia has some family-friendly tubing during the sticky summer months.

Tybee Island Light Station and Museum - Savannah

Visit Georgia's oldest and tallest light station with 178 steps leading to the top. There's a platform every 25 steps with a resting area and a viewing window, but note there's no elevator to the top.

University of Georgia - Athens

Visit UGA for a campus tour, cheer on the National Championship football team at a game, check out the Georgia Museum of Art, and much more. Go Dawgs! 

The Varsity - Various Locations

You can't visit Georgia without eating at The Varsity! This Atlanta institution has been serving the best food since its start in 1928.

World of Coca-Cola: Ultimate Georgia Bucket List: 100 Things to Do in GA
It's carbonation overload when World of Coca-Cola visitors try all the flavors at Taste It! Photo by Rebecca Leffler

World of Coca-Cola - Atlanta

Drink to your heart's content at the World of Coca-Cola -- part museum, part carbonated mecca. But beware the Beverly -- you've been warned!

Wormsloe State Historic Site - Savannah

This former plantation is the site of the oldest standing structure in Savannah, Georgia and makes jaws drop upon entry when witnessing the giant live oaks that create an archway over the road in.