Where Should You Explore Next in Georgia?
Plan your next adventure to one of these most Instagrammed places around the state.
We searched all corners of the state to come up with a list of the most Instagrammable places in Georgia. Not only are these places Insta-worthy, but they're also really fun to visit and explore. Add these places to your bucket list now. Don't forget to tag us and use #ExploreGeorgia when you post!
Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah
Upon entering the gates of Wormsloe State Historic Site outside of downtown Savannah, you're met with the breathtaking avenue of oak trees. This is the showstopper and the reason why it's one of the state's most photographed locations. Originally the home of English settler Noble Jones, the building itself is the oldest standing structure in Savannah, built of ground shells to make tabby. The property was passed on to his descendants until the state took over ownership in 1973.
Visit Wormsloe State Historic Site
Fausett Farms Sunflowers, Dawsonville
Like something out of a movie, travelers can't miss a visit to the Fausett Farms Sunflowers in Dawsonville, which is open seasonally. The family-owned farm has been in operation since 1858 but transitioned away from poultry farming to grow more than 30 acres of sunflowers. They also offer trail rides. Amateur photographers can pay $10 per car, while professionals will need to pay a $35 fee.
Visit Fausett Farms Sunflowers
Jackson Street Bridge, Atlanta
There's no better place to photograph the Atlanta skyline than the Jackson Street Bridge. So much so that the creators of "The Walking Dead" used it in their first season promotional shots! You'll see amateur and professional photographers alike snapping and posing at all times of day and night.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island
Located on the northern end of the barrier island, this unique beach is the most snapped spot on Jekyll Island. The gnarled and sun-bleached trees are like a natural playground where you can set up a hammock, climb like a jungle gym, or use it as a photogenic backdrop. You won't be the only one there at sunset, the best time to capture the beach.
Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum, Tybee Island
On Savannah's beach island, visitors can't miss a trip to the iconic Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum. It has protected ships in the Savannah River since it was built in 1732. It is the tallest and oldest active lighthouse in Georgia, complete with 178 stairs that visitors can climb. Learn more about the island's history in the connected museum.
Visit Tybee Island Lighthouse/Museum
Atlanta BeltLine, Atlanta
The city’s urban walking and biking trail started as a Master's degree project in 1999 and has become one of Atlanta’s biggest success stories. The Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine is a popular place to start, with arts projects like Tiny Doors dotting the pathways as well as bars, restaurants and shops. The Westside Trail is up and coming with its own set of retail and restaurant operations connected to it. See what else you can find in The Ultimate Guide to the Atlanta BeltLine.
Hay House, Macon
There are homes, and then there are mansions. The Hay House in downtown Macon is known as the "Palace of the South" for its stunning Italian Renaissance Revival design. Built in 1855, it passed through three families before becoming a Georgia Trust site in 1977. It boasts 24 rooms, pocket doors, spiral staircases and stained glass windows. Visitors can photograph the exterior, but no photos are allowed inside. Snap a photo on the steps and act like it’s yours!
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Countless photos can be found inside the world’s largest aquarium by water volume. The Ocean Explorer and tunnel in particular are favorite spots for selfies and snaps. Countless creatures call the Georgia Aquarium home, including beluga whales, whale sharks, manta rays, penguins and sea otters. Each ecosystem gets its own gallery, and visitors can even go scuba diving in one of the tanks. Celebs and film crews alike have used it as a backdrop!
Pasaquan, Buena Vista
Long before the age of social media, local students and soldiers would make the trek down to the small town of Buena Vista to see the colorful structures of St. EOM's Pasaquan and to meet the quirky Eddie Owen Martin, better known as St. EOM. Martin passed away in 1986, but the site was restored and reopened in 2016 to welcome a new generation of visitors. Admire the mandalas and sculptures of the futuristic alien beings Martin saw in visions.
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia
Stretching nearly 100 miles into North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the southernmost part of the Appalachian mountain chain, home to numerous North Georgia towns, including Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Clarkesville, Clayton, Cleveland, Dawsonville, Ellijay, Helen, Hiawassee, Jasper and Toccoa. Beautiful all year, but particularly when the leaves change in fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains, often characterized by a bluish hue when seen from a distance, are a natural playground for photographers and outdoor adventurers.
Visit Northeast Georgia Mountains
Providence Canyon, Lumpkin
Known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon," the deep reds and oranges of Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area make you feel as though you're out West, not a few hours from Atlanta. Admire the geological formations caused by years of erosion that you can see on the miles of trails. You can also stay the night at the state park's campsites.
Amicalola Falls, Dawsonville
North Georgia is full of stunning waterfalls, but Amicalola Falls may just be the most popular with visitors. The cascading falls are one of the state's tallest and are located near the starting point of the Appalachian Trail. Once you’ve snapped the falls, take advantage of the miles of trails, archery, birdwatching and ziplines.
Fox Theatre, Atlanta
A long-time icon in Atlanta, the Fox Theatre was built in 1928 as a Far East-inspired Shriners headquarters before taking on a new life as a movie palace. It has been saved from demolition a number of times and has hosted concerts, plays and movie premieres. The Moorish-style interiors and the notable marquis are well-documented by photographers.
The Collins Quarter, Savannah
Countless Georgia restaurants are Instagram-worthy, but Savannah's Australian-inspired The Collins Quarter cafe is a popular choice. The sidewalk dining and interior spaces are stunning, but it's the food and drinks worth snapping. Don’t miss the spiced lavender mocha and brunch items like avocado toast and brioche French toast.
The Old Mill at Berry College, Rome
Although the entire campus of Berry College could easily make this list, especially the chapel and Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum, the Old Mill is an icon in its own right. Built in 1930, the mill has an iron hub that was relocated there by none other than Henry Ford. The wooden water wheel is considered to be one of the largest in the world, reaching 42 feet in diameter. It was constructed by student workers. The gift shop even sells grits milled onsite.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta
One of Atlanta’s most recognizable hotels was designed in 1985 by John Portman and Associates, the group responsible for much of the downtown skyline. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis exterior is larger at the base, but it’s the interior that will impress. It resembles a futuristic spacecraft, hosting events like DragonCon and countless film crews. You don’t have to be a guest to check it out as you can always grab a drink at the lobby bar.
