Azaleas blooming in Savannah, Georgia

Stroll the 22 squares in Savannah’s historic district to see a beautiful array of foliage any time of year.

10 Iconic Things to Do in Georgia

Make the most of your trip by checking these can’t-miss Georgia experiences off your list.

 
Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia

See Stone Mountain

It's Georgia's most popular attraction, and it's easy to see why. Stone Mountain Park offers 3,200 acres of year-round fun, including the world's largest laser-light show in the summer and snow tubing in the winter. The park's centerpiece is its mountain-like granite monolith, which features a relief carving of notable Confederates that's larger than Mount Rushmore. Ride a cable car to the top or hike the one-mile path; either way, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlanta skyline.

Savannah Segway tour

Savannah Segway tour

Take a Savannah tour

Savannah is known for its charming squares and Spanish moss, but it's also famous for its hundreds of tours. History buffs may choose from trolley, carriage, Segway and walking tours of Savannah's Historic District, while those looking for something a little spookier may try one of many ghost tours in "America’s Most Haunted City." There are culinary tours like the First Squares Food Tour that sample Southern cuisine, and even tours where visitors can watch dolphins off the shores of nearby Tybee Island.

Peaches at Mercier Orchards

Peaches at Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Eat a Georgia peach

You haven't tried a peach until you've tried a Georgia peach. More than 40 varieties of fresh Georgia peaches are available from mid-May through August, with most orchards located in Crawford, Peach, Taylor, and Macon counties in the heart of the state. Sample a few at some of Georgia's oldest and largest peach orchards, like Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley or Dickey Farms in Musella.

Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia

Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia

Adopt a Cabbage Patch Kid

There's only one place where Cabbage Patch Kids are born, and that's Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland. Creator Xavier Roberts drew inspiration for his quilted "Little People" -- the forerunners of Cabbage Patch Kids -- from the folk crafts of southern Appalachia. Today, both the original hand-stitched babies and the popular Kids may be adopted at the northeast Georgia attraction. 

Professional golfers at Augusta National Golf Club

Professional golfers at Augusta National Golf Club

Cheer on the pros at The Masters

Famous for its green-jacket winners and pimento cheese sandwiches, The Masters draws all eyes to Augusta each April. You may apply for tickets to the Practice Rounds and Daily Tournaments online; winners are chosen via a random selection process. If you don't wind up with tickets, you can still hit the links at terrific nearby courses, including Forest Hills Golf ClubGordon Lakes, and Goshen Plantation Golf Club.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, Georgia

Paddle the Okefenokee Swamp

Outdoor adventurers from near and far come to Georgia to paddle the largest blackwater swamp in North America. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Georgia spans more than 400,000 acres and is filled with cypress trees, water lilies, and prairies. Paddle a portion of the Okefenokee's 120 miles of boat trails or hike one of the refuge's many land trails to see a variety of alligators, birds, and even bears. 

Georgia peanuts

Georgia peanuts

Sample Georgia peanuts

Georgia grows more peanuts than any other state, so you can't come here without snacking on a handful (or two). There's no better place to try them than Plains, situated in the heart of the state's so-called Peanut Belt. Plains is also the birthplace of U.S. President Jimmy Carter (himself a former peanut farmer), so be sure to see the giant peanut statue that features the president's famous smile.

Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia

See Rock City

You've seen the iconic birdhouses telling people to "See Rock City" -- and really, you should. If not for the 200-million-year-old rock formations, then go for the views of seven states from Lover's Leap on Lookout Mountain. As you wander the fourteen acres of trails, caves, waterfalls, and plant life at Rock City Gardens, don’t miss Swing-a-Long Bridge or Mother Goose Village.

World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia

World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia

Taste an icon at the World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola, so celebrate the world's most popular soda with a trip to the World of Coca-Cola. Learn about the history of Coke and its effect on pop culture before sampling more than 100 flavors from around the world. Thirsty for more? Head to Columbus to visit the Pemberton House, former residence of pharmacist John Stith Pemberton, who formulated Coca-Cola. An original outbuilding houses a vintage apothecary shop.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo by @joshsumner

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo by @joshsumner

Take pictures on Driftwood Beach

While there are some beautiful beaches on the Georgia coast, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island might be the most iconic. Strewn with sun-bleached driftwood, this beach resembles a natural jungle gym just asking to be photographed. The landscape changes constantly as the surf works away at the shoreline, toppling trees and creating endlessly fascinating scenes for photographers.

Published: January 2015
Written by: Daniel Spiller
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