Savannah is similar to Charleston, South Carolina, with its Spanish moss, Southern accents, and eerie cemeteries. However, this city, located around 100 miles to the south, has a peculiar side. Students from Savannah College of Art and Design mingle with paranormal investigators and preservationists, and Southern eateries coexist on the same street blocks as hip cafes and restored theaters.

In the real crime novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," the eccentric individuals speak for themselves. Yes, quirkiness is the name of the game, but if that's not your "box of chocolates," as Tom Hanks famously remarked in the "Forrest Gump" movie filmed in Savannah, perhaps history or nightlife are.

One of the oldest Black churches in North America is located in Savannah, and Fort Pulaski served as a safe haven for enslaved persons trying to flee to freedom during the antebellum period. But Savannah understands how to make visitors have a good time, whether they are in town to immerse themselves in history, view the sites, taste some delectable Southern food, or spend a few evenings bar-hopping.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
  
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia
  
• #1 in Best Cheap Romantic Getaways
  
• #10 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #14 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  
• #15 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
  
• #27 in Best Places to Visit in the USA

Location: Georgia

The golden sand beaches that adorn the Georgia coastline gave rise to these barrier islands and the port town that lies along the Atlantic coast. The larger islands in the area provide everything visitors could need, while Brunswick functions as a mainland town with a wharf and a significant number of shrimp boats. Private, top-notch resorts are available on smaller islands like Little St. Simons and Sea Island. No matter whatever island you decide to visit, don't forget to take pictures of the mesmerizing sunsets over the water.

Golden Isles of Georgia, Wheels, Glory Beach, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Howard Coffin Park, Frederica Park, Driftwood Beach, Blythe Island Regional Park, and Wesley Memorial & Gardens are just a few of the great things to do in Golden Isles of Georgia, Georgia. What a sight to behold—dramatic natural beauty that has largely escaped the passage of time. At nightfall, miles of unspoiled beaches glow gold. Waterways wind in an infinite maze across colorful marshes. The Golden Isles are this.

It's more than just a location to go to the beach; it's a place to wander, paddle, and savor. It's a spot where you can indulge in as much golfing delight as you want, or just relax and enjoy the four brilliant islands' and the historic mainland city's sunshine. The Golden Isles are a place to unwind, get used to the tides' cycle, and go at your own leisure. Spend your days exploring historical sites, mouthwatering Southern food, and informative guided tours.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

Athens, one of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia, is located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 75 miles northeast of Atlanta. History enthusiasts should head straight for Athens. Georgia's Antebellum Trail, which showcases Civil War-era mansions and historical architecture in its 17 historic districts, has the city as its beginning point. The Georgia Museum of Natural History, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the Georgia Museum of Art are all located at the University of Georgia, the first public institution of higher learning in the nation. Visit the stores, eateries, and live music venues in Downtown Athens for a more up-to-date escape.

This college town will make you happy in many different ways thanks to its wealth in history, southern charm, and creative vitality. This small city is full of treasures that enthrall you for days, from antebellum architecture to artisanal breweries.Even in its Victorian-era downtown section, which is rich in southern charm, it exudes a leafy suburban vibe.

Athens, which has been a town since at least 1806 (although its police force wasn't established until 80 years later), developed affluent thanks to its cotton mills. The B-52s and REM were both formed there, and it has always had a thriving music scene. Despite the town's continued prosperity, which is mostly due to its college population, the cotton industry has long since disappeared. With almost 35,000 students, it guarantees that there is always something new to do.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

Atlanta, located in the heart of the South, has a distinctively fast-paced and cosmopolitan vibe that draws tourists to its vibrant restaurant scene and plethora of cultural attractions. This business center has attracted residents from across the nation, adding to the city's distinctive atmosphere. The modern Atlanta is diverse and forward-thinking, drawing cultural vultures to museums and theaters much as outdoorsy types are drawn to green parks. Families meanwhile go to the city's enormous aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

Whatever kind of holiday you prefer, you could easily spend the most of a two- or three-day excursion in the city center, taking in the top attractions. After dark, move to Atlanta's hip Westside and Buckhead neighborhoods to experience the city's vibrant dining and nightlife. If you don't have much time, join one of the best Atlanta tours for a quick overview of the city's most popular attractions.

Atlanta is best visited during the months of March and May, when you may take advantage of the pleasant weather to take part in the city's outdoor events and performances. The summers in Atlanta are famously hot and muggy, and this is also the time when room costs are at their highest, despite the fact that you'll also have access to a variety of events.

Try booking a trip in the winter to save money because the weather is colder and hotel rates are lower. Events in late winter will be especially popular with foodies. When one of Atlanta's major music festivals isn't going on, you can also get a nice price in September, October, or November. However, just like the summer, autumn comes during the Atlantic hurricane season, so you might experience weather problems if a storm rolls through.

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia
  
• #27 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Location: Georgia

Cumberland Island, the biggest and southernmost of Georgia's barrier islands, has a fascinating past and stunning scenery. To reach here, you'll need to take a ferry from the adjacent town of St. Marys, but the trip is well worth it. When you get there, you'll find more than 17 miles of isolated beaches and approximately 10,000 acres of wilderness that has been protected. Numerous historical monuments on Cumberland Island also tell the tale of the Carnegie family, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, and other people who formerly called the island home, including the Plum Orchard Mansion, the First African Baptist Church, and the Dungeness Ruins.

Off the coast of the Southeast United States, Cumberland Island, one of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia, is the largest of the Sea Islands. On October 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon created the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Only the National Park Ferry or private boats can get there, but the journey is definitely worth it. The boat voyage takes around 45 minutes and departs from Saint Mary's, Georgia.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

The main goal of visiting Callaway Gardens is to get back in touch with nature. Callaway Gardens, which is located in the small town of Pine Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, has 2,500 acres of gardens, a butterfly center with more than 1,000 butterflies, and more than 10 miles of biking and nature paths, among other features. During the summer months, guests can also go to Robin Lake Beach to swim, kayak, paddleboard, or just to relax in the sun. Families can also make use of Aqua Island, an inflatable water playground on the beach.

The Callaway Discovery Center is where visitors should begin their trip whether they are visiting Callaway Gardens for the first time or 100th time. You will gain a lot of understanding of Callaway Gardens and what we stand for, in addition to enjoying the location's beauty, which is tucked away in a sizable wooded region. On your day excursion, you will spend a lot of time here because you won't want to miss any of the acts that are held there, such the Birds of Prey show.

Rankings:

• #6 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

Dahlonega is a viable option even if Georgia may not immediately come to mind when considering wine travel places. This town in the north is frequently referred to as the "Heart of Georgia Wine Country" since it has 12 wine tasting establishments, 5 wineries, and vineyards that are privately owned and managed. Arrive in May for your vacation to experience a lively environment at the annual Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival. Keep some time aside to visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site and an old mine since it was also the site of America's first gold rush.

Dahlonega, a little community in northern Georgia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is bursting at the seams with attractions. This charming town offers something for everyone, from first-rate wineries and vineyards with world-class wines, stunning natural settings with thundering waterfalls, babbling brooks, and craggy mountains, to a rich history going back to the finding of gold in the region in 1828. Dahlonega won't let you down whether your preference is perusing art galleries and museums, knee-deep in the river panning for gold, or sampling some of the best wines the area has to offer.

Rankings:

• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

Jekyll Island, the furthest south of the Golden Isles, draws tourists looking for a peaceful beach vacation. Since the entire island is designated as a state park in Georgia, conservation and the protection of wildlife are high objectives. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the 4-H Tidelands Nature Center, visitors can see sea turtles, alligators, and other coastal wildlife. They can also relax on the area's ten miles of immaculate beaches or stroll through the neighborhood's historic district, also known as Millionaire's Village, where they can see the homes of some of the wealthiest families in America, such as the Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Pulitzer families.

This tiny island off the coast of Georgia is simple to reach by car because a bridge connects it to the US mainland. It is a fantastic little holiday destination in the Golden Isles, only 20 minutes from Brunswick. It is tranquil and home to some amazing coastal environments.

Some of the wealthiest families in the USA used to privately own Jekyll Island, and they would come here in the winter to take advantage of the island's pleasant climate. There are several activities at Jekyll Island that will appeal to all types of visitors, including waterparks, golf courses, and hiking trails. In addition, there is amazing marine life nearby, including dolphins and sea turtles.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

This tiny barrier island, which is less than 20 miles southeast of Savannah, has been a well-liked family holiday spot for more than a century. Tybee Island is a top destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing due to its kilometers of sandy beaches and generally pleasant weather throughout the year. Visitors can also spend a few hours searching for the island's more than 200 different bird species. Other Tybee must-dos include attending educational events at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and climbing the Tybee Island Light Station, the oldest and highest lighthouse in Georgia.

Tybee Island, a charming city and island barrier with clear beaches, salty winds, and a beautiful ambiance, is situated in Georgia's Chatham County. Despite having the same name, the island and city are separate entities because only a portion of the island is located within the limits of the city.

The picturesque and historic Savannah is merely a 20-minute scenic drive from the charming city. Tybee Island is abundant in environment, culture, and history. It is a tiny city with a population of close to 3,000 people that is approximately 2.7 square miles in size. Five kilometers of sandy beaches in this picturesque seaside city provide access to the Atlantic Ocean, where you may bask in the rays of the sun and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

Tybee Island has fantastic pathways for bicycling and trekking that are surrounded by lush vegetation. This lovely city is home to numerous intriguing attractions, including as museums, galleries, and lighthouses, in addition to natural features. The city is also renowned for its delectable seafood, which is offered at the several waterfront eateries that line the shore. There is a lot to do and see on Tybee Island.

Rankings:

• #9 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia

Arabia Mountain in Atlanta offers several chances for adventure with three lakes and more than 2,000 acres. The Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve is accessible by foot or bicycle, and the Arabia Mountain PATH is also accessible. The latter offers travelers 60 geocaches to find. There are many streams that are perfect for casting a line for individuals who enjoy fishing. But keep in mind that a Georgia fishing license is required in order to fish here.

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which spans 40,000 acres of terrain east of Atlanta along I-20, provides several possibilities for a breath of fresh air and a peaceful, secure retreat. The two granite outcrops in the area, Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain, are well-known to tourists, but you might not be aware of the vast area's many other natural and historical treasures. Here are five places you should see on your next trip that are off the usual path.

Rankings:

• #10 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia