You may think of it as a home to the world’s busiest airport (Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson), but this Southeastern U.S. state is so much more than that. Georgia is a state of many contrasts and that’s what makes it appealing for visitors.
There are various attractions that bring tourists to Georgia - natural features like Okefenokee Swamp, amazing mountain landscapes, modern architecture of Atlanta, romantic squares of Savannah, and much more. If you travel there with your family there are a lot of activities you can do together as well. Georgia is famous for the world’s largest aquarium, beaches, and 47 state parks. If you are interested in history - discover the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as numerous historic sites that illuminate events from prehistory to the 20th century. There is something for everyone in Georgia.
If you are interested in this topic and curious to learn more about it, you are in the right place. Here is a list of all the exciting activities you should try when you visit this incredible state.
Archery In Georgia State Parks
If archery is your hobby you must try taking an aim in one of the Georgia state parks. The archery community there is very determined, passionate, and supportive. Traditionally there are two types of ranges - realistic targets on several lanes and static ranges where archers shoot into targets in free-standing sheds. Quality archery target is essential and making your own target is an option if you prefer it to pre-made targets. Some of the parks offer occasional archery events and they are great for school athletic programs, bowhunters, or groups looking for an exciting outdoor experience. Here is a list of parks that ranges can be found at:
- Georgia Veterans State Park
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
- Panola Mountain State Park
- Victoria Bryant State Park
- Unicoi State Park & Lodge
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Smithgall Woods State Park
Sometimes parks don’t have an open range but hold archery programs and events. Here is a list:
- Fort McAllister State Park - Fort McAllister Events
- Stephen C. Foster State Park - Stephen C. Foster Events
- Magnolia Springs State Park - Magnolia Springs Events
- Elijah Clark State Park - Elijah Clark Events
- Crooked River State Park - Instructional Programs
Savannah Historic District
Savannah’s historic district is the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. With its lovely gardens and cobblestone streets it is the perfect vacation destination for all ages. You can enjoy festivals, art, culture, live theater, concerts, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and not to mention Southern hospitality. More than 20 city squares are filled with churches, museums, mansions, monuments, and forts of the Revolutionary and Civil war eras. In fact, the Savannah historic district preserved the old city to appear as it did at the time of the Civil War.
Savannah’s historic district is bounded by Forsyth park at the southern end. The entire district is known for its beautiful parks, but this one is the largest, and it is a great example of a mid-1800s Southern park. Walkthrough 22 unique squares downtown and don’t miss Chippewa Square, known as the site of the famous bench scene from “Forrest Gump”.
Georgia Aquarium
This is the world’s largest aquarium and it is a home for more than 100.000 animals that live in 10 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater. The size of the Georgia aquarium is overwhelming but the exhibits are divided into themes which makes it easier for visitors to follow.
Each theme is interesting and educational. For example, in the River Scout exhibit, you can see piranha, albino alligators, and emerald tree boas. Cold Water Quest examines life in cold waters across all oceans and includes unusual creatures such as Japanese spider crabs and Australian sea dragons. If you choose Under the Boardwalk theme, you will see professionals interacting with California sea lions. The largest exhibit, called Ocean Voyager, is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other fish. It contains 6.3 million gallons of water and features a 100-foot long tunnel for you to walk through, surrounded by fish.
Atlanta Botanic Garden
Right in Midtown Atlanta, next to Piedmont Park there is a 30-acre botanical garden. It is open the whole year round because it is a four-season attraction. From the colorful autumn foliage to the spring bulb display, there is something for everyone.
Check out many indoor gardens that can transport you to the tropics or the Fuqua Orchid Center that displays all shapes and colors of orchids. Don’t miss the High Elevation house that shows a variety of plants from Cloud Forests of the Andes and the Tropical Rotunda where you can see exotic bromeliads, ferns, mosses, miniature orchids, and trailing vines. One of the most popular attractions in this botanical garden is an Edible Garden where experts grow vegetables and fruits as landscape plants. If you visit in late spring or during the summer you should definitely explore the Rose Garden and stop by Hydrangea Collection if you are interested in water plants. The Japanese Garden provides a waterfall, teahouse, pond, and dwarf Japanese maples, while a Moon Gate features blooming azaleas and irises.
Center For Civil And Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is dedicated to the civil rights movement in the U.S. and, at the same time, to the initiative for human rights all over the world. This powerful and dynamic experience can bring you face to face with one of the greatest social struggles of recent history.
This gallery portrays the fight for equality during the 1950s and 1960s. Using interactive displays brings the visitors to times when people fought to secure equal rights for everyone and overcome the Jim Crow laws. There are many exhibitions you should check out. For example:
- The Lunch Counter exhibit is the most emotional one for a lot of people. Visitors sit at a counter while encountering angry faces and listening to voices of tormentors that assaulted people who were eating at public lunch counters on their headphones.
- The Freedom Riders exhibit recreates a bus from the 1950s.
- Many multimedia displays recreate the march on Washington through speeches and songs.
- People who lost their lives while fighting for equal rights are honored with their stories and photos.
Don’t miss visiting the Center for civil and human rights, since it connects the struggles of people all over the world while using interactive technology, encouraging you to engage in discussions and exploring fundamental rights.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, also known as millionaires island, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Georgia. At first, it was bought by a bunch of East Coast millionaires, named the Jekyll Island Club, but the island was sold to Georgia to use as a state park in 1947. Today, it is a resort area with beaches, and it’s very popular for its beautiful nature, camping areas, and golf facilities.
Chattahoochee National Forest
Did you know that the Chattahoochee National Forest covers 750000 acres in northern Georgia? It’s an amazing place for outdoor pursuits and spending time in nature. The area looks beautiful with all the rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. It’s very popular during the summer. So, if you want to go camping, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking, or swimming, this is the right place for you.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
If you want to visit the birthplace and grave of the most famous civil rights leader, you must not miss The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. This is a two-block area where you can see the house Dr.King was born in, as a part of a restored block of modest homes and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where you will discover some fascinating facts about the role this church had played.
You can choose to be a part of a tour group or pick a self-guided tour. Make sure you visit The Freedom Hall Complex that offers various exhibits and listens to the volunteers at Fire Station 6 that will explain the station’s place in community life.
Visit Georgia Peach Festival
It’s estimated that more than 10.000 visitors go to Peach County in Georgia for the Georgia Peach Festival every year. This event lasts a whole week and it’s held in June. The Peach Festival celebrates peach growers and gives a significant contribution to the local economy. It includes live music performances, a parade, and a beauty contest (Miss Georgia Peach Pageant).
However, the highlight of this festival is the food. If you are a fan of peach-filled treats, such as pie and cobbler, you are in the right place. If not, don’t worry. You can also feast on a variety of savory foods, like barbecue or pizza. The good news is that the festival is completely free. Still, you may want to bring some money to buy all the delicious food.
Visiting Georgia is a great way to delve into the state’s rich history, enjoy nature, and have a lot of fun. Georgia has amazing natural and historical features and it’s full of secret treasures. People who live there are warm and welcoming, so we guarantee you will have a great time and create memories for a lifetime.
