11 Prettiest Towns In Georgia

One of the original 13 English colonies in America, Georgia is the land of Peaches and the birthplace of Martin Luther King in the state capital, Atlanta City. Nicknamed The Empire State, the prettiest towns in Georgia are a well-rounded mix of historic, waterfront, and cozy bedroom communities to major metropolitan cities. Better yet, Georgia is so steeped in history and nature that many of its small towns were the backdrop for blockbuster movies and famous TV shows. Whether a state-local looking to explore new small communities or a foreigner trying to experience America like in the movies, discover the ultimate prettiest towns in Georgia before leaving for the Peach State.

LaGrange

One of the largest and classiest small towns in the state, Lagrange has a population of roughly 30,000 and is one of the prettiest towns for enjoying a flawless blend of modern and historic architecture. Located about 60 miles south of Atlanta, it is a cultural haven for tourists and vacationers alike. Find a balance of attractions and atmospheres in LaGrange, from a lively downtown to live classic performances like the Symphony Orchestra at live concerts at The Sweetland Amphitheater. Furthermore, Lagrange is positioned near the border of Alabama and Georgia, serving as a preferred destination for vacationers from both states.

Madison

Madison is a small town that has starred in many Hollywood productions, including Goosebumps and My Cousin Vinny. With luminous Antebellum mansions around every corner and a rich natural setting, Madison is a cozy, small community that feels like everyone’s hometown. Art enthusiasts can browse the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center and Steffen Thomas Museum Of Art, while the Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Make your visit to this pretty town one to remember, and stay at local farms with lodging options from Southern Cross Guest Ranch and The Farmhouse Inn.

Americus

Home to a historic atmosphere of Victorian homes, and time-traveling experiences like performances at Rylander Theater, and overnight stays at historic accommodations like the 1890 Windsor Hotel. The small town developed from Courthouse town into a primary railroad stop by the 20th century, when local attorney Samuel H. Hawkin constructed the first privately financed railroad in the US.

Plan your visit to this pretty small town in Georgia in the fall to catch community events like the Americus Music Fest in October and locally guided ghost-hunting tours in downtown Americus. This southwestern town also makes the perfect family-friendly escape with educational destinations like the Americus Center for the Arts, the nearby Andersonville National Historic Site, and hands-on activities like Mobile Glassblowing Studios and Hot Glass Academy.

Greensboro

Greensboro stands out as one of the prettiest towns in Georgia for its exceptionally well-preserved historic downtown and range of elegant, antebellum homes, churches, and complementing antique shops that add to the town’s vintage feel. In addition to the town’s All-American ambiance and welcoming feel, Greensboro allows endless summer season watersport activities at the nearby 19,050-acre reservoir, Lake Oconee. Visit The Old Rock Gaol, located behind the Greene County Courthouse, which served as a settling point for early pioneers, and experience Georgia’s history through the tales of locals at the Greene County History Museum, commemorating important figures and Barber House Museum.

Helen

Known for its Bavarian-themed homes and European culture, Helen offers an American take on living in an alpine village. A town designed to be a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village now allows for a distinctive tourist escape with over 200 locally owned shops downtown and a classy cobblestone atmosphere. Unicoi State Park offers visitors an abundance of outdoor recreation with trails for hiking and watersport activities on ​​Unicoi Lake. Plan your overnight stay at the cozy Hofbrau Riverfront Hotel, or rent your bungalow with places like the Chattahoochee Lodge and other nearby options. To catch the town at its most vibrant state, visit Helen during Oktoberfest, the German cultural event that brings out the best food, handmade-product vendors, and local performers.

Moultrie

With a population of approximately 14,000, Moultrie is surrounded by picturesque farmland and small towns like Albany, Tifton, and Thomasville. Moultrie ranks as one of the most beautiful towns for being enhanced with creative local businesses, restaurants, and a welcoming community. Among this small town’s most popular farm-to-table dining destinations are the Three Crazy Bakers, Blue Sky Grill, and The Square, locally known for its seasonally rotating menu.

In addition to the booming agricultural scene, Moulrie is an excellent place to go hunting, with destinations like the Morrison Pines Plantation, a wooden, classy, southern-themed lodge, and a 4,000-acre quail habitat. Take pictures of the stunning white Colquitt County Courthouse, and catch local events in the picturesque historic district like the Spring Fling Backyard BBQ festival and the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a small town that emphasizes natural richness in Georgia with agricultural-focused spots like Mercier Orchards or Serenberry Vineyards or rewarding hikes like the Long Creek Falls Trail, the challenging Aska Trails, and the 2.1 miles Amicalola Falls. Despite being renowned as a nature lover’s paradise, the best thing to do in Blue Ridge is to stay in isolated destinations amidst vibrant nature in mountain cabins to truly embrace the beauty of The Peach State. High-demand stays in the Blue Ridge woods include Mountain Hideaway Cabin Vacation Rental and the full-equipped Mountain Top Cabin Rental.

St. Simons Island

Globally renowned as one of the best coastal escape towns in Georgia with waterfront resorts along the Atlantic Ocean, St. Simons Island brings to life another side of the escape experiences in Georgia with miles of beautiful beaches and fishing hotspots that attract passionate hobbyists from all over. St. Simons Island ranks on the list of the prettiest towns in Georgia for its calm atmosphere, Waterfront Pier, iconic lighthouse, and historic Fort Fredrica National Monument that dates back to 1736.

However, even with its many attractions, the best thing to do on St. Simons Island is to relax and find fancy resorts, world-class spas, expansive golf courses, and more that qualify this pretty town to rank as one of the best places to zone out and regroup in Georgia. St. Simon Inn by the Lighthouse offers a central stay amidst touristy places, while the Village Inn boasts a more welcoming, homey atmosphere.

Cleveland

Sitting in the North Georgia mountains, Cleveland is known for its Bavarian-style architecture and scenic natural surroundings. Visitors can embrace the town’s past through stops at iconic old businesses like the Soda Fountain Cafe, along with the Italianate-style White County Courthouse building, now turned into a museum. Discover the town’s beauty through its simplicity with unique visits like the Loganberry Heritage Farm, CeNita Vineyards and Winery, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards.

Dahlonega

Dahlonega truly embodies the definition of the prettiest small town in Georgia for its unique environment setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains and abundance of things to do and places to see. This small town also stands out for being enhanced with remnants of the Gold Rush Era, as it was the site of the first major gold rush in the United States. More can be learned about the town’s history in places like the Dahlonega Gold Museum and the Historic Public Square, while family fun activities like visiting the Butterfly Farm and hiking the trails to Can Creek Falls will be the highlights of any visit to Dahlonega.

Washington

Washington, Georgia one of the oldest communities in America, was established in 1780. Travel back in time when you visit Washington with cool attractions like the Washington Historical Museum, housed in a stunning antebellum mansion, and the Deerlick Astronomy Village. A stay at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and walking tours through breathtaking architecture like the Wilkes County Courthouse. Browse homes of important American figures like Robert Toombs, the American lawyer who led a turbulent career as a state legislator, US Congressman, and Senator, and make stops at iconic local businesses like Maddy’s Public House, Kettle Creek Creamery, and the weekly Washington Farmers Market if visiting on a Sunday.

These 11 pretty Georgia towns are an eclectic, well-rounded mix of nature and city beauty that can be experienced in The Peach State. From iconic towns that were the main shooting spot of world-famous films to agricultural-focused communities to kick back and relax, this is your sign to explore the prettiest small towns in Georgia.