14 Best Small Towns To Visit In Georgia

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean as well as the US States of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Alabama in the southeast, north, northeast, south, and west, respectively, Georgia is a gorgeous state in the American Southeast. Apart from being one of the initial Thirteen Colonies, Georgia is esteemed for its varied landscapes with five primary physiographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plains, the Piedmont Region, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge & Valley Appalachians, and the Cumberland Plateau. Although the state’s big metropolises, including the capital city of Atlanta and other populous cities like Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, etc., draw thousands of vacationers annually, there are also many captivating small towns enticing travelers from all around the globe. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover some of Georgia’s hidden jewels.

Blue Ridge

Fannin County’s seat, Blue Ridge, is a picturesque mountain town situated on a divide between the Tennessee River and Alabama River watersheds, approximately 93 miles north of Atlanta. Blue Ridge is an outdoor lover's paradise, boasting over 300 miles of hiking trails, 100 miles of trout streams, and 867,265 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The town’s charming downtown is packed with various antique shops, galleries, clothing boutiques, wineries, craft breweries, entertainment venues, and restaurants. Hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a 26-mile round-trip ride that starts at the iconic Blue Ridge Depot and follows the Toccoa River course, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. From late spring to early fall, revelers can spend a day of boating, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking on the pristine Lake Blue Ridge. Also, do not forget to visit the Mercier Orchards – the Southeast’s most extensive apple orchard, discover the beautiful waterfalls (Long Creek, Sea Creek, Falls Branch, and Jacks River Falls), admire the town’s colorful arts scene, and play a round of golf at the Old Toccoa Farm.

Covington

Settled by European immigrants in 1822 and incorporated as the administrative center of Newton County, Covington, named after Leonard Covington, the US Army Brigadier General, is situated in the state’s north-central portion, about 30 miles southeast of Atlanta off Interstate 20. Often called the “Hollywood of the South,” the town’s thriving downtown has been an amazing backdrop for more than 140 television shows and movies like “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Vampire Diaries,” and many more. Moreover, Downtown Covington contains an impressive blend of landmark structures like the Newton County Courthouse, besides numerous locally-owned vintage shops, boutiques, and eateries like the Town House Café, Mystic Grill Restaurant, and Bread & Butter Bakery. Covington’s other National Register listings include the North Covington Historic District, Covington Mill Village, and the Salem campground. Board the Main Street Trolleys for a tour of the town’s famous filming locations, follow the “Walk of Stars” around the downtown square, take a guided spooky tour with Covington Ghost Tours, and a self-guided tour of the area’s historic homes.

Dahlonega

Famed as the site of the nation’s first major Gold Rush and the “heart of the North Georgia Wine Country,” Dahlonega is located at the northern extremity of Georgia State Route 400. The historic public square of this Lumpkin County seat is a favored tourist destination with countless gift shops, art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, wine-tasting rooms, entertainment spots, artisan studios, bed & breakfasts, and diners. Families can explore some of the town’s interesting attractions, including the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site housed in the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, the University of North Georgia campus, the Achasta Golf Club Course, and award-winning wineries like Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Cavender Creek Vineyard & Winery, Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, Kaya Vineyard & Winery, and Accent Cellars. Dahlonega also hosts several annual festivals, such as the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega Literary Festival, Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, the Fourth of July Family Celebration, and the Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration.

Darien

Originally named “New Inverness” and founded by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, Darien is located on the Atlantic coast close to the Altamaha River’s mouth in McIntosh County, about 62 miles south of Savannah and 17 miles north of Brunswick. Being Georgia’s second-oldest city, Darien is home to the well-known Fort King George State Historic Site, the Butler Island Rice Plantation, Old City Jail Art Center, Ashantilly Center, and two historic districts: the Vernon Square-Columbus Square Historic District and the West Darien Historic District. Take a stroll down the town’s delightful waterfront park and the newly revitalized downtown, full of landmark properties, gas stations, theaters, chain restaurants, hotels, and a small outlet mall. Darien also draws thousands of merrymakers to the annual Blessing of the Fleet, the Fourth of July celebration, and the Darien Fall Fest.

Dublin

Nicknamed “The Emerald City,” Dublin, centrally situated in Middle Georgia, is Laurens County’s seat of government. Named by the town’s first postmaster, Jonathan Sawyer, after his spouse’s ancestral home in Dublin, Ireland, this Georgian town contrasts markedly with its European peer, in having a more laid-back vibe. Dublin comprises two National Register-listed historic districts, of which the town’s foremost extant buildings are a part of the Dublin Commercial Historic District, whereas the residential homes, churches, cemeteries, etc., built between 1910 and 1940 are a part of the Stubbs Park-Stonewall Street Historic District. A bustling retail center, the town’s downtown is jam-packed with shops, restaurants, a plaza with fountains, new parking areas, the revamped Theatre Dublin, Dublin Carnegie Library, and the Dublin-Laurens County Historical Museum. Every March, Dublin hosts an Irish-themed St. Patrick's festival with Irish music, dance, food, parades, a leprechaun contest, and an arts and crafts fair.  

Helen

Helen, an erstwhile logging town named after a lumber official’s daughter, is situated along the Chattahoochee River in Northeastern Georgia’s White County. Resurrected as a Bavarian-style alpine town, Helen treats travelers with a wide range of outdoor activities like floating peacefully down the Chattahoochee River, visiting the Anna Ruby Falls and Hardman Farm State Historic Site, Zip lining, fishing, birding, and mountain biking at Unicoi State Park & Lodge, playing a round of mini-golf at Alpine Mini Golf, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Helen, and riding the Georgia mountain coaster. Helen also hosts several annual events like Oktoberfest, Winterfest Art Tour, Southern Worthersee, Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival, the Lighting of the Village, and the downtown Christmas Parade.

Madison

Christened in honor of US President James Madison, this Morgan County capital is part of Metro Atlanta, Georgia’s most populous metropolitan statistical area. Madison has the most extensive and carefully restored downtown historic district, featuring antebellum homes in addition to the Morgan County Courthouse, Bonar Hall, Carter-Newton House, Heritage Hall, Joshua Hill House, etc. Ideal for a weekend getaway, Madison offers visitors an array of specialty shops, antique stores, coffee shops, bed & breakfast inns, local dining venues like Town 220 Restaurant, Crowe’s Open Air Bar-B-Que, Ricardo’s Kouzzina, and many more. Spare some time to visit the Morgan County African-American Museum, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, the various city parks, and the neighboring hiking trails in the Oconee National Forest.

Pine Mountain

Pine Mountain, an enchanting town at the northern foothills of the Pine Mountain Range, forms a part of the Harris and Meriwether counties in western Georgia. This quaint town located about 78 miles away from Atlanta served as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite places to relax and unwind. The town provides travelers easy access to some of the most sought-after tourist destinations like the Callaway Resort & Gardens, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Wild Animal Safari, and Chipley Historical Center. The F.D. Roosevelt State Park offers over 40 miles of established hiking trails, including routes within the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail to survey forests, waterfalls, and creeks. Do not forget to check out the Little White House State Historic Site & Museum, the life-sized statue of FDR at the Dowdell’s Knob, and swim in the spring-fed Liberty Bell Pool. After a hectic day of exploration, stop to taste the appetizing Southern cuisines at Moore’s Whistling Pig Café and Oyster House.

St. Marys

Situated on the easternmost margins of the Florida-Georgia state line, St. Marys is renowned as the departure point for those who wish to take a ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore. This fascinating community located along St. Marys River on Camden County’s southern border is a superb relaxing retreat that offers visitors a laid-back vibe replete with Southern charm. Some of St. Marys’s remarkable attractions include the St. Marys National Historic District with its 19^th-century buildings, the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, Orange Hall, Plum Orchard Mansion, St. Marys Submarine Museum, St. Marys Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park, Cumberland Island Visitors Center, and Crooked River State Park. Taking advantage of the town’s seaside location, many locally-owned eateries lure vacationers by offering mouth-watering seafood cuisines besides traditional Southern meals.

Tallulah Falls

Home to less than 200 inhabitants, this small town in Habersham and Rabun counties is situated close to the Tallulah River along the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina. Located just 2 hours northeast of Atlanta and serving as a gateway to the Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls is noted for its mesmerizing attractions, mainly the Tallulah River Gorge and its series of waterfalls (Hurricane Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, L’Eau d’Or Falls, Tempesta Falls, and Oceana Falls). One of the best ways to see the gorge and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape is to hike the Tallulah Gorge Rim Trail or cross the swaying suspension bridge about 80ft above the rocky bottom. Visit the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center to gain knowledge about the area’s history and the protected species found in the State Park. Book your stay at Lodging on the Lake, shop for a souvenir at The General Store, and satiate your taste buds with delectable food at the Main Street Grill & BBQ.

Toccoa

Toccoa, the Stephens County administrative center, is located in the far northeastern corner of the state at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 90 miles northeast of Atlanta and 50 miles north of Athens. One of Toccoa’s most prominent attractions is the 186ft high Toccoa Falls on the Toccoa Falls College campus, surrounded by the stunning Georgia woodland. Toccoa’s award-winning downtown has many national and local stores, specialty shops, art galleries, the Currahee Military Museum, the Stephens County Historical Museum, the historic Ritz Theatre, and the renovated Stephens County Courthouse. Tourists can also savor wines at the family-owned Currahee Vineyard & Winery, embark on adventures at Lake Hartwell and the nearby Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site, traverse the Tugaloo River Water Trail, taste lip-smacking dishes at Brother John’s Sub & Sandwich, visit the Henderson Falls Park and partake in a variety of annual events like the Currahee Military Weekend, Taste of Toccoa, Costume Parade, ChristmasFest, the Ida Cox Music Series, Summer Movies at the Ritz, Harvest Festival, and Christmas Parade.

Washington

Formerly called Heard’s Fort after its first settler, Stephen Heard, this Wilkes County seat located in east-central Georgia’s Piedmont region is sometimes referred to by residents as Washington-Wilkes to distinguish it from other Washington-named settlements. The town contains several notable properties, including the Wilkes County Courthouse, Fitzpatrick Hotel, Robert Toombs House State Historic Site, Mary Willis Public Library, Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum, and the Cherry Grove Baptist Church Schoolhouse. Some of Washington’s other places of interest include the Callaway Plantation, Kettle Creek Battlefield, Resthaven Cemetery, and the Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park.

Jekyll Island

An ideal vacation destination, Jekyll Island, located midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, is considered the southernmost of the four barrier islands that make up Georgia’s Golden Isles. Named by General James Oglethorpe in honor of Sir Joseph Jekyll, the island has 5,700 acres of land, including 4,400 acres of solid earth, a 240-acre Jekyll Island Club Historic District, and the remaining tidal marshlands. A designated state park, the island comprises 8 miles of flat sandy beaches (Driftwood Beach and St. Andrews Beach) that provide opportunities for walking, biking, and hiking besides breathtaking views. The historic district features innumerable painstakingly preserved buildings, most of which have been constructed during the Jekyll Island Club era. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a one-of-a-kind sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility and a nature center housed in the former Jekyll Island Club’s Power Plant building, attracts adults and kids alike. In addition, travelers can explore the golf courses, campgrounds, fishing piers, picnic areas, dolphin tours, and the seasonal Summer Waves Water Park. Also, stop at any of the island’s upscale shops to collect a souvenir as a remembrance of your trip.

Senoia

Part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Senoia is about 35 minutes south of Atlanta, in the southeastern portion of Georgia’s Coweta County. This serene town is best known for being the filming location of “The Walking Dead” television show, and every year, Senoia draws thousands of tourists to take the Georgia Tour Company’s “The Touring Dead” tour of the filming spots within the town. Explore the town’s colorful Main Street, lined with scores of specialty shops like the Woodbury Shoppe, family-run restaurants like Nic & Norman’s Senoia, cute Victorian inns, and historical architecture. Learn about the area’s local history at the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum housed in the Carmichael House on Couch Street. Merrymakers can spend time watching dirt racing at the Senoia Raceway or take part in the town’s many events like the Farmer’s Market, Alive After Five, the Light Up Senoia Christmas parade, the Halloween Costume Parade, and the Memorial Day parade.

A Tapestry of History, Nature, and Culture

From the German heritage of Helen to the coastal glamor of Darien and the beautiful waterfalls in Tallulah Falls, the nation’s 24^th-largest state by area and the 8^th most populous state is full of such pretty towns. Each of these tiny, close-knit communities displays the state’s stunning natural landscapes, ancient landmarks, thriving cultures, and a plethora of outdoor adventures. These attractive small towns would, therefore, be worthy additions to your itineraries, the next time you visit the Peach State for an extended vacation with your loved ones or a quick weekend trip.