8 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Georgia in 2024
The American South is known for its warm, welcoming small towns and the pretty and diverse state of Georgia is no exception. From the bustling cities of Atlanta and Macon to sprawling mountains and sandy ocean beaches, the "Peach State" has it all. Whether you're just traveling through the south while on a road trip, or are looking for a summer vacation destination, put one or more of these eight friendly Georgia towns on your "must-visit" list.
Dahlonega
Darling Dahlonega is sthe quintessential Southern small town, complete with stunning mountain vistas, wateralls, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of historic sites. Nestled in the heart of Georgia Wine Country amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is the ideal getaway destination for those who love exploring the outdoors. The bustling downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is filled with friendly shops, boutiques, cafes, and eateries serving local fare. The community also welcomes tourists to its many special events.
Voted Georgia's "Best Small Town" by Southern Living Magazine in 2023, Dahlonega is home to the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, where you can view everything from Bengal tigers to two-toed sloths. Dahlonega is also blessed with more than its fair share of parks, such as Hancock Park, which holds a variety of special events, such as farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor movies, throughout the year. If history is your thing, don't miss a trip to Dahlonega Gold Museum, the Crisson Gold Mine, or the 1884 Lumpkin County Jail and Museum.
Blue Ridge
When you want to get away from it all while also staying connected to a friendly community, put beautiful Blue Ridge at the top of your "must-see" list while traveling through Georgia. Although the small town just 90 miles away from sprawling Atlanta, it feels like an escape with its plethora of both luxury and rustic mountain cabins for rent, hiking and biking trails, art galleries, and craft breweries. Located at the start of the Appalachian Trail and in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge has no shortage of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking to pristine waterfalls and kayaking the scenic Toccoa River.
During the warmer months, take in a movie at the historic Swan Drive-In, which screens a mix of new and classic films. If you're feeling extra adventurous, ride a zipline at the Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge, which is set on 165 acres of pretty North Georgia landscape. For those traveling with kids, don't miss the Lily Pad Village, which offers gem mining, fishing and mini golf for people of all ages. You can also explore Lake Blue Ridge by renting a boat at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, or hop on a guided tour with Capt'n Joe's Lake Adventures.
Tybee Island
Situated mere minutes from downtown Savannah, the friendly, small community of Tybee Island welcomes visitors in from all over. Tybee Island is a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean, and offers a relaxing coastal experience, complete with soft, sandy beaches and many opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water advenetures. Start your visit with a trip to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, a state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot facility overlooking the island's North Beach.
You can check out the impressive Cockspur Island Lighthouse by renting a boat or signing up for a guided tour. This historic landmark is the smallest lighthouse in Georgia and stopped being an active beacon on the water in 1909. Both history and nature enthusiasts alike won't want to miss a trip to scenic Fort Pulaski, which features small beaches, hiking and biking trails, and a brick Civil War-era fort. Check out the rooms filled with period furnishings and artifacts such as lanterns and chests, and watch a cannon firing demonstration.
Washington
Southern hospitality and small town charm combine to create a welcoming feel in Washington. Situated in the northeast region of the state, charming Washington is known for its historic downtown and friendly population. The area also has a rich Civil War history, which you can explore at several sites, such as the Robert Toombs House, which was once owned by the famous secessionist. Visitors can also check out the Kettle Creek Battlefield, a Revolutionary War battle ground.
A easy and informative way to get acquainted with Washington is by booking a tour with Miss Fanny's Tours, which leads participants on a two-hour journey through town, checking out more than 50 historically significant homes along the way. If you're visiting during the warm spring or summer months and love the water, you can paddle canoe or kayak along the Broad River Water Trail.
Madison
Another Georgia town known for its warm, friendly feel, impressive historic sites, and picturesque downtown filled with boutiques and eateries is pretty Madison. Even though the town is on the smaller side, it boasts one of the state's largest historic districts featuring all types of old Southern architecture. Take a walk through the district and discover stately homes featuring Greek Revival and Victorian styles, among many others.
Immerse yourself in Madison's rich history and small town charm by checking out the quaint Rose Cottage, which was built by a woman who was born into slavery. Other historic sites worth checking out are the Morgan County African-American Museum and Heritage Hall, an Antebellum structure that was built in 1811. If nature is your thing, take a walk or bike ride along the Madison-Morgan Meander, a paved route than runs through scenic Morgan County.
Ellijay
The friendly town of Ellijay is nestled in the mountains of North Georgia, among miles of hiking and biking trails, wineries, and farms. Ellijay is known as the state's "Apple Capital," so you'll have no problem finding farms, such as R & A Orchards and B.J. Reece Orchards, to enjoy during the fall growing season. Ellijay is also situated on the scenic Cartecay River, so water adventure-loving visitors can rent a canoy or kayak at Cartecay River Experience or Ellijay River Outfitters.
The featueres an abundance of wineries, making it the perfect romantic weekend getaway or girls' trip destination. Sample local wines at Buckley Vineyards or Cartecay Vineyards, which was build on a turn-of-the-century farm. The Tasting Barn is located in a refurbished 1890s barn, which also makes a beautiful special event venue. Golfers can swing their clubs at the Whitepath Golf Course, and nature enthusiasts won't want to miss the Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
Brunswick
Brunswick is a charming seaside town located on Georgia's southeast coast, and is known for Old Town Historic District, which was founded during the Victorian Era. If you want to take a day trip, convienient causeways link welcoming Brunswick to the four barrier islands of the Golden Isles. The town is laid out in a formal grid similar to Savannah, and features charming squares, blooming gardens, and tall oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
One fun way to live the island life during your visit is by booking a tour on the Lady Jane, the East Coast's only shrimp vessel that is allowed to carry passengers offshore. If you love history, spend a few hours at the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site, which features a museum and a guided tour through the plantation home. Paulk's Pasture Wildlife Management Area is the perfect place to watch for birds and other types of local wildlife.
St. Marys
Referred to as the gateway to Cumberland Island, the Southern coastal town of St. Marys welcomes in visitors from all over, and makes them feel at home with their friendly local businesses and laid-back vibe. Since pretty Cumberland Island is only accessable by boat, catch the passenger ferry in downtown St. Marys, which provides round-trip transportation all year long. Hop off and spend the day exploring the pristine maritime forests and sandy beaches of the Cumberland Island National Seashore.
You can also take a few hours to enjoy the Cumberland Island National Seashore museum, which features several introspective exhibits and is located on the mainland. The McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins is another must-see historic attraction, as it was built in the early 1800s and is the trailhead of the St. Marys Tabby Trail. Two other sites worth checking out are the St. Marys Submarine Museum and the Thiokol Memorial Museum.
The lovely, diverse state of Georgia is filled with quaint small towns that are known for its welcoming communities and friendly local businesses, which will make your vacation destination feel like a "home away from home." No matter what part of the state you travel to, or what time of the year you hit the road, you'll find no shortage of getaway locations filled with thought-provoking historic sites, wineries and breweries, and miles and miles of scenic beauty.
