Georgia: Coast, Wilderness, and Culture

Georgia combines coastal communities, marshland, and beaches with the sandy hills and agriculture-dominated wiregrass regions of Middle Georgia. Farther north are the Piedmont and mountains. In total, Georgia has 110 miles of coastline and 15 barrier islands. Its rivers also run from the mountains to the coast; they’re suited to fishing, paddling, tubing, and rafting. These landscapes and activities can provide different focal points for planning your trip.

Water Landscapes and Island Access

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 400,000 acres. Wet prairies, cypress forests, and pine uplands characterize the area; about 87 percent of it is designated as a national wilderness area. You can experience this expansive landscape on day trips or overnight paddling trips. You can launch your own canoe or kayak, or rent one on-site. Since trail conditions can vary, it’s worth checking them before setting out.

Cumberland Island, six miles east of St. Marys, offers a different kind of water experience. The island is accessible only by boat. A passenger ferry operated by a concessionaire departs from downtown St. Marys. Check seasonal ferry details before your trip. This lets you plan a visit to the island rather than treating it as a destination you can reach spontaneously.

Trails, Rivers, and Distinctive Natural Destinations

Hikes on the Appalachian Trail can begin at Springer Mountain. At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall. Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” These destinations offer different natural highlights: a hiking trailhead, a striking waterfall, and a long gorge. Those interested in paddling will find more options on the rivers. The Flint River is one of Georgia’s 16 water trails and can be explored by paddle. The Altamaha River is a kayak water trail known as “Georgia’s Little Amazon.”

History and Vast Underwater Worlds

At Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, visitors can follow eight miles of trails and see seven historic mounds. A special site is the Earth Lodge, a reconstructed council chamber of the Mississippian culture. Its original clay floor is 1,000 years old. The Earth Lodge is a short walk from the visitor center parking lot. A visit along the trail therefore offers a specific insight into the historic site.

The Georgia Aquarium offers a very different focus: it holds more than 11 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It is home to more than 500 species and is one of only five aquariums worldwide with whale sharks. Ocean Voyager is one of the world’s largest single aquarium exhibits and features a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel. These figures describe different aspects of a visit: the aquarium’s scale and the underwater perspective.

Regional Products and Trip Planning

Agritourism in Georgia includes farm and ranch visits, farmers’ markets, regional products, farm-raised meat, wine tastings, and products from local breweries. Farms and food producers grow and make peaches, pecans, artisanal oils, and cheeses, among other things, throughout the year. Along with landscapes and attractions, agriculture and regional products can also be themes for a trip.

For planning, you can visit Visitor Information Centers and find out about transportation options, including airports and public transit. Check specific transportation information as you plan your trip, since details can change. Then choose the experiences you want to shape your stay and look for a hotel that suits your travel profile.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Henry, Clayton, Rockdale, Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, Cherokee, Bartow, Floyd, Pickens, Tattnall County, Troup, Lowndes, Upson, Butts, Fayette, Greene, Oconee, Hall, Forsyth, Stewart County, Burke County, Charlton County, Lamar County, Telfair County, Muscogee, Colquitt County, Early, Harris County, Chattooga, Putnam, Walton, Washington County, Terrell County, Macon County, Emanuel, Candler County, Union, Ware, Douglas, Bulloch, Glynn, Catoosa, Tift, Monroe, Gordon, Jackson County, Newton County, Clarke County, Liberty County, Appling County, Dawson County, Franklin County, Decatur County, Crisp County, Baldwin County, Habersham County, Towns County, White County, Bacon, Jefferson County, Whitfield, Peach County, Cook, Dougherty County, Thomas County, Stephens County, Fannin County, Lumpkin County, Effingham County, Coffee County, Wayne County, Dooly County, Seminole County, Carroll County, Barrow County, Paulding County, Evans County, Camden, Grady, Bryan, Sumter, Chatham, Toombs, Houston, Bibb, Coweta, Spalding, Columbia, Richmond, Pulaski County, Screven, Rabun County, Mitchell County, Ben Hill County, Elbert County, Hart County, Bleckley County, Gilmer County, Murray County, Laurens County, Jeff Davis County, Brooks, Mcintosh, Wheeler County, Pike County, Mcduffie County, Walker County, Meriwether County, Haralson County, Pierce County and Polk County.

For the overarching travel overview: USA.