As a lifelong resident of Georgia, I’ve spent years exploring the state to find the perfect vacation spots for my family. People often ask me for “must-visit” vacation spots. They appear surprised when they learn of the diverse natural beauty found in our state. Of course, you’ll find tons of attractions in Savannah and Atlanta, but I wanted to include some of the “out of the way spots” people might not find on their own. To do that, I’ve compiled a list of our top 10 must-visit vacations in Georgia for families.
10 Family-Friendly Georgia Vacation Spots
These spots are in no particular order. I included 5 spots from South Georgia and 5 spots from North Georgia that offer fun for the entire family.
South Georgia Vacation Spots
1. Jekyll Island–– This historic island, former home of pirates, planters, and millionaires, has miles of unspoiled natural beauty. Nature lovers will enjoy Driftwood Beach, a secluded walk along the north end of the island that is “consistently voted one of America’s top romantic beaches.” Sports enthusiasts will find golf courses, tennis, and bike paths, while history buffs can enjoy the historic district with mansions and more.
Kids will enjoy Summer Waves, the water park featuring slides, a lazy river, and a kids area, along with beaches, mini-golf, and other activities. The area is private and not overly commercialized, making it a quiet haven for families. Learn more here.
2. St. Simons Island. If you want more activities and adventure, this laid back island is for you. Spend the day exploring the history of the island; visiting Christ’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the state of Georgia, founded in 1736, and Fort Frederica, founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe to protect Savannah from Spanish invasion. Finish the evening with a ghost tour of the many spirits said to roam the island.
Kids and families will enjoy the playground at Neptune Park, with a swimming pool, and walkway along the edge of the beach, renting bikes at one of the neighboring shops, or horseback riding. East Beach is a popular spot to play in the ocean waves. Learn more here.
3. Savannah— The oldest city in Georgia, founded in 1733, beckons visitors with tales of ghostly legends, pirates, and a dose of Southern Charm. Laid out in squares, families will find beautiful green spaces for exploring throughout the downtown area. Stroll along the historic brick River Street for beautiful views of the Savannah River on one side and souvenir and boutique shops on the other.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, stop by The Pirate’s House. Today you’ll find delicious food, but many years ago this tavern was a spot where unsuspecting men were dragged away to a career on the high seas. End your day with one of the many available ghost tours to catch a glimpse of the spirits said to walk the streets. Learn more here.
4. St. Mary’s and Cumberland Island– St. Mary’s is the starting point for a trip to Cumberland Island but well worth taking the time to explore if you are a history lover. For a glimpse into Georgia’s past, visit the Orange Hall House Museum and the Sugarmill Tabby Ruins. Paranormal fans- be sure to ask about the ghost of Orange Hall! Kids will appreciate a trip to St. Mary’s Railroad Museum.
Cumberland Island is only accessible by a ferry, operated by the National Park Service, that runs twice daily. The former home of the Carnegie family, you can explore the ruins of their homesite, Dungeness, view wild horses grazing or running on the beach, and collect shells on the miles of pristine beaches. No food or trash cans are available on the island so be prepared to take your own picnic lunch and trash bags.
5. Okefenokee Swamp Park-located in and around Waycross, Georgia, this 600-acre swamp looks like something straight from the prehistoric age. Okefenokee, named by Native Americans, means ‘land of the trembling earth.’ This murky, but fascinating swamp, is covered in peat moss that looks stable until you’ve stepped on it and find yourself underwater.
Take a boat tour into the swamp to view the many native birds and animals who call the swamp their home or stroll along the boardwalks and check out the native plants. If you prefer, railroad tours are available, which take guests 1 1/2 miles into the swamp and include a stop at the Pioneer village.
North Georgia Vacation Sites
6. Helen– While you might not expect a Bavarian village in the North Georgia mountains, this town is designed to look like it’s straight out of the Alps. Enjoy quaint boutique shops, German cuisine, and beautiful views while strolling through the downtown area. New to the area are several wineries and wine tours. No matter if you prefer to camp, rest in a B&B, or enjoy a secluded cabin, you’ll find accommodations for whatever adventure you choose.
Nature lovers will enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee river (in-season) or visiting one of the nearby state parks. Unicoi State Park is located 6 miles away and has acres of forest hiking trails. Smithgall Woods Conservation area has mountain hiking trails, including a trail to Duke Falls, and a lovely covered bridge.
7. Cloudland Canyon State Park– This park, located atop Lookout Mountain, about 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, is a great place for a family picnic or camp out. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the trails that lead to the waterfalls or the 4.8-mile Mountain rim trail with spectacular views into the canyon. Note: the hiking trails include several steep staircases down to the waterfalls and are noted to be “strenuous.”
There are ample picnic tables scattered around the park, along with a playground for the kids at the top of the canyon. One and two-bedroom cabins make this a beautiful spot for a romantic mountain getaway or a family vacation.
8. Rock City– Another attraction atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City is located 6 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. This 4,100-foot trail focuses on natural attractions with surprises for the kids sprinkled throughout the path. Nature lovers will marvel at the rock formations, gardens, and the view of seven states seen from Lover’s Leap.
Kids will love the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, the deer and other animals, and the swinging bridge that leads to Lover’s Leap. Take advantage of the shopping and dining areas before you leave to sample homemade fudge and North Georgia wines.
9. Elijah – If you love the sweeping mountain vistas awash in color, along with a variety of apples, Elijah is the place to be in the fall. Known as the “apple capitol of Georgia,” visitors flock to the area each year to stock up on apples fresh from the trees or to take advantage of the fun at the Georgia Apple Festival. This family-friendly event includes activities for all ages from an antique car parade to arts, crafts, and, of course, plenty of apple-inspired goodies.
Many of the surrounding orchards offer activities throughout the fall, including corn mazes, u-pick orchards, and wine tastings. If you prefer natural activities, explore one of the many area hiking trails.
10. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park- It’s amazing how much of the Civil Rights movement was planned in a quiet section of the Atlanta suburbs. This site showcases the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with Ebenezer Baptist Church, the King Center, which includes Dr. & Mrs. King’s tomb and Freedom Hall, and the visitor’s center with interactive exhibits for all ages.
Outside you’ll find the BEHOLD monument and the I Have a Dream World Peace rose garden. If you want amazing in-depth insights into Dr. King’s life, be sure to take the Civil Rights Tour Atlanta, led by Tom Houck, the former driver for the King family. Note: this is a separate attraction, but one I highly recommend.
Have you visited Georgia? What are your favorite vacation spots in the state? Let us know in the comments!
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When I was a kid we visited St Simon’s Island on the way to Fl and we didn’t want to leave!! So many great ideas!
One of my favorite vacations was to Savannah and Tybee Island. So much to see and do!
My son and his girl just went to Savannah. They said it lives up to its hype. They loved it.
I’ve only been to Georgia three times, but it’s a beautiful state. Lots of fun things to do with your family.
You list a lot of my favorite spots! Yes, all of these are some perfect spots for visitors!
Georgia is so amazing. I’ve only visited Atlanta but would love to go back and explore some of your suggestions!
It souds like Georgia has so much to offer families. There are so many things to do and see in Georgia. I would love to visit GA.
I like places that is close to nature. This will be perfect for me.
These look like great places to explore. I have friends in Georgia. I will have to share this with them and see if they have been to any of these places.
Those paces has some really great views. I will definitely enjoy visiting there because it’s close to nature and family friendly too.
This is perfect! We are planning a trip to Georgia some time soon. Definitely adding these to our list!
I’ve always wanted to visit Georgia. Such a beautiful state with so many things to see and so many places to go.
I have never been to Georgia before, but there is so many amazing places to visit!
There seems to be so many great things to do in Georgia! I know my family and I would especially enjoy visiting the MLK historical site, as well as the Civil Rights tour.
I love Savannah! We usually stop there for the night if we drive to Disney. My daughter is taking a summer program at SCAD, so I hope to spend a lot of time in the city then.
I’ve always wanted to visit Georgia. I didn’t realize it had so many islands, they all sound quite scenic.
Beautiful! I am waiting for my girls to be old enough to be on a plane so we can visit and explore all of Georgia!
I love Savannah but have not been anywhere else in Georgia. I will have to look into these places!
Georgia is such a beautiful place with such great spots to see. It has been far too long since my last visit.
I have been to a few of these, but I need to put the others on my list. My kids would like them all!
I’ve been to Georgia a few times, mainly to Atlanta for conferences but one time I did get to travel to Savannah for fun. I loved that city, all the history, the gardens, etc.
I’ve always wanted to visit Savannah, though I’ll have a hard time getting my husband to go back to Georgia. It looks gorgeous!
These all look amazing! We live in Florida, but have only driven through Georgia. We’ll definitely have to check these out!
I’ve always wanted to visit Georgia. I’ve seen some of the more famous landmarks on television shows, and it just looks so gorgeous.
Georgia is the most beautiful state in the country! Of course, I’ve lived here for years and years, so I might be biased.
Haven’t been to Georgia yet but for sure checking these places out when I do!
These places are so nice. Whenever I visit a new place, I prefer sites far away from large crowds. Vacations should provide relaxation, and these places in Georgia may be less visited but they do seem to offer a serene, peaceful little getaway, which is exactly what I like.
We are considering taking a summer vacation in Georgia this year and have heard so many great things about Savannah and Jekyll Island. Can’t wait to visit!
My husband was born and raised in Georgia and he has taken me to a couple of these places. I have started a list now to go on other day trips to see these. Thanks for sharing
I have lived in Georgia most of my life, having been born in Atlanta. I have visited most but not all of these locations and can attest they are indeed must see places. We have such a beautiful state with a rich heritage. My husband proposed to me at Jekyll so sweet memories there.
I have never had the pleasure of visiting Georgia. From the looks of your photos and descriptions of all the different places to visit sounds like a great state to visit and see all there is to see and explore.
I was born and raised in GA. I’ve lived in SC for a long time but GA will always be home and I visit my hometown every chance I get. It’s such a beautiful state and has the best pecans and peaches. Love my home state!
The food down there is so different (in a good way) from what we have up here in Boston 🙂
The only time I have ever been to Georgia was when I went to Savannah and I LOVED it. I talk about going back all the time.