10 Most Breathtaking Towns In Georgia
Ask anyone who's spent time in Georgia, and they will tell you it combines some of the country's best natural beauty with plenty of historic buildings. It has a diverse landscape, including coastal towns, expansive forests, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take Tallulah Falls, for example. The town sits near Tallulah Gorge State Park, which features an awe-inspiring gorge and several beautiful natural waterfalls. Milledgeville was once the capital of Georgia, and still contains many historic buildings from its past. And Tybee Island offers gorgeous beaches and fishing opportunities for anglers. No matter your definition of beauty, you will be sure to see it on full display at these most breathtaking towns in Georgia.
Ellijay
Ellijay is a quiet town not far from the Tennessee border in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Mountain bikers have long been drawn to the Ellijay area and Mulberry Gap, an adventure basecamp with access to the Pinhoti and Bear Creek trails. It serves as a basecamp for mountain adventures, with campsites and plenty of trails for mountain biking or just a refreshing hike through jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
The mountain atmosphere serves as the backdrop for Ellijay's highlight of the year: apple season. The town has earned its reputation as the "Apple Capital of Georgia" for its orchards and annual Georgia Apple Festival. The festival gives local artisans a chance to show off their work, and local orchards bring fresh apples and apple products to enjoy. For more high-quality produce, visit Panorama Orchards & Farm Market three miles south of Ellijay. They specialize in apples, but they also have high-quality artisanal goods, like pies, cakes, and jams.
Blue Ridge
Not far from Ellijay is Blue Ridge, a nature lover's paradise. The town is well known by locals for having some of the best fishing in Georgia, especially for trout. Tammen Park, off Highway 515 in Blue Ridge, offers fishing access below the Blue Ridge Lake dam on the Toccoa River. If you prefer lake fishing to river fishing, head down to Lake Blue Ridge. Aside from trout, anglers can expect to find bass and other smaller species that make for good eating or just a fun day of catch and release.
After a day of fishing, kick up your feet and enjoy the beauty of the area at the Blue Ridge Railway. The train makes a 26-mile round trip from downtown Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Blue Ridge is also home to the Swan Drive-In Theatre. This theater harkens back to the past, allowing you to enjoy a movie with the beautiful Georgia forest and sky as a backdrop.
Helen
Helen is one of Georgia's quirkiest towns, combining Bavarian architecture with some of Georgia's best natural scenery. Atlanta artist John Kollock suggested the idea to the town to give it a makeover like a Bavarian village. The experiment worked, as Helen is now a popular tourist destination. The Helen Arts & Heritage Center offers a look at this history and how the town's German heritage continues to influence it to this day. And to see that German culture come alive, head to the annual Oktoberfest celebration in town, the longest-running one in the United States. The event features all the delicious food and drink you'd expect from an Oktoberfest, plus a costume party on Halloween Night.
But the natural attractions just outside of Helen are just as good as what's going on in town. The Georgia Mountain Coaster is one of the state's most unique experiences. It is a mountain coaster that lets riders control their speed while descending through the wooded landscape. For something a little slower-paced, there's Unicoi State Park, with excellent opportunities for fishing and hiking.
Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Falls is like something out of a fantasy novel. The town sits by Tallulah Gorge State Park and has some of the best-looking waterfalls and vistas in the state. The park has several trails leading to scenic overlooks and one suspension bridge that crosses above the gorge floor. The park also offers camping and a beautiful lake, making it one of Georgia's best natural areas.
The town also lives up to its name, sitting near several breathtaking waterfalls inside the park. Hurricane Falls is just outside the town and is easy to get to with a quick hike on the trails. And just up the river is L'Eau d'Or Falls. You can get a great view of it from one of the overlooks in the park.
Madison
Madison earns its reputation as one of Georgia's most breathtaking cities thanks to its classic Americana downtown. Anyone who's spent any time in town knows it has one of the best main streets to explore, with beautiful buildings and interesting attractions that demonstrate the best Georgia has to offer. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center celebrates Madison art and culture with live music, cultural festivals, and a gallery of local artwork, all inside the ornate Madison Graded School building from 1895. Not far from the cultural center is the Morgan County African-American Museum. The museum highlights the art and history of African American residents in Madison, preserving that history for future generations.
But Madison is no slouch when it comes to outdoor entertainment either, as it is home to the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. The park offers the chance to see exotic animals, such as bearded dragons, zebras, and giraffes.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville was once the capital of Georgia, serving in that role until just after the Civil War. This history, along with tireless preservation efforts, has made Milledgeville one of Georgia's most breathtaking towns, with its classic architecture. Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion illustrates that perfectly. Architects designed the mansion in a Greek Revival style, and it has been perfectly restored to how it looked in 1851. The mansion is now a museum that explains its purpose and brings Georgia's past to life. Just down the road is another historic property: the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House. The home went through many changes in its history, serving as an inn, restaurant, and private home over the years. Today, it is a museum that recreates what the building looked like in the past, with information about life in town from 1857-1890.
Milledgeville is also home to a beautiful botanical garden. The Lockerly Arboretum fulfills the dreams of E.J. Grassmann, who envisioned an arboretum in town that would provide a natural area for residents to enjoy. The arboretum is free to visit, with excellent biodiversity and a peaceful setting to take in the sights.
Cordele
Cordele has one of Georgia's most unique and breathtaking landmarks: the Titan I Missile. It is a real (but not loaded) missile that stands in town as a monument to the United States military. The missile serves as a tribute and photo opportunity that showcases the ingenuity of central Georgia.
But Cordele's other main claim to fame is its railroad history. Sitting at the junction of two railroads, trains played a crucial role in the development of the town. Railroads still play a big role in town at the SAM Shortline Excursion Railroad. The railroad takes travelers on a scenic tour of central Georgia, with plenty of beautiful countryside to enjoy from the comfort of a train car. Many train enthusiasts spend time at Railway Park, watching trains pass through Cordele's busy downtown junction.
Thomasville
Thomasville's historical buildings and friendly locals make it one of the most breathtaking cities to visit in Georgia. Not far from the border with Florida, it is home to the Big Oak, one of the oldest oak trees in the country. It dates back to around 1680, and it's a living piece of history nearly 100 years older than the country itself. The tree is just one historic attraction in town, as it also has the Lapham-Patterson House. A former Victorian mansion, it is now open for guided tours, with preservation efforts keeping it in pristine condition.
Thomasville has also earned the nickname the "City of Roses" thanks to its annual Rose Festival. The tradition dates back more than 100 years and showcases the city at its best, with Georgia classics like a massive parade, antique car show, and local artisanal goods on sale. The flower shows also feature breathtaking local blooms that show why the town has earned its nickname.
St. Marys
Anyone who enjoys spending time by the water knows St. Marys is one of the best and most beautiful places to do so in Georgia. The town sits by the East and St. Marys Rivers and is right by the coast, making it a popular place to call home for nature lovers. Crooked River State Park, just north of town, has trails that offer hiking and views of the Crooked River and surrounding marshes. And the fishing is great for anglers. For a more relaxing day by the water, there is the St. Marys Waterfront Park. The riverside walk is a great way to enjoy the river and get some peaceful time in nature. And for a day out on the water doing some fishing, book a trip with Elliott's Bluff Charter Company to pursue trout or just spot some wildlife.
St. Marys is also home to one of Georgia's more unique museums. The St. Marys Submarine Museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of submarines in the United States and how they affected military and civilian life.
Tybee Island
You might not associate Georgia with beautiful islands, but Tybee Island proves that misconception wrong. This barrier island has some of Georgia's best vistas and beaches. On the southern side of town is the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion. Here, you can enjoy the waves from the beach or head up to the pier for some excellent ocean fishing opportunities. And for an unforgettable sight, there is the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. It is Georgia's oldest and tallest light and is open for tours to see the lighthouse and learn more about the role it served for the town.
Tybee Island is also home to one of Georgia's quirkier festivals. The Tybee Pirate Festival brings the kind of swashbuckling fun you can only find in a coastal town. The event features a pub crawl, pirate ball, and a weekend carnival, making it a fun experience for all ages.
The Towns That Accentuate Georgia's Beauty
These towns reveal just how many forms Georgia's beauty can take. Tallulah Falls offers dramatic gorge views, Milledgeville preserves grand architecture, and Tybee Island opens onto sandy beaches and Atlantic waters. Whether the scenery comes from mountains, historic streets, or the coast, Georgia delivers a breathtaking view at every turn.
