12 Best Downtowns In Georgia
A downtown is the beating heart of a small-town, and Georgia has many of those. If you’re looking for a beachy vibe, you’ll want to check out Jekyll Island’s Beach Village or search for tree spirits around St. Simons downtown. If you prefer the mountains, Blue Ridge offers a historic walking tour that leads past several art galleries, and Helen brings a taste of Bavaria to the Blue Ridge Mountains. A short drive from Atlanta takes you away from the city's bustle to Senoia or Decatur, both of which have downtowns discovered by Hollywood.
Whether you want to explore the arts, history, or follow the path of filmmakers, these 12 Georgia downtowns are worth a visit.
Jekyll Island
Downtown Jekyll Island blends coastal charm with relaxed sophistication. The Beach Village area offers boutique shopping, ocean-view dining, and breezy walkways perfect for sunset strolls. From summer attire at Brittney’s Closet to gourmet groceries at Jekyll Market, or carefully blended salts and seasoning at the Salt Table, the shops at Beach Village are a perfect way to stroll through the town. Treat yourself to some fresh seafood from a restaurant in the area and then grab your bike to take a ride along moss-draped paths.
History lovers can visit sites connected to the secret 1910 Jekyll Island meeting among influential leaders of the early 1900s that helped lay the groundwork for the Federal Reserve System. After stopping by Maxwell’s General Store for all your beachy needs, you can head up the street to enjoy miles of shoreline and pristine beaches.
Helen
Situated in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen brings the style and beauty of a Bavarian village to North Georgia. Cobblestone walkways, alpine-style buildings, and the sound of the Chattahoochee River create storybook charm. Downtown is packed with German restaurants, candy shops, and lively beer gardens. To understand how this taste of Bavaria showed up in the North Georgia mountains, a quick visit to the Helen Arts and Heritage Center will clear up that mystery. In the fall, Oktoberfest transforms the town into a festival of music and color, complete with parades, live music, and dancing.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, Café International serves up its signature sandwich, “The Best Reuben Ever,” which can be enjoyed while watching people tube down the Chattahoochee River. You can either enjoy a fine dessert there or give your food a chance to settle, then head over to the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen, where they conjure up an array of sweet offerings.
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge offers mountain elegance with a creative soul. The historic train depot anchors the vibrant downtown, and cozy cafés invite you to linger. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the downtown historic walking tour will lead you to a range of stops, starting with the Baugh House, built in 1890, and ending with the Cohutta Fishing Company, a small commercial building built between 1900 and 1917 for a general mercantile and clothing business.
Blue Ridge has the distinction of being recognized as one of the top arts towns in Georgia and one of the top ten craft towns in the country. Relax and enjoy the arts at one of several galleries, including 4 Elements Art, High Country Art, and Multitudes Gallery, before taking a stroll among the shops and boutiques. Dining in Blue Ridge ranges from elevated southern fare at The Dogwood to creative biscuit sandwiches at Bigfoot Biscuit. For a more refined dining experience in a restored historic home, visit The Black Sheep.
Brunswick
Brunswick may be the Gateway to the Golden Isles, but its downtown is bursting with coastal character and historic beauty. Situated along the East River, brick streets and Victorian architecture frame a harbor front alive with shrimp boats and salty breezes.
Local restaurants like 1509 Brunswick serve fresh seafood dishes on its rooftop. Other dining choices, such as Bollywood Indian Bistro and Basil Thai and Sushi, bring ethnic flavors to this coastal downtown. To satisfy the sweet tooth, stop by the Vampire Penguin, which specializes in light and fluffy shaved snow desserts.
For the treasure hunters, there is the Take Too consignment shop and several antique stores brimming with special finds. The Mary Ross Waterfront Park, where, at the entrance, you’ll find a scale model of the Liberty Ships constructed in the city during World War II. This park is perfect for winding down the day and watching a vibrant sunset over the marsh.
St. Simons Island
St. Simons’ picturesque Pier Village is the heart of island life. One of your first stops should be at the Golden Isles Welcome Center, where you can pick up a map that shows the location of about 20 Tree Spirits, which are whimsical faces carved into oak trees around town. Although they are located across the island, many are right there in and around Pier Village.
You’ll find some of the best seafood at Barbara Jeans and the Iguanas Seafood Restaurant, best known for their locally caught Georgia shrimp and scallops. If you are looking for a more traditional American menu, try Brogen South or Zuzu's. Make sure you leave room to enjoy a sweet treat at St. Simon’s Sweets or Fuse Frozen Co.
After checking out the shops in the very walkable Pier Village, head over to Neptune Park to relax at the oak-shaded picnic area, or enjoy the sound of the waves lapping at the fishing pier. Then, move down to the Lighthouse Museum and the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse, where you can climb the 129 steps to the top for a spectacular view of the Island.
Thomasville
Tucked away in the Red Hills of South Georgia, Thomasville’s downtown is Southern sophistication at its finest. Known for its brick-paved streets and blooming roses, the heart of the community is its historic Downtown Entertainment District. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 10 p.m. on Sunday in the Entertainment District. Depending on your preference, Hubs and Hops Bike Shop and Taproom can get you set up with a new bike while enjoying a cold brew. If spirits are more to your liking, check out the 1861 Distillery. For the wine connoisseurs, the Farmer’s Daughter Vineyards and Tasting Room is a great introduction to Georgia wine.
The District features 55 specialized boutiques and is home to artisans who have taken up shop. Luxury scents are made into candles, soap, and more at the Blake Candle Company. And several merchants specialize in products crafted only in Thomasville. As you wander about, keep your eye out for the 18 bronze quail sculptures that are hidden throughout the downtown.
Senoia
About a 35-minute drive south of Atlanta, Senoia combines small-town warmth with cinematic fame. This historic downtown blends 19th-century architecture with contemporary boutiques. To learn about the town's history, drop by the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum, which is housed in one of the oldest and most historic homes in the city If you are a fan of The Walking Dead, Fried Green Tomatoes, Pet Semetary II, and Drop Dead Diva, you might recognize some of the backdrops in Senoia, where filming took place.
Beyond the spotlight, Senoia is a friendly community with a downtown center primarily around Main and Barnes streets, and is lined with shops like Book Love and the Bookshop of Senoia, where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a light dessert while looking over your next read. The Unhinged Lifestyle Boutique carries an assortment of clothing and accessories, whether you're looking for cowboy-chic or a vacay vibe. And when you are ready to slow down and grab a bite to eat, head over to Nic & Normans, a Chef-driven restaurant founded by an ownership group headlined by filmmaker Greg Nicotero and actor Norman Reedus.
Dahlonega
Downtown Dahlonega offers an experience that feels storybook-quaint and deeply rooted in history. The square centers on the historic courthouse, now home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum, where exhibits recount the nation’s first major gold rush, while nearby, the Consolidated Gold Mine offers guided underground tours.
The streets are lined with more than 100 inviting shops, including Paul Thomas Chocolates for handmade sweets, as well as mountain-themed boutiques and craft stores. Dining ranges from balcony views and Cajun dishes at Bourbon Street Grille to café lunches and decadent cakes or an assortment of sweets at Kilwins Dahlonega, or the Dahlonega Fudge Factory. Seasonal festivals, live bluegrass, ghost tours, and nearby hiking trails round out a visit that blends relaxation with adventure in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Woodstock
Walkable streets in downtown Woodstock, featuring bright murals, boutiques, and pocket parks, lead to the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater in the Park at City Center, where concerts and festivals often take place. Downtown Woodstock balances creative flair with easygoing charm. Entertainment is easy to find, whether you are catching a live performance at MadLife Stage & Studios or browsing exhibits and shows hosted by Woodstock Arts.
Food and drink are highlights here as well, from the garden patio of the Century House, built in 1894, to relaxed evenings with craft beer at the pet-friendly Reformation Brewery. If you want to see some of the up-and-coming artists and craftspeople of the region, stop by Made Mercantile, a collaborative co-work space for retail makers. In this space, retail makers can produce products and test them in a retail setting.
Unique shops selling fashion, locally made goods, and global imports - sometimes the two merge as they do in Blue Frog Imports, which combines the two owners' passions into one funky bohemian shop. When you’re ready for a little respite from the shopping, head over to the Noonday Creek Trail and enjoy a leisurely walk in the fresh Georgia air.
Decatur
The Square is the heart of downtown Decatur. Just outside of Atlanta, Decatur exudes a vibrant, distinctly local spirit. As you explore, you might get a feeling of déjà vu. The square was featured in HBO’s Watchmen, while the courthouse is seen in Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series and Hulu’s Candy.
Independent retailers are a defining feature, including Charis Books and More, the South's oldest independent feminist bookstore, known for its carefully curated selection and literary events. Art markets and antique shops dot The Square, but for a sampling of local creativity, stop by HomeGrown Decatur, featuring makers from Atlanta and the surrounding area.
The food scene is a major draw, with destinations like Brick Store Pub, known for its acclaimed beer list and cozy tavern atmosphere, and Leon’s Full Service, a renovated 1920s service station offering full service, even to pets on the dog-friendly patio. Evenings often include intimate live music at Eddie's Attic, where many notable singer-songwriters like John Mayer and the Indigo Girls began their careers, giving the district an energetic yet intimate cultural vibe.
Rome
In Rome, you can easily fill a full day without ever leaving downtown. History lovers should step inside the Rome Area History Museum to see artifacts from the city’s Native American roots through the Civil War. Those roots are further explored at the Chieftains Museum, the historic home of Cherokee leader Major Ridge.
Colorful storefronts and river views set the tone in Rome. Grab a latte at Swift & Finch Coffee, then browse regional titles and gifts at Dogwood Books, Northwest Georgia’s largest used and rare bookstore. For lunch, locals swear by the farm-fresh Southern dishes at Harvest Moon Cafe, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the pastries at Honeymoon Bakery.
Walk it off along the riverwalk that runs along the Oostanaula and Etowah Rivers or climb to the summit of Myrtle Hill Cemetery for sweeping views of the rivers below. Catch a live performance or classic film at the beautifully restored DeSoto Theatre, a 1920s landmark that anchors the arts scene. Just around the corner, the Rome City Clocktower rewards those willing to climb its steps with panoramic views of downtown. As evening falls, the Town Green often fills with music, festivals, and food vendors, giving downtown a festive, small-city buzz that makes lingering easy.
Milledgeville
More than 200 years of history blends effortlessly with the college-town energy of Milledgeville’s downtown. The oak-lined streets and wide sidewalks invite visitors to take in the town's offerings. If you are a history buff, then Milledgeville has a lot to offer. Explore the stately grounds and tour the Old Governor’s Mansion, which exemplifies High Greek Revival architecture. You will also want to check out Georgia's Old Capital Museum, which was built in 1807.
If you arrive in time for breakfast, swing by the Local Yolkal, which offers up a full menu of classic Southern comfort foods, or The Morning Grind for a cup of coffee and a pastry. Whichever you choose, leave room for other great dining and snacking experiences. When you are ready for dinner, head to The Vault, a high-end but welcoming establishment located inside a restored 1884 bank. The original bank vault now serves as a wine cellar.
Between bites, you’ll find galleries, boutiques, and antique stores. For a bit of everything under one roof, you will find gifts, jewelry, local art, and more at Eclectic. Music and vinyl enthusiasts can spend hours at Wax Galaxy Records, which has an impressive collection of records, cassettes, CDs, and music memorabilia. As night sets in, downtown shifts gears—patios glow with string lights, music spills from venues, and spots like Buffington’s become social hubs. With everything walkable and lively, the district feels less like a stop and more like the main event.
Discovering The Magic In Georgia's Downtowns
In Georgia, where the sky meets the water on one end and reaches to the sky in the northern mountains, the downtowns are a varied as the landscape. Whether it's Senoia’s ties to The Walking Dead, the centuries of history found in Milledgeville, or discovering a new piece of art in a Woodstock gallery, these Georgia downtowns hold magic, treasures, and memories around every corner.
