8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Georgia

In 2023, Georgia shattered records, with tourism generating nearly $80 billion for the economy and supporting over 463,000 jobs, according to an enthusiastic press release from the Office of the Governor last year. It is easy to understand why, with the state being home to outstanding vacation destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Golden Isles. If you want to visit some of the state’s most breathtaking towns this year, these eight towns, known for their waterfalls, gorges, prized beaches, and Italian-style wineries, provide the perfect starting point for your itinerary.

Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Falls, home to the jaw-dropping Tallulah Gorge, was once considered a rival to destinations like Niagara Falls. Travelers can explore this gorge through Tallulah Gorge State Park, home to the two-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep canyon. Within the park, you can either hike along the rim or secure one of the limited permits, as only 100 are issued daily, to descend to the gorge floor. Cross the suspension bridge, which offers unbeatable river views and falls. To recharge and refuel after exploring the gorge, head to The Edge Cafe, which serves locally and globally inspired cuisine. Travelers can finish their day at River Falls at the Gorge, a riverside camping resort with sites for tents, RVs, trailers, and pop-ups.

Madison

Madison’s well-preserved Southern architecture has earned repeated recognition in publications ranging from Southern Living to Architectural Digest. Travelers can start their architectural tour at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, a late 19th-century schoolhouse with Romanesque Revival influences. Walking through town, you will likely spot houses with unique, steeply pitched roofs, such as the Bearden-Stokes House, built circa 1867 with a wide porch and two front-facing cross gables. Lastly, a trip to Madison isn’t complete without some hearty southern food. R + B Cafe is a highly rated option, serving classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and hushpuppies.

St. Simons Island

Over the past decade, St. Simons Island has consistently ranked as one of the top beach destinations in magazines and readers' choice awards. East Beach is one of the town’s most prominent beach areas. It is divided into several sections and offers activities like biking, shelling, kiteboarding, and fishing. Many local agencies offer cruises and tours in the area, such as Cap Fendig Tours, which specializes in dolphin tours and sunset cruises. You also won’t have a problem finding a good spot in town if you crave fresh seafood. The Half Shell, for example, has been operating since 2013, and it is an oyster bar and seafood restaurant that serves modern coastal American dishes.

Blue Ridge

With 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Fannin County (where the town is located) and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, travelers can easily fill a week with outdoor activities in Blue Ridge. The forests are perfect for camping, collectively offering around 500 campsites and 200 picnic sites. The forest is also home to over 500 wildlife and fish species. There is also a long list of hiking trails to choose from in the Blue Ridge Area, such as the Aska Trails, a 17-mile-long hike and bike trail system that varies in difficulty. To see the countryside in a single afternoon, hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which offers four-hour round-trip excursions, passing through the neighboring towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, before heading back to the Blue Ridge depot.

Helen

As if Helen’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains were not already beautiful enough, it is also a charming Bavarian-style village. Anna Ruby Falls should be on every traveler’s itinerary, a double waterfall in town formed by two creeks that travelers can reach via a short, paved hiking trail. Afterward, enjoy a friendly game of mini golf at the Alpine Mini Golf Village, an 18-hole course surrounded by Bavarian-style architecture. And of course, you will probably want to try some of the town’s German cuisine. Bodensee Restaurant is a local favorite, owned by a master chef who trained in Germany before opening his restaurant in Helen.

Blairsville

Despite having fewer than 800 residents, Blairsville is home to some of the state’s most impressive landmarks. Just a 20-minute drive from town is Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state at 4,784 feet with a panoramic observation deck, three trailheads, and picnic areas. Vogel State Park is also just a short drive away, featuring a variety of hiking trails, campsites, cottages, and a 22-acre lake. In September, the park hosts its annual Mountain Music Day, a free festival filled with live music, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, and more.

Dahlonega

Surrounded by vineyards and waterfalls, Georgia landscapes don’t get much more beautiful than those around Dahlonega. Travelers wanting to explore the Dahlonega wine scene can start their tour at Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, a Tuscan-style winery that has white wine and red wine tastings, along with a neighboring Italian restaurant. Amicalola Falls State Park is just a 20-minute drive west of Dahlonega, where travelers can view an iconic, 729-foot-tall cascade. Throughout the year, Dahlonega hosts numerous exciting festivals that liven up the town as well. Bear on the Square Mountain Festival is a popular one to attend, taking place each spring, filling the town square with bluegrass and old-time tunes and an art marketplace.

Ellijay

Across Ellijay, you will find rolling apple orchards, cideries, and hiking trails that offer the ultimate small-town experience. If you want to start your day with a hike, head to Tumbling Waters Nature Trail, a lush, forested mountain path that leads to an overlook of Tails Creek, a small cascading stream. From September through October, many of the town’s orchards offer U-pick experiences as well, such as R & A Orchards, which has apple picking and flower picking available. The best way to end a day in Ellijay is at Reece’s Cider Company, where you can enjoy a craft cider and live music on the weekend.

You will not have a hard time finding a breathtaking town in Georgia. Between its gorgeous cascades, historic architecture, and mountain music festivals, there is always something incredible waiting right around the corner. Its restaurants across the state provide just as impressive an experience, ranging from Southern to German cuisine. Get ready to have your breath taken away as you explore these eight towns on your trip this year.