9 Most Relaxing Georgia Towns
Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Tallulah Gorge, and the salt marshes of the Golden Isles show the state at its calmest; the natural landscape invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. In Blue Ridge, the mountain setting makes it easy to settle into the quiet, especially when the day ends in a treehouse tucked among the woods. That same unhurried spirit carries into Pine Mountain, where the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center offers a peaceful change of pace amid gardens and fluttering wings. Dahlonega extends that sense of ease into Georgia wine country, where a leisurely tasting suits the rolling hills and relaxed rhythm. These 9 towns turn Georgia’s best scenery into a getaway that feels genuinely restorative!
Pine Mountain
Back in the 1920s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the Pine Mountain area, quickly becoming enchanted by the land and its naturally warm springs. In commemoration of the president and his love for the area, F.D. Roosevelt State Park now stands in Pine Mountain. This state park is the largest in Georgia, covering 10,874 acres and featuring 40 miles of trails, two lakes, 115 campsites, a seasonal swimming pool, and more. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is another relaxing attraction to visit in Pine Mountain, one of the largest butterfly conservatories in North America, with over 1,000 butterflies fluttering throughout. Additionally, this butterfly center is actually part of The Callaway Resort & Gardens, which is a wonderful place to spend the night during your stay, divided into guest villas, cottages, and a lodge.
Blue Ridge
As you would likely expect, Blue Ridge, Georgia, is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and 14 waterfalls. If you want to immerse yourself in this national forest, spend an afternoon at the Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, home to a 3,290-acre lake that is perfect for boating and fishing, with species such as bass, catfish, perch, bream, and crappie found in its waters. If you drive about 20 minutes south of Blue Ridge, you will reach Fall Branch Falls, a double waterfall that is accessible via a half-hour round-trip hike. Your inner child’s dream can also come true in Blue Ridge with a night away at Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals. Located on a secluded piece of land, these cozy tree homes offer amenities like hot tubs, gas grills, fire pits, and large outdoor decks to take in the view.
Dahlonega
Savoring a glass of wine is perhaps one of the most relaxing activities out there, and Dahlonega, the heart of Georgia’s wine country, is just the place to do so. There are several vineyards to explore in the surrounding area, starting with Three Sisters Vineyards, which has a tasting barn with beautiful views of the vineyards and an adjacent covered patio where you can sip. Wolf Mountain Vineyards is another favorite in Dahlonega, having won many awards for its wines, with grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Tannat, and more. For some water recreation, head to Lake Zwerner and the Yahoola Creek Reservoir, which has a boat ramp and dock and a picnic area to enjoy the outdoors.
Toccoa
Toccoa is in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills and is another great town for waterfalls and wine. Toccoa Falls is one of the most iconic landmarks in town, situated on the Toccoa Falls College campus. Plunging 186 feet, this waterfall is one of the tallest free-falling falls east of the Mississippi. You might also enjoy an afternoon at Henderson Falls Park, a 25-acre green space with a nature trail, picnic pavilions, and, of course, another beautiful waterfall. Finish the day with a wine tasting at Currahee Vineyard & Winery, which sits at the base of Currahee Mountain, producing hand-crafted wines from grapes like Vinifera and Muscadine.
Tallulah Falls
In Tullalah Falls, you will find one of the most jaw-dropping canyons in the Eastern US: the Tallulah Gorge. This gorge reaches depths of nearly 1,000 feet and stretches for roughly two miles, with travelers able to hike the rim or even the gorge floor at the Tallulah Gorge State Park. After a scenic gorge hike, drive out to The Edge Cafe + Bar of Tallulah Adventures for a bite, where you can have a burger, sandwich, and flatbread on the property’s green lawn. In the warmer months, you might also be able to catch some live music at the Tallulah Falls Opry House, a beloved bluegrass venue.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville is located near Bartram Forest and the Oconee River Greenway, making it a great launch point for outdoor recreation. The Bartram Forest is just a few miles south of town, featuring three marked routes that wind through pines and meadows, passing a creek and pond. The Oconee River Greenway is another lovely place for hiking or biking, along with a boat ramp and fishing for water recreation. Before beginning your day, you can drop in for a coffee at one of Milledgeville’s adorable coffee shops, such as Morning Grind, which serves espresso, brewed coffee, and cold brew.
Darien
Heading to Georgia’s coast, you will reach Darien, a Golden Isles port town. Given its coastal location, the seafood here is incredible, with visitors able to try some coastal cuisine at Skipper’s Fish Camp. Lying on the banks of the Darien River, this dining establishment is particularly famous for its fresh, locally caught Sweet Georgia Shrimp. You can also do some fishing of your own on a fishing excursion. Mad Shark Charters offers inshore fishing and offshore fishing trips, as well as eco & sightseeing tours. On solid ground, appreciate some art in a unique setting at the Old Jail Art Center & Museum, which is open Monday through Saturday.
St. Marys
If you travel 50 minutes south of Darien, you will reach another beautiful coastal town: St. Marys. This town is rich in maritime history, something clearly reflected in museums like the St. Marys Submarine Museum. With nearly 5,000 square feet of exhibits, it is the largest museum of its kind in the South and offers a fascinating look at the submarine force, as well as giving visitors the chance to operate a real submarine periscope. Also consider taking a 45-minute ferry trip out to Cumberland Island, which is home to untouched maritime forests, marshes, and undeveloped beaches. Finish the day with some Mexican food from The Firefly Taco Cantina, a taqueria serving nachos, tacos, burritos, and bowls.
Hartwell
A lake vacation is at your fingertips in Hartwell, which sits along the shores of the massive, 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell. Kick off your trip by renting a boat at the Sun Life Lake Hartwell Marina, which has pontoon boats available for the day. Opening March 6, you will also be able to enjoy a lakefront meal at The Boathouse Grill, serving burgers, wings, fried catfish, fish tacos, and other grill classics. If you prefer to unwind with a craft beer, Southern Hart Brewing Company is the way to go, with over 20 craft beers on tap that rotate out frequently.
The Perfect Time To Plan Your Relaxing Trip
There has never been a better time to plan a relaxing getaway. With spring right around the corner, many destinations are beginning to reopen, and the weather is gradually getting warmer. A beautiful hike through a national forest or a sunny afternoon at a lakefront restaurant are just a couple of the ways that you can savor your vacation. Regardless of the town you choose, your trip is likely to leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated.
