The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum in Tybee Island, Georgia.

The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In Georgia

According to Explore Georgia, Georgia welcomed 171.2 million visitors in 2023, which was a 2.1% increase over the previous year. For those familiar with the Peach State, these phenomenal numbers are hardly surprising. Between its fruit orchards, wine valleys, Blue Ridge Mountains, and coastal towns, Georgia has a little bit of everything you could hope for in a vacation. The following six towns wonderfully reflect that diversity, featuring apple orchards, award-winning wineries, and scenic beaches that will make you want to never leave.

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Dahlonega

People enjoying lunch at a restaurant at the historic public square in Dahlonega, Georgia. Image credit: Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com.
People enjoying lunch at a restaurant at the historic public square in Dahlonega, Georgia. (Image credit: Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com.)

Dahlonega made its mark on the state with gold and grapes. Not only was it the site of the country’s first major gold rush, but it also has one of the state’s most prominent wine scenes. Travelers interested in the gold rush history side of things can start their trip at the Consolidated Gold Mine. During a 40-minute tour, a knowledgeable guide will take visitors 200 feet underground, explaining what life was like back then for the intrepid miners. Following the tour, guests will also have the chance to pan for gold!

For even more fascinating gold mine history, stop by the Crisson Gold Mine next. This mine, established in 1969, features an outdoor museum with historic mining equipment, one of Georgia's largest rock and mineral shops, and gold panning and gem mining experiences. To unwind after a day of exploration, travelers can grab a glass of wine at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery. With over 200 awards and medals, you are almost guaranteed a great pour, which you can enjoy in the tasting room or on the beautiful open-air veranda.

Ellijay

Aerial view of Ellijay, Georgia, in fall.
Aerial view of Ellijay, Georgia, in fall.

Ellijay, known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia,” is a must-visit town for your itinerary this year, particularly in the fall. Apple orchards dot the countryside, with many offering u-pick options during the harvest season. R&A Orchards takes this tradition one step further, offering u-cut flowers in addition to u-pick apples from September through October, as well as tractor rides and farm tours.

BJ Reece Orchards is another beloved farm to visit, with farm activities and apple picking beginning as early as August. They also have a farm market open year-round. Right next door to BJ Reece Orchards, you’ll find Reece’s Cider Company, which serves 16 different kinds of hard cider on tap, all made with the estate’s apples. The cidery also frequently hosts live music events and food trucks over the weekend, so make sure to check out their calendar before your visit.

Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. Image credit Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. (Image credit Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

With 300 miles of hiking trails, 100 miles of trout streams, and 106,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is the ultimate vacation destination for outdoor lovers. Travelers hoping to enjoy a weekend of fishing can book an excursion with one of the local fishing charter companies. Blue Ridge Troutfitters is a highly-rated option, offering both half-day and full-day floats down the Toccoa River. Just a short drive from town, travelers can also reach the Aska Adventure Area, which has a famous trail network as well as ponds and rivers for tubing, kayaking, and fishing.

Travelers should save some time to explore Blue Ridge’s downtown area, as it also holds several gems. The Swan Drive-In Theatre & Diner is the perfect example, a local theater that has been operating in the community since 1955. It also serves nostalgic, American classics, such as fried Oreos, funnel cakes, fried pickles, waffle fries, burgers, and corn dogs, so arrive hungry!

Helen

Helen Square in Helen, Georgia. (Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com.)
Helen Square in Helen, Georgia. (Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com.)

Craving a taste of Germany? Helen offers a full-on Bavarian experience, all set in the heart of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Travelers can grab some German cuisine at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, which serves classics like Falscher Hase (Meatloaf), Schweinshaxe, Schweinebraten (Pork Roast), and Wurst Platte. If you are looking for a German souvenir, make sure to visit Lindenhaus Imports, the town’s oldest and most European shop. Items you might find here include cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, bier steins, and alpine hats.

Beyond the town’s German culture, there is also a beautiful array of natural attractions to explore. Dukes Creek Falls is just a 10-minute drive from town, featuring a short hiking trail that leads to several smaller cascades and one larger, 300-foot cascade.

Tybee Island

Tybee Island, Georgia, is a barrier island and home to a small city of the same name.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is a barrier island and home to a small city of the same name.

Tybee Island, located just a half-hour drive from Savannah, has been a favorite stop for vacationers since the 19th century. If your perfect weekend includes sunbathing and swimming, you will have five beaches in the area to choose from. North Beach is a well-rounded beach to consider, well known for its water sports, surfing, and fishing. It is also home to the island’s premier shopping district, with numerous boutiques and art galleries to explore.

Hoping to spot some adorable dolphins? You also might enjoy an excursion with Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure. This agency offers daytime and sunset dolphin tours, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes, giving you the chance to spot dolphins leaping from the water. Travelers can wrap up their seaside trip with fresh seafood at Pier 16, just one block from the beach, offering a rooftop deck with stunning views.

Thomasville

Thomas County Courthouse, Thomasville, Georgia, By John Trainor - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Thomas County Courthouse, Thomasville, Georgia (By John Trainor - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

No matter the month, Thomasville always has something exciting on the calendar. In February, the town hosts the annual Thomasville Antiques Show, a multi-day event that brings in some of the country’s most impressive antiques and fine arts. In addition to the antique sale, a number of guest speakers and book signers also attend the event. Aviation fans will want to visit Thomasville in October, during the annual Fly-In. With free admission, attendees can admire a variety of planes, both on the ground and in the air.

Christmas is another great time to stop in, when Thomasville hosts its beloved Victorian Christmas event, which is packed with all kinds of festive activities, including marshmallow roasting, Santa meet and greets, and blacksmith demonstrations. For a cozy place to stay during your time in town, consider lodging in the Thomasville Bed and Breakfast, which is set in a beautifully restored, Queen Anne Victorian-style home.

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Final Thoughts

With so many incredible towns to visit in Georgia, it can be hard to narrow down your itinerary to just a few. Hopefully, these six towns serve as a starting point as you begin to plan your next vacation. Historic gold mines, local cideries, German restaurants, and annual antique sales are just a few of the gems that await. So sit back, relax, and know that a great time awaits at any of these destinations this year.

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Brielle Read July 24 2025 in Places

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