These 9 Towns In Georgia Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
Georgia is a state known for its peaches, miles of shoreline on the Atlantic coast, and beautiful mountains. Whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person, Georgia’s small communities truly capture the spirit of Southern hospitality. There’s always a porch with a rocking chair to sip sweet tea, or a local diner serving up fresh biscuits and gravy! From the Blue Ridge Mountains hikes in Dahlonega to seaside diners in Darien, there’s a very good reason these towns are ranked as some of the US favorites in 2025.
Blue Ridge
In northern Georgia, Blue Ridge is a community where southern hospitality and breathtaking mountain views are in high supply. It’s a place where you can sit down for biscuits and gravy on the porch at the Southern Charm Restaurant, and then walk over to hitch a ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The railway is one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of the area, taking visitors on a winding journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.
Blue Ridge is also less than a 5-minute drive from one of Georgia’s most beautiful parks, the Chattahoochee National Forest. Hiking in the forest takes you through densely wooded trails, by mossy waterfalls, over bridges, and up mountains for stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Plus, Blue Ridge is famous for its farmers’ markets and orchards, most notably Mercier Orchards, where you can pick your own seasonal fruit or shop for treats at their bakery.
Americus
A walk down the historic streets of Americus, and you’ll soon realize why it’s one of Georgia’s best towns. With its cozy sidewalks and vibrant Victorian-era architecture, it’s a town locked away in time. The Windsor Hotel is a great example of Americus’ old-world feel, built in 1892 with modern rooms and timeless decor. The entryway is breathtaking with its pristine natural wood, and the on-site dining at Rosemary and Thyme Restaurant serves up fine dining in its classic dining room.
To lean into the charming old-world vibes of Americus, the Rylander Theatre is a local gem. Built in 1921, it was originally a vaudeville theater and underwent a massive restoration in the 1990s, where it now hosts live professional and local theater productions. After catching a show at the Rylander Theatre, visitors can walk next door to The Station, a local pub serving steaks, brews, and burgers.
Tallulah Falls
If you want to get lost in the mountains of northeast Georgia, Tallulah Falls delivers on peaceful mountain vibes. Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the state, with a massive swinging bridge hanging over Tallulah Gorge, six waterfalls, and winding trails that lead to stunning overlooks of the mountains of Georgia. And if you visit in the summer, Tallulah Falls Beach is an excellent place to cool off! It has a small sandy beach and trails that trace the calm waters of Tallulah Falls Lake.
Downtown Tallulah is a small, cozy community where you can gear up before hitting the many trails in the area. The General Store is a great place to load up on snacks, with local treats, ice cream, and a cozy front porch with rocking chairs where you can relax. In the morning, Tallulah 1882 is a cozy coffee house where you can fuel up for the day with a warm cup of coffee and house-made pastries before exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Darien
Dreaming of coastal scenery and fresh seafood? Darien is a small coastal town that doesn’t see as many tourists as some of the bigger Georgia coastal retreats, making it a wonderful escape, sans the summer crowds. If you love history, the Fort King George State Historic Site is a great place to roam. It is the oldest English fort on Georgia’s coast, and many of the original structures, like the blacksmith, barracks, and guard house, are still standing today.
If you find yourself in Darien for the seafood and salty sea air, Skippers’ Fish Camp is where you’ll want to grab a meal. They offer locally caught seafood and are known particularly for their fried shrimp and crab cakes. You can dine on their tasty dishes on their cozy patio with a view of the Darien River. While much of Georgia’s coast is developed, nearby Sapelo Island offers 16,500 acres of untouched land along the coastline. It’s a beautiful place to go for a peaceful walk along the beach or birdwatching.
Helen
In the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia is the hidden hamlet of Helen. It is not your typical Georgia town tucked away in the mountains. Over the years, Helen has transformed into a Bavarian‐style village, with cobblestone streets and German-style storefronts that feel like a little slice of Europe in the mountains. There are wonderful German restaurants, like The Heidelberg, which serves classic dishes like schnitzel and goulash with a beer garden. There are even kitschy shops like Bavarian Clockworks with handcrafted cuckoo clocks and unusual wares.
Downtown Helen may make you think you’re in Germany, but the great Blue Mountains are just outside the city limits waiting to be explored. One of Helen’s most famous attractions is the twin waterfalls of Anna Ruby Falls. Located within the breathtaking Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the paved hike to the falls is less than a mile, and it has a scenic observation deck to snap the best photos. After visiting the falls, make sure to stop inside the visitor center and gift shop to learn more about the amazing twin waterfalls.
St. Marys
Hidden away on the southern tip of Georgia, just on the other side of the Florida border, is the dreamy coastal community of St. Marys. It’s a mix of natural beauty along the Atlantic Ocean, mouth-watering seafood, and historical attractions. Many flock to St. Mary's as a gateway to explore the Cumberland Island National Seashore, one of Georgia’s largest barrier islands. Enjoy miles of untouched shoreline, maritime forests, and even wild horses roaming the beaches. The island also had old mansions open to explore, like Plum Orchard Estate.
Downtown St. Mary’s is a community steeped in history. Established in the late 1700s, you can learn how the town came to be while enjoying the scenery at the St. Marys History Walk. Through interpretive panels, the paved walk tells the history of St. Mary’s, with lovely views of manicured gardens, fountains, and the calm waters of the St. Mary’s River. After walking in the park, the Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum offers a deeper dive into the history of the area.
Dahlonega
Tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the small community of Dahlonega, famous for being the site of the second Gold Rush in the United States. Downtown Dahlonega still boasts that Gold Rush vibe with stunning architecture, tidy brick sidewalks, and inviting storefronts. You can learn more about Dahlonega Gold Rush roots at the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site in the heart of town on Main Street, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants, like the Nighthawk Tavern.
Dahlonega is also in the heart of North Georgia wine country, so there’s plenty of scenic wineries where you can sip chilled wine with a view of the mountains. One of the best wineries in the area is the Montaluce Winery and Restaurant. Not only do they have amazing wine you can enjoy on their beautiful manicured grounds, but there are also forested hiking trails, tasting rooms, and an on-site restaurant.
Thomasville
In southern Georgia, not far from the Florida state line, is Thomasville, aka Rose City. Thomasville has a long history with roses, which began with the annual Rose Show and Festival, first held in 1922 and still taking place every spring in Historic Downtown Thomasville. If you can’t make the rose show, you can also visit the Thomasville Rose Garden, which blooms from spring to summer. It’s a lovely outdoor space where you can walk through rows of fragrant roses or explore the nearby trails at Cherokee Lake Park.
What makes Thomasville so special is its stunning downtown district. Manicured streets, quiet sidewalks, and colorful storefronts give it a quiet, small-town charm. There are beautiful estates scattered throughout central Thomasville, like the sprawling estate at the Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site. However, one of Thomasville’s crown jewels is The Big Oak, which is located in central downtown. Thomasville sprang to life around one of America's oldest living oaks, which is believed to be almost 350 years old!
Blairsville
Hidden away in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the sleepy village of Blairsville. With a population of under 1,000, it puts Southern hospitality on full display. From its humble locally-owned restaurants like Hole In The Wall (you haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of their housemade pies!), to the Blairsville Restaurant - Grits and Greens, southern cooking has never tasted so good. While their local cuisine is enough to make your mouth water, the natural beauty of Blairsville is just as amazing.
Outside of the downtown, you’ll find relaxing and scenic spots, like the Redtail Mountain Vineyard. With beautiful outdoor seating with a view of the vineyards and mountains, it serves as a lovely escape in the mountains of Georgia. Or, you can go for a hike in Vogel State Park, which is one of the oldest state parks in Georgia. It’s truly a stunning park with calm, clear lakes, rolling green hills, and shaded hiking trails where the air smells fresh and clean.
Discover The Georgia Towns Everyone’s Talking About In 2025
Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend escape where the air is fresh and the biscuits are hot, or looking for a new place to call home, these cozy hamlets won’t disappoint. Far removed from the traffic and noise of Georgia’s bigger cities, they have a way of showing you how to slow down and appreciate the small things. Whether you want to travel to the Rose City in Thomasville or walk miles of untouched shoreline in Saint Marys, these escapes capture the very essence of Georgia.
