Looking for cute little towns in Georgia? You’re in the right place. This post will walk you through the most picturesque Georgia towns, including superb mountain towns and just overall pretty spots in the state.
Well first off, Georgia is a lot more than peaches (although peaches are delicious and yummy) and whenever someone thinks of Ga they think of peaches.
Georgia, first a British colony is home to many small towns that exhibit the true spirit of the South with its white-washed churches, plantations, and mansions along with beautiful Victorian and pre-war architecture.
In addition to beaches and mountains, Georgia has incredible natural beauty. This state is known for having waterfalls, gorges, fens, forests animals and very much more.
We must bear in mind the history of Georgia. The Trail of Tears was a government act that many Native Americans were forced to walk thousands of miles away and many African Americans were held as slaves on large plantations. You have to keep in mind that a sizeable chunk of the country’s resources was generated off the backs of the oppressed when you go. It enables us to admire Georgian beauty but in the right context.
Georgia is saturated with history, charm, character, and southern hospitality. With plenty of small towns to go around, our choices got lost in the mix. If your favorite is the best of the bunch, make your case down in Kinja.
Looking for a weekend escape, why not take a look at our list of 14 Fabulous Weekend Getaways in Georgia.
Georgia is Full of Magical Small Towns to Explore
1. Macon
GeorgiaWeekend guide to Macon, like any small town in Georgia, is the perfect weekend getaway. Central Georgia is where you will find Macon, which has a grand history and exciting culture and is nestled in the middle of Mother Nature with 180 acres of upland forest at Amerson River Park and along the Ocmulgee River.
This is one of the premier history museums in the country with its Tubman Museum, the largest institution of African-American art, history and culture in the South. Native Americans built the monuments many centuries prior to colonizers arriving on these shores.
Local sights include the Cannonball House, where a cannonball came through an exterior wall during the Civil War, and Hay House, a seven-story Italian Renaissance Revival National Historical Landmark. These sites are only a small selection of what history buffs may enjoy.
Dedicated music lovers will enjoy the life-sized statue of Otis Redding, and general revelers will find a pleasant vibrancy on Cherry Street. While a visit in spring to witness the blooms adds an extra comic, Macon can be exciting all year long.
Then they head down to the stunning beaches on estuaries around Macon, which also features a wonderful town with historical significance and local charm in its shops and restaurants.
2. Helen
Helen, northeast Georgia – Small Bavarian mountain town. This tiny establishment is full of character and German personality.
With the cobblestone streets and small cottage-style buildings, it feels like you are walking to a Christmas village while being able to stop at any corner for traditional Alpine food and drink!
As well as the Cherokee, who first lived here, the Europeans who thereafter settled in this land and later on there even arrived as gold diggers and timber men, Helen’s history is a long and eventful one. How many different stories could these walls recite?
The town is nestled among attractions such as the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Chattahoochee River, Anna Ruby and Raven Cliff waterfalls and the Blue Ridge Mountains – all perfect for outdoorsy types.
Shoppers will love Helen’s 200+ boutique shops featuring crafts, hand-made items, and one of a kind gifts.
Every visitor should also visit Helen. Including adding a dash of charm, culture, history and nature in the mix you get covered all bases.
3. Madison
Madison: For southern hospitality and charm look no further than Madison. The town is one of the oldest and largest National Historic Districts that was not destroyed during the Civil War.
Madison with beautiful architecture, unique shops, and great restaurants plus hiking in one of the largest state parks in Georgia.
The nightlife may be tame, but there’s an abundance of activities to keep you occupied during the day. The polish and prose of Madison began with its stately Antebellum homes lining historic streets “The Hill”, “Yankee Street”, and other names from an even earlier time. Home to several guided tour offices, this peaceful downtown is a part of the Antebellum Trail, along with Whitehall former home to Georgia’s most notorious (rumor has it) ghost haunting.
Related: The Best Small Towns Near Atlanta, Georgia (Within 1 Hour) It’s full of southern hospitality; Spanish moss leaks the streets with a romantic feel, but it also has this very strange southern charm.
4. Savannah
Savannah is an Atlantic coastal seaport city with cobblestone squares, manicured gardens, and well-preserved historical buildings. It is the perfect southern hideaway and appeals to all types of visitors.
There is a charming Historic District, beautiful buildings in the Victorian District and then there’s the bustling and artsy Starland District. Historic cemeteries, haunted ghost tours and lovely places to visit in town – Charleston has everything.346879Vues
I suggest taking a trolley tour and my favorite spot is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Gothic Revival). From shopping to art, Savannah abounds in one-of-a-kind or artisan wares…
Savannah is one of the most gorgeous little towns in Georgia! It is a town that begs to be wandered and we are certain that you will find it as enchanting as we do.
Planning a trip to Savannah? Read Next: The 17 Coolest Things To Do in Savannah, Georgia
5. Jekyll Island
The beaches on Jekyll Island, which are among the Sea Islands that are included in the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands, have the reputation of being one the most peaceful and longest stretches of sand.
10 miles of shorefront is on this 5,500-acre island – Driftwood Beach and the must-visit Georgia Sea Turtle Center are among our favorites.
This island has a great history behind it. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and later colonized in 1733; the area was home to thriving plantations until the conclusion of Civil War. It was bought in 1886 by a cabal of upper-crust families, who kept it untouched for the next 40 years as one of America’s most exclusive private gets. The state of Georgia repurchased it in 1947 and reopened it to the public.
Tram tours of the National Historic Landmark District pass by grand mansions – playfully dubbed cottages by their millionaire owners.
The island is a beautiful place, but the colonial past which underlies its development must be remembered. This depth allows for an appreciation of its splendor.
Relax and recharge with a dolphin tour, horseback riding, nature center, or take your leisure on bike trails along Jekyll Island’s 20 miles of canvas. It makes an appealing day trip or should you want to stay a little longer.
6. Athens
Yes, Athens is also the start of our state’s Antebellum Trail of Civil War towns. Athens Athens, nestled below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by a mix of lush green spaces and historical sites, is alive with art culture.
The area includes the State Botanical Garden, historic buildings, walking trails and unique shopping. The University of Georgia is located in Athens, which GQ Magazine once dubbed as one of the Coolest Small Cities in America.
This town offers an extraordinary combination of a historical and modern culture austere and will be definitely the right place for your tourist visit.
7. Tybee Island
Tybee Island Just 20 minutes outside of Savannah, Tybee Island provides the perfect weekend getaway for anyone craving sand and surf. Tybee Island – Home to the large, clean beaches; they are a sight for sore eyes. It is recommended to bring your bike, as this is one of the best ways to get around the island.
The island is full of character and provides a very organized, family-friendly ambiance good for some rest.
Tybee lies about 30 minutes from downtown Savannah, and around the coastal Georgia islands, you’ll find numerous fascinating historic sights. A popular site with the locals, Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion was first constructed in 1891 and rebuilt in 1996 for the Summer Olympics. You also must visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum, which is the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia.
Guests can also paddle on over to the smallest lighthouse in Georgia, Cockspur Island Lighthouse or visit nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument.
The area has a long and colourful history which includes Native American settlements, Spanish explorers and the island becoming part of the Georgia colony in 1704.
With its beautiful beaches, history and charm, Tybee Island draws every visitor into its spell.
8. Dahlonega
As the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush, and located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega offers a restored historic downtown featuring numerous locally owned shops, and the scenic backdrop of mountains and waterfalls represents only part of its allure.
One of the greatest things about Dahlonega is it is THE spot for Georgia wine country. They have some beautiful wineries up there, so it was great.
History buffs can visit the Head to the waterfront for harbor cruises, head to Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, Crisson Gold Mine and Consolidated Gold Mines on historical tours. Take the opportunity to pan for gold
Yet, Dahlonega also has a dark history. The Cherokee people were removed from the area by force in 1837, under the removal act ‘Trail of Tears’. Visitors will also find Native American history and landmarks that encourage them to dig into the town’s deeper past.
With all its picturesque beauty and tons of things to do for the young at heart as well as the kids, Dahlonega is truly a must-visit place. Be sure to also visit some of the Best Things To Do in Dahlonega!
9. Adairsville
Nestled in the Oothcalooga Valley, Adairsville is a place of endless charm and charisma. It was the first municipality in the entire state of Georgia to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of such is Adairsville, which is famed for the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862, and it has a depot as a reminder of the historic event. A three-day celebration of the pursuit is held each autumn.
Downtown is lovely with elegant neo-victorian buildings and pre-war architecture.
Adairsville is kind of small and quiet, but it does have some historical spots here and there as well as a rather charming little downtown.
10. Marietta
This small town steeped in history and culture is located just north of Atlanta, Georgia. It is home to five National Register Historic Districts and thousands of historic buildings from the Antebellum and Civil War periods.
The town square is a haven of history, and when visiting it is necessary to take a ride on the Marietta TrolleySkip fully narrated tours available. Highlights: Marietta is to be sure a city loaded with stupendous noteworthy finds like the Marietta Museum of History, the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square, The Root House Museum and not to forget all the ground that can be covered at Kennesaw Mountain.
With this blend of history and charm, Marietta is a necessary visit for both lovers of history and passersby alike.
11. Covington
Covington is one of those small towns in Georgia that you probably have not heard of by name, but would likely recognize on site. The town has been both a film and TV star with over 140 films and TV programs shot in natural surroundings, including The Dukes of Hazzard; In the Heat of the Night; Sweet Magnolias as well as its most famous acting gig: Mystic Falls in The Vampire Diaries.
The Newton County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, maybe the most symbolic structure in Covington. But then the whole village is picturesque.
Most of the attractions here are related to those obvious film connections. You will find everything from Mystic Falls Tours and Main Street Trolleys to self-guided tours explaining the many different filming locations.
Covington, Georgia is a charming town with enough to keep visitors busy for a long weekend, which makes it the perfect Georgia getaway.
12. Lilburn
Lilburn is a typical American small town and is right around 20 miles from downtown Atlanta. The largest Hindu temple in North America is located in Lilburn.
Old-world charm oozes from the tree-lined sidewalks and quaint architecture of the downtown area. A bike is the recommended way to get around and there is plenty to see like Lilburn City Park
Another one not to miss, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir with free tours available. The largest Hindu temple in Australia, and one of the largest outside India, holding a daily 11:15 am ceremony.
Lilburn is another small town in Georgia that best exemplifies a mix of both cultural and historical sites.
13. Fayetteville
Fayetteville is located 22 miles south of downtown Atlanta and became a Main Street City in 1996. And the few-block radius of its downtown has since been restored to its historic charm.
Fayetteville, was founded in 1822 by European Americans who removed the Native Americans to create it The mother of Kemper’s grandmother had been passed down from one slave to another since the 18th century, when Indiantown was first planted in longleaf pines for the British Navy, and African Americans enslaved by the South Carolina Lowcountry rice planters were rented out to cultivate it with cotton as well. It is named post Revolutionary War hero, the French Marquis du Lafayette.
The 1825 Fayette County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse still standing in Georgia. Also, there is The Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House built in 1855 by John Stiles Holliday, as well as the home of Chris and Nancy Benoit, which was the location of a tragic event.
The largest film and television production studio in the U.S. outside California, Pinewood Atlanta Studios opened in 2014.
Fayetteville is inevitably an interesting visit regardless of the opinions of its people. A town that reminds of the golden past while at the same time providing all you can expect from a modern visitor.
14. Duluth
Not to mention that it still has a small-town feel but is near enough to all the amenities of Atlanta. In the charming downtown, there is a beautiful town green with a huge fountain.
Featured as one of NewsMax magazine’s “Top 10 City for Best American Values,” its hard to argue that Duluth isn’t a fine place with much to do.
Notable institutions including the Southeastern Railway Museum, which showcases train memorabilia and hosts exhibits with historic locomotives
Turns out Duluth fits the ticket of a long weekend vacation.
We hope you visit one of them. Either way, you are bound to have an incredible experience. There is nothing more to say about Georgia since indeed there is so much.
Have a wonderful time in one of Georgia’s top small towns, and we will look forward to hearing all about it when you come back.
