Official State Travel Guide • 2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide • Best Trips of 2026

Georgia’s diverse landscapes, history, and cultural attractions offer a trip for every kind of traveler. Whether you are looking for an epic outdoor adventure, to relax with the family by a pristine lake, or to eat and drink your way through the city, there is a fitting itinerary to keep you busy all year long. Start planning your 2026 travels with this year’s list of the best trips in Georgia.

THIS LIST OF SIX BEST TRIPS WILL BE YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST STARTING ON PAGE 18.

You don’t need a plane ticket to find peace on the water – just make your way to Darien, a relaxed waterfront gem tucked between St. Simons Island and Savannah. A gorgeous coastal secret, it offers the scenic beauty of the Golden Isles along with small-town charm. Park once, or boat in, and step into a breezy water wonderland.

Explore Marsh Pirate Marina, a hybrid marina, outfitter, taproom, and shop right on the waterfront. They offer daily, monthly, and “dock and dine” slip rentals – perfect for boaters looking to tie up and hang out. Grab a local craft beer like Marsh Pirate Lager, refuel, unwind with riverfront views, and earn group chat bragging rights for being the first to visit.

For waterfront luxury, Oaks on the River delivers sweeping Altamaha River views from its perch on Darien’s high bluff. The Darien Waterfront Inn offers a cozier stay with river-facing rooms and free bikes for exploring town. For an off-the-grid retreat, Emma’s Driftwood Farm spans 81 waterfront acres with five historical-style homes and two deep-water docks for swimming, crabbing, and fishing. Rent a single house or the full property for up to 35 guests.

Refuel at River’s Edge Bar & Grill, perched on the Darien River with live music and marsh views. Sip a local craft beer at Tabby House Brewing, which is rich with Restoration-era artifacts and is one of the last surviving tabby structures in Coastal Georgia. Just up the street, sister spot The Canopy serves Southern comfort food in an 1875 coastal home with breezy outdoor seating. Craving seafood? Skipper’s Fish Camp delivers boat-camp vibes and freshcaught shrimp, flounder, and oysters – plus landlover favorites like barbecue and peach cobbler.

At Sugar Marsh Cottage, find seashell-shaped short-breads and nautical-themed sweets in a restored Colonial Revival home. Embark on a nautical journey at Nautical Treasures Boutique on Broad, and discover an array of custom-crafted treasures, from unique gifts to home goods.

When your sea legs need a rest, visit the Old Jail Art Museum, one of Darien’s oldest public buildings. Six galleries showcase rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists, while the upstairs jail cells hold historical artifacts and ledgers. Outside, don’t miss the restored, historic Kit Jones vessel on display. The 60-foot, 60,000-pound tugboat was built from heart pine and live oak in 1939, and is packed with maritime history. And for a bit of fun, snap a photo with Darien’s 20-foot sea monster at the Visitor’s Center. Nicknamed “Altie” and a cousin of Loch Ness’s Nessie, sightings date back to the 1800s.

Darien is more than a scenic waterfront town. It’s a gateway to rustic Sapelo Island and sits at the heart of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, preserving African-American culture across generations. It’s where tidal waters meet deep history, and centuries-old traditions still shape the community.

PLANNING A SPRING TRIP?
Don’t miss Darien’s annual Blessing of the Fleet. Boats line the river for a parade and a ceremonial blessing, with food, music, and fireworks celebrating the town’s shrimping heritage.

You don’t need to fly 15 hours or spend thousands of dollars to have an African-style safari experience. Instead, drive to Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison, the first overnight safari park in Georgia, where you can get up close to over 60 wild and exotic species of free-roaming animals, including bison, impalas, addax, kudus, elands, roans, rhinos, water buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. Through your visit, you also help conserve species and ensure that the genetic health for critically endangered animals is maintained.

Take an exciting tour riding in an open-air safari vehicle over bumpy, rugged dirt roads through 530 acres of open grasslands and lush forest canopy as you spot majestic animals frolicking around. Listen to captivating stories about the animals’ unique traits straight from the guides who care for them.

If you are traveling with little ones, opt for a 90-minute safari game drive. The animals are most active in the mornings and right before sunset. Or, if you are up for a longer threehour VIP adventure, you will get a chance to feed a giraffe and have a rhino encounter at the hi-tech barn.

For an unforgettable stargazing experience, stay at one of the luxurious one- or twobedroom canvas-tented camps fitted with expansive decks, modern amenities, and African decor. For the ultimate experience, snag the Giraffe Suite and witness the graceful movements of your barn mates unfold right from your private panoramic bedroom window, all while you lounge in your PJs and savor your morning coffee.

Tame your hunger at the nearby Farmview Market for delicious farm-to-table Southern-inspired breakfast and Oconee Roasters coffee. Make sure to pick up some Georgiagrown produce, snacks, and pantry items for the drive as well.

If you stay longer, there are several dining options in the charming town of Madison. Find Southern-inspired French cuisine in a casual atmosphere at Town 220 Restaurant, casual Mediterranean seafood and pasta at Ricardo’s Kouzzina, or reserve a table at The Dining Room for an intimate evening featuring a seasonal prix fixe menu.

If you prefer to nest in the urban jungle with walking distance to historical homes, shopping, and dining, find your den at the refined and cozy, boutique The James Madison Inn. Or, rest your paws at the pet-friendly, retroinspired New South Motor Inn.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sometimes, the best travel stories come from the smallest voices. Here’s one kid’s take on the thrills, treats, and big adventures of a day at Wild Adventures.

Insane roller coasters, amazing animals, and a crazy-good waterpark. Wild Adventures in Valdosta was so awesome we didn’t want to go home. My little brother had fun. I had more fun. Even my parents said they’d come back.

First up: rides. I rode every coaster I could. Boomerang was hands down the best ride – it shoots you backward first, so you’re basically flying through every twist with zero idea what’s coming next, like being fired out of a cannon in reverse.

I would have camped out there all day, but my parents wanted to check out the Water’s Edge section and its new rides.

I saw the Wing Swinger and had to try it, so Mom joined me. We were spinning so fast I couldn’t stop laughing. While we were in the air, Dad took my little brother on the new Boat Parade ride. I could’ve gone too, but he takes the boat captain thing way too seriously.

The smell of barbecue made me realize I was super hungry. I wanted to eat at LoneStar BBQ, but everyone else voted for Paradise Pizza instead. I was glad our pizzas came out fast, and the pepperoni one tasted so good.

After lunch, we hit the water park, and I raced to the Bonzai Pipeline slides. High drops and fast turns were exactly what I wanted. I rode it three times before Dad and I tackled Wahee Cyclone in this massive tube that spins you around like a washing machine.

My little brother got splashed by the water bucket at Polynesian Adventure, the kids’ section, about 100 times. Then, while he napped under Mom’s umbrella, I floated in the lazy river a little.

We were getting raisin fingers, so Mom decided it was time to feed a giraffe. It was so weird. Her blue tongue felt like sandpaper when it curled up and yanked the lettuce from my hand. Mom also got us tickets for the Discovery Outpost Tour, so we fed gators and held a snake. My little brother’s favorite animal at the petting zoo was the white goat because he could feed it hay. How is that better than holding a snake?

After grabbing a snack at Brews & Bites, we changed and went to Splash Island Nights. Mom said it’s only on Fridays in the summer, so we were staying until the very end.

Sliding in the dark was like being in a glow stick. Then the drone show started with crazy lights zooming and spinning into shapes. Mom timed our visit to catch it! One of the park helpers told us the show is even bigger at Christmas, which blows my mind.

You can ride coasters, splash in the water park, and feed a giraffe – all in one trip. Mom was happy because it was a “great value,” but I was happy because it was the perfect way to celebrate summer.

Despite the citywide wonder and beauty of Savannah, and all its endless opportunities for exploration, you could make a strong case for spending an entire weekend in the Starland District. One of Savannah’s most creative and trendsetting communities, Starland has become the heart and soul of the city’s creative community, thanks to its open-armed approach to those who love art and culture, especially when it’s a bit quirky.

Options for lodging include intimate boutiques that retain Savannah’s inimitable style. B&B Zia Gianna offers a chef-driven breakfast each morning, in a renovated Victorian home built in 1899 that balances historical and modern luxury. For an intimate, sophisticated escape without children or pets, book The Galloway House Inn, which proudly promotes the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, and bookstores like E. Shaver, Bookseller, a haven for literary history buffs in a beautifully maintained 1840s-era building. For a uniquely artsy overnight experience, consider the Sacred Tower room at The Isetta Inn, where the round walls are painted like a dreamy cloudscape, and glow-in-the-dark stars hang above a ropesuspended bed.

In a city famous for its food and drinks, Savannah’s Starland District serves up the goods, letting you base your dining experience on your mood. There are can’t-miss spots like Foxy Loxy Cafe, which has fine Tex-Mex cuisine from sausage scramble burritos to chipotle chicken tacos, plus exceptional coffee. Similarly, indie in its epicurean exploits is Brochu’s Family Tradition, serving excellent raw seafood (especially oysters), but also a whole chicken dinner that serves it fried, charred, and salad-ed with biscuits, and an impressively affordable wine list. If a bakery and supper club – illuminated by natural sunlight and surrounded by flowers and hand-drawn sketches – is your preference, Flora and Fauna is your happy place. If it’s liquid refreshment and competitive fun you seek, try Moodright’s, a divey analog gamer’s paradise of pool tables, bowling alleys, and bingo nights. Fans of tiki cocktails should wander over to Lone Wolf Lounge, a 2025 semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Bar award, where the decor includes wood-paneled walls and checkerboard floors, and events range from karaoke to musicinspired wine-paired dinners.

The walkable and welcoming area is near the Historic District and Victorian District, offering easy connectivity and convenient access for those seeking nearby adventure. Discover beautiful ceremonial and spiritual artwork, from ceramic to wood and metal, at the Savannah African Art Museum. If you’re visiting near the start of the month, check out Starland First Fridays, where a number of local businesses like the lovably funky Starland Strange and Bazaar – a boutique shop mixed with an ice cream parlor – host events and offer specials for those strolling the district for the latest and zaniest creative craftwork.

The United States was founded 250 years ago, but the history of this period is as important as ever. Many travelers might not know the role the Peach State played in the American Revolution as one of the 13 original colonies. You’ll find the history of these brave revolutionaries from the mountains to the coast.

ELBERTON
The Nancy Hart Log Cabin at Nancy Hart Historic Park tells the story of one of the state’s most legendary figures. The almost mythical 6-foot-tall woman had wild red hair and served as a patriot spy during the Revolutionary War, gathering information by dressing as a man and even capturing several Tories. The cabin sits near the original site of her home.

DARIEN
In Darien, Fort King George State Historic Site takes you back in time as a reminder of the British Empire’s reign in North America. It’s also the oldest remaining English fort in the region, with tabby ruins and barracks. Visitors can explore the museum or wander the coastal trail system.

GAINESVILLE
The Northeast Georgia History Center has a 19th-century cabin that belonged to White Path, a Cherokee leader, as well as interpreters detailing what life on the Georgia frontier was like. Plan your trip around the monthly Family Days, when you can see a live blacksmith demonstration.

GOLDEN ISLES
Brunswick was a former British settlement where streets have their original names. After the war, the county seat moved to Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, which had been established to keep the Spanish in Florida at bay.

MIDWAY
Midway in Liberty County was an important port during the 1776 Continental Congress. Fort Morris State Historic Site saw several British attacks in the following years, which you can learn about from the on-site museum and interpretive film. The site also hosts colonial demonstrations. The Midway Museum & Cemetery further tells the story of the people of Midway.

SAVANNAH
Savannah’s history is experienced around every tree-lined corner, but the Savannah History Museum does a great job of covering the early years of the port city to the present. It contains several artifacts from the Revolutionary War and sits next to the site of a 1779 battle.

THOMSON
Historic Wrightsboro was founded in 1768 as a Quaker settlement in McDuffie County. The historical church, cemetery, and historic district have been well preserved and are a good example of what this part of the state looked like in the years around the war.

Looking for an under-the-radar family-friendly getaway without the crowds? Tucked away in the southwest corner of Georgia, Seminole State Park is a haven where you can satisfy your thirst for outdoor adventure and serene stays.

The 1,478-acre park, located directly on the shores of Lake Seminole, engages travelers of all ages with plenty of activities. Start your day hiking along the easy 2.2-mile-long Gopher Tortoise Nature Trail, take a relaxing swim in the lake’s cool, protected coves, and soak in Georgia’s natural, raw, and tranquil beauty in the quiet evenings.

For the ultimate immersion in nature, stay overnight at one of the park’s 14 pet-friendly furnished cottages and admire the perfect sunrise and sunset views on the lake. Alternatively, camp waterside under the twinkling stars in one of 50 tent, trailer, and RV campsites with access to modern amenities.

Wake up to detect resident gopher tortoises, alligators, foxes, raccoons, deer, and ducks – often spotted in the lush longleaf pine forests of the park. Due to the park’s location on a migratory path, there’s ample birdlife viewing, so make sure to bring a pair of binoculars for a chance to spot soaring ospreys over the lake and fledgling bald eagles emerging from their nests (typically from late March to early May).

Make plans to putt a round of mini-golf for only $5 per person, slide down and race each other at the kids’ playgrounds, and play a game of cards at one of the picnic shelters.

Reel in a big one and see if you have what it takes for a fishing tournament! An angler’s paradise, the 37,500-acre reservoir Lake Seminole is a world-renowned bass fishing destination, where you can launch your boat to find prime fishing spots. The lake’s rich aquatic vegetation contributes to a healthy population of largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish, so you may be able to take home a prize. Continue to explore the mangrove forests along dedicated trails on a rental kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

When hunger bites, dock your boat and head to a nearby restaurant to land some satisfying comfort food, hobnob with the locals, and watch live music. Indulge in a plate of fish and grits by the lake at Fins & Feathers Lakeside Grill, or devour a fried whole catfish with sweet potato fries at Big Jim’s Oyster Bar Restaurant. If you plan on cooking your own fresh catch while staying at the park, be sure to stop at one of the grocery stores in Donalsonville or Bainbridge for supplies.

Official State Travel Guide - 2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide

Best Trips of 2026

Explore Georgia’s Best Trips of 2026

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2026 Georgia Official State Travel Guide

2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide

2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide

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