The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Georgia, Georgia

May 2, 2022 Deane Carmody

While Atlanta is the anchor and capital of Georgia, you can aim in any direction to find distinctly different regions – from the tail of the Appalachians in the North to the rolling Piedmont hills and on down to the seaside marshes in the East. Atlanta lays claim to the state’s number one attraction – Stone Mountain State Park. They say it best - “Serious fun. Endless adventure.” Just 15 minutes from downtown, the world’s largest exposed granite dome is surrounded by 3,200 acres of natural beauty and stimulating activities for every member of the family – sky rides and hiking paths, laser shows and pedal boats along Stone Mountain Lake. Golfers tee it up, while red foxes dash across the fairways in a state where the Masters Golf Tournament creates revered green-jacket memories every year. It’s a long downhill ride down to historic Savannah, a ‘stone’s throw’ from the Atlantic and a virtual step back in time to Southern architecture and stately squares. St. Simon’s and Jekyll Islands offer barrier island beauty and a wonderful combination of outdoor activities, historic sites and artistic culture. Originally the private winter playground of wealthy northeasterners, Jekyll Island stretches along 10 miles of coastal beaches and inland marshes. Cycling and walking paths wind under moss-laden oaks, and a tour of Millionaire Village takes you back to those Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan days. The kid-friendly Summer Waves Water Park adds man-made fun to natural water sport activities. Coastal golf courses and sophisticated St. Simon’s Island appeal to moms, dads and vacationing couples.
Restaurants in Georgia

1. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

1775 Legacy Way Off Benning Blvd, just outside Fort Benning, Columbus, GA 31903-3674 +1 706-685-5800 [email protected] http://nationalinfantrymuseum.org
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
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5.0 based on 2,233 reviews

National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center

The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence.

Reviewed By A3278NLdeborahp

As an Army daughter born at Ft. Benning Army Base, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center was a bonus for me visiting my birthplace. It makes you proud of your veteran and all the American veterans. Plus it's free. I definitely recommend this tour.

2. Savannah Historic District

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401-4217 +1 912-944-0455 http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/1.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 14,018 reviews

Savannah Historic District

Savannah's picturesque historic district brings the traditional southern atmosphere to life.

Reviewed By mmwinters

The Savannah historic district will thrill those who love American history, especially colonial or civil war times; African American history; art and architecture; seafood or southern foods; trees and landscaping; fountains and sculptures. Several convenient modes of travel will help you get around - trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, Uber type services, and the free DOT bus system. Parking for cars is limited. I think it would be difficult to try to see things with your personal car. Be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and stay hydrated. It’s hard to recommend the “best” things to see and do. As a history lover, I wanted to see it ALL and hope to return someday to see the places I couldn’t get worked in. I think Savannah, budding and blooming in the spring, would be the most beautiful time to tour. August is very hot and humid, but bearable because the the sites are just so darned interesting and the beach is nearby!

3. Brasstown Bald Mountain

Georgia Spur 180, Blairsville, GA 30512 +1 706-745-6928 http://cfaia.org/brasstown-bald-recreation-area-visitor-centers-in-georgia
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,118 reviews

Brasstown Bald Mountain

Reviewed By Homekeeper - Ocala, United States

While you shouldn’t miss the views from the top of the paved trail, don’t overlook the Amazing hike of the Wagon Trail! It was more rugged and lonely with fewer hikers. It really felt like we were on an adventure. We were visiting the third week of March and the weather that day was perfect with clear blue skies and about 40 degrees. The rhododendron and laurel had not bloomed yet, but we thought it would be beautiful in a few weeks! Expect to walk through some mud and areas where the streams converge with the trail. Don’t miss it!

4. Appalachian Trail

GA
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Appalachian Trail

5. Christ Church

6329 Frederica Rd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522-5812 +1 912-638-8683 [email protected] http://ccfssi.org
Excellent
79%
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5.0 based on 787 reviews

Christ Church

The Christ Church, Frederica has docents available Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. The churchyard is open to the public from sunrise to sunset Tuesday through Sunday. The church and the grounds are closed to the public on Monday's for maintenance. Bus tours and group tours are available, please call or email the office to set up a group tour. From time to time, the church and churchyard are closed to accommodate funerals and weddings.

Reviewed By CissiK

I absolutely love coming here. The grounds are so peaceful and the historical cemetery behind the church is like stepping back in time. The church has the most beautiful stained glass windows and The Christmas floral decorations both inside and out were outstanding. This is a must see if you're visiting the island.

6. Anna Ruby Falls

3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545-2333 +1 706-878-1448 https://www.facebook.com/annarubyfalls/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
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5.0 based on 2,690 reviews

Anna Ruby Falls

Reviewed By susannet175 - North Carolina Mountains, United States

Love coming here and this time we were very positively surprised that Anna Ruby Falls and the gift shop were open on New Years Day! Loved the hike and the falls were quite full with water and very impressive. The trails are well maintained, the gift shop well stocked and the Trail for the visually impaired is a great stroll along the river.

7. Hay House

934 Georgia Ave, Macon, GA 31201-6708 +1 478-742-8155 http://www.hayhousemacon.org/
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 332 reviews

Hay House

Hay House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark that is owned and operated by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Guided tours of this antebellum mansion are offered daily.

Reviewed By eagledress85 - Georgia, United States

If you love historic homes, the Hay House is a must! First, we had an excellent guide who was very personable and very informative. The architecture of this home is just amazing. This is the first home that we have ever seen curved pocket doors, unbelievable! If you have the opportunity to get the extended tour then definitely do it. Unfortunately, they weren't offering it when we went due to COVID restrictions, but we would definitely go back just to add that to the tour. It's nice to visit a historic home that actually has almost all of the original details. If you're in Macon, definitely make this one of your stops!

8. Bonaventure Cemetery

330 Bonaventure Rd, Savannah, GA 31404-3295 +1 912-651-6843 http://www.bonaventurehistorical.org/
Excellent
71%
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4.5 based on 6,548 reviews

Bonaventure Cemetery

Bonaventure Cemetery was developed on the historically-significant site of Bonaventure Plantation. The peaceful setting rests on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River, east of Savannah. The site was purchased for a private cemetery in 1846 and became a public cemetery in 1907. Citizens and others can still purchase interment rights in Bonaventure. This charming site has been a world famous tourist destination for more than 150 years due to the old tree-lined roadways, the many notable persons interred, the unique cemetery sculpture and architecture, and the folklore associated with the site and the people. The entrance to the cemetery is located at 330 Bonaventure Road and is the largest of the municipal cemeteries containing nearly 100 acres. The cemetery is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The main office of the Department of Cemeteries is located in the Bonaventure Administrative Building at the entrance.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Established in 1846 and covering nearly 160 acres on a scenic bluff overlooking the Wilmington River, east of Savannah, Georgia, the Bonaventure Cemetery is the largest of the city's municipal cemeteries. In recent years, it has become one of Savannah's most popular tourist attractions, primarily due to its role in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which was turned into a movie directed by Clint Eastwood. The cover of the book features the "Bird Girl," an evocative sculpture which used to reside in the cemetery. After going virtually unnoticed for over 50 years, it was relocated from the cemetery in 1997 for display in the Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah. Many of the city's statesmen, prominent citizens and soldiers are buried in Bonaventure Cemetery in the shade of 250-year-old moss-laden oak trees, including Savannah founders Noble Wimberly Jones and Edward Telfair. Five Civil War generals and one admiral are buried there. So is singer, lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken. In a cemetery of many unusual tombstones, perhaps one of the most unique is one in the shape of a piano, Mercer's grave site. The interesting tombstones and vaults and mausoleums, the colorful azaleas and camellias and the old oak, dogwood and magnolia trees have made the cemetery one of the most photographed in the country. The cemetery is open from dusk to dawn with tours available at the Bonaventure Historical Society Visitor's Center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

9. Tybee Island Light Station And Museum

30 Meddin Dr, Tybee Island, GA 31328-9733 +1 912-786-5801 [email protected] http://www.tybeelighthouse.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2,564 reviews

Tybee Island Light Station And Museum

The Tybee Island Lighthouse was built in 1773 and is the oldest Lighthouse in Georgia. An entry ticket allows you to see the Lighthouse, the Head Keepers Cottage, the 2nd Assistant Keepers Cottage, the Summer Kitchen and the Tybee Island Museum across the street. The Lighthouse is CLOSED TUESDAYS, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day (or the day of the Savannah St. Patrick's Day parade).

Reviewed By trmdwelk - Centreville, United States

Visiting this historic and beautiful lighthouse is well worth your time. Go to the top and enjoy the 360 degree view but also take time to see the video in an outbuilding that tells the story of the light and the families who lived there. But particularly take the time to go across the street to the Span-Am War concrete fortifications that house the museum. Here you'll learn the history of Tybee Island area from prehistory (including some awesome artifacts!) to the modern age. Again, watch the well-done video to help pull it all together. Plan more time than you imagine at first glance

10. Marietta Square

Marietta, GA +1 770-429-1115 http://www.marietta.com/attractions/marietta-square
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 1,036 reviews

Marietta Square

Colorful gardens and park in Marietta. Perfect for picnic lunches in the summer.

Reviewed By J5841OKdeborahw

Marietta GA is my home. Beautiful period architecture, lovely tree lined streets, friendly staff in all the shops and restaurants, crazy fun to people watch because the two courthouses sit on the square LOL. LOVE the Farmers Market ... nice shaded streets in summer, hot cider in winter just a delightful place to visit for a taste of the "New South"

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