What to do and see in Georgia, Georgia: The Best Historic Walking Areas

September 11, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

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. 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
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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!

2. Compline at Christ Church Anglican

2020 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401-8564 +1 912-355-7730 http://ccasav.org
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Compline at Christ Church Anglican

3. Technology Square

79 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-1030
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Technology Square

4. Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk

3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022 +1 678-512-3200 http://www.exploregeorgia.org/listing/46103-johns-creek-veterans-memorial-walk
Excellent
86%
Good
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk

Reviewed By michaelpatrickmalone - Roswell, United States

The Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk is a wonderful tribute/memorial in honor of our nations veterans and those who fought in valor. The walk itself is self guided and short so it shouldn't be too cumbersome to those with mobility disabilities. That said, it also very informative to those of us who may have limited knowledge of the many wars that our nation has engaged. Each war beginning with World War 1 and up to the Iraq War, is accounted for with a memorial stone along with a written accounting of interesting facts. There is also a pleasant fountain with benches that encircle for those who wish to sit and reflect, or just simply enjoy the outdoors and surrounding nature. There are flags representing the US and the 5 branches of service as well as a large wooden Gazebo to seek shelter. Definitely worth a visit. And while your there, you might want to purchase an personalized etched walkway brick in honor of your own veteran.

5. Griffin Spalding Historical Society

633 Meriwether St, Griffin, GA 30224-4138 +1 770-229-2432 http://www.griffinhistory.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Griffin Spalding Historical Society

The Griffin Spalding Historical Society was founded in 1969 to present the stories of Griffins past, present and future in a variety of engaging and exciting ways through, programs, collections and research. Today the Historical Society owns and operates The Bailey-Tebault House located at 633 Meriwether Street in Griffin, which is available for rent to host your next event.

6. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

300 N Bond St, Plains, GA 31780-5562 +1 229-824-4104 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/jica
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
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4.5 based on 290 reviews

Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia, that revolves around farming, church, and school had a large influence in molding the character and in shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States. The site includes President Carter's residence, boyhood farm, school, and the railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. The Plains High School serves as the park's museum and visitor center. The Jimmy Carter National Preservation District includes part of the town of Plains and its environs. The area surrounding the residence is under the protection of the Secret Service and the home is not open to the public. The Carters returned to Plains in January 1981. The former President and First Lady pursue many of the goals of the administration through The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, which has programs to alleviate human suffering and to promote human rights and world peace. When they are in Plains, Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church to which the public is invited. The Carters' ties to Plains have endured the stresses of public life, remaining as strong as they were decades ago.

Reviewed By bolla1 - Saint Louis, United States

The tour begins with a film depicting the life and times of Jimmy Carter, Roslyn and their families as well as the town and how this small town of 700 gathered together to support President Carter to his election and then supported his return to Plains for retirement. After we visited the small museum we had lunch in a small Buffalo Cafe in Plains and met several very friendly residents more than willing to talk about their leading citizen. Do not miss this visit. The museum is small but excellent and growing.

7. Buckhead

3060 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305-2234 +1 404-261-7922 [email protected] http://www.buckhead.net/
Excellent
51%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 497 reviews

Buckhead

With its upscale neighborhoods and multi-million dollar mansions, the Buckhead section of Atlanta is one of the most affluent communities in town, and home to some of the best art galleries, restaurants and nightlife.

Reviewed By StockholmKindaGuy - Marietta, United States

Buckhead is one of Atlanta's commercial hot spots. Here you'll find the city's most upscale shopping, along with a mix of dining options. I come to this ever changing area a lot. There's always something new going up or opening. In terms of shopping, the main draws for me are Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Lenox and Phipps are Atlanta's best upscape shopping centers. There's quite a number of good restaurants and bars in the area. Season's 52, Tuk Tuk and True Food Kitchen I enjoyed. Buckhead also has many fine hotels. Much to see and do in this upscale Atlanta neighborhood.

8. Fort Pulaski National Monument

U.S. Highway 80 Savannah, Tybee Island, GA 31410-0757 +1 912-786-8182 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2,585 reviews

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Fort Pulaski National Monument has one of the best preserved nineteenth century masonry fortifications in the United States. It was also the site of a major artillery duel during the Civil War that saw the first major use of rifled artillery in battle. You can tour the fortress, see living historians bringing the past to life, or watch an artillery demonstration that really immerses visitors with the sights and sounds of conflict. The monument however, is more than just a fort. We have over 5000 acres of pristine saltwater marsh, one of the largest concentrations of marsh along the coast of Georgia. Combine that with miles of trails and you have a great way to get away from our cultural history and surround yourself with the natural beauty of Cockspur Island, the heart of the monument.

Reviewed By ronny256 - Savannah, United States

We bought annual family pass to this park a few years ago and have renewed it every year. Fort is interesting place to visit, especially on holidays when they have cannon firing and ‘soldiers’ parading in 19th century uniforms. These days though, since we went inside the fort quite a few times, most of our visits are to walk the trails, have a picnic in one of the large picnic areas, or run with our dog on the beach. Unlike any other beach in Savannah area this one allows dogs at any time on any day of the year. It used to allow dogs without leash on the beach, but now they are supposed to be leashed due to some complaints. Beach is usually empty though and then we use one of our invisible leashes????.

9. Silver Comet Trail

Cobb County Access, Smyrna, GA 30339 +1 770-528-4381 [email protected] http://silvercomet.tripod.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 335 reviews

Silver Comet Trail

Reviewed By Runnerny2244 - Smyrna, United States

This is an excellent place to get out and ride, run, or walk. It’s paved and pretty flat. Use to be an old train track. Park over by Nickijak Elementary School in Smyrna. Shady and pretty nice path.

10. Columbus Riverwalk

Bay Avenue and 11th Street, Columbus, GA 39701 http://www.columbusga.org/parks/park_sites/riverwalk.htm
Excellent
65%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,056 reviews

Columbus Riverwalk

Reviewed By Ed0379 - Loganville, United States

My wife and I chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Phenix City, Alabama because it was the only hotel on the Riverwalk and a stone’s throw from the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge, crossing the Chattahoochee River and state line. On this part of the Chattahoochee River, the Riverwalk is on both sides of the river. My wife and I walked a little on both sides around dusk. In the morning, I ran on both sides – probably one of my most scenic runs ever. I crossed the Hooch and state line twice, ran along river rapids, past mill ruins, two amphitheaters, several fishermen, Columbus State University, and take out points for rafts and kayaks. The River Walk is a real gem for the community.

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