12 Incredible Hidden Gems In Georgia You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Lisa Sammons
Author
There are plenty of cool places to visit in Georgia, but sometimes, you just want to check out some lesser-known spots. We may have lots of spots like the Georgia Aquarium and downtown Savannah that are nationally-known for being amazing Peach State attractions, but what about when you’re looking for hidden gems in Georgia? With so many great places to check out here, there are many places off the beaten path in Georgia that are perfect for an outing, whether you’re a tourist or have lived here your whole life. Here are a few of our favorite of the best kept secrets in Georgia:
1. Atlanta Cyclorama: Atlanta
The Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama Building, 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
The Atlanta Cyclorama is easily one of my favorite non-touristy things in Georgia. It's tucked away inside the wonderful Atlanta History Center, and it's an early form of virtual reality. It's a massive circular painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. You stand inside of it, giving you the illusion of actually being inside the painting. It's such a cool bit of history, and one of just two cycloramas in the United States.
2. Chehaw Park: Albany
Chehaw Park, 105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany, GA 31701, USA
Chehaw Park and Zoo is one of the best parks near Albany, GA, and it's one of our favorite family attractions in the state. This park has everything! Its 800 acres include a zoo, RC racetrack, disc golf courses, a splash pad, playgrounds, and more.
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3. Rock Garden: Calhoun
Rock Garden, Calhoun, 1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun, GA 30701, USA
The Rock Garden in Calhoun, GA is such a whimsical piece of art! This volunteer-built folk art garden features dozens of small buildings, including the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Colosseum, and more. It's definitely among the most unique places to visit in Georgia.
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4. Little Tybee Island: Savannah
Little Tybee Island, Georgia 31328, USA
Like its more famous "brother," Little Tybee Island is off the coast of Savannah. However, unlike Tybee Island, this little spot can't be reached by a bridge or highway. Little Tybee Island is a remote, undeveloped island that can only be reached by boat or kayak. It doesn't get too many visitors due to this fact, making it among the best secret getaways in Georgia.
5. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park: Augusta
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Rd, Augusta, GA 30906, USA
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is a 1,100-acre paradise nestled right in the heart of Augusta. It's pretty remarkable that this bit of nature is right in one of the state's largest metropolitan areas. The park offers amazing scenery, wonderful glimpses of wildlife, and an absolutely stellar boardwalk trail.
6. SAM Shortline: Cordele
SAM Shortline Excursion Train, 105 9th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015, USA
The SAM Shortline Train runs year-round and provides amazing views of the surrounding area. The vintage rail cars date back to the late 1940s and travel a route from Cordele to Plains, stopping at several small towns in between. In addition to the regularly-scheduled rides, you can also enjoy themed rides around the holiday season.
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7. The National Infantry Museum: Columbus
The National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, GA 31903, USA
The National Infantry Museum houses 70,000 artifacts, several memorials, and virtual reality exhibits dating back to the American Revolution. It's a great free museum that's incredibly educational.
8. Historic Banning Mills: Whitesburg
Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185, USA
Historic Banning Mills is a treehouse resort near Atlanta that offers up so much fun for the entire family. It's a great place to stay, but it's also home to the world's longest zipline, a climbing wall, horseback ride,s and so much more. This adventure resort is unlike any other in the state!
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9. Smith-Gilbert Gardens: Kennesaw
Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30152, USA
The Smith-Gilbert Gardens don't get as much love as some of the more famous botanical gardens in the Peach State, but this is a beautiful outdoor wonderland perfect for a stroll during any season. The park has 15 different themed gardens and hosts events throughout the year.
10. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: Lilburn
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta, 460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047, USA
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is one of the most unique places to visit in Georgia. This incredible architectural marvel is crafted from 36,000 pieces of limestone and is open to the public. Worship here is not limited to any specific religion, and even if you're not a particularly spiritual person, you'll find this to be a serene and magical place.
11. The Allman Brothers Band Museum: Macon
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House, 2321 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204, USA
The Big House Museum is a highlight on any visit to Macon, GA. This is one of the state's cities with a rich musical history, and the museum is set within the home where the Allman Brothers Band started to make a name for themselves on the national music scene.
12. Paradise Garden: Summerville
Paradise Garden Foundation, 200 N Lewis St, Summerville, GA 30747, USA
Paradise Garden is a folk art garden that was the work of one man, Howard Finster. Finster crafted more than 40,000 works of art after having a vision in which God told him to create sacred art. There are even cabins available for rent if you decide to stay overnight.
How many of these hidden gems in Georgia have you seen in person? Any that you think belong on the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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