Known as the Peach State, Georgia is a diverse place with a rich history that?s well worth exploring. From colonial days to the Civil War and beyond, you will find a wealth of historically significant sites in a geographically diverse state. Explore picturesque waterfalls, gardens, trails, mountains and canyons and experience cultural attractions and events in major cities. Or just relax on the sand, tour scenic lighthouses and enjoy unique ecological settings along the beautiful Georgia coast.

    Explore Georgia’s Landmarks

    Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
    This park is most famous as a preserved Civil War battleground, and with its rich history, there’s plenty to explore. Driving tours can give you a glimpse into this park’s past, and there are plenty of picnic spots along the way. Other popular activities here include hiking, birdwatching, and visiting the Kennesaw Mountain’s museum.

    Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
    “I have a dream.” Those words resonate all through the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site where you can hear his story, visit the home of his birth and see firsthand the life journey of this powerful civil rights leader.

    Chattahoochee National Recreation Area
    Billed as “an ancient river in a modern city,” the Chattahoochee and its surrounding valley offers something for everyone. Walk around and appreciate nature’s display, take a leisurely rafting trip through rocky shoals, fish the misty waters in the early morning or pack a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.

    Events

    Annual Rock Shrimp Festival
    Every October, the Annual Rock Shrimp Festival takes place in historic St. Marys. Family-friendly events include a 5K run, kids’ activities, a themed parade featuring decorated floats, fire trucks, tractors, golf carts and more. The entertainment continues all day long and features arts and crafts vendors, food concessionaires, and of course, the sweet-tasting rock shrimp that is the event’s namesake.

    Vidalia Onion Festival
    Each spring, food lovers across the nation anticipate the harvest of Georgia’s Official State Vegetable, the famous Vidalia Onion. The Vidalia community celebrates the occasion with a four-day festival that’s packed with fun-filled activities including the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, a 5K run, culinary competitions, an airshow, arts & crafts show, a children’s parade and more.

    Activities

    Stone Mountain Park
    Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities in the Atlanta area. Explore a four-story barn, test your skills on an adventure course, take a sky-ride to the top of Stone Mountain and get an up-close look at the Stone Mountain Carving. There’s also a train that can take you on a scenic ride around the mountain, or you can cruise on Stone Mountain lake in a paddlewheel riverboat.

    World of Coca-Cola
    Only in Atlanta can you enter the World of Coca-Cola. From a thrilling, multi-sensory 4-D theater to a gallery dedicated to Coke and pop culture, around every corner you’ll experience something new and exciting. Take your taste buds on a tantalizing tour of up to 70 different beverage products, or create your own refreshing blend at this home of one of America’s most popular beverages.

    Ghosts of Marietta
    Come on a lantern-led walk through the historic streets of Marietta to discover why antebellum mansions and Civil War memorials are more than reminders of days gone by. Through a compelling blend of storytelling, history and the supernatural, you’ll get a glimpse into the past at some local residents that those chose to never leave.

    Cultural Sites

    Augusta Museum of History
    Founded in 1937, the Augusta Museum of History is home to the award-winning permanent exhibition, Augusta’s Story, a 12,000-year journey through the region’s rich and diverse past. You can also see the Transportation Corridor featuring a fully restored 1914 locomotive plus exhibitions on topics relating to the people and events of the Central Savannah River region from early Native Americans to The Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

    Jimmy Carter Historic Site
    Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter learned the importance of hard work, honesty, virtue, love and mercy in the quaint, rural town of Plains, Georgia. Working as full partners, the Carters have dedicated their lives to peace, human rights and public service throughout the world. Come explore the community that influenced and shaped the life and values of the 39th President of the United States.

    The Blue & Gray Trail
    The northwest corner of Georgia, roughly from Chattanooga to the outskirts of Atlanta, was the setting for some of the Civil War’s most dramatic events. The Blue & Gray Trail maps the sites of battlefields, heritage museums, cemeteries, statues and more. Follow the trail to see important sites in Civil War history and discover more about America’s past.