The Peach State
Southern Charm, Southern cuisine, and hospitality
Focus on agriculture , the arts, media and film industries
Get To Know Georgia
Whether it’s scenic mountain landscapes you’re looking to explore or lively historic cities buzzing with art and culture — Georgia has you covered. Offering some of the best Southern charm and hospitality there is to offer, Georgia makes for an unforgettable place to book your bus trip adventure.
A Brief Look at Georgia History
Home of Ray Charles, Jimmy Carter, and Martin Luther King Jr. — the state of Georgia was founded in 1732 as one of the original 13 colonies. Originally named after King George II of Great Britain, Georgia quickly became an economic powerhouse of the south. Agriculture has been at the forefront of Georgia’s economic success, as it’s the leading producer of peaches, peanuts, pecans, and Vidalia onions, which are the sweetest in the world.
There's no shortage of things to do in Georgia.
Culture
Since its foundation as a state, Georgia has been called home by Scots-Irish, African American, and Native American peoples, giving the residents of Georgia a distinctive culture of their own. Integral to that culture is their classic Southern cuisine, which includes staple foods like cornbread, grits, and Georgia-grown peaches. Georgia is also famous for its hospitality and good manners, which you’ll surely pick up on in your travels throughout the state.
Places to visit
There is no shortage of great places to visit when on your bus trip to Georgia. Far and away, the most popular of these places is Atlanta and for good reason. The expansive and historic city of Atlanta is home to awe-inspiring attractions and an iconic food scene with endless options to sink your teeth into. If you’re looking to experience the comforting flavors of the south, places like Mary Mac’s Tea Room serve classic southern fare.
While you’re there, make sure you visit the Georgia Aquarium. This aquarium is the second largest in the world and the only place in the U.S. where you can marvel at whale sharks. Atlanta offers tourists endless indulgence in shopping, monuments, and attractions. All in all, the great city of Atlanta is a must-see while on your bus adventure through Georgia.
Another great stop is the city of Savannah. When you step off the bus, you’ll see its historic buildings and city squares lined with twisted oak trees. Savannah is both romantic and mysterious, hearkening back to the 1800s. Visitors will find themselves shopping, eating, and exploring Savannah’s famous historic district. If you’re feeling brave, you can take part in one of the city’s many nightly ghost tours. Or, lighten the spooky experience with a haunted pub crawl instead! Savannah offers a low-key alternative to the bustle of Atlanta and is a beautiful town you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Georgia.
If it’s adventure and excitement you want, consider making your way to one of the many mountain towns scattered throughout the state. Arguably, one of the best is Blue Ridge. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor thrill or simply a relaxing getaway with mountain views, make sure you put a check mark next to Blue Ridge on your Georgia bus excursion.
In addition to these great destinations, Georgia is home to many other cities worth visiting, like Augusta, Macon, Valdosta, Macon, and Albany. Some are nestled near the scenic mountains ready for you to explore, while charming downtowns with an antebellum atmosphere give way to long strolls.
Must See List
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
- Black Rock Mountain State Park
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- Moccasin Creek State Park
- Fort Mountain State Park
- Smithgall Woods State Park
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Unicoi State Park & Lodge
- Vogel State Park
- The Georgia Guidestones
- The National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning
- The stone arch at Mountain Crossings
- Where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his first public speech
- Booth Western Art Museum
- Kolomoki Mounds State Park
- Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve
- Screaming Eagle zip line
- Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
- Chattahoochee Whitewater Rafting
- Okefenokee Swamp
- Stephen C. Foster State Park
- Cowboy Festival & Symposium
- Old Car City
- Loudermilk Boarding House & Everything Elvis Museum
Top Cities To Visit in Georgia
Atlanta
Leafy suburbs and vibrant downtown districts lend Atlanta its signature charm. The city is known for both its rich history and its progressive, energetic ambiance. It’s balanced by a central business hub and a number of well-known companies that call it home, including Home Depot and UPS. Foodies will find a lot to love here, from global eateries to homestyle Southern cooking. While you’re there, enjoy a tour of the CNN studios, wander through Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and snap a few photos at Centennial Olympic Park.
Savannah
On the coast of Georgia, Savannah is a lovely, quaint city with plenty of charm to spare. Its rich history is evident everywhere you turn, from the cobbled pathways and aged greenery to the old-world architecture and abundant Spanish moss. Indulge your love of the outdoors at Forsyth Park, and take a walk back in time, through the Savannah Historic District for a tour of the city’s most beloved old-world locations. Every other block has a park with monuments and old trees covered in Spanish moss. Find magnificent artwork on display at Telfair Museums, and enjoy a little quality time at the reportedly haunted Mercer Williams House Museum. Walk along the riverfront for epic views of the water and the best shopping along River Street. Take a paddle wheel casino boat ride or visit the many historically renovated buildings owned by the Savannah College of Art and Design. Venture out to the intercoastal and Tybee island for some fresh caught seafood and the beautiful beach.
Gainesville
Sometimes referred to as the world’s poultry capital, Gainesville offers plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone occupied. There are several historic landmarks here, including Chief White Path’s Cabin, built in 1780, and the Beulah Rucker Museum, honoring the woman who opened a school for African-American children in the early 20th century. The vibrant Gallery on the Square, Gainesville Theatre Alliance, and Quinlan Visual Arts Center all provide excellent opportunities to soak up the local culture. There’s plenty of excellent dining in town, too, from traditional Southern barbecue to global restaurants to charming bakeries.
Albany
If you have a thing for the great outdoors, you’ll love every minute of your time spent in Albany. The city presents countless opportunities for adventure. Lake Chehaw is a 1400-acre lake ideal for fishing and boating, while Radium Springs Gardens is home to one of the state’s seven natural wonders. Here, you can watch as water is pumped from an underground cave and relax under a gazebo. If you’re traveling with the kids, spend some time at the Thronateeska Heritage Center, which hosts science and history museums, as well as the Flint RiverQuarium. Indulge your love of culture at the Albany Museum of Art.
Where to stay
After deciding where you’d like your bus adventure through Georgia to go, you’ll likely be looking for accommodations. Lucky for you, each city is dotted with ample hotels and lodging that range from the inexpensive to extravagant. If you’re staying in Atlanta or Savannah, you might consider booking a stay at one of the many historic hotels in the city for an immersive experience. Or, for those looking to connect with nature, you may want to rent a cabin in the mountains for breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
When to go
Georgia is a great place to visit year-round. The summers are hot and serve as the best time to take advantage of the outdoor activities, such as hiking and river tubing. The winters are never too harsh, with chances of snow being highest late December through March. The busiest months for tourism in Georgia are March, June, and July. If you’re planning your bus trip to Georgia in these months, it’s best to book your hotels well in advance to avoid the higher prices.