Georgia Holidays

No holiday to Georgia would be complete without a visit to the state’s most famous and historically significant city. Atlanta played a huge part in both the Civil War and the American Civil Rights Movement in the Sixties. It was the birthplace of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., whose life and work you can learn about at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. You should also visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights, where a number of exhibitions inspire change, and demonstrate how the fight for equality has evolved over time.

Once you’ve learned about Atlanta’s history, why not discover some more modern attractions? You could stroll around Piedmont Park, or grab tickets for a comedy show at Fox Theatre. If you’re travelling with kids, Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit. Home to more than 100,000 creatures, this huge aquarium is filled with tropical fish, rays, penguins, dolphins and – incredibly – whale sharks. Or, if your little ones love dinosaurs, take them to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Drive 250 miles southeast of Atlanta, and you’ll reach scenic Savannah. You might think you don’t know this city but, if you’ve ever seen Forrest Gump, you’ll recognise Chippewa Square – it’s where Forrest sits on a bench, talking to passersby about his life. 
Savannah is a worthwhile stop during your Georgia holiday. As one of the oldest cities in the Deep South, it has several historical attractions, including the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum and the First African Baptist Church which – as its name suggests – was the first black church in the USA.

You can explore Savannah with a hop-on-hop-off tour, browse the shops on Broughton Street, or go for a stroll along the cobblestone streets by the waterfront. Savannah is also said to be the most haunted city in the USA so, if you’re keen to hear some ghost stories, why not go on a guided tour to the city’s spooky sites and haunted inns?

The Peach State has 11 national parks, covering everything from dramatic mountains to footprint-free beaches. If you’re keen to discover some of Georgia’s natural beauty, why not hike part of the Appalachian Trail? One of the longest continuous footpaths in the world, it meanders 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine – and 78 of those miles are in Georgia itself. If you tackle part of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of pine-covered canyons and rushing waterfalls. You could trek the 15-mile Appalachian Approach Trail, or opt for the two-mile trail up to Springer Mountain – a challenging hike which delivers sweeping views.

Alternatively, take a daytrip to Cumberland Island. Just off-shore from the town of St Mary’s – which is 110 miles south of Savannah – this is Georgia's biggest and southernmost barrier island. You can walk through untouched salt marshes and maritime forest, stroll along pristine beaches and see all sorts of animals, including boars, raccoons, armadillos and alligators. 

For the best weather, plan your Georgia holiday between March and May. The mild temperatures are ideal for sightseeing, with the mercury hovering around 18°C in March, and rising to 26°C by the end of May. You’ll also be able to enjoy a number of outdoor events and concerts in spring, including St Patrick’s Day Parade, Atlanta Film Festival, and Atlanta Jazz Festival.

From June to September, Georgia tends to be hot and humid, especially in Atlanta. We’d recommend avoiding the summer heat – which regularly reaches 32°C – especially if you’re travelling with young children. Likewise, autumn is often quite rainy as Georgia can feel the brunt of the Atlantic’s hurricane season.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind wrapping up, plan your trip for winter. December to February is a great time to visit Georgia. Temperatures hover around 12°C and there’ll be lots of festive events for families and foodies alike.