26 Exciting Things to Do in Georgia in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Georgia is calling, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year packed with unforgettable adventures, photo-worthy views, and enough good food to keep you dreaming about peach pie for days. This state offers something for everyone, from the misty mountains of North Georgia to the sun-kissed beaches of the coast. Are you craving epic hikes, quirky accommodations, iconic eats, and cultural deep dives? Don’t worry. Georgia has you covered.

This list isn’t just about ticking off must-dos – it’s about experiencing the heart and soul of the Peach State. I’m talking about hiking trails that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, restaurants that are so good you’ll want seconds or thirds, and accommodations so unique that you’ll never want to check out. Plus, I’ve included a sprinkle of immersive events, scenic byways, and even a few surprises.

So, grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure – 2026 in Georgia is going to be one for the books.

1. Escape to the Modern Glass Cabin Airbnb

Get ready for the ultimate Airbnb getaway near Dahlonega, Georgia. With enough room for up to four guests, this all-glass cabin will make you feel like you're living right in the middle of nature. Plus, you'll have 3.5 acres all to yourself! I don't know about you, but this tub is calling my name.

Located at the heart of the wine country of North Georgia, it means that you will be only minutes away from the renowned vineyards for wine tasting and the Chattahoochee National Forest. The forest offers excellent grounds for scenic hiking trails.

2. Explore the Pyramids of Giza - in Atlanta!

The Pyramids of Giza have arrived in Atlanta through a groundbreaking virtual reality experience! Step into the golden age of ancient Egypt to explore the pyramids, decipher hieroglyphs, and relive the reign of King Khufu. If you missed the 2025 event, don't worry; there are tons of epic experiences in Atlanta, like Bubble Planet – an immersive art adventure. Be sure to check feverup.com for the 2026 Horizon of Khufu event. As this is a limited-time travel experience, dates and locations may change, so consider booking early.

3. Hike to the Iconic Amicalola Falls

Follow the 2.2-mile loop trail on AllTrails and witness the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia. If you've never seen this gargantuan waterfall up close, let 2026 be the year you do! Just make sure to bring your camera.

Please keep in mind that because this is part of the Georgia State Park, parking requires a daily $5 ParkPass per vehicle, and the park offers restrooms and viewing platforms in addition to hiking trails.

4. Catch a Braves Game at Truist Park

Watch America’s pastime at the home of the Atlanta Braves while enjoying delicious stadium eats. This is one the whole family can get behind! The first home game is March 26, 2026, so mark your calendars and purchase your ticket on time.

Truist Park offers accessible seating, kid-friendly areas, a wide range of dining options, elevators, ramps, and family restrooms, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

5. Stay at Savannah’s Bed Swing Hotel: Isetta Inn

Experience the charming allure of Savannah while lounging on dreamy, oversized bed swings at this one-of-a-kind boutique hotel. Isetta Inn is not your average overnight accommodation – it's fun and elegant all in one.

The Isetta Inn is known for its intimate atmosphere, with only 12 rooms. This intimate boutique inn offers a quieter, more personalized stay compared to larger Savannah hotels.

6. Dine at The Grey in Savannah

Experience elevated Southern cuisine in a former Art Deco 1938 Greyhound bus station, hailed as one of the best restaurants in the country. Try the brunch menu on the weekends, it's worth the wait. (Take a peek at The Grey menu!)

Since this attraction is nationally recognized and offers an intimate setting, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch.

7. Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Learn about the legacy of Dr. King in Atlanta, from his birthplace to the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. This is one experience not to be missed for history buffs in your family. Many areas of the park are free to visit, making this an accessible and meaningful stop for all visitors.

8. Stroll Through Atlanta’s BeltLine Eastside Trail

Get out in the springtime and walk or bike this vibrant trail lined with art installations, pop-up shops, and restaurants. This trail is more than just exercise. It's an experience. The Eastside Trail is fully paved and approximately 3 miles long. It is wheelchair-and stroller-friendly and connects several popular Atlanta neighborhoods.

9. Top City to Visit in 2026 in Georgia: Columbus

This year, plan a trip to one of the most versatile cities in the Peach State. Columbus, Georgia, offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and charm. Adventurers can conquer the world’s longest urban whitewater course on the Chattahoochee River, while history fiends can explore the National Infantry Museum and the city’s Civil War heritage. There's a little something for everyone.

Since this attraction in Georgia is located in a vibrant Uptown district, it is highly pedestrian-friendly. Columbus makes an easy weekend getaway with a compact downtown and riverfront attractions. The perfect weekend trip, while still allowing you convenient access to dining, shopping, and entertainment facilities.

10. Stay at the Apex Treehouse Airbnb

The Apex Treehouse Airbnb is right in the heart of Blue Ridge, Georgia, with enough room for up to two guests comfortably. Want a little romance? This is the place. With a large sunken hot tub overlooking the creek, it doesn't get much better.

This is the perfect spot, ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet, adults-only retreat. A memorable escape. Its cozy setting creates a romantic atmosphere and offers an excellent treat for you to reconnect and relax with your partner.

11. Tackle Blood Mountain via the Byron Reece Trail

An epic 4-mile hike on AllTrails offers stunning views of the Appalachian Trail and surrounding wilderness. Also, make sure to sign up for an AllTrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.

As a potential hiker on this trail, be aware that it is difficult, a strenuous hike with steep elevation gain, and best suited for experienced hikers. Therefore, it is essential that your physical condition is good and that you wear rugged footwear.

12. Book a Stay at the Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort offers guests a luxurious getaway in Adairsville, featuring stunning gardens, historic ruins, and outdoor adventures like horseback riding. We highly recommend visiting this one during spring so you can see the gardens at their absolute peak.

Apart from the resort’s beautiful scenery, the resort offers on-site dining, spa services, and guided outdoor activities, a championship golf course, and accessible accommodations. These offerings can ensure that you enjoy a comfortable stay as a guest.

13. Explore Cumberland Island National Seashore

This is a unique adventure where you can spot wild horses, walk pristine beaches, and tour historic ruins. Plus, with your already procured National Parks Pass courtesy of REI, you'll be able to enter for free. Logistically, visitors must arrive by ferry from St. Mary's, and reservations are strongly encouraged.

14. Visit the Georgia Aquarium

Marvel at one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to beluga whales, whale sharks, and penguins. It's easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering through the exhibits here. Plus, it's a great winter activity with the kids, too.

Visiting on a weekday morning can help avoid the busiest crowds immediately after they open. Still, you can book tickets online to guarantee your entry time.

15. Indulge in Southern Flavors at Mary Mac’s Tea Room

Savor Georgia’s most iconic Southern dishes, from fried chicken to peach cobbler, at Mary Mac's Tea Room. Today, Mary Mac's is the very last of sixteen tea rooms in Atlanta since the 1940s. Talk about a Georgia bucket list must.

Since this attraction has legendary status and is very popular, expect waits during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends. Also note, the restaurant does not accept reservations. Cash-only or wait note – if applicable.

16. Explore Stone Mountain Park

Hike the 1.3-mile Stone Mountain Trail for panoramic views, or enjoy activities like the laser show or sky ride on specific nights. With over 3,000 acres of land, there are so many activities to enjoy in this beautiful park. While Stone Mountain is commonly claimed to be the world’s most significant exposed piece of granite outcrop, the “Largest exposed piece of granite” claim is frequently cited but debated.

17. Walk Through the Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah

Snap photos of this iconic fountain, surrounded by moss-draped oaks and historic charm. I revisited this gem recently, and let me tell you, on a brisk winter afternoon, it's an incredible place to stroll with a loved one.

The surrounding pathways are paved and easy to navigate. That makes the area easily accessible for tourists in wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors who may benefit from specific mobility considerations.

18. Live in Luxury for the Night

Have you ever wanted to spend the night in a luxury hotel? Let's make 2026 the year you do. The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is a prime choice, soaring 42 stories and featuring both opulence and excellence.

For an elevated experience, reserve a treatment at this hotel's luxurious spa. Still, you have the option of enjoying a fine meal at one of the hotel’s premier in-house dining options.

19. Experience Oktoberfest in Helen

Celebrate Bavarian culture with authentic food, drinks, and festivities in this charming Alpine-inspired town. While Helen is like this year-round, we recommend visiting during Oktoberfest to get the whole experience.

Please do remember that the Helen Oktoberfest typically runs from mid-September through the end of October. That makes late fall the ideal time for you to experience the most immersive enjoyment and celebration.

20. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

Want the ultimate fall adventure? Take a drive along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway for some epic fall foliage. It doesn't get much better than an amalgam of colors with jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

The complete byway loop is approximately 40 miles in length, and you should plan for at least two to three hours to allow you to take part in stunning pull-offs and opportunities for taking photographs.

21. Relax on the Beaches of Tybee Island

Looking for something to do this summer? Try visiting Tybee Island for the ultimate summer vacation. Soak up the sun and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Georgia’s coastal gem. If you are a visitor to this place, understand that paid public parking is required in most locations. What’s more, beach access points often feature wooden walkovers or ramps for you to have an easy path to the sand.

22. Catch a Performance at the Fox Theatre

Enjoy a Broadway show, concert, or classic movie at this opulent and historic Atlanta venue, opened in 1929. You'll enjoy a unique architectural design while catching your favorite shows. Despite the theatre's historic nature, it is committed to ensuring it is highly accessible. It provides accessible seating, restrooms, and assistive listening devices.

23. Visit the Okefenokee Swamp

Explore Georgia’s largest wilderness on a guided boat tour, spotting alligators and unique wildlife. This is a perfect fall activity in Georgia, especially when the leaves start to change. Although you may be able to see alligators throughout the year, you may only be able to witness a high volume of the activities of the migratory bird species during the spring and early summer.

24. Shop & Sip in Serenbe

Visit this idyllic community south of Atlanta, featuring charming shops, delicious restaurants, and farm-to-table events. It's like stepping into an all-new world right in the heart of Georgia. The significant boost to this community’s appeal is courtesy of its year-round calendar of cultural events, including seasonal festivals, live performances, and weekly farmers' markets. All these serve to attract visitors from across the region.

25. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is the type of place you can visit repeatedly and never get sick of it. Highlights include the mesmerizing Fuqua Orchid Center and the serene Canopy Walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of the stunning woodlands. Perfect for all ages, it’s a place to unwind, connect with nature, and discover the beauty of plants worldwide.

Apart from its permanent collections, the botanical garden also hosts spectacular seasonal exhibits, such as a holiday lights display in winter or massive, themed sculpture installations in the summer. That makes you have a new reason to visit this location throughout the year.

26. Wander Jekyll Island's Magical Driftwood Beach

Wondering why Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island made it to my list of 26 unforgettable things to do in Georgia in 2026? Well, there's no doubt Driftwood Beach here in the Peach State is one of those places where you can experience the magic of a peaceful stroll. It just creates a haunting, sculptural landscape against the Atlantic – the best place to take pictures, especially during sunrise. But, here is the secret: be sure to visit at low tide for the full dramatic effect.

Do you have a travel buddy that you want to go on this 26 in 2026 Georgia adventure with? Make sure to send them this list and start planning. And you can also contribute by letting us know if there are other listings we can add to this article. For even more bucket-list adventures in the Peach State, please take a look at our list of the best hiking trails in Georgia.

Finally, when planning your Georgia adventures, don't forget to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to organize your stops to must-see destinations in the Peach State.