There is nothing quite like a historically fascinating, yet insanely entertaining train ride through one of your favorite states. Many people don't realize that riding a train is just as much fun as it once was back in the day. There are plenty of places for train rides in Georgia, where you can bring the whole family and experience a one-of-a-kind blast from the past that will surely become an instant, classic memory for all. Take a look at these six scenic train rides in Georgia.
This is one of the most memorable train excursions around Georgia. Stationed at a historic depot in the mountain town of Blue Ridge, the entire trip takes about four hours to complete. Riders have their choice of sitting open-air or in air-conditioned cars and capture truly sensational views along the way. Make sure you check the schedule before hopping aboard! To plan your trip, visit the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website. It will be one of the best train rides in Georgia you can take.
What makes this train ride in historic Stone Mountain Park so wonderful is that you're trekking all five miles with a 1940s-era locomotive. Each passenger on the train gets up close and personal with the mountain, plus all the surrounding woods and lakes. The entire trip takes about half an hour and includes narration from the conductor. Visit the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad website for more information on its train excursions.
Travel through southwest Georgia in style, with the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Choose a seat in one of the air-conditioned 1949 vintage cars and stop at some popular destinations such as Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, the Telephone Museum, and Jimmy Carter's childhood home, just to name a few. Make it an adventure for the whole family while exploring some of the most scenic places in Georgia. To get your tickets, visit the SAM Shortline website. This is one of the best train rides in Georgia.
If you're looking for a fun and informative place to take the kids, then the Georgia State Railroad Museum is for you. It's a family-friendly facility where you can see where the historic locomotives preserve their legacy. Take tours inside executive rail cars or take a train ride tour of the entire museum. To plan your visit, head to the Georgia State Railroad Museum website.
The SRM sits on 34 acres of pure locomotive fun in Duluth, Georgia. Since 1970, SRM had a rolling stock of train cars and parts, including classic steamers and historic Pullman cars. Ride in a few of the restored cabooses and see just how much effort it takes a steam train to pull everyone around. Visit the Southeastern Railway Museum website for more information.
6. Locust Grove Train Watching Platform, Locust Grove
Okay, so maybe this isn't an actual train you can ride, BUT it's still equally as awesome. You can pack a meal for the whole family and take it down to the platform, where you can watch more than 40 trains pass by every day. It truly is a memorable way to spend the afternoon. For more information, visit the Locust Grove Train Viewing Platform web page.
Have you been on any of these scenic train rides in Georgia? Tell us what you liked best about your experience and be sure to share your favorite train rides in Georgia!
Whether you're taking a train or a road trip, a getaway is always a good idea but you'll need a place to stay. Check out these absolute best places to stay in Georgia.
Here is the list you've been waiting for--the ultimate Georgia bucket list. If you've been wanting to travel and experience the best Georgia has to offer, then this is the year to do it. You're definitely going to want to print this list out and get started right away. Here are 31 things everyone must do in Georgia before they die.
Mary Mac's is a 1945-era southern food gem located in the heart of Atlanta. This restaurant is a local favorite for Atlanta residents and can be one of yours as well!
If you don't go to any other restaurant in Georgia, visit Mrs Wilkes Dining Room. This is perhaps the most popular southern food restaurant in Savannah, and it's evident by the line that wraps around the corner every day! This family owned restaurant serves up southern favorites in a picnic style setting.
This is a great southern restaurant in St. Simons Island that locals go crazy for. One of the most unique places to eat in Georgia, it's a former gas station that now serves delicious barbecued meats and sides. The brunswick stew is a favorite and there are even some unique beverages, too, including Cheerwine Bourbon!
Southern Soul BBQ is an extremely popular southern BBQ spot on beautiful St. Simons Island. If you want some authentic southern coastal cuisine, this little spot is the place to visit!
Georgia is the second best place for wine next to Napa County. Our muscadine winerys here are to die for! Get a taste of Georgia's best wines on this Southern-style wine tour.
Barnsley Resort, just about an hour north of Atlanta is one of the best romantic getaways in Georgia. Visit their spa, amazing gardens, go horse back riding, or just relax.
Visit the Callaway Gardens in style at this upscale resort. Go golfing or visit the gorgeous Callaway Gardens. This resort is set in 6,000 acres of natural pine forests and gardens with luxurious country-chic rooms, an outdoor pool, and a seasonal pool bar.
This bed and breakfast is probably the best B&B in Georgia. This 1877 townhome is decorated in a French Renaissance style, and it's within walking distance from Forsyth Park and City Market.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is one of the most popular nature spots in North Georgia. You can walk the trails, canoe, fish, or just sit outside and enjoy nature.
Of course hiking in our North Georgia Mountains had to make this bucket list! Our North Georgia Mountains are some of the most beautiful mountains the world has ever seen. There are plenty of mountain ranges, camping spots, and hiking for all levels and ages in the North Georgia Mountains.
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest swamp in North America, so it is one of Georgia's natural wonders as well. There are hundreds and hundreds of species of animals and plants in this thriving habitat. This place is definitely a must-see for Georgia residents!
Tallulah Gorge is amazing. It's two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Tallulah Gorge is a hot tourist attraction in North Georgia and anyone can see why!
Stone Mountain is a very popular place to hike for people in the Atlanta area. There's also an amusement/water park for kids, a resort, and a lake. Plus, there are always AMAZING firework shows during the holidays.
Warm Springs is a wonderful place that used to be the favorite location of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medicinal waters of the warm springs helped with his polio symptoms. You can check out his home, the Little White House, the warm springs, Pine Mountain, and more!
Along the coast of Georgia are our beautiful barrier islands. There are eight in total and four of them are accessible by car (Tybee, Sea, Jekyll, and St. Simons Islands). These islands are the more popular ones and they have an assortment of attractions and lodging. The other four are accessible by boat or ferry. They are less developed but just as extraordinary! Pictured above is Wassaw Island.
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Adventure
21. Banning Mills - 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185
Visit the world's largest zipline at Banning Mills. Located on 300 acres of wooded land, Banning Mills also has aerial obstacle courses, adventure resort, and a bed and breakfast.
Lanier Islands is a sprawling vacation spot 30 minutes outside of Atlanta. Lake Lanier Islands is a group of islands on the largest lake in Atlanta. There are tons of activities, lodging, and adventures to get into!
Everyone in Georgia should visit the historic Savannah. There's ton to see, learn, and eat! visit River Street, take a tour, or cruise down the river on a river boat. This hot tourist spot is a favorite vacation destination for people all over the country.
Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and one of Georgia's main tourist spots. There's tons of things to do and see as the city really is set up to cater to tourists. Catch a game at the stadium, eat from one of hundreds of restaurants, visit Piedmont Park, or ride the Ferris Wheel. There are also tons of museums and the largest aquarium on this side of the world!
Blue Ridge is Georgia's favorite mountain town. On top of hiking in the mountains, couples and friends love to visit this town to lodge, shop, and just get away from it all!
Helen is another favorite mountain town in North Georgia. Check out Ruby Falls, go hiking, and shopping. Visitors love the fact that Helen is a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village. They quickly fall in love with the beauty and festivity of this town!
Athens is Georgia's favorite college town, home of the infamous University of Georgia. UGA is country's first charted university and home to one of our favorite collegiate teams, the Georgia Bulldogs. There's so much more to do in Athens besides hitting the local bar scene. They have their own zoo, botanical garden, theatre, and museums!
St. Marys is the best large little town in Georgia. This historic city is beautiful and storybook perfect. Ride a train, visit Cumberland Island, or eat some great southern coastal cuisine.
Have you been itching for a tropical vacation but don’t want to leave the state? We’ve been there. Believe it or not, you don’t need to leave Georgia to find a taste of the Caribbean. This summer, you can enjoy your own little slice of paradise when you visit these tropical Georgia vacation spots. From a giant tiki bar in the heart of Atlanta to the ultimate vacationer’s getaway on Lake Lanier, get ready for a staycation getaway in The Peach State you won’t forget. Vacationing in Georgia has never been so relaxing. So, the next time you search for “tropical places near me” you’ll want to add these vacation spots in Georgia to your list.
Take your own adventure on Lake Hiawassee when you climb aboard Aqua Tikis. This floating party boat has charters from two hours up to five hours, with your very own captain and bartender! Catch a sunset or spend the day in the sunshine on this tropical dreamboat. Learn more about this must-experience floating tiki bar in Georgia.
While it might not be the true tropics, Tybee Island still has that laidback Caribbean state of mind. We’re talking island-style vibes, flip-flops, and relaxation. Just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, this barrier island has been the go-to vacation destination since the 1800s. Enjoy the pristine beaches and rolling waves. Plus, Tybee Island is actually considered to be one of the happiest places on Earth! This is definitely one of the best tropical vacation spots in Georgia.
Disappear into an immersive, tropical hideaway in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar is incredibly decorated on the inside so that you immediately feel like you’re in another country altogether. Try some of the classic tiki drinks and island-inspired bites in this fun and fresh spot. With so much charm and character, it's no wonder why a trip to Savannah is one of the very best trips you can take in Georgia.
Vacationers flock to St. Simons Island every year for the laidback vibes and island energy. In fact, it's been rated among the best small towns in the U.S. There are so many things to do on this island, from hiking along the salt marches to enjoying stretches of white, sandy beaches. Don’t worry if everyone here is on island time - that’s kind of the point!
So, what do you think about these six tropical vacation spots in Georgia? Have you been to any already? Share with us your experience in the comments! Need a place to stay while you're here? Check out all the unique places from our friends at VRBO.
