Summer is almost here, and if you’re itching for a road trip, these are some great stops! Georgia has so many great state parks that you have to add to your “Must-See” list. With the kids out of school, you can head out to explore our great state- either for a great day trip, or a quick weekend getaway. Many of the Georgia state parks have areas to camp – in the traditional sense, or with cabins, cottage and more. We personally want to check out the yurts at Tugaloo State Park (See Below!)
With such a diverse terrain throughout the state, you are sure to find a park that has everything you’re looking for and more! Whether it’s camping, hiking, boating, or just exploring, there won’t be a shortage of fun at any of these great state parks!
Take your exploration to new heights with mountainous terrain, or calm your spirit with the glimmering waters of the many lakes. These parks are great for family adventures, romantic moments, or even group outings. There are also many areas to learn about the rich history of the state, with interesting museums, reenactments, and more too.
Which of these Georgia state parks is at the top of your “Must-See” List?
Looking to explore more of Georgia? Check out the 3 towns that made the Most Charming Small Towns in the South list!
Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton
You don’t have to go far at all for this one! Elijah Clark State Park is on Clarks Hill Lake. They’ve got awesome cabins and beautiful views for a perfect “staycation.” The address is in Lincolnton, with the park being right on the Georgia/South Carolina border. They’ve got campsites, boat ramps, sand beach, a playground and more. Get more details here.
@georgiastateparks Elijah Clark State Park on Clarks Hill lake has the best sunsets. Right on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. #gastateparks #camping #lakelife
♬ Paradise - IksonHigh Falls State Park - Jackson
Looking for an awesome waterfall experience with trails to explore? Check out High Falls State Park in Jackson, Georgia. They’ve got boating, hiking, mini golf, picnic areas, and more. Plus other great attractions close by! See more here.
@georgiastateparks “I’ve been comin here 40 years and I’ve never seen it this high!” #gastateparks #jacksonga #hiking #exploregeorgia #highfallsstatepark
♬ Sunrise - Official Sound StudioHofwyl-Broadfield Plantation - Brunswick
This is a perfect place to check out for the history lover. The beautiful plantation reflects the history and culture of Georgia’s rice coast. You can enjoy the nature trail, a museum, picnicking and guided house tours.
The plantation is located in Brunswick. See the website for more details and park hours.
@georgiastateparks Next time you’re on Georgia’s coast, check out the incredible live oaks at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation. #gastateparks #liveoak #darien #fyp
♬ original sound - georgiastateparksFort King George State Historic Site - Darien
It’s the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast. Some of the 18th century relics have been reconstructed for public tours- like the blockhouse, officers’ quarters, barracks, a guardhouse and more. There’s also a museum to learn more about the history. You can enjoy a nature trail and picnicking here too. Learn more about the area and attractions here.
@georgiastateparks Annual combo passes get you into Georgia’s historic sites and state parks #gastateparks
♬ Kyoto Flow - Official Sound StudioTugaloo State Park - Lavonia
With beautiful views of Lake Hartwell, you’ll fall in love with this state park. They have cottages and campsites with amazing views. Some cottages have private boat docks. During the summer you can enjoy all kinds of fun on the water, from swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Check out more about the area here.
The one thing we want to check out most are the amazing yurts!
@georgiastateparks We firmly believe glamping is still camping! Check out the yurts at Tugaloo State Park yurt exploregeorgia gastateparks tugaloostatepark travel
♬ Infinite - TarikTallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls
This canyon is an amazing place to visit. You can hike the rim trails to many great views. And if you’re brave enough, you can cross the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet over a rocky bottom. There are areas to camp, along with playgrounds, areas to bike and picnic and more. Explore more about Tallulah Gorge here.
@georgiastateparks Face the stairs, find the views at Tallulah Gorge State Park. #gastateparks #tallulah #hiking #georgia #fyp
♬ Candy - The Wildcardz & dazeychainMore Ideas
For the romantic getaways? Check these out:
@georgiastateparks Tell your boo to start plannin #gaststateparks #valentinesday #couples #fyp #cloudlandcanyon #exploregeorgia
♬ Sunroof - Nicky Youre & dazyAnd WATCH OUT!
Not just in the summer… you’ll always want to be aware of your surroundings out in nature. You never know when you’ll stumble upon something that isn’t a stick!
Looking for Great Places to Eat?
If you’re visiting coastal Georgia or South Carolina, make sure to check these places out!
Headed to Coastal Georgia or South Carolina? Check Out These Restaurants Featured on Food Network
Savannah Taphouse - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 125 East Broughton Street, Savannah
This place has 40 beers on tap, 100 bottles of beer and boasts award winning eats. It’s also housed in the original Avon Theater!
Back In The Day Bakery - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 2403 Bull Street, Savannah
Southern Living Magazine named this place one of the South’s best bakeries in 2021!
Savannah Seafood Shack - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 116 East Broughton Street, Savannah
A “fast-casual restaurant” that serves seafood dishes at affordable prices.
Gerald's Pig & Shrimp - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 1115 U.S. 80, Tybee Island, GA
They’ve got slow cooked BBQ- pork, brisket and ribs. They also have great seafood too!
Green Truck Neighborhood Pub - featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate
Address: 2430 Habersham Street, Savannah
Known as Savannah’s Grassfed Burger Joint.
The Pirates' House - featured on Man vs Food
Address: 20 East Broad Street, Savannah
Open since 1753, this restaurant is full of history, and delicious food and drink!
Treylor Park - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 115 East Bay Street, Savannah
They have 4 locations in Georgia and Florida. Their motto is “Quality Over Quantity.” They offer unique spaces and fun and unique food and cocktails.
Zunzi's - featured on Adam Richman's Best Sandwich
Address: 263 Drayton Street, Savannah
Zunzi’s has a mixture of international flavor. “South African Inspired.”
Elizabeth on 37th - featured on Bizarre Foods America
Address: 105 East 37th Street, Savannah
Southern hospitality, fine coastal cuisine and well-chosen wine.
Posted by Elizabeth On 37th on Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Clary's Cafe - featured on Bizarre Foods America
Address: 404 Abercorn Street, Savannah
“World Famous!” They serve breakfast all day and are pet-friendly.
Posted by Clary's Cafe on Wednesday, September 7, 2016
The Bohemian Hotel Savannah, Autograph Collection - featured on Drinking Made Easy
Address: 102 West Bay Street, Savannah
They have a few dinner and bar options within the hotel.
The Rail Pub - featured on Drinking Made Easy
Address: 405 West Congress Street, Savannah
Savannah’s favorite dive bar. Home of the $5 Forties, #FFCF and the city’s finest collection of daytime drinkers.
Jen's & Friends - featured on Drinking Made Easy
Address: 34 Bull Street, Savannah
Home to more than 100 martinis and 140 beers- a unique experience.
Sandfly BBQ at the Streamliner- featured on Man vs Food Nation
Address: 8413 Ferguson Avenue, Savannah
A Savannah original – where they do what they call “Savannah-style barbecue.” With meats seasoned and smoked over a combination of pecan and hickory woods.
Tubby's Tank House - featured on Man vs Food Nation
Address: 2909 River Drive, Thunderbolt, GA
Fresh and local seafood and Southern favorites. Known for delicious fried shrimp and signature fresh catch.
The Lady & Sons - featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate, Celebrity Chef's and Throwdown with Bobby Flay
Address: 102 West Congress Street, Savannah
Paula Deen’s flagship restaurant with a unique dining experience with Southern style downhome dishes.
Sweet Potatoes Kitchen - featured on Man vs Food Nation
Address: 531 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah
Colorful and casual. Southern comfort food and the “best banana pudding” according to Man vs Food!
The Olde Pink House - featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate
Address: 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah
Featuring Lowcountry cuisine in a sophisticated but casual setting.
The Crab Shack - featured on Man vs Food, Rachael Ray - $40 a Day, Food Paradise and Drinking Made Easy
Address: 40 Estill Hammock Road, Tybee Island, GA
The ultimate waterfront dining experience near Savannah. “Where the elite eat in their bare feet.”
Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room - featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate and Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 107 West Jones Street, Savannah
A popular place for home-style Southern cooking.
Posted by Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room on Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Hamilton-Turner Inn - featured on Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 330 Abercorn Street, Savannah
Voted as one of the best romantic hotels, you can enjoy a chef-prepared Southern breakfast each morning.
Posted by Hamilton-Turner Inn on Thursday, October 29, 2015
Savannah's Candy Kitchen - featured on Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 225 East River Street, Savannah
You can’t visit River Street without stopping into Savannah’s Candy Kitchen to watch them make those delicious homemade pralines!
A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head’s place for Lowcountry seafood and cuisine made the way “it used to be.”
Posted by A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant on Monday, July 30, 2018
Chow Daddy's - featured on Food Paradise
Address: 14B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island
A fun place to meet friends or have dinner with family. Fresh, local and organic food- tacos, burgers and bowls.
Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks - featured on Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island
A beautiful waterfront restaurant with fresh-caught seafood.
The Sea Pines Resort - featured on Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island
A resort with excellent food and plenty to do, including some beautiful golf courses.
Signe's Heaven Bound Bakery & Cafe - featured on Rachael Ray - $40 a Day
Address: 93 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island
Southern style baked goods, along with breakfast, salads, sandwiches and desserts.