30 Things to Do in Georgia
Georgia, known for its Southern charm, diverse landscapes from mountains to coast, and rich history, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Many assume exploring the Peach State involves costly attractions, but there are countless fantastic free things to do in Georgia that showcase its unique character without breaking the bank. Discovering beautiful natural areas, historic sites, and vibrant city scenes is easily achievable on any budget.
This guide points you towards 30 specific activities across Georgia that cost absolutely nothing for the experience itself. From hiking scenic trails and exploring historic squares to visiting poignant memorials and soaking up urban energy, prepare to fill your itinerary with memorable moments. Get ready to enjoy the best of Georgia, completely free of charge.
Explore Parks and Natural Wonders
Hike Kennesaw Mountain Trails: Explore miles of trails within Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, offering wooded hikes, historic earthworks, and city views. The park entrance and trails are free to access, though some parking lots may have fees.
Walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: Stroll or bike this popular paved pathway connecting Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown. Enjoy public art installations, access to parks, and great people-watching along the route.
Stroll Forsyth Park (Savannah): Wander through Savannah’s largest and oldest public park, famous for its beautiful fountain and Spanish moss-draped oak trees. Enjoy the walking paths, green space, and lovely garden areas.
Explore Piedmont Park (Atlanta): Discover Atlanta’s premier urban park, offering walking paths, Lake Clara Meer, skyline views, and vast lawns perfect for relaxing. Accessing the park’s green space and trails is completely free.
Walk the Silver Comet Trail: Enjoy sections of this fully paved rail-trail starting near Atlanta and stretching west towards Alabama. It’s ideal for walking, running, or biking through scenic suburban and rural landscapes.
Discover Arabia Mountain Trails: Hike across unique granite outcrop landscapes within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area east of Atlanta. Exploring the marked trails offers otherworldly scenery and diverse plant life.
Explore Trails at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge: Drive the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive or walk designated trails just across the river from Savannah. Spot alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife in the freshwater marshes and forests.
Walk the Augusta Canal Towpath: Stroll or bike along the historic towpath lining the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Enjoy scenic views of the canal, wildlife, and historic textile mills along the way.
Discover History and Heritage
Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Atlanta): Explore the visitor center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary, and Freedom Hall complex for free. You can also view Dr. King’s birth home exterior and visit his final resting place.
Wander Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta): Explore Atlanta’s historic Victorian garden cemetery, featuring beautiful sculptures, mature trees, and the resting places of notable Atlantans. Walking the grounds offers a peaceful glimpse into the city’s past.
Explore Savannah’s Historic Squares: Take a self-guided walking tour through the 22 picturesque squares dotting Savannah’s Historic District. Each square offers unique charm with monuments, fountains, and shady benches.
Visit Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah): Wander through this famous and beautiful cemetery set along the Wilmington River, known for its stunning live oaks and Victorian monuments. Exploring the atmospheric grounds is free of charge.
Explore Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (Macon): Discover ancient earthworks built by Native Americans over centuries, including the impressive Great Temple Mound. Hiking the trails and visiting the ** area or accessible overlook trails near Dawsonville is often possible without full park fees, offering great views (note: parking fee applies).
Hike Part of the Appalachian Trail: Access the famous AT at various points in North Georgia, such as Woody Gap or Neel Gap. Hiking even a short section lets you experience this legendary trail and the beauty of the mountains.
Drive the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway: Experience stunning mountain scenery on this designated scenic highway near Helen. Pull over at overlooks for panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest without needing specific park entry fees.
Explore Piedmont Park: Wander through Atlanta’s beloved urban park, offering skyline views, walking paths around Lake Clara Meer, and vast green spaces. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon in the city.
Walk the Atlanta BeltLine: Explore sections of this transformative multi-use trail built on former railway corridors around Atlanta. Enjoy public art installations, green spaces, and connect different neighborhoods on foot or by bike.
Hike Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Trails: Explore miles of trails through forests and over the mountain northwest of Atlanta. Learn about Civil War history while enjoying great views from the summit area.
Stroll Trails in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Discover numerous trails within various units of this national recreation area near Atlanta. Many units offer free access for hiking along the river and through woodlands.
Visit Providence Canyon State Park Rim Trails: Explore the rim trails overlooking “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” near Lumpkin. Admire the unique, colorful geological formations created by erosion (note: parking fee applies).
Relax in Forsyth Park: Stroll through Savannah’s iconic park, famous for its beautiful fountain and Spanish moss-draped oaks. Enjoy the walking paths and vast green lawns in the heart of the historic district.
Walk Driftwood Beach: Visit the stunningly picturesque Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, known for its weathered tree skeletons along the shore. Accessing the beach itself is free, though an island entry fee applies to reach Jekyll Island by car.
Stroll Tybee Island Public Beaches: Enjoy the sandy shores of Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach town. Public access points allow for free beachcombing, sunbathing, and swimming in the Atlantic.
Explore Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge Trails: Walk trails through diverse habitats including salt marshes and maritime forests near the coast. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching and experiencing coastal nature.
Walk Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail: Enjoy paved paths along the Ocmulgee River in Macon. The trail connects several parks and offers scenic river views close to the city center.
Stroll Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Towpath: Walk or bike along the historic towpath beside the Augusta Canal. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and learn about the canal’s industrial past.
History Heritage and Culture
Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Explore the visitor center, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary, and Freedom Hall Complex in Atlanta for free. Reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy at his birth home block (tours free but limited).
Wander Oakland Cemetery: Explore Atlanta’s historic Victorian garden cemetery. Discover the resting places of notable figures, admire ornate monuments, and enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of Georgia State Capitol: Visit the gold-domed capitol building in Atlanta during business hours. Explore the public areas, view historical exhibits, and admire the architecture for free.
Walk Through Savannah’s Historic District Squares: Discover the unique layout of Savannah by wandering through its 22 picturesque historic squares. Each square offers unique charm, fountains, or monuments.
Stroll River Street: Walk along the cobblestone street lining the Savannah River. Watch container ships glide by, browse shop windows, and soak up the lively, historic atmosphere.
Explore Andersonville National Historic Site Grounds: Walk the grounds of the former Civil War prison camp and the National Cemetery near Andersonville. The National Prisoner of War Museum on site also offers free admission.
Visit Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Grounds: Explore the visitor center located in the former Plains High School and the historic train depot in Plains for free. Learn about the life and presidency of Jimmy Carter in his hometown.
See the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Exterior: Admire the historic Regency architecture of the home where the founder of the Girl Scouts was born in Savannah. Viewing the landmark from the street is easy and free.
Explore Madison Historic District: Stroll through the charming streets of Madison, often called one of Georgia’s most beautiful small towns. Admire the well-preserved antebellum and Victorian architecture.
Unique Georgia Finds
See The Big Chicken: Take a photo with the iconic 56-foot-tall kinetic chicken structure atop a KFC restaurant in Marietta. It’s a quirky and unforgettable roadside landmark.
Visit the Tree That Owns Itself: See the unique white oak tree (and its successor) that legally owns itself and the land around it in Athens. Read the plaque and enjoy this charming local legend.
Walk St. Simons Island Pier & Village: Stroll along the pier for fishing (license may be required) or enjoying ocean breezes. Explore the adjacent village area with its shops and lighthouse views on St. Simons Island.
Browse Historic Downtown Dahlonega Square: Wander around the public square in this historic gold rush town in North Georgia. Browse the unique shop windows and soak up the small-town mountain atmosphere.
Find Georgia’s Historic Covered Bridges: Seek out some of Georgia’s remaining covered bridges accessible for viewing or walking through, like the Euharlee Covered Bridge near Cartersville. Discovering these pieces of history makes for a fun exploration.
