10 Aesthetic Road Trips Through Georgia
Georgia is one of those states that feels underdiscovered in terms of road trips.
The first time I drove here, I expected the typical Southern landscape — rolling hills and small towns, maybe a scenic highway or two.
But what I found?
It was breathtaking coastal drives, mountain roads that went on for days, and charming backroads that felt like they were frozen in time.
Through waterfalls, historic towns, epic landscapes, or all of the above, there’s a road trip for you in Georgia.
Take a look at 10 Georgia aesthetic road trips sure to make you fall in love with the state.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway Drive
This Is the Road Trip to Take for Stunning Mountain Views
Beginning in North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Parkway cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, providing beautiful overlooks, small towns, and seemingly infinite hiking trails.
Pull off in Blue Ridge for cuddly mountain coziness, check out Amicalola Falls, then take in panoramic vistas at Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.
2. Savannah to Tybee Island
This drive, short but scenic, takes you from Savannah’s historic cobblestone streets to the laid-back beach town of Tybee Island.
Along the way, you’ll weave through verdant marshlands, traverse picturesque bridges and conclude at the recognizable Tybee Island Lighthouse.
Lunch on seafood by the water, stroll along the shore, and watch the sunset from the pier.
3. The Coastal Highway 17 Route
To get a taste of Georgia’s low-country beauty, drive along Highway 17.
This highway runs through coastal marshes, old fishing towns and secret beaches.
Grab fresh oysters in Darien, stroll the picturesque streets of Brunswick, and make a sidetrip to Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach, one of the most photogenic locations in the nation.
4. Atlanta to North Georgia’s wine country
Yes, Georgia has a wine country, and yes, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Begin in Atlanta and head north toward Dahlonega, the epicenter of Georgia’s wine country.
The drive goes through rolling hills, pastures and vineyards that appear plucked from Tuscany. Take a break at Wolf Mountain Vineyards or Montaluce Winery for tastings with a view.
5. The Historic Antebellum Trail
A 100-mile drive from Athens to Macon blends history and Southern charm.
You’ll travel through some of the best-preserved historic towns in Georgia, with opulent mansions, shaded streets and Civil War history.
Stops in Madison — its antebellum homes and quaint squares seem like a scene from Gone With the Wind — are not to be missed.
6. Tallulah Gorge Scenic Loop
This road trip is for you if dramatic landscape is your thing.
Tallulah Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the East, and the drive around it features breathtaking views, picturesque overlooks and winding mountain roads.
Pause at the suspension bridge for a hair-raising view down the gorge, then take a side trip to Black Rock Mountain State Park for even greater panoramic glory.
7. The Okefenokee Swamp Drive
One of Georgia’s most unusual drives is the route that winds through the mysterious, otherworldly Okefenokee Swamp.
The route takes you deep into the wetlands, where you’ll see alligators and cypress trees and some of the most wilderness left in the state.
Go to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for a boat tour or a quiet boardwalk walk.
8. Lookout Mountain Parkway Drive
That said, Lookout Mountain Parkway is at the same time one of the hidden gems of a road trip, lying on the Georgia-Tennessee border.
The drive is filled with natural wonders — gigantic waterfalls, undulating green hills, rock formations that look like something out of a fantasy novel.
Ruby Falls and Rock City are essential stops, and the view from Lover’s Leap is among the best in the South.
9. Golden Isles Coastal Drive
This road trip runs through Georgia’s most breathtaking barrier islands.
Begin on St. Simons Island, with its dreamy, oak-canopied roads and old lighthouse.
Then on to Sea Island for luxury resorts and on to Cumberland Island, where wild horses run free on deserted beaches. It’s an island-hopping journey like no other.
10. The Appalachian Foothills Parkway
Drive the Appalachian Foothills Parkway for an epic mix of waterfalls, winding roads and mountain charm.
This picturesque drive leads through North Georgia’s rocky foothills, with pit stops in Helen (a Bavarian-themed village), Unicoi State Park and the breathtaking Anna Ruby Falls. The foliage here in the fall is just unreal.
