Georgia landmarks are plentiful to say the least. From beautiful natural landmarks such as Lookout Mountain to historic landmarks like Fort Frederica National Monument, this state truly has something for everyone.
Not sure where to start? Here are the top Georgia landmarks to add to your road trip itinerary.
Top Landmarks in Georgia
Georgia Landmarks
Fort Frederica National Monument
Tucked away on St. Simons Island, Fort Frederica National Monument protects and preserves a historic fort that was first erected in 1736 by James Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe built the fort with hopes to protect his colony from the Spanish settlers in Florida, who threatened to overtake it. A military outpost and town sprung up around this fort, which was named after Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales (1702-1754).
Today, the remains of the fort can be visited and toured by guests, and the surrounding green space also hosts a network of hiking trails.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
St. Simons Island is known for its beautiful seascapes and scenic towns that combine southern hospitality with oceanside casual cool. Be sure to stop by the St. Simons Lighthouse and enjoy some seafood during your stay.
Excellent RV camping can be found at Jekyll Island Campground.
Tybee Island Light Station
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum is well worth a visit. The oldest and tallest lighthouse in the state of Georgia, this beacon was originally constructed and opened back in the 1730s. It is one of only seven surviving lighthouses that date back to the colonial era.
Admission grants you access not only to the lighthouse itself (and the incredible viewpoint at the top), but also a local museum and example of a raised cottage.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Tybee Beach Pier is an incredible place to catch a sunrise or cast a line to catch dinner. Nearby wildernesses like Skidaway Island State Park offer a great place to camp.
Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home
You won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Flannery O’Connor’s Childhood Home. This is where the famed Southern Gothic writer grew up and got her artistic start.
Among the other artifacts on display, visitors will see some of young Flannery’s authentic childhood books, into which she predictably penned notes and early book reviews. (One reads: “Not a very good book.”)
Dedicated to preserving the O’Connor home and also promoting and supporting contemporary authors, the space is also regularly used for readings and other literary events.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
What isn’t there to see and do in Savannah? Wander through this town’s historic squares and take it all in, being sure to spend ample time under the Spanish moss in Forsyth Park.
RV camping can be found at Red Gate Farms RV Resort.
Georgia Guidestones
Nestled in what can only be called the middle of nowhere, about an hour northeast of Athens close to the South Carolina border, Georgia offers its own version of Stonehenge: the Georgia Guidestones.
This is a unique monument and U.S. landmark erected in 1980 by a man using the pseudonym R. C. Christian. The five imposing granite slabs are inscribed with a set of ten guidelines that have been translated into eight modern languages. They include directives like “Balance personal rights with social duties” and “Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.”
Additionally, there is a shorter message inscribed at the top of the monument in four ancient language scripts. No matter how little or much of it you can read, it certainly makes for a dynamic photo opp.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in an unpopulated part of Elbert County, the Georgia Guidestones aren’t immediately adjacent to any other major tourist attractions. That said, the town of Athens has plenty of shops, restaurants, museums and other to-dos such as the Georgia Museum of Art and The State Botanical Garden of Georgia.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park is also within an easy drive and offers RV camping.
Consolidated Gold Mine
From topside, this is an unassuming part of Lumpkin County, Georgia. But for those willing to take a closer look — one that ventures underground, in fact — Consolidated Gold Mine offers a whole new world of adventure.
The largest hard-rock gold mine east of the Mississippi River, the Consolidated mine was founded in 1896. During this time, miners focused on extracting gold from the quartz crystal that contained it.
Tours will take visitors 200 feet underground and well over a century back in time to learn more about what life was like for the brave folks who came here in search of fortune.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Approximately an hour northeast of Atlanta, Dahlonega is a relatively small town with all the basics and plenty of eateries to choose from. If you wish to head into Atlanta, you’ll find attractions such as World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta.
This area is also immediately south of the Chattahoochee National Forest and nearby to many state parks offering campsites, including Vogel State Park.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium long held the distinction of being the largest aquarium in the world — though it has now been outpaced by locations in China and Singapore.
Exhibits allow visitors to get familiar with animals who inhabit cold, deep waters as well as large marine mammals like beluga whales and others. It is also the only institution outside of Asia that houses the gigantic whale shark species.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Atlanta is absolutely brimming with things to see and do, and plenty of incredible, comforting southern food to eat. Some of the top attractions include the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.
One of the best places to camp in the city is Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you need a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of urban Atlanta, the aforementioned Atlanta Botanical Garden has your back. A stunning facility encompassing 30 acres of both outdoor and enclosed gardens, this spot is well-known for its sprawling collection of orchids. It is also home to a gorgeous sparkling winter light display and other yearly events.
Originally incorporated in 1976, the garden has been a local landmark for decades, and continues to inspire conservation efforts as well as simply delighting visitors with its beauty.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are even more beautiful plant-filled spaces near Atlanta to explore. Check out Sweetwater Creek State Park for some fabulous day-hiking opportunities.
RV camping can be found at the state park or at Atlanta Marietta RV Park.
Stone Mountain
Another just-outside-of-Atlanta landmark and attraction, Stone Mountain is actually a city unto itself. It’s also the gateway to Stone Mountain Park, which contains the famous quartz monzonite dome monadnock into which a depiction of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson has been carved.
Although commemorating an undeniably dark time in U.S. history, this landmark is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. The park is also a great place to enjoy a beautiful hike in the unique landscape of the northwestern Georgia foothills.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
A short drive brings you back to Atlanta and all its to-dos, or you could meander the town of Stone Mountain itself and enjoy the attractions there.
You can also camp in Stone Mountain at the Stone Mountain Park Campground.
Rock City
One thing’s for certain: you’re unlikely to get through north Georgia without knowing about Rock City. This place is famously advertised on a variety of billboards, building tops, and other unlikely spaces as you approach.
Here, a unique garden and exhibit has been built onto and into the famous rock formations that characterize the Georgia/Tennessee line. From the top of Rock City, a viewpoint allows visitors to see seven states at once. Those with a taste for fantasy will enjoy Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, and shopping and dining are also available on the property.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Closer to the town of Chattanooga than any major city in Georgia, Rock City is a great destination to add onto your southern road rip. Nearby Ruby Falls is unique for its underground location, and the foothills and forests in general are stunning.
Wondering where to camp? We recommend Lookout Mountain/Chattanooga West KOA Holiday.
Lookout Mountain
Technically the town Rock City is located in the town of Lookout Mountain. This town is worth exploring in its own right.
The site of an important Civil War battle fought in 1863, the town offers several historical landmarks worth visiting, such as Point Park and Cravens House. It’s also just a small-town southern community with plenty of shops, restaurants, and sights worth experiencing and seeing.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Be sure to venture across state lines into Chattanooga for a bigger-city feel that still has southern hospitality to offer in droves. If the aforementioned KOA isn’t right for you, you might consider camping at Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to Georgia
As you can see, there are lots of incredible Georgia landmarks to discover. An RV trip is the perfect way to see it all, and these Georgia campgrounds are some of the best places to stay. Of course, you’ll also want to make time for visiting some of the state’s amazing state parks while RV camping in Georgia.
