In the southeastern region of the United States is the state of Georgia and has Atlanta as its capital. Georgia features many small towns that are nestled within its regions coastal areas, farmlands, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Due to being close to nature, these towns offer travelers plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors and a more relaxed environment. However, each town has something unique to offer visitors such as Peachtree City, which is a golfer’s paradise, Dahlonega for its gold mines and vineyards, and Decatur for its vibrant downtown area. Check out our amazing list of beautiful small towns in Georgia and plan your trip accordingly.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on November 21, 2024.
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1. Peachtree City (from USD 258)
In South Metro Atlanta, Fayette County lays Peachtree City, which is the largest city in the region. What makes it so notable are its golf cart paths that run across town. Many locals and even the police force utilize golf carts for commuting and patrolling. Visitors will want to spend time at the Line Creek Nature area for fishing, at the scenic Lake Kedron to take amazing snapshots, and the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing to learn about vintage fighter planes.
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta/Peachtree City
Address: 2010 North Commerce Drive
96.92 km (60.3 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
2. Dahlonega (from USD 182)
Option for breakfast delivery, nearby dining options, and complimentary flavored water and coffee.
Reasonably priced for a boutique hotel near the town square.
Perfect location within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
Convenient parking, cozy wine tasting room, and spacious, clean rooms.
If you’re heading to North Georgia, then it’s worth stopping by Dahlonega that’s renowned for its gold mines, natural attractions, and vineyards. Its downtown area is clean and has that quintessential look and feel of classic American small towns. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site to learn about the town’s gold rush era, Cane Creek Falls if you enjoy camping, and the Wolf Mountain Vineyards for some wine tasting.
The Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas
Address: 135 North Chestatee Street
104.38 km (64.9 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
3. Dublin (from USD 150)
If you’re planning on visiting Laurens County in the near future, then make sure to drop by Dublin. It’s a worthwhile destination due to its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Oconee River, and its historic districts such as the Dublin Commercial Historic District and Stubbs Park-Stonewall Street Historic District. Enjoy a live concert at Theatre Dublin, purchase clothes and jewelry at Mint, and do some hiking and fishing at River Bend Wildlife Management Area.
Dublin Farm
Address: 875 James Currie Road
147.5 km (91.7 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
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4. Decatur Downtown (from USD 398)
Within close proximity to Atlanta’s downtown, you’ll find Decatur that’s part of DeKalb County. It features a comprehensive MARTA rail system allowing travelers to get around easily, and Chattahoochee River is nearby, which is a boon for nature lovers. But it’s Decatur Downtown that will attract most tourists due to its funky and varied shops. Head over to Decatur CD if you love collecting CDs or vinyl records, Brick Store Pub for its wide selection of bottled beers and draughts, and Java Monkey to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while listening to poetry.
Courtyard Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory
Address: 130 Clairemont Avenue
66.31 km (41.3 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
5. Cartersville (from USD 297)
Do you love spending time in Atlanta but also want to experience a few of the small towns nearby? Then, add Cartersville to your list of places to visit. It’s the ideal destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and sports enthusiasts. Head over to Bartow History Museum to view its many exhibits and interactive galleries, Lake Allatoona to do some camping and hiking, and Terminus Wake Park for some wakeboarding.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Cartersville, an IHG Hotel
Address: 5628 Hwy 20
125.69 km (78.1 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
6. Toccoa
Outstanding, unique, and freshly cooked breakfasts in a formal yet relaxed setting.
Reasonable rates for a historic B&B experience.
Conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood, well-suited for exploring downtown.
Charming historic home with cozy rooms and gourmet breakfast. Snacks and drinks readily available.
Toccoa is a sleepy yet picturesque town that should appeal to travelers escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city. Another reason to visit Toccoa is for its vibrant music scene that attracts volunteer musicians from the local and surrounding communities for the town’s symphony orchestra. Several of its attractions include the Currahee Military Museum that focuses on the paratroopers of WWII, the Miles Through Time Automotive Museum that covers over a century of automotive history, and Henderson Falls Park that’s great for hiking.
Simmons-Bond Inn Bed & Breakfast
Address: 74 W Tugalo Street
106.04 km (65.9 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
7. Jekyll Island (from USD 480)
There are several Sea Islands across the coastal region of the Southeastern United States, one of which is Jekyll Island. The island is notable for the Jekyll Island Club that attracted members from wealthy families, and this where the Federal Reserve System was planned. Nowadays, travelers visit the island for its many natural attractions. Most of the island’s coastal areas and marshlands are ideal for bird watching and enjoying a picnic. Take time to visit the National Historic Landmark District for its art galleries, bookstores, and museums, and drop by the Historic Faith Chapel to admire its Gothic-inspired architecture.
Jekyll Ocean Club Resort
Address: 80 Ocean Way
354.97 km (220.6 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
8. Madison (from USD 84)
Madison is a charming and quiet town in Morgan Country. It has a modest population of about 4,000 inhabitants, and the area features hundreds of restored antebellum homes that enhance the town’s appeal. Culture vultures, history buffs and those that admire beautiful architecture will have much to see and do here. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is worth visiting for its exhibits and performing arts, the Madison Historic District to see the area’s historic architecture, and the Morgan County African-American Museum to view African art and statues.
Deerfield Inn & Suites
Address: 2080 Eatonton Road
15.98 km (10.0 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
9. Milledgeville (from USD 152)
There’s much to see and do Milledgeville, which boasts an inviting town center, plenty of historic buildings, and the nearby Oconee River. It has a population of approximately 19,000 inhabitants and is one of the more scenic and wealthier cities in the region. Enjoy a cup of coffee or some shopping therapy at the downtown area, learn about the region’s rich history at Georgia’s Old Capital Museum, and head over to Andalusia Farm where the famous author, Flannery O'Connor lived.
La Quinta by Wyndham Milledgeville
Address: 1839 N Columbia St
68.94 km (42.9 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
10. Greensboro (from USD 72)
With a population of approximately 3,300 inhabitants and a relaxed atmosphere, Greensboro is ideal for travelers that wish to enjoy some peace and quiet. And similarly to other small towns in Georgia, there’s plenty of gorgeous historic buildings here such as the Greene County Courthouse. Take time to admire the rigid architecture of Old Gaol that’s located behind the courthouse. For some outdoor fun, visit Reynolds Lake Oconee, which also features a golf course and tennis courts, and sample the tasty beers at the Oconee Brewing Company.
Holiday Lodge - Greensboro/Lake Oconee
Address: 2470 Old Eatonton Road
37.94 km (23.6 mi) from Hard Labor Creek State Park
Towns with rich history and natural attractions
All the small towns in Georgia have much to offer travelers. They still retain a strong connection to their past, and there’s many excellent historical buildings, sites, and museums that showcase this. Furthermore, there’s no shortage of beautiful rivers, lakes, and mountains in the region for travelers to explore.
History
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