Georgia USA Tours: Unforgettable Southern Journeys
Intro to Georgia USA Tours
Georgia is a state of contrasts — glass towers and jazz clubs in Atlanta, cobblestoned squares in Savannah, Appalachian ridges rolling into misty horizons, and golden sands stretching along the Atlantic coast. Taking a guided tour here lets you experience it all with local voices leading the way. Whether you’re drawn to Civil Rights landmarks, Lowcountry cuisine, antebellum estates, or the winding Chattahoochee River, tours in Georgia turn landscapes into living stories. Start planning your journey with our Georgia USA Travel Guide — and discover how guided tours can bring the state’s history, flavors, and hidden corners to life.
Why Take a Tour in Georgia?
Exploring Georgia independently is rewarding, but tours add depth, ease, and access you’d miss on your own.
- Local experts unlock layers of history. In Atlanta, guides don’t just point out Dr. King’s childhood home — they weave in personal family stories, the sounds of 1960s sermons, and the ongoing legacy of activism.
- Transportation logistics disappear. Day trips from Atlanta to the Blue Ridge Mountains or Dahlonega wineries often include pick-up, so you can relax instead of worrying about traffic or parking.
- Cultural immersion runs deeper. A Savannah food tour isn’t just about tasting pralines — it’s about tracing Gullah-Geechee roots, storytelling in the squares, and recipes passed down generations.
- Seasonal highlights are curated for you. From spring azalea walks in Augusta to fall foliage hikes near Helen, Georgia tours align experiences with the state’s natural rhythm.
- Economic impact is positive. Many tours are locally owned, ensuring your dollars go directly into small businesses and communities.
Tours in Georgia range from half-day walking explorations to multi-day itineraries spanning coast and mountains — making them suitable whether you’re in-state for a weekend or a week.
Top Tours in Georgia by Popularity
Atlanta Tours
- Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Walking Tour. A 2.5-hour guided journey through the Sweet Auburn district, covering Ebenezer Baptist Church, King Center, and Auburn Avenue. Ideal for history buffs and families wanting a meaningful, accessible introduction to the Civil Rights Movement.
- Atlanta Movie Tours. Discover filming locations for blockbusters like The Hunger Games and Black Panther. Includes transport and insider stories from guides connected to the local film industry.
- Atlanta BeltLine Bike Tour. Pedal along converted rail corridors lined with murals, parks, and breweries. Includes bike rental, safety gear, and stops at key BeltLine art installations.
Savannah Tours
- Savannah Ghost Tour. Evening walking tour through shadowy squares and centuries-old mansions. Family-friendly versions or adult-only “boozy ghost” tours available.
- Savannah Food & Cultural Tour. A half-day tasting walk featuring fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, pralines, and Gullah-Geechee influences. Often sells out in peak months.
- Historic District Trolley Tour. Hop-on hop-off access with 15+ stops, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Blue Ridge Mountains & North Georgia
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Tour. Four-hour train ride along the Toccoa River, with time to explore small towns like McCaysville. Perfect for families and photographers.
- Dahlonega Wine Country Tour. A full-day tasting excursion to Georgia’s mountain vineyards, with included transport and tastings at 3–4 wineries.
Coastal Georgia
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Tour. Guided day trip to explore wild horses, historic ruins, and unspoiled beaches accessible only by ferry.
- Tybee Island Dolphin Cruise. Two-hour boat tour spotting bottlenose dolphins and seabirds, often paired with sunset views over the Atlantic.
Editor’s Picks: Handpicked Tours You’ll Love
- Private Atlanta Helicopter Tour. See the skyline, Stone Mountain, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium from above in a 20-minute private flight. Great for couples or special occasions.
- Kayak the Okefenokee Swamp. Paddle through blackwater channels with a naturalist guide pointing out alligators, herons, and pitcher plants. Half- or full-day options.
- Sapelo Island Cultural Tour. Visit an isolated Gullah-Geechee community with local hosts sharing traditions, crafts, and cuisine. Ferry access included.
- Helen Bavarian Walking Tour. A quirky Alpine-inspired mountain town explored on foot, with tastings of German beer and pretzels.
- Jekyll Island History Bike Tour. Cycle past millionaire-era mansions, Driftwood Beach, and sea turtle rehabilitation centers. Bikes provided.
Let Georgia Inspire Your Next Trip
- For food lovers: Join a Savannah tasting walk to trace Gullah-Geechee heritage through pralines, grits, and seafood fresh from the marsh.
- For adventurers: Paddle blackwater trails in the Okefenokee or hike Appalachian ridges with guides who know hidden waterfalls.
- For convenience seekers: Relax on hop-on trolley rides or chauffeured wine tours where all logistics are handled.
- For dreamers: Watch wild horses roam Cumberland Island or drift past dolphins at sunset off Tybee’s coast.
Book immersive Georgia USA tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Georgia — from Civil Rights history walks and Savannah food tastings to mountain wine country escapes and dolphin-watching cruises.
Must-See Nearby Adventures
- Day Trip to Stone Mountain Park. Hiking, gondola rides, and laser shows just outside Atlanta. Tours often combine transport with tickets.
- Augusta Azalea Festival Tours. Seasonal guided garden walks in spring with photography stops.
- Callaway Gardens Butterfly Tour. A botanical wonderland an hour from Columbus, with seasonal blooms and butterfly conservatory.
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Archaeological site near Macon with guided tours exploring Indigenous heritage.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park Adventure Tour. Rappelling, hiking, and suspension bridge crossings led by licensed guides.
Most Loved Attractions & Activities
- World of Coca-Cola Tour in Atlanta. A global tasting room plus brand history; skip-the-line tickets are best.
- Georgia Aquarium Guided Tour. Behind-the-scenes dolphin and whale shark encounters.
- Savannah Riverboat Cruise. Narrated historic cruise with dinner and live music options.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden Walk. Evening light shows and guided plant tours popular year-round.
- Fox Theatre Backstage Tour. Stories of Atlanta’s 1920s movie palace, including organ demonstrations.
Local Secrets You’ll Love
- Little Five Points Street Art Tour. Alternative Atlanta neighborhood known for murals, thrift shops, and music venues.
- Darien Shrimp Boat Tour. Join local fishers to learn about coastal shrimping traditions.
- North Georgia Moonshine Tour. Explore Appalachian distilleries in small-batch tasting rooms.
- Milledgeville Antebellum Tour. Lesser-visited historic capital with Greek Revival homes.
Savor the Local Cuisine
- Atlanta Food Truck Safari. Mobile eateries gathered in rotating weekly events with live music.
- Savannah Cooking Classes. Learn Lowcountry recipes like she-crab soup or Hoppin’ John with local chefs.
- Macon Soul Food Tour. Small-group tastings of fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet tea.
- Vidalia Onion Festival Tour. April celebrations of Georgia’s iconic sweet onion with field tours and tastings.
Sample Day Plans
3-Day Civil Rights & Culture in Atlanta
Day 1: MLK Jr. National Historical Park + Sweet Auburn food tour.
Day 2: Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola + evening BeltLine bike ride.
Day 3: Stone Mountain day trip with gondola ride.
5-Day Classic Explorer
Day 1: Atlanta city highlights.
Day 2: Savannah trolley + ghost tour.
Day 3: Tybee Island dolphin cruise.
Day 4: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway + Dahlonega wine tastings.
Day 5: Return via Athens with live music evening.
7-Day Coast to Mountains
Days 1–2: Savannah food and cultural tours.
Day 3: Cumberland Island guided adventure.
Day 4: Drive to Atlanta for Civil Rights history tour.
Day 5: BeltLine bike ride + Midtown nightlife.
Days 6–7: Blue Ridge wine and hiking tours.
10-Day Deep Dive
- Combines Atlanta, Savannah, Tybee, Blue Ridge, Okefenokee, and Sapelo Island — balancing history, cuisine, and nature across the state.
Ideal Seasons to Explore
- Spring (March–May): Best for azaleas, Vidalia onion festivals, and comfortable outdoor walking tours. Expect mild temperatures, perfect for gardens and Savannah squares.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but ideal for coastal tours, river tubing, and mountain escapes. Book morning or evening slots for comfort.
- Fall (September–November): Peak for mountain foliage and wine harvest tours. Atlanta festivals thrive in cooler air.
- Winter (December–February): Quieter season with holiday light tours, indoor museums, and less-crowded attractions. Occasional snow in the north.
What to Know Before You Reserve
- Book popular tours weeks ahead in spring and fall.
- Check cancellation policies — many Georgia tours operate rain or shine.
- Mind group size. Small groups mean richer storytelling, but larger tours are cheaper.
- Accessibility varies. Savannah’s cobblestones and Cumberland’s sandy trails may be challenging; confirm in advance.
- Language availability. Most tours are English, but larger operators offer Spanish, French, or German.
- Bring ID for tastings. Wineries and distilleries require proof of age.
- Hydrate in summer. Carry water on walking and biking tours.
- Watch for mosquitoes in coastal wetlands; repellent is essential.
- Check for seasonal closures. Some ferries and small museums shut in winter.
- Use licensed guides. Especially for historic districts, ensuring authenticity and regulation compliance.
Accessibility & Special Considerations
Georgia tours cater to a wide range of travelers:
- Wheelchair users benefit from Atlanta’s accessible museums and aquarium tours.
- Families with strollers find hop-on trolley tours easiest in Savannah.
- Sensory accommodations available at Georgia Aquarium with quiet zones.
- Self-guided app tours useful for travelers preferring flexibility.
- Private tours ensure comfort for seniors or groups needing custom pacing.
Moving Around Made Simple
- Airports: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV).
- Transit: MARTA rail covers Atlanta; limited options elsewhere.
- Car rentals: Essential for North Georgia mountains and rural coast.
- Costs: Expect $40–$70/day rentals, plus tolls.
- Traffic: Heavy in Atlanta; avoid rush hours.
- Scams: Be cautious of unlicensed guides offering “free tours” in busy squares.
Stay Close to the Action
- Atlanta Midtown: Central, near BeltLine and museums; ideal for nightlife and walking tours.
- Savannah Historic District: Romantic, cobblestoned, suited for food and ghost tours.
- Blue Ridge Town: Small cabins and lodges perfect for outdoor excursions.
- Jekyll Island: Resorts and rentals with beach and biking access.
Plan Smarter, Travel Better
- Download apps like Savannah Walking Tours or MARTA On-the-Go for transit ease.
- Pack light layers; Georgia weather shifts quickly between coast and mountains.
- Use comparison tools for tour pricing, and preview guides on platforms like Viator or Trip.com.
Choose Your Next Adventure
- Charleston, South Carolina. Lowcountry charm and historic homes just two hours from Savannah.
- Nashville, Tennessee. Music City’s honky-tonks pair well with Atlanta’s cultural scene.
- Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina. Hiking and heritage within a half-day drive from Georgia’s north border.
Nearby States
- Florida. Beaches, Everglades, and Orlando parks a short drive south.
- Alabama. Civil Rights trails and Gulf Coast escapes.
- South Carolina. Historic coastal towns and scenic byways.
- North Carolina. Appalachian peaks and cultural towns like Asheville.
It’s Time to Experience Georgia
Georgia is not just a place to visit — it’s a state to feel. From soulful music echoing in Atlanta clubs to salt breezes on Tybee Island, every guided tour offers a new way to connect with its landscapes and people. Step into history, taste its flavors, and let Georgia surprise you at every turn.