Having lived in Georgia since I was born, I’ve had the chance to see most of what the state has to offer. Over the years, I’ve learned what are the ‘must-sees’ and 'hidden treasures' of the state as well as what are the tourist traps to avoid. Here are the top fifteen Georgia destinations that are worth adding to your summer bucket list!

1. Sign your name on the Krog Street Tunnel

Krog Street Tunnel is a great place to see unique street art covering the inside and outside of the tunnel. While you're there, don't hesitate to sign your name!

2. Find the Lake Claire Community Land Trust

Who wouldn’t be up for an adventure? No one! That’s why finding the Land Trust is a must on anyone’s summer bucket list. The Land Trust is truly a ‘hidden treasure’ and an urban gem located in the heart of Atlanta.

3. Radium Springs

Located in Albany, Radium Springs is named one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia” by being the largest natural spring in the state and by its breath-taking deep blue waters. The area was originally discovered in 1925 and was used as a spa and resort up until the resort was demolished in 2003. Now, the area is a popular destination for Georgians and tourists.

4. Hike at Amicalola Falls

One of my personal favorite places to visit in Georgia is Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. The state park consists of 829 acres and the tallest cascading waterfall east of Mississippi. So, if you’re looking for a day filled with hiking or just relaxing in an ENO hammock, Amicalola is the place to go.

5. Little Five Points

Looking for an artsy adventure? L5P is your place with murals on every corner. The neighborhood is home to the famous restaurant, “The Vortex,” that debatably has the best burgers in the state. The area is also home to Sweetwater Brewing Company and countless record stores, coffee shops, shopping, and more!

6. Okefenokee Swamp

Another one of the “Seven Wonders of Georgia” is the Okefenokee Swamp located on the Florida-Georgia line and is known as the largest blackwater swamp in North America. The swamp contains 438,000 acres of wetlands and is home to a variety of species protected by the National Wildlife refuge.

7. Zip line on the largest zip line in the WORLD at Historic Banning Mills

Being from the West Georgia area, I have to mention the Screaming Eagle zip line canopy tour in the Historic Banning Mills which is the largest continuous zip line in the world with a Guinness World Record in Whitesburg, Georgia. The zip line contains over 10 miles of courses.

Courtesy of Historic Banning Mills

8. Dine at Mary Mac's Tea Room

If you’re looking for classic Southern dining and hospitality, look no further than Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Midtown Atlanta. The menu contains endless Southern comfort foods such as fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, and let’s not forget their amazing cinnamon rolls. The restaurant has a home style setting with Georgian memorabilia from Gone with the Wind to celebrity guests’ autographs who have visited the restaurant surrounding the multiple dining rooms. There’s no doubts on why the restaurant has been named “Atlanta’s Dining Room.”

9. Check out the Providence Canyon

What if I said that the you can get a glimpse of the Grand Canyon in Georgia? Well, you can’t really, but you can check out Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” in Stewart County! The canyon is 150 feet deep and is part of the Providence Canyon State park that covers over 1,000 acres.

10. Watch a show at Fox Theatre

As soon as you walk into the Fox Theatre, you’ll be absorbed into the pure elegance and classic beauty of the Moorish designed theater. Opening in 1929, the theater was a venue for movie showings and premieres. Today, the venue hosts a variety of events from Broadway shows to concerts.

Courtesy of The Fox

11. Visit Creature Comforts Brewery

A visit in Athens always calls for a visit to Creature Comforts Brewery located downtown. The brand is best known for its Tropicália IPA brew that’s balanced and bright with a citrusy taste. Due to its popularity not only in Athens but across the state, the brew is notoriously known for being hard to find.

Courtesy of Creature Comforts Brewery

12. Go to a Braves Game at Sun Trust Park

If you’re visiting Atlanta during baseball season, don’t forget about stopping by the new home of the Atlanta Braves! Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, you’ll still fall in love with the culture and enthusiasm behind each game with the classic Tomahawk Chop that has become part of the Atlanta Braves’ tradition. The new stadium opened in April 2017 in the Cumberland neighborhood of Cobb County after moving from Turner Stadium.

Courtesy of Atlanta Braves

13. Sightsee famous film destinations at Tybee Island

Catching some sun and visiting the beach isn’t all Tybee Island has so offer! As most know, Georgia has become the ‘Hollywood’ of the South over the last decade. For that reason, film destinations can be spotted all over the state including Tybee Island. Movies such as The Last Song, Baywatch, Dirty Grandpa, and The Spongebob Movie were filmed in the area.

Courtesy of Tybee Island

14. Watch a Sea Turtle Release in Jekyll Island

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility, is located right off the coast of Georgia in Jekyll Island. One of the biggest attractions the center has to offer is scheduled turtle releases. Other activities such as learning about sea turtles and watching the rehabilitation process are offered year round.

15. See Seven States at the top of Lookout Mountain/Rock City

Want to see seven states at once? Well, Lookout Mountain in Rock City, Georgia, is the perfect place to visit. The mountain touches both the northeastern tip of Alabama and the southern border of Chattanooga, Tennessee. With history dating back to the Cherokee Indians, Lookout Mountain is an awesome attraction for hikers, history buffs, or just the average tourist.