The Prettiest Small Towns in Georgia

By Southern Living Editors

In a Southern state with a gazillion beautiful small towns, we had a hard time picking our favorite places. And before you even say it, we know. We’ll hear from you if we missed yours! Looking for more places to visit in Georgia? Plan your Peach State adventures at exploregeorgia.org.

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1 of 17

Covington

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 13, 977
If you were a Vampire Diaries fan, you’ll recognize downtown Covington, which “played” Mystic Falls, Virginia, in the series.

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2 of 17

Thomasville

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 18,826
Known for Pebble Hill and other sporting plantations, Thomasville was also a temporary refuge for Jacqueline Kennedy shortly after her husband’s assassination. The President’s widow stayed at Greenwood Plantation with her friends the Whitney family.

3 of 17

Dublin

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 16,106
Find Irish flavor in the eateries, live music, festivals, and of course the Dublin Theatre about an hour southeast of Macon.

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4 of 17

Milledgeville

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 18,933
Don’t miss the Greek Revival home Rose Hill at Lockerly Arboretum; Flannery O’Connor’s home, Andalusia; or the Oconee River Greenway Park and Riverwalk.

5 of 17

Jackson

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 5,000
Besides enjoying local eateries and shops in this town about 40 miles south of Atlanta, you can get outdoors at Jackson Lake, High Falls State Park, or Indian Springs State Park. See if you recognize any of the town’s landmarks from the Netflix series Stranger Things.

6 of 17

Blue Ridge

Photo: Michael Hanson

Population: 1,300
From gorgeous mountain views, orchards, and wineries, to a happening restaurant scene, this little burg has a lot to offer. P.S. You can catch the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway here.

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7 of 17

St. Marys

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 18,088
This little coastal charmer is the gateway to beautiful Cumberland Island, but you’ll love rambling around town before you catch the ferry.

8 of 17

Helen

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

Population: 600
Southerners flock here to see the Georgia version of a Bavarian Alpine Village. Explore more than 200 shops, plus Habersham Winery and nearby Unicoi State Park.

9 of 17

Dahlonega

via dahlonega.org

Population: 6,500
Central to Georgia’s wine country, Dahlonega also has waterfalls, hiking trails, world-class cycling, and plenty to see and do.

 

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10 of 17

Lilburn

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 12,675
One of America’s most distinctive (and second-largest) Hindu temples, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is in this small town just outside of Atlanta.

11 of 17

Clayton

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 2,300
Check out Persimmon on the Square, Main Street Gallery, and the soda fountain at the Clayton Pharmacy, or have a whitewater adventure on the nearby Chattooga River.

12 of 17

Washington

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 4,942
Established in 1780, Washington is one of the oldest towns in Georgia, with many antebellum homes and other historic architecture, including 3,000-acre Callaway Plantation.

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13 of 17

Madison

Van Jones Martin

Population: 4,000
Dreamy Madison has been doubling as a movie and TV set since the 70s. Remember it from My Cousin Vinny, Goosebumps, or Hidden Figures?

 

14 of 17

Darien

Courtesy of Explore Georgia

Population: 1,845
This coastal town between Savannah and Brunswick was once a thriving port. Now it’s a serene historic town with beautiful scenery, less than an hour from St. Simons Island.

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Greensboro

Facebook/Downtown Greensboro, GA

Population: 3,384
With its historic downtown and antebellum architecture, Greensboro makes a perfect side trip if you’re visiting Lake Oconee.

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Brunswick

via Golden Isles CVB

Population: 16,346
Founded in 1771 and rich with maritime history, this mainland port has plenty to see and do before you explore the neighboring barrier islands—Georgia’s Golden Isles.

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