Georgia in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph

There are so many pictures to be had in Georgia, from historic landmarks to the artistic ancient oak trees on the famous Wormsloe plantation. Old mills and covered bridges that are carefully preserved throughout the state maintain Georgia's vintage Southern charm.

Nature thrives in Georgia's humid southern environment – colors are vibrant in the fields and there is a thick blanket of forest trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The jagged rocks and scenery in the outskirts is appealing against the rushing water and waterfalls in the state parks and backcountry regions. Georgia's natural historic scene is balanced by the big city lights and energy in Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah.

1. Atlanta

The Atlanta skyline is colorful and exciting, much like the energy of the city. Since Atlanta is the state capital, there are many buildings that light up at night and a busy downtown with parks, social activity, and the iconic SkyView Ferris wheel, which is a standout feature in skyline photos.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Atlanta

2. Oak Avenue

One of the most beautiful places in Georgia is the 1.5-mile oak-lined avenue on the Wormsloe Historic Site that has a canopy of huge ancient oak trees reaching over the roadway from both sides. Late afternoon is an ideal time to catch the light just right coming through the trees, and display the details of the Spanish moss hanging from the branches.

The 822-acre historic Wormsloe plantation near Savannah once belonged to a colonial founder of Georgia and is now a preserved site for visitors to enjoy.

3. Savannah Riverfront

As the oldest city in Georgia, Savannah has some stunning history to photograph, but one of the best spots in the city is along the riverfront in the Historic Landmark District. The Savannah riverfront is the place to set up for shots of riverboats, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, 18th-century homes, and the quaint scene along the waterfront.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Savannah

4. Stone Mountain Park

While Stone Mountain Park is popular for tourist activities, it has thousands of acres of natural beauty to photograph and admire, from covered bridges to lakes. One of the notable features of Stone Mountain is the three-acre memorial carving in the side of the rock. The image depicts prominent Confederate leaders in the Civil War. Stone Mountain Park is located just outside of Atlanta.

5. Tallulah Gorge

The breathtaking Tallulah Gorge is one of the most spectacular places to go for images of nature. There is a diversity of natural features, from the two-mile-long gorge to waterfalls and 1000-foot-high cliffs. The gorge surrounds the Tallulah River in the Tallulah Gorge State Park in northwest Georgia.

6. Starrs Mill

The historic Starrs Mill near Atlanta is a historic landmark, with it roots dating back to the early 1900s. The mill sits on Whitewater Creek, where it once served the surrounding community as a grain mill, sawmill, and cotton gin. The brilliant red historic mill is nicely preserved and is a colorful image subject against the backdrop of a blue sky and running waterfall.

7. Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain has many quirky visual treasures, from unusual rock formations to a seven-state view from the Observation Point at Lover's Leap and gardens. Some of the most visual spots are the dramatic High Falls waterfall and the Enchanted Trail, where there are artistic sculptures nestled into the landscape.

8. Macon

The city of Macon is considered the heart of Georgia because of its geographic location in the middle of the state but it also has warm, traditional Southern charm. Macon is beautiful in the spring, when 350,000 cherry trees are in bloom around the city and historic homes. The pink hue of the buds on the trees and blooming gardens are tranquil.

9. Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is always a scenic spot, but it is especially beautiful at nighttime. The lights throughout the park are colorful and illuminated at night, the SkyWheel is spinning, and the splash pad water features create a nice aquatic effect. The park is one of Atlanta's most visual features.

10. Peach Orchards

The famous Georgia peach is great to capture at orchards around the state. The iconic image of a ripe orange and yellow peach on the tree is one of the most beautiful shots to get in Georgia. Other peach photography in Georgia is available at farmers markets, where you will find baskets of the ripe fruit, peach pies, cobbler, and more.

11. Brasstown Bald Observatory

Brasstown Bald in northeast Georgia is the highest point in the state, so it guarantees spectacular views, especially from the mountaintop observatory. Enjoy panoramic views of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that surrounds the mountain. On a clear day, you can see four states from the observation deck.

12. Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountain view at sunset is inspiring, especially during the springtime, when the colors in the sky are accented by the blooms of purple flowers. The mountain views that extend for many miles have a beautiful visual depth that is accentuated by the changing light at dusk. The mountain range can be seen in northern Georgia.

13. Elder Mill Covered Bridge

The Elder Mill Covered Bridge in northeast Georgia near Watkinsville is a historic wooden bridge that is nice to photograph. Built in 1897, the covered bridge is 100 feet long with intricate wooden pegs. A nice angle for a photograph is from Rose Creek below the bridge.

14. Chattooga River

The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is a phenomenal natural feature in Georgia. The whitewater rapids are stunning to capture in the summer, but the ice on the water in the winter adds an even more dramatic effect.

15. Providence Canyon

Providence Canyon in southwest Georgia is sometimes referred to as Georgia's Grand Canyon. The rustic orange colors and the jagged and steep rock formations give it that resemblance. The steep canyon is inside Providence Canyon State Park near Lumpkin, Georgia. There are many trails and lookout spots throughout the 1,000-acre park to get different vantage points of the elaborate natural rock formations.

16. Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol building in Atlanta has a special visual appeal at night, when special lighting illuminates the statehouse dome and the statues on the lawn. The building is a National Historic Landmark, with historic and architectural significance.

17. Horse Ranches

Horse ranches outside Macon, Georgia capture some of the most tranquil and idyllic countryside in the state. The sprawling estates and ranches are eye-catching during scenic drives through the rural areas of Georgia, especially when horses are grazing in the fields.

18. Coastal Georgia

The sand-swept dunes along the Georgia coast are especially beautiful during the morning and early evening light. Catch the Atlantic water at high tide colliding with the sand dunes and the natural environment that accents them. Locations on Georgia's barrier islands, like Tybee Island and Jekyll Island, are prime spots for this stunning ocean view.

19. Old Mill at Berry College

The Old Mill at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia has a depth of imagery and history. The mill was constructed in 1930 and has what is believed to be the largest waterwheel in the world at 42 feet in diameter. The mill is operated on special occasions throughout the year.

20. Cotton Fields

Few images in Georgia are as representative of the state as the flourishing cotton fields found throughout the state. In full bloom, the cotton stalks pop with white blossoms, making the fields look like soft blankets in the Georgia countryside. The cotton-growing season lasts between 150 and 180 days.