Article by Hennessy Honda of Woodstock- Jun 22, 2022

6 Must See Road Trip Spots in Georgia This Summer

Summer is the amazing time to hit the open road and explore everything that the state of Georgia has to offer.

And if you're looking for a new experience entirely, consider driving way down to the Okefenokee Swamp. On the contrary, if you're looking for a more relaxed summer road trip, head to one of Georgia's coastal towns like Tybee Island. The Blue Ridge Mountains deliver stunning views, daring drives, and plenty of activities for the whole family.

From the mountains up north to the Atlantic coast, there are endless possibilities for summer road trip in Georgia. No matter where you go in this versatile southern state, choosing the right vehicle for the drive and ensuring proper maintenance for that car before heading out on your journey is crucial.

From Hennessy Honda to you, here are 6 of our favorite Georgia adventure destinations (and our suggested car for each!)

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you're yearning for some elevation, consider marking Cloudland Canyon State Park on the map as a destination to hit this summer.

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, waterfalls to view, and even a seasonal swimming hole. Located a few hours from Atlanta at the Georgia/Tennessee border; this state park is a fun day trip getaway! The drive up is beautiful, and the surrounding mountain views from the top of the canyon are breathtaking.

Looking to extend your trip? The cooler nights make Cloudland Canyon a fun place to camp. Several cabins are also available for rent so the entertaining doesn't have to stop on day one.

For this summer vacation, we suggest taking a vehicle that has a lot of space for all your gear and can tackle mild to moderate mountain roads.

Our pick: CR-V

Whatever kind of vehicle you choose to take, Cloudland Canyon is a great place to escape the summer heat and enjoy some time in nature without committing to an overly-strenuous journey!

Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald in the heart of Blue Ridge is hard to beat when it comes to quintessential summer break destinations.

Thanks to its elevation, Brasstown Bald is also one of the coolest spots in this southern state to visit during the summer, making it a outstanding escape from the heat. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this picturesque travel spot offers stunning views of the surrounding North Georgia countryside.

And with a good deal of hiking trails and picnic spots to explore, there is no shortage of things to do once you reach your destination. While any car can make the journey to Brasstown Bald, a four-wheel drive SUV or truck would be best suited for tackling the winding mountain roads.

Our pick: Ridgeline

If you're looking for an iconic location to hit during your summer road trip in Georgia this summer, be sure to put Brasstown Bald at the top of your list.

Downtown Atlanta

When it comes to fun things to do in Atlanta, the possibilities are endless.

This historically and culturally-rich city has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a lively music scene, delicious food, or simply some amazing old-fashioned southern hospitality. You can enjoy a family day at the famous Georgia Aquarium or spend a quiet afternoon at the High Museum of Art (check out Trip Advisor's list of our favorite Atlanta attractions).

As for which vehicle to take on a summer adventure to the city, that depends on a few factors.

And if you're traveling with a group of people, then a compact SUV might be the best option. A smaller car would work fine if you're primarily using public transportation. If you're planning on doing a lot of driving, then a comfortable sedan would be a great choice.

Our pick: Civic

No matter what vehicle you choose, Atlanta is sure to be an exciting road trip destination for everyone in your group!

The Little Grand Canyon

Many vacation destinations across the country are worth exploring, but few are as unique as Providence Canyon - the Little Grand Canyon - in Georgia.

This man-made wonder resulted from farming practices in the 1800s that led to extreme erosion. Visitors can hike through the Mars-like canyon, camp overnight, and even go fishing in the creek that runs through it.

Taking a journey here in an RV would be excellent because there are numerous campgrounds in the area with full hookups. If you don't have an RV, we suggest an SUV that can best tackle dirt and gravel roads.

Our pick: HR-V

With its sandy trails and stunning, otherworldly views, Providence Canyon is a vacation destination that you will not want to miss.

Tybee Island

Though Tybee Island is only about 20 miles outside Savannah, it feels a world away with its pristine beaches and lush vegetation.

There are several historical sites on the island to hit along the way, including the Tybee Island Light Station and Fort Pulaski National Monument. Tybee Island is also home to various wildlife, including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and ospreys.

Because this destination only requires a relatively smooth drive to the beach (but a good deal of room to store beach gear and coolers), an SUV or minivan might be perfect.

Our pick: Pilot

Geographical uniqueness and biological diversity make for endless fun things to do on Tybee Island this summer!

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

As one of the largest freshwater marshes in North America, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge at Georgia's southernmost border is a great summer adventure destination for nature lovers and road trippers alike.

The refuge is home to an array of wildlife, including alligators, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and swallow-tailed kites. In addition, it offers a variety of activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing.

Plenty of comfortable camping spots and lodges are scattered throughout the refuge, and a paved, 7-mile Auto Tour Route makes the journey relatively easy for any car. Plus, there's no need to rough it on this adventure.

That being said, a four-wheel drive SUV or truck would be excellent for tackling any muddy roads or large puddles of water you may come across, and the extra height might come in handy for spotting wildlife along the way.

Our pick: CR-V

No Georgia summer adventure in the summertime is complete without heading as far south as you can get to the Okefenokee Swamp! Just make sure your car is ready for the ride.

Need a Recap?

From the mountains up north to the beaches and swamplands down south, the beautiful state of Georgia offers endless opportunities for the excellent adventure. By now, you should have a top-to-bottom list of six iconic Georgia summer break destinations to hit this summer:

  • Brasstown Bald in the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
  • Cloudland Canyon State Park
  • Downtown Atlanta (because, of course)
  • Tybee Island
  • Providence Canyon (also known as the Little Grand Canyon)
  • Whether you're looking to go offroading, travel compactly through the city, or cruise calmly down to the shoreline, there is sure to be a destination on this list for you and your family (and an ideal vehicle to match)!

    At Hennessy Honda, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. If you are looking for a  Honda to take on your summer adventure, you can view our inventory and Test Drive today. From our family to yours, safe travels this summer!

    Have a question? Let us know.

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