The Peach State isn’t short on lively big cities, from the glittering skyline of Atlanta to the historic charm of Columbus. But if you want a break from the bustle of urban life there are oodles of gorgeous small towns to choose from, offering quaint main streets packed with independent shops and restaurants, stunning scenery and plenty of southern hospitality. Intrigued? These are our top picks.

It may have a population of less than 5,000, but Washington is bursting with history. One of the first communities in the US named after the first president, it played host to the Battle of Kettle Creek during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and the last Confederate cabinet meeting at the end of the Civil War (1861-65). Delve into its past by visiting the Kettle Creek Battlefield and Washington Historical Museum, before strolling through leafy streets filled with mom-and-pop shops and antebellum homes. 

Located just 22 miles (35km) from Atlanta, Duluth provides the perfect balance of small-town feel and big-city convenience. But you only need to wander down its wide, open streets to realise it’s a world away from the state capital. It offers a mouth-watering menu of eateries, including Maple Street Biscuit Company and O4W Pizza, and is also a cultural hub, with plenty of art exhibitions, festivals and concerts hosted in and around the picturesque Duluth Town Green. 

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With red-brick streets oozing old-world charm, Thomasville lures in visitors with its good looks – but keeps them interested with a wide range of things to do. There are historic attractions, including the Confederate Prisoner of War Camp and Jack Hadley Black History Museum, as well as a great food scene with a slew of local breweries, wineries and restaurants to try. For homely southern fare check out Jonah’s Fish & Grits, or for something a little more upscale head to Liam's or Chop House on the Bricks. 

On 17 April 1944, Martin Luther King Jr gave his first ever speech at the First African Baptist Church (pictured) in Dublin, kicking off a revolutionary political career that would last more than two decades. You can visit this storied site today, and stroll through the Martin Luther King Jr Monument Park to learn about this important slice of civil rights history. Elsewhere in Dublin, you’ll find a brilliant local theatre, lovely antique stores and southern barbecue joints.

Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Ellijay is stunning year-round – but it particularly comes into its own in the autumn. It’s nicknamed Georgia’s apple capital and hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival in mid-October, just as the trees are beginning to burst with juicy fruit. Make the most of it by going apple picking and taking a tour of one of the town's orchards, or sample cider at local businesses such as Reece’s Cider Company.

A nature-lover’s dream, Dillard is a jumping-off point for beautiful outdoor attractions like Black Rock Mountain State Park and the Appalachian Trail. There’s no shortage of nearby adventure, whether you like hiking scenic trails, fly fishing, or embracing your inner daredevil with white water rafting or a zipline canopy tour. In the town itself, you’ll find an enticing mix of antiques stores, family-run bed and breakfasts and homestyle restaurants. Don’t miss the award-winning Dillard House, which serves traditional dishes cooked according to time-honoured family recipes.

Found on Georgia’s southeast coast, this port city is as postcard-perfect as they come. Downtown there’s a range of storied buildings to admire, such as the Old City Hall, dating back to 1889, and the Historic Ritz Theatre, dating back to 1899. It’s well worth checking out the Mary Ross Waterfront Park (pictured), where you can see a Second World War liberty ship (a mass-produced cargo ship used to transport supplies across the Atlantic) and check out concerts and festivals throughout the year. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset over the water.

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A northeast Georgia town brimming with history, Clayton started life as a Cherokee tribal community but was taken over by European settlers in 1821. Today it’s home to a wealth of museums offering insight into its past, including the Native American Heritage exhibition at the Rabun County Historical Society and the Foxfire Museum, which covers the communities that lived here between the 1820s and 1920s. It’s also known as Georgia’s farm-to-table capital thanks to the wealth of restaurants serving up local produce – Beechwood Inn and Fortify Kitchen & Bar are well worth a visit. 

Sharing a name with the mountain range on its doorstep, Blue Ridge is a perfect nature getaway. There are two waterfalls, Fall Branch and Long Creek, which can easily be explored on foot, while trout fishing, mountain biking and watersports are also popular. Downtown, you’ll find a lovely selection of independent shops, cafés and inns, while a lively calendar of events including the Blues and BBQ Festival and Spring & Fall Arts in the Park keeps things interesting year-round. 

Situated at the mouth of the Altamaha River, Darien was established in 1736 and is therefore Georgia’s second oldest city. For a fascinating journey into its past head to Fort King George State Historic Site, which served as a southern outpost for British troops from 1721 and is the oldest fort of its kind left on the Georgia coast. Make the most of the stunning scenery with a walk through the waterfront park, before sampling fresh seafood and southern staples at restaurants like Skippers' Fish Camp and B&J’s Steaks and Seafood.

With its red-brick buildings and tree-lined streets, Canton is undeniably pretty, but it’s impossible to admire its charm without addressing how it came to be. The town sits on former Cherokee Indian territory and its original residents were forcibly relocated in the 1830s. You can learn more about the town's Indigenous heritage with a visit to the Cherokee County Historical Center, which holds a range of exhibits and artefacts showing how Native American communities made the town what it is today. Elsewhere in Canton, there’s the gorgeous Cannon Park (pictured), which feels made for leisurely weekend strolls.

Offering 10 miles (16km) of sandy beachfront, as well as salt marshes and a scenic pier, Jekyll Island is packed with soul-soothing scenery. The barrier isle, which lies around 90 miles south of Savannah, once housed the exclusive Jekyll Island Club, a lavish resort where America’s ultra-rich including JP Morgan, William K Vanderbilt and Joseph Pulitzer would rub shoulders. Today, you can visit the 240-acre historic district with a 60-minute guided trolley tour. 

One of five islands found in Glynn County on Georgia’s southeastern coast, St Simons is home to plenty of scenic stretches of sand. Start with a stroll down the famous fishing pier before climbing the 129 steps to the top of St Simons Lighthouse, which has watched over these shores since 1872. Back in town, indulge in the region’s best seafood specialities at one of the brilliant waterside restaurants, which include Barbara Jean’s and Georgia Sea Grill.

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Among the most historic towns in the state is Dahlonega, where the country’s first major Gold Rush began in 1829. There are plenty of landmarks from the era that you can explore, from the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, located in the town courthouse, to the original gold mines where you can see where it all began. If you’re a wine lover, be sure to book a tour and tasting at one of the region’s many wineries – Frogtown, Cavender Creek and Wolf Mountain are some of the best.

Found around 40 miles (64km) south of Atlanta, Jackson is a brilliant blend of pleasant and convenient. Downtown there’s a great selection of restaurants including Buckner's Family Restaurant, which is said to serve the state’s finest fried chicken, while family-owned stores and historic lodgings line its leafy streets. Further afield you’ll find gorgeous scenery at High Falls State Park and Dauset Trails. 

Spread along the southernmost stretch of Georgia’s coastline, St Marys is the perfect base from which to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore. Here, wild forest mingles with windswept sand dunes and marshes, populated by sea turtles, horses, gulls and other wildlife. Once you’ve soaked up the natural beauty, take a stroll downtown to discover restaurants serving southern comfort food (Steffens is a highlight), alongside waterfront parks and historic museums. 

It boasts a gorgeous location overlooking Lake Oconee, but Greensboro isn’t just a pretty face – it’s packed full of history and culture too. Antebellum houses and churches line the streets, while one of the state’s earliest prisons, the European-designed Old Gaol, sits ominously in the city centre, a fortified cube of moss-covered stone. Check out the wide range of artisan goods at Genuine Georgia marketplace, and be sure to enjoy one of the brilliant events put on here throughout the year, such as the Southland Jubilee heritage arts festival. 

Without a shadow of a doubt, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the most architecturally and culturally interesting landmark in Lilburn. This ornate Hindu temple was painstakingly crafted from more than 34,000 pieces of hand-carved stone imported from Turkey, Italy and India, and it’s been a hub for Greater Atlanta’s Hindu community since opening in 2007. Elsewhere in the town, there are several pretty parks and a number of international restaurants serving everything from tacos to pizza.

The small town of Blairsville, which contains just 700 residents, is a jumping-off point for all manner of outdoor adventures. Nearby, you’ll find some of the state’s tallest peaks, including Brasstown Bald (easy to summit via a shuttle or hike), as well as some of its most impressive scenery in Vogel State Park (pictured). The historic downtown is eminently walkable, with colourful murals and plenty of greenery brightening up the red-brick buildings.

An ideal getaway just 18 miles (29km) from Savannah, Tybee Island is famed for its gorgeous beaches – there are five in total. But there’s plenty to do here besides relaxing on the sand and enjoying the sea breeze. You could visit the state’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, kayak or paddleboard around the coast or even go dolphin watching. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try one of the town's distinctly ocean-themed eateries, from relaxed waterfront cafés to seafood restaurants.

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Lovers of the great outdoors will be well served at Pine Mountain, a charming small town surrounded by nature. The prime attraction is Callaway Gardens (pictured), a 2,500-acre oasis of trees, blooms and lakes just a stone’s throw from downtown, while Georgia’s largest state park, the FD Roosevelt, offers a range of hiking trails. The town has an inviting array of eateries and accommodation options, including Chipley Murrah B&B, which is set in an impressive Victorian mansion. 

History buffs should look no further than Adairsville, the first town in Georgia to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This characterful hub, located in the Oothcalooga Valley, boasts a whole host of fascinating landmarks – don’t miss the 1847 Railroad Depot and the 1902 Stock Exchange, now filled with independent shops and the beloved Maggie Mae’s Tea Room. If you’re after a luxurious place to stay, the mid-19th-century Barnsley Resort just outside the city offers sprawling gardens, a golf course and a spa. 

Frequently ranking among the prettiest towns in the state and indeed the country, Madison has the second largest historic district of any town in Georgia and is home to more than 100 antebellum structures. These range from the 1842 Joshua Hill House (pictured) to the 1830 Richter Cottage. Among the stunning streets there's also plenty of green space, and a wealth of museums and galleries to explore.

The most notable attraction at Tallulah Falls is, unsurprisingly, its namesake waterfall. Every visitor should dedicate a good chunk of time to exploring this impressive natural feature, though be sure to book ahead as only 100 permits are granted per day. Back in town, head for a coffee and cake break at Tallulah 1882, a gorgeous café housed in the former train station, before checking into one of the region’s quaint inns and lodges – Glen-Ella Springs Inn is among the most picturesque.

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Recognise this quaint town? You might, because Covington has appeared on screen more than 140 times, in titles ranging from Sweet Magnolias and The Vampire Diaries to The Dukes of Hazzard. Its picture-perfect streets do feel distinctly like a film set, so don’t miss a trolley tour with Main Street Trolleys, which will take you through the town’s key filming locations, as well as checking out the Newton County Courthouse (pictured).

With its cute-as-a-button Bavarian-style buildings backdropped by the picturesque Southern Appalachian Mountains, Helen might just be the most charming Georgian town of them all. But not only is this northeastern hub beautiful, it’s also packed with things to keep you busy. Top of our list are the gorgeous Anna Ruby Falls, the Helen Arts and Heritage Center and the city’s numerous wineries. When it’s time to eat, Hofer’s of Helen does the best baked goods, while Bodensee serves up Bavarian food that’s in keeping with the setting. 

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