If you’ve ever driven through South Georgia and thought, “There’s not much out here,” oh man, you’ve been missing out.
Tucked between the pine trees, peanut fields, and stretches of quiet highway are some of the coolest little towns you’ve probably never heard of.
We’re talking cute downtowns, swamp adventures, train-watching platforms, hidden canyons, and even a statue that sings Ray Charles songs.
These spots may not make the top of every travel list, but trust me, they’ve got stories, flavors, and scenic views you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Darien
Located off I-95 about halfway between Savannah and the Florida border, Darien is a tiny coastal town full of shrimp boats, marsh views, and Southern charm.
It’s one of Georgia’s oldest towns (founded in 1736!), where you can still see the ruins of Fort King George and ancient live oaks dripping in Spanish moss.
If you love seafood, head to Skipper’s Fish Camp for fresh local shrimp, then stroll through Darien Waterfront Park to watch the sun set behind the docks.
2. St. Marys
Not far from Darien, St. Marys sits at Georgia’s southern tip and feels like a secret gateway, with quiet streets and colorful old houses.
It’s the only town where you can take a 45-minute ferry to Cumberland Island, home to wild horses, empty beaches, and the ruins of Dungeness Mansion.
Before exploring, grab a biscuit at Riverside Café and visit the Submarine Museum, where real periscopes and Navy relics fill a tiny space near the waterfront.
3. Folkston
Head a bit inland and you’ll hit Folkston, a small town that draws train lovers from all over just to watch locomotives roll by at the famous Folkston Funnel.
To catch the action, there’s a covered viewing platform with benches, free Wi-Fi, and speakers that let you hear radio chatter from the engineers.
It’s also the gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, so after your train fix, swing by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for a boardwalk stroll or a boat tour.
4. Fitzgerald
Then there’s Fitzgerald, an unusual town where wild chickens freely roam the streets and show up almost everywhere you look.
This place was founded by Civil War veterans from both sides, so you’ll see streets named after Union and Confederate generals.
Don’t miss the Blue & Gray Museum inside an old railroad depot, and if your timing’s right, you’ll also catch the wonderfully weird Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival.
(The Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival normally takes place on the third weekend of March every year.)
5. Albany
Next up is Albany, where history, nature, and music all come together in the coolest way.
This is the hometown of soul legend Ray Charles, where a life-size statue of him playing a baby grand piano stands in Ray Charles Plaza.
You can tour underground caves at the Flint RiverQuarium, kayak through downtown on the Flint River, or learn civil rights history at the Albany Civil Rights Institute.
6. Lumpkin
Keep driving northwest and you’ll find Lumpkin, a low-key town best known for Providence Canyon (yes, the one nicknamed Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”).
The colorful cliffs here weren’t carved by nature but by poor farming practices in the 1800s.
Today, you can hike through 9 different canyons filled with bright orange, pink, and purple soil.
When you’re done exploring, head back to town and stroll around the tiny courthouse square.
7. Bainbridge
Now it’s on to Bainbridge, where the pace is slow and the Flint River is the star of the show.
You can walk the shady Riverwalk Trail that winds along the water, or relax in one of the riverside parks with a view of the passing boats.
Afterwards, head downtown to see the murals, shop a little, and grab a drink at Southern Philosophy Brewing, a popular weekend spot with live music.
8. Thomasville
And just when you think South Georgia has shown you everything, Thomasville rolls in with a big personality and small-town style that stands out.
It’s famous for its 337-year-old Big Oak tree and a downtown featuring antique shops, fancy cheese at Sweet Grass Dairy, and the restored 1920s Ritz Amphitheater.
Time your visit right and you might catch the Rose Show & Festival, when the whole town turns into one garden party with parades and flower displays.
(The Rose Show & Festival normally takes place in late April every year.)
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