15 of the Best Places to Photograph in Georigia (USA)

Georgia is packed with scenic landscapes and hidden gems perfect for travel and nature photographers. From rugged mountains to windswept coastal islands, this southern state offers a diverse range of beautiful places to explore and capture through your lens.

Whether it’s the towering cliffs of Tallulah Gorge, the striking colors of Providence Canyon, or the untouched beauty of Cumberland Island, this state is packed with picturesque destinations waiting to be explored.

If you’re planning your next road trip, this article showcases the best that Georgia has to offer. Or maybe you live in Georgia and you’re looking for some new places to visit and photograph. Check out the map below to see each location covered in this article.

The Most Beautiful Places in Georgia

1. Savannah

Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, oozes Southern charm and historical intrigue. Perfect for photographers, its oak-lined streets are draped with Spanish moss, creating fairy-tale-like settings around every corner. Forsyth Park, a 30-acre jewel in the heart of Savannah, features the iconic Forsyth Fountain—the postcard-perfect shot every visitor wants.

The Historic District invites you to wander along cobblestone streets, with pastel-colored mansions, iron gates, and manicured gardens. Don’t forget to visit River Street at sunset, where its moss-covered walkways align with views of the Savannah River. For more ethereal vibes, consider an early morning shoot at Bonaventure Cemetery, famous for its haunting beauty.

2. Atlanta

For urban photography, Atlanta’s skyline mixes modern architecture with historical appeal. The Jackson Street Bridge is a classic spot, especially during the golden hour when the city’s towers glow against a vibrant sky.

You can also capture the greenspace surrounded by cityscapes at Piedmont Park, offering perfect reflections of Atlanta’s towering skyline in Lake Clara Meer. The BeltLine trails are another prime location where murals and fascinating architecture provide plenty of photo opportunities.

3. Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island’s crown jewel is Driftwood Beach, a hauntingly beautiful place where twisted driftwood lines the sandy shores. The minimalist vibe is ideal for moody landscape photography, particularly at sunrise or under a blanket of stars.

Wander through the island to explore picturesque ruins like Horton House and watch native wildlife at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Don’t miss capturing Jekyll Island’s beautiful marshlands.

4. Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is an unspoiled paradise located just off the Georgia coast. With its windswept dunes, forests of twisted live oaks, and wild horses that roam freely, Cumberland offers countless unique shots.

The Dungeness Ruins, remnants of an opulent Carnegie mansion, serve as an incredible backdrop for your photos. Thanks to limited daily visitors, you’re likely to enjoy the tranquil beauty in solitude.

5. Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are ideal for sweeping panoramas and nature shots. Visit Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to frame a touch of small-town charm surrounded by rolling mountains. Fall is the most photogenic season, with fiery reds and oranges covering the hills.

Hike the Appalachian Trail near Springer Mountain for expansive views, or head to Mercier Orchards for opportunities to capture picturesque apple-filled landscapes.

6. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Located in northeastern Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park is easily accessible and makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. The gorge is a photographer’s dream with steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Capture breathtaking shots of the gorge’s swinging suspension bridge or take to the trails to find several waterfalls, like the popular Hurricane Falls.

For panoramic views, consider heading to the rim overlooks during sunrise when the gorge is often cloaked in mystical fog—an unbeatable scene for your landscape photos.

7. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Located in northwest Georgia, this park is lauded for its rugged beauty and dramatic vistas. Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, with their cascading water surrounded by mossy terrain, are two must-see locations within the park. Both waterfalls are accessible from the same hiking trail, which is about 2 miles out and back and rated as moderately difficult.

Additionally, the park’s main overlook provides sweeping views of the canyon during golden hour, offering an excellent opportunity to capture light and shadow dancing across the canyon walls.

8. Okefenokee Swamp

Okefenokee Swamp is a sprawling wetland that makes for mesmerizing nature photos. Navigate through its blackwater wilderness by canoe or kayak to capture reflections of cypress trees and wildlife, including alligators and unique bird species.

Sunrise often unveils a magical sky mirrored on the water’s surface, and sometimes fog rolls through the landscape, adding an otherworldly feel to your shoot.

9. Lookout Mountain

Hovering over the Tennessee-Georgia line, Lookout Mountain provides jaw-dropping views and incredible photo opportunities. Rock City Gardens features pathways that lead you to formations like the 140-foot “Lovers Leap” waterfall, one of the area’s highlights. Through the “See Seven States” viewpoint, on clear days, you can capture views that seem to go on forever.

10. Anna Ruby Falls

Situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Anna Ruby Falls features twin waterfalls cascading side by side, making it a favorite among nature photographers. A short, paved hike leads to viewing platforms offering perfect vantage points.

Visit after a rainstorm for maximum flow and vibrant greenery. The falls blend beautifully into the surrounding serenity of the Unicoi State Park, giving you plenty more to explore.

11. Vogel State Park

Located at the base of Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park is a popular spot for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. This park, one of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved, is especially picturesque during the fall when vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold blanket the surrounding trees. Its 200+ acres offer a serene escape for families, hikers, and photographers.

Lake Trahlyta, with its reflective waters, is a central spot to photograph, especially when surrounded by autumn foliage. The park also features over 17 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks like the Trahlyta Lake Trail to strenuous hikes like the challenging Bear Hair Gap Loop. The park also provides a gateway to the Appalachian Trail via the nearby Coosa Backcountry Trail.

Take the Trahlyta Falls Trail to capture a beautiful waterfall.

12. Providence Canyon State Park

Nicknamed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon delights with its colorful, stratified cliffs. The oranges, yellows, and reds found in the canyon walls are perfect for unique landscape photos.

Providence Canyon was formed through a combination of natural erosion and poor farming practices in the 19th century. The soft soil, coupled with deforestation and unregulated agricultural methods, allowed water to carve deep gullies over time. These processes gradually shaped the striking stratified cliffs we see today, making the canyon both a natural and historical landmark.

Bring a wide-angle lens to photograph the full scene, or focus on the smaller eroded formations for abstract, detail-oriented shots.

13. Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls is known as Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall and one of its most photographed natural wonders. Capture wide shots from the bottom as the waterfall tumbles more than 700 feet, or take the hiking trails to other overlooks for unique perspectives.

Located near the Appalachian Trail, this park also provides striking woodlands and stunning vistas to photograph year-round.

14. St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island combines history and coastal tranquility and is a great location for seascape photography. Snap the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse standing tall against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Wander through live oak avenues for dreamy tree canopy shots.

Be sure to visit East Beach for long-exposure photography during sunset, where the golden sand swirls into pastel-colored skies.

15. Tybee Island

Known as “Savannah’s Beach,” Tybee Island is a beloved spot for sunrise photographers. Its serene beaches create an idyllic canvas to capture golden hour light. The Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion serve as focal points for your shots.

For a touch of history, visit Fort Pulaski with its beautiful brick textures and views of the surrounding marshlands. It’s just a short drive from Savannah, making it easy to combine both destinations into a single trip.

Start Your Journey to Georgia’s Most Photogenic Spots

With so much natural beauty and captivating landscapes, Georgia is an incredible state waiting to be explored and photographed. Whether you’re capturing misty mountains or golden beaches, these places will inspire your creativity and breathe new life into your work.