Top 5 Georgia Road Trip Stops

With spring weather approaching, the lure of the road is calling and Georgia's cities and towns make ideal road trip destinations for locals and tourists alike. With tourism contributing $22.7 billion to the Georgia economy in 2011, you're not the only one with a hankering to see more of the state.

For any of these road trips, it's ideal to make sure that your car is in good working order. If you need a new car, DriveTime Atlanta recommends you avoid "buy here pay here" lots, which feature high-mileage clunkers and predatory sales tactics. You don't need these with the availability of financing options that will help you obtain a quality used car. Then add these top five road trip destinations to your itinerary to explore the finest the Peach State has to offer.

1. Atlanta

From the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo to the Botanical Garden, Ballet and Opera, Atlanta offers some of the best entertainment in Georgia. Other historical highlights not to be missed include the Fox Theatre, recently restored to 1920's glory, the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum or the MLK Jr. National Historic Site.

Photo of Georgia Aquarium by Zac Wolf via Wikimedia Commons

2. Amicalola Falls and State Park

Located in Dawsonville, GA, Amicalola Falls and State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Georgia and boasts the Southeast's tallest waterfall. Amicalola Falls tops out at 729 feet. The park offers 12 miles of hiking trails, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs. Choose from easy trails to moderate canyon climbs. You can make your getaway a weekend one by staying in the mountaintop lodge. Parking is five dollars, and the State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Photo of Amicalola Falls by kelemvor4 via Flickr

3. Antebellum Trail

Stretching 114 miles from from Macon to Athens, the Antebellum Trail shows off the best of the old South, with fine plantation homes that escaped the torch of General Sherman. The Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage occurs annually in April, so time your trip with this open house to see the inside of these grand homes. Standouts include Macon's Italianate Hay House, the Lockerly Arboretum in Milledgeville and the University of Georgia's State Botanical Garden and Museum of Art.

Photo by Gsmith via Wikimedia Commons

4. Savannah

Savannah's beautifully preserved historic district with its restored buildings, beautiful churches and legions of cemeteries make for a perfect spring day trip. If the haunted aspects of the town interest you, you'll find many ghost tours. Old Fort Jackson and Fort McAllister makes interesting (and interactive) historical stops.

Photo by Kmf164 via Wikimedia Commons

5. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Located in Tallulah Falls, GA, Tallulah Gorge State Park offers dramatic canyon views and waterfalls. Visitors can hike canyon rim trails to look out over the gorge or obtain a free permit to hike the gorge floor and suspension bridge, which sways 80 feet over the bottom of the gorge. There are only 100 permits per day, so plan in advance during peak tourist season. Parking is five dollars and the State Park is open from 8 a.m. until dark daily. If you have pets, you can only bring them on leash to rim trails, as they are not allowed (on or off leash) on any trails that lead to the gorge or on the gorge floor.

Photo by photojc123 via Flickr