This is the Budget-Friendliest State in America to Visit, According to AAA

Welcome To Georgia

Peaches, mountains, beaches, and bargains.

U.S. News & World Report backs this up, ranking Savannah at No. 14 for “Best Affordable Spring Break Trips”. They love how it brings together culture, food, and nightlife with lots of free attractions thrown in.

The place offers a bit of everything without breaking the bank. Let’s explore why the Peach State tops AAA’s list for affordable travel in America.

It’s Incredibly Affordable

A day in Savannah costs around $202, with visitors typically spending $99 on food, $27 getting around town, and $169 for hotels.

Two people staying a week pay about $2,828 total for everything – rooms, meals, travel, and activities.

Compare this to Maui, where you’ll spend about $343 daily – $162 for food, $62 for getting around, and $282 for hotels.

A week there costs two people $4,802 for the same basics.

Perfect for Budget Travelers

In Georgia, you can get by on $36 per day – $14 for food, $5.42 for travel, and $22 for hotels.

Two people traveling for a week spend about $504 in total.

Up in Fairbanks, Alaska, you’re looking at $318 per day – $109 for food, $66 to get around, and $309 for a room.

A week’s vacation costs two people $4,452.

Beautiful State Parks

Georgia’s got 48 state parks, 15 historic sites, and plenty of wildlife areas under the Department of Natural Resources’ watch.

Check out Andersonville National Historic Site, hike part of the Appalachian Trail, or paddle through Okefenokee Swamp. Don’t miss Amicalola Falls State Park – 829 acres between Ellijay and Dahlonega.

The Cherokee named it “tumbling waters,” and when you see the 729-foot waterfall (Georgia’s tallest), you’ll know why.

Soul Food Heaven

The Peach State earns its nickname with fresh peaches baked into everything – pies, jams, jellies, ice cream, and the best cobbler you’ll taste.

Craving fried chicken?

Mary Macs Tea Room in Atlanta has been doing it right for over 70 years – crispy outside, juicy inside. Hit The Crab Shack on Tybee Island for a low country boil (shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn) all in one pot.

And don’t leave without trying shrimp and grits, a Southern staple any time of day.

Lots of Attractions

Atlanta’s heavy hitters include Georgia Aquarium (once the world’s largest), Zoo Atlanta, and Stone Mountain, which pulls in four million visitors yearly.

History buffs, take note:

Visit FDR’s Little White House in Warm Springs, Carter’s hometown of Plains, the Carter Presidential Center, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

Historic Savannah

As America’s first planned city, Savannah is like a living museum.

Over 40% of its buildings tell stories from the 18th and 19th centuries, mixing Federal, Gothic Revival, and Georgian styles.

Wander through 22 public squares dotted with gardens and huge oaks hanging over cobblestone streets.

Thank the local women who saved these buildings in the 1950s, leading to the Historic Savannah Foundation and National Landmark status in 1966.

Awesome Museums

Georgia has loads of great museums, too.

The Booth Museum in Cartersville won USA Today’s Best Art Museum three years running. It’s packed with Western art, sculptures, photos, and Native American treasures.

Atlanta serves up the World of Coca-Cola where you can watch the bottling magic and taste drinks from around the world.

The Breman Museum shares Jewish heritage stories, while the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects MLK’s dream to today’s global struggles.

Swamp Adventures

The 400,000-acre Okefenokee Swamp near Florida offers three different experiences.

Boat rides and boardwalks at Suwannee Canal, family fun at Okefenokee Swamp Park, or off-the-beaten-path exploring at Stephen C Foster State Park.

Fun fact: The Suwannee River running through here inspired Florida’s state song.

Rich in History

If you’re into history, you’re going to love Georgia. Step back in time at Chief Vann House, the Cherokee Nation’s first brick home from 1804.

Dig into ancient history at Etowah Indian Mounds, where thousands lived 400 years ago, or relive Civil War history at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield.

Go on a Movie-Themed Roadtrip

The film industry pumps $4 billion yearly into Georgia.

Ozark made Lake Lanier famous, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire showed off Atlanta’s Swan House.

Even the popular sci-fi series ‘Stranger Things’ shoots around Atlanta, Fayetteville, Winston, and Palmetto.

A lot of these offer tours and activities so you can experience them in real life.

Mountain Wines

Up in North Georgia’s mountains, wineries offer views with your vino.

Kaya Vineyard sits 1,600 feet high with killer views. Wolf Mountain Vineyards not only wins California gold medals but serves up Sunday brunch with live music.

Don’t skip Yonah Mountain Vineyards – it’s got Georgia’s only wine cave tour and pours everything from chardonnay to malbec.

Small Town Charm

Some of Georgia’s best secrets hide in its small towns.

Americus rocks the historic Rylander Theatre, Blairsville beckons outdoor lovers to Lake Trahlyta, and Clayton earns its “Farm to Table Capital” title with spots like White Birch Provisions and Fortify Kitchen.