Move Over Savannah! This Charming Town Is Georgia’s New Tourism Hotspot

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Call us nerds if you want, but we love deep-diving into the latest tourism industry reports jam-packed with insightful nuggets.

Look — we’re not calling ourselves Einstein, but here at Travel Off Path we know when the math is mathin’ to declare the next trendy getaway.

In this case, let’s say the proof is in a heaping bowl of banana pudding for a charming lake town pushing Savannah aside as Georgia’s new tourism hotspot.

They may not have the weirdest baseball team on the planet, but what they do well isn’t such a curveball — think live music, Southern comforts, and low-key lake life on the tranquil outskirts of town.

The South’s Most Underrated Lake Town

We get the appeal of the coast, and Georgia is quite underrated there too with its cluster of hideaway islands.

But don’t sleep on the laid-back vibes and serenity of Macon’s lakeside.

Yes, right now is too cold for a dip unless perhaps you just got back from Finland, as I have, and are now inspired by hot saunas and cold plunging.

Otherwise, enjoy the beauty of Lake Tobesofkee’s wooded coves and rolling shorelines from a boat, morning stroll, or cast a reel to kick off your day.

Macon’s much more of a waterfront oasis from spring through fall, with ample beaches to lounge around and swimming areas to cool off from Georgia’s sweltering summer heat.

Though uncommon, just know there are gator sightings here, so that’s where I say, “How can I rent a kayak?”

Good question, Sam. You can do so by bringing your own or switching bodies of water to the scenic Ocmulgee River and using Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.

Macon Oozes Charm & History

Macon has planted its flag as a destination unto itself — no longer just a pass-through city where you might think to yourself, “what goes on in this little town?”.

Downtown, College Hill, and Vineville are packed with preserved streets beaming with charm, such as timeworn cathedrals and storied storefronts home to community staples.

But it’s not just quintessential Southern charm, with Mom n’ Pop shops and eateries lining the maze of historic streets.

You can turn back the clock even more…

One of the most captivating sites in all of Georgia is right here in Macon: the Ocmulgee Mounds.

This ancient Indigenous site dates back to roughly 900 – 1150 AD and invites visitors to learn about Native American civilizations that thrived here long before European settlement.

But there’s no question locals are proud of their Southern roots.

You can wander places like Hay House and the surrounding neighborhoods for grand Southern architecture — a far cry from Atlanta’s hustle and bustle and equally as delightful as Savannah without the crowds once the sun starts beaming again.

Moreover, Macon is home to some true gems for accommodations. Our pick is the 1842 Inn for a timeless stay in a restored antebellum mansion

Is Macon Safe To Visit?

While Macon is undeniably storybook with a Hallmark movie setting (without the cheesy actors), there is one downside travelers may be concerned about before making a trip this way.

No traveler likes to feel out of place, keeping their head on a swivel when trying to enjoy a vacation.

According to very recent statistics from numerous outlets, ‘Macon-Bibb County holds the notorious title of the highest murder rate of any metropolitan area in FBI data, nearing five times the national average’.

Skimming online travel boards, many say they love living in Macon, and some of these numbers feel skewed, while others say tourists should stick to the main areas of town and go with where your gut tells you belongs or not.

That’s all the more reason to enjoy Macon’s famed live music scene and stick with the locals. After all, Little Richard, Otis Redding, and The Allman Brothers started their illustrious careers here…

Best Way To Get Here

You may have heard Spirit was set to anchor Macon’s Middle Georgia Regional Airport, only to pull the plug before launching.

Anyone surprised?

The good news is Macon is a beautiful drive from Atlanta, just an hour away, which just so happens to be one of America’s busiest and most connected airports.

While A-town is notorious for bad traffic, once you leave the city limits, expect a journey of straightforward interstate driving through pine country into a picturesque townscape once you settle in.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.