Summer is the amazing time to hit the open road and explore everything that the state of Georgia has to offer.

And if you’re looking for a new experience entirely, consider driving way down to the Okefenokee Swamp. On the contrary, if you’re looking for a more relaxed summer adventure, head to one of Georgia’s coastal towns like Tybee Island. The Blue Ridge Mountains deliver stunning views, daring drives, and a lot of activities for the whole family.

No matter where you go in this versatile southern state, choosing the right car for the drive and ensuring proper maintenance for that vehicle before heading out on your summer road trip is crucial. From the mountains up north to the Atlantic coast, there are endless possibilities for a summer road trip in Georgia.

From Hennessy Ford Atlanta to you, here are 6 of our favorite Georgia summer break destinations (and our suggested car for each!)

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you’re yearning for some elevation, consider marking Cloudland Canyon State Park on the map as a destination to hit this summer.

Located a few hours from Atlanta at the Georgia/Tennessee border; this state park is a fun day trip getaway! The drive up is beautiful, and the surrounding mountain views from the top of the canyon are breathtaking. There are lots of hiking and biking trails to explore, waterfalls to view, and even a seasonal swimming hole.

Looking to extend your trip? The cooler nights make Cloudland Canyon an excellent place to camp. Several cabins are also available for rent so the good doesn’t have to stop on day one.

For this journey, we suggest taking a car that has plenty of space for all your gear and can tackle mild to moderate mountain roads.

Our pick: Explorer

Whatever kind of car you choose to take, Cloudland Canyon is a great place to escape the summer heat and enjoy some time in nature without committing to an overly-strenuous journey!

Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald in the heart of Blue Ridge is hard to beat when it comes to quintessential road trip destinations.

Thanks to its elevation, Brasstown Bald is also one of the coolest spots in this southern state to visit during the summer, making it a good escape from the heat. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this picturesque travel spot offers stunning views of the surrounding North Georgia countryside.

While any car can make the journey to Brasstown Bald, a four-wheel-drive SUV or truck would be best suited for tackling the winding mountain roads. And with lots of hiking trails and picnic spots to explore, there is no shortage of things to do once you reach your destination.

Our pick: F-150

If you’re looking for an iconic location to hit during your summer road trip in Georgia this summer, be sure to put Brasstown Bald at the top of your list.

Downtown Atlanta

When it comes to good things to do in Atlanta, the possibilities are endless.

You can enjoy a family day at the famous Georgia Aquarium or spend a quiet afternoon at the High Museum of Art (check out Trip Advisor’s list of our favorite Atlanta attractions). This historically and culturally-rich city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a lively music scene, delicious food, or simply some outstanding old-fashioned southern hospitality.

As for which vehicle to take on a journey to the city, that depends on a few factors.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving, then a comfortable sedan would be an entertaining choice. A smaller car would work fine if you’re primarily using public transportation. And if you’re traveling with a group of people, then a compact SUV might be the best option.

Our pick: Mach-E

No matter what car you choose, Atlanta is sure to be an exciting journey destination for everyone in your group!

The Little Grand Canyon

Many road trip destinations across the country are worth exploring, but few are as unique as Providence Canyon – the Little Grand Canyon – in Georgia.

Visitors can hike through the Mars-like canyon, camp overnight, and even go fishing in the creek that runs through it. This man-made wonder resulted from farming practices in the 1800s that led to extreme erosion.

Taking a summer adventure here in an RV would be excellent because there are numerous campgrounds in the area with full hookups. If you don’t have an RV, we suggest an SUV that can best tackle dirt and gravel roads.

Our pick: Escape

With its sandy trails and stunning, otherworldly views, Providence Canyon is a journey destination that you will not want to miss.

Tybee Island

Though Tybee Island is only about 20 miles outside Savannah, it feels a world away with its pristine beaches and lush vegetation.

Tybee Island is also home to various wildlife, including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and ospreys. There are several historical sites on the island to hit along the way, including the Tybee Island Light Station and Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Because this destination only requires a relatively smooth drive to the beach (but plenty of room to store beach gear and coolers), an SUV or minivan might be ideal.

Our pick: Explorer

Geographical uniqueness and biological diversity make for endless fun things to do on Tybee Island this summer!

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

As one of the largest freshwater marshes in North America, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge at Georgia’s southernmost border is a great road trip destination for nature lovers and road trippers alike.

The refuge is home to an array of wildlife, including alligators, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and swallow-tailed kites. In addition, it offers a variety of activities such as canoeing, hiking, and fishing.

Plus, there’s no need to rough it on this summer vacation. Plenty of comfortable camping spots and lodges are scattered throughout the refuge, and a paved, 7-mile Auto Tour Route makes the journey relatively easy for any vehicle.

That being said, a four-wheel-drive SUV or truck would be perfect for tackling any muddy roads or large puddles of water you may come across, and the extra height might come in handy for spotting wildlife along the way.

Our pick: F-150

No Georgia summer break in the summertime is complete without heading as far south as you can get to the Okefenokee Swamp! Just make sure your car is ready for the ride.

Need a Recap?

From the mountains up north to the beaches and swamplands down south, the beautiful state of Georgia offers endless opportunities for the ideal summer vacation. By now, you should have a top-to-bottom list of six iconic Georgia summer road trip destinations to hit this summer:

• Tybee Island
• Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
• Providence Canyon (also known as the Little Grand Canyon)
• Downtown Atlanta (because, of course)
• Brasstown Bald in the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Cloudland Canyon State Park

Whether you’re looking to go offroading, travel compactly through the city, or cruise calmly down to the shoreline, there is sure to be a destination on this list for you and your family (and a perfect car to match)!

At Hennessy Ford Atlanta, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. If you are looking for a Ford to take on your summer road trip, you can view our inventory and Test Drive today. From our family to yours, safe travels this summer!