What is Georgia's Greatest Tourist Destination? (Savannah, Decatur: gardens, agricultural, beaches)

[johnatl]

^LOL - Sounds like you're in the right place, then!

I think you're right about a bump in attendance from the Dolphin expansion, Greg. I was down in the area last week, and the changes to the Aquarium area are pretty impressive to see. That whole area is really cleaning up nicely.

I had no idea the Dolphin exhibit was already under heavy construction.

[lilmusket]

I think the difference is whether a city is a tourist destination or more of a buysiness destination. I am sure that metro Atlanta receives many more visitors per year than Savannah.. but most visitors to Atlanta are business travellers. Atlanta isn't exactly known as a tourist city, although I know the city has been trying to change that perception.

[johnatl]

Originally Posted by lilmusket

I think the difference is whether a city is a tourist destination or more of a buysiness destination. I am sure that metro Atlanta receives many more visitors per year than Savannah.. but most visitors to Atlanta are business travellers. Atlanta isn't exactly known as a tourist city, although I know the city has been trying to change that perception.

You would be correct in that assumption, lilmusket.

Atlanta receives around 34 million visitors a year, the large majority of them are indeed here on bidness.

[lilmusket]

savannah is kind of like a little new orleans.. only place in the state I know of where there is no open container law in the downtown historic district.. they sell daquiris and beer on the sidewalk and bars have to go cups at the door.
Atlanta doesn't even allow happy hour.. so Savannah would seem a much more party friendly tourist destination.

[RandyarmonG]

The Atlanta Metro hands down

[lilmusket]

Originally Posted by RandyarmonG

The Atlanta Metro hands down

Atlanta ceretainly has tourist attractrions, but it has never struck me me as a tourist city... I think Savannah is more thought of as a tourist city. They have numerous city tours...you really don't see that in Atlanta.

[WanderingImport]

Atlanta has the numbers but mainly for businesses, Savannah has the true tourist draw for people on vacation. Savannah's tourist numbers are just above that of Stone Mountain's. Somewhere in the vicinity of 4-7 million annually. (I know thats pretty broad, but I don't have a source for that, I've just heard the numbers in the newspaper & TV in the past)

[southernnaturelover]

Coming from someone in a neighboring state, I think the coastal islands would get top spot in this poll, with Savannah a close second.

(I don't go to ATL unless I have to.)

[WanderingImport]

Coastal Georgia is all around a great place to visit! The beaches can't compare to the Florida Panhandle though.

[crux]

The Federal pen outside atlanta and the housing near it. It's a one of a kind experience.