10 Georgia Destinations Ranked ‘World’s Best’ by Travel + Leisure

Islands, cities and hotels across Georgia have earned coveted spots in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, announced July 9. Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading travel media brands, and its annual reader-survey-based awards program is considered the most trusted ranking in the travel industry.

For the second year in a row, Georgia’s Golden Islands – Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Island and the port city of Brunswick – claimed the top spot for Best Islands in the Continental U.S. and were the only domestic destination to make this year’s Best Islands in the World list. Cumberland Island emerged as the No. 6 best island in the continental U.S. The survey results confirm that the state’s coastal region is one of the most popular destinations for travelers worldwide.

“For decades, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards have inspired travelers to visit the most exceptional destinations around the world,” said Mark Jaronski, Chief Marketing Officer for the Georgia Department of Economic Development“It’s great to see that Georgia’s unique brand of travel experiences has gained increasing recognition over the past few years for delivering what today’s travelers need most, from destinations that are truly considered the best.”

According to Travel + Leisure, Georgia had the largest presence of all the southern states on the list of favorite Southern resorts, with five properties in the top 15: The Lodge and The Cloister at Sea Island; The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island; The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, in Greenland; and Barnsley Resort in AdairsvilleThe Cloister was also recognized as a World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honorary member, a distinction given to destinations and brands that have been voted onto a specific list for the past 10 consecutive years.

Savannah – an honorary member of the World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame – rose to No. 3 on the Top US Cities list, and the airport jumped three spots from last year to No. 4 Best Domestic Airport. Travel + Leisure readers also voted on their favorite Savannah hotels, with Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, crowned the winner for the second year in a row. The Alida, Savannah, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District; Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront; and Kimpton Brice Hotel also earned spots. These accolades showcase Savannah’s unique Southern charm and hospitality, further cementing its reputation as the “Hostess City of the South.”

Atlanta was also recognized for its welcoming and hospitable hotels. Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, was named the No. 5 favorite city hotel in the continental U.S. and claimed the top spot for favorite hotel in Atlanta. The St. Regis Atlanta; InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta; The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead; and Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta were also among readers’ favorites in the bustling state capital. Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, landed at No. 5 on the list of best domestic airlines.

“Our diverse Georgia destinations draw visitors to every corner of the state,” said Jay Markwalter, director of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Statewide Tourism“Together, we generate state and local tax revenues and boost both our tourism and our state economy, making Georgia the best place to live and work.”

Georgia had a record year for tourism in 2022, with 167.7 million visitors spending nearly $40 billion. Tourism is the state’s second-largest economic contributor, supporting more than 442,600 jobs and generating $73 billion in total economic impact.

For more information about the World’s Best Awards, visit travelandleisure.com.

Visit exploregeorgia.org to learn more about Georgia’s award-winning destinations and experiences.

About Discover Georgia
Explore Georgia, the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s tourism division, serves the industry throughout the state and millions of annual visitors through its team of regional representatives and nine visitor information centers. Working closely with GDEcD’s Marketing & Communications Division, the team inspires travel to and within the state through marketing programs developed and implemented in partnership with the state’s travel industry.