12 Unforgettable Georgia Day Trips, One for Each Month of the Year

For those who have lived in Georgia for quite some time, it can be difficult to come up with new ideas for travel. Chances are, you may not have really stretched your wings too far in your home state, just because you haven’t realized all there is to do. But have no worries, we are here to change that. If you’re like us and you’ve made a resolution to travel more this upcoming year, then we have 12 unforgettable one-day getaways in Georgia to take, broken down by month. Mark your calendars, these are the best day trips in Georgia, one for each month of the year. Some of my personal favorites made this list, too!

January - Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides

With the winter season in full effect, you can still enjoy the outdoors with a trip to the Dahlonega Carriage and Horse Rides. Not only will you get to ride through the mountains on these gentle creatures, but you’ll be able to see an entirely different side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is always pretty and peaceful during the winter months. When the cozy season comes around, spending time in the mountains is always on my list of things to do in Georgia. And chances are, you'll enjoy the crisp mountain air as much as I do.

February - Georgia Aquarium

If you’re a fan of aquatic animals and enjoy gazing as they move graciously through 11 million gallons of crystal-blue waters, then plan a trip to Georgia Aquarium. Located on Baker Street in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the aquarium is one of the largest in the world, making it a unique place in Georgia. I have only been to the aquarium in the winter months, and it feels like you’re in a vast blue ocean of warm waters, even though the weather is cold outside. This aquarium is wonderful for kids of all ages and is a perfect outing for wheelchair users, too. Sure, it gets crowded, but if you go early and during the off-season (winter months), you’ll be able to skip the crowds and get cozy with some new aquatic friends along the way. 

March - Tugaloo State Park, Lake Hartwell

As the temperatures start to heat up, you might be a bit stir crazy from the past few months. So in March, we recommend hitting the small state park in Lake Hartwell, known as Tugaloo State Park. With an abundance of hiking trails, plus yurts to rent for the evening, you can get out in nature and start exploring again. It’s the kind of low-key destination in Georgia where you can easily find peaceful spots to relax and soak up its natural beauty. 

April - FrogHill Mountain View Farm Home

Ahh, April. Spring is in the air, and it’s nice to take a weekend away to explore the outdoors. If you’re looking for an adventure that will really take you out of your element, rent this charming farmhouse and spend the night with alpacas, sheep, goats, cows, and a mini donkey (how cool is that?). You don’t want to miss out on this spring getaway in Georgia.

May - Doll’s Head Trail

Everyone can appreciate a good hike through Georgia during the warmer months, right? But what if that hike had a creepy element to it? Would you still be brave enough to tackle it? If you’ve never hiked Doll's Head Trail in Constitution Lakes Park before, then make this your day trip for May. It’s creepy, it’s got significant history, and it is a treasured trail in Georgia. While you’re here, you’ll soon discover how the trek earned its name. The trail would make a great Halloween outing, but I find that the park is quite lovely during the warmer months when the trails are lined with pretty little wildflowers and the lake glistens under the afternoon sun. I can easily spend days here exploring this hidden gem in Georgia.

June - Helton Creek Falls

The thing about Helton Creek Falls that makes it the perfect June day trip is that: 1) the hike is simple and perfect for kids fresh out of school, and 2) there is a swimming hole/waterfall finish. Cool off from the summer sun with a 0.4-mile round-trip hike and a nice swim under a waterfall in June.

July - Copper Creek Farm

Every July, when the sunflowers are in bloom, Copper Creek Farm becomes a coveted place to visit. Here, families can enjoy picking their own blooms, fun games, and yummy homemade treats. Just keep in mind that the sunflower season happens pretty fast, so it’s important to make sure that you visit during the specified months. Walk near the fields and bring some of these cheery beauties home with you. These flowers can brighten up any space!

August - Splash in the Boro Waterpark

In the final month before school starts again and lives are upended, take a day trip to this hidden gem waterpark in Georgia. Splash in the Boro will be an entire day of fun under the sun with a refreshing playscape filled with water. A day at this water park would be a blast for the little ones. It's the destination to kick back and make a splash before saying goodbye to summer.

September - Atlanta Motorsports Park

While the fall season fast approaches, you may just want one last hurrah before you start settling down for the season. Why not put the pedal to the metal at one of the fastest go-kart tracks in the Southeast? Arrive daily at Atlanta Motorsports Park from Tuesday through Sunday without a reservation between 1 p.m. and sundown for your next dose of speed.

October - Tallulah Gorge

You’ve likely heard about the suspension bridge in Tallulah Gorge before, but what about taking that trek during autumn? It turns out, if you make the trek across the suspension bridge in October, you’re likely to be in for a real treat with the leaves in full bloom. Mark your calendars for this epic seasonal event, and visit Tallulah Gorge for a front-row seat. If you're a leaf peeper like me who enjoys taking pics during the autumn season, this gorgeous park is for you.

November: Gibbs Gardens

During the autumn months, Gibbs Gardens really puts on a show. Not the gardens itself, but the 3,000 Japanese Maple trees that turn beautiful hues of oranges, reds, and yellows. This 220-acre garden becomes one of the most spectacular places in the state during this season, and you’ll have to see this beauty up close to believe it. This lovely garden in Georgia is one of those places where you can easily get lost for hours.

December - Fantasy in Lights, Callaway Gardens

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmastime in Georgia without a trip to Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens. This holiday spectacle runs from November through January each year and features a bevy of exciting drive-thru lights, decorations, and Christmas attractions. A visit here will make for the perfect bookend to your yearlong travel plans. And it makes for one of the best day trips in Georgia for couples as well as families! For one of the most mesmerizing holiday light shows in Georgia, be sure to check out the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens. Trust me, it will be a night to remember for you and your entire family. Don't leave your camera behind for this family-friendly drive-thru show.

So, what do you think, Georgians? Are you ready for these fun day trips in Georgia?! Share with us some of the spots you’re looking forward to the most! Or we can keep this list going by adding some of your favorite spots in Georgia to check out. If you have any that are particularly beautiful, depending on the month you visit, make sure to let us know on our nomination page! If you are looking for more exciting adventures, take a look at our list of the best road trips in Georgia or use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner when you're feeling inspired to discover more!