There are almost countless great day trips in Georgia. It can be overwhelming when trying to choose one for a day trip, because what do you pick? The natural beauty and incredible history of seaside Savannah? The metropolitan glamor and endless attractions in Atlanta? One getaway in Georgia that we feel doesn't get enough love is Athens. The town is best known as the home of the University of Georgia, but there's so much more to the city than UGA! This belongs on any list of best day trip ideas in GA, and if you're looking for a few great spots to check out on your next Georgia day trip, check out these Athens must-visits:
1. Sandy Creek Park: 400 Bob Holman Rd, Athens, GA 30607
Sandy Creek Park is one of our favorite recreational areas in the state and a great spot for a Georgia day trip. This massive place spans nearly 800 acres. There's a dog park, beach, disc golf, trails, a 260-acre lake, and plenty more to enjoy here. There are many parks in Athens, each with its own benefits, but we've got to say, this one is the biggest and probably the best.
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2. Sandy Creek Nature Center: 205 Old Commerce Rd, Athens, GA 30607
The nearby Sandy Creek Nature Center is another great spot, particularly if you're traveling with kids. There are four miles of trails, plus an educational center that's got interesting exhibits on the local ecosystem.
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3. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia: 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
If it's great weather, you won't want to miss the 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. It's got a variety of gardens featuring plants from all over the world, and best of all, admission is free.
4. Bear Hollow Zoo: 293 Gran Ellen Dr, Athens, GA 30606
Bear Hollow Zoo is yet another free destination in Athens. Here, you'll see native animals that are unable to be released into the wild due to behavioral or health issues. There's a short trail you can walk through and see various species like black bears, white-tailed deer, and more.
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5. Georgia Museum of Art: 90 Carlton St, Athens, GA 30602
Athens is the reigning champion when it comes to free things to do in Georgia: the Georgia Museum of Art also has free admission (timed ticket required). The museum features all kinds of art exhibits, with everything from Renaissance paintings to modern sculptures. You can also catch great programs and lectures here.
6. 40 Watt Club: 285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
Athens is famous for its music scene: it's the hometown of bands like R.E.M. and the B-52's. Many bands got their start at the fabulous 40 Watt Club, one of the most famous small venues in the country. Music aficionados will definitely want to check out the venue's schedule and plan your trip around a show. The place has a completely unique dive bar feel and is unlike anywhere else in the state.
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7. Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall: 1 Selig Circle, Athens, GA 30602
Sports fans already know Athens as the home of the University of Georgia (go Dawgs!). If you're a football fanatic, you've got to make a quick stop by the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. You'll find a small section of displays from previous years' championship wins for all University of Georgia sports teams.
8. Little Italy Pizzeria: 125 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601
There are a ton of great places to eat in Athens, but when it comes to that old Athens charm, Little Italy Pizzeria is tops. It's right in the heart of downtown and has been the late-night hangout spot of many a college student. Does it get any better than good pizza at low prices?
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9. Avid Bookshop: 1662 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
Avid Bookshop is one of our favorite independent bookstores in Georgia. Avid readers (pun intended) and those looking to read more will both be delighted by this spot. The employees are super-helpful and love to provide recommendations.
Strolling around UGA's beautiful campus is a delightful experience all in itself. The campus has plenty of green spaces and tons of gardens that are worth a visit.
Have you visited Athens, or did you attend college there? Share your favorite spots in the comments!
If you're looking for the best places to stay near Athens, GA because a day trip just isn't enough, check out all the great vacation rentals available on Vrbo.
Day train trips in Georgia make so much sense as our little state is littered with train tracks. Our railroad history is rich and fruitful, and what's so wonderful is there are still trains chugging along to this day that take passengers and families on excursions throughout the Peach State and even beyond. Here are a few of our favorite journeys in Georgia by train for some inspiration for planning your next railroad adventure! Check them out.
With the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the first hour of this trip takes passengers to the charming sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, sitting deep in the picturesque mountains on the state line. Spend the two-hour layover eating, shopping, and discovering each of the town's quaint offerings. Then sit back and admire the scenery on the one-hour return trip through the forested woods and back to the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway website for more information, including ticketing and hours.
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you to McCaysville, you can actually wander into Copperhill, Tennessee, too, and keep the day trips coming. Once Toccoa Avenue turns into Ocoee Street, then you're officially in Tennessee, so you might as well wander a bit. Explore a variety of shops and art galleries, or grab a delicious lunch at The Copper Grill, fit with belly-filling sandwiches, fries, and burgers.
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a popular train in Georgia to take day trips throughout the state. The last stop of the Watermelon Express winds up in Cordele, Georgia, a city with a unique and intriguing military history. Known as the watermelon capital of the world, you can travel to Cordele via train and spend the day at the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, or grab a bite at any one of the legendary local restaurants. The summer ride coincides with the Watermelon Days Festival. Visit the SAM Shortline website for more details.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad has a 6-hour round-trip adventure from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chickamauga, Georgia, and back. You can explore everything the beautiful mountain valley city offers, including loads of cultural and weekend events. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium, or snag some scrumptious Southern food at Public House Restaurant. Take a look at the TN Valley Railroad website for information about tickets, hours, and more.
The SAM Shortline also heads to Lake Blackshear, where you and the family can spend the weekend fishing, hiking, camping, or staying at the lakeside resort. This day trip can easily turn into a much-deserved weekend getaway. Relax and unwind on the banks of the lake, and enjoy the magical sunsets and sounds of lapping waves. Visit the SAM Shortline website for additional information, and to plan your trip.
Did you know you can get to Tampa, Florida on one of the day train trips from Atlanta in about eight hours? That's right folks, you can take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Tampa. Soak in the sun and the warm temps, while also exploring one of the most relaxed atmospheres on the east coast. Make sure before you head back to Georgia, you grab a sizzling plate of pad Thai at Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple. Find a schedule of the Amtrak day trips on the Amtrak website.
From Georgia Veterans State Park Depot folks head out to President Jimmy Carter's charming hometown of Plains, Georgia, just in time for July 4th Celebration - Southern style. For further information on these train rides Georgia, visit the SAM Shortline website.
Have you been on any of these train rides? Do you think you'll take any of these trips in Georgia anytime soon? How about by train? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Summer in Georgia can be quite the scorcher, to say the least. Especially in the southern part of the state, the temperatures sometimes climb and it seems like they'll never stop. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do in summer in Georgia, though. Whether you're traveling with the little ones, heading out with friends, on a romantic day trip for two, or just want to explore the state all by yourself, there are so many great places to spend the warm months in Georgia. From our largest cities to our sandy beaches and idyllic mountains, the Peach State is a remarkable place for a summer vacation. Here are some of our favorite summer attractions in Georgia.
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Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Georgia
Looking for a several-day getaway in the Peach State? There are so many great weekend trips in Georgia, and, of course, summertime is a wonderful time for a getaway. Many of the state's cities and small towns have festivals and events going on throughout the summer months, so make sure to check a calendar and see what fun events you can enjoy on your travels.
Need To Know: Make sure to account for traffic when planning out an itinerary. You can easily get stuck in jams that last more than an hour if you try to travel during rush hour.
Atlanta gets a bad rap as a travel destination, and I admit, the traffic can be rough. However, I love the Peach State capital: it's such a vibrant city with so much to do. It's an especially wonderful destination if you'll be traveling with kids. Attractions like The World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta combine education and fun in a great way. Outdoor green spaces like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine often have fun events and concerts going on throughout the summer. The city's rail system, MARTA, doesn't cover quite as much of the city's surrounding area as many locals would prefer, but it's great for use in Atlanta proper and quite simple to navigate.
Popularity: Popular, but not nearly as much as it is in the fall.
Need To Know: Blue Ridge is an extremely small town, but it's a popular tourist destination and there are tons of great vacation rentals in Blue Ridge, GA.
Blue Ridge is a small mountain town of just over 1,000 people, and it's an area that's immensely popular in the fall months, when it's surrounded by gorgeous autumn hues. I love escaping here in the summertime because the weather can sometimes be a bit cooler than it is at lower elevations. This entire area is absolute heaven for nature lovers, and you'll find no shortage of trails and parks to explore. This is one of the best towns for a weekend trip in Georgia , and it's one of those charming little towns that will have you falling in love after just one visit.
Need To Know: Many visitors underestimate the length of time it will take to drive to Tybee Island from Savannah proper. It's typically about a 30-minute drive to get to the beach from downtown, but there's only one route you can take, and so if there's an accident, you may find it takes quite a bit longer.
I admit I'm a bit biased, as I'm a Savannah native, but I think there's no prettier city in the whole southern United States. Savannah is absolutely magical, and filled with so many great attractions, particularly if you're interested in history. There's also a myriad of excellent dining options, and the open container laws mean you can enjoy your favorite alcoholic drink while strolling down historic River Street. Admittedly, it can get extremely hot here in the summer, but Tybee Island's epic beach isn't too far away if you're looking to cool off. One unique way to experience the Hostess City is through the Savannah Taste Port City Food Tour. I had the opportunity to enjoy it recently and had such a great time sampling the delicious eats!
Best Beaches To Visit In Georgia
One of the best things about life in Georgia is how many opportunities for fun on the water we have. While our inland lakes and rivers are great and perfect for a day out in the sun, I want to take a minute to focus on some of our mighty barrier islands and their bevy of beaches that are excellent summertime escapes.
Need To Know: Jekyll Island has many beaches: Corsair Beach Park, Oceanview Beach Park, Oceanview Beach Park, St. Andrews Beach Park, South Dunes Beach Park, Glory Beach, Great Dunes Beach Park, and Driftwood Beach.
Jekyll Island is a small town with about 1,000 residents. It's just under 6,000 acres of land and has quite a few beaches and beachfront parks. The island has traditionally been an escape for the wealthy, and you'll find plenty of luxurious mansions, but there's also lots of protected land with sand dunes and even hardwood forests. Driftwood Beach is considered one of the country's top beaches: it looks straight out of a fairy tale. The beach there is full of weathered driftwood that makes for a truly hauntingly beautiful landscape.
Need To Know: There are four beaches on St. Simons Island: Coast Guard/East Beach, East Beach, Gould's Inlet, and Massengale Park.
A visit to St. Simons Island is always a treat, and it's one of our favorite family summer trips in Georgia. The sand here is very hard-packed and perfect for biking or strolling along the coastline. There are lots of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance of the coast, and you can easily spend a few days in this idyllic little town.
Tybee Island is among the most popular beaches in the South, and it's easy to see why. It's such a gorgeous place with so much to offer visitors. You'll find no shortage of restaurants and shops to enjoy here, and the charming Tybee Island Lighthouse, which provides beautiful views of the surrounding area, is a must-visit destination.
Parks To Visit In Georgia In Summer
From sprawling state parks to gorgeous green spaces in the middle of cities, there are so many parks in Georgia that are perfect for spending time outside. Here are a few of our favorite state parks to visit in Georgia during the summer:
We're huge advocates for visiting waterfalls at any time of year, but they're especially wonderful in the warm months. What better waterfall to see, then, than the very tallest waterfall in Georgia? Amicalola Falls is a mighty 729-foot cascade that's the centerpiece of the park that shares its name. It's considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia, and it's such a beautiful sight. The park is also home to a variety of trails, cabins, and more that make it one of the best family attractions in Georgia in summer.
Need To Know: Camping is available here, but you can also stay in some of the on-site cabins or yurts.
Cloudland Canyon State Park is quite possibly the best state park in Georgia. This sprawling destination in Rising Fawn, GA has some of the most incredible scenery you'll find in the Peach State, plus hiking trails galore and opportunities for fishing, disc golf, horseback riding, and more. It's truly an amazing destination in any season, and one of the best places for a day of fun in the sun in the summertime.
Need To Know: Note that if you're interested in getting a trail to walk the canyon floor, you'll need to arrive early and reserve a (free) pass in advance.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is another of the most incredible state parks in Georgia. It's home to a 1,000-foot-deep canyon that's considered one of the best in the eastern United States. The hiking trails here are absolutely magnificent, and there's even a swinging bridge over the gorge that's sure to make your stomach drop. The waterfall is easily visible from the canyon's rim, and it's just a short walk from the parking area.
Best Free Summer Activities In Georgia
We'd all love an epic international vacation, but times are tough and penny pinching is sometimes required to enjoy yourself while staying in budget. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in the summer in Georgia that don't require spending a dime.
Need To Know: The Fountain of Rings shows occur daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.
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Centennial Olympic Park is one of the coolest green spaces in the state because it's right in the heart of downtown Atlanta. This 22-acre park is within easy walking distance of popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Skyview Atlanta Ferris wheel, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the World of Coca-Cola. The park was constructed for Atlanta's 1996 hosting of the Summer Olympics, and today you can still see sculptures and outdoor art pieces here like the iconic Olympic Rings. The Fountain of Rings is a series of 251 water jets that shoot up 12 to 35 feet into the air. It's a perfect splash pad for kids to play in, though I freely admit I have a run through every time I am in the area on a hot day!
Need To Know: While the outdoor area is great, the archaeology museum here is perfect for spending a bit of time in air conditioning.
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is one of the oldest historic sites in the country, with more than 3,300 acres of preserved land and tons of fascinating Native American artifacts. The ceremonial mounds here were built around 1000 CE by the Appalachian Mississippian culture. Lodge reconstructions allow you to experience what life was like thousands of years ago. This is such a neat place to walk around, and it's educational for kids and adults alike.
Need To Know: The entire trail is more than 90 miles and runs all the way into Alabama, but there are trailheads all along the path, so you can just explore small bits at a time.
The Silver Comet Trail is one of the longest trails in Georgia, and it's perfect for those seeking adventure in the northern part of the state. This was once a railroad line for the Silver Comet train, and it's now been converted into a path for walkers and bicyclists. Rail-to-trail hikes are great because they're typically very lengthy, relatively flat, and have multiple entry and exit points, often in charming small towns.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Georgia
Summertime is the perfect time to check out festivals in Georgia. Whether you're looking for celebrations centered around holidays like Independence Day or Memorial Day, or just want to check out some cool art and concerts, there are some wonderful events all over the Peach State to enjoy in the warm months.
Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for June 21-23, 2024.
Athens, GA is one of my favorite towns to visit in the summer, and if your visit is planned for late June, even better! This college town is famous all across the country for its epic music scene, which has produced stars like R.E.M. and The B-52's. This three-day music and arts festival is perfect because it has such a wide array of entertainment. If you love art, the craft fair is great and has tons of wares from local artists for sale. There are plenty of live music acts from a variety of genres, and all the shows on the outdoor stage are completely free. This is one of my favorite yearly events and it's always a fun time.
Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for July 27, 2024.
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Bragg Jam is another wonderful music-focused festival that takes place throughout downtown Macon. There's lots going on at this event, which takes over all of downtown Macon. The concert crawl contains a variety of national acts, and the familiy-friendly Bragg Fam events take place in the morning, before the concerts (which tend to be 18+).
Need To Know: This year's Celebrate America Festival takes place from June 22-July 7, 2024.
Wild Adventures is perfect for a family trip at any time of year, and it's easy to see why it's one of the top attractions in South Georgia. Come summer, this place puts on a Fourth of July festival like no other, with the fun lasting for two weeks! All of the plans for this year's event have yet to be announced, but the Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to perform from July 5-7, and you can expect fireworks on July 4. Admission is included with a general admission ticket or season pass.
Wow! All these fun activities in Georgia in summer make dealing with the heat a little more bearable. What are you most looking forward to exploring this summer?
