Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Georgia

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.

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 summertime is a wonderful time for a getaway. Many of the state's cities and small towns have festivals and events throughout the summer months, so check a calendar and see what fun events you can enjoy on your travels.

1. Atlanta

Popularity: Very Popular

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 a vibrant city with so much to do. It's an especially wonderful destination if you're 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 throughout the summer. The city's rail system, MARTA, doesn't cover quite as much of the surrounding area as many locals would prefer, but it's great for use in Atlanta proper and quite simple to navigate. So, why not take a day trip to Atlanta this summer?

2. Blue Ridge Mountains

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 slightly cooler than at lower elevations. This area is heaven for nature lovers; 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. Believe me, this is one place you won't want to miss.

3. Savannah

Popularity: Very Popular

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 the beach from downtown, but there's only one route you can take, 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 magical and filled with so many great attractions, particularly if you're interested in history. There are also many 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 want 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 we have for fun on the water. 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. They are beautiful, and you'll want to visit them all this summer in Georgia.

4. Jekyll Island

Popularity: Very Popular

Need to Know: Jekyll Island has many beaches: Corsair 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. Still, there's also lots of protected land with 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 is full of weathered driftwood, creating a truly hauntingly beautiful landscape. Take your camera for the unique photo ops you can only find here.

5. St. Simons Island

Popularity: Very Popular

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 hard-packed and perfect for biking or strolling along the coastline. There are many shops and restaurants within easy walking distance of the coast, and you can easily spend a few days in this idyllic little town.

6. Tybee Island

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: South Beach is the busiest beach on Tybee, but you can also find Mid Beach, North Beach, and Back River Beach here. Many visitors don't know about Little Tybee Island, a pristine destination just off the coast that's only reachable by boat.

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, many parks in Georgia are perfect for spending time outside. Here are a few of our favorite state parks to visit in Georgia during the summer:

7. Amicalola Falls State Park

Location: Dawsonville

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: If you aren't up for the 175-stair trek to get the best glimpse of the waterfalls, you can get a great view from the upper parking area and don't even have to leave your car.

We're huge advocates for visiting waterfalls at any time of year, but they're incredibly 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, the park's centerpiece, and shares its name. It's considered one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia, and it's such a beautiful sight. The park is also home to various trails, cabins, and more, making it one of Georgia's best family attractions in summer.

8. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Location: Rising Fawn

Popularity: Very Popular

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 in the Peach State, plus hiking trails galore and opportunities for fishing, disc golf, horseback riding, and more. It's truly a fantastic destination in any season, and one of the best places for a day of fun in the sun in the summer in Georgia.

9. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Location: Tallulah Falls

Popularity: Popular

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 Georgia's most incredible state parks. It's home to a 1,000-foot-deep canyon considered one of the best in the eastern United States. The hiking trails here are magnificent, and a swinging bridge over the gorge will surely make your stomach drop. The waterfall is easily visible from the canyon's rim, just a short walk from the parking area. It's breathtakingly beautiful here so set aside enough time to take it all in.

Best Free Summer Activities In Georgia

We'd all love an epic international vacation, but times are tough, and pinching pennies is sometimes required to enjoy yourself while staying within budget. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in the summer in Georgia that don't require spending a dime.

10. Centennial Olympic Park

Location: Atlanta

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: The park is open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily, and the Fountain of Rings shows occur daily at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9 p.m.

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, the 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!

11. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site

Location: Macon

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: While the outdoor area is excellent, 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 life thousands of years ago. This is such a neat place to walk around, and it's educational for kids and adults alike.

12. Silver Comet Trail

Location: Cobb, Paulding, Polk Counties

Popularity: Popular

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 at 61.6 miles, 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. You can check out the Silver Comet Trail route on AllTrails.

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.

13. AthFest

Location: Downtown Athens

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for June 20-22, 2025. Visit the AthFest website for this year's lineup and to purchase tickets.

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 nationwide 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 a wide variety of entertainment. If you love art, the craft fair has tons of wares from local artists for sale. There are plenty of live music acts from various 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.

14. Bragg Jam

Location: Downtown Macon

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This year's event is scheduled for July 26, 2025. Visit the Bragg Jam website for tickets and this year's lineup.

Bragg Jam is another wonderful music-focused festival that takes place throughout downtown Macon. This event has a lot going on. The concert crawl features a variety of national acts, and the family-friendly Bragg Fam events take place in the morning before the concerts (which tend to be 18+).

15. Wild Adventures' Celebrate America Festival

Location: Valdosta

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: This year's Celebrate America Festival will take place from June 21 to July 6, 2025. You can purchase your passes on the Wild Adventures Theme Park website.

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 June 26-29, and you can expect fireworks on July 4. Admission is included with a general admission ticket or season pass.

Wow! All these fun summer activities in Georgia make dealing with the heat a little more bearable. What are you most looking forward to exploring this summer in Georgia? Please send us a note with any other summer activities through our nomination page.