Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Georgia
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Lisa Sammons
Author
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, 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.
1. Atlanta
Atlanta, GA, USA
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.
2. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA
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.
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3. Savannah
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!
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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.
4. Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527, USA
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.
5. St. Simons Island
Saint Simons Island, St Simons Island, Georgia 31522, USA
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.
6. Tybee Island
Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA
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:
7. Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USA
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.
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8. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
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.
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9. Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, USA
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.
10. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
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!
11. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, 1207 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA 31217, USA
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.
12. Silver Comet Trail
Silver Comet Trail, Georgia, USA
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.
13. AthFest
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.
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14. Bragg Jam
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+).
15. Wild Adventures' Celebrate America Festival
Wild Adventures, 3766 Old Clyattville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601, USA
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?
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