Dive into spring in the South with your ultimate guide to spring attractions and activities in Georgia. From blooming gardens to outdoor adventures - festivals to scenic hikes, my guide is your key to unlocking the best experiences the season has to offer. Get ready for a vibrant and rejuvenating spring in the Peach State!
Flower Blooms In Georgia
Georgia is the place to be if you want to witness some breathtaking flower blooms. The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, Callaway Resort & Gardens, and International Cherry Blossom Festival are the top destinations to experience Georgia's diverse flora. Let's take a closer look at each of these beautiful locations!
1. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens
Location: Hiawassee, GA
Popularity: A hidden gem that gets busier during peak seasons.
Price: Access to Hamilton Gardens from April 12th to May 12th will necessitate a $6 donation; otherwise, entry is free.
If you're looking for a beautiful spot to see some spring flowers, check out the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens in Hiawassee, Georgia. This 30+ acre garden is famous for its stunning display of rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, which bloom from late April to early June.
Apart from the flowers, you can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, or birdwatching in the gardens. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the beautiful spring colors! It is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and ideal if you're looking for cheap things to do in Georgia in spring.
2. Callaway Resort & Gardens
Location: Pine Mountain, GA
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Daily General Admission $19.99-$24.99
Callaway Resort & Gardens is a resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and families. The resort spans over 2,500 acres and features a range of activities, including golf, fishing, hiking, biking, and zip-lining.
If you're a fan of spring flowers, then you're in luck! The best time to see the spring flowers at Callaway Resort & Gardens is from late March to mid-May. During this time, you can witness a display of over 20,000 azaleas along with other flowering plants such as dogwoods, tulips, and daffodils. The resort also hosts an annual Spring Flower Festival during this time, featuring live music, arts and crafts, and a variety of food and drink options. It's a sight worth seeing!
3. International Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: Macon, GA
Popularity: Locals love this hidden gem.
Price: $0-$10/per person
The International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia, is an annual springtime event celebrating the blooming of the city's cherry blossom trees. The festival typically takes place in late March to early April and offers a variety of activities and events for the whole family.
Enjoy live music performances, food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits, and carnival rides during the festival. There are also parades and a fireworks show to cap off the festivities.
In addition to the festival events, you can take part in guided tours of the cherry blossom trees throughout the city, including at Wesleyan College and Amerson River Park.
Overall, the International Cherry Blossom Festival is a fun and vibrant spring festival that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from out of town, you are sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of this colorful celebration.
Botanical Gardens In Georgia
Are you looking for fun things to do during your spring break getaway in Georgia? Look no further than the Atlanta Botanical Garden and The State Botanical Garden of Georgia! From the urban oasis of Atlanta to the serene retreat in Athens, these botanical gardens offer the perfect for your springtime escape.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Location: Atlanta, GA
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: $0-$34.95/per person.
Atlanta Blooms! is an annual event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden that celebrates the arrival of spring. During this event, visitors can enjoy a stunning display of over 300,000 bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and more. The event typically runs from early March through mid-April and features several special activities and events, including guided tours, hands-on gardening workshops, and live music performances.
In addition to the beautiful displays of spring flowers, the Atlanta Botanical Garden also offers many other attractions, including a canopy walk that takes visitors high above the garden for a bird's-eye view, a children's garden that features interactive exhibits and play areas, and a number of sculptures and installations by artists from around the world. If you're looking for some Georgia spring activities or a beautiful and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit!
5. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Location: Athens, GA
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Free entry and parking in the garden.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a popular destination located in Athens, Georgia - it is a 313-acre preserve that features a variety of themed gardens, natural trails, and educational exhibits. The garden has over five miles of nature trails that take you through different habitats like wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.
Visiting the garden in the spring is a particularly wonderful experience as you get to see the beautiful blooms of the flowers and trees. The garden has a collection of over 3000 plant species, including many native and exotic plants. The garden areas to visit in the spring include the Azalea and Rhododendron Garden, the Flower Garden, and the International Garden.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a great place to visit if you want to escape into nature, learn about plants and ecosystems, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. If you want to keep costs low and are looking for free things to do in Georgia in spring, this is the place to be.
Parks To Visit In Georgia This Spring
Explore Georgia's spring charm at Piedmont Park in Atlanta and Forsyth Park in Savannah. Enjoy vibrant urban greenery in Atlanta and historic charm with manicured gardens in Savannah. Both parks offer springtime blooms and outdoor fun for an ideal spring escape in Georgia.
6. Piedmont Park
Location: Atlanta, GA
Popularity: Locals and visitors alike love this park.
Price: Free.
Piedmont Park, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, is a sprawling urban green space. Spring is the best time to visit the park for several reasons. During this season, the park bursts into vibrant colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. The mild weather makes it ideal for picnics, jogging, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll around the park's paths.
Springtime at Piedmont Park means one thing: the Dogwood Festival! This annual event brings art, music, and delicious food. Whether you're up for relaxation, sports, or community fun, Piedmont Park's got the perfect mix of nature and activities.
Are you in town for a few days and looking for more fun things to do in Atlanta in spring? You can't miss partaking in America's favorite pastime
and catch an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park! Or take a walk or ride a bike down the Atlanta BeltLine - win-win!
7. Forsyth Park
Location: Savannah, GA
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Free.
Forsyth Park is a historic public park located in Savannah, Georgia. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions. The park features a large fountain, numerous walking paths, gardens, and plenty of open space for picnicking and relaxing.
In springtime, the park comes alive with brilliant colors as flowers, including azaleas and camellias, bloom throughout its 30-acre grounds. The iconic Forsyth Fountain located at the north end of the park adds to the southern charm, surrounded by blooming trees and manicured lawns.
The mild spring weather creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor activities, picnics, and leisurely strolls. There are lots of events and festivals hosted in the park during spring too, making it an ideal time to experience Forsyth Park in full bloom.
Spring Hikes In Georgia
Ready for epic spring hikes in Georgia? Check out Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest's Mount Yonah for summit views, Panther Falls and Angel Falls Trail for waterfalls, and Vogel State Park's Bear Hair Gap for wildflower magic. These trails pack a punch of adventure and nature's beauty. Time to hit the trails and soak up some up some sun!
8. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest's Mount Yonah Trail
Location: Cleveland, GA
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Explore Georgia's national forests with the $25 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests' Annual Pass. Single-day fees range from $3 to $15.
If you're up for a challenging hiking trail in North Georgia, the Mount Yonah Trail in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the place to be. It's a bit over four miles round-trip, taking you on a winding path through meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers. And the best part? It leads right up to the summit of Mount Yonah, giving you killer panoramic views.
In spring, it's common to find a mix of wildflowers along the trail, including dogwood, trillium, violets, and other native species. The trail's elevation gain provides a range of habitats, contributing to the diversity of plant life. Hikers can take their time to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the fresh air as they make their way up the trail -it is a great place to visit for anyone who loves to break a sweat in the great outdoors.
9. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest's Panther Falls and Angel Falls Trail
Location: Lakemont, GA
Popularity: The national forest is very popular, but this trail is one of the less frequented hiking trails.
Price: Explore Georgia's national forests with the $25 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests' Annual Pass. Single-day fees range from $3 to $15.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest's Panther Falls and Angel Falls Trail is a popular hiking destination that offers breathtaking views of two beautiful waterfalls. The trail winds through a picturesque forested area, with a variety of trees, flowers, and wildlife to enjoy along the way.
Spring is an excellent time to visit this trail since the weather is pleasant and the forests are alive with new growth. The waterfalls are also at their most impressive during this season, with the snowmelt and spring rains creating a powerful flow of water over the rocks.
The Panther Falls and Angel Falls Trail is a moderate hike with some steep inclines and rocky terrain. However, the stunning views and peaceful surroundings make it well worth the effort. If you love nature and hiking, this trail is definitely one to add to your bucket list!
10. Vogel State Park's Bear Hair Gap Trail
Location: Blairsville, GA
Popularity: Popular.
Price: $5/per vehicle
The Bear Hair Gap Trail at Vogel State Park is a fantastic hiking trail to visit during the spring season. It's a moderate 4.1 miles long and has beautiful wildflowers along the way. You'll also see stunning mountain views, streams, and meadows.
One of the highlights of the trail is the views of Lake Trahlyta, which is a popular spot for hikers to stop and take in the lofty scenery. The Bear Hair Gap Trail at Vogel State Park is a fantastic option for hikers looking to experience the scenic beauty of nature in the springtime.
Spring Picnic Spots In Georgia
Savor spring with picnics at Georgia's best spots – Serenberry Vineyards and Smithgall Woods State Park. Serenberry offers a serene vineyard setting, while Smithgall Woods provides mountainous picnic areas. Enjoy the perfect mix of nature and relaxation for an unforgettable spring outing.
11. Serenberry Vineyards - Farm Winery
Location: Morganton, GA
Popularity: Hidden gem.
Price: Experience Serenberry wines with guided tastings, and wine flights, or simply share a bottle with friends. Enjoy local snacks or bring your picnic.
Serenberry Vineyards in Morganton, Georgia (and just 10 miles from the city of Blue Ridge) is a family-owned and operated farm winery that offers stunning views, delicious wines, and a welcoming atmosphere. The vineyard's spacious grounds and spring weather make it a perfect place for a spring picnic.
Visitors can enjoy the vineyard's handcrafted wines, purchase a bottle from the tasting room, and enjoy locally crafted snacks featuring an array of delights such as cheese straws, crackers, and nuts. You can also feel free to bring your own picnic and relax in one of the several designated picnic areas while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
12. Smithgall Woods State Park
Location: Helen, GA
Popularity: Lesser-known state park.
Price: $5/per vehicle
Smithgall Woods State Park is a lovely park in the North Georgia Mountains. Smithgall Woods is a great place for a picnic because of its picturesque surroundings and ample picnic areas.
The park has over five miles of hiking trails, including a trail leading to a waterfall, which makes for a fantastic post-picnic activity. The park has plenty of amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and grills, making it an ideal spot for family things to do in Georgia in spring.
Have you been to any of these spots? Which are your favorites? I've been to the Atlanta Botanical Garden - it's beautiful and worth checking out.
Are you looking for more places to check out this in spring? Maybe you want to be near the water and check out places like Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Or perhaps the small town of Dahlonega in Northern Georgia is more your vibe? Either way, here are The 7 Places You Absolutely Must Visit In Georgia This Spring.
Planning a road trip to explore these fantastic destinations? If you're in need of a cozy place to spend the night, make sure to check out these delightful vacation rentals!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/spring-must-visit-ga/
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