10 Georgia Spring Break Destinations For Families

Georgia is brimming with spring break adventures for the entire family, whether it's beaches or mountains, small towns or Georgia state historic sites.

Whether you are traveling far or near, saving or splurging, Georgia has something for everyone. Here are 18 family-friendly spring break destinations that promise to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Macon

Macon's attractions, music scene, and revitalized downtown district have recently been lauded by national publications such as Frommer's, Conde Nast Traveler, and The New York Times. Visit in 2023 to celebrate the city's bicentennial and feel the positive energy that this central Georgia city exudes.

Listen for ancient drumbeats inside the Earth Lodge, North America's oldest public building, at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which is on its way to becoming the country's newest national park. Join the Lantern Light Tour during the International Cherry Blossom Festival in March for a rare look at the Great Temple Mound, which overlooks downtown and is a stargazer's dream.

With Rock Candy Tours, you can explore Macon's music scene and learn about legends like Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band. Don't miss the memorabilia at The Big House's Allman Brothers Band Museum, as well as the interactive listening station and exhibits at Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum.

Albany

You can spend an entire day in this southwest Georgia city at Chehaw Park, which was designed and supervised by Jim Fowler (think "Wild Kingdom"). Take a ride through the African veldt or feed Bogart, the two-hump camel. Alternatively, visit Flint RiverQuarium for a lesson in blue holes and aquatic creatures, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see an albino alligator. A visit to the Thronateeska Heritage Center includes science activities, a planetarium show, and a special train adventure.

Athens

Visit Athens, Georgia, home of the 2021 and 2022 College Football National Champions Georgia Bulldogs, for a college town atmosphere unlike any other. Explore the downtown shops and restaurants before strolling through campus, stopping by Sanford Stadium and the UGA bookstore across the street for souvenirs.

Talk to the animals at Bear Hollow Zoo before heading to Sandy Creek Nature Center, where kids can hike more than 4 miles of trails, see wildlife, and even visit a 19th-century log cabin.

Try skateboarding/BMX riding at the Athens Skate Park, then visit the World of Wonder playground next door. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through Georgia's State Botanical Garden, which includes a 2.5-acre children's garden with interactive learning elements.

Augusta

Explore the waterways on the Serene 18 paddle trail in nearby Columbia County while visiting this city on the Georgia/South Carolina border. Bike along the Augusta Riverwalk, pausing for a picnic or a concert in a park. Hiking through Phinizy Swamp Nature Park or kayaking at the Augusta Canal National Historic Area Headgates are both options.

Visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area museum and take one of the Augusta Canal Petersburg Boat Tours to experience life in 1845. Visit President Woodrow Wilson's Boyhood Home or the Meadow Garden, Historic Farm House of George Walton, one of Georgia's three Declaration of Independence signers. At the Augusta Museum of History, you can learn about Native American history before shouting "I Feel Good!" with James Brown's music and memorabilia.

Blairsville

Brasstown Bald and Vogel State Park are fantastic places to go on an adventure. Visit DeSoto Falls Recreational Area and TrackRock Archaeological Area for more outdoor adventures.

Visit the Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm & Lardworks Glass, Fiber & Jewelry Studio for something a little different. Ride horses, visit the many waterfalls in the area, or hike a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Blue Ridge

The entire family will enjoy a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to McCaysville, where you can take a picture while standing in two states. Back in Blue Ridge, visit Mercier Orchards to pick fruit and enjoy some sweet treats, and Lilly Pad Village to go gem mining or fishing.

Hike Fall Branch Falls or the 265-foot Swinging Bridge Trail over the Toccoa River, both of which are part of the Benton MacKaye Trail.

Cartersville

Discover Smithsonian affiliates Tellus Science Museum, The Booth Museum, and the Savoy Automobile Museum, all of which are located in the same city. Hike the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site and the Pine Mountain Recreation Area's west rim loop. Red Top Mountain historic parks in Georgia and the Bartow History Museum are both worth a visit.

Columbus

Explore the Chattahoochee RiverWalk and take a Whitewater Express ride. The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus, The Columbus Museum (Georgia's second largest art museum), and the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Fort Benning are all worth a visit.

Visit the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the eccentric Lunchbox Museum in River Market Antiques, and drive by Kadie, Columbus's cow.

Dahlonega

Pan for gold at Consolidated Gold Mines or Crisson Gold Mine, and learn more about Georgia's gold mining history at the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site. Visit Gold City Corral & Carriage Company to ride horses or Chestatee Wildlife Preserve, A North Georgia Zoo to see the animals.

Golden Isles & Jekyll Island

Visit Jekyll Island for a tram history tour, a day at Summer Waves Water Park, and to see the turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Driftwood Beach is not to be missed!

Climb the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, go beachcombing, or take a trolley tour. Take a dolphin tour or go shrimpin' with the Lady Jane Shrimpin' Excursions. There are bikes, geocaches, mini golf, tree spirits, and some seriously delicious food.