What are the Best Family Getaways In Georgia?
Whether you’re trying to make the most of your family’s summer vacation, formulating fall break itineraries, or are already pinning next spring’s plans, you might have Georgia on your mind. There are no shortage of incredible family getaways in Georgia that are as fun for mom and dad as they are for onlies, siblings, and whole car fulls of cousins.
Whether your crew enjoys hikes and s’mores and sleeping under the stars, sandy beaches, and white-capped waves, or nerding out over museum exhibits and indoor attractions, the Peach State has it all. There are amusement parks near Atlanta, like Lake Winnepesaukah less than two hours away. There’s pirate history in charming Savannah, Georgia. There’s Bavarian kitsch in Helen, home to the gentle thrills of tubing the Chattahoochee. And, of course, you can get away from it all at one of Georgia’s lovely state parks, whether you’re tucked away in the southern Appalachian Mountains or spreading out on the rolling Piedmont of Southern Georgia. There’re so many family getaways in Georgia, in fact, we had a hard time narrowing it down to these nine greatest hits.
Lake Winnepesaukah
For almost a century, Lake Winnepesaukah has been an ideal place for a family getaway in Georgia. We offer a number of thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides that generations of visitors continue to enjoy, including the Oh-Zone 14 story free fall, Cannon Ball Roller Coaster, antique Carrousel and the classic Boat Chute. Lake Winnnepsaukah was named one of the America’s top 10 favorite family amusement park by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Amicalola Falls State Park
The starting point of the Appalachian Trail also makes for a delightful family getaway in Georgia. With a beautiful lodge and other accommodations, miles of hiking trails, and a spectacular waterfall to view, it’s no wonder families return year after year all across the southeast. Learn more about Amicalola Falls State Park by visiting their website.
Cloudland Canyon
Close to both Chattanooga and Atlanta, Cloudland Canyon is one of the jewels of northern Georgia and the whole southeast. Carved by Daniel Creek and Bear Creek, and framed by the mass of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is a lovely family getaway in Georgia even if you aren’t outdoorsy. Yurts are a nice cross between cabins and tents that will especially delight children, and the scenery will be a hit with family members of all ages.
Helen, Georgia
In the 1930s, the town of Helen decided, collectively, to rebrand as a Bavarian-style village that would bring old-world alpine charm to the mountains of north Georgia. Full of fun shops, restaurants, and picturesque views of the Chattahoochee River. Kids and adults will enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee, and you can grab a dinner of schnitzel and spätzle (German-style country-fried chicken and mac n cheese) at King Ludwig’s.
Tybee Island Georgia family getaway in Georgia
It’s not always easy to find a beach in the southeast, but you don’t have to vacate to Gulf Shores. Since the 1880s, Tybee Island has been a popular resort for families wanting to escape the heat and congestion of major cities in favor of scenic seascapes and ocean views. For history, visit the famous Tybee Island Light Station, circa 1732. For modern conservation, experience the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Beach cruising and sunbathing are popular, as is the Fort Pulaski National Monument that harkens back to the Civil War. If you have dinner at The Crab Shack, you can even get in on the chance to feed a live alligator.
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids
Just south of Chattahoochee National Forest is one of the best family getaways in Georgia. The Gainesville Interactive Neighborhood gives kids a chance to enjoy all the stops they know from books like Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy world on their own level, like an exhibit featuring a full-sized 1955 Aero Commander 560 aircraft that kids can explore with zero TSA regulations. Stops, like a pint-size doctor’s office, radiology clinic, bank, beauty salon, and grocery store all help children learn to navigate the world on their own terms.
Tellus Science Museum
On the edge of the broader Atlanta metro area is Cartersville, a little town with a lot of museums. One of the best destinations for family getaways in Georgia is the Tellus Science Museum, where you can visit a planetarium, go on a fossil dig, pan for gems as part of a scavenger hunt, and even learn about vintage cars and spacecraft!
Babyland General Hospital
If you’ve ever wondered where Cabbage Patch Dolls come from, the answer is Cleveland. No, not the one in Ohio. This has been one of the quirkiest family getaways in Georgia for decades, situated on 650 acres of rolling hill country in the northern end of the state. Doctors and nurses attend to “Mother Cabbage” as she births a new Cabbage Patch Kid, which visiting children can help name. You can take a self-guided tour and pick out a Cabbage Patch baby of your very own to adopt. There’s definitely no where else in the country quite like Babyland!
The Pirate’s House in Savannah
Dating all the way back to the 1700s, the Pirates House wasn’t always a destination for Georgia family getaways. Originally, it was an inn and restaurant for sailors working Savannah’s busy port, including sailors whose relationship with the law landed them squarely in pirate territory. Robert Louis Stevenson even mentioned the Pirates House in his famous book Treasure Island, which has been delighting children since 1883. Today, you can order up treats from the kids’ menu like the Bold Billy Bones— fried shrimp and house French fries!
While there are many family getaways in Georgia, we hope that Lake Winnepesaukah is at the top of your list. To learn more about our family-friendly amusement park, please visit our main website. We hope to see you soon!