13 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Georgia
The sunny summer months provide the perfect opportunity to tick off items on your travel wish list. While planning vacations can sometimes prove tricky on a tight budget, it is not entirely impossible to find affordable getaway options. Fortunately, Georgia is home to numerous destinations where tourists can explore wide-open spaces, charming waterfront towns, and historic Southern cities without breaking the bank.
Over a long summer weekend or month-long vacation, consider discovering the Peach State's most cost-effective locales for leisurely escapes. From beaches to mountains and everywhere in between, these affordable summer vacation spots in Georgia are an excellent option for thrifty travelers.
George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge
This 700-acre natural gem in Fort Gaines encourages tourists to escape the chaos in the city and enjoy a relaxed retreat surrounded by raw nature. This vacation spot rests along the scenic shores of Walter F. George Lake and keeps guests entertained with endless recreational opportunities. Boasting amenities like a championship golf course at Meadow Links, a full-service marina, a boat ramp, and picnic shelters, there is something to keep all visitors engaged. At the heart of the park is a 60-room lodge offering delightful accommodations to individuals and families.
Rooms cost a paltry $112 per night, and guests can access the lovely Pilot House Grille restaurant to enjoy trademark Southern dishes. The atmosphere is cozy, and guests have the freedom to roam secluded open spaces surrounded by rolling landscapes.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Georgia's largest state park is a bustling recreational hub, allowing tourists to enjoy adorable outdoor scenery without going beyond their constrained budgets. Straddling over 9,000 acres, this holiday park is the ultimate playground for adventurers, given a wealth of opportunities in its vast wilderness. These include over 40 miles of primitive trails, highlighted by the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail. The park is also excellent for backpackers and campers, promising travelers the ultimate outdoor experience.
Besides its natural activities, visitors can explore interesting history in the former home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Several accommodation alternatives exist for those who are not comfortable with camping, including the Mountain Top Resort & Inn. Rooms cost less than $150 per night.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
Situated around 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is a peaceful escape from Georgia's largest city. Tourists come to relax, rejuvenate, and decompress in this alpine sanctuary teeming with natural wonders. The park offers numerous activities to help you do this, starting with rugged hiking trails that lead you to the breathtaking 729-foot Amicalola Falls. You can also access the southern end of the famous Appalachian trails as it passes through Georgia.
Other exciting adventures the establishment offers include ziplining, target archery, and sightseeing. There is the lodge, private cabins, or cheaper options like glamping and camping, for around $60 a night. While there, travelers can enjoy spectacular views and savor tasty flavors at the park's Maple Restaurant.
Blairsville
Experience quintessential small-town charm during a relaxed retreat in this picturesque mountain community in Union County. Tourists have the opportunity to experience a strong sense of community at the Union County Farmers Market while interacting with friendly local farmers and crafters and shopping for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Blairsville was first settled in the 1830s and has accumulated a colorful heritage. Historians will have an exciting time exploring this rich past at the Union County Historical Society.
Recreational activities abound across the vast expanse of Vogel State Park. Enthusiasts flock to the park for hiking, fishing, and nature photography. Conveniently, the park has several camping spots for budget-friendly accommodations.
Ellijay
Ellijay's deep Cherokee heritage is clear from its name, a Native term that translates to "the place of the old women." The small town is famous for its sprawling orchards and wineries, proof that agriculture is an important pillar of its economy. Visitors can sample the bounty of its fertile lands at Panorama Orchards and Farm Market, where local farmers lay out their freshest produce. The trip is incomplete without being part of the bustling wine culture, which is possible by visiting Cartecay Vineyards.
With this, Ellijay is an excellent spot to savor sumptuous Southern comfort foods. The Roof of Ellijay is a trendy downtown spot inviting tourists to enjoy tasty dishes and a great atmosphere with friendly service. The nearby Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest presents numerous options for camping, or set up on the outskirts of town at Plum Nelly Campground to keep your expenses light.
Golden Isles
Georgia's Golden Isles presents a one-of-a-kind experience along the Atlantic Coast. This region comprises a group of barrier islands with opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, interact with cute sea life, and indulge in fun water-based recreations. Beach lovers can access hiking, shelling, and surfing at Driftwood Beach and East Beach. The Golden Isles are home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a family-friendly venue where guests enjoy close encounters with the gentle giants.
Additionally, the area hosts several trails through marshes and forests that immerse you in pristine nature, ranging from the John Gilbert Nature Trail to the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Further exploration brings you to Historic Downtown Brunswick, which allows you to uncover hidden history and find budget-friendly accommodation at Oneway Brunswick at a nightly cost below $100.
Callaway Resort & Gardens
This majestic establishment features a beautiful resort surrounded by 2,500 acres of gardens. This resort is located near Pine Mountain and offers many amenities to guarantee guests an unforgettable vacation experience. There is much to see and do that is perfect for family entertainment, including a Discovery Center, Azalea Garden, Raptor Shows, and Butterfly Center. Callaway Resort & Gardens offers customized packages for a Georgia family vacation, such as the fun Summer Family Adventure.
Furthermore, four kinds of accommodations, including Mountain Creek Villas, ensure guests a comfortable night's sleep, while 12 available restaurants serve the best Southern cuisine. Admission to the park is only $25 for adults, and rooms in the lodge cost below $200 per night.
Stone Mountain Park
This crowning jewel pulls some of the largest visitor numbers among Georgia's top attractions. Covering over 3,200 acres of raw wilderness, it is one of the top summer vacation spots in Georgia if crowds don鈥檛 bother you. The park is jam-packed with exciting activities to entertain all travelers indoors and outdoors. One of its popular attractions is SkyHike, which features the country's largest treetop adventure course, tailored for family entertainment. Stone Mountains Park also hosts summer festivals, highlighted by the New Music Across America Drone & Light Show.
With so much to see outdoors, one of the best experiences involves riding the Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad. The railroad loops the park's perimeter for an unmatched sightseeing adventure. The park's daily parking fee is just $20, and there are affordable camping, RV, and yurt sites.
Beachview Club Hotel
Beachview Club Hotels is a family-friendly inn on Jekyll Island that offers a pleasant mix of affordable and unforgettable accommodations. This institution is set amidst a network of old-growth oak trees and provides access to one of the least crowded stretches of beach in Georgia. Despite a bit more generous price tag, starting at just under $300 per night, the hotel offers luxurious amenities, including a heated pool by the ocean and other modern conveniences. Guests can also access the beautiful oceanfront and revel in the serenity of Driftwood Beach or rent a bike to explore the surroundings on two wheels.
The neighboring Jekyll Island Historic District trip allows tourists to indulge in numerous recreational activities, including aquatic fun at Summer Waves Water Park, boat tours courtesy of Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours, and leisure biking along 20 miles of picturesque trails.
Dahlonega
This Blue Ridge Mountain community in northern Georgia was founded during the Gold Rush in 1828. This town is an affordable little village that vacationers can explore without spending a fortune. In its historic downtown, tourists can find various historical markers hinting at its rich heritage, led by the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Meanwhile, the Consolidated Gold Mine invites first-timers for an exhilarating underground tour of a defunct gold mine, transporting them to the mining heydays.
In addition to the history, visitors can join the down-to-earth locals in enjoying a family-friendly performance at Holly Theater. When it comes to lodging, guests can find decent hotels, like Quality Inn Dahlonega, with rates of around $100 per night.
Helen
A small-town getaway steeped in German heritage, Helen invites vacationers to explore its unique Bavarian past and indulge in thrilling outdoor adventures. Tourists can get a feel for this from the Bavarian-style buildings dotting the downtown and multiple wineries. To keep your expenditure at a minimum, consider renting cabins and motel rooms instead of a luxurious hotel. Or, outdoor lovers can find exciting adventures at Unicoi State Park & Lodge, such as hiking, camping, and nature exploration.
Meanwhile, visiting families can have a thrilling downhill ride at the Georgia Mountain Coaster. The Helen Waterpark is another excellent venue for vacationing families. It offers fun activities like lazy river rafting and water slides.
Blue Ridge
This relaxed alpine village in northern Georgia exposes visitors to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains wilderness. Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers the best way to soak in the outdoor scenery during a 4-hour round trip in a restored train. The arts community welcomes newcomers to explore their creativity by watching a delightful performance or admiring beautiful exhibitions inside the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
There is plenty of hiking around Blue Ridge Lake, like the Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area, to appreciate the outdoors. You can also find affordable hotels in town, such as Douglas Inn & Suites, for around $100 per night.
Enota Mountain Retreat
Enota Mountain Retreat in Hiawassee is a superb weekend getaway for quality time with friends or family. Surrounded by picturesque Georgia mountains and forests, it is a dream come true for outdoor adventurers. This pristine natural scenery harbors endless recreational opportunities, including hiking secluded nature trails, fishing in stocked trout ponds and streams, picnicking on lush open fields, and photographing stunning waterfalls.
Cheap accommodation access makes Enota a convenient retreat. Visitors can access developed RV camping sites, tent camping sites, pop-up camping sites, and beautiful cabin rentals. However, you can also find alternative accommodation at a rustic lodge in the area with modern luxuries like satellite TV, jacuzzis, and more.
Whether you crave relaxing shorelines, scenic outdoor adventures, or low-key urban exploring, the ideal summer vacation spots in Georgia offer an eclectic mix of budget-friendly experiences. By focusing your getaway around exploring these affordably-priced cities, towns, and natural attractions spread across the state, you can enjoy a leisurely time away and Southern hospitality without breaking the bank. From Blue Ridge to the Golden Isles, the Peach State provides no shortage of affordable destinations perfect for ticking off your travel bucket list items during the sunny season.
