Plan the ultimate Southern getaway in the mountains or at the beach on a Georgia vacation with kids, cousins and grandparents
From the misty Blue Ridge Mountains to the breezy shores of Atlantic coastal islands, Georgia offers families a dual delight–coastline adventures and mountain escapes, all in one unforgettable state. Every mile of this ultimate peach-pit-stop is full of natural charm and culture for Georgia vacations with kids to grandparents, as visitors have access to rich history, seaside spots, mountain fun, and good-ol’ Southern cooking right at their fingertips. After trailing sandy flip-flops and dusty hiking boots back home, there will be double the stories from double the fun a Georgia family vacation brings with this sunny coast to mountain escapade.
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Classic Crowd-Pleasers: Atlanta family attractions
Atlanta stands as Georgia’s irresistible force that draws eyes and footsteps first, no matter how near or far a family may come from. With a bustling airport known to be a two-hour flight from most locations and a convenient spot along the East Coast, this magnetic city is the best place to start your Georgia family vacation. Atlanta offers a double-header of a lifetime with the renowned Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola–two family attractions that even locals visit on a rainy day.
Georgia Aquarium is a great rainy day family activity. Photo credit Georgia Aquarium Facebook
Georgia Aquarium
Considered one of the best and largest aquariums in the country, the Georgia Aquarium holds over 500 diverse animal species in 11 million gallons of water. This aquarium is special and stands out against all others in the United States and even the world. Allow your family to experience the wonder of an underwater dreamscape together as you journey through the Ocean Voyager tunnel, where you will be surrounded on all sides by all kinds of marine life. This aquarium also offers the unique opportunity to experience the majestic presence of whale sharks and graceful manta rays–an opportunity only accessible at this location. For those daring family members particularly enamored with marine life and scuba certified, the Georgia Aquarium provides a chance of a lifetime to glide through the water alongside these two creatures and more with the “Journey with Gentle Giants Dive”.
World of Coca-Cola guided tours available for groups. Photo credit World of Coca-Cola Facebook
World of Coca-Cola
A bubbly adventure awaits at the World of Coca-Cola, where fizzy fun and history come together in an explosion of color and flavor. There is a range of hands-on experiences for family members of all ages to enjoy, from tastings to scent discoveries to crafting your own unique beverage. The sugary delights do not end there, as visitors come one step closer to discovering one of the best-kept secrets in history–the Coca-Cola formula. This legendary recipe is held inside The Vault at the World of Coca-Cola, and your family can step inside and uncover 135 years of heritage, myths and history of the iconic brand.
Lake Lanier (1 hour from Atlanta)
Lake life is a celebrated part of the Georgia family and friend culture. Just a one-hour drive from the city is Lake Lanier, where your family can truly experience a laid-back Georgia family weekend with boating, tubing, fishing, and swimming. Lanier Islands family resort is perfect for visiting families as it places you right in the middle of the lake with an abundance of accommodations and amenities.
Coastal Georgia Family Vacations
The salty breeze of Georgia’s Golden Isles beckons those seeking an ocean-side family fun summer vacation, promising sun-drenched adventures and sunset-soaked relaxation. The Georgia barrier islands–such as Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Tybee Island–host a beautiful balance of scenic beaches, rich heritage, conservation efforts, and unique landscapes. The islands are cohesive with each other, but each one offers something unique and different for family things to do in Georgia.
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island. Photo credit homegrownfamilies IG
Jekyll Island
If the allure of Jekyll Island drew in America’s elite from the 1800s Golden Age, then families today are continuing to find the same draw of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The timeless charm and peaceful natural splendor provide an irresistible place for current-day families.
Get a glimpse of this Golden Age vacation spot by walking through the island’s historic district, where grand mansions and the highly exclusive Jekyll Island Club reside. After gaining a complete understanding and appreciation for the rich history of the land, families can move on to experience all the natural adventure and beauty Jekyll has to offer.
Groups may settle on the white sandy shores of the beach to go swimming, shelling, or simply relax. Others could connect with nature by horseback riding on the beach or embarking on a dolphin tour. However, one thing visitors should not miss out on is spending time at Driftwood Beach–the stunning and unique Jekyll Island family beach of twisted driftwood along sandy shores. No matter what your family decides to do, the world is your oyster on this island of grand natural beauty and timeless glamour.
St. Simons Island’s Fort Frederica Ntl. Monument. Photo credit St. Simons Island, Georgia Facebook
St. Simons Island
The famous St. Simons Lighthouse will guide your family on your next great vacation. This Victorian structure provides historical insights and a panoramic view of the coast, surrounding islands, and the mainland, all in one. The lighthouse is not the only place for your family to find these things–the iconic St. Simons Pier offers a stunning view, and the Historic Trolley Tours bring you up close to landmarks and local attractions.
Cannon’s Point Preserve offers the most nature and history all in one, as it houses native species and holds middens dating back to 2500 BCE. Most of the fun family activities include being outside in nature, like relaxing on the beach, golfing, horseback riding, fishing, and biking the St. Simons Island Trails. If these do not sound like the most fun for the little ones on your journey, one way to truly engage them is to task them with finding the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island, which legend says immortalizes the sailors who sailed on ships made from these mighty oaks. A visit to Neptune Park will also provide entertainment to kids with its Fun Zone water park, in addition to annual events such as Jazz in the Park or Movie Nights.
Tybee Island Lighthouse with kids on bikes. Photo credit m.reali.elliott IG
Tybee Island
Just a half-hour drive from Georgia’s most enchanting historical town of Savannah is Tybee Island–a hidden gem offering five serene beaches, kayaking adventures, and boat charter outings. The uninhabited Little Tybee Island provides the opportunity to camp out on the beach and get an unfiltered view of the stars over the ocean. Back River Beach–Tybee Island’s tranquil secret– hosts a reputation for painting a stunning sunset canvas. The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum has St Simons’ beat as the oldest and tallest lighthouse in all of Georgia. This island is extra special with the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, which stewards conservation. Here, family members of all ages will no doubt delight in turtle talk–a program that educates about the types of sea turtles that nest on Georgia’s coast, as well as visits and feeds a loggerhead sea turtle.
Visit Savannah Before or After
A Georgia family vacation would not be complete without a stop in the hauntingly beautiful Savannah. A breathtaking art scene, gorgeous architecture, significant–and haunting–history, tasty local food, and a blanket of hanging Spanish moss all around create the perfect atmosphere for a classic Georgia family vacation.
Georgia Family Vacations with Mountain Magic
A transition from coast to mountain landscape is no surprise when it comes to Georgia’s terrain. Forget cars and planes to make it to this next destination for your Georgia family vacation and instead take a step back in time by traveling on the Blue Ridge Railway—this four-hour scenic, relaxing, family-friendly adventure winds through the Toccoa River nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. The best time to embark on this journey would be during Fall Break, so your family can enjoy the stunning Autumn foliage.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Travel the jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic, meandering mountain road with plenty of pull-offs for magical group photos. From hiking waterfalls to picking apples at Mercier Orchards to tubing down a river to gathering around a campfire, there is no shortage of family bonding moments up in the mountain magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Blue Ridge Parkway in Avery, NC. Photo credit ucumari photography via Flickr
Daholenga, NC
Daholenga offers many of the activities above as it is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, a family visit to this charming town would be a treat as it is known as the site of the country’s first Gold Rush, beating the famous California Gold Rush. As the kids will be enamored with pining for gold, the adults of the group will soon realize they are in wine country. Vineyards like Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery will provide relaxation and wine tastings galore.
Fernbank Museum in Georgia. Photo credit Fernbank Museum Facebook
Quirky Picks & Budget Choices
For those families searching to venture off the beaten path, Providence Canyon State Park is the perfect spot for an eccentric Georgia family vacation. Don’t worry if Arizona is a bit too far for your family; the East Coast has its own “Little Grand Canyon.” Considered a relatively easy hike of over ten miles of trails, each family member will be able to boast in the serene views after a journey through an array of sunset colored sandstone walls. Safety tips include waterproof hiking boots and keeping to the designated trails. It is best to plan according to the weather, as rain will make the trails more dangerous, but Autumn will provide beautiful fall leaves. A picnic area will be waiting for your family at the end of the taxing adventure for a celebration meal.
A trip back to Atlanta could include several Georgia activities for family-friendly budgets, including a visit to Fernbank Museum of Natural History, which provides for free admission, excluding the Planetarium programs. The Apollo 6 Command Module and Honey Bee Observation Exhibits will surely entertain the toddlers in your family–and most importantly, on a budget!
Georgia provides numerous family-friendly adventures, from mountains to coastlines. Absorb the beautiful nature, stunning architecture, and historic landmarks while engaging in modern family fun for a Georgia family vacation of a lifetime.
By Makenzie Smith
