Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and lots of fun! Wintering in the South is for more than just snowbirds, but for anyone who wants to get away for some peace and quiet or to experience unique holiday festivities – and Georgia is one of the top destinations this season.
From the picturesque mountains to small town holiday celebrations and everything the big city has to offer, Georgia has it all. Read on to learn about some of the best places to visit in Georgia this year:
Best places to visit in Georgia this winter
Snow mountain in Stone Mountain Park
Snow Mountain is Georgia’s most notable winter attraction for skiing and snow tubing. Although traditional skiing is limited, the resort creates a winter wonderland artificial snowmaking it a favorite for families and beginners. Snow Mountain features a large tubing hill, snow play areas and supervised snow activities for children. Conveniently located near Atlanta, it is an ideal spot for day trips and offers a unique experience for those seeking winter fun in the South.
Dahlonega
Another mountain town. If Dahlonega looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, that’s because it is – literally. The setting for several made-for-TV Christmas movies, the town is as picturesque as it is festive. Take a hike, rent a cabin in the mountains, or just head into town for some window shopping and visit one of the best Christmas markets in Georgia, if not the entire US.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
A winter visit to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia can be a spectacular experience, especially on the rare occasions when the park is covered in snow or the waterfalls are frozen. This dramatic transformation creates a winter wonderland and offers visitors a unique perspective on the rugged beauty of the canyon.
Sky Valley Resort
Sky Valley, Georgia’s only ski area, is a hidden gem tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border. Although smaller than ski resorts in other states, Sky Valley offers a serene environment well-groomed slopes and picturesque surroundings.
Suitable for skiers of all levels, the resort also features snowboarding and tobogganing areas. Nearby accommodations and dining options in Sky Valley make it an excellent weekend getaway destination.
Atlanta
Is there ever a bad time of year to visit Atlanta? From outdoor ice rinks to festive light shows, there’s a lot things to do – and see – around Atlanta during the holidays and in the following winter months. And what’s great about Atlanta, especially in winter, is that you can take in all the sights and sounds without the sweltering heat and busy tourist traffic.
Blue Border
Enjoy the Appalachian scenery this winter with a visit to the picturesque town of Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge is the small mountain town for you if you love the outdoors. With horse riding, hiking trails and other outdoor activities, there is plenty to do.
If you visit Blue Ridge in February, visit the annual Fire and Ice Festival and admire amazing food and ice sculptures.
The Georgia Aquarium
Although it’s located in Atlanta, a place already on this list, the Georgia Aquarium deserves its own spot here. With beluga whales, whale sharks, dolphins and more unique marine life, the Georgia Aquarium is a marine animal lover’s paradise. It is open 365 days a year and the off-season is a great time for tourists to get up close and personal with the animals.
Northeast Georgia Mountains
Relax in a hot tub outside your cabin while taking in some of the best mountain views in the country. That’s what winter in Georgia’s northeastern mountains is all about. While we’ve already checked off several great mountain towns on this list, an adventure to Helen or the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in northeastern Georgia is hard to beat.
Savannah
One of Georgia’s most visited cities, Savannah is also a great place to visit during the holiday season and winter months. Historic charm meets cooler temperatures during the tourist off-season. This means much more comfortable weather for cycling, historical walking tours or Christmas activities in the city.
Some of the notable holiday festivities that Savannah hosts include a boat parade of lights, Charles Dickens-themed tours, and holiday walking tours. Another highlight is the Savannah Christmas Market, which opens annually from mid-November.
Ice skating in Alpharetta
You might not think that skating and Georgia go hand in hand, but there are plenty of seasonal ice rinks where you can lace up your skates around Georgia during the winter months. The Rockefeller-inspired Avalon on the ice in Alpharetta is one of our favorites. Be sure to reserve your time to skate to guarantee access.
