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 some unique holiday festivities – and Georgia is among the top places to visit this season.
From the picturesque mountains to small-town holiday celebrations to everything the big city has to offer, Georgia has it all. Read on for information about some of the best places to visit in Georgia this year:
Best Places to Visit in Georgia this Winter
Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park
Snow Mountain is Georgia’s most notable winter attraction for skiing and snow tubing. While traditional skiing is limited, the resort creates a winter wonderland with man-made snow, making 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’s 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’s right out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, it’s because it is – literally. The setting of several made-for-TV Christmas films, 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 of the best Christmas markets in Georgia, if not the whole U.S.
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 adorned with snow or the waterfalls are frozen. This dramatic transformation creates a winter wonderland, offering visitors a unique perspective of the canyon’s rugged beauty.
Sky Valley Resort
As Georgia’s only ski resort, Sky Valley is a hidden gem tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina border. Though smaller than ski resorts in other states, Sky Valley provides a serene setting with its well-groomed slopes and picturesque surroundings.
The resort caters to skiers of all levels and also features snowboarding and sledding areas. Nearby accommodations and dining options in Sky Valley make it an excellent destination for a weekend escape.
Atlanta
Is there ever a bad time of year to visit Atlanta? From outdoor ice skating rinks to festive light displays, there’s a lot to do – and see – around Atlanta during the holiday season and in the following winter months. And what’s particularly nice about Atlanta in the winter is you can take in all the sights and sounds without the sweltering heat and heavy tourist traffic.
Blue Ridge
Take in the scenery of the Appalachian Mountains while visiting the picturesque town of Blue Ridge this winter. Blue Ridge is the small mountain town for you if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Featuring horseback riding, hiking trails and other outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you visit Blue Ridge in February, check out the annual Fire and Ice Festival to take in some great food and ice sculptures.
The Georgia Aquarium
Though it is located in Atlanta, a place that already made this list, the Georgia Aquarium deserves its own spot here. Featuring beluga whales, whale sharks, dolphins and more unique sea life, the Georgia Aquarium is a marine animal lover’s paradise. It’s open 365 days a year and the tourist off-season is a great time to visit to get up close and personal with the animals.
Northeast Georgia Mountains
Relax in a hot tub outside your cabin rental while taking in some of the best mountain views in the country. It’s what wintertime in Georgia’s northeast mountains is all about. While we’ve already ticked off several great mountain towns on this list, it’s hard to beat an adventure to Helen or the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in northeast Georgia.
Savannah
One of Georgia’s most visited cities, Savannah is also a great place to visit during the holiday season and winter months. Historical charm meets cooler temperatures during the tourist off-season. This means much more comfortable weather for biking, historic walking tours or Christmas-themed activities around town.
Some of the notable holiday festivities Savannah hosts include a boat parade of lights, Charles Dickens-themed tours and holiday walking tours. The Savannah Christmas market, which opens annually beginning in mid-November is another highlight.
Ice Skating in Alpharetta
You might not think that ice skating and Georgia go hand-in-hand, but there are plenty of seasonal ice rinks to lace up the skates around Georgia during the winter months. The Rockefeller-inspired Avalon on the Ice in Alpharetta is one of our favorites. Just make sure to reserve your time to skate to ensure admittance.