Georgia Family Getaways

Families will find “Gone with the Wind” Southern charm in Atlanta, but it"s also considered the “Capital of the New South” so the mix of modern and traditional make it great for a Georgia family getaway.

Six Flags Over Georgia, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Zoo Atlanta, The World of Coca Cola and studio tours at CNN are not to missed. City tours, such as an open-air Smart car ride through the city, are another fun way to experience Atlanta with kids.

The recently expanded Center for Puppetry Arts is an especially unique stop for kids who love Jim Henson, and kids will also love splashing in the fountains at Centennial Olympic Park, constructed for the 1996 Summer Olympics.

See Atlanta Family Hotels.

Recommended Hotel: Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center

For a quiet, beach getaway with the family, Jekyll Island is a Georgia peach of a pick. Located near the border of Florida, it"s also a national park! Vehicles have limited access on the island (the ferry also books up fast), but kids will love the alternate modes of transportation by bicycle, golf cart or Segway, and parents will enjoy the laid-back vibes.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an ideal visit for families on a Jekyll Island getaway. The education and research center allows families to learn about sea turtles and see them undergoing rehabilitation. Families can even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and watch the sea turtles being fed. Golf, air boat rides and fishing are also popular on this Georgia Golden Isle.

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Recommended Hotel: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

A weekend getaway to Savannah is filled with history and charm. Families will love to stroll down the cobblestone southern streets of Savannah, underneath the arched oak trees covered in Spanish moss (screaming photo op). The city has 24 squares, which are considered Savannah"s “living room” and offer great green spaces for hanging out and people watching.

Teens will really enjoy a haunted tour through Savannah"s historic district or checking out the Bonaventure, which has been considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. And the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, which has model trains and seasonal train rides, is great for young kids who love trains.

Top off a Savannah getaway with some Southern home cooking or seafood and your trip will be complete.

See Savannah Family Hotels.

Recommended Hotel: The Cloister Sea Island

Part of the Golden Isles and only two hours from Savannah, St. Simons Islands feature expansive beaches, a lighthouse and Neptune Park Fun Zone. Families will love the summer fun at Neptune Park with its giant pool, mini-golf and playground area while on a family getaway. It"s great for young kids, too, which zero-entry pool access and certified lifeguards.

At low tide, the beaches on St. Simons Islands can be hundreds of yards wide, perfect for building sand castles. Families will also love to go fishing, kayaking, bicycling and golfing while visiting St. Simons Islands.

See St. Simons Islands Family Hotels.

Recommended Hotel: Ocean Lodge

For mountaintop, outdoor fun, plus some thrills, a getaway to Stone Mountain Park is ideal for families any time of year. Families will love the ropes course at SkyHike, Camp Highland Outpost or Geyser Towers (water included!), or a 5-mile, scenic locomotive ride.

Get the ultimate Stone Mountain Park view from the Summit Skyride, in which a Swiss cable car takes visitors to the top of the mountain. The 5-mile long Cherokee Trail also provides great views and family hiking.

There"s also skiing in the winter, and the Lasershow Spectacular, on summer nights has been dazzling families for more than 30 years with its loud music and fireworks.

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Recommended Hotel: Stone Mountain Inn

Located about 20 minutes from Savannah, families can easily take a day trip to Tybee Island and spend the day at the beach. Dubbed “Savannah"s Beach,” families will find 3 miles of beach and the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Georgia, Tybee Lighthouse. Climb 178 steps to the top for stellar views!

When you"re hungry, we recommend Sundae Café for shrimp and grits, jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese and of course, ice cream.

While there are a few Tybee Island family hotels, vacation rentals are in abundance on this island and a great option for larger or multigenerational family getaways.

See Tybee Island Vacation Rentals.

Recommended Hotel: Desoto Beach Hotel

A family getaway to Marietta can be filled with indoor go-karting, the aviation wing of the Marietta Museum of History, ghost tours and walking history tours.

Teens may enjoy a Marietta Food Tour, where hungry visitors tour the local restaurants and eateries. The walking tour allows you to burn off some of those calories, but families can also explore and learn about the Marietta Square, too.

If your family is feeling creative and has some time to kill, make a stop at “Just Kiln" Time,” a paint-your-own pottery and art studio. Artists, with little or no experience, can choose to paint a canvas, vase, mug or whatever your creativity can bring.

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest

Located along the Savannah River, a family getaway to Augusta is filled with arts, culture, history and of course, Southern charm.

Families can stroll the Augusta Riverwalk and find the children"s playground, museums, an amphitheater and plenty of restaurants. Or hop on an Augusta Ghost Trolley Tour for an interactive, fun and “spirited” tour of the town. Augusta"s minor league baseball team, the Greenjackets, plays at Lake Olmstead stadium, so you can catch a game while you"re in town, too.

History buffs may enjoy checking out the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson or visit the Ezekiel Harris House. Harris was a prominent tobacco merchant and his house is an example of early Federal style architecture.

Recommended Hotel: Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center

Civil War buffs will love a getaway to Columbus, Georgia, where they can visit the National Historic District. This riverfront town features tours of restored Victorian homes, the Coco-Cola Space Science Center and the Columbus Riverwalk. Civil War history is displayed at the Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, along with other museums.

But if you"re family isn"t into history, there are lot of other things to do in Columbus, Georgia. Thrill-seeking families can brave the rapids on the Chattahoochee River or check out a Broadway show.

Civil War buffs will especially love a getaway to Columbus, Georgia. Civil War history is displayed at the Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center, along with other museums.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Columbus/South Fort Benning

Located 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, the Lake Lanier Islands are idyllic for families seeking a getaway in Georgia. The small group of islands, which spans about 1,500 acres, is situated on the largest lake in Georgia.

The wave pool, splash pad and waterslides at LanierWorld are great for families who are looking to keep cool and have some fun in the summer months. Visit during the Fourth of July holiday and families can enjoy a fabulous fireworks display over the lake.

But if you miss Fourth of July, don"t worry because the Magical Nights of Lights runs from November through January and is considered the Lake Lanier Islands" most popular event. The light displays, Holiday Village and Santa"s Workshop will put families in the Christmas spirit on a Georgia getaway.

See Lake Lanier Islands Family Hotels.

Recommended Hotel: Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia