10 Best Places to Visit in Georgia in Summer

Summer in Georgia may be hot, but it’s also one of the best times to plan a fun getaway. If you’re planning your summer vacation, these are my favorite places around the state for enjoying Georgia in summer at its best.

As a Georgia local, summer is one of my favorite times to travel around the state. Whether you want a beach trip, a mountain escape, a weekend built around a festival, or somewhere with plenty of ways to cool off, Georgia has a lot of good summer destinations.

From shady hikes and watersports to beach towns and seasonal festivals, these are the Georgia destinations I think are most worth visiting this time of year.

The Tybee Island Lighthouse, a black and white lighthouse, rises behind tall beach grass under a clear pale blue sky, with only the upper tower and lantern visible above the dunes in Tybee Island, Georgia. The framing through the sea oats gives the coastal landmark a calm, tucked away feel.

Best Summer Destinations in Georgia

1. Jekyll Island

A dramatic coastal sunset in Jekyll Island, Georgia with the sun low on the horizon, framed by twisted driftwood trees stretching across a calm shoreline and reflecting in the wet sand.

Jekyll Island is the perfect spot for a Georgia summer getaway with coastal breezes and space to bask in the summer sun. This southernmost Golden Isle is one of the most popular vacation destinations in coastal Georgia.

Go for a horseback ride on the beach, explore the island by bike, walk along the iconic Driftwood Beach, take a dolphin boat tour, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and explore the Jekyll Island Historic District.

Summer Waves Water Park is one of the best summer activities on the island. With 11 acres of rides and activities like waterslides, wave pools, and a lazy river, this is the perfect place to cool off.

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2. Savannah

Hotel Bardo Savannah (formerly the Mansion on Forsyth Park) in Savannah, Georgia, a red brick historic building with a turreted corner tower and arched entrance, partially shaded by leafy trees. The structure sits along a brick sidewalk with trimmed hedges, patio umbrellas, and a few people walking nearby under a bright blue sky.

Summer is a popular season in Savannah. While summer in the South can be sweltering, Savannah’s shady squares offer a respite from the heat as you explore everything the city has to offer.

Cool off in Savannah by spending some time on the water; you can take a riverboat luncheon cruise of the Savannah River, complete with live music, dancing, and sunset views of the city. Or get a sweet treat from Leopold’s Ice Cream, Savannah’s most famous ice cream shop. And if you find the days too hot, then roaming the streets in the cool night air on a ghost tour just might be your thing.

If you want a vacation with both beach and city, then combine Savannah and Tybee Island for a great getaway. You can enjoy a mix of history and beach relaxation all in one trip.

Whether you’re visiting Savannah for a girls’ trip, a romantic getaway, or a quick day trip this summer, you’ll love discovering what this historic city has to offer.

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3. Tybee Island

Wide sandy beach at Tybee Island, Georgia with scattered beach chairs and small groups of people relaxing near the shoreline. A long wooden pier stretches across the background over the ocean, with a covered structure at the end. Gentle waves roll in under a bright sky filled with textured, patchy clouds.

Head to the coast for sunny days on the beaches of Tybee Island this summer. Soak up the sun with long summer days and plenty of outdoor activities to fill them with, from surfing to biking to jet skis.

Explore the waterways around the barrier island on a kayak expedition, a tiki boat adventure, a dolphin-watching tour, or a fishing trip. You’ll get to see the island from a whole new perspective. Then enjoy educational and historical attractions like the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and the Tybee Light Station & Museum.

Summer also brings with it Movies in the Park at Memorial Park, an evening full of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. And at the island’s most popular hotspots, you’ll find live music from local artists keeping the party going all night long.

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4. Helen

Bavarian style village storefronts in Helen, Georgia with steep red roofs, half timber details, and a tall decorative tower line the street beneath a cloudy sky. Blue "Paulaner" umbrellas, festival banners, and people walking between the buildings make the area feel like a lively alpine themed shopping and dining district.

Helen is the perfect summer mountain getaway, offering tons of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. And you may find yourself wanting some physical activity after dining on all the delicious German cuisine around town.

There are two great state parks nearby — Unicoi State Park and Smithgall Woods State Park — with trails for hiking and outdoor activities likes ziplining and fishing. Anna Ruby Falls is one of the state’s best waterfall hikes. And in town, you can cool off by tubing on the river and feeling the wind whip through your hair on the Georgia Mountain Coaster.

Spend your summer among the vines on a winery trip in Helen. There are a ton of great wineries in the area that are in full swing during the summer season, where you can spend your getaway relaxing and sipping on reds and whites.

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5. St. Simons Island

Elevated coastal view of St. Simons Island, Georgia shows a calm strip of blue water in the foreground with a sandy shoreline, a white lighthouse, and a cluster of low buildings backed by dense green forest. The wide perspective makes the lighthouse feel tucked into a quiet seaside town.

St. Simons Island is a barrier island off the Georgia Coast and is a great small town to visit in Georgia. Summer is the high season at this popular island, and with good reason.

Enjoy a day on the island’s beaches, with expansive sand dune ridges and wide shorelines. All of St. Simons’ beaches are pet-friendly, if you’re looking to bring your furry friend along on your getaway. If you want to cool down away from the beach, head to the Fun Zone waterpark at Neptune Park.

There are various types of outdoor adventures on the island. Go kayaking, fishing, biking, or horseback riding. While you’re out, be sure to look for the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island, the intricately carved artworks in trees all around the island.

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6. Atlanta

Splash fountain sprays across a wide brick plaza in front of a tree lined Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, with a large Ferris wheel and downtown skyscrapers rising in the background. The open square, green trees, and skyline make the scene feel like a busy urban gathering place on a warm day.

Summer is one of the best times to visit Atlanta. Attractions are at a full swing for the high tourist season and there are plenty of ways to have some fun in the sun. There are so many great things to do in Atlanta during summer!

During the summer, you can see the Atlanta Botanical Garden in full bloom, and you can see all the animals out and about at Zoo Atlanta. If you’re looking to cool off because the Georgia heat is no joke, you can have air-conditioned fun at top attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

You can even beat the heat with a trip to Six Flags White Water, Six Flags Over Georgia’s Hurricane Harbor, or tubing on the Chattahoochee River. The kiddos will also love splashing around in the Centennial Olympic Park Fountain of Rings.

Atlanta also has tons of amazing ice cream shops to help you cool down; and you certainly won’t want to miss the Ice Cream Festival in July.

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7. Valdosta

A wide view of Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia with roller coasters rising above a tree-filled landscape under a sky filled with large, puffy clouds.

Located in the heart of South Georgia, Valdosta is a great place for a summer vacation. With thrill rides, animal encounters, and outdoor adventures, there’s tons to do in Valdosta.

The best thing to do during summer in Valdosta is to visit Wild Adventures Theme Park. This amusement park has roller coasters, water slides, and an exotic animal zoo. They also have an all-star concert line up throughout the season.

And if you want more even more talent, be sure to check out the Peach State Summer Theatre, which presents a selection of three summer musicals and lasts for 10 weeks in the summer.

Get outdoors and explore the pine forests and cypress wetlands at Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area where you can kayak, hike, and traverse a 54-foot viewing platform. Or head to the Valdosta Wake Compound where you can experience watersports like never before, whether you’re a pro or are just learning.

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8. Blairsville

Two bagpipers in dark uniforms and tartan kilts play side by side on a grassy field while festival tents and onlookers blur behind them at the Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Blairsville, Georgia. Their matching dress, red hat pom accents, and focused posture make the scene feel like a live Highland games or cultural festival performance.

Escape the summer heat with a trip to the North Georgia Mountains. Blairsville is a mountain town that’s perfect for outdoor adventures this summer.

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 2 with a hike — the area is filled with popular hiking spots like Vogel State Park and Brasstown Bald. Or take an off-highway vehicle (OHV) and explore the many OHV trails in the area.

See the sights around town like the Mountain Life Museum, the Union County Historical Courthouse, and Granddaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co. You won’t want to miss the Mountain Music and Moonshine Festival in July. Meanwhile, the Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival is held in June.

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9. Alma

Close up of ripe blueberries growing in small clusters among glossy green leaves on a bush, with a few berries still pale and unripe at the Georgia Blueberry Festival in Alma, Georgia. The shallow focus keeps attention on the dusty blue fruit and makes the branch feel fresh from the garden.

Alma is a small town in South Georgia known for being the Blueberry Capitol of Georgia. The town’s main attraction is the annual Georgia Blueberry Festival held on the first weekend of June. Festivities include rides and games, arts and craft vendors, a pie eating contest, a 5k run, and other entertainment ranging from different contests to Civil War reenactments to live music.

Book your stay at the The Inn at Blueberry Plantation Golf & Country Club. The resort offers a golf course with lush rolling fairways, a host of lakes, and well-placed bunkers. Onsite is a restaurant serving steak, seafood, chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. The hotel offers standard, king, suite accommodations as well as pet-friendly options.

While you’re in the area, you can visit the neighboring city of Douglas for unique WWII history and a train museum; General Coffee State Park in Nicholls for hiking and horseback riding; and Paulk Vineyards, the world’s largest muscadine vineyard, in Wray.

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10. Athens

Colorful art deco style facade of the Georgia Theatre in Athens, Georgia rises above a marquee that reads "HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY" and "COMING SOON JIMMY HERRING 7.26." The bold red neon letters and vintage movie house design make the building feel like a classic downtown music and performance venue.

School’s out for the summer, which means it’s a great time to visit the college town of Athens, Georgia. This is a fun, lively city to visit with a great music scene and tons of local eats.

Music is in the air all summer long. AthFest in June is the city’s biggest music festival of the year, and it’s free to attend. Local businesses around town put on concerts of their own throughout the season, like summer concerts at Southern Brewing Company, free shows at the Georgia Theatre Rooftop, concerts on the lawn of the Front Porch Bookstore, and live music on the patio at Hotel Indigo.

Summer is a great time to check out all the sights. Visit the Georgia Museum of Art, stroll through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, sample craft brews on the Athens Beer Trail, visit the animals at the free Bear Hollow Zoo, and explore Georgia heritage at the UGA Special Collections Library.

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Calm ocean waves on Tybee Island, Georgia at sunrise with a smooth gradient sky shifting from soft orange near the horizon to pale blue above. Wet sand in the foreground reflects the sky, dotted with small dark pebbles and gentle ripples.

What’s the Weather Like in Georgia in the Summer?

Summer in Georgia is hot and humid, but don’t let that scare you away. Georgia during the summer is still a beautiful time! Just be sure to plan activities to beat the heat.

Summer weather in Georgia ranges from an average low of 80 degrees to an average high nearing 100 degrees.

In June, you can expect temperatures in the 80s to 90s, with lows in the 60s.
During July, the summer season peaks with average temperatures around 92 degrees and temperatures in the southern region even reaching the 100s.
In August, you can expect temperatures in the 70s to 90s.
Don’t expect things to cool off until well into September when the average temperature hits 78 degrees, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s.

July and August are the rainiest summer months. You can typically expect rain showers and thunder storms in the afternoons. August is tropical storm season, so be prepared when planning a trip to the coast.

July and August are also peak humidity in Georgia. During this time, the heat index goes up and the humidity causes the weather to feel even hotter than the thermostat reads.

The sunset in Georgia happens between around 8:45 p.m. in June, closer to 9 p.m. in July, between 8-8:45 p.m. in August, and between 7:45-8 p.m. in early September.

For what to pack and wear during summer in Georgia, I recommend shorts, short sleeves, sun dresses, and crop tops. Be prepared for the afternoon rain shower with an umbrella or a rain jacket. If you plan on being outside during summer in Georgia, then sunscreen and bug repellant are a must!

Georgia Summer Vacation FAQ

Where do people go on vacation in Georgia?

People in Georgia usually flock to the beaches for the summer. You’ll find a lot of vacationers at Jekyll Island, Tybee Island, and St. Simons Island.

What is the coolest part of Georgia in the summer?

The coolest part of Georgia in the summer is the North Georgia Mountains. These tree-covered mountains provide some shade and respite from the Georgia heat, plus there are plenty of lakes and rivers for watersports to keep you cool all summer long.

Is Georgia good to visit in July?

Georgia is a good place to visit in July, but you’ll want to be prepared for the heat! There are a lot of fun events going on in July and popular attractions are open for the summer high season. Just be sure to plan plenty of downtime to cool off in the air-conditioning!

What month is the hottest in Georgia?

July is the hottest month in Georgia, with average temperatures around 92 degrees and temperatures in the southern region even reaching the 100s.

Summer Vacation in Georgia Map

Ready to plan out your Georgia summer vacation? Use the map below to find all the hot destinations mentioned in this post!

I hope you have an amazing time exploring Georgia in the summer!

More Summer Activities

Ready to beat the heat? Check out these top summer posts:

Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.

Find cheap accommodation: Use my tips for finding cheap accommodation for travel every time.
Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
Pack for your vacation: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need by checking out my packing list resources.

Cheers!

Paige

10 Best Places to Visit in Georgia in Summer

What are your favorite summer destinations in Georgia? Let me know in the comments!

10 Best Places to Visit in Georgia in Summer