15 Budget Friendly Destinations to Visit in Georgia
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With school breaks upon us, many families are headed out of town. As educators, Sean and I completely understand the need to get out of Dodge for a few days. However, with most school breaks only lasting a week, it can be challenging to leave home, visit your destination, return home, unpack, and have a day of rest in such a short period.
Destinations close to home are often overlooked as places to visit. However, there are some great options if you plan to visit Georgia or if you live in the area. Loving Living Green has highlighted 15 excellent destinations in the Peach State to consider visiting.
Our first three destinations are for animal lovers…
Noah’s Ark is an animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center in Locust Grove, Georgia. Noah’s Ark has a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and monkeys. Admission is always free, but they do accept donations. Jackson said to check out the lions, and Lucy loved the peacocks.
Dauset Trails Nature Center is located just a short drive south in Jackson, Georgia. Dauset Trails rehabilitates animals and reptiles. At Dauset Trails, visit a 19th-century working farm complete with animals and a blacksmith. Admission is always free.
Zoo Atlanta takes a smidge of leg work, but it will be worth it when you stroll through the gates for free. If you visit your local library, you can watch a short film on Zoo Atlanta. Watching the film earns a free family pass for zoo admission. Visit the library when it opens because a limited number of passes are granted each day. We recommend calling your local library for additional details regarding the passes.
If your family loves a little history and a little fun, the next seven destinations are for you to visit in Georgia!
North Georgia
Located east of Atlanta is Stone Mountain Park. Visit the Historical and Environmental Education Center, or take a hike up the mountain. The lawn in front of Stone Mountain is an excellent place for a picnic and to see the spectacular laser show. If you or your kids have never viewed the laser show, or you haven’t been in a few years, it is excellent. Their is a $15 charge per carload. Other paid activities are available inside the park.
The Martin Luther King National Historic Park is located in Atlanta. Visit the King Center, King’s childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the Historic Fire Station No.6. Visiting these attractions in the Sweet Auburn district of Atlanta gives you a fantastic insight into the civil rights history that the city has experienced. Admission is free at each attraction.
Put on your hiking boots when you travel 30 miles north of Atlanta to Kennesaw National Battlefield Park. Kennesaw Mountain is where the Confederates fought the Union during Sherman’s March to the Sea. While there, take a hike to the top of the mountain. Admission is always free.
South Georgia
Andersonville National Historic Site is the location of a former Civil War prisoner of war camp. The National Prisoner of War Museum is also located on the grounds. The POW Museum is one of the most impactful museums I have ever visited. Admission is free at both locations.
Plains, Georgia, is the home of Jimmy Carter, America’s 39th president. The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site includes several locations throughout the town. Stop by the visitor’s center/museum located in Carter’s old high school and visit his childhood home. Make sure to eat some peanuts while you’re there! Admission is always free.
Fort Pulaski National Historic Monument is located in Savannah, Georgia. Fort Pulaski is an intact Civil War fort. View how the fort operated during the 19th century. There is a $7 fee for those 16 years and over, however, there is no charge with a National Park- America the Beautiful Pass.
Fort Frederica National Monument is located on St. Simons Island. The fort was used to hold off a Spanish invasion in 1742. Admission is always free.
A Tip for Traveling
The state is loaded with beautiful parks and historic sites. Georgia State Parks only require a $5 parking fee; however, if you are a local resident, you can visit Georgia’s local libraries and check out parking passes for free. There are also numerous Georgia State Historic Sites, such as the Little White House in Warm Springs or the Jarrell Plantation in Juliette. While at your local library, you can check out a pass that grants free admission to all Georgia State Historic Sites.
I know that we are history connoisseurs, but I definitely want to include a few destinations for science lovers too!
Located in Warm Springs, Georgia, is the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is a fun visit where you can see various types of fish, an alligator, and hatching ponds. Admission is free. There is also a fish hatchery in North Georgia, the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery.
Southeast of Macon in Warner Robins is the Museum of Aviation. The museum is located next to Robins Air Force Base and has many types of aircraft, from fighter jets to drones. Admission is free for self-guided tours, and guided tours are available for $5.
For a few days of relaxation and pure fun, here are three destinations that are sure to please…
Located in the North Georgia mountains is the Alpine Village of Helen. Take a fun stroll through the Bavarian Village, and be sure to sample the delicious fudge in the many candy shops. Dip your feet in the creek and soak up some sun and fresh mountain air.
A specialty for little girls is snuggled in the Northeast Georgia mountains in the town of Cleveland. Babyland General Hospital is the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids. New generations of Cabbage Patch Kids are born each day. The hospital is a must-see for all little girls as they witness their dolls come to life.
We won’t leave out the boys! Located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta is the Marietta Fire Museum. The museum is open Monday to Friday and showcases the history of fire-fighting. Equipment and firetrucks on display date back to 1854. Admission is free.
If you are not leaving the state on vacation, but you still have the urge to travel, we hope that these 15 free or low-cost options are accommodating to your family as you visit in Georgia.
Are you planning on traveling to Georgia? Check out Trip Advisor for some fantastic lodging deals around the state!
Do you have a family/budget-friendly location that you like to visit? We would love to learn about it. Please drop us a line in the comment section below!
Looking for fantastic places to visit within the state? Check out Northeast Georgia and Savannah!
