Whether you need new vacation inspiration or want more creative opportunities for family fun, Georgia, Northern Florida, and Eastern Alabama offer a rich mix of culture, outdoor beauty, and small-town charm. Whether you’re looking to hike in the Appalachian foothills, explore freshwater springs, or dance at a music festival with your kids in tow, this corner of the South is full of wholesome, memorable ways to make the most of your summer.
Southern Landscapes, Wild Escapes
Head to the North Georgia Mountains, where the Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain. The nearby Amicalola Falls State Park is a favorite for nature lovers, featuring accessible trails, picnic areas, and one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the Southeast. Water activities are easy to find, too. Try Lake Lanier, just north of Atlanta, for kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming at family-friendly beaches.
Over in Eastern Alabama, the Cheaha State Park in the Talladega National Forest offers sweeping views, easy hikes, and campgrounds where you can watch the stars or gather around a firepit. Families looking for a more adventurous outing can explore the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail system near Anniston, one of the Southeast’s top spots for beginner to advanced riders.
Northern Florida is home to some of the clearest natural springs in the world. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, near Fort White, offers tubing along a lazy, crystal-clear river shaded by cypress trees—perfect for hot summer days. In nearby Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve offers wildlife viewing, where you might spot wild horses or bison. For coastal fun, head to Amelia Island or St. George Island for peaceful beaches with soft white sand and calmer crowds than Florida’s larger tourist hubs.
Small-Town Celebrations With a Big Heart
The summer festival calendar in this region is filled with interesting events that blend local culture, music, food, and community spirit.
The Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee is a classic Southern celebration featuring crafts, a carnival midway, bluegrass performances, and heritage exhibits. For science and curiosity lovers, Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum hosts a “Fernbank…but Later” series with trivia, VR challenges, classic yard games, and more.
The Alabama Butterbean Festival in Pinson is an offbeat but beloved tradition, complete with a kid zone, live music, arts and crafts, and a contest to create the biggest pot of butterbeans.
Also visit the Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida, featuring watermelon-themed games, races, crafts, and a charming small-town parade. In Tallahassee, the Downtown Concert Series at Cascades Park invites music lovers of all ages to bring a picnic and enjoy live performances in a scenic environment.
Curious about what else might be happening? Check out this list of unusual Georgia festivals.
Bases, Biscuits, and Bananas
Summer in the South wouldn’t be complete without sports, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them, whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines.
In Georgia, Rome Braves minor league baseball games are perfect for a laid-back evening with friends or kids, complete with mascots, fireworks, and family nights. For a unique twist, check out Savannah Bananas games—part baseball, part circus, these wildly popular events are fast-paced and entertaining.
In Eastern Alabama, baseball fans can catch the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The stadium is clean, family-friendly, and features regular kid-centered events like “Biscuitville” play zones and Sunday afternoon games where children can run the bases.
If you’re in Northern Florida, don’t miss a trip to a Florida State University summer sports camp or game in Tallahassee. The university often hosts clinics and games open to the public in everything from soccer to gymnastics.
For a more participatory option, join a local 5K race or family fun run, which are frequently held in parks and coastal towns throughout the summer.
Beat the Heat (or Rain)
When afternoon storms roll in or the atmosphere is sticky, head indoors for some engaging and educational fun.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta and the Center for Puppetry Arts offer hands-on exhibits and family-friendly performances. Columbus, Georgia is home to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, where kids can explore interactive exhibits on astronomy and space travel.
Also check out the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee, featuring a planetarium, IMAX theater, and science exhibits geared toward all ages. Another road trip option is the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, which includes an art studio and rotating exhibitions designed to spark creativity and exploration.
Ask Other Willingway Alumni For More Summer Fun Ideas
Your sober community is always one of the best resources for recovery support, engagement, and new perspectives. The board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations encourage you to touch base with alumni through our many continuing care community groups to learn more about how to make the most of your recovery and create more joy in every day. And if you’re at a turning point in your health quest and need professional guidance for sobriety, talk to a member of our admissions team anytime, day or night.