Best Things to Do in Georgia in Spring

Spring is when Georgia earns its reputation. Azaleas and roses bloom, waterfalls run full, farm stands open, and the weather is comfortable for hiking and long drives. Here are the best ways to spend it, with links to the full page for each place.

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain is the classic spring stop. Its 40-acre Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl Garden holds more than 3,400 hybrid azaleas that erupt in pinks, reds, and whites each spring, with a pavilion, gazebo, stream, and arched bridge to enjoy them from.

For roses, head to south Georgia. The Thomasville Rose Garden at Cherokee Lake Park has more than 1,500 rose bushes, and Thomasville, the state’s official Rose City, holds its Rose Show and Festival every April. The roses are in full bloom from April through July, with the peak usually in late April and May. Our Gardens page lists many more.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens near Savannah dedicate about three acres to berry fields. Strawberries are in season from mid-March to May, and blackberries follow from mid-May to July. Harvest times shift from year to year with the weather, so call ahead. The gardens also hold a Spring Festival and Plant Sale, usually in late March or early April.

Spring is a good time for waterfalls, since the mountain streams that feed them are usually at their fullest. See our Best Waterfalls in North Georgia for the top ten, and our Best Hikes in North Georgia for trails sorted by skill level. If you want to sleep outdoors while you are at it, our Best Georgia State Parks for Camping guide has the parks worth booking.

Many of Georgia’s farmers markets open for the season in spring. Some run all year, like the Athens Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, while others are seasonal, like the Alpharetta Farmer’s Market, which runs Saturdays from mid-April through mid-October. Our Farmers Markets page lists the markets across the state. For springtime events, check our Festivals & Events page and the regional calendars linked from it.

Spring weekends are busy at the popular gardens and state parks, so book lodging and campsites early. For more seasons, see our winter guide, our fall guide, and our summer guide.

When do the azaleas bloom at Callaway Gardens?
The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl Garden blooms each spring, when its more than 3,400 hybrid azaleas open in pinks, reds, and whites. Bloom timing varies with the weather, so check with the gardens before you plan a trip around it.

When is strawberry season in Georgia?
At the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens near Savannah, strawberries are in season from mid-March to May. Exact harvest times vary each year with the weather.