Spring Break Vacations that Won't Break the Bank
Spring break is the perfect time for parents and kids to recharge before the jam-packed marathon that is the end-of-school. Planning a spring break vacation on a budget can be daunting, but it's perfectly doable, if you know where to look. Here are some of our favorite spring break locations in Georgia that won't break the bank.
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta
There are so many different things to do in Atlanta, it's hard to choose a few. For those looking to keep the costs of visiting multiple attractions down, consider an Atlanta CityPass. You can visit some of Atlanta's most popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta. The passes are good for several days after the first use and allow you to save time by bypassing the ticket lines.
St. Simons Island, Georgia. Photo by @bowtiesandbloomphotography
Golden Isles
Between Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, there is a lot of free and inexpensive fun, besides just playing on the beach. Our favorites: the Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll and searching for tree spirits on St. Simons Island. With so many free and inexpensive activities in the Golden Isles, there may be room to splurge on accommodations.
The Golden Isles offers vacationers a plethora of lodging options, from the luxurious Cloister at Sea Island, to the beachside King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island or the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Cumberland Island, Georgia. Photo by @benjamingalland
Cumberland Island
Looking for pristine beaches away from the resort crowds? Try remote Cumberland Island. The only way to get there is by ferry, so you won't have to contend with the usual spring break throngs.
Cumberland has secluded and affordable campsites within a half-mile of the ferry dock. Wagons are available for rent, so it's sort of like car camping, without the car.
Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia
Callaway Resort & Gardens
Springtime is when the famous Callaway Resort & Gardens azaleas start to peak. Take a hike or a bike ride through the gardens to find the beautiful blooms.
Treetop Adventure is a challenging ropes course with moderate zip lines, perfect for families. For a budget option, watch the free Birds of Prey show where falcons fly through the air instead of humans.
Callaway has multiple lodging options as well, including The Lodge and Spa and Mountain Creek Villas.
Whitewater Express in Columbus, Georgia
Columbus
In Columbus, Whitewater Express is the place to go for high adventure, with daily rafting trips down the Chattahoochee, as well as the Blue Heron Aerial course. For less expensive fun in Columbus, visit the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, or Oxbow Meadows for turtles, snakes, alligators and more. The Columbus Marriott is a perfect home base for your city getaway.
Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Photo by @pokkychoo
Georgia State Parks
There is no better value than a Georgia State Parks vacation. I like to call them my "yes" vacations. Whatever anyone wants to do, the answer is yes, because everything is so affordable. We've canoed at George T. Bagby State Park, learned archery at Panola Mountain State Park, ridden horses at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, and studied the water at Amicalola Falls State Park.
