Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Georgia

We all love going on road trips in Georgia, but sometimes the cost can be high. Times can be tough for many, and it’s not always practical to take a week-long trip where you can enjoy costly hotels, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. But don’t worry, there are plenty of affordable vacation destinations in Georgia where you can indulge in fun without having to worry about breaking the bank! Here are a few places in the Peach State where you can easily enjoy a day or weekend of budget-friendly adventure:

Cartersville is a northwest Atlanta suburb of about 22,000 people. It doesn’t get nearly the attention that many other suburbs receive, but there’s a surprising number of things to do in Cartersville, GA. Both the Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Science Museum are here, plus you can find outdoor fun at the Etowah Indian Mounds and Red Top Mountain State Park.

Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia, USA

One of the easiest ways to have a great time without paying too much money is to spend time outside. Few places are better to do that than the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp. This massive wetland spans 438,000 acres right along the state line with Florida. It’s the largest blackwater swamp in North America and it’s home to numerous plant and animal species you won’t find elsewhere.

Plains is an ultra-tiny town in South Georgia. With under 1,000 people here, you may not think there’s much to do, but it’s Jimmy Carter’s hometown, so you’ll find plenty of attractions related to the 39th President of the United States. Small towns tend to have cheaper restaurants and lodging options than larger cities, so this is one spot you can even enjoy an affordable weekend stay.

Savannah is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Peach State, so it’s no surprise there are plenty of high-priced options for a getaway here. However, there are also plenty of free things to do here! Walking around the city’s many historic squares and beautiful Forsyth Park is a wonderful afternoon that won’t cost you a dime.

Atlanta is the state’s capital and largest city, so of course there’s a huge variety of things to do here, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time. If you’re wanting to visit some of the city’s best attractions, check out Atlanta CityPASS. It includes admission to some of the city’s most popular attractions at a much lower price than you’d pay buying each ticket separately.

If you ask us, Macon is one of the most underrated cities in Georgia. You’ll find lots of affordable restaurants here, plus the magnificent Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. If you visit in the springtime, the cherry blossoms are marvelous in bloom. There are several great museums here too that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Chehaw Park, 105 Chehaw Park Rd, Albany, GA 31701, USA

Is it really any wonder that Chehaw Park and Zoo is one of the top attractions in Albany? This 800-acre park is filled with fun. You’ll find all kinds of attractions for a low entrance fee, and there’s something for the entire family here. There’s an AZA-accredited zoo, RC racetrack, playgrounds, seasonally-open splash park, trails, disc golf, and so much more. Note that the zoo does charge a separate fee from the rest of the park, but even so, the cost is very low for the amount of fun you’ll have.

Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA

Providence Canyon is nicknamed Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, and it’s easy to see why. This impressive semi-natural wonder was deepened by decades of poor farming practices. If you want to make a whole weekend of it, there are plenty of camp sites within the park that are quite affordable.

Thomasville is a great little town that just so happens to be one of the most walkable cities in Georgia. The population of around 18,000 is a little bigger than most traditional small towns, but there’s such a great community atmosphere here that makes it feel like a traditional old Southern small town. There are plenty of locally-owned businesses to support, and lots of history to check out!

Athens is one of our favorite day trips in Georgia. The University of Georgia campus sprawls throughout downtown and means there are plenty of miniature parks and gardens to walk through that are completely free. There’s also plenty of affordable restaurants, and lots of larger parks to check out as well.

Statesboro is home to Georgia Southern University. It’s a city that has grown tremendously over the last few decades, largely thanks to the college. You can now find plenty of opportunities for fun here. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, a trip to Splash in the Boro is a must. It’s a family-friendly water park with surprisingly affordable tickets.

Which of these cities is your favorite to visit? Did we miss your favorite affordable road trip in Georgia? Share your suggestions in the comments!