Escape to the fresh water, and enjoy lazy days boating on Lake Oconee or swimming in the infinity pool at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Greensboro. With five championship golf courses, a full-service spa, seven restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities, guests will find nothing lacking at this property. And, each night before withdrawing to their room overlooking the lake, visitors can indulge their sweet tooth by making s’mores around the campfire behind the hotel. 

Quick family vacations near Atlanta are a howling good time at the Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange. While the kids will love splashing in the waterpark, tackling the indoor ropes course, and fulfilling journeys in MagiQuest, parents will love the farm-to-table dining at Barnwood and relaxing by the outdoor swimming pool. When taking a break from the water, there’s no shortage of daily activities like story time and character meet-and-greets. Plus, Great Wolf Lodge has a great selection of both regular and themed rooms for families of all sizes.

Athens is known for its music scene, and the Graduate Athens provides the perfect spot to stay while visiting this college town. It’s located within the Foundry building, and guests don’t have to venture far to enjoy live music. Onsite dining at The Foundry Bar & Mill and Iron Works Coffee means guests have options, while they’re just steps from downtown Athens, too. The hotel also is close to all University of Georgia action for those who have business or leisure planned on campus.

Built in 1890, the Antebellum Inn prides itself on serving up true Southern hospitality coupled with a gourmet country breakfast, featuring farm fresh eggs, bacon, sausage, raspberry French toast, homemade quiches, and more. The inn is conveniently located near many of Milledgeville’s top attractions, including The Old Governor’s Mansion, Georgia’s Old Capitol Museum, and Andalusia, the home of author Flannery O’Connor.

Housed in a restored cotton mill, the Columbus Marriott sits at the edge of Columbus’s historic residential district and within walking distance of the city’s Uptown dining, entertainment, and touring district along the Chattahoochee River. The hotel has 177 rooms, two onsite restaurants, and an outdoor swimming pool. For more activities in Columbus, consider riding the river rapids, biking along the RiverWalk, or shopping for souvenirs. 

Located near the Georgia-North Carolina state line in Young Harris, the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa offers everything one could want: comfortable accommodations, onsite dining, a full-service spa, and activities like golf, horseback riding, and hiking. Or just relax on the back porch and take in the views of the North Georgia Mountains. Either choice is a win-win. 

Sitting just above gorgeous Amicalola Falls in Amicalola Falls State Park, the Amicalola Falls Lodge in Dawsonville offers a quiet retreat in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. In addition to 57 lodge rooms, visitors also can choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom cabins, or a tent or RV campsite in the nearby campground. Amenities like Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and onsite dining will make guests feel like they’re still in the city, while panoramic views of the surrounding mountains will erase all that. 

Geographically speaking, it may not be that far from Atlanta, but the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort feels a world away. Overlooking Stone Mountain, hotel amenities include onsite dining, a spa, pool, golf, and hiking trails. For more adventure, check out Stone Mountain Park’s many attractions and activities, like canoeing on the lake, hiking up the mountain, or picnicking on the Great Lawn in front of the grand monzonite dome. 

When heading out for a road trip from Atlanta, Savannah has to be on the itinerary. And when visiting Savannah, the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa provides an ideal escape. Sitting along the Savannah River, across from the city’s famed River Street, this hotel welcomes guests to spend their days lounging by the pool watching the river traffic go by. There’s a full-service spa with golf just minutes away, plus several onsite dining options. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to Savannah’s historic downtown for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and more. 

Freshly opened in summer 2017, the Valhalla Resort Hotel at Innsbruck Resort and Golf Club in Helen offers visitors all-king suites outfitted with fireplaces, smart TVs, and balconies overlooking the golf course and the surrounding North Georgia Mountains. Hotel amenities include deluxe spa services, an outdoor swimming pool, and three onsite restaurants. Also, the property offers pet-friendly rooms so travelers can bring their furry friends along for the ride. In addition, the property is just minutes from Helen, where guests can explore the alpine village for unique souvenirs—and suds. 

Built in 1892, the Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel has long welcomed visitors to come and enjoy its Victorian charms. Dominating almost an entire city block in downtown Americus, the five-story hotel architecture features a tower, a turret, and the three-story open atrium, complete with balconies. Most recently renovated in 2010, the hotel serves as a second home for guests wanting to explore the history of Americus and nearby Plains, home to former President Jimmy Carter. 

For something off the beaten path, book a stay at a yurt in Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn near the Georgia-Tennessee state line. These accommodations feature bunk beds, tables, chairs, and other furnishings. Outside, find a picnic table, fire pit, and deck with chairs. For those wanting to do more than relax and read a good book, park activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, geocaching, and disc golf. 

A new addition to Historic Downtown Ellijay, the Ellijay River House is a bed-and-breakfast housed in a 1915 Craftsman home. Featuring four rooms, the B&B is steps from Ellijay’s downtown square, which bustles with restaurants, a wine tasting room, shopping, and entertainment. Those looking for outdoor adventures—hiking, mountain-biking, tubing, paddling, and more—in the area will find those just minutes from Ellijay River House.

A world of adventure awaits at Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg, not far off Interstate 20 East. Spend the days zipping through the trees, or brave the world’s tallest freestanding climbing wall. Don’t miss the birds of prey show or the Ancient Art of Falconry program, both of which provide guests with up-close-and-personal experiences with some amazing birds. At the end of the day, head to one of the property’s treehouse rooms, a fun take on the traditional hotel lodge. 

Fans of historic Southern charm will enjoy a retro getaway at Merry Acres Inn in Albany. Built in 1952, this boutique-style hotel features 110 rooms, a swimming pool, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Catch up over cocktails at the onsite Manor House Pub while live music on the hotel’s verandah fills the air. Tip: Take the inn’s free shuttle to the Stewbos family of restaurants for a fun evening out.

Situated in the heart of the National Register Historic District's Intown Neighborhood in Macon, the 1842 Inn occupies a gorgeous antebellum mansion showcasing the best of Greek revival architecture. With 19 guest rooms located in the main house and the Victorian Cottage on the property, the 1842 Inn invites guests to enjoy one of four public parlors, the wraparound veranda, and the garden and courtyard. In addition to breakfast each morning, the inn also serves complimentary hors d’oeuvres during the daily evening hospitality hour. Added bonus: homemade cookies in the parlor.