When Georgia residents and visitors really want to get away, they head to the beach. You can play in the Atlantic Ocean surf from Tybee Island in Savannah to Jekyll Island in the Golden Isles.
Swimming pools and water parks abound, operated by the state’s resorts, hotels, municipal and county governments, and Georgia State Parks. The outdoor pools in Georgia are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, whereas the indoor pools are often year-round facilities.
Many of the state’s public pools hold special events, such as “dive in” movies, tropical-themed parties, and water sports contests. Almost all offer swimming lessons. Guest passes can be purchased if you’re not a local resident. A couple of pools you might want to check out are the Georgia Tech Indoor Pool and the Liberty Bell pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The Georgia Tech Indoor Pool in downtown Atlanta was constructed for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, where American Amy Van Dyken won four gold medals in the women’s events, and features a leisure pool with six-25-yard lanes, a water slide, lazy river, kids play area. The pool offers public swimming lessons; usage otherwise is restricted to Georgia Tech-affiliated members and their guests. The Liberty Bell pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park is a beautiful, large, rock-lined, spring-fed pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Pool general admission is $3-$5 depending on the day of the week. Pools also are the main attraction at the state’s water parks, many of them an adjunct to theme parks such as Six Flags Over Georgia, Wild Adventures, and Lake Winnepesaukah.
Resort area water parks such as Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and Summer Waves on Jekyll Island ensure there are activities for every member of the family. One of the newest water parks in the state is Rigby’s Water World in Warner Robins which bills itself as having the world’s largest wet play structure. Or take your water fun indoors at the Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange with its indoor pools and slides, accessible to resort guests and those who purchase a day pass.
While pools and water parks are great, there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned swimming hole. Located in the midst of nature at its finest, these swimming spots are open year-round, and often free to access. Several Georgia waterfalls, including High Shoals Falls and Dukes Creek Falls near Helen, Blue Hole Falls near Hiawassee and Helton Creek Falls near Blairsville, plunge into pools that are swimmable. Just be aware, the water may be a chilly 40 degrees. And please swim with a buddy since there are no lifeguards at these swimming holes.
Lake swimming is also plentiful. Recreational facilities on the Army Corps of Engineers’ 10 Georgia lakes, Georgia Power’s 17 lakes and 20 Georgia State Parks lakes often feature sandy beaches and roped-off areas designated for swimming.
Classic South
1034 Silver Drive Suite 201
Greensboro,
GA
30642
706-453-0380
Atlanta Metro
Lake Peachtree
Peachtree City,
GA
30269
Lake Peachtree is known as a great location for swimming, walking, running or fishing. The multi-use path that runs around the perimeter of the lake is just short of 4 miles and makes for a great jog or walking route. There are several public access areas to the lake including Battery Way, Drake Field and the All Children’s Play Park. Non-gasoline-powered boats are permitted via the public launch on Battery Way.
Historic Heartland
6600 Mosely Dixon Rd.
Macon,
GA
31220
478-474-8770
Lake Tobesofkee offers two beautiful campgrounds, beaches, 1,750-acre lake, fishing, boating and playgrounds, disc golf, swimming and picnic pavilions. Operated by Bibb County.
NE GA Mountains
7000 Holiday Rd.
Buford,
GA
30518
770-932-7200
Fins Up Water Park offers the thrills of a family fun park, the slips and slides of a water park, an open air concert venue, a beachside bar and grille, an Italian eatery, and mini-golf, all within a stone’s throw of a four-star resort hotel. Nice.
Atlanta Metro
7000 Holiday Rd.
Buford,
GA
30518
770-945-8787
Vacation at Lanier Islands Resort and experience a variety of exciting activities and adventures onsite, from equestrian pursuits and golf getaways to fishing, spa escapes, camping and more.
NE GA Mountains
1360 Lanier Park Rd.
Buford,
GA
30518
770-945-9531
This park features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking, and boating.
Historic Heartland
123 Wallace Dam Rd.
Eatonton,
GA
31024
706-485-5494
Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area on Lake Oconee has a full-service campground as well as day-use areas. A large picnic pavilion may be reserved for groups of 30 or more. The park is equipped with playgrounds, boat ramps and a beach.
Magnolia Midlands
816 N. Main St.
Fitzgerald,
GA
31750
229-426-5050
This 6.6-acre natural wooded park has a banquet and meeting hall, swimming pool complex, picnic shelter and tables, barbecue grills, basketball court, playground, horsehoe pits, all in a 6.6-acre natural wooded area.
Atlanta Metro
4515 Lenora Church Rd.
Snellville,
GA
30058
770-814-6054
178 acres. Football/multi-purpose field with lighted walking track, dog park area, gym, pavilion, playground, fishing lake, six baseball/softball fields, 18-hole disc golf course (rules, scorecards and discs–rent/sale–at gym), outdoor leisure play pool, 1.5-mile paved multi-purpose trail, grill, restrooms.
Plantation Trace
140 Albert Brady Rd.
Lenox,
GA
31637
229-563-3061
We offer released Quail Hunts that includes Guide, Trained Dogs, and pulled Wagons. Excellent fishing with fully stocked lake and large dock. Spacious elegant and exquisite pool with Jacuzzi and waterfall.
West Georgia
2970 GA Hwy. 190
Pine Mountain,
GA
31822-2200
706-663-4858
This historic attraction is the perfect summertime spot to splash around, cool off, and relax by the pool. Liberty Bell Swimming Pool was built with natural stone from around the area by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s as a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program, and the first swim occurred in 1941. The pool is open to the public during the months of May through September, and the hours differ each month. The pool is also available for rental for private parties those same months during after hours. There are several season passes and group rates available for purchase.
NE GA Mountains
3501 Dawsonville Hwy.
Gainesville,
GA
30506
770-945-9531
This large, tree-lined park has a boat launch, picnic tables and pavilions, and hiking trails. You can swim in the lake, but be aware there are no lifeguards.
NE GA Mountains
2665 Little River Park Rd.
Gainesville,
GA
30507
This park is on the north end of Lake Lanier. Amenities include a boat launch, picnic tables with grills, and a swimming area (no lifeguard).
The Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide is a handy resource for planning a spring break, summer vacation or family reunion. The free booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, cabins, wedding venues and campsites.
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