15 Best Things to Do in Gainesville, GA
Surrounded by wonderful nature, Gainesville attracts tourists from all over with beautiful landscapes, a rich history, and amazing art and culture scenes.
Nestled in the state’s Hall County, you can find this city at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, right next to the beautiful Lake Lanier.
Apart from its amazing location, Gainesville houses many historical and natural attractions that provide its visitors with a memorable and fulfilling time.
Planning to visit this charming city soon?
Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Gainesville, GA.
Spend a Relaxing Day at the Don Carter State Park
Any tourist wants to experience some relaxation and fun during their trip.
In Gainesville, you can go to many different locations to experience this, one of which is Don Carter State Park.
Serving as the state’s newest park, Don Carter also has the honor of becoming the first state park found on the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier.
You can find this park at the northern end of the said Lake.
This attraction features amenities that would let any visitor try out many different types of water sports.
While here, you can opt to cool down at the huge sand swimming beach with a bathhouse.
You can also find boat ramps at the park, providing tourists with quick access to the water.
If you prefer to experience the beauty of this area on land, you can hike or bike across the multi-use trail heading towards a hardwood forest.
Learn About Historical People at the Piedmont Hotel
Gainesville is home to many historic sites and landmarks.
Built way back in 1876, the Piedmont Hotel served as the political base of Lt. general James Longstreet.
Many significant historical figures frequent the hotel, including U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.
The said hotel was almost demolished in 1918.
However, a last-minute decision managed to become the saving grace of one wing’s ground floor area.
Currently, you can visit the hotel’s north wing.
It was renovated to serve as the general's memorial.
Take a Splash at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center
Planning to have fun in the Summer?
If you happen to visit Gainesville, looking to find a good time with your family, don’t forget to check out the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center’s Splash Zone.
This place features all the amenities you can think of to have fun in the water.
If you like thrilling rides, the Splash Zone has two body slides that are three stories high.
It also has interactive pools for kids, including their own kiddie slides.
You can also stay in one of the Splash Zone’s swirl pools, competition pools, or indoor warm water pools.
This destination comes complete with fitness and wellness centers, locker rooms, family changing rooms, ample deck, lounge space, and chairs and umbrellas that you can use.
Learn About Nature at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Majestic natural landscapes surround the beautiful city of Gainesville, and visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens provides information to anyone curious about it.
At the gardens, you can find several short woodland paths that lead you to a showcase of the state’s endemic species of flora and fauna.
It also houses the beautiful, waterlily-covered “Forest Pond,” which is a good hangout spot for people near the visitor center.
Here, the garden’s plethora of flower species will amaze you, apart from the area’s many natural wonders.
Make Memories at Kinsey Family Farm
Consider visiting Kinsey Farm with your family while on a trip to Gainesville.
Spending time at this family-run farm opens up many interesting, fun, and educational activities that both you and your kids can enjoy.
Partnered with a gorgeous backdrop of the city’s natural landscape, you and your family can pick up some plants while at the farm’s nursery.
You can also purchase tools and decorations for your garden at home.
During the fall season, you can also come here to pick the best pumpkin to make your Jack-o-Lantern with.
When the winter holiday season comes around, you can also come here to pick out some decor.
You can even cut a fresh Christmas tree here!
Discover Facts About Space at the Gainesville Solar Walk
Did you know that you can learn more about the solar system while you visit Gainesville?
From the city's heart until the end of Lake Lanier’s Longwood Park, you can find a 1 to 2,000,000,000 scale model of the solar system.
This model spans around 1.8 miles (3.6 miles round trip), and you can take a walking tour to find out new facts about the Earth’s immediate area in space.
North Georgia Astronomers created the scale model and tour for its “Millennial Project.”
Finishing a round trip of the model means that, according to its scale, you will have gone 4 billion miles in space.
You will also learn about the planets within our solar system and its other celestial members.
Apart from learning about space, you also will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of downtown Gainesville on your walk from one end of the model to the other.
It’s a fun and unique activity that you should definitely check out while you are in the city.
Discover the Beauty of Lake Sidney Lanier
Serving as Chattahoochee River’s dam, Lake Sidney Lanier first came to be in the 1950s.
Named after a Georgia poet, this lake boasts more than 621 miles of shoreline, thanks to the many finger-shaped projections within the water.
Here, you can opt to sail across the waters of the lake to discover stunning views.
If you don’t consider sailing as your cup of tea, you can also partake in many water sports, such as jet skiing.
Alternatively, you can just enjoy the beaches of the lake at the resort and water park.
The fun doesn’t end when winter rolls along, as you can come here to witness an animated Christmas light show on the lake’s islands.
Apart from that spectacle, amusement rides and a Christmas village are also set up for the entertainment of tourists here.
Let Your Children Learn Valuable Life Lessons at INK
Traveling with kids?
Gainesville has many attractions that perfectly cater to children.
INK or Interactive Neighborhood for Kids serves as one of them, where your kids can experience fun and learn simultaneously.
This local children’s museum encourages small children to use and develop their imagination.
It features exhibits that anyone from toddlers to young children can enjoy.
Your kids can also have fun and roleplay here while learning about many different establishments that they may find in the community.
Located near the 985 in Gainesville, don’t hesitate to add this museum to your itinerary if you plan on bringing your kids to your trip.
Learn About Ecology at the Elachee Nature Science Center
Elachee Nature Science Center is one of the popular family destinations in Gainesville.
Here, young and old can learn about the environment and how to appreciate it.
The said science center supports and serves over 35,000 students and around 30,000 visitors of its nature preserve and museum.
You can find this awesome science center within North Georgia’s Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, which spans 1,500 acres.
Apart from being an educational tourist destination in Gainesville, it provides a curriculum to local school programs that teach children about ecology.
While it aims to educate people, no one can deny the beauty this ecological haven provides.
Know the Region’s Past at Northeast Georgia History Center
Get to know the city and the region it belongs in by visiting Northeast Georgia History Center.
Running like a museum, this place dedicates itself to preserving and educating people about the history of this region in Georgia.
It houses artifacts and images of historical landmarks that date back 11,000 years.
Here, you can even find an 18th-century wooden cabin that served as the home of White Path, an important leader of the Cherokee nation.
It also displays an exhibition titled “the Land of Promise,” which showcases the region's story, along with its people, dating back from the earliest times recorded in history up until the present day.
Apart from these, the center also houses a gallery for folk art and the Northeast Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
Have Fun at Historic Green Street Walking Tour
Given the rich history of the city, walking tours set in many different areas of Gainesville exist.
One activity you may want to try while in the city is a walking tour of the historic Green Street, found in the downtown district of Gainesville.
Here, you can learn more about Green Street’s past by letting you imagine what the 1800s and 1900s look like.
Here, you can hire the services of a local guide, who can tell you more about the area, the buildings, and the homes lining its streets.
If you are interested in the tour, you can pick up the map at the city’s Visitor Center.
If you have companions, you can also book group tours prior to your visit.
Appreciate Masterpieces at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Apart from having a rich history, the city also sees arts and culture as important parts of its identity.
Founded back in 1946, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center serves as one of the many art hubs in the city.
This gallery dedicates itself to showcasing visual arts and sharing its beauty with the public.
When you visit, you can find that five galleries make up this visual arts center.
All of these galleries host more than seven exhibitions annually.
It houses collections of different forms of visual arts media, including photography, paintings, and sculptures.
Visit its galleries to be awe-struck by the amazing works of talented artists from all over the region.
Learn About the Life of Beulah Rucker at This Museum
Interested in some of the people who lived in this region of Georgia?
If yes, Beulah Rucker Museum will tell you the story of one such person.
Housed in a building constructed in the late 1800s, this place has a collection that shares the story of its namesake, an African-American woman who dedicated her life to using education to improve the people's lives in her community.
If you want to learn more about African-American heritage in the region and the importance these people had in the community, then don’t miss out on visiting this museum.
Discover Amazing Art in All Forms at Smithgall Arts Center
Another arts hub found in Gainesville is the Smithgall Arts Center.
The organization called "The Arts Council" operates this center, and it has a spot at the center of the city’s arts and culture scene.
It aims to share and showcase arts from various disciplines.
It houses its collections and stages its performances at an old railway depot built in 1914.
Apart from visual arts, it hosts jazz performances and other performing arts stages that you can catch during your visit.
While in Gainesville, stop by this art center and appreciate the beauty of art in all forms.
Watch a Stage Production at Gainesville Theater Alliance
If you’re in the city, don’t miss out on any of the productions staged by the Gainesville Theater Alliance.
Formed as a collaboration of students, professionals, and community members, it aims to promote learning and growth through the performing arts.
Nationally recognized, this group of talented people organizes performances of popular stage plays and musicals.
If you love the theater, a show run by this group is definitely a must-add to your itinerary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience rich history and culture while being surrounded by majestic nature, then make Gainesville, GA, your next holiday destination.
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