Things to do in Macon GA

Things to do in Macon GA
Vacation Spots in Georgia
Macon GA is one of the largest cities in the state of Georgia and it is known as the ‘Cherry Blossom Capital of the World’ and locally nicknamed ‘Heart of Georgia’ due to its center location between the cities of Atlanta GA, Savannah GA, Columbus GA, Albany GA and Valdosta GA.

If you are traveling to the city for the first time, things to do in Macon GA include attending one of the annual festivals, visiting a theater house and exploring Georgia’s musical heritage at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which is one of the most interesting places to visit in Georgia.

Things to do in Macon GA: Outdoor Activities

Enjoying recreational activities and exploring the outdoors, it’s certainly one of the top things to do in Macon GA, and the city boast plenty of green spaces with Arrowhead Park west of the city, and the Oconee National Forest just an hour’s drive north of the city.

Arrowhead Park

If you don’t want to drive to too far, Arrowhead Park is only a 20 minute drive along State Route 22 and it is a great park that offers a multitude of fun outdoor opportunities such as campsites for both tents and RV users.

Another incentive about Arrowhead Park is that it’s located by Lake Tobesofkee so, you can also enjoy water activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.

If you are planning on hiring a boat, you need to go to Clayston Park which is located on the other side of Lake Tobesofkee. Otherwise, if you are bringing your own equipment, Arrowhead Park has a boat ramp where you can launch your boat or canoe.

Oconee National Forest

If you want to truly experience Georgia’s great outdoors, Oconee National Forest is just 60 minutes drive by car from the city center, and the forest offer plenty of wilderness areas where you can enjoy hiking and animal spotting.

Oconee National Forest has also plenty of camping areas and lakes for water activities such as boating and swimming.

Things to do in Macon GA: Places of Interest

Museum of Arts and Sciences

If you are traveling to Macon GA either with the family or by yourself, the Museum of Arts and Sciences is one of the most interesting places in Georgia.

You can spend a fun day at the museum as it features regular science and technology exhibitions and educational activities such as planetarium shows and fun workshops.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences is located in the Payne neighborhood along Forsyth Rd.

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

If you are a sports enthusiast, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is one of the biggest sports halls in the USA and a great place to learn about Georgia sportsmen. The center is also a fun place to be as it features racing cars simulators and arcade games.

Tubman African American Museum

If you are a history buff, the Tubman African American Museum is an excellent and interesting place where you can learn more about African American history and art.

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is another interesting place where you can learn about Georgia’s musical heritage and its popular inductees that include Ray Charles, James Brown and more.

The Georgia Music Hall of Fame also features vintage artifacts from the time such as Vintage Vinyl and Rhythm & Blues Revue house artifacts.

Hay House

If you are interested in period architecture, the historic Hay House is an excellent 19th century house built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style and boasting more than 20 rooms.

If you want to visit, Hay House (adjacent Hill Park), the owners offer guided tours all of the rooms and levels of the house including the famous cupola which offers beautiful views of downtown Macon GA.

Cannonball House

If you are visiting Hay House, you may want to include a visit to Cannonball House. This historic 19th century house offers regular events and educational tours where guides dress up in period clothes.

Things to do in Macon GA: Shopping

Shopping-wise, Macon GA is home to a variety of shopping centers to choose from.

Two of the most popular shopping malls include North Park and the Shoppes at River Crossing centers located in Riverside Park and Arkwright districts respectively.

Then, you have Macon Mall, Eisenhower and Westgate centers located in the Arlington Park neighborhood along Eisenhower Parkway.

Things to do in Macon GA: Nightlife & Entertainment

Being a university town, Macon GA is home to a lively and varied nightlife with live music venues, comedy bars, clubs and pubs to suit all tastes.

The downtown are is without a doubt the place where you’ll find the nightlife especially along Mulberry Street, Riverside Drive, 2nd Street and Broadway.

For instance, the Hummingbird is a popular bar where you can lounge and enjoy a live band.

For comedy shows, one of the most popular venues is Wiskey River located along Pio Nono Avenue.

Apart from bars and clubs, Macon GA is home to the vintage Grand Opera House, Douglas Theater and Cox Capital Theater where you can enjoy a fun and pleasant night of performing arts.

Things to do in Macon GA: Events & Festivals

Macon Cherry Blossom Festival

If you are deciding when to travel to Macon GA, one of the best times to visit the city is during the Cherry Blossom Festival which happens in March.

The Macon Cherry Blossom Festival is as big as the National Cherry Blossom Festival held in Washington DC, and features plenty of activities such as live entertainment, animal shows, fair rides, and more.

Pan African Festival

If you are visiting Macon GA in April, you can attend the popular Pan African Festival that celebrates African American heritage through parades, dances, foods and live shows.

Ocmulgee Indian Celebration

The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration is another popular cultural event in Georgia, held in September. At the event, you learn about the Native Americans through dance exhibitions and American Native art.

Georgia State Fair

If you are traveling with kids to Macon GA in late April, the Georgia State Fair, held at Central City Park, features plenty of activities for families where kids can pet animals, enjoy fun rides and live entertainment.

Cannonball House

If you are a history enthusiast, Cannonball House offers regular events which give you an insight into life in 19th century Georgia. 

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