Visit Callaway Gardens in west-central Georgia for a great time as a couple or a family getaway. When is the best time to visit? So, glad you asked. Let’s take a look at each season.
Callaway Gardens is located in west Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The 2,500-acre haven includes: gardens, trails, a lake with beaches, lots of water activities, a butterfly garden, and even golf courses. You can explore Callaway any time of the year. Pick your favorite season to see what is happening. Stay at the Lodge, cottages, or the villas. You can even rent a golf cart or a bicycle.
We love visiting Callaway Gardens in the Spring and Fall when the weather is cozy. Our favorite thing to do at Callaway is ride bikes on the trails. More about that later.
Callaway Gardens has events going on year-round. Each season has its own version of attractions and events. You may be more interested in summer events than Spring or Fall. It really depends on what your favorite season is. Callaway Gardens has you covered for every season.
Table of Contents
- Spring at Callaway Gardens
- Summer at Callaway Gardens
- Pumpkins at Callaway-Fall
- Fantasy in Lights-Holiday
- Tickets and Stays
- What is the best time to visit Callaway Gardens?
- More Places to Visit in the Deep South
Spring at Callaway Gardens
Some folks consider Spring to be the best time of year to visit Callaway Gardens. That is because of the amazingly beautiful blooms in the Gardens and around the entire property. The weather is great. The earth is coming back to life after winter, and Callaway Gardens is a great place to bathe in the Spring fresh air.
The spring flora includes thousands of hybrid azaleas, hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, and topiary. Spring is a great time to visit the Butterfly Garden. It is our favorite place to visit at Callaway.
Spring is the best time to experience flora and fauna, as it fills the earth with amazing colors and fragrances. Bring your allergy meds if you might need them. Don’t skip the Butterfly Center!
Spring is a great time to rent a bike and explore Callaway at your own leisure. There are plenty of bike options you can rent at Callaway. Visit the Discovery Center to reserve a bike rental. I do recommend reserving during a busy season. There is a deadline each day to return your rental bikes, so beware of that if you set out later in the day.
Summer at Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens takes on new life during the summer months. It is a nice vacation destination if you enjoy a quieter, less touristy getaway with family.
Robins Lake Beach is covered in white sand that makes you feel like you are at the ocean. There is a fabulous Aqua Island, a floating island obstacle course to enjoy. Cabanas on the beach might be calling your name.
There are special events and shows going on all summer long. Currently, subject to change, there is a Luau Dinner and Show, Wild Air, a BMX stunts and acrobatics show, dance parties on the beach near the Bar, a magic show, and much, much more.
Other activities at Callaway include: golf, mini golf, the Spa, multiple dining options, and shopping at so many places: Robins Nest Beach Shop, Mountain View Pro Shop, Mercantile at Casons Garden, Butterfly Center gift shop, Discovery Center Gift Shop, and the Country Store.
There is fishing and boating, and no fewer than ten zip-lines! There are paddle boats. Are you familiar with the Pink Adventure Jeep tours? Check it out.
The Birds of Prey Show is included with admission. Golf includes a lake view course and a mountain view course. Of course, there is a Spa. Book your appointment in advance.
Pumpkins at Callaway-Fall
Fall, Pumpkins at Callaway is my personal favorite time of the year at Callaway Gardens. If you know how magical Fantasy in Lights is, then envision that magic in the Pumpkins light show. A few folks have heard, so buy your tickets in advance.
My favorite part is called the Foggy Hollow Walk-Through experience. This is an evening/nighttime event to enjoy the glow. There is plenty to do during the day as well because you can experience all of the normal attractions of Callaway Gardens like the Butterfly Center, mini-golf glow, Birds of Prey, and more.
I suggest you begin with Cason’s Corn Maze. You can catch the trolley in the parking lot at Robins Lake Beach for a ride to the Corn Maze and back.
While at the corn maze, gaze in awe at the Garden of Giants with some of Georgia’s biggest pumpkins on display.
Take your time walking through Foggy Hollow. There are plenty of photo spots for your Instagram. The kids will want to stop and beam at many of the colorful, artistic, glowing pumpkins along the way. This is a non-spooky event. There will not be any spooky happenings.
There are plenty of Fall flavors available also. When we visited, there were food trucks located near picnic tables. We were all able to pick what we wanted, then meet back at a table. We did a little people-watching among the crowds. Folks like to wear their Fall favorite attire. There may be a little nip in the air, so plan accordingly with jackets or sweaters.
Fantasy in Lights-Holiday
Fantasy in Lights is a magical 7-mile drive through, under, and around more than 10 million sparkling, twinkling Christmas lights. We have taken this enchanting tour more than once. It is a holiday tradition for us. If you prefer, you can ride the trolley instead of your own vehicle. Fair warning, though, it is cold, and the trolley is an open air vehicle.
You will buy your tickets online and choose a time to get in line. Expect to spend a couple of hours on the light tour. It is a very popular event, totally worth the trip.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway doesn’t stop with the lighted drive-through. Visit the Christmas Village before or after your drive-through time. There is a winter wonderland, complete with activities for all, gifts to buy, and photo spots. The glittering 40-foot Christmas tree at the Christmas Village will entertain with a lighted music serenade. The kids might even meet the jolly old elf himself at Christmas Tree Lane.
How popular is Fantasy in Lights at Callaway?
Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights has been ranked #3 on Forbes’ list of 7 Spectacular Christmas Light Displays That Offer Holiday Magic 2024!
Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards voted Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens the #4 Winner in Best Holiday Light Show 2026.
Callaway Resort & Gardens’ beloved Fantasy in Lights holiday event earned the #10 spot on USA TODAY’S 14 Best US Hotels That Go All-Out for Christmas and the Holidays.
Tickets and Stays
Buy your tickets online for events at Callaway Gardens. If you decide to stay at one of Callaway’s comfortable places, they frequently offer packages that include your tickets along with your stay. We did a package deal when we stayed at the Lodge to visit Pumpkins at Callaway. We loved it.
TIP
Buy Fantasy in Lights tickets in July for their Christmas in July specials.
What is the best time to visit Callaway Gardens?
You tell me which season you prefer to visit. It’s fall for my family. But we enjoy going to Fantasy in Lights also. It is a tough decision. All seasons have so much to offer at Callaway Gardens.
