Spring is when Georgia truly comes alive. As winter fades, the state transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors—golden daffodils, soft pink cherry blossoms, fiery azaleas, and rows of tulips stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or weekend traveler, visiting Georgia’s gardens in spring 2026 should be at the top of your list. After visiting and researching gardens across the state, these are the ten best Georgia gardens to experience at peak bloom, complete with what flowers to expect, when to go, and helpful planning tips
Gibbs Gardens is widely considered the most spectacular spring garden in Georgia, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Spanning over 350 acres, this privately owned garden is designed specifically to showcase spring bulbs on a grand scale.
What blooms in spring?
Over 20 million daffodils planted in sweeping hills
Tulips, hyacinths, and early azaleas
Cherry blossoms and flowering trees lining the walkways
- Each section blooms in stages, meaning you’ll see something new every week from late February through April.
Best time to visit
Late February–March: Daffodils at peak bloom
Late March–April: Tulips and mixed spring flowers
Visitor tips
Purchase tickets in advance during peak weekends
Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds
Wear walking shoes—paths are long but scenic
- Official website: Gibbs Gardens
- Why it ranks #1: No other garden in Georgia offers spring blooms on this scale.
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta, Georgia)
Located next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city in spring. The garden is famous for its seasonal floral installations and educational exhibits.
Spring highlights
Atlanta Blooms! festival (March–April)
Thousands of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths
Orchids and tropical flowers inside the conservatory
Must-see areas
Rose Garden
Fuqua Orchid Center
Perennial Garden and Skyline Garden
Good to know
Easily accessible via public transport
Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible
Ideal for half-day visits
- Plan your visit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Best for: First-time visitors and travelers who want flowers without leaving the city.
3. Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Savannah area)
If you prefer quieter gardens with a more natural feel, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is an underrated gem. Located near Savannah, it blends formal garden areas with nature trails.
Spring flowers to expect
Camellias and azaleas
Irises and native wildflowers
Flowering shrubs unique to coastal Georgia
What makes it special?
Fewer crowds compared to major botanical gardens
Educational displays focused on Georgia’s native plants
Ideal for birdwatching and nature photography
Best visiting window
March to early May, when coastal temperatures are mild
- Official site: Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
- Perfect for: Travelers who enjoy calm walks and Southern coastal landscapes.
4. Lockerly Arboretum (Milledgeville, Georgia)
Lockerly Arboretum offers a unique mix of historic architecture and botanical collections. Set on over 50 acres, it surrounds an antebellum home and features walking trails through mature trees.
Spring experience
Flowering dogwoods and native trees
Early spring shrubs and woodland flowers
Scenic walking paths with educational signage
Why visitors love it
Quiet and uncrowded
Great for students, photographers, and history lovers
Informative plant labels add educational value
- Learn more: Lockerly Arboretum
- Best for: Visitors seeking a relaxed, educational garden visit.
5. Thomasville Rose Garden (Thomasville, Georgia)
Known as the “City of Roses,” Thomasville’s Rose Garden is a springtime favorite in South Georgia. The garden features over 1,500 rose bushes, blooming beautifully in April and May.
What to see
Hybrid tea roses and heirloom varieties
Symmetrical garden beds perfect for photography
Nearby lake and walking paths
Best time to visit
Mid-April through May for peak rose blooms
Extra bonus
Annual Rose Festival brings events and community activities
- Great for: Couples, flower lovers, and spring photo shoots.
6. Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, Georgia)
Callaway Gardens is one of the largest and most famous gardens in the Southeast, and spring is when it truly shines. Covering 2,500 acres, this destination feels more like a botanical wonderland than a traditional garden.
Spring blooms to expect
Thousands of azaleas in pink, white, and red
Flowering dogwoods lining scenic trails
Early spring bulbs throughout the estate
Top attractions in spring
Azalea Bowl (a spring highlight)
Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center (great for families)
Lakeside walking paths surrounded by blooms
Best time to visit
Late March through April for peak azaleas
- Official site: Callaway Gardens
- Why it’s special: Few places in Georgia offer this scale of natural beauty with resort-level amenities.
7. State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)
Located on the University of Georgia campus, this garden is a hidden gem for plant lovers. It focuses heavily on native Georgia flora, making it both beautiful and informative.
What blooms in spring?
Native azaleas and woodland wildflowers
Flowering redbuds and dogwoods
Early perennials along riverside trails
Why visitors love it
Free admission
Miles of walking trails
Excellent plant labeling and learning resources
Best visiting window
March to early May
- Learn more: State Botanical Garden of Georgia
- Best for: Nature lovers who want beauty with educational depth.
8. Savannah Botanical Gardens (Savannah, Georgia)
This smaller but charming garden is located on the historic site of Savannah’s former bamboo farm. It offers a laid-back garden experience with surprising spring color.
Spring highlights
Camellias, azaleas, and roses
Seasonal flower beds near historic buildings
Shaded walking paths perfect for warm days
What makes it unique
Historic farm structures integrated into the landscape
Free admission
Close to downtown Savannah
- Official site: Savannah Botanical Gardens
- Great for: Casual visitors and travelers short on time
9. Massee Lane Gardens (Fort Valley, Georgia)
Massee Lane Gardens is internationally recognized for its camellia collection, making it a standout destination in early spring.
What blooms here
Hundreds of rare and heirloom camellias
Early spring flowers and shrubs
Peaceful garden paths and ponds
Best time to visit
February through March, earlier than most gardens
Why it’s worth visiting
One of the largest camellia collections in the U.S.
Quiet, uncrowded atmosphere
- Perfect for: Early spring travelers and plant collectors.
10. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens (Hiawassee, Georgia)
Located in the North Georgia mountains, this garden offers a completely different spring experience with cooler temperatures and unique flowers.
Spring flowers
Rhododendrons and native azaleas
Mountain wildflowers
Fern-lined woodland paths
What to expect
Quiet trails with mountain views
Cooler spring weather compared to South Georgia
A more natural, forest-style garden experience
Best visiting months
Late April through May
- Best for: Visitors who enjoy mountain scenery and cooler spring days.
Final Thoughts
Spring 2026 is an ideal time to explore Georgia’s gardens, whether you’re drawn to sweeping daffodil hills, classic rose beds, or quiet woodland trails. What makes Georgia special is the variety—coastal gardens bloom early, mountain gardens peak later, and central Georgia offers a perfect balance of color and comfort.
From world-class destinations like Gibbs Gardens and Callaway Gardens to lesser-known gems such as Lockerly Arboretum and Massee Lane Gardens, each garden offers a unique spring experience. Planning your visits around bloom times and checking official garden updates will help you see these landscapes at their very best.
If you love flowers, photography, or simply being outdoors during spring, these Georgia gardens are absolutely worth the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best month to visit gardens in Georgia in spring?
March and April are the best months overall, with peak blooms of daffodils, tulips, azaleas, and dogwoods. Some gardens, like Massee Lane, bloom earlier in February, while mountain gardens peak in late April or May.
2. Which garden in Georgia has the most spring flowers?
Gibbs Gardens is widely known for having the largest spring flower displays in Georgia, featuring millions of daffodils, tulips, and other spring bulbs spread across rolling hills.
3. Are Georgia botanical gardens crowded in spring?
Popular gardens can get busy on weekends during peak bloom. Visiting on weekday mornings or arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds and offers better lighting for photos.
4. Do I need to buy tickets in advance for spring garden visits?
Yes, some gardens—especially Gibbs Gardens, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Callaway Gardens—recommend or require advance ticket purchases during peak spring weekends.
5. Are Georgia gardens suitable for families and older visitors?
Most major gardens offer paved paths, benches, and rest areas, making them suitable for families, seniors, and casual walkers. Checking accessibility details on official websites is always recommended.
