Macon is one of those secret gems in the heart of Georgia worth a weekend visit. Today let’s explore some of Macon’s best attractions and ways to make your stay memorable.

Central Georgia’s mostly warm climate, proximity to the gently flowing rivers, and well-maintained parks make any day perfect for outdoor lovers. Even better, so many of these open space parks and recreational areas are completely free.

Celebrate and learn about the first inhabitants of the central Georgia area. Visit the Indian mounds to tour 700 acres perfect for walking and enjoying the fresh air.

Families learn the culture of the American Indian tribes, explore educational artifacts, and enjoy the wide-open green spaces.

Macon’s Ocmulgee River is a popular place for sporting and outdoor enthusiasts. Locals and visitors should consider a fun afternoon on the river.

Rental stores offer daily kayak, canoe, and tubing excursions. The Ocmulgee River is also one of the top fishing spots in Macon.

Outdoor sporting store Ocmulgee River Rentals is an excellent resource for all your sporting needs located at 565 Poplar St, Macon, GA 31201

Pronunciation is not included! The lake which may be hard to pronounce is a great place for water recreation. The most popular activities are boating, fishing, and camping.

Sandy Beach Water Park is another great destination located at Lake Tobesofkee. This is a top family and beat-the-summer heat attraction that most tourists don’t know about.

Planning a vacation to Georgia is extra special if travels also incorporate special events. The heart of Georgia has several highly anticipated parties and festivals that bring travelers from all over the country.

Listed below are the most notable events to help you get the most from your vacation.

Macon’s annual cherry blossom festival welcomes guests each Spring. This annual event brings visitors from all around the country to delight in the sights of thousands of blooming Yoshino Cherry Trees.

Did you know Macon, Georgia is widely considered a Cherry Blossom Capital of the world hailing 350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees planted throughout the city?

The Cherry Tree Festival is held each year at the end of March in Crayton Park. Full details and information important to know are listed on Visit Macon.

I highly recommend planning ahead for room accommodations due to its popularity.

Downtown brings excitement every first Friday of each month. Live entertainment, arts, vendors, nightlife drink specials, and good times fill the streets of Macon’s city center.

We were fortunate enough to have visited on 1st Friday and had a blast.

Location: Historic Downtown Macon

Wondering where to see the best Christmas lights in Macon? The answer is easy. The Main Street Light festival extravaganza downtown! Equally important, the downtown light show is completely free to all.

Georgians and visitors to Macon, Georgia will experience the magic of over 500,000 twinkling lights synchronized to traditional holiday music.

Celebrating tribal Indian heritage with special events, educational attractions, food, dancing, and crafts. This event is on Steve’s and my wish list for future Macon travel. This Macon event is typically held in the third week of September.

Location: Ocmulgee Mounds National Park

Nicknamed the Heart of Georgia for its central Georgia location. Might I add that I would have also considered the heart of the people in that nickname? When I say people are friendly here, Macon takes Southern hospitality to a whole new level.

Much of the history of this American small town comes from the Native American roots, diverse culture, and musicians that called Macon home. Let’s explore some must-see historical sights.

Guests can walk the grounds of the Hay House Mansion and explore the first floor free of charge. Additional purchase of an admission ticket will allow visitors to tour the entire seven-floor home.

Address: 934 Georgia Ave, Macon, GA 31201

Cost for guided tour: Adults $14

It’s hard to miss the grandeur of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church when visiting Macon, Georgia. Its two gothic steeples tower over downtown.  

The Cannonball House is located at 856 Mulberry Street in Macon, Georgia, United States. Tours are offered at a reasonable cost and are the best way to learn about the history of the Cannonball House and how it got its name.

Address: 856 Mulberry Street

Despite being a small southern town, Macon put itself on the map with the talented musicians who once called this soulful city home. With alumni including Little Richard, Ottis Redding, The Allman Brothers, and Jason Aldean it’s easy to see why Macon is sometimes referred to as the town where the soul lives. Tributes to these musicians can be found throughout the city and exhibits.

Macon, Ga., wants to be known as the place to go for pickleball. The city now has one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in the country.  Yes, Macon, Georgia opened the biggest pickleball courts in the USA and transformed an unused mall. 

What I loved most about the revitalized downtown area of Macon was the local shops, coffee houses, and great dining. In conclusion, downtown Macon is at the top of my list of the best things to do in Macon, GA.

All within a walkable area, we were able to inexpensively meter park and find one amazing place after another.

Besides some of our personal favorites, I’ve also included places to eat high on the popularity list.

1. Dovetail for a romantic dining experience.

2. Rookery for lively fun and good food. 

3. Kinjo Kitchen for the best Ramen and mimosas. 

4. Decadent Deserts for the sweet treat lovers.

5. H & H Soul Food for a Macon favorite.

6. Oliver’s Bistro is my overall top pick! 

Highly recommend stopping in at the Macon Visitors Center located in the heart of Downtown. I’m usually one of those explorers of my type, but I gained a lot of valuable travel guides here.

Within the Macon Visitors Center, guests can view an informative ten-minute film that gives notable history.

Special thank you to the Macon CVB for inviting Finding Kathy Brown to explore.