8 Georgia Experiences That Would Make the Perfect Present

Waterfall at Cloudland Canyon State Park in winter. Photo by Cherisa, @switchbackshawty

Share the gift of the great outdoors by supporting the 60 Georgia State Parks and affiliated sites, which span a variety of landscapes from mountains to coast to marsh. The parks system also includes historic sites like the retreats of presidents, Civil War battlefields, and Native American sites. The parks have amenities like hiking trails, ziplining, camping, and more.

You can purchase Georgia State Parks gift cards to be used throughout the parks. You also can purchase Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites gift memberships, which includes a year's worth of entry into affiliated parks. Extended passes include free nights of camping, discounting lodging, and discounts on picnic shelters.

If you're not prepared to "rough it" in the Peach State, you're in luck. There are glamping locations around the state, including geodesic domes, safari-style tents, Airstream trailers, and tiny houses. Glamping Hub offers gift cards ranging from $75-400.

Located in small-town Suches, Getaway's "outposts" are made of stylish tiny homes overlooking the mountains. They come complete with kitchenettes, fire pits, and games to keep you entertained without WiFi and electronics. Getaway has gift cards ranging from $50-500.

Did you know that Columbus is home to the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world? A trip down the Chattahoochee River is the perfect gift for the adrenaline junkie in your life. But fear not as they release the river at different times, producing varied rapids for beginners and experts. Whitewater Express operates excursions of the class II to V rapids and even has a zipline over the river into Alabama! They also have kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and bike rentals.

Cartersville's Tellus Science Museum is an incredible resource, featuring exhibits on fossils, minerals, and the creatures of the state. Give the gift of natural history through membership. Family membership and Grandparents membership include two adults and accompanied children for one price. Some packages also include entry into the planetarium and big screen films.

Give the gift of adventure at one of Georgia's many zipline courses. Banning Mills is the largest zipline adventure park in the world, as determined by Guinness World Records. Purchase a gift card to use on the zipline canopy tours or the high ropes courses. They also have treehouse and inn accommodations.

Gift the animal lover in your life one of the many unique experiences throughout the state.

Georgia Aquarium

At the Georgia Aquarium, you can purchase encounters with your favorite creatures, including dolphins, penguins, seals, beluga whales, and sea otters. If the person has their dive certification, they can also go diving in the whale shark tank and earn a specialty certification. Purchase a gift certificate in your chosen amount.

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

You also can adopt a turtle on Jekyll Island's Georgia Sea Turtle Center and go for a behind-the-scenes tour. Supporters get a certificate, photo, and updates from your turtle.

Horseback riding on the beach

Or book a spot on a horseback ride on the beach, also on Jekyll Island, for your friend or family member. Three Oaks Farm offers trips through the Maritime Forest to Driftwood Beach. Ride during the day, at sunset, or even in the moonlight.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for something fun to do on your next trip to Tybee Island? Book a fossil hunt with @SundialCharters! 🦈 @coloradoturns discovered all these shark tooth fossils on their trip. 😱

A post shared by Explore Georgia (@exploregeorgia) on Sep 24, 2019 at 7:17am PDT

Finding fossils isn't just for archaeologists! Book a spot on a fossil hunting trip with Sundial Charters on Tybee Island for your aspiring Indiana Jones. Megalodon teeth are found in the barrier islands on the Georgia coast, which are very valuable. The price includes a private tour of up to six people, including at least two adults. They also have open boat fossil hunts for $110, but the dates vary. Purchase a gift certificate to offer flexibility for your loved one.

Hopper's Cabin from "Stranger Things" at Sleepy Hollow Farm in Powder Springs, Georgia. Photo by Andrea David

You never know who you might see on an excursion with Atlanta Movie Tours. The company runs film location tours of your favorite movies and television shows, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "The Walking Dead," and "Stranger Things." Buy a gift certificate for a specific value or pick a tour you know they'll love.