Things to do in Dahlonega Georgia

Situated in one of the most beautiful regions of the United States, you may be surprised to discover Dahlonega Georgia has a lot to offer. Whether you’re hoping to find gold or are searching for one of the best places to retire Georgia, here’s our top 10 favorite things to do in Dahlonega to make your time here more enjoyable.

BOATING ON LAKE LANIER

Lake Lanier is a 38,000 square foot lake with 692 miles of shoreline. It’s Georgia’s most visited lake. The lake is popular with house boaters, jet skiers and pleasure boaters. The best way to explore it is by boat. Here’s a few Lake Lanier marinas to rent a boat:

• Aqualand Marina - 6800 Lights Ferry Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Phone: 770-967-6811 
• Bald Ridge Marina - 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 770-887-5309
• Habersham Marina - 2200 Habersham Marina Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 770-887-5432
• Holiday Marina - 6900 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518 Phone: 770-945-7201
• Sunrise Cove Marina - 5725 Flat Creek Rd, Gainesville, GA 30504 Phone: 770-536-8599

CHESTATEE RIVER ADVENTURES - 2718 South Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 770-540-9950

Taking a refreshing trip down the Chestatee River in a kayak or inner tube is a wonderful family-oriented summer activity. For tubing, you can rent a large tube with no bottom or a smaller one that has a seat and headrest for children - or for those just looking to sit back and relax. For kayaking, you can choose regular sit-in single or tandem kayaks as well as "untippable" kayaks that are perfect for inexperienced first-timers. There is even a shuttle for those who bring their own equipment. It will take you back upriver to your car, or for another trip down the river. Reservations for kayaking ensure that your rental equipment is ready to go upon your arrival and guarantee your spot on the river.

Hours of Operation: Seven days a week, 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

DAHLONEGA FARMERS MARKET - Hancock Park, North Meaders Street & Warwick Street, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-482-2707  

If you're looking for farm-fresh, seasonal, locally-grown produce, you'll find it here in 

abundance. This weekly event draws visitors and local residents alike to the downtown business district, promoting a sense of community and providing sales opportunities to area farmers. In the springtime you can buy plants including vegetables, flowers, landscaping, and house plants; during the summer, there are vegetables and seasonal fruits as well as jams, jellies, & baked goods sourced from locally-grown ingredients.

Hours of Operation: The season runs from May until October, every Saturday from 8:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

DISCOVER GOLD - (Tickets) Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center, 13 South Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-864-3711

Most people don't know this, but Dahlonega is the site of the first major Gold Rush in the U.S. You can experience that "gold fever" through the "Gold Fever Package". With discounted tickets to local gold-related attractions, you'll learn about the history of Dahlonega's gold rush, explore an underground gold mine, and even try panning for gold yourself!

Hours of Operation: Call ahead to ask, hours will vary depending upon the package purchased.

GEORGIA WINERY TOURS 

• Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery - 3610 Cavender Creek Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533  Phone: 770-823-9255
• Frogtown Cellars - 700 Ridge Point Drive, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533  Phone: 706-865-0687
• Montaluce Winery & Estates - 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-867-4060
• Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery - 439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-865-9463
• Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery - 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-867-9862 

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (AT)

The historic Appalachian Trail may be accessed via the Dockery Lake Trail, Woody Gap or at its origin on Springer Mountain. The rugged, often rocky terrain winds through the mountains for 79 miles, leaving the state via Bly Gap. This trail's high point (4,461 ft.) is on Blood Mountain, and it stands 2,675 ft. feet above sea level at its lowest point, Dicks Creek Gap.

NORTH GEORGIA PREMIUM OUTLETS - 800 Highway 400 South, Dawsonville, GA 30534 Phone: 706-216-3609

This incredible outlet mall 20 minutes south of downtown Dahlonega, is easily accessible via various transportation methods for the convenience of both tourists and local residents. They also offer "Shop & Stay" packages, which can be purchased directly through hotels or B&Bs, and you can reserve ahead to receive special discounts and amenities, made available for groups and tours of 15+ people. 

Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturdays 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m., Sunday 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m., July 4th Weekend Hours are Thursday through Saturday: 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. and Sunday 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m., Labor Day Weekend Hours are Friday & Saturday 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m., Sunday 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m., and Monday 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

STARGAZE AT THE PLANETARIUM & OBSERVATORY - UNG Health & Natural Sciences Building, Room 234, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 Phone: 706-864-1471 (Planetarium Info), 706- 864-8642 (Observatory Info)

The cozy star theater seats only 46 and uses a Spitz 512 planetarium projector to display any of 1000 northern and southern sky stars on its 30' diameter dome. This provides a realistic simulation of the night sky as seen from anywhere on the surface of the Earth at any time of night and at any epoch from the ancient past to the far future. There are also special effects that can give the illusion of lifting you up into the solar system on voyages to the planets. The general public and students are welcome to visit the observatory on Friday nights after the planetarium show for celestial viewing. These telescopic viewing events always begin at 9:30 pm, weather permitting.

Hours of Operation: Public shows are on Fridays from 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m. during semester.

TREASURE HUNT IN DOWNTOWN DAHLONEGA 

• Cranberry Corners - 44 North Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-864-6577
• Dahlonega Fudge Factory - 8 Park Street North, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-864-2256
• Gateway Antique & Consignment Mall - 75 East Main Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-867-8816
• The Glassblowing Shop - 10 South Chestatee Street, Suite F, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706- 864-9022
• Winedog Gifts - 34C S. Public Square, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-864-4656

WATERFALL HIKES  

• Amicalola Falls - Amicalola State Park
• Cane Creek Falls - on the grounds of Camp Glisson
• Dicks Creek Falls - near Waters Creek Campground
• DeSoto & Helton Creek Falls - Chattahoochee National Forest 
• Dukes Creek & Raven Cliff Falls - Off the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway

Don’t forget to bookmark this page so that you can easily find it again when you need fun things to do in Dahlonega Georgia. Let us know if we missed anything. We hope you have find these activities to be fun and educational, and would love to hear from you in the comments below. After a visit, you'll quickly discover why Dahlonega is one of the best placest to retire Georgia.