The Ultimate List of Fun Things to Do in Macon, GA
3rd Street in Macon, GA
There are SO many fun things to do in Macon GA that you’ll never want to leave!
On your next trip to the South, skip the big cities like Atlanta and Orlando, and head to Macon instead.
With a rich past, a surprising musical history, and gorgeous outdoor activities, Macon mixes the small town charm of the South with modern cuisine and tours.
Located about an hour and a half southeast of Atlanta, and 2.5 hours up 1-16 from Savannah, Macon is firmly located in quaint Middle Georgia.
I’ve arranged my list of things to do in Macon by interest type for ease of viewing.
You’re covered whether you’re interested in country music history or if you’re looking for things to do in Middle Georgia this weekend with the kids!
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
Updated 7/2022 | Written 10/2017
Culture and History in Macon GA
It’s hard to believe that this city of 150,000 people is the birthplace of so many influential writers, singers, song-writers, and performers.
Get inspired with these cultural Macon points of interest.
Tubman Museum
Delve into the arts and culture of African Americans at the Tubman Museum, the only museum in the United States dedicated to the work and sacrifice of Harriet Tubman.
The museum is a relatively new addition to the cultural scene in Macon, but since its opening in 2015, the museum has cemented itself as a vital part of the community.
Named after Harriett Tubman, the founder of the Underground Railroad, the museum hosts permanent exhibits on the African Americans who've helped shape Macon's history, as well as visiting exhibits on culture, arts, and history.
The Tubman museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including the Pan-African Festival each April (read more below), live music, movie nights, and more.
Check the Tubman Museum calendar here.
Phone: (478) 743-8544
Address: 310 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM, Tuesday-Saturday year-round
Admission: $10/adult; $8/seniors, college students, teachers, retirees, military and AAA members; $6/children (3-17); under 3 free
Johnston-Felton-Hay House
Next, roam through the massive Johnston-Felton-Hay House, an 18,000 square foot home in the heart of Macon's historic district.
This stunning structure was built in the Italianate Renaissance style, which was popular in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s.
Note the beautiful detailing outside that is typical of this architectural style: more is definitely more!
Dating to just before the Civil War, the Hay House was technologically advanced with its elevator, tube speaker system, and running water.
It has 24 rooms over 4 floors, which must have suited the original owners, the Johnstons, well in their influential lives as railroad and financial investors.
The Hay House was given the status of National Historic Landmark in 1974, preserving it as a Macon landmark for generations to come.
Don’t miss this glimpse into Gilded Age Macon!
Take the special legends and lore tour, cupola tour, and behind the scenes tour for an even deeper look into this fascinating property.
Phone: (478) 742-8155
Address: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, GA
Hours: 10 AM-3 PM Wednesday-Sunday (closed major holidays)
Admission: $14/adults; $13/seniors and military; $10/students; free 5 and under
Cannonball House
Cannonball House in Macon GA
While the Greek Revival architecture of this house (including the massive columns out front) might catch your eye initially, the Cannonball House is best known for the fact that it was hit by a Hotchkiss shell during the Civil War.
As Macon is located directly between Atlanta and Savannah, it was an excellent location for Confederate Forces to keep goods.
This location also made it vulnerable when General Sherman began his “March to the Sea” in order to crush the Confederates in Georgia.
While Macon did secured the only Confederate victory on this march, the town was caught in the crossfire, and the Cannonball House earned its name.
Today, the Cannonball House is open to the public for tours, which cover the home’s extensive history.
Phone: (478) 745-5982
Address: 856 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA
Hours: 10 AM-3:30 PM, Monday-Saturday (closed major holidays)
Admission: $8/adults, $6/seniors and military, $4/students, 4 and under free
Rose Hill Cemetery
Iconic front gates to the Rose Hill Cemetery | source
Walk through the iconic wide white brick gate to a tranquil cemetery filled with history and stories of Macon.
Carefully planned in 1840, this cemetery has been touted as one of the most beautiful in the South.
You’ll find many of Macon’s most notable residents’ final resting places here, including Duane Allman, Greg Allman, and Berry Oakley.
Join one of the weekend Rambles through Rose Hill Cemetery to learn more about the cemetery’s building process, planning, and more.
Address: 107 1 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA
Hours: dawn to dusk daily
Admission: free ($5 Rambles on weekends)
Historic Hotels in Macon
Immerse yourself in Macon’s history even as you dream by staying at one of the beautiful inns in downtown Macon.
Front porch of the 1842 Inn | source
The 1842 Inn offers 19 guest rooms and a huge front porch with rocking chairs.
It was originally a private home built in (no surprise) 1842 by a local lawyer.
About 40 years ago, the property was expanded with the addition of a Victorian cottage behind the main house.
Guests can choose if they’d like to stay in the main house or cottage, both of which offer up luxurious detailing and access to the beautiful courtyard.
>> Book the 1842 Inn here! <<
The Burke Mansion decorated for Christmas | source
The Burke Mansion is just around the corner from the 1842 Inn and the Mercer University School of Law, and it boasts gorgeous details like clawfoot tubs and 4 poster beds in the guest rooms.
Built in the Queen Anne architectural style, the Burke Mansion dates to the 1870s.
Relax in one of the many beautiful suites before coming down to a full Southern breakfast in the morning.
>> Book Burke Mansion here! <<
The Hotel Forty-Five at the corner of Cherry Street and Cotton Avenue | source
The Hotel Forty-Five gets its name from the unique 45-degree angle that the street outside was built on.
The reasoning behind this diagonal path was that it was the easiest way for unloading cotton from the nearby docks.
Once a commercial skyscraper, the hotel was revitalized by Marriott Bonvoy in 2022.
Things to Do in Macon if You Love Music
Everywhere you turn in Macon is a little piece of American music history!
Pop in your airpods, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore theses musical Macon GA points of interest.
Grand Opera House
There’s always something going on at the Grand Opera House in downtown Macon.
Originally built in the late 1800s, the existing building was expanded in 1904 to meet the needs of the growing population in middle Georgia.
In its heyday, both Harry Houdini and Will Rogers were among the acts who made their way to Macon.
Today, visitors can catch a concert , watch a play, or share a funny evening with a comic act.
The Grand Opera House also offers holiday entertainment with special Christmas-themed acts in December.
If you’re traveling with kids, see if one of the GrandKids productions is on during your visit!
Phone: (478) 301-5470
Address: 651 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA
>> Explore more of Georgia! Here’s what to do on Jekyll Island, Georgia’s historic island. <<
Grant’s Lounge
PIN ME!
Soak up some musical inspiration at Grant's Lounge, a staple of Georgia's music scene that saw early performances of The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynryd.
The self-proclaimed “original Home of Southern Rock” invites up-and-coming bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, and country artists to share the same stage where Eric Clapton and Tom Petty once performed.
The building has undergone some renovations recently so that more patrons can join for live shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Bring your own instrument for the weekly jam sessions on Wednesday and Sunday!
Phone: (478) 746-9191
Address: 576 Poplar Street, Macon, GA
Hours: 6 PM-2 AM Wednesday-Sunday
Otis Redding
Take a photo with the statue of Otis Redding, the soulful 60's singer known for hits like "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" and "Respect."
His statue is at the trailhead of the Ocmulgee River Heritage Trail inside Gateway Park at the corner of MLK Boulevard and Riverside Drive.
[2022 note: the statue was temporarily removed due to construction, but it will be replaced soon.]
You can see Redding's legacy in the Otis Redding Foundation's community work: enroll your kids in the annual music camp or sign up for a lesson at the Otis Redding Center for Creative Arts.
The Foundation also offers a mini museum devoted to Redding’s life and works at 339 Cotton Avenue in Macon.
Read more about the Foundation’s work in Macon, and the woman behind it here.
Phone: (478) 742-5737
Hours: 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday, 11 AM-4 PM Saturday
Allman Brothers Band Museum
Walk through the lives of Macon's most famous band at The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House.
From 1970 to 1973, several members of the ABB lived here with their families, including Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, and Greg Allman.
Some of the rooms, like Duane Allman’s bedroom, have been left as they were when the band was in residence here (Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident while living at the Big House).
Other rooms, such as the dining room, have been turned into display areas for the museum’s memorabilia collections.
The tour is a fascinating glimpse into the interworkings of a creative community at the peak of their fame, and it is a major draw for music tourism in Macon each year.
Fans of ‘70s rock can’t miss it!
Phone: (478) 741-5551
Address: 2321 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA
Hours: 11 AM-6 PM Thursday-Saturday, 11 AM-4 PM Sunday
Admission: $20/adult; $15/students, seniors, and military; $10/kids 10 and under
Little Richard
In 1932, Richard Penniman was born to a local Macon family, and he got his big break when a gospel singer heard him singing as he worked at the Macon City Auditorium.
In something out of a teen movie, he was invited to be her opening act that evening, which gave him the inspiration to seek out other acts in larger cities.
Visit a few of Little Richard's old haunts, including the Old Trailway Station (now the Downtown Visitors Center) where he once worked, and Miss Anne's Tic Toc (which was turned into the Tic Toc Room, a now defunct fine dining establishment), where he honed his over-the-top act.
The original Macon City Auditorium where he gave that first performance is still providing space for new artists to share their gifts.
Contemporary Stars
Listen to the radio as you explore Macon, which is the hometown of several contemporary musicians.
Although Mike Mills of R.E.M. was born in California, he spent the majority of his infancy and childhood in Macon.
When he was in high school, he met his future R.E.M. bandmate, Bill Berry, who along with Michael Stipe and Peter Buck, would form R.E.M while they were enrolled at the University of Georgia.
Country music star Jason Aldean split his childhood between Macon and Florida, but his first ever performance was at the Macon VFW, a gig his mom helped him land.
Robert McDuffie, a Grammy-nominated violinist, was born in Macon and encouraged to expand his talents by his family; he’d leave Macon to go to Juilliard to start his career.
Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, and more, moved to Macon in 1970 to tap into the swell of talent that was gathering there, and he got his break playing for the Allman Brothers.
Macon has gorgeous historic houses!
Macon's Best Restaurants
We've now arrived at the tastiest part of our fun things to do in Macon GA list!
Get your tastebuds in order and come to town hungry because you've got some incredible options waiting.
Meat ‘n’ Three
(source)
Explore Southern cuisine with a classic meat 'n' three plate at Bear's Den or H&H Soul Food.
For anyone outside of the South, a meat ‘n’ three is a type of menu where patrons get to choose their entree (the meat, such as fried chicken, chicken fried steak, pot roast, or the like) as well as three sides (such as macaroni and cheese, collards, black eyed peas, rice and gravy, etc.).
The Bear’s Den is a buffet option, so you can choose your entree and sides from the daily selections.
Phone: (478) 745-9909
Address: 1191 Oglethorpe Street, Macon, GA
Hours: 10:30 AM-6 PM Monday-Friday (closed weekends)
The tiny H&H Soul Food is a sit-down restaurant that dates back to the mid-1930s and it was once a favorite of the Allman Brothers.
Phone: (478) 621-7044
Address: 807 Forsyth Street, Macon, GA
Hours: 7 AM-3 PM Tuesday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM-3 PM (closed Monday)
If you’re traveling with kids, these are always great options with lots of choices for picky eaters.
Plus, most kids will eat fried chicken, mac and cheese, and pudding if nothing else!
Farm-to-Table
Just a few streets from the Grand Opera House is a sleek, speak-easy inspired restaurant, Dovetail.
Experience local ingredients from Southern Swiss Dairy, Georgia Olive Farms, Hardy Farms, and more, which Executive Chef Brad Stevens turns into inventive Southern recipes at this farm-to-table restaurant.
Joining the Macon restaurant scene in 2012, Dovetail was one of the first fine dining establishments in Macon’s downtown revitalization.
It’s owned by the same folks who serve up soul food at H&H (above)!
Phone: (478) 238-4693
Address: 543 Cherry Street, Suite B, Macon, GA
Hours: 5:30-9:30 PM Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10:30 PM Friday and Saturday
Pizza
Split a pie with your favorite travel buddies at Ingleside Village Pizza, which is on the outskirts of Macon.
Families will love the laid back feel and the huge NY-style slices.
My kids love all of the lights and items hanging from the ceiling.
Get a basket of sloppy-style breadsticks for the table!
Phone: 478-750-8488
Address: 2395 Ingleside Avenue, Macon, GA
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday, 4:00 - 8:00 PM Sunday
Things to Do with Kids in Macon GA
If you have a free weekend with the kids or if you’re planning an Atlanta to Savannah road trip with the family, you need to head to Macon.
The town boasts multiple opportunities for family fun.
Museum of Arts and Sciences
My kids adore any place where they can run around, try new things, and be interactive in their learning.
(source)
If your family is the same way, they will love the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
The museum won the 2020 Georgia Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, which reinforces the excellent work that the curators are doing here.
In addition to the rotating exhibits, visitors can meet some new animal friends, take in a show at the planetarium, dig for dinosaur bones in the Ziggy dig, go on a nature walk, and participate in the daily activities held around the campus.
There are several great picnic spots outside, so pack some sandwiches and linger on a nice day.
This is one of the most family friendly fun things to do in Macon, GA, so plan to spend several hours here.
Phone: (478) 477-3232
Address: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA
Hours: 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday)
Admission:
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Mural outside of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame | source
Learn about the people who made history (and how they did it!) at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
This massive complex, the largest of its kind in America, covers exceptional athletes from the high school level to the Olympics.
The first Friday of each month is free for complex admission, so time your visit to save some money.
The complex is within walking distance of the Tubman Museum, so this would be a good way to pair two attractions together.
Phone: (478) 752-1585
Address: 301 Cherry Street, Macon, GA
Hours: 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM Saturday
Admission: $8/adults; $6/seniors, college students, and military; $3.50/kids 16 and under
Amerson River Park
(source)
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Amerson River Park, where you and your kids can burn off some energy in the meadows, rent a canoe, or hike along the many trails.
The longest of the trails is the park loop, which is perfect for a hike with young kids as it is only 1.25 miles roundtrip.
On a hot day, bring a tube or two and float the 2 miles from one end of the park to the other on the Ocmulgee River.
Be prepared to stay for a while when your kids are at the playground, which features multiple slides, climbing spaces, and bridges.
Phone: (478) 803-0484
Address: 2551 North Pierce Drive, Macon, GA
Hours: daily 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM March through October, daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM November through February
Admission: free
Sandy Beach Water Park
Bring your bathing suit for a fun day out at Sandy Beach Water Park.
If you're visiting Macon in the summer months, this is a great activity for the entire family with areas for younger kids and thrilling slides for the older ones.
The park also holds nightly swims each month for anyone whod’ like to splash under the stars!
Sandy Beach typically opens Memorial Day weekend and stays open through Labor Day weekend, but check their webiste to confirm.
Phone: (478) 474-0701
Address: 6880 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon, GA
Hours: 11 AM- 5 PM Monday- Thursday, 11 AM- 6 PM Friday- Sunday (summer months only)
Admission: $10/visitors over 48”, $7/visitors under 48”, free for kids 3 and under
Rigby’s Entertainment Complex
Challenge your kids to a race at Rigby's Entertainment Complex, where you can find a go kart track, a rollerskating rink, putt putt golf, and arcade games.
There’s also a bowling alley and laser tag!
(Seriously, they’re never going to want to leave.)
There’s on-site food for the best family night out ever.
In the summer, the fun gets even bigger at Rigby’s Water World, the on-site water park.
Then, on the first Saturday in December, Rigby’s hosts the annual Warner Robins Christmas parade.
Note: this complex is well worth the 20 minute drive outside of Macon.
Phone: (478) 287-6465
Address: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins, GA
Hours: 11 AM-10 PM Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-Midnight Friday, Saturday 10 AM-Midnight, Noon-10 PM Sunday
Admission: free admission, pay for individual games
Outdoor Activities in Macon GA
Gateway Park
Linger by the water at Charles H. Jones Gateway Park, then go for a walk along the shady pathways.
It is located right by the Ocmulgee River and within walking distance of most attractions in downtown Macon.
Address: corner of MLK Boulevard and Riverside Drive, Macon, GA
Tatnall Square Park
Pack a picnic for a lunch at Tatnall Square Park. Your kids will love the playground! Bring your dog to the dog park, or plan to kick a soccer ball around on one of the many soccer fields.
Fun fact: Tatnall Square Park is the second oldest park in the state of Georgia, and it predates the nearby Mercer College.
Address: At the corner of College and Oglethorpe Streets, Macon, GA
Lights on Macon Walking Tour
See Macon from a different perspective with the Lights on Macon Illuminated Walking Tour, held each night at dusk.
Grab a free map from the downtown visitors center (450 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard), then see the city on foot at each of the stops.
These participating houses are decorated in lights throughout the year to showcase the inventive architecture and unique styles that Macon has to offer visitors.
My kids are obsessed with Christmas lights, so this is a way to make them happy 365 days a year!
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site
(source)
If there's one place you need to visit while you're in town, make this it.
At over 700 acres, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site offers nature walks and a museum filled with 2,000 artifacts.
Once the home of the Ocmulgee Native American tribe, this area has also been a British trading post, a Confederate stronghold in the Civil War, and a fort in the early 1800s.
When it was identified as an archeological dig site, the area quickly became the largest archeological recovery in the U.S.
Hundreds of people in the WPA, CCC, and other groups worked tirelessly for 3 years, ultimately recovering over 2 million artifacts.
(source)
The 1100 year old Earth Lodge should also be on your itinerary: visitors can take one of the many short loop trails to explore the park, but the one from the visitors center is best as it is only 1/2 mile and it goes past three of the historic sites, including the Earth Lodge.
Grab a free Junior Ranger packet for the young adventurers in your party. Once they complete the booklet, kids get a wooden badge AND a patch!
Phone: (478) 752-8257
Address: 1207 Emery HIghway, Macon, GA
Hours: 8 AM-5 PM daily (closed Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day)
Admission: free
Lake Tobesofkee
While Macon is about 2 hours from the Atlantic coast, there’s still plenty of opportunity for some summer fun on Lake Tobesofkee!
Go camping on the shores of Lake Tobesofkee: there are 3 different parks along the shore, each with its own campground (all are suitable for RV or tent camping).
Claystone Park (6600 Mosely Dixon Road, Macon, GA), Sandy Beach Park (6800 Mosely Dixon Road, Macon, GA), and Arrowhead Park (2800 Arrowhead Road, Lizelle, GA) all have wide beaches to relax on, while Sandy Beach Park also has lifeguards on duty during the peak months.
Sandy Beach Park also has a water park (see kids activities, above).
A manmade reservoir, the lake is now a fishing, camping and boating destination in middle Georgia.
Hours: 6 AM-9 PM for the entire recreation area
Admission: $3/person, additional fee for activities such as boat launching or the water park
Washington Park
Located right inside of downtown Macon, this small park is a hidden gem.
You can sit by one of the small water features for a quick break from your day.
Built in the mid-1800s, the park is directly across Washington Avenue from the Washington Memorial Library.
In fact, it was the library’s archivist who envisioned the park and provided the first big push to make the project a reality.
Don’t forget to visit the Little Free Library in the park, which is designed as an eye-catching Tardis from Doctor Who.
Festivals in Macon, Georgia
It’s hard not to love a festival, and my family and I will go out of our way if we know there’s one happening nearby.
If you happen to be in Macon during one or more of these festivals, you absolutely should attend!
International Cherry Blossom Festival
Delight in nature's spring beauty at the International Cherry Blossom Festival. It is held in early spring: usually in March or April to coordinate with the trees' beautiful blooms.
While other places like Washington D.C. get all of the credit when it comes to cherry blossom season, Macon easily holds its own with these snow white blooms.
The fun occurs over a week a half, and you’ll have plenty to do during that time. See the newest Cherry Blossom court get crowned, dress your dog up for the Pinkest Puppy Party, cheer on the floats in the Cherry Blossom Parade, or experience a hot air balloon ride.
You should also walk the Cherry Blossom Trail through town.
At the main festival grounds in Carolyn Crayton Park, you’ll be treated to nightly free concerts, traditional fair rides, and everyone’s favorite fair foods.
Next year's dates are March 17-26, 2023.
Closest hotel to festival: Book the Hotel Forty Five (5 minute drive away)
Address: Fairgrounds are at 150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon, GA. Other events occur throughout Macon. Check website for details.
Hours: Noon-10 PM Sunday-Friday, Saturday 10 AM-10 PM
Admission: Fair entrance $5/ adults Sunday-Thursday, $10/adults Friday-Saturday, kids under 10 free
Pan African Festival
Celebrate the diversity of the African Diaspora at the Pan African Festival, coordinated by the Tubman Museum.
At this annual events, you can experience a wide range of live shows from spoken word poetry to traditional African dancing.
The festival works hard to make the event for all ages, and offers up a Children’s Tent for kids to color, play, and learn.
In between performances, visit the local artisan tents who have clothes, artwork, jewelry, and more on sale.
This festival is held in late spring, typically in April or May. The 2022 Pan Festival Festival will be held on April 23 and 24.
Closest hotel to the festival: Book the Macon Marriott City Center (right next door)
Address: Macon Centreplex
Hours: 11 AM- 9 PM on April 23, and 1 PM-7 PM on April 24
Admission: $10/adults per day, $5/ kids 6-12 per day, kids 5 and under free
Macon Film Festival
Schedule time for the Macon Film Festival each summer to see the creativity of regional filmmakers.
Hosted by Mercer University, this event awards independent films in a wide variety of categories.
In addition to film screenings, guests can participate in Q+A sessions with filmmakers, learn more about the process of film making, and special meet and greet sessions.
This year’s festival will be held August 18-21., 2022.
Ocmulgee Indian Festival
#/media/File:Museum_of_Arts_and_Sciences_Macon_GA.jpg){kind=link}
(source)
Be a part of the largest Native American gathering in this part of the U.S. at the Ocmulgee Indian Festival.
Watch living history and dance performances, browse the handiwork of the crafters, and learn about this important part of America's heritage through storytelling and song.
The event is held at the Ocmulgee National Historic Site.
This year, the 30th anniversary celebration will take place September 17-18, 2022.
Closest hotel to festival: Book the Macon Marriott City Center (3 minutes away)
Address: 1207 Emery Highway, Macon, GA
Hours: 10 AM- 5 PM
Admission: $6/adults, $3/children 6-12 and military, 5 and under free
Which of these fun things to do in Macon, GA, would be at the top of your list?
