Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, highlights a number of new and expanded attractions, cultural experiences, and hotels that are opening or have recently opened to visitors across the state.
At Lanier Islands in Buford, Margaritaville’s water park is undergoing a multimillion-dollar transformation and will be rebranded as Fins Up Water Park—the first Margaritaville Fins Up Water Park in the United States. Among the planned enhancements is Apocalpyso, Georgia’s first waterslide coaster, which will be the signature attraction in a new tower that adds three additional slides. When complete, the tower will be part of the state’s largest waterslide complex, bringing the park’s total to 15 slides.
© Georgia Safari Conservation Park
Madison will welcome the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, scheduled to open in April. The 530-acre park blends the excitement of a safari with conservation and sustainability initiatives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and safe encounters with African species, plus exclusive eight-person VIP experiences. The park also offers several lodging options, including a luxury suite that overlooks giraffes and rhinos, safari tents, and a honeymoon hideaway.
In Athens, the new Classic Center Arena will further energize the city’s music and entertainment scene. Located steps from downtown restaurants and shops, the arena will host concerts, sporting events, conferences, weddings, and more. The concourse will feature memorabilia from the University of Georgia Music Collections, creating an interactive experience that brings Georgia’s musical history to life.
© National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta will begin construction on a 24,000-square-foot expansion. Expected to open in summer 2025, the project adds two new wings. The West Wing will include a café and three galleries—a Family Gallery for children, Bearing Witness (a gallery that memorializes the history of racial violence), and a special exhibitions gallery for traveling and temporary displays. The East Wing will provide around 5,000 square feet of flexible classroom, meeting, and training space.
The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett © Concord Hospitality
In Duluth, within northeast Atlanta’s Gas South District, The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett is set to open in March. The 346-room property caters to both leisure and business travelers and offers 14 event rooms totaling 27,000 square feet. Its convenient location places guests within walking distance of the Gas South Convention Center, Gas South Arena, and Gas South Theater, providing easy access to regional entertainment and event venues.
© Trilith Guesthouse
The Trilith Guesthouse opened in January near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Located at the entrance to the European-inspired Town at Trilith and adjacent to Trilith Studios, the 193-room boutique hotel is designed to inspire creativity. The property features 36 apartment-style studios and one-bedroom suites, a signature street-level restaurant, a rooftop bar, a culinary studio, and more than 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
© Cloudland at McLemore Resort
Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain, Curio Collection by Hilton, opened in mid-March. The 245-room mountaintop resort sits about 40 minutes from Chattanooga and offers a golf course setting, a spa, and 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Perched approximately 2,000 feet above sea level on the edge of Lookout Mountain, the property provides sweeping views of McLemore Cove and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hotel Bardo © Courtesy of Left Lane
In Savannah, the historic Mansion on Forsyth Park has been transformed into Hotel Bardo Savannah, an upscale urban resort that opened in February. The 149-room property includes 66 suites, an 82-foot outdoor pool with a pool bar, the Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana, the Saltgrass wellness center, Club Bardo (a membership-based social club), curated retail space called Shop Bardo, and a variety of event venues including the Carriage House and a 3,500-square-foot ballroom.