Blooms on display are a perfect way to experience the spring season in Georgia.

Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground

Every season is filled with color at this north Georgia destination (in fact, there’s a color update page on their website). In the spring, visitors can expect to see millions of golden, white and orange daffodils (above) dotting the rolling hills of this 376-acre property. One of the largest residential estate gardens in the country, Gibbs bears the name of the founder who also created a landscaping company of the same name. Guests are welcome to explore six feature gardens—daffodil, manor house, Japanese, waterlily, inspiration and “le jardin color,” as well as 18 seasonal color gardens. The clever designers included myriad charming surprises spread throughout including a Monet bridge, sculptures and ponds. 

Savannah Botanical Garden, Savannah

Just minutes from Savannah’s historic downtown district lies this 10-acre gem. Originally established in the late 1980s, the garden is sponsored by the Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, a collection of 15 nonprofits; as a result, access to all public areas is free. Explore the tree-shaded nature trails, a two-acre pond and themed gardens including ones focused on roses, vegetables, camellias, azaleas, and ferns. The garden’s centerpiece is the historic pre-Civil War Reinhard House, which serves as a site for hosting events.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens

This 313-acre preserve (above), set aside in 1968 by the University of Georgia for the study and enjoyment of plants and nature, is a favorite spot for those who want to learn about both native and exotic plants. There are themed gardens, such as the heritage garden for heirloom plants, the international garden for plants from around the globe and the 2.5-acre children’s garden designed to create teaching opportunities for guests of all ages. Visit the aptly named flower garden in the spring to see a proliferation of color from cherry trees, daffodils, roses, irises and foxgloves. Beyond just the beauty of the landscape and the varied botanical specimens thriving there, it contains five miles of nature trails, making it popular for those seeking a hike or a run in beautiful environs.