Blake Walsh

18 Best Things to Do in Dahlonega, GA

  • Published 2022/03/29

Dahlonega is situated in the heart of Georgia.

It is a sprawling city guarded by undulating mountains.

Dahlonega witnessed the major US Gold Rush and is an important historical site.

The city has a lot to explore—massive mountains, brimming waterfalls, and the world’s best wineries.

Even though it is a famous spot, it is highly underrated.

It is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

A visit to Dahlonega is a one-time experience.

This city is meant to be felt, not just viewed.

Here are the best things to do in Dahlonega, Georgia:

Go Wine Tasting at Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery

Dahlonega produces some of the finest wine across the globe.

Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery is among the city’s top-notch wine sellers.

The wines are handcrafted and made on-site.

They also let you know the ins and out of winemaking.

The property is beautiful and has a resting room attached to it.

Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery will exceed all your expectations.

The atmosphere is relaxing and entertaining.

Some musicians play instruments to soothe the audience.

You’ll have a lot of fun here, not just glasses of wine.

Take a Hike along Lake Zwerner Trail

Lake Zwerner is one of the most beautiful sights in Dahlonega.

The trail is around 5km long.

It’s surrounded by woods, gets steep after some time, and eventually leads to a beautiful lake.

The lake is pristine and simply stunning.

This hike is one of the most loved activities in Dahlonega.

You will be refreshed and rejuvenated after taking up this trail.

It will act as a booster for nature lovers.

You can feed some ducks at the lake as well.

Every season offers a different look at the trail and the lake.

Catch a Glimpse of the Consolidated Gold Mine

Newgate prison door at Consolidated Gold Mine

Cgminc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dahlonega witnessed a massive gold rush in the 1800s, which led to the popularity of the gold mines in the region.

Over time, the Consolidated Gold Mine became the most visited place in the city.

The best way to explore the area is to join a tour.

There’s a 40-minute tour that will take you deep down underground and introduce you to the structure and workings of a gold mine.

It’s led by a miner with ample knowledge about the Consolidated Gold Mine.

They tell you stories about the gold rush and miners’ lives.

The gold mine is a phenomenal place for history enthusiasts.

They also offer gold panning.

Find Peace at Cane Creek Falls

Cane Creek Falls is located in a remote region of Dahlonega.

The tranquil atmosphere is enough to attract those on the lookout for serenity.

It is the perfect spot for a retreat.

You can sit by the oasis and experience peace.

The water is shallow, and you can dip your toes in the cold water.

The area around is beautiful in its raw, natural form.

It’s not usually crowded—so if you are lucky enough, you may even get the waterfall to yourself.

Go Horseback Riding

Horseback ride in Dahlonega

ARYEVA / Shutterstock.com

Sunny Farms North Stables is a favorite destination among horseback riders.

If you are a beginner, you’ll surely enjoy every baby step you take.

They teach you the basics, so you experience a relaxing and enjoyable ride.

The trail they take you on is scenic and worth exploring.

If you are a seasoned rider, you may ride along more challenging trails.

The horses are trained and gentle.

Don’t forget to snap a picture with your horse!

Spot Wildlife at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve

Wildlife plays an essential role in balancing the ecosystem.

The Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and Zoo is home to exotic animals that cannot be found elsewhere.

It is run by a nonprofit organization whose motto is to preserve animals.

You can feed the animals, but at your own risk.

Make sure you do not cross the fence.

It will be a dynamic tour as you will meet a lot of new animals in their natural habitat.

There are exotic and endangered species here.

The zoo deserves to be applauded for its efforts to keep the wildlife alive.

Buy the tickets on your arrival and explore the preserve at your own pace.

If you’re traveling with kids, take them along with you!

Join the Dahlonega Walking Tour

Dahlonega is a scenic beauty.

There are five different walking tours available for tourists.

Each of them is different from another—there’s a ghost trail, a grape wine tour, and a food and culture tour, among others.

All of these are unique and niche-specific.

No matter what tour you choose, you’re bound to have an enjoyable time.

Make sure you wear your sports shoes as the walk might be long and tiring.

Relish the Wine at Accent Cellars

Accent Cellars is one of the city’s well-known wineries.

They brew the best wine in the city—smooth and dark.

Their collection is top-notch and of supreme quality.

You get to taste different flavors and choose your favorite among the lot.

There are plenty of seating areas on their property, both indoors and outdoors.

They also serve delicious snacks along with their wine.

You’ll definitely feel that you are relishing some premium wine.

The owner is approachable and is very passionate about wines.

On your visit, he’ll tell you a lot about the wine and how it is made.

The atmosphere is desirable, and having wine amid such a lovely ambiance is like a dream!

Talk a Walk through History in the Gold Museum

Exterior of Dahlonega Gold Museum

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Dahlonega Gold Museum conveys the story of the US Gold Rush and the US Mint.

It is a spacious museum that contains a detailed history of these events and how they shaped the United States’ economy.

The building is attractive and Victorian in terms of display.

Pumpkins and flowers in front of Gold Museum

Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com

They show a short film concerning historical events.

There are various chronicles, documents, and artifacts presented.

It is an informative place with a lot of content to understand and interpret.

You can spend roughly two hours exploring it all.

Front exterior of Gold Museum

William Hunton / Shutterstock.com

Meander in Gibbs Gardens

Daffodil field in Gibbs Garden

Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gibbs Gardens is a breathtaking spot in Dahlonega.

It is a colorful garden with a lot to explore.

You can spend three to four hours here and still feel that time is lacking.

It has excellent ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and exotic flowers.

The garden authorities hold flower festivals to let more people know about its flora and plant life.

Vibrant flowers at Gibbs Gardens

Sandra Burm / Shutterstock.com

Gibbs Gardens is divided into three different gardens: Manor House Gardens, Japanese Gardens, and Waterlily Gardens.

Each of these gardens contains different kinds of flowers.

Neither food nor water is allowed on the property.

It is well-kept and maintained.

It is a refreshing and cheerful place to be.

A pond surrounded by trees in Gibbs Gardens

Sandra Burm / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy Water Activities at Chestatee River Adventures

River activities are always enjoyable and adventurous.

Chestatee River Adventures offers kayak and tube trips.

The river is calm and composed, providing an excellent space to kayak steadily.

It will be so soothing that you’ll want to float forever and never move out of your kayak!

You can reserve your slots online.

The ride will be worth every penny.

Head over to Bratzeit

If you are in Dahlonega, you should not miss out on Bratzeit.

They serve the best German and Swiss food in town.

The essence and taste of the food served here are unmatchable.

Every dish on the menu is delectable, and you ought to try out as many as you can.

You’ll forget you’re in the States as their authentic dishes take your taste buds straight to Germany.

Great ambiance, delicious food—what else do you need?

Grab Tickets to Holly Theatre

Exterior of Holly Theater

HollyJoe28, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The historic Holly Theatre is a treat for performance and concert enthusiasts.

It’s the oldest theater in town and puts on a fantastic show now and then.

The small, quaint theater has been entertaining visitors for years now.

Exterior and show schedule of Holly Theatre

Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com

The ambiance here is energetic, and the shows are worth watching.

Christmas is the best time to come here.

They showcase special Christmas shows and keep the holiday spirit alive during this time.

The performers are talented and entertaining.

Gaze at Stars at the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory

Stargazing is such a romantic and enchanting thing to do.

You can catch the constellations and stars at the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory.

Away from the city’s pollution, this observatory offers a spectacular view of the star-studded sky.

You must reserve your seat ahead of time, so you don’t miss out on the magic.

We are sure you’ll be left spellbound after a stargazing session here.

Step in The Smith House Historic Inn

If you are seeking comfort, book a room at The Smith House Historic Inn.

It is the most gorgeous place to stay over for a night.

The property is clean and comforting.

They also serve the best breakfast in town.

The rooms are enormous and filled with all the amenities you’ll need.

With its serene atmosphere, you’ll feel as if you have found heaven right amid a bustling city.

See the 1875 Diving Bell and Relive Georgia’s Gold Rush Era

Debuted in September 1875, the Chestatee River Diving Bell is an exhibit located in the main square of historic downtown Dahlonega.

Miners once used it to help them explore underwater while searching for gold and other treasures.

For over a century, the fate of the Diving Bell was unknown to most.

Discovered at the bottom of the Chestatee River in Georgia in 1876, nobody knew how it got there or who built it.

The discovery triggered an almost century-long search to uncover its origins.

Though the old Diving Bell may be a relic of a bygone age, it’s still enjoyed and used today by excited tourists eager to learn all they can about this important piece of diving history.

Its purpose is to celebrate and pay tribute to the vital part that diving bells played in Dahlonega’s history.

Join a Class at Canvas and Cork Wine Tasting & Art Gallery

Canvas and Cork is nestled in the heart of Dahlonega.

With their extensive selection of wines from Gin Creek Vineyards, you can enjoy tasting your way around the world.

At the same time, find an original piece of art to take home or sign up for an upcoming class with local and traveling artists alike.

Canvas and Cork is the type of place where you can kick up your feet, put down that paintbrush, and relax with a glass of champagne.

The art offered at Canvas and Cork is rooted in a Western theme.

The team behind this incredibly charming new endeavor puts their heart and soul into making sure that every painting class is an unforgettable experience in fun, friendship, and fine art.

Enjoy the Magic of Jeffrey N Knight at the Dahlonega Magic Theater

Located close to the University of North Georgia, the Dahlonega Magic Theater is one of the city’s hidden gems.

It’s an excellent entertainment destination and a fantastic place to visit if you’re going to be in Dahlonega for a few days or during one of the town’s many festivals like Gold Rush Days.

The Dahlonega Magic Theater is a family-friendly entertainment venue with magic shows by Jeffrey N. Knight.

The multifaceted performer Jeffrey N Knight has been a household name in Dahlonega for years.

His shows of newfound comedy magic and educational entertainment are geared towards educating families and entertaining children.

If you’re looking for an evening of laughter and amazement, look no further than Dahlonega Magic Theater’s quality shows.

Final Thoughts

Dahlonega is a popular destination for those in love with warm, sunny weather and the opportunity to sample some of the finest wines in the country.

This small northern Georgia city is also known for its terrific nightlife and historic mines.

Dahlonega is perfect for those who’d love to experience something other than savoring a glass of pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon with sweeping views of the rolling hills.

Bookmark this list of things to do in Dahlonega, and you’ll surely find it tough to resist rebooking your trip here!

© All rights reserved.