Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, offers many new or expanded attractions; cultural experiences; and hotels that will, or already have, opened their doors to visitors.

As part of a series of multimillion-dollar enhancements scheduled for completion this spring, the water park in Margaritaville at Lanier Islands in Buford, Georgia, is being rebranded to Fins Up Water Park, the first Margaritaville Fins Up Water Park in the country. Among the enhancements is the highly anticipated Apocalpyso, Georgia’s first waterslide coaster, the centerpiece of a new tower featuring three additional waterslides. The tower will be Georgia’s largest waterslide complex, with a total of 15.

© Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Madison, Georgia, will be the site of the new Georgia Safari Conservation Park, set to open in April. Combining the excitement of a safari adventure with a commitment to conservation and sustainability, the 530-acre park will offer safe encounters with wild African species as well as guided tours for individuals, families and small groups. The park will also offer exclusive, eight-person V.I.P. experiences. Georgia Safari Conservation Park offers luxury accommodations, including a suite overlooking giraffes and rhinos, safari tents, and a honeymoon hideaway.

In Athens, Georgia, Classic Center Arena will pump up the city’s already thriving music and entertainment scene. Just steps away from downtown restaurants and shops, the arena will play host to various entertainment options, from concerts and sporting events to weddings and conferences. Memorabilia from the University of Georgia Music Collections will be displayed in the Classic Center Arena’s concourse, bringing a collection from Georgia Music Hall of Fame to life through an interactive experience.

© National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights will begin construction this year on a 24,000-square-foot expansion. Expected to open summer 2025, the expansion will feature two new wings. The new West Wing will house a café and three new galleries, including 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 exhibitions. A new East Wing will create 5,000 square feet of flexible classroom, meeting and training space.

The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett © Concord Hospitality

In Duluth, Georgia, in northeast Atlanta, The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett is set to open in March. The 346-room property will be great for leisure and corporate travelers, with an expansive selection of 14 event rooms totaling 27,000 square feet. Located within the Gas South District, the property is within walking distance of the newly renovated Gas South Convention Center, Gas South Arena and Gas South Theater, enabling the hotel to provide guests with ultra-convenient access to nearby entertainment and events venues.

© Trilith Guesthouse

The Trilith Guesthouse opened in January, not far from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The property is at the main entrance of the European-inspired Town at Trilith in Fayetteville, Georgia, and adjacent to Trilith Studios, a premier film and television studio. Designed to inspire creativity, the 193-room boutique hotel offers 36 apartment-style studios and one-bedroom suites, a signature street-level restaurant, rooftop bar, culinary studio, and indoor and outdoor event spaces spanning more than 17,000 square feet.

© Cloudland at McLemore Resort

Opened in mid-March, the 245-room Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain, Curio by Hilton is located in northwest Georgia, 40 minutes from Chattanooga. The property is on a beautiful mountaintop golf course setting, complete with a spa and 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Located 2,000 feet above sea level at the edge of Lookout Mountain, guests can enjoy stunning views of McLemore Cove and Blue Ridge Mountains.

Hotel Bardo © Courtesy of Left Lane

Savannah’s former historic Mansion on Forsyth Park has been transformed into Hotel Bardo Savannah, an upscale urban resort that opened in February. The 149-room resort features 66 suites; an 82-foot-long outdoor pool and pool bar; Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana; Saltgrass wellness center; Club Bardo, a membership-based social club; Shop Bardo, curated retail space; and event spaces like the Carriage House and 3,500-square-foot ballroom.