Whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, there are lots of ways to fill your time in LaGrange. With countless adventures to be had, food and drink to enjoy, and sights to see, there’s something to be found in LaGrange for lovers of the outdoors, live music fanatics, and families who thrive on summer vacation!
For Outdoor Adventurers
With West Point Lake, the Chattahoochee River and numerous parks located nearby, LaGrange is a dream for lovers of the outdoors, and those seeking one-of-a-kind adventures!
While there’s no shortage of things to do on land, we recommend getting your feet wet and embracing one of the most classic summer activities, boating! West Point Lake offers multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water, and Highland Marina also provides facilities for launching your boat safely. Before setting sail, ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment on board and familiarize yourself with state and local boating regulations.
Need to rent a boat? Highland Marina has you covered, along with boat repair, fuel and supplies to keep your boat running smoothly, and you can purchase bait on-site for your fishing excursion. For boat rentals, take your pick from pontoons, fishing boats and kayaks.
If you’re more interested in a leisurely river cruise, head to nearby West Point for an excursion down the Chattahoochee River. Kayak along this storied waterway, and take in the sights and sounds of nature’s bounty. GLL Marine is our outfitter of choice for this activity, and they provide everything you need from kayaks and paddles to transportation to West Point Dam, your launch site.
After cooling off on the water, stretch your legs by exploring the Lakeside Trails. Designed for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, the single-track loop is perfect for intermediate to experienced riders, and there’s no shortage of incredible views!
If your perfect summer includes sleeping under the stars, there are many camping options available that keep you in close contact with mother nature. You might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or an osprey! If you please, you can find your dinner in the lake as well. Bring your fishing gear and check out our West Point Lake Fishing Guide for tips on landing a hearty bass.
If you’re not into catching your food, enjoy dining at Beacon Brewing Company. The locally owned brewpub is located in the Hillside neighborhood and features a delicious Asian-fusion menu, paired perfectly with their house-brewed craft beers. If you enjoy trying the local brew, make sure to also visit Wild Leap! Voted the Best New Brewery in the U.S. by U.S.A Today, the beverage company produces award-winning craft beer and spirits, and recently opened a semi-permanent food truck, Midnyt Burger! Both Wild Leap and Beacon feature expansive outdoor areas, perfect for soaking up some summer rays or taking in the reds, purples and oranges of a beautiful sunset.
The Sounds of Summer
If you love to sit back, relax and watch the sunset while listening to legendary artists, Sweetland Amphitheatre is a must-visit. The intimate outdoor music venue has drawn artists such as John Prine, Gladys Knight and Willie Nelson. The amphitheatre primarily hosts shows during the summer and fall, so check out our Summer Music Guide for upcoming performances.
Another stop for live music lovers is Nutwood Winery. The spacious venue features indoor and outdoor seating and frequently welcomes live music. Prepare for major taste bud stimulation as you sample classic, seasonal and frozen wine creations with southern cuisine.
For A Family Vacation
If you’re traveling with children, LaGrange is a perfect destination to keep your crew busy from sunrise to sunset. The ultimate family vacation starts with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge. The massive indoor waterpark and resort feature endless activities including more than six waterslides, multiple splash pads, a wave pool, lazy river and more. Also within the resort you’ll find rock climbing, bowling, mini-golf, adult only areas and supervised activities with Great Wolf’s friendly characters.
A short drive gets your family to Wild Animal Safari, just south of LaGrange. The park features an array of wildlife, hosting over 550 animals and 70 different species on the 500-acre park. Interact with the various species of wildlife as you drive through the park. When you purchase your tickets, you can also purchase bags of grass pellets for the animals, who eagerly flock to the vehicle to be fed from the palm of your hand. After finishing the drive-through portion of the park, discover more animals in a self-guided walk. This allows you to see birds, reptiles and other animals in a zoo-like setting.
Top off your trip with a walk on our local urban trail system, The Thread. The paved path winds through the city passing shops, restaurants and parks along the way. Stop and play at Southbend Park where a large covered playground, skatepark and green space provide your kiddos with room to roam! We recommend grabbing dinner from a downtown eatery and enjoying it here!
For Rest & Relaxation
If rest and relaxation is your ideal way to spend summer, you’ll enjoy a slower pace strolling through the gardens at Hills & Dales Estate. This stunning home sits on thirty-two acres with gentle hills and manicured gardens yielding blooms year-round. During summer months find an expansive bed of black-eyed susans along with angel’s trumpet, elephant ears, crossvine and oleander throughout the garden.
After exploring the property (give yourself at least two hours), head to the city center where you’ll find local antique shops filled with unique finds and an ever-changing inventory, all within walking distance of one another. When you’re ready for a break, enjoy a bite at a local eatery—many with relaxing outdoor dining options. For an upscale patio dinner in view of the twinkling lights on Main Street, the Mediterranean-inspired Mare Sol is a wonderful option. For made-to-order personal pizzas perfect for families, enjoy a meal on the screened in patio at Your Pie.
After dinner, cool off with one of the hallmarks of summer – ice cream! Scoops, located downtown, is the perfect option for this timeless treat, featuring dozens of flavors, hand-dipped chocolate delicacies, and a full assortment of gummies and other favorites to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Enjoy your dessert from the rocking chairs outside as you take in the sights and sounds of downtown LaGrange.
Create a summer worth remembering as you experience the diverse attractions LaGrange has to offer. We encourage you to spend time pursuing your interests but also to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. There are not many places in the world where you can feed a zebra, tour a historic estate and slide down a massive indoor waterslide all in one weekend!
