Just a short four and a half hour drive from Franklin, Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a year-round retreat of stunning gardens, outdoor adventures, championship golf, and seasonal events.
Founded in 1952 by Cason and Virginia Callaway, the destination was created as a philanthropic act to provide a location where people and nature could coexist. The Callaway's wanted to share their private retreat after purchasing 2,500 acres.
Callaway offers something for every season. Spring dazzles with thousands of vibrant azaleas in bloom, while summer invites families to swim, paddleboard, or simply soak up the sun at Robin Lake Beach, the world’s largest man-made white sand beach. In fall, the resort transforms into a kaleidoscope of color along its winding trails, and winter ushers in Fantasy in Lights, one of the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light displays.
Beyond its impressive gardens, Callaway offers championship golf, a serene spa, fine dining, and family-friendly accommodations that include cozy cottages, well-appointed lodge rooms, or lakeside villas. Callaway Resort & Gardens remains a timeless destination no matter the season.
Getting around
There are several options for exploring the property besides a car and your two feet. Rent a golf cart for getting from point A to point B. Bike rentals are available for the over 10 miles of dedicated bike trails. The paved Discovery Bike Trail provides access to many of the gardens' natural areas and attractions. And if you want to add a little history and local knowledge to your trip with a guide, book a Pink Jeep Tour. This new experience launched in September and includes an off-road portion on private land.
The Cecil B. Day Butterfly & Discovery Centers
One of the largest tropical butterfly conservatories in North America, this habitat is filled with lush tropical plants, vibrant flowers, and a cascading waterfall, creating an ideal environment for these delicate creatures. Visitors can walk among the free-flying butterflies, witnessing their life cycle from chrysalis to adulthood.
The Discovery Center is a 35,000 square foot facility that houses an auditorium, art exhibits, an education wing and gift shop. Here you can also sign up for TreeTop Adventure Zip Lines, and experience Vaughn-Jordan Backyard Wildlife Habitat Garden, the Discovery Café, and the Discovery Amphitheater, where you can enjoy the Birds of Prey Show.
Dining
There are several dining options on property. The Four-Diamond Resort is home to the Azlea Market for coffee and quick bites, the Piedmont Dining Room featuring eclectic Southern fare, and Cason's Tap Room for handcrafted cocktails and craft beers.
The Discovery Cafe offers a light lunch or snack with lake views. Champions Grill is a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or unwind with a relaxing drink after a day on the golf course.
Fantasy In Lights
A true holiday tradition for families across the Southeast, Fantasy in Lights has been named one of the world’s top light displays by National Geographic. This Southeast holiday tradition features over 10 million lights across a seven-mile scenic drive, trolley ride, or new this year, a PINK Jeep tour. New for 2025 is the “Song of the Trees” scene, a symphony of light and music transforming the forest, along with refreshed fan-favorite tunnels and classic displays. Visitors can also enjoy an expanded Christmas Village with shopping, hot cocoa, s’mores, and visits with Santa, plus special experiences like Breakfast with Santa, Snowflake Lane, and inclusive overnight packages with tickets and keepsake ornaments.
CallawayGardens.com
"Callaway Gardens is a gem in Southwest Georgia. Everything you could ever need for a relaxing trip is right there on property. Bring your girlfriends or family and prepare for an easy and enjoyable time." - Jaye Bilyeu, visitor