5 Reasons to Make a Pitstop in Dublin, Georgia

5 Reasons to Make a Pitstop in Dublin, Georgia
When you make your Peach State road trip plans, be sure to include a stop in Dublin on your itinerary.
Words by Laura Drummond
Photos by Ari Skin


Dublin in Central Georgia makes a delightful detour off the I-16, conveniently located about two hours northwest of Savannah and southeast of Atlanta. With the charm and slower pace of a small town and the vibrance of a dynamic urban center, the Emerald City truly has something for everyone. 

Family Fun

A casual and kind place to bring the kids, Dublin hangs its hat on hospitality and is happy to host the whole household. 

For a low-key outing, visit Stubbs Park, where you can enjoy a picnic in the ample space, play basketball and tennis on the courts, or take a spin around the skate park. Jackson Plaza is a green space in downtown Dublin with bench swings, fountains, and rock features. It’s a perfect place for a photo-op if you’d like to snap some pictures for posterity. A trip to Dublin is not complete without a visit to Southern Pines Water Park. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the water park features a lazy river, splash pad, water slides, and more. 

Nourishing Nature 

Outdoor adventure awaits at one of the many sporting spots around Dublin–no matter if you prefer the tameness of the trail or the rugged wilderness. 

If golf is your game, tee up at Riverview Golf Course or Green Acres Gold & Recreation Club. For hiking, birdwatching, hunting, and fishing, check out River Bend Wildlife Management Area and Beaverdam Wildlife Management Area. For guided hunting exhibitions, consult the pros at Blackwater Outfitters Hunting. Fairview Park Walking Trail offers a scenic, paved spot to exercise. For boating and kayaking, dip over to the Hugh Gillis Public Fishing Area or Oconee River

Singular Shopping 

Spend time strolling the streets of downtown Dublin and come away with an abundance of delights–whether you’re shopping for yourself or others.  

Shop The Exchange for bold vacation looks or to update your wardrobe. This fashion-forward lifestyle boutique for women by women selects the trendy and the timeless, the practical and the playful. Then stop into Smith’s Exclusive Jewelers for a souvenir that sparkles. Finish your look at Strickland’s Boots. With more than 6,000 soles stacked from floor to ceiling and customer service that goes above and beyond, they’ll have you walking in style. If you’re looking for gifts, look no further than Hello Sunshine Co., where you’ll see something special for everyone on your list. 

If you like a good hunt and an even better find, you better do some antique-shop hopping! Miss Judy’s has a treasure trove of rare goods and collectibles. It’s a picker’s paradise at both Bootleggers Antiques and Dublin International Market

Rural Retreat

If you’re looking for a relaxing respite or rejuvenating recreation, Dublin can help you get a feel for the peaceful pace of country life.   

Dublin Farm is a 30-acre resort retreat tucked just outside of Dublin where you can tour the grounds and visit the horses, then enjoy an evening in the on-site lounge and restaurant and stay overnight in one of their plush rooms. Experience modern luxury in a historic setting at Page House Bed & Breakfast, where you’ll stay in a restored, century-old mansion. 

At R & G Farms, a family-owned and operated hydroponic farm, you can tour the farm and greenhouse and sample the lettuce, kale, and herbs grown right on the property. If you’ve come while the blackberries are in season, visit Sonrise Farms to pick your own delicious berries.  

Entertaining Events

Throughout the year, Dublin hosts community events that mark occasions, celebrate what makes Dublin special, and bring together locals and visitors of all ages. 

You’ll think you’ve set foot in Dublin, Ireland when you attend the super-sized St. Patrick’s Festival, a half-century of tradition that includes six weeks of fun across 40 separate events. The bountiful Bon Temps Crawfish Festival, a street party with 2,000 pounds of fresh crawfish, live music, amusement rides and games, happens in May. The jubilant Taste of Juneteenth Festival is a weekend-long celebration featuring a parade, live music, food, and art. The Jingle & Mingle at Christmastime includes a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, free holiday movies, extended shopping hours at local stores, and a Nutcracker performance. No matter the season, there’s something special going on in Dublin!