This is your complete travel guide for Dahlonega GA.

Dahlonega is the coziest mountain town set in the heart of Georgia wine country.

And fun fact, it was the site of the first major gold rush in the US.

This scenic town is just an hour North of Atlanta, making it the ideal place for your next mountain getaway.

​Ready to discover Dahlonega? Let’s dive in.

Top Things to do in Dahlonega

From top things to do to best places to stay, this Dahlonega travel guide has you totally covered.

Downtown Dahlonega Arts, Antiques, and Shopping

Dahlonega’s historic downtown square is the perfect place to explore local arts, antiques, and cuisine.

The square is full of locally owned businesses (no chain brands allowed) with high quality gifts, art, and food.

You can easily hop into one of the many restaurants, bars, and wine tasting rooms among the square’s historic buildings.

Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site

Explore the town’s gold rush history which began 2 decades before California’s gold rush.

Dahlonega’s gold museum is housed in Georgia’s oldest courthouse, and it’s one of the state’s most visited historic sites.

Fascinating stories, displays, and a short film walk you through Dahlonega’s fascinating gold mining history.

Consolidated Gold Mines

Go underground with a tour of a historic gold mine.

Consolidated Gold Mines is the only underground tour in town, giving you a 200 foot deep dive into the area’s mining history over a century ago.

Red Oak Lavender Farm

Red Oak Lavender Farm is a beautiful place to explore and relax among five acres of lavender fields.

Make sure to visit the farm’s shop, which carries hundreds of handmade “field to jar” lavender products.

Historic Holly Theater

Purchase tickets for a local stage production at the historic Holly Theater.

This Dahlonega gem shows plays and musical performances during show season.

Check their calendar of events to see what’s playing during your visit.

Afternoon Tea in Historic Home

Book afternoon tea at Waffle’s English Tea Room in the historic Head House one street down from Dahlonega Square.

This cozy English tea room uses vintage Bagley tea pots to serve local teas alongside sweet and savory bites. It’s the perfect way to recharge between shopping and exploring.

Dahlonega Visitors Center

Stop off at the Visitor Center in the square and chat with one of the helpful staff.

This is such a fun way to learn about local hidden gems and favorite spots.

When I visited, the hosts were super helpful and shared great information about wine tour maps and local hikes I wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

Dahlonega Restaurants

Dahlonega’s downtown restaurants offer tons of variety, whether you’re looking for a full meal, dessert, or happy hour.

Spirits Tavern

Bar and Grill featuring a huge selection of custom burgers and American fare. The venue offers live music and a friendly atmosphere.

The tavern was recommended to me at the Visitor’s Center, and I enjoyed everything I tried on the menu.

Shenanigans

Irish pub and restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

You’ll find all your Irish-American favorites alongside a wide range of beers on tap.

Hang out on the covered back patio, or the cozy inside where dollar bills line the walls and ceiling.

Nighthawk Tavern

Tasty tavern fare and big screen tv’s to catch the game.

The tavern offers a friendly vibe right along the main square.

Bourbon Street Grill

Cajun-Creole restaurant with indoor and patio seating.

The spot to dine on well known New Orleans dishes in a historic building.

North Georgia BBQ Dahlonega

Classic American BBQ in a casual setting.

The restaurant has all your BBQ dishes and side favorites served in a laid back indoor setting.

Picnic Cafe and Dessertery

Tuck into hearty cafe favorites in this charming first floor eatery.

The cafe offers a wide selection of classic American dishes and home made baked treats.

I also really enjoyed their coffees and teas, and visited the shop more than once during my most recent stay in town.

Seasonal Festivals

Dahlonega’s small town charm creates the perfect setting for seasonal festivals.

Christmas

I cannot recommend highly enough visiting Dahlonega in November or December for their absolutely magical Christmas lights and events.

Dahlonega transforms into the sweetest holiday town with shops decked out in sparkling lights and dazzling trees.

In fact, Hallmark has filmed more than one Christmas movie here, proving Dahlonega might just be the perfect Christmas town.

4th of July

Dahlonega goes all out for 4th of July, from a parade and car show to live music and fireworks.

The sunny summer weather and starry night sky create a perfect backdrop to celebrate Independence Day in Georgia.

Dahlonega Wineries, Spirits, and Meaderies

For the 21+ crowd, spend the day exploring wineries and tasting rooms in the North Georgia Mountains.

Dahlonega GA is actually the capital of wine country in Georgia, so you’ve come to the right place.

Dahlonega Plateau is also designated a viticultural area. This means its sun, climate, and soil quality make it great for growing wine.

Kaya Vineyard & Winery

This is one of the largest, and oldest, wineries near Dahlonega.

If you’re looking for exceptional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and vineyards right from the tasting room, this is the place.

Be sure to sample their Oola – Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the first wine ever produced on the estate.

Pro Travel Tip: Explore 10 exceptional vineyards near Helen GA in the North Georgia Mountains.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards

You may get the sense you’ve been whisked away to Europe with this vineyard’s forested views and European varietals.

Sit atop the trees in this open air, covered tasting room as you sip wine and learn about their French winemaking process that has won over 200 awards.

Cavender Creek Vineyard

The perfect way to combine wine tasting and meeting the friendliest four legged farmhands. Make sure you stop and say hello to the donkeys when you arrive!

Cavender Creek Vineyard prides themselves on creating a friendly atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.

Relax in the cozy living room setting and enjoy a range of wine produced on site.

Three Sisters Winery

What’s not to love about sipping wine by the water or overlooking hillside vineyards?

Three Sisters Winery is set amongst rolling hills and offers a serene backdrop and a small family farm experience.

Stay awhile and enjoy a sampling of estate grown red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines.

Accent Cellars

Accent Cellars is located three minutes from Dahlonega.

This highly rated, family-owned business creates delicious wines from grapes sourced from across the United States.

Their aim is to celebrate the connection between humans and nature, and what better way to do so than with a glass of wine?

Naturally Georgia Wine Bar

This highly rated wine bar in downtown Dahlonega is a great choice if you want to sample exceptional Georgia wines, without leaving town.

Relax with a glass or bottle of wine, spot for local handmade gifts, and learn about local vineyards in this local gem.

Etowah Meadery

Sample award winning mead (made from honey) at Etowah Meadery.

Relax inside the tasting room or head to the porch with your glass of mead or sparkling mead, aka the nectar of the gods.

This local business is focused on making exceptional meads along with supporting the local community and organizations.

Dahlonega Coffee and Tea

Dahlonega is filled with quaint tea and coffee shops that will steal your heart.

Whether you stop in for a quick pick-me-up or afternoon tea, add a couple of these to your Dahlonega itinerary.

Canopy + the Roots Coffee

This local coffee shop and underground listening room is the spot for Costa-Rican coffee and yoga sessions.

Jethro’s Coffee & Public House

Friendly staff serve up expertly brewed coffees crafted with precision and love in the shop’s cozy atmosphere.

Blue 42 Market

A community minded country market offering locally sourced fresh and baked goods. Folks rave about their coffee and fresh baked treats.

Picnic Cafe and Dessertery

This charming dessertery made our list of top restaurants and coffee stops in Dahlonega.

You can easily grab a full meal or beverage as you peruse the square.

Tea Rabbit’s Teas & Magickal Makings

The shop’s wide selection of teas and charming outdoor seating will make you want to relax on the patio with a cuppa.

Waffle’s English Tea Room

Dahlonega’s space for intimate afternoon tea in a lovely environment.

Choose from an array of teas, plus sweet and savory treats.

Hikes Near Dahlonega GA

Dahlonega is nestled right on the border of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail.

You’ll find scenic hikes and waterfalls aplenty. Here are the best hikes close to Dahlonega GA.

Brasstown Bald

Take a short drive from Downtown Dahlonega and you’ll soon find yourself at Georgia’s tallest Peak, Brasstown Bald.

Drive up to the visitor’s center, or take a 1.1 mile round trip hike to the summit for spectacular 360 degree views.

I’d say this is the best way to soak up the magical scenery in the heart of the North Georgia mountains.

Desoto Falls Trail

A 2 mile out and back hike that makes for a perfect morning activity.

Bask in the beauty of Chattahoochee National Forest and 2 scenic waterfalls.

Appalachian Trail Hikes

There is a great selection of Appalachian Trail hikes near Dahlonega.

Check out the 9.6 mile loop trail at Bull Mountain, or this super scenic point to point trail from Len Foote Hike Inn.

Places to Stay Around Dahlonega GA

Whether you’re craving a relaxing boutique hotel or a cozy mountain cabin, you’ll find it in Dahlonega.

Top Dahlonega Hotels

Explore the highly rated 27 on Park boutique hotel tucked beside the Dahlonega Square.

Or, book the charming Hall House Hotel, the only hotel directly on the historic square and the square’s second oldest building.

Top Dahlonega Airbnbs

Dahlonega is absolutely brimming with the coolest mountain Airbnbs to fit your exact taste.

You’ll find everything from wooded cabins and trendy shipping containers perfect for couples, to waterside retreats and modern homes that fit large groups.

History of Dahlonega

Dahlonega’s history is tied closely to early gold mining in the United States.

The town sits on land that was once a part of the Cherokee Nation.

In 1828 it was the site of the first major U.S. gold rush, about 20 years before the California gold rush began.

After its incorporation in 1833, the town continued to play an important role in the gold mining industry.

The University of North Georgia was founded in 1873, housed right in town inside the original U.S. Branch Mint building.

Today, Dahlonega is home to about 7,000 year round residents, and focuses on balancing preservation and growth within the community.

You’ll find fascinating placards throughout town telling the stories of historic buildings and sites.

Weather in Dahlonega

Dahlonega is a mountain town located at 1,450 feet. The town experiences all 4 seasons, from warm springs and summers to colorful fall foliage and occasional winter snowfall.

• Spring: Generally mind weather, with the Dogwoods in full bloom.
• Summer: Generally warm weather, great for outdoor activities.
• Fall: Cooler, with late Fall tending to be the drier months. The leaves are changing colors, so it’s a beautiful time of year to visit.
• Winter: Cold, but there is only about 3′ of snowfall annually.

Getting to Dahlonega

Dahlonega is located just 70 miles from Atlanta, Georgia.

The picturesque drive to Dahlonega takes you through historic towns, rolling hills, and the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Dahlonega GA: Wrapping Up

This article was all about Dahlonega GA.

I hope you have a fantastic time exploring the history, culture, and nature in Dahlonega.