Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is a large public garden and resort property in Pine Mountain, Georgia, developed by Cason J. Callaway and Virginia Hand Callaway and established as a destination garden. The property combines cultivated display gardens, conservation areas and recreational facilities across an extensive acreage.

Key features include formal display gardens and mass plantings such as azaleas and camellias, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, miles of walking trails, golf courses and family recreational amenities centered on a managed lake and beach area. The site is known for seasonal events that attract regional visitors, notably floral displays in spring and a large holiday lights program in winter.

The gardens were created in the mid-20th century by the Callaway family as both a conservation and visitor-oriented project, and they have been managed as a public attraction and resort property since that time. Infrastructure has expanded to include guest accommodations, event venues and interpretive facilities.

Geographically the property is located in Pine Mountain in western Georgia, set amid rural ridges and woodlands. The gardens are accessed from local highways and serve as a regional destination for visitors from nearby towns and cities.

• Founders: Founded by Cason J. Callaway and Virginia Hand Callaway, the site was developed as a public garden and resort and remains one of the larger cultivated garden properties in Georgia.
• Seasonal highlights: Seasonal events and displays such as large-scale holiday light shows and spring azalea blooms are major draws and shape peak visitor times.

What to See#

• Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center: An enclosed interpretive conservatory and live butterfly habitat that houses free-flying butterflies alongside educational exhibits on metamorphosis and host plants.
• Robin Lake: A central recreational lake with a beach area and surrounding lawns used for swimming, events and seasonal programming within the gardens’ recreational facilities.
• Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel: A small ceremonial chapel set within the gardens that is used for weddings and private events, notable for its setting among planted landscapes.

Callaway Gardens is on US-27 near Pine Mountain, Georgia, about 60-70 minutes southwest of Atlanta by car. Follow signs from the highway; the estate has multiple parking areas.

• Aim for midweek visits in spring for peak azalea and rhododendron displays with fewer crowds.
• The Robin Lake Beach can be busiest on holiday weekends-arrive early to secure parking.
• Rent a bike to explore the scenic Driving Trail and the Discovery Center grounds more efficiently.