20 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta, GA

Looking to escape the city hustle of Atlanta during the Weekend? Read my absolute exciting recommendations for the best weekend trips from Atlanta, Georgia. You’ll know about the charming mountain towns, foodie cities, camping and outdoor adventures, crystal clear beaches and so much for just a short drive away from Atlanta.

There are so many amazing things to do near Atlanta, and I’ve visited many places on repeated basis. These places can be visited round the year in any season! In this Post, I’ll include everything you need to know when planning a weekend trips from Atlanta from things to do, where to stay or where to eat.

Whether you go on a trip with families, friends, kids or visiting as a couple, each destinations offers something different. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat in a cool mountain town, or hiking in a national park, or simply relax on the beach, or take a guided tour of the city!

This blog post highlights 20 amazing locations that are all within a 6 hour drive from Atlanta to escape the city and spend a weekend somewhere new place!

20 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta

Charming Towns to Visit Near Atlanta

Helen, Georgia

Helen is a popular destination to visit near Atlanta, perfect blend of charming town with mountains and nature. The town is famous for its Bavarian Architecture that resembles to Germany towns, and is home to some of Georgia’s most incredible waterfall hikes, and other outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, river tubing, and fishing.

The town has great restaurants and unique shops for you to explore. This makes it a great place to escape to for a weekend and offers something for everyone.

• Top hikes: Anna Ruby Falls, Hemlock Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Brass town Bald
• Top things to do/ see: River tubing, Georgia Mountain Coaster, Helen Downtown
• Wine Testing at Habersham Winery
• Where to Stay: Best Western Helen Downtown

Read More : 20 Best Things to do in Helen

Dalhonega, Georgia

Nestled in the foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains, Dalhonega is famous for its Gold Rush History, and perfect weekend trip from Atlanta. Apart from history, the charming town is known for having lots of local vineyards with picturesque views. You can take a scenic hike, shop, sleep and eat, just perfect way to spend your time!

• Top hikes: Amicalola Falls, Cane Creek Falls, DeSoto falls
• Top things to do/ see: Explore downtown, Gateway Antique Mall, Dahlonega General Store, Dahlonega Fudge Factory.
• Places to Drink Wine: Kaya Vineyards, Montaluce winery, Wold Mountain Vineyards
• Where to Stay: Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard

Brevard, North Carolina (3 Hours)

Brevard, NC is a charming mountain town nestled in Blue Ridge Mountains, and popularly known as “Land of Waterfalls“, and for good reason: this awe-inspiring town offers over 250 waterfalls, the largest concentration in North America!

You’ll find wide range outdoor adventure activities from hiking and biking to paddling and climbing. Also, the downtown is filled with antiques, shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s also home to Pisgah Forest, which offers plenty of outdoor experience. I explored the area in autumn during my Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Roadtrip, and its really magical during the fall foliage.

• Top hikes: Andy Cove Nature trail, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls Trail (2-miles RT), Sliding Rock waterfalls(best swimming spot), Walk part of Art Loeb trail
• Top things to do/ see: Cradle of Forestry (USA’s first forestry school), Brevard Music Center, Transylvania Heritage Center, explore downtown main street
• Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Brevard

Gatlinburg, Tennesse (3 hours)

A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is very charming mountain city with family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and a lively downtown strip. Gatlinburg is perfect for those seeking both nature and entertainment. The town is perfect for the kids with so many activities, and its the best weekend trip from Atlanta for families!

During Christmas in Gatlinburg, the city is decorated with thousands of magical lights, so many lighting trails and attractions to visit during holidays. No doubt, city remains popular to visit throughout the year! Don’t forget to visit The Village shops in downtown for souvenir shopping!

• Things to Do: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Sky Park with Skybridge, Rocky Mountain Coaster, Anakeesta Mountain Theme Park, Parrot Mountain Gardens
• Where to Stay: Greystone Lodge on the River | Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Blowing Rock, North Carolina (5 Hours)

North Carolina’s Popular mountain town, situated atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, gets its name from a jutting rock formation that overlooks the Johns River Gorge. It offers scenic views, outdoor opportunities and family friendly activities.

Downtown Blowing Rock is as charming as you would imagine a small mountain town could be! Main Street offers plenty to do, including restaurants, galleries, gift shops with local pottery, and other shops with crafted art from local artisans, boutiques, and more. The town is most pretty during fall season, Perfect hallmark movie type! The town is charming and perfect weekend trips from Atlanta for couples.

• Scenic Hikes/Views: Moses H Cone Memorial Park, Julian Price Memorial Park & Lake, Grand Father Mountain State Park
• Things to Do:  Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Tweestie Railroad, The Blowing Rock, Mystery Hill(Great for Kids), Blowing Rock Main Street
• Where to Stay: Blowing Rock Inn

Best City Breaks Near Atlanta

Savannah, Georgia (3.5 Hours)

Wrapped with Spanish moss, Savannah beckons with antebellum architecture, vibrant culture, incredible southern food, and haunting tales. This coastal city boasts rich history with modern attractions, making it a perfect weekend getaway from Atlanta.

Savannah is also Known for its seafood and southern dishes, the food scene alone is reason to visit! But the natural beauty of the city with massive oak trees gives it a picturesque appearance. Read my detailed Savannah Weekend Itinerary to plan your trip.

• Things to Do: Stroll through the historic district, take a ghost tour, visit Forsyth Park, River Street, and Wormsloe Historic Site.
• Where to Eat: The Olde Pink House (Southern fare), Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room (family-style Southern cooking), Husk (modern Southern fare).
• Where to Stay: The Marshall House | Perry Lane Hotel

Columbus, Georgia

I lived just 45 minutes from Columbus, and visited Columbus few times. The city is set on along the Chattahoochee River, and it’s a popular spot for outdoor lovers with the longest natural urban whitewater course in the world and a zip line across the river!

The city is perfect who loves to enjoy nature as well as food scene or history. You can go for whitewater rafting, explore museums or enjoy the vast food scene, it’s really an underrated city of Georgia!

• Top hikes: Providence Canyon State Park(Known as Grand Canyon of Georgia)
• Top things to do/see: Woodruff Riverfront Park, Whitewater Express, Chattahoochee River Walk,National Infantry Museum, The Columbus Museum, Columbus Botanical Garden
• Where to Eat: Wicked Hen, The Black Cow (American), Mabella’s (Italian)
• Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Columbus Riverfront

St. Augustine, Florida (4 Hours)

The oldest city in the USA, with Spanish colonial charm, St. Augustine is the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the United States – more commonly called the “Oldest City of the USA”. Its best weekend trips from Atlanta for history lovers.

Stroll the narrow lanes, visit historic landmarks, enjoy southern, and relax on beautiful beaches. St. Augustine offers a rich historical experience along with coastal relaxation. Read my detailed St Augustine Itinerary here.

Apart from it, St Augustine is very famous for its Nights of Lights at Christmas, where millions of lights creates magical atmosphere in USA’s Oldest city!

• Things to Do/See: Explore the Castillo de San Marcos, Lightner Museum, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Fountain of Youth, St George Street.
• Where to Eat: The Floridian (Southern cuisine), Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (fresh seafood), Café Alcazar (Mediterranean).
• Where to Stay: Best Western Historic Bayfront | Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Asheville, North Carolina

Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a little bit of everything, at any time of the year you visit!

It has a vibrant culture, delicious food and brewery scene, scenic adventurous places to visit, and the amount of unique stays there would make you constantly planning trips to come back.

If you’re interested in exploring outdoors, diving into a great food scene, or immersing yourself in art and culture, then Asheville is the place to go!

• Top hikes: Mt Mitchell, Craggy Pinnacle, Rough Ridge, Frying Pan Tower
• Top things to do/see: Biltmore Estate, Grove Arcade, North Carolina Arboretum, River Arts District
• Where to Eat: White Duck Taco (Mexican), Hole Donuts, Strada Italiano (Italian)
• Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown | The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Charlotte, North Carolina

With a blend of modern amenities, as well as outdoor activities, Charlotte offers a lively arts scene, history, and professional sports, as well as soul food options! The city is one of the best weekend trips from Atlanta for Sport lovers!

The downtown is very walkable, offering many sightseeing attractions. It’s a major hub for sports, including professional teams and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, appealing to fans of motorsports and other athletic events.

• Top things to do/ see: 7th Street Public Market, Mint Museum, US National Whitewater Center,Billy Graham Library, Little Sugar Creek Greenway
• Where to Eat: Dean’s Italian Steakhouse (American), Dressler’s (American), Fin & Fino (Seafood), La Capital MX (Mexican)
• Where to stay: Hyatt House Charlotte City Center | Hilton Charlotte Uptown

Charleston, South Carolina

One of my most favorite historic southern cities to visit with world class dining, beautiful architecture, and perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. The city is so colorful and architecture is absolutely beautiful here. It is one of the best weekend trips from Atlanta for couples.

There are so many historic sites to explore if you’re looking to learn more about where the Civil War began! Read my 4 Day Charleston Itinerary to plan your long weekend trip to South Carolina.

• Things to Do: Take a walking tour of historic downtown, visit plantations and gardens, Charleston City Market, Pineapple fountain & Rainbow Row, Folly Beach, Angel Oak Tree,Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail.
• Where to Eat: FIG (farm-to-table), TOAST All day (Southern cuisines), Millers All Day (Southern fare)
• Where to Stay: Francis Marion Hotel | Hotel Emeline | Mills House Charleston

Adventurous Weekend Trips From Atlanta, Georgia

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the best places to visit on weekend trip from Atlanta is the Smoky Mountains National Park. It is kind of fresh breath of air from hustle of the city. The National Park spans both Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the most visited National Park in the USA.

I love visiting Smoky Mountains, its absolutely magical places to visit in every season. There is so much to do in the Park, that I have visited Smoky Mountains National Park many times, and discovered new things every time I visit! Read my Smoky Mountains Weekend Itinerary for more details.

There are so many amazing hikes to discover in Smokies, from easy to more challenging routes. Also, there are plenty of overlooks for you to pull over at and take pictures of the panoramic views.

• Top hikes: Grotto Falls, Abram Falls, Laurel Falls, Alum Cave
• Top things to do/ see: Cades Cove Drive, Clingsman Dome, Foothills Parkway drive
• Where to stay: Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort | 2 Bed Gatlinburg Cabin with Views of Smoky Mountains

Chattanooga, Tennesse

Chattanooga is the perfect weekend trip from Atlanta for an outdoor adventure lover. From paragliding to hiking, there are so many amazing things to do in Chattanooga during weekend. I love how this small town has so much to offer!

• Top hikes:  Sunset Rock, Greeter Falls, Lula Lake Land Trust
• Top things to do: Lookout Mountain Railway, Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, Tennessee Aquarium, Coolidge Park
• Where to Eat: State of Confusion(American), Puckett’s Restaurant (Southern), Feed Table & Tavern (Southern)
• Where to stay: The Red House Hotel | Hotel Indigo Chattanooga

Blue Ridge Parkway

One of my most favorite places to visit in the USA, Blue Ridge Parkway is best weekend trip from Atlanta. Being outdoorsy person, Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect to spend your time hiking, a scenic road trip, or just admiring the blue ridge mountains from the overlooks! There is so much to do in the area!

The Parkway starts at Front Royal in Virginia and end near Smoky Mountains National Park, but you can visit the part of North Carolina from Atlanta. This side of Parkway is higher in elevation than Virginia side.

• Top hikes: Crabtree falls, Linville Falls, Craggy gardens, Black Balsam Knob trail, Devil’s Courthouse, Rough Ridge, Waterrock Knob
• Top things to do/See: Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls Winery, Price Lake

Highlands, North Carolina

I really love visiting North Carolina for its mountains! The Highlands and Cashiers are two small towns located in Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina where you can go to relax in nature. Highlands is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation of 4,118 feet.

The town is known for its beautiful landscapes, art scene, fabulous shopping, and delicious restaurants. In addition, there are a ton of waterfalls and mountain hikes for outdoor adventures.

Walk behind famous Dry Falls or Drive behind Bridal Veil Falls or hike to other waterfalls! The area is so much scenic.

• Top hikes: Dry Falls, Silver Run Falls, Sunset Rock, Glen Falls, Cullasaja Falls
• Top things to do/ see: explore Main Street shops and galleries, Cashiers Farmers Market, Highlands Outpost
• Where to Eat: Highlands Tavern (American), Mountain Fresh Grocery (gourmet market and cafe), Los Vaqueros (Mexican), The Secret Garden (Vegan friendly), Blue Bike Cafe
• Where to stay: Skyline Lodge | The Wells Cashier

Greenville, South Carolina (2 Hours)

Greenville is inviting, and down to earth place where waterfalls grace the city center! Yes, you heard right! You can hike or bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 20 mile paved bike trail running through downtown.

It also offers a variety of outdoor adventures with stunning hiking trails of SC. If you love art, Greenville is a great place to go because it has tons of galleries, performances, and a vibrant art culture.

• Top hikes: Falls Park on the Reedy(Reedy River Falls and Liberty Bridge), Table Rock State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail (don’t forget to spot Medusa tree)
• Top things to do/see:  TD Saturday Market, Mast General Store, Hump Day Getaway Brewery Tour, Pettigru Historic district, One City Plaza
• Where to Eat: Soby’s, Sassafras Bistro, Willy Taco (Mexican), Biscuit Head
• Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Greenville Downtown | Hyatt Place Greenville

Cookeville, TN (3 Hours)

If you love waterfalls, must plan a weekend trip to Cookeville, TN. It’s just easy 3 hours drive from Atlanta, and you’ll have the the most stunning waterfalls to visit in the summer!

You can visit the beautiful Cummins Falls, Ozone Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Stinging Fork Falls, Burgees falls, Rock Island State Park. Honestly, it’s waterfall heaven!

Also, check out the downtown Cookeville. Get the Coffee at Poet’s Coffee. There are cute shops and a fun old-fashioned ice cream parlor called Cream City, across the street from which is Cookeville train depot Museum with train cars that kids can play on! It’s really fun weekend trip from Atlanta with Kids.

In evening, sip some Tennessee spirits at Tennessee Legend Distillery in downtown Cookeville. Free tastings are offered every day and you can try in-house drinks made with Tennessee Legend spirits.

Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta, GA : Crystal Clear Beaches

Destin, Florida (4 Hours)

If you’re in Atlanta, you are seriously lucky to have both mountains and beaches just short drive away! The emerald coast of Florida with sugar-white sands is just 4 hours away ! The Gulf Coast of Florida (Florida 30A) is one of the most beautiful drive you can take from Atlanta.

There are so many beaches to explore around Florida 30A but Destin is a paradise for beach lovers and offers a variety of outdoor water activities. Read my Ultimate Guide about the best Beaches to Visit in Destin here.

• Things to Do: Enjoy the white-sand beaches, Crab Island Destin, go for fishing, and explore Henderson Beach State Park, Miramar Beach etc.
• Where to Eat: Margaritaville (American), Pazzo Italiano, The Pancackery of Destin (Breakfast)
• Where to Stay: Embassy Suites Miramar Beach | Hampton Inn & Suites Destin 

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola is another nice beach getaway from Atlanta because it’s beautiful year round. In addition to the picturesque beaches, the city also offers tons of outdoor activities, historic sites back to the 1550’S, and amazing seafood.

Whether you enjoy water activities or just looking for warmer weather, Pensacola is a great place to visit on weekend.

• Top things to do: Beach hopping, Paddle Boarding at night with Glow Paddle, Seville Quarters in in downtown, Visit National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Pickens
• Where to Eat: The Garden at Palafox & Main, Bonelli’s (Italian), End of the Line Cafe (Vegan), Cafe Nola (Creole cuisines)
• Where to stay: Pensacola Beach Resort | Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular family destination to vacation because it offers something for every type of traveler. It has over 60 miles of sandy coastline to enjoy the beaches. From shopping to dining,  amusement parks, nightlife, and water sports, there are tons of things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Whether you’re a beach person or simply looking to relax, it’s perfect weekend trip from Atlanta for all age group!

• Top Places to Visit: Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Pavilion Park
• Top things to do/see: Family Kingdom Amusement Park, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Wonder Works Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium
• Where to Eat: Sole (Italian), Sea Captain’s House (Seafood), Johnny D’s Waffles(Breakfast), National House of Pancakes(Brunch), Nacho Hippo (Mexican)
• Where to stay: Holiday Pavilion Resort | Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach

These are just few of the many Weekend Road Trip ideas you can enjoy from Atlanta. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, relaxation, or a mix of both, there are so many destinations to explore around. So, just take a short drive from home, and explore these best weekend trips from Atlanta.

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