With its central location in the Southeast, Atlanta makes an ideal launching point for a variety of exciting & best day trips and weekend getaways. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find plenty of scenic, historic, and adventure-packed destinations within a few hours’ drive. Here’s a guide to some top day trip destinations from Atlanta, including travel times, local highlights, and suggested itineraries for each location.
1. Savannah, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~3 hours and 45 minutes (248 miles)
- Why Visit: Savannah combines a charming historical atmosphere with vibrant culture, perfect for a full-day exploration or a weekend.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Start with coffee and breakfast at Collins Quarter, a trendy café known for Australian-inspired brunch.
- Sightseeing: Stroll through Forsyth Park, then head to the Historic District, which offers 18th- and 19th-century architecture, moss-draped oaks, and cobblestone streets. A visit to the Bonaventure Cemetery provides a unique glimpse into Savannah’s history.
- Lunch: Try Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room for classic Southern fare, served family-style.
- Afternoon: Check out River Street for shopping, scenic river views, and historic sites. Take a riverboat cruise if you have extra time.
- Dinner: Dine at The Grey, a popular restaurant offering Southern cuisine with a modern twist in a historic Greyhound bus station.
2. Athens, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~1 hour and 20 minutes (72 miles)
- Why Visit: Known for its music scene and the University of Georgia, Athens also has a lively downtown area filled with art, food, and culture.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Stop at Mama’s Boy for an unforgettable Southern breakfast—try the biscuits!
- Sightseeing: Walk around the University of Georgia campus, and make sure to visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, with its beautiful landscapes and trails.
- Lunch: The National is a beloved spot for Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.
- Afternoon: Stroll around downtown Athens, where you’ll find charming shops, art galleries, and live music venues.
- Dinner: End your day at Five & Ten, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant offering Southern cuisine with French influence.
3. Chattahoochee National Forest and Blue Ridge, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~1 hour and 30 minutes (90 miles)
- Why Visit: For nature lovers, the Blue Ridge area offers scenic mountain views, waterfalls, and outdoor activities in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Drive to Amicalola Falls State Park for a morning hike. The park’s 729-foot waterfall is one of Georgia’s tallest.
- Sightseeing: Continue your journey into the town of Blue Ridge, known for its scenic railway and vibrant arts community. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway if you have time, especially during fall when the foliage is stunning.
- Lunch: Stop by Harvest on Main for local, farm-to-table options in a cozy, rustic setting.
- Afternoon: Explore the quaint shops and art galleries in downtown Blue Ridge, or try kayaking on Lake Blue Ridge.
- Dinner: Grab an early dinner at Black Sheep Restaurant with a historic atmosphere and tasty Southern dishes.
4. Chattanooga, TN
- Distance from Atlanta: ~2 hours (118 miles)
- Why Visit: Chattanooga offers outdoor adventure, museums, and unique attractions like Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Start with a breakfast at The Daily Ration, a hip café with a great selection of breakfast bowls and coffee.
- Sightseeing: Head to Lookout Mountain and visit Rock City for panoramic views and scenic walking trails. For history buffs, the Chickamauga Battlefield nearby offers Civil War significance.
- Lunch: Try Public House Chattanooga for elevated Southern comfort food.
- Afternoon: Visit the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga, one of the best aquariums in the country. Follow up with a walk along the riverfront, where you can enjoy sculptures, parks, and river views.
- Dinner: Finish the day at Stir, located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo building, known for creative cocktails and Southern-inspired seafood dishes.
5. Helen, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~1 hour and 40 minutes (90 miles)
- Why Visit: Helen is a small town modeled after a Bavarian village, with Alpine-style buildings and a lively Oktoberfest celebration in the fall.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Have breakfast at Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and Café for German pastries and traditional breakfast options.
- Sightseeing: Walk around the town, exploring local shops and enjoying the unique German-style architecture. Take a tubing trip on the Chattahoochee River if you’re visiting in warmer months.
- Lunch: Stop by Bodensee Restaurant for authentic German fare like schnitzel and bratwurst.
- Afternoon: Take a short drive to Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful double waterfall just a few miles outside of town.
- Dinner: Wrap up your day at The Troll Tavern, a restaurant by the river with a menu featuring American and German dishes.
6. Callaway Gardens and Pine Mountain, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~1 hour and 15 minutes (80 miles)
- Why Visit: This resort area features beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and various family-friendly activities.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Grab breakfast at Carriage & Horses Restaurant in Pine Mountain, known for its cozy setting.
- Sightseeing: Spend the morning at Callaway Gardens, where you can explore trails, the butterfly center, and the beautiful landscapes of the grounds.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Country Kitchen in Callaway Gardens, with sweeping views of the area.
- Afternoon: Head to nearby Roosevelt State Park for a scenic hike or relax at the lakefront.
- Dinner: Dine at The Gardens Restaurant in Callaway Gardens, which offers fine dining with Southern-inspired cuisine and lovely garden views.
7. Madison, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: ~1 hour (62 miles)
- Why Visit: Known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, Madison offers a quiet escape with historical charm and Southern hospitality.
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning: Begin with breakfast at Farmview Market Café, where you can enjoy locally-sourced food.
- Sightseeing: Tour the Madison Historic District and visit the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center for exhibits on Southern history and art.
- Lunch: Town 220 Restaurant offers a mix of American and French cuisine in a refined setting.
- Afternoon: Explore Heritage Hall, an elegant antebellum home that’s now a museum, or take a leisurely walk through downtown.
- Dinner: Finish with dinner at Ricardo’s Kouzzina for Southern classics with a Mediterranean twist.
Final Thoughts
Each of these destinations provides a unique experience, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture. From the Bavarian charm of Helen to the historic beauty of Savannah, there’s something for everyone within a short drive from Atlanta. Perfect for day-trippers and weekend adventurers alike, these spots offer a blend of Southern hospitality, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable sights.
