Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

Top weekend trips from Atlanta include romantic resorts, inns and hotels surrounded by mountain or ocean views.

Sometimes the best getaways are closer than you think. Just a short drive from Atlanta, Georgia’s countryside, coastlines, and charming towns offer couples a chance to reconnect, recharge, and experience something unforgettable together. From historic inns draped in Spanish moss to mountain retreats with panoramic views, these romantic weekend escapes capture the many moods of love.

Best Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA:

Unwinding among the vines at Chateau Elan - 1 hour from Atlanta

We drove just under an hour northeast from Atlanta, the city’s traffic thinning into rolling Georgia hills. Vines stretched across the landscape as we approached Chateau Elan, its French-inspired towers rising above rows of grapes. Pulling into the long driveway felt like entering another world, part European elegance, part Southern hospitality.

Our plan was simple: settle into the resort, explore the vineyards, enjoy a meal, and let the day unwind at an easy pace. The lobby opened wide with high ceilings and soft light, and our room overlooked the vines, a view that shifted with the afternoon sun. “This feels like a pocket of France tucked into Georgia,” I thought, stepping onto the balcony where the breeze carried hints of pine and earth.

We began with a walk through the vineyards, following gravel paths lined with grapevines still heavy with fruit. The estate stretched green and orderly, with the Château standing proud at the center. Later, we joined a guided tour of the winery. Barrels lined the cool cellars, the air rich with oak and fermenting grapes, while our guide explained the estate’s roots and winemaking process. Even without tasting, I felt immersed in the craft of it.

By midday we drove into downtown Braselton, a charming town with boutique shops and historic brick buildings. We stopped at a small café for coffee and browsed antiques before returning to the resort for the afternoon. My son and husband enjoyed the pool while I walked on the manicured lawns and sat in the shade of the courtyard fountains, letting the pace slow even further.

Dinner that night was at Versailles Restaurant, the resort’s elegant dining room. I ordered pan-seared salmon with lemon beurre blanc, its richness lifted by a bright citrus note, paired with roasted vegetables that smelled of thyme and garlic. Dessert was a chocolate soufflé, warm and airy, its sweetness softened with vanilla cream. The dining room glowed under chandeliers, and the evening felt both celebratory and relaxed.

A downside? Because Château Élan is both a resort and an event space, it can feel busy. Large weddings and conferences filled some spaces with noise and crowds, so finding quieter corners sometimes took effort.

Savannah - Azalea Inn and Gardens - 3 hours 30 minutes from Atlanta, GA

We drove into Savannah from Atlanta, about four hours south, and the city greeted us with oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Cobblestone streets wound past historic squares, each one green with fountains and shaded benches. The Azalea Inn sat tucked into a quiet street near Forsyth Park, its wraparound porch and climbing vines giving it a warm, lived-in charm.

Check-in felt like arriving at a friend’s home. The innkeepers welcomed us with stories and suggestions, and our room carried antique furnishings, tall windows, and floral touches that gave it a gentle Southern feel. “This is exactly what I imagined Savannah would be,” I thought, stepping onto the balcony where the breeze carried the scent of magnolia and gardenia.

We started the morning with a walk to Forsyth Park, only a few minutes away. The fountain sprayed high in the air, framed by blooming flowers, while families strolled beneath the canopy of mossy oaks. From there, we wandered into the historic district, where brick sidewalks led us past pastel houses with wrought-iron balconies and hidden gardens tucked behind iron gates.

By midday, we stopped at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room, where the line stretched down the block. Inside, long communal tables filled with fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato soufflé. The food tasted like home cooking at its best, rich, comforting, and seasoned with tradition. The aroma of fried chicken and warm biscuits filled the room, and I thought, “This is Savannah’s heart on a plate.”

The afternoon was for exploring. We visited the Mercer-Williams House, walked down Jones Street, often called one of the prettiest streets in America. Afterwards, we made our way to River Street, where shops and old warehouses overlooked the Savannah River. The air smelled of pralines, and we couldn’t resist sampling warm, sugary pieces from a candy shop.

Back at the Azalea Inn, the pool shimmered in the courtyard, a quiet oasis away from the bustle. Dinner was a short walk away at The Olde Pink House, where I had shrimp and grits, creamy and smoky, followed by pecan pie that tasted of butter and caramel. The dining rooms glowed with candlelight, their history pressing close in the wood-paneled walls.

That night, we joined a ghost tour through the historic district. Lantern light flickered as we listened to stories of restless spirits and centuries-old mysteries. Returning to the inn, I sat on the porch for a while, the air thick with summer warmth, and thought about how Savannah blended beauty with layers of history at every turn.

A downside? Parking near the inn could be tricky. Savannah’s historic streets are narrow, and finding a spot sometimes meant circling the block. Once parked, though, we rarely needed the car again.

The Twelve Oaks - Covington, Georgia

We drove about an hour east from Atlanta, the traffic loosening into quiet country roads before we reached Covington. The town’s square looked like it had been lifted from a postcard. I saw brick storefronts, old trees, and a clock tower rising above it all. Just a few blocks away, The Twelve Oaks stood tall and white, its grand columns and wide veranda echoing the antebellum South. Pulling into the drive felt like arriving at a film set, which made sense, it had inspired Hollywood for decades.

Check-in was graceful and personal. Our room was named after a classic movie, with antique furnishings, high ceilings, and a fireplace that felt like it carried stories of its own. “This is where history and storytelling blur together,” I thought, setting down my bag before walking back out into the garden, where magnolias bloomed and the air felt heavy with summer.

We began the morning with a stroll around Covington’s historic square, known as the “Hollywood of the South.” I spotted locations from TV shows and films, storefronts I recognized from The Vampire Diaries and streets that had doubled as small towns in countless movies. The town felt familiar, even on a first visit. Local shops sold antiques, quirky souvenirs, and plenty of film memorabilia, a nod to Covington’s long career on screen.

For lunch we stopped at Mystic Grill, perched right on the square. I ordered the fried green tomato BLT, crispy, tart, and smoky, layered between toasted bread with peppery mayo. The air smelled of bacon and herbs, and it was the kind of sandwich that lingered in memory. My son had chicken tenders and fries, golden and comforting, while dessert was a shared slice of pecan pie, buttery and rich.

In the afternoon, we toured The Twelve Oaks itself. Guides led us through the mansion, pointing out original woodwork, chandeliers, and rooms filled with antiques. Stories tied the house to its inspiration for Gone With the Wind and its appearances in other films. The tour carried weight, not just in history but in reflection, how the romanticized South had been both celebrated and questioned through the lens of Hollywood.

Back at the inn, we rested in the parlor before dinner at a local bistro just off the square. Later, I sat on the wide veranda of The Twelve Oaks, listening to cicadas hum in the evening heat, the town settling into quiet. The columns stood pale against the night, and I thought, “This house has seen centuries pass, and yet it still tells its story.”

A downside? Because the inn doubles as a popular filming and wedding site, tours and events sometimes meant less privacy for overnight guests. It wasn’t intrusive, but planning your stay around quieter days would make it more peaceful.

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain - 1 hour 15 minutes from Atlanta, GA

Something about being surrounded by trees and birdsong makes time stretch in the best way. The Lodge gave us comfort, quiet, and a front-row seat to Georgia’s natural beauty. I remember thinking, “This is the calm we didn’t know we needed.”

What I Loved Most: Soaking in the spa’s hot tub after a long walk through the azalea gardens, it was soul-level peace.

My Highlight:

The Butterfly Center. Stepping into that warm, glass-domed garden and watching hundreds of butterflies rise into the air felt like walking inside a living painting. It was magical, serene, and unforgettable.

The Ridges Resort - Lake Chatuge, Georgia

“I didn’t know a place like this existed,” I murmured as we arrived and caught our first glimpse of the serene lake, framed by forested mountains. The lodge felt open and welcoming, rustic without pretension, like a friend building a cabin just for you.

We stayed in a lakeside room with a private balcony overlooking Chatuge, calm water meeting sky. Inside, wood-paneled walls, plush bedding, and a coffee maker made each morning feel deliberate. One evening, we gathered by the fire pits for the nightly s’mores ritual, gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and memories building in real time. I thought, “This is the pause I needed.”

For dinner, we walked to The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen, the resort’s dine-in restaurant. I ordered seared trout with vegetables from nearby farms, a buttery herb sauce pooling next to grilled asparagus and fingerling potatoes. The air smelled of wood smoke and fresh herbs. I sat listening to the lake lapping the docks beneath dim lanterns and thought, “This feels like home, only quieter.”

A downside? Weekend crowds meant the marina was busy, and boat rentals filled quickly. Planning ahead, or visiting on a weekday, made for a calmer experience.

The Partridge Inn, Augusta - 2 hours 15 minutes from Atlanta, GA

We drove a little over two hours east from Atlanta, the road lined with pines until we reached Augusta. Perched on a quiet hilltop, The Partridge Inn came into view. I noticed white columns, wraparound porches, and rocking chairs lined neatly along the veranda. Known as the “Grand Hotel of the Classic South,” it felt both timeless and welcoming, as if Augusta’s stories had been gathering here for generations.

Our room opened onto a balcony with a view of the city below. The hardwood floors creaked softly underfoot, and tall windows filled the space with afternoon light. “This feels like Southern tradition wrapped in elegance,” I thought, stepping outside where the air carried the faint scent of magnolia and freshly cut grass.

We began the morning with a walk through Augusta’s downtown, just a short drive from the hotel. Broad Street stretched wide, lined with shops and murals. At the Augusta Museum of History, we explored exhibits on the Masters golf tournament and paused at a display dedicated to James Brown, the city’s most famous son.

The afternoon took us to the Riverwalk along the Savannah River. Children played near fountains while we strolled beneath shady trees, the river flowing broad and steady beside us. Later, we returned to The Partridge Inn to spend an hour at the rooftop pool, watching the sun sink slowly toward the horizon. Evening came softly, with cicadas humming in the background and lanterns glowing along the porch.

Dinner that night was at 8595 Restaurant & Bar inside the inn. Jazz drifted faintly from inside, and the night felt unhurried, steady, and deeply Southern.

A downside? The hotel’s charm comes with quirks with narrow hallways and small elevators that show its historic age. For me, it added character, but travelers expecting sleek modern layouts might find it less convenient.

Lucille's Mountain Top Inn & Spa - 1 hour 35 minutes from Atlanta, GA

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lucille's Mountain Top Inn felt like a warm hug after a long week. Mornings started with mountain mist and ended with wine by the fire. I remember thinking, “This is where I can breathe deep again.”

What I Loved Most: The spa’s panoramic views during a couples massage, pure tranquility.

A downside? Being perched high on the ridge meant driving winding mountain roads to get anywhere. Beautiful, yes, but for those uneasy with curves and climbs, it could feel slow.

Storybook charm at Barnsley Resort

Barnsley Resort felt like a page out of a fairytale, brick paths, English gardens, and ruins that made you believe in the romance of history. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a weekend away, it’s a chapter we’ll remember.”

What I Loved Most: Wandering hand-in-hand through the historic Manor House ruins and sipping wine under the stars.

A downside? The resort was spread out, and sometimes getting from one activity to another meant walking longer distances or calling for a golf cart. It added charm but required planning, especially with kids in tow.

Why These Getaways Stay With You

Each of these destinations has a way of bringing you back to what matters most. It’s not just about where you go, it’s about how it feels to be there with the one you love. Whether you’re watching the sun sink into the vineyards of Braselton, strolling cobblestone streets in Savannah, or breathing in fresh mountain air in Sautee Nacoochee, these getaways turn moments into memories. So go ahead, pack light, drive slow, and let Georgia show you just how romantic a weekend can be.

Welcome to Vacation Idea

Hi there! At Vacation Idea, we've been uncovering and reporting on the best local hidden gems for 27 years. Join us and plan your next authentic and truly unique getaway.