Best Day Trips from Atlanta
Day trips from Atlanta offer the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city and discover the beauty, history, and charm of the surrounding region. From scenic mountain towns and waterfalls to historic sites and lakeside retreats, there are plenty of destinations just a short drive away.
I’ve explored charming small towns filled with local flavor while based just outside Atlanta for a month, hiked to overlooks with sweeping views, and enjoyed peaceful days by the water. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, the area around Atlanta is full of memorable day trip options... Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too as a local.
1. Athens, Georgia
Athens has the spirit of a college town woven into every block — creative, energetic, and full of surprises. Just an hour and a half from Atlanta, it feels both lively and laid-back, with music history echoing from its stages, Victorian architecture lining its streets, and a food scene that punches far above its weight.
I enjoyed the buzzing downtown filled with cafés, record shops, and breweries, paired with quiet corners of campus green, botanical gardens, and art galleries. Athens balances culture and relaxation really well, in my opinion.
Athens’s a place where history and creativity intertwine. We saw Civil War–era homes, well-known music venues and cozy local eateries. For a day away from Atlanta, Athens offers a chance to slow down, explore, and soak in a town that hums with its own rhythm.
In one day, we:
- Explored the historic downtown, with stops at record shops, boutiques, and local cafés
- Visited the Georgia Museum of Art to take in both classic and contemporary collections
- Strolled through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a peaceful escape with walking trails and themed gardens
- Had lunch at Last Resort Grill, a local favorite blending Southern flavors with modern twists
- You can go on a self-guided walk around the University of Georgia campus. Don't miss the iconic Arch and Chapel Bell±
- We finished the day with live music at the historic 40 Watt Club, a legendary venue in Athens’ music scene
2. Columbus, Georgia
Columbus surprised me with its blend of riverfront adventure, Civil War history, and a revitalized downtown that feels both modern and deeply rooted in the past. Just about 90 minutes from Atlanta, it’s a city where you can raft whitewater rapids in the morning, stroll past historic homes in the afternoon, and enjoy a lively food and arts scene by evening.
Get to know the energy of the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, the stories preserved in museums and old mills, and the creative spark in its galleries and theaters. Columbus feels both adventurous and reflective, making it a destination where history and innovation flow side by side.
It’s a place that invites both exploration and pause, whether you’re walking the shaded riverfront trails, diving into military history, or sharing a meal in the reimagined downtown. For a day trip, Columbus offers a balance of adrenaline, culture, and Southern hospitality.
In one day, we:
- Started with a walk (or bike ride) along the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, a scenic trail following the river
- Visited the National Infantry Museum, an award-winning space honoring military history
- Explore the Columbus Museum!
- Had lunch at Epic Restaurant, known for its river views and elevated Southern cuisine
- I ended the day with dinner and a show at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts downtown
3. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is one of those places where natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a touch of history all come together just outside Atlanta. Centered around the massive granite dome, the park offers trails, lakes, and attractions that make it feel both iconic and approachable. It’s a spot where you can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like, all within a short drive from the city.
You can go hiking to sweeping summit views, paddling across quiet waters, wandering through historic displays, and enjoying family-friendly attractions. The balance of outdoor exploration and curated experiences makes Stone Mountain feel like a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day.
It’s a destination that’s both energizing and grounding — the kind of outing where you end the day with tired legs, a full heart, and panoramic views of Georgia stretching to the horizon.
In one day, we:
- Hiked the Walk-Up Trail to the top of Stone Mountain for sweeping views of Atlanta and beyond
- Explored the Scenic Railroad, circling the base of the mountain
- Strolled through the Historic Square, a collection of restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings
- Have a picnic by Stone Mountain Lake. I think it's a peaceful spot for relaxing.
- Ride the Skyride Summit gondola
- We ended the day with the park’s evening Lasershow Spectacular, a longtime Georgia tradition
4. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge feels like a mountain retreat designed for slowing down and savoring the moment. Just a couple of hours from Atlanta, this North Georgia town blends small-town charm with sweeping Appalachian scenery — a place where you can sip coffee downtown in the morning and find yourself surrounded by mountain ridges and waterfalls by afternoon.
There is a walkable downtown filled with galleries and cafés, a historic railway rolling through the mountains, and nearby trails and rivers that make outdoor adventure effortless. Blue Ridge offers you both cozy relaxation and wide-open exploration in equal measure.
It’s a town that feels inviting at every turn — whether you’re browsing local art, tasting craft beer, or hiking to a mountain overlook. For a day trip, Blue Ridge delivers that perfect blend of community warmth and natural beauty.
In one day, we:
- Strolled through downtown Blue Ridge, browsing art galleries, boutiques, and cafés
- Visited the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway depot and watched the historic train depart
- Took a short hike on the Aska Trails
- Had lunch at Harvest on Main, a farm-to-table favorite downtown
- Relaxed by Lake Blue Ridge, a peaceful spot for walking or picnicking
5. Macon, Georgia
Macon is a city where history and music run deep, a soulful stop just over an hour south of Atlanta. With its antebellum mansions, ancient earthworks, and legendary music heritage, Macon feels layered and alive — a place where the past and present intertwine at every corner.
See Native American mounds that tell stories thousands of years old, ornate 19th-century homes standing proud, and downtown streets alive with the echoes of soul, rock, and R&B. Macon carries its history with pride, but it’s also vibrant, creative, and constantly evolving.
It’s the kind of destination that pulls you in from multiple directions. One moment you’re in a museum honoring music legends, the next you’re walking through blooming neighborhoods or tasting Southern comfort food. For a day trip, Macon delivers a mix of culture, history, and character that feels distinctly Georgia.
In one day, you can:
- Check out Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
- Explo African American art and culture at the Tubman Museum
- Tour the opulent Hay House, known as the “Palace of the South”
- Stop for lunch at The Rookery, a Macon institution with famous burgers and shakes
- Step into rock & roll history at the Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House
- Wander along Cherry Street, discovering shops, murals, and live music
6. Dahlonega
Dahlonega feels like stepping into a storybook mountain town, filled with charm, history, and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains and just over an hour from Atlanta, it’s best known as the site of America’s first major gold rush — but today, it’s equally beloved for its wineries, waterfalls, and welcoming downtown square.
What stood out most was how walkable and inviting it is: brick sidewalks lined with shops and cafés, history preserved in small museums, and vineyards rolling across the nearby hills. Dahlonega blends heritage with relaxation, offering a day that feels both enriching and restorative.
It’s a place where you can explore at an easy pace — dipping into the past, savoring local flavors, and venturing out into the surrounding mountains. For a day trip, Dahlonega offers a perfect mix of small-town warmth and natural escapes.
In one day, we:
- Strolled around the historic town square, browsing boutiques, galleries, and cafés
- Visited the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn about the 1828 gold rush
- Explored nearby waterfalls like Cane Creek Falls or Amicalola Falls
- Had lunch at Picnic Café & Dessertery, a cozy spot right off the square
- Spent the afternoon wine tasting at a local vineyard in the Dahlonega Plateau AVA
- Ended the day with mountain views at a scenic overlook along the Appalachian foothills
7. Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier feels like Atlanta’s backyard escape — a vast blue expanse surrounded by rolling hills, marinas, and hidden coves. Just under an hour from the city, it’s a place where you can spend the day on the water, relax by the shore, or simply soak in the beauty of Georgia’s largest lake. Whether you’re chasing adventure or quiet moments, Lanier delivers both.
What stood out most was the mix of activity and calm: speedboats cutting across the open water, kids splashing near sandy beaches, and tucked-away spots perfect for fishing or a picnic. The lake’s size and variety mean you can make the day as energetic or as laid-back as you like.
It’s the kind of getaway that resets your pace — where the horizon stretches wide, the water sparkles in the sun, and the hum of the city feels far away. For a quick retreat, Lake Lanier offers a refreshing change of scenery close to home.
I think these are the best things to do in a day:
- Relax at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, a scenic spot with trails and picnic areas
- Rent a pontoon boat to explore the lake’s islands and hidden coves
- Stop for a swim at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, with sandy beaches and water attractions
- Stop for lunch lakeside at Fish Tales Lakeside Grille, known for casual dockside dining
- Watch kayakers on the quieter northern stretches of the lake
- End the day with sunset views from the Buford Dam Park overlook
8. Mableton
Mableton has the feel of a community that blends suburban comfort with surprising pockets of nature and culture. Just west of Atlanta, it’s best known today as the home of the Mable House complex — a historic site that’s become a hub for concerts, art, and local events — but it also offers green spaces and trails that make it worth a slower wander.
What stood out most was the mix of history and outdoors: a preserved antebellum farmhouse, an intimate amphitheater hosting live performances, and nearby parks that offer peaceful trails along the river. Mableton may be quieter than some destinations, but it’s rich in local character and easygoing charm.
It’s the kind of spot that makes for a relaxed day trip — one where you can enjoy music, step into history, and still find time to stretch your legs in the fresh air. Close to Atlanta yet distinctly its own, Mableton is a reminder that small discoveries are often just around the corner.
In one day, we:
- Visited the Mable House Historic Site and learned about its 19th-century past
- Explored the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
- Walked the riverside trails at Heritage Park, a hidden natural escape nearby
- Drove a short stretch to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for an afternoon hike
9. Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens feels like a curated slice of nature — a place where gardens, trails, and lakes all come together for a peaceful escape. About an hour and a half from Atlanta, it’s both a family-friendly destination and a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors. Every corner seems designed to slow your pace and invite you into the landscape.
It was our anniversary and we loved strolling through lush gardens, watching butterflies swirl inside a glass conservatory, cycling along shaded paths, and relaxing lakeside. Callaway balances activity and tranquility beautifully, making it easy to spend a full day immersed in nature without ever feeling rushed.
It’s the kind of retreat where beauty and calm surround you — whether you’re exploring trails, pausing at flower-filled meadows, or watching the sun set over the water. For a day trip, Callaway Gardens offers a restorative blend of discovery and relaxation.
In one day you can:
- Wander through the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl (try to visit in spring if you can!)
- Visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and admire thousands of free-flying butterflies
- You can rent a bike to ride onthe Discovery Bicycle Trail
- Have lunch at the Discovery Café with views of the grounds
- Relax by Robin Lake Beach. It's very popular in the summer.
- End the day with a quiet walk through the Meadowlark Garden
10. Toccoa Falls
Toccoa Falls feels like a hidden gem tucked into the foothills of Northeast Georgia, a place where natural beauty takes center stage in the most unexpected way. Located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, this waterfall drops an incredible 186 feet, making it taller than Niagara, yet it’s remarkably easy to reach.
One moment you’re passing through a quiet college campus, and just a few steps later you’re standing before a thundering cascade framed by rock walls and forest. The falls are stunning in their simplicity, no long hike required, just pure, dramatic beauty.
It’s the kind of destination that leaves an impression in minutes. I stood there listening to the roar of the water or sitting on the rocks nearby. For a quick but unforgettable day trip, I think that Toccoa Falls offers nature’s grandeur in its purest form.
In one day, we:
- Walked the short path to Toccoa Falls and took in the dramatic 186-foot cascade
- Browsed the Gate Cottage Gift Shop, located at the entrance to the trail
- Had lunch in downtown Toccoa. The Bearded Bean Coffee had tasty Latin food and great pastries.
- Visited the Currahee Military Museum, honoring the WWII paratroopers who trained nearby
- Took a short scenic drive along Currahee Mountain
- Ended the day with a peaceful walk by the Tugaloo River before heading back
Conclusion
What I loved most about these day trips from Atlanta is is how each destination has its own rhythm, its own way of slowing life down and giving you something new to discover. From the mountain charm of Blue Ridge and Dahlonega to the riverfront adventures in Columbus and the cultural heartbeat of Macon, every stop offers a different slice of Georgia.
Some trips are about nature — waterfalls, lakes, and trails that let you breathe deeper. Others are about history and heritage, where old stories live on in museums, mansions, and music halls. And some are about simple pleasures: a good meal on a small-town square, a glass of wine in the foothills, or a sunset over the water.
All of them, though, share one thing: they remind you how much there is to explore within just a short drive of the city. Atlanta may be the hub, but its surroundings are where you find the balance — adventure, beauty, history, and rest all waiting just down the road.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
