Day Trips from Atlanta

1. Athens (1 hour 20 min Day Trip from Atlanta)

Athens is the home of the University of Georgia as well as a thriving indie music scene. The city has a number of historical buildings with typical Southern architecture in addition to several 18th-century house museums open for touring. A college town, it is quite walkable and packs many venues into its small downtown area.

For art lovers, the city offers an array of eclectic art galleries, both large and small alike. With two performing arts centers within the city limits, Athens is never wanting for cultural experiences, while sports fans can get their fill by attending the Bulldogs’ games at the university’s stadiums.

2. Chattanooga (2 hours)

natural, and cultural attractionsChattanooga positions itself as an affordable tourist destination and presents a number of historical, natural, and cultural attractions. The city’s downtown is a historical site in its own right, with several Civil War monuments along its pedestrian Riverwalk.

However, more formal history tours can be found at the 6th Cavalry Museum, the Cravens House, or the Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield. Chattanooga also has plenty of outdoor fun. In addition to parks and the Riverwalk, there are also a host of adventurous activities to enjoy along the rushing Tennessee River, such as white water rafting, hang-gliding, and hiking.

3. Stone Mountain Park (30 min Day Trip from Atlanta)

Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction, located just a short drive outside Atlanta at Stone Mountain, the largest granite formation in the world. Carved into this formation are the faces of important figures from the South, namely Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis, and Robert E. Lee.

In addition to its historical exhibits, the Stone Mountain Park is also an amusement park with a variety of thrilling rides for guests of all ages. Beyond the rides are a rope course and a four-story barn space. For an overnight stay, accommodation is also readily available at the nearby campground and numerous hotels located in the surrounding area.

1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 800-401-2407

4. Blue Ridge (1 hour 30 minutes from Atlanta)

Blue Ridge is an idyllic destination to add to your vacation wish list. Blue Ridge was originally recognized as a health resort, due to its mineral-rich natural springs which have attracted visitors for more than 200 years.

In addition to the hot springs, Blue Ridge offers a plethora of enjoyable activities to suit all tastes. Visitors can take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or explore the area by car or bike. There are around 300 miles of hiking trails and an estimated 100 miles of trout springs waiting to challenge you. Other attractions include wineries, breweries, great restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities.

5. Birmingham (2 hours 10 min)

Birmingham is the most populated city in the state of Alabama and an important major metropolis in the American South. The city was founded in 1871 and quickly began to develop thanks to the fact that it was home to significant limestone, iron, and coal resources, all of which are necessary for the production of steel.

Today, Birmingham is Alabama’s cultural capital, with many large performing arts theaters, several well-attended annual festivals, and lots of museums, including the biggest art museum in the Southeast, the Birmingham Museum of Art. It is also the site of several universities and colleges, which add to the life and energy of the city.

Birmingham events:
- Fiesta BHAM - September 28th, 2024
- Sidewalk Film Festival - August
- Magic City Classic - October 26th, 2024
- Birmingham ArtWalk - Every September

6. Dahlonega (1 hour 30 min)

Dahlonega is a historic town tucked away in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Settled during the early period of the Gold Rush, its heritage has remained alive in Dahlonega, where visitors can learn about the Gold Rush or even pan for gold themselves. The town is also at the center of Georgia’s wine country and has five vineyards and 12 wine tasting sites.

Dahlonega’s quaint downtown is listed in the Historic Register, and the community celebrates its history with a number of museums and tours. It is also known for its many festivals, which are dedicated to its rich past and fortunate place among the surrounding nature.

7. Romantic Lake Lanier (1 hour)

Lake Lanier is a manmade reservoir that was created when the Chattahoochee River was dammed in 1956. Originally a project to control the flooding of the river and provide water for the city of Atlanta, today the lake is a recreational center where lovers of the outdoors can enjoy swimming, boating, and water sports.

Several parks are located just off the lake, and there are also a number of forest hiking trails nearby. Thrill seekers can try jet skiing out on the water or zip lining through the trees above, while those looking for a more laidback afternoon can try fishing or soaking up some rays on the sandy banks.

8. Mableton (20 min)

Mableton is a suburban town of 20,000 people located just outside downtown Atlanta. One of its main attractions is the Mable House, which includes a historic home and a performing arts center in one building. Despite its small size, Mableton has five parks for picnicking, sports, strolling, and soaking up the sunny Georgia weather.

Another attraction is the Silver Comet Trail, a hiking trail that runs along the route of the old Silver Comet railroad line all the way out to the Georgia-Alabama state line. Mableton also has a wide selection of restaurants with both home-style and contemporary menus for visiting foodies to enjoy.

9. Callaway Gardens (1 hour 20 min)

Callaway Gardens is an outdoor recreational area outside Atlanta, Georgia, that has activities for the entire family. The extensive property of the gardens includes several lakes that have boating, fishing, and watersports facilities as well as beaches for relaxing. Dining and shopping options are also scattered throughout the territory for easy access to the fun. But what really draw the crowds to Callaway are its many natural exhibits.

The gardens have a dedicated azalea garden, a historical pioneer log cabin as well as hydrangea and holly gardens. Its LEED-certified Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is where more than 1,000 butterflies from 50 species make their home and welcome guests throughout the year.

17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822, Phone: 800-852-3810

10. Romantic Day at Toccoa Falls (1 hour 40 min)

Standing on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, Toccoa Falls is a towering 186 feet tall, making it one of the highest cascades east of the Mississippi River. Although technically on the college campus, the falls are secluded in a separate area surrounded by cliffs and tucked away from the institution’s academic buildings.

A private path leads to their base, from which a fantastic view of the area opens up, making for a lovely photo opportunity. The cascade is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Georgia, which is appropriate given that the word Toccoa means beautiful in the Cherokee language.

Toccoa, GA 30577, Phone: 706-886-8451