If you're craving a break from the city bustle, Atlanta boasts a wealth of exciting day trips within a four-hour drive. Explore historic sites, hike through stunning landscapes or indulge in delicious Atlanta Southern restaurants, all just a day trip away from Atlanta’s world-class entertainment and attractions.
Whether you’re taking an Atlanta road trip or just need some travel ideas, we’ve rounded up our 19 best trips from Atlanta below.
1. Lake Lanier
- Distance from Atlanta: 50 miles
If you’re looking to spend the day out on the water, there’s no better place than Lake Lanier, one of the best lakes near Atlanta. Perfect for quick trips from Atlanta, this unbelievable reservoir is a nature lover’s wonderland. Originally built in 1956, this lake is now home to over 700 miles of stunning shoreline, exquisite natural landscape and fun-filled activities for guests to enjoy. Boating, kayaking and fishing are all local favorites.as several winding trails throughout Sawnee Mountain.
2. Dahlonega
- Distance from Atlanta: 75 miles
Dahlonega, a charming town nestled in the North Georgia mountains, offers a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. Known for its rich gold rush history, visitors can explore the town’s mining heritage through museums and historic sites.
The town also boasts a thriving wine scene, with several vineyards like Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Montaluce Winery offering wine tastings and breathtaking mountain views. Dahlonega’s unique combination of history, natural beauty and local wines makes it one of the best day trips from Atlanta.
3. Blue Ridge
- Distance from Atlanta: 90 miles
Blue Ridge, a picturesque mountain town 90 miles north of Atlanta, offers stunning natural beauty and a charming downtown. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Blue Ridge is not only brimming with exciting outdoor activities but also has a charming downtown filled with stores, galleries showcasing local artists, restaurants and craft breweries serving seasonal beers and wineries offering year-round staples. Blue Ridge hosts various events throughout the year, making it a great destination for any time of year.
4. Helen
- Distance from Atlanta: 110 miles
If you’re looking for fun day trips from Atlanta, you can escape to the Bavarian Alps without leaving the United States. Offering all the charm and beauty of a bustling Bavarian village, Helen is a charming town just an hour and a half from Atlanta that offers a unique Alpine experience.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the charming architecture and indulge in authentic German cuisine. The town also boasts a variety of wineries and breweries, offering a taste of local flavors. For outdoor enthusiasts, Helen offers hiking trails, waterfalls, horseback riding, river tubing and ziplining.
5. Birmingham, AL
- Distance from Atlanta: 140 miles
One of the largest cities in Alabama, Birmingham offers an entirely different view than Atlanta and is certainly worth exploring. Filled with exquisite art galleries, local theaters and an array of entertainment venues, Birmingham has become a cultural mecca for the South. Bringing together the past and the future in a unique and captivating way, this exceptional city draws visitors in from around the region.
6. Chattanooga, TN
- Distance from Atlanta: 120 miles
Tucked between the mountains of Tennessee and just a short two-hour drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga is home to historic sites, scenic landscapes and numerous cultural activities. Chattanooga takes great pride in its vibrant past, showcasing several pristine historic sites and world-class museums highlighting its rich history.
Hiking, biking and climbing are just a few of the wonderful outdoor activities to get your heart racing. White water rafting down the Tennessee River is sure to thrill even the most avid adventurer. However, the city is also home to several parks if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at a slower pace.
7. Savannah, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: 270 miles
While Savannah may be a bit farther than other recommendations on this list, there’s no doubt that the drive is well worth it for travelers looking for true Southern charm. The city streets are lined with picturesque Georgian and Colonial-style architecture, all veiled under Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
Savannah is a city rich in history, making it an ideal destination for travelers hoping to dive right into the past. There are also plenty of things to do in Savannah for outdoor lovers — the city offers beautiful beaches, riverfront parks and opportunities for boating and fishing.
8. Amicalola Falls
- Distance from Atlanta: 110 miles
Amicalola Falls, a stunning 729-foot waterfall, is a must-see for nature lovers. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the falls offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The area also features picnic areas, camping sites and opportunities for fishing and swimming.
9. Brasstown Bald
- Distance from Atlanta: 130 miles
If you’re looking for the best parks in Atlanta, consider Brasstown Bald. As the highest point in Georgia, this park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can drive to the summit or hike to the top for stunning vistas. The summit features a visitor center, a historic fire tower and picnic areas. It's a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking and stargazing.
10. Stone Mountain Park
- Distance from Atlanta: 25 miles
Stone Mountain Park, a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offers a variety of activities and attractions. The park’s iconic granite face features a massive Confederate relief carving. Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides, hiking trails, a historic museum and a water park. The park also hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year.
11. Cloudland Canyon State Park
- Distance from Atlanta: 130 miles
Cloudland Canyon State Park offers stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, cliffs and forests. Here, you can enjoy hiking, camping and picnicking. Popular attractions include the park’s signature waterfalls, such as Hemlock Falls and Swallow Falls. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling and mountain biking.
12. Callaway Gardens
- Distance from Atlanta: 70 miles
Callaway Gardens, a stunning botanical garden, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore beautiful gardens, hike through peaceful forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The gardens are especially beautiful during the holiday season when they’re adorned with festive lights and decorations.
13. Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Distance from Atlanta: 130 miles
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a deep, narrow gorge with cascading waterfalls, making for a breathtaking natural wonder. You can hike along the rim trail for panoramic views of the gorge or descend into the gorge via a permit system for a closer look at the powerful waterfalls and unique rock formations. The park also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking and fishing.
14. Providence Canyon State Park
- Distance from Atlanta: 180 miles
Providence Canyon State Park, often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon,’ offers stunning geological formations and diverse ecosystems. Here, you can hike along trails that wind through the colorful canyons with stunning views of the eroded landscape. The park also features camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
15. Athens, GA
- Distance from Atlanta: 70 miles
For pet-friendly vacation ideas in the South, consider Athens, Georgia. This vibrant college town offers a unique blend of music, art and Southern charm. Explore the historic downtown area, visit the University of Georgia campus and enjoy the city’s thriving music scene.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers beautiful parks, hiking trails and opportunities for water sports. Athens’ diverse food scene features everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
16. Warm Springs
- Distance from Atlanta: 90 miles
Warm Springs, Georgia, is a historic town known for its connection to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Visitors can explore the Little White House, where Roosevelt spent many winters and learn about his legacy. The town also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing and swimming in the nearby Warm Springs.
17. Springer Mountain
- Distance from Atlanta: 130 miles
Springer Mountain, the southern limit of the Appalachian Trail, offers stunning mountain views and challenging hiking trails if you’re looking for a Southeastern Appalachian road trip. You can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers, backpackers and nature enthusiasts. Warm Springs.
18. Toccoa Falls
- Distance from Atlanta: 90 miles
Toccoa Falls is a stunning 186-foot waterfall that cascades over a cliff, creating a memorable sight. You can enjoy scenic views of the falls from various vantage points, including a visitor center and observation deck. The area surrounding the falls offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking and exploring the historic Toccoa Falls College campus.
19. North Georgia Wine Country
- Distance from Atlanta: 70-90 miles
Those in search of romantic day trips from Atlanta will enjoy North Georgia’s wine country, a delightful escape for wine enthusiasts. Discover charming vineyards among rolling hills and beautiful mountain views. Many wineries offer wine tastings, tours and events throughout the year. Popular wine regions in North Georgia include Dahlonega and Helen.
20. Greenville, South Carolina
- Distance from Atlanta: 145 miles
Greeneville makes for an excellent trip from Atlanta, as it's ideal for anyone who likes adventure or an urban adventure. The best experience in Greenville, South Carolina may be taking to the outdoors, where a walk in Downtown Greenville means seeing a waterfall at Falls Park on the Reedy. Climb over the suspension bridge to see the beautiful rocky waterfall. Take a longer hike along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s about a 22-mile path and you can bike it if you like. Don’t overlook the local breweries or visiting the Peace Center for the Arts. If you’re a mountain biker, hit the trials at Pleasant Ridge Park or Issaquena Lake, which range in intensity but are always a fun ride.
21. Columbus, Georgia
- Distance from Atlanta: 107 miles
For those looking for an outdoor adventure-style trip, Columbus, GA is a solid choice. You can head to Whitewater Express at RushSouth Park, an urban whitewater course. For a more affordable water experience, go tubing down the Chattahoochee River. On a hot day, you can head to the Ma Rainey House & Blues Museum for an educational experience that pays homage to Blues icon Ma Rainey. Other fun things to do include the Columbus Botanical Garden, The Bo Barlett Center, a type of gallery and arts incubator, or see the artifacts at the National Infantry Museum. Depending on when you visit, you may want to try to see one of the 11 professionally produced theater shows at the Springer Opera House at the state Theatre of Georgia. It’s one of the most sought-after tickets in the country.
22. Banning Mills, Georgia
- Distance from Atlanta: 45 miles
Closer to home, but with plenty to do, Historic Banning Mills is an excellent choice for those looking for resort-like fun. It’s right off I-85 and is known for its zip line tours. It’s where you’ll find the longest zip line canopy tour in the world (according to the location) and the tallest free-standing rock wall. If you want more to do, there’s horseback riding, kayaking adventures and the ability to take on an eco-spider SWINCAR. You can use this ATV-like vehicle for off-road rides, including over the Big Shoals suspension bridge. Adrenaline rush guaranteed. For a slightly calmer experience, go on a hiking trail or check out the wildlife shows. There are numerous other adventures to take on for just about any level of intensity that pleases your group.
Plan Your Trip to Atlanta with AAA
Ready to explore Atlanta and its surrounding areas? With AAA, you can easily plan your dream vacation. From booking flights and hotels to discovering the best day trips from Atlanta, AAA has you covered. Sign up for a AAA membership to enjoy exclusive travel benefits, including discounts on hotels, car rentals and attractions.