Top 10 Best Day Trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Looking for a summer road trip destination or mini adventure from Atlanta, Georgia? There are so many fun & cute places to explore around Atlanta that your options are truly endless. The best part about it is that some of the best day trips from Atlanta are just outside of the city limits (20 minutes away) while others are perfect for a mini road trip (2+ hours).
Related Post: Top 10 Things to do in Atlanta, GA
Check out my Top 10 Day Trips from Atlanta below:
(in order from closest to furthest from Atlanta, GA)
1. Stone Mountain
15 Miles // 20 Minutes
Stone Mountain Park is directly outside of Atlanta city limits. There is tons to do here so it is easy to spend the entire day hiking, golfing, fishing, and more. This park is open year round and hosts plenty of festivals throughout the year. In the winter they turn it into “Snow Mountain” which gives kids and adults the chance to tube down the mountain. Check out their other special events to find out when they will have a firework show and more!
Alpharetta, GA
26 miles // 35 minutes
I might be a little biased about Alpharetta since I grew up here! Alpharetta has grown so much in the last few years and is now an adorable town with a little brewery (Jekyll Brewing), tons of mom-and-pop restaurants, and great places to shop! It’s a great option to get out of the city for a few hours and enjoy the suburbs!
While you’re here, be sure to support some local Alpharetta businesses! For instance, I absolutely love Click Countertops for quartz and stone countertops. The city of Alpharetta is becoming one of the top places to buy a home – and it’s even better when you’re supporting a local business like Click Countertops. Not to mention, Alpharetta Quartz Countertops are exquisite and best in the class!
2. Truett’s Luau (Hawaiian Themed Chick-fil-a)
28 miles // 40 Minutes
Truett’s Luau is a must do while in Georgia, especially if you love Chick-fil-a. My full review is posted HERE which includes the unique menu, how to get there, and more! Be sure to try the tropical chicken nuggets and frosted pineapple!
Related Post: Review of Truett’s Luau
3. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
40 Miles // 45 Minutes
Doesn’t the name Chateau Elan sound so luxurious? Well, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. This resort features a full winery, spa, 10 onsite restaurants, and more. You can turn it into a weekend getaway or a fun date night activity.
To learn more about the wines at Chateau Elan, check out my blog post here!
Related Post: Review of Chateau Elan Winery
4. Lake Lanier
45 Miles // 1 Hour
Lake Lanier has everything you’d ever want in a lake and more. Rent a lake house for the weekend or rent a boat for the day… either way, this man-made lake is a perfect way to spend a summer day.
5. Dahlonega, Georgia
65 Miles // 1 Hour and 20 Minutes
The slogan for the city of Dahlonega is “It’s Pure Gold” which is a perfect fitting. This is the site of the first major US Gold Mine – spend the day learning about the history and give mining a try! It’s also the heart of Georgia Wine Country in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s over 5 vineyards with 12 different tasting sites. A popular choice is Frogtown Cellars.
6. Amicalola Falls
70 Miles // 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Amicalola Falls is a stunning cascading waterfall (third largest east of the Mississippi River)! There are 10 different trail options and over 800 acres to explore which make it a true hikers paradise. The main trail features beautiful views of the Amicalola Falls, but be forewarned – the hike has over 400 stairs!
7. Athens, Georgia
75 Miles // 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
The city of Athens is so much more than just a college town for University of Georgia. Athens is a charming “small town” with tons of local shops and restaurants.
8. Helen, Georgia
85 Miles // 1 Hour and 40 Minutes
This quaint town in Georgia is the third most visited city in the state! It is easy to see why. The town is themed like a German Village with plenty of local shops and eateries. During the summer months, many people travel here to float down the river for the day. During the fall, people travel here to celebrate Oktoberfest!
9. Toccoa Falls
95 Miles // 1 Hour and 50 Minutes
This beautiful waterfall is 186 feet high and is commonly said to be the highest single drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. Toccoa Falls College encompasses the whole of Toccoa Falls, which is located only a few miles outside of downtown Toccoa. Entrance is $2 per person and it is just a short walk along the stream to the base of the falls. Fun Fact: This waterfall is 26 taller than Niagara Falls!
10. Chattahoochee National Forest
95 Miles // 2 Hours
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is the largest outdoor park at nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties. With thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture.
Related Post: Road Trip Travel Essentials
Overall, you have great options within driving distance of Atlanta that you can spend the day or the weekend! How many can you check off the list?
PS: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the road trip options, reach out to Gallivanting Spoon for Custom Travel Planning options! She can help plan the perfect day trip or vacation for you!
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Related Posts:
ATLANTA:
Atlanta, GA City Guide
Best Wall Murals in Atlanta
Tiny Doors ATL Guide
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Road Trips from Atlanta
Date Ideas for Couples in Atlanta
GEORGIA (SEASONS):
Fall Season in Georgia
Winter Season in Georgia
Spring Season in Georgia
GEORGIA (MISC):
Getaway House: Tiny House Cabin in the Woods
Review: Truett’s Luau (Hawaiian Chickfila)
Review: Chateau Elan Winery
