11 Great Day Trips From Atlanta, Georgia
11 Great Day Trips From Atlanta, Georgia
Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city and enjoy some time outdoors. There are lots of wonderful places to visit right outside of Atlanta. These trips are a great way for the whole family to enjoy some nature and spend some time together.
Day Trips are a perfect way to visit new places without going too far from home or spending tons of money on hotels. These trips can be made in one day since they are only 2 (or fewer) hours away.
Here are 11 Day Trips from Atlanta, Georgia:
Blue Ridge Mountains
Above photo via
(About 1 hour 45 minutes from Atlanta to Chattahoochee National Forest)
For the Outdoors-y Family:
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer many family-friendly activities and are perfect for active and nature-loving families.
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- Stop in for some penny candy at Huck’s General Store
- Take in the scenery by driving, hiking, or horseback riding
- Chattahoochee National Forest
- See some gorgeous Waterfalls
Callaway Gardens
Above photo via
(About 1.25 Hours From Atlanta)
For the Nature-Loving Family:
Callaway Gardens has over 2500 acres of gardens and trails. These are great for walking or biking. The whole family will enjoy the Callaway Discovery Center and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center (home to some gorgeous plants and over 1,000 butterflies).
Callaway Resort & Gardens // 17800 US Hwy. 27 – Pine Mountain, GA 31822 // 844.512.3826
Madison, Georgia
Above photo via
For the Foodie Family & History Buffs:
Places you’ll want to visit:
- Farmview Schoolhouse – Community classes and workshops -make your own sausage, seasonings, bread, etc.
- Farmview Market – A market & foodie café that has the only farm-to-table quick-service restaurant in Georgia
- Town 220 Restaurant – This charming restaurant offers excellent service & world-class food
- Heritage Hall Historic Tour – Heritage Hall is one of 7 historic homes showcasing antebellum history that you can tour in Madison, GA. Heritage Hall is the most popular and most visited historic site in Madison.
McDonough, Georgia
For the Family with Little Ones:
- Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary– Located in nearby Locust Grove, the whole family will love seeing the exotic cats, bears, birds, wolves, and other animals.
- Southern Belle Farm – A 200-acre working farm where you can pick your own strawberries, peaches, muscadines, blueberries, blackberries, or pumpkins. There is also a slide and corn maze for the kiddos. After working up an appetite, try some of their homemade cobblers or ice cream.
Brasstown Bald
(2.5 hours from Atlanta)
Brasstown Bald is the tallest mountain in Georgia. From the top, you can see four states – (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina). The kids will also enjoy the fire tower, observation deck, and museum at the top of the mountain.
There is a shuttle that you take to the top and it runs every 10 minutes. And, you can take the shuttle down since the descent is like walking down 42 flights of stairs! Be sure to check the website or call ahead for the shuttle schedule.
There is a restroom at the parking lot, but there is NO restroom at the top – not even at the museum.
Brasstown Bald // 2941 GA-180 Spur – Hiawassee, GA 30546 // 706.896.2556
Lake Lanier
Above photo via
(About 1 Hour from Atlanta)
For the Outdoors-y & Active Family:
Lake Lanier is the largest lake in Georgia. It’s the perfect place for families to do a little tubing or other watersports. There are also 45 parks along the lake’s 700-mile-long shoreline. Here are a few of the activities in the Lake Lanier area:
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Boating
- Camping
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Kayaking
- Waterskiing
- Parks & Playgrounds & Pavilions
- Nearby Historic Towns
- Shopping
- Restaurants
Amicalola Falls State Park
(1.5 Hours from Atlanta)
For the Family Full of Hikers:
Amicalola Falls State Park offers several hikes, gorgeous views, and a beautiful waterfall. The hike is about 600 steps from the bottom to the top of the falls, and the views are totally worth it. There is also a gift shop, restaurant, and lodge on the grounds. The lodge offers packages that include Ziplining, Archery, Survival Skills, and Guided Hikes.
Amicalola Falls State Park // 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road – Dawsonville, GA 30534
Helen, Georgia
(1 Hour 45 Minutes from Atlanta)
- Oktoberfest – Enjoy the festivities, German food, German Beer, and North Georgia Wine. This event begins in early September and runs through October.
- Tubing down the Chattahoochee
- Raven Cliff Falls
- Yonah Mountain
- Chattahoochee Stables – Horseback Riding
- Hansel & Gretel Candy Shoppe – Stop by for some gourmet, hand-crafted candies and sweets
- Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mine – The kids will love bringing home a treasure from Dukes. They can pan for gold, mine for gems, mine for fossils, or break a geode.
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Above photo via
(About 1.5 Hours From Atlanta)
Toccoa Falls is a perfect pit stop while you are exploring the North Georgia Mountains. It is located on the Toccoa Falls Campus. You can pay and enter through the Gate Cottage Gift Shop. Then, take a short and easy 5-minute hike to see this 186-foot-tall waterfall (this waterfall is actually 20 feet taller than Niagara Falls!).
Toccoa Falls // 325 Chapel Drive (on the campus of Toccoa Falls College) – Toccoa, GA 30598
Chattanooga, Tennessee
(About 1 Hour and 45 Minutes from Atlanta)
There are so many fun things to do in Chattanooga Tennessee! From the museums, the Riverwalk, the mountains, and riverboats, there is plenty to entertain the whole family!
Families looking for an adventurous, fun-filled day:
- Chattanooga Riverwalk
- Chattanooga Incline Railway
- Ruby Falls
- Lookout Mountain
- Raccoon Mountain Taverns
- Chattanooga Choo Choo Railroad Museum
- Tennessee Aquarium
- Creative Discovery Museum
- Southern Belle Riverboat
Providence Canyon State Park
Above photo via
(2 Hours 15 Minutes from Atlanta)
For the Family that really misses The Grand Canyon, but just can’t make the trip right now:
Providence Canyon State Park is known as the “Little Grand Canyon” of Georgia. The whole family will enjoy the hikes, cliffs, sand, and streams. The hikes are moderate, but there are lots of shady areas. The canyon floors are made of clay, so you might want to wear shoes that aren’t your favorite. There are no restrooms or water fountains so plan accordingly.
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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So many great day trips from Atlanta. I hadn’t heard of some of these places.
I’ve never been to Georgia but have always wanted to go! The peaches and the mountain are so beautiful!
Oh yeah! You’ll come for the peaches but you’ll stay for the Mountains! They’re both amazing!
I also like traveling and I am glad to hear about splendid new places to see. Atlanta seems to be so attractive that next summer, when I plan to visit the U.S., I must put it on my bucket list.
I hope you do, Johanna! Atlanta and it’s surrounding areas are so nice. The traffic can get crazy but that can be said of any big city.
My newly wed bestfriend just moved to Georgia, and now I understand why. Georgia is Gorgeous!
Oh, yes! It’s beautiful there, Blair! You’ll have lots to do when you visit your friend!
Sadly I have only been through the airport. There looks like there is loads to do in the area though.
Well, at least it’s a nice airport! I hope you get to see more of ATLANTA and it’s surrounding areas soon, Danielle!
These places will be on our list for sure if we get the chance to travel to Georgia. I think the places looks lovely and fun!
I’m so glad, Ruth!
We went to Atlanta for the first time this year and LOVED it. We are already planning a trip back!
I know, right?!? Atlanta is a great city for families. I’m so glad we only live a few hours away!
Aww I wish I’ve know this post before our trip to Saint Simons Island. We stop by to Atlanta last labor Day Weekend. The downtown was pretty busy but we had a great time.
Ooh! Saint Simmons Island sounds amazing, Farrah! I’ll have to check it out. Yeah, Atlanta can get hectic, especially the traffic. We usually plan our days in Atlanta around the morning and evening traffic.
This is just an all around family summer long vacation spot. Not only will I get great food, I’ll get great memories.
I know! This list alone could keep a family busy and happy all summer!
I have always enjoyed my time in Georgia. These are some beautiful places!
We love Georgia too, Sara!
I hadn’t realised just how many fab things there are close by that you can visit for day trips.They all look so beautiful and great places to explore
Yeah, Georgia is a lot of fun! It’s a great state for families to vacation!
Wow, I like all the places you featured! If I lived nearby, I know I would want to visit each of them. Such beautiful scenery in many of the places! My hubby and I did many day trips around Maine last summer and fall, but haven’t had as much time this year, unfortunately.
I would love to visit Maine on day!
So many great places to visit!! I am nearby in SC so I would love to take a few of these trips as well!
Wow, you’re really close! We love South Carolina, especially Hilton Head!
So many gorgeous places to visit in Georgia! The scenery is stunning! 🙂
Yes! And the leaves changing colors in the fall…it’s gorgeous!
This is so fantastic! You have provided us a complete guide to this place with beautiful images.
Aww…thanks! That’s what I was hoping to accomplish!
everyone’s dream trips.. the places visited looks so nice and the scenery is so breathtaking!~
Yes, the scenery in Georgia is gorgeous, Kylie!
Wow! You get there in all of that beautiful places around Atlanta. What great experiences! You can visit it all in just 11 day trips! What a lovely place to explore!
Yes, there is so much to see and do, Jeannine!
I love seeing your gorgeous pictures of our amazing places near Atlanta! Living there myself, I know how wonderful we have it here in Georgia!
You have a beautiful home for sure, Jessica!
This is fantastic! One of my favorite ways to travel is to stay in a city and take lots of day trips from there. It looks like there is SO MUCH to see near Atlanta. And it all looks gorgeous!
That’s a great idea, Christa!
Useful location tips… we’re driving through Atlanta this month and will enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains – maybe we’ll stop in Chattanooga also!
That sounds like an amazing vacation, Noel! We also love Chattanooga!
I love there are so many great parks and gardens on this list. I love these types of activities. Hard to find nice nature like this where I live – this looks like a lovely place to visit!
It’s so nice that there is so much nature just a short drive out of the city!
11 amazing adventures to be had here! It seems like there can be so much fun and exploration here.
There really is so much to do inthe city of Atlanta and the nearby areas.
I have been to Georgia but it has been about 10 years ago. I would love to go to all of those places! There are so many beautiful spots to see. I would be so content with my camera. Speaking of, the pictures on your post are awesome. I feel like it would take me more than 11 days but I like to take my time, and usually that is slowly. Thanks for the informative blog post!
Thank you, Kirsten! You’re too kind.
This Places look so amazing, I would want to visit these places sometime soon. Atlanta is such a great place to visit. Thanks for this List..!!
I hope you do, Monidipa!
All of these look amazing!! Especially the State Park! My husband and I are planning a trip there in the next few years so I’ll have to add these to my bucket list!
You guys will have a great time, Ashley!
I have never been in Atlanta and base on what you’ve said it sounds really a great place to visit and it is so nice to see those beautiful spots and make memorable memories with your families.
Yes, it really is a great area for families to vacation and explore, Geraline!
Oh, wow. Now I want to visit Georgia 😉 I love those waterfalls and the state parks. Looks like such great fun places to explore. Thanks for sharing.
Most people may not think of Georgia as a great vacation spot, but it is a really nice place for families to vacation!
Helen, GA looks amazing! I want to go there so bad! Old World charm!
We drove there for Octoberfest and stopped at some apple orchards along the way. It was a great experience, Amanda!
The pictures are so great! It’s so amazing. You captured it very beautifully.
Thanks, Karla!
Amazing scenery and so much to explore. Loving those waterfalls…. Would love to explore the USA.
I hope you get to visit one day, Sarah!
Atlanta sound like a great place to explore as they are loaded with nature and beautiful landscapes, waterfall, canyon and the cute Helen old town in Georgia. I get to learn more about Atlanta during the 1996 Olympic games 🙂
Yes, there is so much nature just right outside the city!