16 Best Weekend Getaways From Atlanta

Weekend getaways from Atlanta come in different shapes and sizes thanks to the fresh mountain breeze north, the Atlantic to its south, and stunning lakes in every direction.

As a result, we’ve compiled 16 of the best weekend getaways from Atlanta to inspire you to go outdoors and explore a little more. 

Here you’d find lively seaside escapes in Myrtle Beach to exhilarating destinations found in Asheville, Athens, Nashville, and plenty more.

16 Best Weekend Getaways From Atlanta

Here are our favorite weekend trips from Atlanta!

1. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island, situated just across the sea from its neighbor St. Simons Island, is home to more than eight miles of white sand beaches, excellent isolation, and a protected natural ecosystem. 

As a result, Jekyll Island is a fantastic location for ocean swimming and beach enjoyment, like Driftwood Beach.

In fact, Jekyll Island has made various appearances on TripAdvisor’s Choice Awards as being the top attraction for beaches for families and kids and one of the best places to go in the summer. 

Eight miles of beaches, 20 miles of hiking trails, and a flat landscape are all easily accessible, making the location perfect for a casual stroll and bike riding.

In addition, nature lovers will feel right at home here. When the town was being created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 200 acres of structures that make up the Jekyll Island Club Historic District helped it rank among the most attractive little towns in America.

Overall, Jekyll Island, the southernmost of the Golden Isles, is one of the most visited islands in coastal Georgia to enjoy various events, family-friendly activities, and attractions that can be found on this 5,500-acre island.

Read next: 19 Romantic Getaways in Atlanta for Couples

2. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is about a two-hour trip from the city, making it not only an excellent day trip from Atlanta but also one of the best places to visit in the south. This multicultural city is full of southern warmth and charm, which makes it a fun weekend getaway location. 

When you cross into another state, it always feels a little more like a retreat. You may attend a concert at Finley Stadium or one of the top museums in the world, such as the Hunter Museum of American Art.

You may visit the Tennessee Aquarium or the Creative Discovery Museum if you travel with children. 

The Tennessee Riverpark, where you may fish, paddle, boat, or just stroll along the paths and take in the magnificent views of the river, is one of the most well-liked destinations.

Many sights and attractions are easily accessible by foot from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place, which has won a 2022 Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Award and is in a terrific position to explore the city.

Still, a must-visit place is Lookout Mountain, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Here you can see the famous Ruby Falls (underground waterfalls).

3. St. Simons Island, Georgia

The enchanting beaches on St. Simons Island are renowned for being ideal for adventure and leisure. 

East Beach, for example, is a well-liked St. Simons Island beach with many entry points and features, including playgrounds, public bathrooms, and covered picnic spaces. 

Atlanta getaways to St. Simons Island offer some of the most relaxing activities you can engage in, and this coastal Georgia island also boasts several challenging golf courses. 

There are also locations for fishing and many lovely beaches and marshes.

Finally, after being voted one of America’s favorite romantic beach towns, you can find yourself and a partner comfortably enjoying Trolley Tours, visiting Jekyll Island (mentioned before), kayaking, biking, and so much more!

St. Simons Island is one of the most romantic getaways in the US!

4. Lake Oconee, Georgia

Lake Oconee is the third most popular location for fishing competitions in Georgia. It has approximately 400 miles of stunning shoreline and an estimated 433 pounds of fish per acre of water. 

Lake Oconee, which is now home to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, a popular resort for golf enthusiasts and celebrities alike, offers something for everyone.

With that in mind, residents of Atlanta frequently go to this reservoir to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate, and Atlanta is only around 85 miles away from Lake Oconee.

Furthermore, visitors can go to Oconee Wild Watersports and hire a Jet Ski or boat to explore the lake if adventure is what you’re after. 

Additionally, there are a few golf courses in the area, including the Great Waters Golf Course. 

Finally, automobile enthusiasts may peruse the collection of vintage vehicles at Memory Lane Classic Cars.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, GA, is undoubtedly a magical experience if you want to be whisked away with one of the best weekend getaways from Atlanta.

Almost everyone may find something to enjoy in this elegant Georgian city. 

However, visiting Savannah is a must-do if you want to take in the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture and explore the wilder side of this Georgia treasure.

Many visitors don’t dare miss the chance to see Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump was filmed. So be sure to check it out.

Furthermore, besides having some of the most incredible golf courses in the Lowcountry, Savannah also offers stunning beaches—anyone up for a relaxed nighttime beach stroll?—and a ton of water-related activities like exploring River Street and going to the Tybee Island Lighthouse.

Take a stroll through the Spanish moss-covered walks in Forsyth Park, which features a charming fountain. 

Savannah also offers a wide variety of top-notch dining establishments, exhilarating entertainment options, and exciting things to do through its cobblestone streets.

6. Asheville, North Carolina

Anything you desire in weekend getaways from Atlanta may be found in Asheville.

This charming and odd mountain town in North Carolina is home to renowned festivals, fine dining establishments, and distinctive boutiques.

The short three-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta will take you to Asheville, which is a picturesque town also homegrown to some of the state’s best restaurants and craft breweries, including Wicked Weed, Green Man, New Belgium, Wedge, and many more.

There are plenty of outdoor activities in this mountainous area, from bicycle trails and birding excursions to ziplining and salt caverns, if you want to work up an appetite before eating.

7. Pine Mountain, Georgia

For those looking for Atlanta weekend getaways less than an hour’s drive south, look no further than Pine Mountain. 

West Georgia’s Callaway Gardens and F.D. Roosevelt (a wonderful state park in Georgia) are some of the many hotspots accessible in Pine Mountain.

It offers something for everyone, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with its small-town Southern charm, charming boutiques, home cooking, and history. 

Take a horseback excursion at Roosevelt Stables to explore the trails. Of course, getaways from Atlanta that include a Wild Animal Safari tour are not to be missed!

8. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The ideal destination that ticks many boxes as a relaxing and long Atlanta getaway is Hilton Head Island, which is situated on the southernmost point of South Carolina and is about four hours by vehicle and an hour and a half by plane.

Hilton Head Island, one of South Carolina’s most picturesque towns, is well known for its immaculate beaches and championship golf courses. 

This 12-mile barrier island is one of the best weekend getaways from Atlanta that don’t have many tourists, so it offers a less crowded ambiance than Savannah, Georgia, or Ashville.

9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The 60-mile Grand Strand, which includes Myrtle Beach, is a stretch of beaches in South Carolina. 

It’s the epitome of a coastal vacation spot with a vibrant, enjoyable promenade, amusement parks, waterparks, and top-notch seafood restaurants.

As you begin your weekend getaway from Atlanta, you may want to stop at Augusta, Georgia, on the way to Myrtle Beach to stroll along the Augusta Riverwalk and see the galleries and studios along Artists Row. 

The North Beach Resort & Villas, which is situated on a 7.5-acre site between the Atlantic Ocean and White Point Swash, is one spot to think about staying at.

The swim-up pool bar, lazy river, and private cabanas are just a few of the relaxing amenities it provides. 

Accommodations include a luxury seaside condo with one bedroom and a bathroom, a steakhouse, and a sushi bar.

10. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is not only just a paradise for music lovers; it also has a wealth of historical sites, outdoor activities, excellent restaurants, professional sports, and other things to do that truly set it apart. 

In addition, it’s a large metropolis with roots in tiny towns and offers southern hospitality. A weekend getaway from Atlanta to Music City, you’ll find yourself discovering almost anything that piques your curiosity. When in Nashville, you must see a live performance!

For a deeper look into the city’s rich musical history, visit some of its musical landmarks, such as The Musicians Hall of Fame or the National Museum of African American Music. 

Visits to the original Slim & Husky’s and Biscuit Love locations are two of the tastiest decisions you can make during your weekend vacation. 

Nashville also provides smooth, authentic Tennessee whiskey that won’t drink itself!

11. Athens, Georgia

As one of the earliest and only vaudeville theaters in the United States that are still in operation, the Morton Theatre, as well as a ton of other top-notch clubs and restaurants, Athens is truly one of Georgia’s most important cultural centers outside of Atlanta.

Athens, GA, a drive that only takes an hour and 30 minutes as a weekend getaway from Atlanta, boasts the State Botanical Garden of Georgia for the family to Bear Hollow Zoo for the kids. 

The Georgia Museum or a concert at the Georgia Theatre might inspire you to put that sparkle right back in your eyes!

12. Blue Ridge, Georgia

One of the hippest mountain communities in North Georgia is Blue Ridge, GA, not least because of its thriving arts community and outdoor adventure possibilities. 

Everyone can have fun thanks to the downtown’s abundance of eateries and shops, the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

With downtown in mind, it has stores, art galleries, dining establishments, and breweries. 

Beyond the immediate area, tourists may take advantage of outdoor activities, including hiking, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, and animal watching. 

For those looking for weekend getaways from Atlanta that include getting more involved with nature and plenty of outdoors, a trip to Blue Ridge, GA, is totally for you!

13. Toccoa, Georgia

North Georgia is home to several beautiful waterfalls, but Toccoa Falls is one of the most impressive. 

Surprisingly, it is taller than Niagara Falls by just over 180 feet, attracting many tourists yearly. 

In addition, numerous local and national retailers, a downtown that has won awards, and shopping malls in the suburbs can all be found in Toccoa.

In addition, explore the specialized stores, art galleries, and magnificently restored Stephens County Courthouse on Main Street. 

Given that it is located less than two hours from Atlanta, the village of Toccoa is a fantastic weekend trip.

14. Greenville, South Carolina

You may freely travel across states on your weekend getaway from Atlanta, and the distance to Greenville, South Carolina, is only around 2.5 hours. 

This South Carolina town, affectionately known as “The Greenville everybody is talking about,” has a ton of modern art galleries, independently owned shops, and distinctive dining options.

Farmer’s markets are often an excellent way to gauge a city’s energy. 

The TD Saturday Market enables guests to shop like locals, pick up some seasonal produce, enjoy a picnic, and drive further to the Cottage Grove Vintage Market. 

You may continue your exploration in Fells Park, where you can admire the waterfalls below and test your balance on a suspension bridge.

Alternatively, you can also check out Falls Park on the Reedy.

A fantastic way to explore is to rent a bike from Reedy Ride. Then, take the Swamp Rabbit Trail to downtown Greenville and bike through it, stopping at some interesting stores along the route.

15. Columbus, Georgia

An Atlanta vacation is excellent, but Columbus may offer something sweeter. 

Columbus is home to various walking paths, a zipline park, a renovated skatepark, the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, and the world’s lengthiest urban whitewater rafting course!

A leisurely hour-long drive south of Atlanta via I85, Columbus is widely considered one of Georgia’s most pedestrian- and bike-friendly towns and is exceedingly simple to move about. So park the vehicle and go for a stroll – or ride your bike (or skateboard)!

Columbus is home to attractions, including the Historic Westville, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and more for people who enjoy visiting historical sites and museums. 

Indeed something for everyone, Columbus, GA, could even be its own getaway from a getaway.

16. Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

Stone Mountain, only a 30-minute drive from Atlanta, is well-known for its geology and the massive rock relief on its north face, the world’s biggest bas-relief piece of art. 

The Confederacy is memorialized on the rock’s surface with carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson.

Stroll among the dinosaurs at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or admire the steel in the Rail Arts District.

Children and adults alike absolutely love the nightly laser display. Golf, a granite museum, and a cable vehicle called the Summit Skyride are available here. 

Stone Mountain Park has everything with adventure, activities, historical landmarks, and fine dining!

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