9 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta Georgia

When you are born in one city and have stayed there all your life, it is safe to assume that you took that city for granted. It is very rare that we explore our hometown because we always think that we’ll get to it later. It is only natural to think so. 

To give you some motivation to explore more, we have put together a list of the best weekend trips you can go to in Atlanta. Just a short drive and you will enjoy a weekend of lush greenery, beaches, and historic towns. 

Here is the list with 9 best weekend getaways you can take from Atlanta, Georgia:

1. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance: 1 hour 46 min/ 118 miles

Ruby Falls, Rock City Garden, and the Tennessee Aquarium are the places you must visit in this charming area. You can find good rooms in the Hampton Inn & Suites Chattanooga Downtown or the Mayor’s Mansion Inn. There are lots of fun outdoor activities that are bound to keep you engaged all through the weekend.

2. Augusta, Georgia

Distance: 2 hours 10 min / 145 miles

Augusta Canal, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, and the Augusta Museum of History are the tourist spots. The best food is available at the Frog Hollow Tavern, the Abel Brown, or the Boll Weevil. Augusta is the second oldest city in Georgia and attracts golfers from all over the world. You can find accommodation at The Hyatt, Ecco Suites, or the Hampton Inn & Suites. The city has an art and theatre scene for you to explore as well.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

Distance: 2 hours 55 min / 164 miles

You can view exquisite fall foliage and there are tons of stops along the 469-mile road. Haywood Smokehouse, Buttered Biscuit, and The Sweet Onion are some restaurants that you must visit. It is an amazing spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are beautiful hikes, fishing, and camping spots too. You can stay at the Red Leaf River Inn or at the Brookside Mountain Mist Inn.

4. Destin, Florida

Distance: 5 hours 10 min / 315 miles

It has the Henderson Beach State Park, the Destin Harbour Broadwalk, Gulfarium, and the Marine Adventure Park. The Courtyard by Mariott Sandestin or the Henderson Beach Resort would be an ideal location to stay and you can find the best food at the McGuire’s Irish Pub, the Louisiana Lagniappe, and the Beach Walk Café. Destin has clean, white sand beaches and is the best spot to go to if you want to party all weekend. 

5. Great Smoky Mountains NP/Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Distance: 4 hours / 196 miles 

The Great Smoky Mountains NP is the obvious sight to visit along with the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Sky Life. You can find delicious breakfast and brunch at the Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, the Cherokee Grill, and the Pancake Pantry. You can find good hospitality at the Old Creek Lodge, the Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel, and the Gatlinburg Inn. The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited in the US and is most crowded during the fall. Gatlinburg is also a great place to set up a home as well.

6. Jekyll Island, St Simons, Little St Simons, Sea Island (Golden Isles)

Distance: 4 hours 40 min / 322 miles 

The Georgia Sea Turtle Centre, Driftwood Beach, the For Frederica National Monument are the must-visit tourist spots. You can find delicious meals at the Driftwood Bistro, Palmer’s Village Café, and the Half Shell. Georgia coast has four beautiful islands: St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Jekyll Island. Some islands are big enough for families while some can hold only 30 people. You can stay at the Cloister ay Sea Island or at the Jekyll Island Club Resort.

7. Greenville, South Carolina

Distance: 2 hours 15 min / 145 miles

Greenville is a quaint place with beautiful waterfalls and trails. You should visit the Bacon Brothers, The Trappe Door, or the Jianna for some good food and beverages. The Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville Zoo, and the Liberty Bridge are some of the famous tourist spots in the city. You can stay at the Pettigru Place Bed & Breakfast or the Aloft Greenville Downtown. Greenville has something to offer in every season, from shops to galleries, this place has attractions for the entire family.

8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Distance: 5 hours 30 min/ 362 miles

Myrtle Beach has sixty miles of beautiful beaches. You can bask in the sun and visit the Broadway, the SkyWheel and the Myrtle Beach State Park. The Fire and Smoke Gastropub and Mr. Fish are two restaurants you must visit. You can stay at the Sheraton Broadway Plantation or the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa and enjoy tons of live shows and go crazy shopping.

9. Savannah, Georgia

Distance: 3 hours 30 minutes / 248 miles

You can explore this town on a kayak or go on a guided bus tour. The Oatland Island Wildlife Centre and the Fort Pulaski National Monument showcase the southern charm. You should visit the Olde Pink House or the Treylor Park for good food and stay at the Andaz Savannah or the Marshall House for a comfortable weekend. 

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