
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
1. Blue Ridge Mountains
Enjoy the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with hiking trails, waterfalls, and quaint towns like Blue Ridge.
- Natural Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
- Outdoor Activities: Features numerous hiking trails, camping sites, and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.
- Small-Town Charm: Boasts charming small towns with unique shops and restaurants.
2. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Experience outdoor adventures like rock climbing and river rafting along the Tennessee River.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers a variety of adventure sports like rock climbing, kayaking, and zip-lining.
- Historic Landmarks: Home to the historic Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
- Art Scene: Features a vibrant arts scene with galleries, museums, and public art installations.
3. Lake Lanier
Relax on the shores of Lake Lanier, offering boating, swimming, and fishing activities.
- Water Activities: Provides opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful lake views with surrounding forests and mountains.
- Outdoor Recreation: Offers camping, hiking, and picnic areas for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Explore over 30 acres of gardens showcasing plants from around the world.
- Variety of Plants: Showcases a wide variety of exotic and rare plants.
- Stunning Designs: Features creative and beautiful garden designs, including the Storza Woods and Fuqua Orchid Center.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and workshops on gardening and horticulture.
5. Callaway Gardens
Discover the unique gardens and outdoor activities at Callaway, including a butterfly center and ropes course.
- Butterfly Center: Hosts the largest single-display of butterflies in the world.
- Ropes Course: Features a challenging ropes course for adventure seekers.
- Gardens and Trails: Boasts beautiful gardens and hiking trails, including the stunning Azalea Trail.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Step back in time with historic architecture, charming squares, and delicious Southern cuisine.
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Charming Squares: Includes 22 picturesque squares with shops, restaurants, and fountains.
- Delicious Southern Cuisine: Offers a variety of authentic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, collard greens, and fried chicken.
7. Jekyll Island
Relax on the beach or explore the historic homes and gardens of Jekyll Island.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful, secluded beaches with calm waters.
- Historic Homes and Gardens: Features historic mansions like the Astor House and gardens that are open for tours.
- Nature Preserves: Offers numerous nature preserves with opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
8. St. Simons Island Lighthouse
Climb the historic St. Simons lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and coast.
- Historic Landmark: Is a well-preserved, active lighthouse dating back to 1872.
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of the island and coast from its tower.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs on the history and operation of lighthouses.
9. Tybee Island
Relax on the beach or explore the historic Fort Pulaski on Tybee Island.
- Beaches: Boasts beautiful beaches with calming ocean views.
- Historic Fort Pulaski: Is home to the well-preserved historic Fort Pulaski.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and dolphin watching.
10. Savannah's Wormsloe Historic Site
Visit the historic tabby ruins, live oaks, and the beautiful beach at Wormsloe.
- Historic Tabby Ruins: Features the remains of a 18th-century plantation.
- Live Oaks and Scenic Drive: Is known for its famous live oak trees lining the entrance and scenic drive through the site.
- Beach Access: Offers access to a secluded beach on the Wilmington River.
11. Amicalola Falls State Park
Experience the stunning Amicalola Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Georgia.
- Natural Scenery: Features a beautiful waterfall and surrounding forest.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails, including the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail.
- Lodging and Camping: Provides lodges, cabins, and campgrounds for overnight stays.
12. Brasstown Bald
Visit Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, for panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails for exploring the surrounding forest.
- Observation Tower: Includes an observation tower at the summit for better views.
13. Helen, Georgia
Step into a Bavarian-style village with shops, restaurants, and scenic outdoor activities.
- Bavarian-Style Village: Features Alpine architecture and a charming town square.
- Scenic Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, and river rafting opportunities nearby.
- Unique Shops and Restaurants: Includes specialty shops selling Bavarian goods and authentic German restaurants.
14. Fort Mountain State Park
Explore the mysterious earthen walls of Fort Mountain and enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding park.
- Mysterious Earthen Walls: Features a series of ancient earthen walls, believed to be from the prehistoric or Native American periods.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking trails, camping, and fishing opportunities in the park.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts beautiful mountain views and a picturesque lake.
15. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Hike through the breathtaking canyons and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon State Park.
- Canyons and Waterfalls: Features deep canyons, scenic overlooks, and stunning waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels.
- Camping and Cabins: Provides campgrounds, cabins, and lodge rentals for overnight stays.