32 Short Road Trips From Atlanta You’ll Love

Atlanta is one of the biggest and busiest cities located in the South. Citizens and travel enthusiasts love to take short road trips from Atlanta, whether day trips, weekend getaways, or week-long vacations.

Many day trips and extended getaways are available, including day hikes in the mountains, exploring small towns, and traveling to other states.

Whether you want to explore the various mountains or relax on the beach, this article will help you choose a fun and exciting Atlanta road trip!

Best Road Trips from Atlanta

Here are 10 of the best short road trips from Atlanta that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

1) Stone Mountain

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 20 miles – 30 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of the year!

Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction and is located just a short drive outside the city. This is the world’s largest granite formation, so it’s rather unique.

The hike to the top is challenging yet rewarding–you can see views for miles, including Atlanta’s skyline! On a clear day, you can watch planes going to and from the airport.

2) Lake Allatoona

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 34 miles – 40 minutes

Best time to visit: summer is best for swimming, boating, or watersports, while fall is the best time for hiking and camping

Lake Allatoona is a large freshwater lake in northeast Georgia. It covers more than 12,000 acres and has 270 miles of shoreline. The serene and peaceful surroundings of Allatoona Lake offer a break from the bustle of city living. Situated on the Etowah River, just 30 miles from Atlanta, this lake offers visitors a tranquil oasis.

3) Lake Lanier

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 49 miles – 55 minutes

Best time to visit: April through September

Lake Lanier is a beautiful lake that’s located just outside of Atlanta. The lake is excellent for a quick road trip, especially in the summertime!

There are plenty of things to do on the lake, including swimming, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking. Plus, the scenery is breathtaking!

4) Dahlonega, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 65 miles – 1 hour, 10 minutes

Best time to visit: There are fun things to do all year long

Dahlonega is historically associated with gold, but recently it’s gained attention as the heart of the North Georgia Wine Country. If you’re looking for a more “adult” vacation, spend the day at some of Georgia’s best vineyards.

5) Athens, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 72 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes

Best time to visit: Head to this college town in the fall if you enjoy football and tailgating

Downtown Athens is a great place to eat or spend time shopping at local boutiques. It’s also world-renowned for its vibrant music scene.

The University of Georgia campus is only a short drive away. It offers plenty of things to do, such as watching a football game or attending one of the many festivals each year.

6) Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain)

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 80 miles – 1 hour, 15 minutes

Best time to visit: You can see the azaleas in full bloom in April

The famous Callaway Gardens was founded in 1952 to protect a rare azalea species. This 40-acre garden contains over 3,000 types of azaleas, making it the perfect place to stroll on a spring day. Additionally, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is home to over 2,000 butterflies of 50 different species!

7) Blue Ridge, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 93 miles – 1 hour, 30 minutes

Best time to visit: May through December when most of the local businesses are open and you can enjoy the summer and fall activities

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Blue Ridge is another great option. Not only does it offer incredible views of the North Georgia mountains, but there are also plenty of shops and restaurants in town to keep you entertained. There are some pretty awesome craft breweries too!

Related: 15 Amazing Blue Ridge Sunrise Spots with Mountain Views

8) Yonah Mountain

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 82 miles – 1 hour, 30 minutes

Best time to visit: Fall or spring is best so you’re not too overheated on this challenging hike

The Yonah Mountain Trail is a challenging hike with a moderately steep climb to the summit. The mountain’s striking asymmetrical shape and exposed rock outcrops near the summit give it a popular hiking and climbing destination. The hike is strenuous, but it’s worth it for the fantastic views at the top.

You can go camping and stay overnight at Yonah Mountain on a first-come, first serve basis. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who is new to backpacking.

9) Columbus, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 107 miles – 1 hour, 30 minutes

Best time to visit: summertime for white water rafting

Although white water rafting is a popular activity in nearby Columbus, many other attractions and activities in the city make it a desirable trip destination this summer.

10) Blood Mountain

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 85 miles – 1 hour, 40 minutes

Best time to visit: Spring or fall so you can see the beautiful foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Blood Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Georgia, with an elevation of 2,784 feet. The hike can be challenging as it’s a relatively steep ascent to the summit. Stunning views from atop Blood Mountain make it one of North Georgia’s most popular day hikes.

view of some building in downtown Helen, Georgia

11) Helen, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 93 miles – 1 hour, 40 minutes

Best time to visit: Summer for the outdoor activities and early fall for Oktoberfest!

Helen is a mountain town in Northeast Georgia known for its tubing down the Chattahoochee River in the warmer months. Georgians and other tourists flock to Helen in September and October for their famous Oktoberfest activities.

12) Brasstown Bald, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 99 miles – 2 hours

Best time to visit: Spring or fall so you can take in the beautiful views and enjoy the cooler weather

Brasstown Bald, located in Georgia, is a popular destination for road trips because of the 360-degree views it offers of the Chattahoochee National Forest. On a clear day, you can see four different states!

13) Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 118 miles – 2 hours

Best time to visit: any time of year

Chattanooga wasn’t such a popular tourist destination, but the city’s beautiful backdrop and developed downtown have made it a great choice to add to travelers’ bucket lists. Some of the best things to do include walking along the Tennessee Riverwalk and visiting the Tennessee Aquarium.

14) Lookout Mountain

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 122 miles – 2 hours

Best time to visit: any time of year

If you’re anywhere near Lookout Mountain, it’s worth your time to visit! The mountain ridge is located in three states, making for a fantastic view. Most of the mountain is located in northwest Georgia, while the rest is in Alabama and Tennessee.

Lookout Mountain is just up the road from Chattanooga, but there is so much to do here that it’s worth another trip! Rocky City Gardens and Ruby Falls are two of the most popular destinations. There are several hiking trails on the mountain for outdoor enthusiasts too.

15) Birmingham, Alabama

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 147 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of year

The Red Mountain Park is located in the Appalachian mountains and features many outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking trails, a long zip line, and plenty of things to do for tourists. Make sure to clean your shoes after visiting the park, since the red iron oxide can get everywhere!

16) Lake Chatuge

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 111 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes

Best time to visit: May through September so you can enjoy all the summer activities around the lake

Lake Chatuge is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Hiawassee, Georgia. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating. The surrounding mountains are beautiful and offer scenic views. Take a drive up to Bell Mountain and see the lake down below and miles and miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains!

17) Providence Canyon State Park

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 148 miles – 2 hours, 15 minutes

Best time to visit: Spring or fall is best so you can avoid the heat and humidity

Did you know that Georgia has its own Little Grand Canyon? Located in Lumpkin, Providence Canyon State Park is a must-see destination in the state.

This large expanse of a deep rocky canyon, plus wildflowers and vegetation, looks incredibly cool and out of place in Georgia, which is mostly farmland caused by poor farming practices from the 1800s.

18) Cherokee, North Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 161 miles – 2 hours, 45 minutes

Best time to visit: Summer or fall so you can enjoy the outdoor activities

Cherokee is a low-key option if you want access to the Smoky Mountains National Park and avoid all the tourism in Gatlinburg. There are a few waterfalls around Cherokee that you can hike to and some scenic overlooks. Clingman’s Dome is a short drive away and has 360-degree views of the mountains. Downtown Cherokee also has some interesting shops and restaurants worth checking out. In the summertime, you can go tubing or kayaking along the Oconaluftee River.

19) Asheville, North Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 197 miles – 3 hours, 20 minutes

Best time to visit: Fall is amazing before the leaves fall or you can go in the winter and see the Christmas decorations at The Biltmore

Asheville is a quaint town that’s nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville. It’s home to some of the best craft breweries. You can also drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway because it’s located right outside town!

The main sight in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. The mansion with landscaped gardens was built in 1889 by the Vanderbilt family. It has over 250 rooms and can be a pricey day out for a family, but discounts are available for children.

Related: Top 10 Breathtaking Overlooks in the Blue Ridge Mountains

20) Bryson City, North Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 164 miles – 2 hours, 45 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of year

Bryson City, North Carolina is a small town that sits on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Tuckasegee River is popular for white-water rafting and has many Class III rapids. If you enjoy craft beers, then head to Nantahala Brewing Company and Mountain Layers Brewing Company.

21) Greenville, South Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 197 miles – 3 hours, 30 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of year

There are a lot of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in this town in South Carolina.

Looking for some fun and excitement in your life? Main Street is the place to go! There are coffee shops, rooftop dining options, swanky hotels, and so much more on this street.

Reedy Ride is a great way to explore the city while you ride your bike! You can enjoy the weather and work up an appetite while you bike through the town.

22) Savannah, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 248 miles – 3 hours, 40 minutes

Best time to visit: Spring, fall, or winter so you can avoid the humidity

Savannah is the oldest city in the state, and its historic district is packed with history, beautiful architecture, and Southern charm. The best way to explore this district is on a ghost tour!

23) Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 196 miles – 4 hours

Best time to visit: Visit in the fall before the leaves fall (late October to early November) or in the spring after the trees and flowers bloom again

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the eastern United States. It’s one of the most popular national parks in the country, and for a good reason! The park features some of the most beautiful scenery in all of America, and there are plenty of things to do while you’re there.

If you stay in Gatlinburg, you can easily access some of the park’s best attractions. You can easily walk or bike to popular spots like Elkmont and Fontana Lake. Or, if you’d rather drive, then take I-40 east to Knoxville and take I-75 south. Either way, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!

24) Tybee Island

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 265 miles – 4 hours

Best time to visit: May through September so you can enjoy swimming at the beach

Sand, sea, and salty breezes have a certain charm. Tybee Island is an enjoyable destination with history, fresh local cuisine, and outdoor adventures. There are five miles of public beaches, so you have the opportunity to find a low-key place on the beach to hang out and relax.

The south-end pier and pavilion of the island provide a great spot to take in a picturesque view or reel in the day’s catch.

25) Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 281 miles – 4 hours, 10 minutes

Best time to visit: May through September

The island is located near the southern coast of South Carolina and has a population of approximately 36,000. The town of Hilton Head Island is located at the heart of the island and is noted for its shopping, dining, and nightlife.

You can find everything you need in the town, but if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, you can head to one of the beaches on either side of the island or explore some of the local attractions.

You may see dolphins in the ocean and be aware of alligators in fresh waters!

26) Brunswick, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 307 miles – 4 hours, 30 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of year

Brunswick is a seaside town on the southeast coast of Georgia known for its beautifully restored and maintained Victorian-era Old Town Historic District, as well as the massive centuries-old Lover’s Oak tree. There are many things to enjoy in Brunswick, from festivals to mouth-watering seafood. Be sure to check out the driftwood beach on Jekyll Island.

27) St. Simons Island

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 316 miles – 4 hours, 45 minutes

Best time to visit: any time of year

St. Simons Island is one of the most beautiful barrier islands on the Golden Isles, and it has plenty of beaches, marshes for swimming, and some great golf courses. In the summer, one of the best things to do is golf on St. Simons Island!

28) Nashville, Tennessee

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 250 miles – 4 hours

Best time to visit: any time of year

Nashville is known as the Music City and has a thriving live music industry. Some of the most excellent musicians of the 20th century have called Nashville home, and its music scene continues to be popular today.

The city’s famous venues include Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, and The Country Music Hall of Fame. Plenty of small live music venues scattered around town are perfect for catching a show if you’re on a short road trip.

And if you’re looking for some fun out in the city, it’s time to head to Broadway. Lower Broadway is an incredibly popular tourist destination that includes tons of retail shops, restaurants, dessert spots, and tourist attractions. There are so many rooftop bars and other places to enjoy live music and adult beverages.

And while you’re here, be sure to try the famous Nashville hot chicken–but only if your tastebuds can handle the heat!

29) Charleston, South Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 305 miles – 4 hours, 40 minutes

Best time to visit: spring and fall so you can avoid some of the humidity

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the original thirteen colonies with a fascinating historical backdrop. It’s where the Civil War started and has a lot of clout.

The picturesque streets of Charleston date back to the 17th century, when the city was founded and named after King Charles II of England. Many of the city’s buildings are from this period, including one called the Pink House, which is thought to have been built between 1694 and 1712.

30) Cumberland Island, Georgia

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 343 miles – 5 hours

Best time to visit: December, January, or February if you want to avoid the crowds and the bugs!

Cumberland Island is a barrier island located in the southeast corner of the state. It offers visitors a wide range of activities, including bird watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and swimming. You can camp overnight on the island or stay at the Grayfield Inn.

31) Boone, North Carolina

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 288 miles – 5 hours

Best time to visit: spring or fall

Boone is a charming little town situated in the Appalachian Mountains. The downtown area is full of antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds with their unique flavors. If you’re looking for a place to hike or mountain bike, Boone has plenty of trails available.

In addition to all the outdoor activities that Boone offers, the town also has a historical district where you can explore some of the oldest homes in Watauga County. If you’re looking for a sort of Asheville vibe but with more of a connection to small town mountain roots, Boone might just be the perfect place for you.

32) Amelia Island, Florida

Distance from downtown Atlanta: 356 miles – 5 hours, 20 minutes

Best time to visit: spring or summer

There’s nothing like the tranquility of a beach that is largely unoccupied. Amelia Island has all the open spaces you could hope for, and it’s perfect if you want to get away from it all. Amelia Island is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a luxurious stay and an incredible variety of bed and breakfasts! There are also plenty of wonderful restaurants that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many short road trips from Atlanta that explore Georgia’s beautiful countryside and stunning scenery. As you can, there is plenty to do so it’s no surprise that many Atlantans make short road trips a regular part of their lives.

Whatever your interests may be, countless roads in Georgia will offer breathtaking views on your journey to your final destination. This is your sign to pack your luggage and go on your next road trip!

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