With a staggering half-million people, Atlanta is the most populous city in Georgia. No wonder it is filled with life, activities, and great accommodations, such as party hotels. It is quite a popular site for the filming of many television shows like The Vampire Diaries, Stranger Things, Dynasty, and The Walking Dead. It also hosts a number of festivals like Dragon Con, Shaky Knees Music Festival, and Virginia Highland Summerfest. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of city life are exactly why you need to take a break and go on a road trip. Fortunately, Atlanta is in proximity to a number of perfect weekend destinations and has many hotels with free parking so that you can bring your car for a convenient trip. So grab a bag and your essentials, and read about the best weekend getaways from Atlanta, Georgia.
1. Birmingham, Alabama
Nestled 146.9 mi (236.41 km), about a two-hour drive, away from Atlanta, Birmingham, Alabama, presents a charming medley of attractions for tourists to discover. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, the city is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a unique experience. One of the top attractions in the area is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles and race cars.
In addition, those who appreciate nature will discover a sense of peace and serenity amidst the picturesque surroundings of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Vulcan Park and Museum is another renowned landmark in Birmingham, boasting the world’s largest cast-iron statue and an engaging museum experience. Guests to the Birmingham Zoo can immerse themselves in various captivating exhibits and encounter a diverse array of intriguing creatures.
Historical Highlights of Birmingham
Duration: 150 to 180 minutes
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (from USD 99.0)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated at a distance of roughly 166.9 miles (268.60 kilometres), about a three-hour drive, from Atlanta, is a mesmerising natural marvel that captivates tourists with its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife. The landscape is truly awe-inspiring, with towering peaks, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and meandering streams that create a lovely scene.
Explore the natural beauty of the park by embarking on one of its numerous hiking trails that cross the area. Cades Cove presents a unique chance to delve into the past and discover the park’s vibrant cultural legacy through the exploration of its historic structures. Indeed, this place is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, as it provides a range of activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding, all amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Great Smoky Mountains: Small-Group Guided Hike
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
3. Savannah, Georgia (from USD 74.0)
Savannah is 248 miles (400 kilometres) from Atlanta, making it around a three-and-a-half-hour drive. It has a rich history—it used to be the province of Georgia during the colonial period and is the oldest city in the state. Spring (February to March) is a beautiful time to visit as the azaleas will be blooming. Savannah is well-known for hosting a spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade. Those who wish to don their running shoes can participate in any of the many marathons that take place here, including Critz Tybee Run, Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. All these make Savannah one of the best getaway destinations near Atlanta.
Savannah Land & Sea Combo: City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise
Duration: 5 hours
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4. Asheville, North Carolina (from USD 105.0)
Enjoy a weekend trip from Atlanta to Asheville, situated on land that used to be part of the Cherokee Nation. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta, which is 198 miles (318 kilometres) away. The city is famous for colourful and vibrant street performances. Hop on LaZoom - the big purple hop-on, hop-off bus tour that takes you to all the hot spots in town. There are numerous art galleries to spend your time in, or if you prefer the outdoors, check out the waterfalls over the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sliding Rock Natural Waterslide, Catawba Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour with Guide
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
5. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is a Creek Indian word that means “rock coming to a point.” It is about 118 miles (190 kilometres) from Atlanta, which is around two hours’ driving time. It has become a popular site for many films, documentaries, and TV shows and has been on the receiving end of a few accolades. This place has been rated as the third-best city in the United States by Lonely Planet and is one of the top 10 U.S. destinations to visit in 2018. There are plenty of things to do here, like explore Riverwalk—13 miles (21 km) of paved path that is dotted with things to do. Hunter Museum of American Art is the largest collection of art in the country. Do also check out Chattanooga Symphony & Opera at Tivoli Theatre and the markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
6. Greenville, South Carolina (from USD 95.0)
Greenville is the place to be! It’s only a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta—which is 145 miles (233 kilometres) away. Its Main Street is quite popular and busy and is the perfect spot for pictures. There are tons of breweries in and around town, and for this reason, a few brewery tours have been arranged that you can join to explore the various tastes of local beers. West Greenville is always a happening place—there are frequent pop-up shops, cute cafes, and bakeries for you to check out when in town. There are also markets held the first Friday every month that you simply have to visit when you can.
Greenville Craft Cocktail Tour
Duration: 2 hours
7. Tybee Island, Georgia (from USD 69.0)
Don’t let the name fool you. Tybee Island is a small beach town on the easternmost point of Georgia, one of the cheap weekend getaways from Atlanta. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Savannah but is a four-hour drive from Atlanta—or 265 miles (426 kilometres) away. Notably, this was the site where the air force accidentally dropped an atomic bomb in 1958. Fortunately, the bomb was not detonated. Presently, the city is a popular getaway for people who just want to lounge in beach chairs all day or take a dip in the pool.
Tybee Island Day Trip and Dolphin Cruise from Savannah
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
8. Orlando, Florida (from USD 189.42)
Who doesn’t know Orlando? It is the city of kids’ dreams—and for good reason! Orlando is home to so many theme parks like Universal Studios (where Harry Potter, Marvel’s superheroes, and other famous film characters come to life) and Disney World and Springs (where kids can become princes and princesses for the day). Other things to do while in town include a visit to ICON Orlando—a giant Ferris wheel that provides a bird’s-eye view of the city from 400 feet (120 metres). Orlando is a six-hour drive—or 440 miles (708 kilometres) away—but its attractions make the trip quite worth it.
Orlando: Universal Studios Park to Park Ticket
9. Destin, Florida (from USD 88.0)
Drive around five hours—or 333 miles (536 kilometres)—down to Destin for the most beautiful beaches in the country. This town calls itself the “world’s luckiest fishing village” for its white beaches and green waters, making it perfect for your weekend getaway near Atlanta. The Emerald Coast’s sand is finely ground quartz that resembles sugar and came from the Appalachian Mountains. The beaches are littered with watersports, so try your hand at scuba diving or snorkelling, or take part in watching the sea turtles nesting in June to October. Golfing is a popular recreational activity here, and you can take a trip to Kelly Plantation Golf Course or the newly constructed Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club to play.
ORIGINAL Destin Tikis 3hr Crab Island Sandbar Adventure
Duration: 3 hours
10. Charleston, South Carolina (from USD 80.0)
Welcome to the oldest and largest city in South Carolina! It is around 305 miles (490 kilometres) from Atlanta, which would be approximately a five-hour drive depending on traffic. You won’t find any shortage of things to do here. Be up close and personal with a few planes at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which features a few famous aircraft carriers. Magnolia Plantations and Gardens is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. It is also currently hosting a lantern festival that features stunningly beautiful Chinese art and lanterns that will be on display till March. Other activities include watersports like boating, swimming, or simply lounging by the beach.
Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (from USD 19.0)
Myrtle Beach is approximately 362 miles (582 kilometres) from Atlanta, making it a six-hour drive, but it is so worth it! The coastal city has 60 miles (96 kilometres) of coastline along which you can do any kind of watersport. Go fishing, boating, or try your hand at parasailing and soar above the miles of clean beach and pristine waters. The community is also home to a number of museums like Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a trampoline park, and a 5D moving theatre.
Skip the Line: Ripley's Believe it or Not Odditorium Museum Ticket
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
12. Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is only a two-hour drive—or 145 miles (233 kilometres)—from Atlanta. Visit Augusta Museum of History, a non-profit organization that has been working since 1937 and documents 12,000 years of local history. You can then check out the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, who was instrumental during the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is another must-visit. Lucy Craft Laney was a school principal who promoted education, especially amongst African American children when the political climate was just beginning to change.
Augusta, Georgia, United States
4.57 km (2.9 mi) from Riverview Park Activities CenterSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
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Enjoy traveling on the road!
Whether you’re looking to escape Atlanta or explore a new place, you’re sure to have your fill of fun. Check out any of these weekend destinations, and pick the ones that appeal to you—or you can make plans for all of them if you can! Invite some friends along so you can take turns driving.
Frequently asked questions about the best weekend getaways from Atlanta, Georgia
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