Despite all that Atlanta offers to its residents, a natural yearning for a change of scenery will inevitably creep in every now and then. Luckily, Atlanta’s location allows for a wide variety of day trips in Georgia for anyone who needs a quick break from the city.
Regardless of the time of year or your preferences in leisure activities, a fun day awaits within a short drive of Downtown Atlanta. To help you decide on your next adventure, we put together a list of some of our favorite spots within an hour and a half of the city.
Related: Weird Atlanta
Short Day Trips in Georgia
Lake Lanier
Approximate Drive Time: 1 Hour
Distance: 50 Miles
Looking for some outdoor fun by the water? With almost 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier remains the waterfront destination of choice for Atlantans. Boating, fishing, swimming, and jet skiing are all available on the lake, while land-lovers can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding, shopping, relaxing at the spa, or even golfing at the award-winning Lanier Island Legacy Golf Course.
Families will appreciate Lake Lanier’s offerings for visitors of all ages, and for anyone seeking a little more than just a day trip, you can spend the night at the Lanier Islands resort, where the amenities range from fine dining to a waterpark.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Approximate Drive Time: 1.25 Hours
Distance: 73 Miles
For a picturesque outdoor adventure, look no further than Amicalola Falls State Park, where hiking trails and scenic resting spots surround this 729 foot waterfall.
Climb the 175 stairs to the top, or opt to use the accessible road for a more leisurely ascent. Grab a reservation at Cascades, the restaurant located at the lodge, for a dining experience with breathtaking views.
Cartersville
Approximate Drive Time: 45 Minutes
Distance: 43 Miles
For museum enthusiasts, the short, 45-minute jaunt to Cartersville will be well worth the effort. Home to both the Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville presents the perfect destination for an educational day trip. As far as priorities, don’t miss the planetarium at the Tellus Museum.
Visitors can go hiking at Red Top Mountain State Park, or enjoy the many dining and shopping options downtown. Between the museums, hikes, and downtown leisure, it could take multiple day trips to take it all in. Determined tourists may opt to spend a night or two in town.
Lake Oconee
Approximate Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
Distance: 86 Miles
The peaceful Lake Oconee is the insider’s choice for a tranquil day trip quieter than the more frequented Lake Lanier. From waterfront activities like boating and jet skiing, to more leisurely fare like golfing and dining, Lake Oconee gives visitors everything they could want in a lake trip. This all comes with the bonus of a more peaceful experience, free from the chaos that accompanies droves of tourists.
If you have the time, pop over to nearby Greensboro. Its Historic Downtown offers shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Helen
Approximate Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
Distance: 87 Miles
For a truly transportive getaway, journey to the Bavarian-style town of Helen. Hiking, tubing, horseback riding, and even a mountain roller coaster await day trippers seeking outdoor fun. Visitors in search of a more laid-back trip will enjoy the many wineries, breweries, restaurants, and shops around town.
In October, the Oktoberfest festivities bring the town to life, but there is truly no bad time to enjoy Helen’s gabled rooftops and cobblestone streets.
Blue Ridge
Approximate Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
Distance: 93 Miles
Look no further than the town of Blue Ridge for a scenic escape. This quiet mountain town offers outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, but the star attraction is definitely the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which follows the Toccoa River all the way to Copperhill, Tennessee. During the winter, they operate a seasonal holiday train ride that delights riders of all ages.
Barnsley Resort and Spa
Approximate Drive Time: 1.25 Hours
Distance: 70 Miles
To experience an upscale adventure, visitors will not want to miss the Barnsley Resort and Spa. Take a ride on a bike or a horse. Relax on the golf course or in the luxury spa. Some visitors may even shoot to test their aim at the Beretta Shooting Grounds.
Barnsley also attracts pet lovers because this “Grand Southern Estate” is a famously pet-friendly resort. If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend retreat, opt for a room or cottage stay at the resort, where amenities include an evening bourbon ritual and complementary S’mores supplies.
Make Atlanta Your Homebase
With so many incredible getaways within reach of the city, Atlanta makes the perfect home base for anyone seeking city living without sacrificing the tranquility of a small-town experience. For help finding your perfect Atlanta home at places like Sora at Spring Quarter or Novel West Midtown, you can trust the apartment experts at AptAmigo. We take the stress out of finding your next apartment, at no cost to you!
Up Next: Finding Community in Atlanta
Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
