If you’re dreaming of beaches, sunshine, and a road trip packed with fun stops along the way, this Atlanta (Georgia) to Destin (Florida) road trip is for you.
You’ll see charming small towns with big charm, places you’ve probably never heard of, and a few surprises that’ll make you want to pull over and explore.
1. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta marks the start of our route, setting the stage for everything to come.
Stop by Ponce City Market for some great food options to take with you or enjoy a quick meal before the drive.
It’s a lively city with lots to do and full of history, so you definitely won’t be stuck for things to do in Atlanta.
But if you’re unsure, then you can check out these ideas.
2. Senoia, GA
Roughly 50 minutes from Atlanta, Senoia welcomes you with small-town charm and big TV fame.
If some parts of the town feel straight out of a post-apocalyptic show, it’s because The Walking Dead was filmed right here.
Even so, the downtown area is warm and welcoming, lined with brick buildings, cozy cafes like Senoia Coffee & Café, and quirky shops that invite you to slow down.
3. Columbus, GA
Next up is Columbus, a surprisingly underrated city sitting along the Chattahoochee River near the Alabama border.
It’s home to the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world, and you can actually raft Class IV rapids right through downtown.
If you prefer to stay dry, check out the 22-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk, the National Infantry Museum, or grab lunch at the Banks Food Hall inside a restored cotton warehouse.
4. Providence Canyon State Park, GA
About 50 minutes from Columbus, you’ll find Providence Canyon State Park, often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.”
The vibrant gullies here plunge as deep as 150 feet, with layers of pink, orange, red, and purple that look almost hand-painted.
To see those colors up close, take the super doable 2.5-mile White-Blaze Canyon loop trail that leads right down to the canyon floor, but just be ready to get a little muddy.
5. Eufaula, AL
Cross the state line into Alabama and you’ll arrive in Eufaula, a lakeside town that feels like a step back in time.
It’s known for Lake Eufaula, a massive 46,000-acre lake that’s great for bass fishing, boating, and epic sunset views.
Beyond that, you can wander North Eufaula Avenue to see rows of grand, old mansions and pop into Superior Pecans for a sweet treat or a caffeine fix.
6. Blue Springs State Park, AL
Up next is Blue Springs State Park, a perfect place to cool off in the Alabama heat.
Its natural spring-fed pool stays a refreshing 68 degrees year-round and is open for swimming.
The park is small, chill, and family-friendly, with shaded picnic tables and even a campground if you want to stay overnight.
7. DeFuniak Springs, FL
As you roll into Florida, make your first stop in DeFuniak Springs, a town famous for its rare lake and adorable historic district.
At the center of it all is Lake DeFuniak, one of only two almost perfectly round circular spring-fed lakes in the world (the other is also in the state!).
You can explore it up close by following the paved path that loops around its shoreline.
The town itself is also rich in history, with 172 historic buildings, including the Walton-DeFuniak Library, which has been welcoming readers since 1887.
8. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, FL
From there, it’s off to the coast and straight into nature at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
This spot is well-known for its giant white sand dunes (some over 25 feet tall!) and rare coastal dune lakes you can paddle or fish in.
The park also offers 3.2 miles of quiet beach and several hiking trails, including the Campbell Lake Trail that leads through pine forests and pretty lake views.
9. Destin, FL
At last, you’ve reached Destin, Florida, where the white sand feels like powdered sugar and squeaks beneath your steps.
Set along the Emerald Coast, this beach town offers stunningly clear and green water, plus plenty of things to see and do.
You can hop on a dolphin cruise, eat your weight in fresh seafood, or hit up Crab Island (a sandbar party spot that’s only reachable by boat).
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