Atlanta is incredible, but sometimes you just need a little break from the city buzz.
The good news?
There are tons of places near Atlanta that you can reach in just a few hours for an easy day trip.
You’ll find epic waterfalls, mountain views, charming towns with rich history, great food, and a few nearby surprises you may not have known about.
Keep reading to discover some of the best quick day trips from Atlanta that’ll have you saying, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
1. Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga sits right along the Tennessee River in southeastern Tennessee, roughly 118 miles or about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta (if traffic’s kind).
You’ll zip up I-75 North, cross into Tennessee, and land in the city famous for the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, and the song “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”
Be sure to visit Rock City (located on the Georgia side) to see its wild rock formations and take in the views from Lover’s Leap, where you can see seven states on a clear day.
Plus, you have to see the 145-foot Ruby Falls, the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall in the US that’s open to the public.
2. Helen, GA
Next up is Helen, Georgia, a tiny mountain town that feels like a piece of Bavaria in the middle of the North Georgia mountains.
Located around 90 miles northeast of Atlanta, it takes around 1.5 hours to get there by cruising up GA-400, then following GA-115 to GA-75.
You can go tubing down the Chattahoochee River (seriously, it’s a blast!) and hike to Anna Ruby Falls, where twin waterfalls drop 153 and 50 feet.
After that, munch on a giant soft pretzel and bratwurst like you’re in Germany.
In October, Helen throws one of the longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S., with beer, dancing, and enough lederhosen to make your head spin.
3. Tallulah Gorge State Park, GA
For a full dose of nature, Tallulah Gorge State Park is the place to go.
It’s about 100 miles northeast of Atlanta, so you’re looking at a 1.5-hour to 2-hour drive depending on the route you take.
The highlight here is Tallulah Gorge, a 1,000-foot-deep canyon with suspension bridges, rim trails, and the intense Hurricane Falls Trail with 1,099 steps.
You’ll need a permit if you want to hike down into the gorge floor, and they’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
The permits are free, but they go fast, so it’s worth getting there early if you want close-up views of Bridal Veil Falls and Sliding Rock.
4. Providence Canyon State Park, GA
If you’re looking for something unexpected in Georgia, head to Providence Canyon State Park, nicknamed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.”
It’s around 148 miles southwest of Atlanta, which means about a 2.5-hour to 3-hour drive.
The canyon walls, carved up to 150 feet deep, show off crazy layers of pink, orange, red, and purple soil (it’s like a giant painted them!).
You can hike the 2.5-mile White Blaze Canyon Loop Trail to explore the floor, see nine mini-canyons up close, and snap photos that’ll make your friends think you left the state.
5. Athens, GA
Switching it up, Athens combines college town charm with lots of energy and music history.
It’s around 73 miles east of Atlanta, and takes around 80 to 90 minutes to drive there.
Athens is known for the University of Georgia and for launching bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s.
Downtown, you’ll find cool record stores, quirky shops, and iconic music venues like the 40 Watt Club.
Make time for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s 313 acres of flowers and trails, then stop for a burger at Baddies Burger House.
6. Savannah, GA
Now, if you’re in the mood for some Southern beauty and history, Savannah is where you want to be.
Savannah was established in 1733, making it the oldest city in Georgia, so it’s no surprise that it’s full of historical and charming buildings.
It’s around 250 miles southeast of Atlanta, so prepare for a 3.5 to 4-hour drive (you’re going to want to wake up early for this day trip).
Here, you’ll stroll under giant oak trees draped in Spanish moss, wander through 22 historic squares, and see Forsyth Park’s picture-perfect fountain that was built way back in 1858.
You can also hop on a ghost tour, grab pralines on River Street, and even watch massive ships sail along the Savannah River.
7. Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA
When it comes to epic views and waterfalls, Cloudland Canyon State Park delivers.
It’s around 120 miles northwest of Atlanta, so you’ll get there in just over 2 hours if you go via I-75.
The park’s showstopper is the 2.0-mile round-trip Waterfalls Trail, where roughly 600 steps take you down to see Cherokee and Hemlock Falls plunging into the canyon.
Just be prepared that you still have to take the 600 steps up on the way back!
There are also tons of rim trails with overlooks that make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world (fall season makes it even better with the colorful foliage!).
8. Macon, GA
After all that nature, Macon brings you right back into the heart of Georgia’s music and history scene.
Located about 84 miles south of Atlanta, you’ll cruise down I-75 and be there in about 1.5 hours.
Macon has ancient earth mounds at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, and the Big House Museum, where the Allman Brothers Band once lived.
You’ll also find the Tubman Museum, which houses one of the country’s largest African American art collections.
In March, the whole city goes pink with over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees blooming during the International Cherry Blossom Festival, earning it the title of “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”!
9. Blue Ridge, GA
Ready for some mountain air and a cozy small town with charming scenic railways?
Blue Ridge is the place to be.
It’s about 100 miles north of Atlanta, and the drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
You can ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River, browse downtown’s art galleries and shops, or hike parts of the nearby Appalachian Trail.
Don’t skip Mercier Orchards, where you can pick apples, sip hard cider, and snag fresh fried pies that’ll make the whole drive 100% worth it.
10. Cheaha State Park, AL
If you’re up for a quick trip across state lines, Cheaha State Park in Alabama gives you beautiful mountain scenery without going too far.
It’s roughly 91 miles west of Atlanta, so you’ll be there in about 1.5 hours by taking I-20 into Alabama.
This is where you’ll find Alabama’s highest point at 2,407 feet, plus crazy views from Bald Rock Boardwalk and Pulpit Rock Trail’s stunning overlooks.
If you’re up for more adventure, bring your mountain bike or go rock climbing, then chill out with a picnic while soaking in those endless ridgeline views.
11. Dahlonega, GA
To wrap things up with some incredible history, Dahlonega has you covered.
Located 65 miles north of Atlanta, you’ll get there in under 1.5 hours by taking GA-400 straight up.
This is the region where America’s first major gold rush began in 1828, and you can still pan for gold at Crisson Gold Mine or learn the history at the Dahlonega Gold Museum.
The town square is lined with cute shops, nearby wineries like Wolf Mountain Vineyards offer scenic tastings, and in fall, the mountains light up with color.
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