11 Amazing Weekend Trips from Atlanta, Georgia in 2025

Are you trying to determine the best weekend trips from Atlanta? You’ve come to the right place! As a lifelong Georgian, I’ve spent my entire life in the Atlanta area.

I’m excited to show you the best and most exciting weekend trips out of Atlanta. I’ll give you ideas by car and a handful that are a short flight away!

Atlanta, GA

As the heart of the South, Atlanta is a great home base from which to see more of this beautiful region. You can easily hop on one of the many highways and flee town for a short getaway in a few short hours.

I’m going to focus more on the easiest trips by car, but towards the end, I’ll include my favorite destinations to fly to since you can get almost anywhere in the US from Atlanta on a direct flight.

downtown Atlanta, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Highlights

If you are short on time and want a quick cheat sheet, here’s a short list to help you find the perfect destination.

Shortest Drive: Blue Ridge, Athens, Calloway Gardens, Lake Oconee
Luxurious: Highlands, Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee
Mountain Communities: Asheville, Highlands, Blue Ridge
Urban Areas: Chattanooga, Nashville
Unique & Trendy Communities: Athens, Greenville, Nashville
Outdoor Paradise: Calloway Gardens, Blue Ridge, Asheville
Slightly longer drive: 30A, Savannah, Charleston, Amelia Island
Short Flight away: Louisville, New Orleans, 30A, Wilmington

Best Weekend Getaways from Atlanta

Since you are looking for a weekend away, I will suggest locations within 4 hours or less from Atlanta. The city is so large, so one destination may be closer or further depending on what side of town you live on.

Here are some general tips-

Check traffic before you leave- rush hour is terrible in Atlanta
Try to leave early on Friday if possible
Consider the seasons when visiting- some towns like Asheville, Highlands, and Blue Ridge consider fall the busy season
Check for fun activities while in town
Avoid Athens if UGA is playing football (unless you want to attend the game)
It’s the South- wear Sunscreen!
pack snacks for the road trip

Truist Park, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Greenville, SC

Distance: 145 miles
Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

Greenville is one of my favorite destinations for a weekend trip. With a short drive and an adorable town, it is the perfect recipe for someone looking to escape.

The town offers excellent dining, local shops & breweries, and many outdoor activities, such as the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Falls Park on the Reedy. In the summer, you can catch a minor-league baseball game, too.

Falls Park on the Reedy, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Downtown Greenville is the highlight of the town. There are numerous hotels at various prices, all within walking distance of the main attractions. Within minutes, you can order fine dining or stroll near the scenic falls.

Lastly, Greenville is enjoyable in all seasons!

Highlands, NC

Distance: 130 miles
Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Highlands is a favorite mountain destination for many Atlantans. With a short drive north, you can relax in a quaint mountain town with upscale shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

The Old Edwards Inn is the town’s focal point and a popular luxury hotel. The rooms are charming, with excellent amenities such as a stunning pool and spa. Half Mile Farm is the sister property and a quiet retreat outside town.

For those who love the outdoors, there’s an abundance of hiking trails, golfing, and snow tubing outside of town in the winter months.

Asheville

Distance: 198 miles
Time: 3 hours, 25 minutes

Although a little further, especially if you are on the west or south side of town, Asheville is another excellent option. Don’t let the distance discourage you!

Asheville is the heart and soul of Western North Carolina. There’s something for everyone- Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, the arts, fine dining, local breweries and the Biltmore Estate. It is also a great weekend destination for families.

Biltmore Estate, photo credit: L. Green

It is a much larger city, so you’ll want to decide if you prefer being in the heart of town in a hotel or a little further outside in a rental (Asheville has strict laws for rentals). The Grove Park Inn is a historic hotel north of the city with stunning views and a fantastic spa.

Remember that neighborhoods in Asheville are still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, so plan around that. Don’t let that stop you from visiting- as they need the tourism. Just be mindful and restful. Shop at local stores and restaurants to help support the community.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN

Distance: 118 miles
Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Chattanooga is a terrific option north of Atlanta and across the TN state line. Sitting on the Tennessee River, Chattanooga highlights the region’s natural beauty and a lively atmosphere.

Some major attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, the pedestrian bridge, Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Over the last decade, Chattanooga has revitalized key city areas into dining, shopping, and local brewery hubs.

Blue Ridge

Distance: 93 miles
Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Blue Ridge is a bustling town with a lotta charm in North Georgia. This is the perfect destination if you want a short drive with scenic views.

Many Atlantans flock to Blue Ridge for a weekend in all seasons, especially in the fall. Guests enjoy fall foliage, scenic hikes, apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin patches.

Don’t be discouraged from visiting in the other seasons, as there are wineries nearby, tubing in the summer months, hiking, and a fun downtown area with shops and local restaurants.

Callaway Gardens

Distance: 81 miles
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Calloway Gardens is the perfect destination if you want a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort offers traditional hotel rooms and cottages!

With over 2500 acres, you can explore the natural beauty of the gardens, hike, bike, swim and relax. For the adventurous type, there’s a ropes course.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit and enjoy the spring blooms. However, they also offer a festive holiday light show during Christmas. Book early if you want to visit in a busy time.

While you are there, check out FDR’s presidential retreat, the Little White House, in Warm Springs. If traveling with kids, go visit Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain. Both destinations are close to Calloway.

Athens

Distance: 72 miles
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Athens, GA, Photo credit: R. Schwartz

Athens is one of my favorite places for a weekend. Besides being home to the fabulous University of Georgia, Athens is one of Georgia’s music hubs. Check the schedule for the Georgia Theatre to see who’s in town.

Browse the shops downtown, check out Terrapin or Creature Comforts Brewery, and explore the State Botanical Gardens. Don’t forget to walk around the North Campus of UGA, which is stunning! Athens is an awesome day trip from Atlanta!

Lastly, Athens has delicious restaurants such as Last Resort, Five and Ten, Mama’s Boy, and the National.

Pro tip: Avoid Athens on game days in the fall as the city will be packed and hotels booked! Check out UGA’s football schedule before you book.

Lake Oconee

Distance: 84 miles
Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

The Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee is another great weekend away for someone looking to relax. The resort offers everything- fine dining, a spa, golf, lake access, and a beautiful pool for guests.

If you’d rather book a house to save money and have more space, gorgeous neighborhoods surround the lake, and many houses have lake access. You can rent a home for a long weekend!

Savannah

Distance: 248 miles
Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Of all my recommendations, Savannah is one of the furthest, but don’t let that discourage you. If you live north of town, try leaving earlier on Friday, as the traffic south of Atlanta on I-75 can be atrocious.

Even with the possibility of traffic, Savannah is worth the trek. As the oldest city in the state, the city showcases beautiful historic homes, a scenic riverwalk, and cobblestone streets. You aren’t far from Tybee Island if you want a relaxing day at the beach.

It is a must-see destination!

Nashville

Distance: 250 miles
Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Nashville, photo credit: R. Schwartz

Looking for a fun and lively weekend? Head north to Nashville! Spend your days shopping and renting bikes to explore the city, and you can’t miss spending some time on Broadway. You can move from bar to bar, listening to live music all day! It is an experience you can’t miss.

Stay near downtown if you want to be close to the activity, although many love Opryland, which is a little further out. Don’t forget to check out their terrific brunch scene, too, such as Loveless Cafe, a staple in Nashville.

Columbus, GA

Distance: 107 miles
Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Columbus is a nice and easy getaway from the city. You can rent bikes to explore the city, visit the Columbus Botanical Gardens and Flat Rock Park, or go rafting!

As a side note, you could tie in a trip to Columbus with a stay in Calloway!

Longer Weekend Trips from Atlanta, Georgia

If you don’t mind a longer drive, there are some great 3-4 days destinations. These drives are longer than 4 hours, but I’m keeping my recommendations under 6 hours. Below are some of my favorite weekend trips from Atlanta!

Jekyll Island or Saint Simons
Charleston, SC
30A, FL
Amelia Island, FL
Blowing Rock, NC
Wilmington, NC
Louisville, KY

Atlanta’s airport offers direct flights to almost anywhere in the US. If you can manage it, consider booking a longer weekend trip and flying. Below are some awesome weekend getaways from Atlanta, Georgia, by plane.

New Orleans
Miami
Key West
Washington, DC
Austin
Chicago

In Conclusion: Amazing Weekend Trips from Atlanta, Georgia

I hope my guide to the most fantastic weekend trips from Atlanta, Georgia, helps you plan your next adventure.

Atlanta Resources
Spring Break in Atlanta
Day trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Fall in Atlanta, Georgia
Weekend Trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Weekend trips from Atlanta for families