Atlanta has many social and business attractions making it a city that never runs out of events. However, the idea of having a different weekend break can also be quite tempting and a perfect detachment from the busy town life. This place provides the serenity and peacefulness of the countryside or the colorful biodiversity of historic small towns. These unique and beautiful interiors adjacent to Atlanta promise to offer the most unforgettable experience. Here are the 15 best weekend getaways from Atlanta.
Top Weekend Getaways from Atlanta
1. Tallulah Gorge State Park
A few miles away north of Atlanta, it is a must-visit destination for tourists, especially for lovers of adventure and beautiful sceneries. Tourists interested in IA might go for a rim drive to view the general scenery of the park or take a strenuous trail down into the gorge knee. The suspension bridge offers excellent vantage points in the park together with other recreational activities such as rock climbing, taking kayaks, and even taking food and snacks for a picnic.
2. Savannah
Sitting about four hours’ drive southeast of Atlanta Savannah is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Georgia. Stroll at the beautiful Forsyth Park, go for a tour at Bonaventure Cemetery, and shop and dine at River Street. Antennas include art galleries, museums, and even historic homes of the savannah that are available for a visit.
3. Jekyll Island
Crooked still sits in the chain of the Golden Isles of Georgia and is one of the most picturesque and undoubtedly the most mysterious places in the state. The island contains beautiful sand shorelines, a maritime forest, and the Driftwood Beach where the natural effects of erosion have left trees washed ashore. Visit the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District to acquaint yourself with the history of the island. Rent bikes and go for a bike ride, go birdwatching.
4. Blue Ridge
Situated in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge is within a ninety-minute drive from Atlanta and presents an attractive option to enjoy scenic beauty and fun activities. Blue Ridge has a downtown area with numerous art galleries, antique stores, and café, thus it is a picturesque town located close to nature.
5. Providence Canyon State Park
Famous as the ”Little Grand Canyon”, the Providence Canyon State Park is situated in Georgetown, GA, approximately 155 miles away from Atlanta. The main attractions of the park are the canyons and brightly painted soil which makes the hiking and taking photo session there very interesting. It is a beautiful park that many people would not think to visit which makes it a pleasant change of pace for nature enthusiasts.
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6. Macon
Macon is roughly 1.5 hours south of Atlanta and has a strong musical history as well as beautiful antebellum homes. Stop by The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House, the Tubman African American Museum, and the Hay House. Some of these parks are Amerson River Park, and they are perfect venues for organizing picnics and taking long walks.
7. Callaway Gardens
A two-hour drive from Atlanta, Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain is a true wonder of the flora world. The gardens consist of large areas with annual plants and flowers, a butterfly house, and many trails for walking and bicycling. Have a wonderful time with nature by witnessing the splendid azaleas in springtime, seeing the colorful foliage of summer, the beauty of autumn, or the Christmas brilliant lights at Callaway.
8. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is a lively city situated in the southern part of Tennessee, approximately two hours north of Georgia’s largest city, Atlanta, and situated along the Tennessee River. Tourist attractions in the city include the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum as well as the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Sports lovers will also enjoy the Lookout Mountain where they can go trekking and rock climbing as well as the beautiful view at Rock City Gardens.
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9. Augusta
Located some two and a half hours from Atlanta, Augusta has especially earned its fame through the Master’s Golf Tournament. Other than the golf experience in Augusta, there are so many other things that one can enjoy; adventurous activities like the Augusta Museum of History, Morris Museum of Art, and the historic Augusta Canal among others. Sightsee by taking a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk and check for very interesting views on the Savannah River, or take a guided boat tour to learn more about Savannah and its attractions.
10. Helen
This traditional architecture village located in North Georgia is approximately two hours drive from Atlanta, Georgia, and is the best place to have a vacation with a little Bavarian flavor. Helen’s architecture is alpine to depict a festive ambiance throughout the year in stores and eating places. Guests can go tubing on the Chattahoochee River; hiking in Unicoi State Park, and sightseeing at Anna Ruby Falls.
11. Athens
A college town where the University of Georgia is located, Athens is an hour and a half drive from Atlanta. The music scene in this city came up with groups such as R.E.M and the B-52s, and a majority of places have live music. Go to the Georgia Museum of Art, State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and Georgia Theatre which is one of the historical places in Georgia. They point out that fans of different kinds of shops, cafes, and restaurants which can be found in the downtown of Athens will be satisfied.
12. Dahlonega
Historically famous for the Georgian gold rush of the early 1830s the town of Dahlonega is a scenic town in the North Georgia mountains approximately sixty miles north of Atlanta. Gold museums, shops, and eateries have sprung up in the square which is part of the town’s heritage. Dahlonega also serves as a starting point for the Georgia wine trail, there are several wineries with tasting rooms. There are activities like hiking, canoeing/ kayaking, and the natural scenery and the Chattahoochee National Forest, among others.
13. St. Simons Island
St. Simons is one of Georgia’s Golden Isles which is an hour’s drive from Atlanta but a very tranquil island. Facilities for tourists include sandy beaches, and the island has historical landmarks such as the old St. Simons Lighthouse, and there is a decent village with stores and eating places. Hiking is also possible; you can bike around the island or rent a kayak to paddle through the marshes; Also in the vicinity, you can check out the Fort Frederica National Monument. This island has beautiful scenery and a relaxed environment – it is the perfect place for a vacation.
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14. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park is situated in the north-western part of Georgia, approximately two hours away from Atlanta It provides some of the scenic views in the whole of Georgia. It has steep-sided valleys, cliffs, and waterfalls which make it suitable for hiking, camping, and picnicking activities. Trails vary from low-key strolls to rugged treks, while some of them have viewpoints and downing waterfalls. It is a park that visitors who love nature and photography will love to visit.
Read Also: Romantic Getaways in Southern California
15. Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina
Approximately four hours drive from Atlanta, Hunting Island State Park is one of the best barrier islands to visit. Five miles of untouched coastlines, a historic lighthouse, and extensive maritime forests are the attractions in this park. Activities include natural trails for hiking and biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Greater attention is paid to the main concept of the park – the natural landscape that should give people a break from crowded cities.
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Conclusion
These all places have their charisma and things to do so that you will not be tired of searching for the best place to spend the weekend. No matter if the purpose of the trip is to hike, tour the historical locations, or find a place to calm down, the territories around the city of Atlanta are brimming with opportunities.
