Atlanta is a bustling city with many adventures and beautiful natural landscapes. Its neighboring areas promise a diverse variety of experiences. You can enjoy wine tasting, enchanting beaches, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking. Here are the top weekend getaways from Atlanta to explore and have fun.
Top Weekend Getaways from Atlanta
1. Chattanooga
Visit the huge Tennessee Aquarium, home to lots of marine life including jellyfish, otters, penguins, seahorses, sharks, whales, octopuses, and many more. Take a ghost tour and have spooky fun. Take an elevator ride down Ruby Falls, the deepest underground waterfall. If you are an art buff, you will love the displays in the Hunter Museum of Art and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. The most exciting adrenaline-rushing activity in Chattanooga is whitewater rafting in the Ocoee River. Have fun climbing, running, camping, hiking, and biking in this scenic city.
2. Georgia
It is just a few hours’ drive from Atlanta. Georgia’s cobblestone streets are filled with picturesque parks, live musicians, Victorian-style houses, and endless shops. Just walking on them is an interesting experience. Have a picnic in Forsyth Park, where you can admire the 150-year-old Forsyth Fountain, the green grassy setting, and the huge trees draped in moss. Go on a historic tour and learn about the history of the place dating back to 1733. Eat, drink, and shop on River Street. Explore the beauty of Tybee Island and its miles of beaches.
3. Tallulah Gorge
Hiking along the scenic trails with gorgeous views, cascading waterfalls, and green valleys is an incredible experience. Hike down the historic suspension bridge to see the stunning waterfalls. If you are an adventurous person go rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. If you want to relax, have a picnic in one of the picnic areas enjoying the scenery. The place is a haven for photography. Capture the tranquil colorful beauty of the place in your camera and in your eyes and heart.
4. Go to Greenville
It is a warm hospitable place that welcomes you with historical buildings, joyous festivals, fun-filled state parks, and buzzing downtown. Falls Park with a cascading waterfall is known for its exquisite beauty. Bike, stroll, and picnic in the park. There are numerous historic sites and museums to entertain history buffs. Walk across the suspension bridge, see a variety of amazing animals in the Greenville Zoo, enjoy wine tastings, explore walking trails, and have fun with your family at Childrten’s Museum.
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5. Blue Ridge
This charming town in Georgia has something or other for all. Take a ride on the historic Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Visit Merier Orchards where more than 50 apples are grown. It is fun to go for apple picking with your family here. With numerous vineyards, Blue Ridge is an ex excellent place for wine tasting. Sip the best wines viewing the mountains and greenery. Go for hiking, kayaking, tubing, biking, rafting, and horseback riding. Enjoy thrilling activities like ziplining.
6. Suches
Called “The Valley Above the Clouds”, Suches is known for its picturesque views and an array of outdoor fun. Try the Swinging Bridge that will drop you in into the canoe after swinging you high. Take a walk on one of the trails like the Appalachian Trail, Hike Blood Mountain Trail, or Lake Winfield Scott Trail. You will be delighted to see the towering trees and colorful wildflowers. Camp in one of the campsites, try your fishing luck, and go boating, swimming, and biking.
7. Columbus
It is one of the most popular spots in the country for outdoor lovers. With the longest whitewater course in the world and a long zipline across the river, Columbus is a mecca for outdoor activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater adventure gliding down the river. You can choose between the lazy river and the rapid river. Learn the history of infantry in the National Infantry Museum. Learn space science with your kids in the Coco-Cola Space Science Center.
8. Cloudland Canyon State Park
There are three popular trails in the park, including the Overlook Trail, Waterfalls Trail, and the West Rim Loop Trail. It is home to numerous campgrounds. Stay in one of the campsites which has grills, picnic tables, fire rings, and other facilities. Other activities in the state park include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golfing, and many more.
9. The Outerbanks
With expansive beaches and huge parks, the Outerbanks is an exotic destination for a weekend fun. It is a paradise for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. Put on your hiking shoes and check the hiking trails. With miles of beach, you have many paths, roads, and avenues for walking and biking. Visit the historic sites and museums to learn about the history of the region. Hop in a boat or grab your snorkels and paddleboard and have fun in the water.
10. Perdido Key
Perdido is a heaven on earth for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Take a stroll in the Perdido Key State Park, capture nature with your camera, and relax. Taste the most delicious chocolatey drink, Bushwacker, in Flora-Bama Lounge. Enjoy fresh seafood in one of the restaurants. There are a lot of water activities, including jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and boating for you to try. Go on a fishing charter and have an unforgettable fishing adventure.
11. Orange Beach
Rain or shine, Orange Beach has plenty to offer for everyone. On sunny days, you can go birdwatching, boating, fishing, helicopter riding, hiking, and biking. On rainy days, you can visit historical sites and art centers and play mini golf. Take a fun ride in the Wharf Express. Orange Beach Public Library is a must-visit place for book lovers. Visit Fort Morgan, an old fort built in the early 18th century.
12. Jekyll Island
With more than 10 miles of sandy beaches and four golf courses, Jekyll Island is a fantastic destination for a weekend vacation. Take a guided kayaking tour and watch the dolphins jump and play. Explore the island on foot or by bike. The island is home to the most diverse birds in the country, making it a famous spot for birdwatching. Jekyll Harbor Marina is an ideal place to relax and have fun with your family.
13. Augusta
The place is a blend of rich history, thrilling adventures, and vibrant art. The people are very friendly and polite. It is so heartwarming to see people wishing each other in the streets. The people are not only saving their culture but also the environment and the heritage. There are so many things to do including a visit to the lighthouse, underwater snorkeling, whale watching, walking, hiking, and boating.
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14. Charleston
Are you a foodie, an art lover, a history buff, a natural enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurist? Whatever you are, Charleston has lots of things to do for all. Do you want to have a relaxing weekend? It is also a perfect place to unwind your body and mind. Just relax with a drink on the sunny beach or have a picnic at Riley Waterfront Park. You have plenty of places to visit like the Boone Hall Gardens, Charleston Museum, Towne Landing, Middleton Place, and many more. Enjoy a carriage tour and culinary tour.
15. Great Smoky Mountains
With abundant wildlife, cascading waterfalls, strenuous climbs, and scenic drives, the Great Smoky Mountains is an ideal weekend getaway from Atlanta. Take the 6-mile-long Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see historic log cabins, spectacular mountains, grist mills, and diverse animals and birds. There are many more trails and each of them are unique and amazing.
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Concluding Word
Atlanta is an exciting place all round the year. There are several things you can do in and around Atlanta. Pack your bags and get ready to visit one of the best weekend getaways from Atlanta and create unforgettable memories. What are you waiting for?
