17 Fabulous Day Trips from Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the home to the busiest airport in the world, as well as the intersection of several major highways, making it an easy vacation destination with plenty of popular attractions. Why not extend your stay and plan a road trip outside the city to truly experience all that Georgia has to offer? These are the best day trips from Atlanta that families are sure to love.
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17 Best Day Trips from Atlanta, Georgia
The city of Atlanta and north central Georgia are packed with the rich history and vibrant culture of the Deep South.
Starting from the nearest to the farthest, all the destinations on the list are less than 2 hours from the bright lights of Atlanta. Whether you want to explore historical sites or find some of the best things to do with young kids, you are sure to find it here!
1. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Just 30 minutes from Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a popular destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities.
For younger kids, there are easy, shaded trails, or try tubing or paddling down the river. Families might enjoy packing a picnic and relaxing by the water or mountain biking along the 7+ miles of multi-use trails.
2. Alpharetta, Georgia
There is so much to do in Alpharetta, a northern suburb of Atlanta located just 40 minutes north of downtown. You may even need more than one day!
You can explore by bike on the Big Creek Greenway. Or if you prefer motorized bikes, take a class at the MSF Dirt Bike School, no experience is necessary. With all that exercise, you’ve earned a special treat! I suggest stopping into Da Vinci’s, a great place for a maple bacon donut.
Alpharetta is also home to one of Georgia’s top private golf courses, The Golf Club of Georgia. For a more casual experience, Topgolf Alpharetta is a fun option for families!
3. Madison, Georgia
Madison, Georgia is best known for its historic homes from before the Civil War, and they’re fascinating to tour! But one of my favorite reasons to visit this charming town an hour east of Atlanta is to shop the many Georgia-grown products at Madison’s Farmview Market.
This foodie paradise has the only farm-to-table quick-service restaurant in Georgia. Stay a while and take one of the many classes offered at the Farmview Schoolhouse.
Also, find out where all that organic food comes from with a farm tour at nearby Rockhouse Creamery. Be sure to try the squeaky cheese curds!
4. McDonough, Georgia
You don’t have to go far from downtown Atlanta to explore the rural lifestyle. Drive 40 miles south for one of my favorite day trip destinations from Atlanta, the town of McDonough.
This is where you’ll find Southern Belle Farm. Opened seasonally, you can pick strawberries in the spring, flowers in the summer, and get the perfect pumpkin in the fall.
A short drive from Southern Belle is Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, home to more than 1500 animals that can no longer live in the wild. Between activities combine a fantastic lunch with a little country shopping at The French Market & Tavern.
5. LaGrange, Georgia
You’ll find LaGrange, Georgia about an hour southwest of Atlanta, making it a great day trip for families, especially if you’re craving a mix of history, outdoor fun, and hands-on experiences.
The town is home to a Great Wolf Lodge, a year-round family-friendly resort centered around a massive indoor water park with slides, pools, and tons of other activities. Come for the day or consider booking one of their themed rooms and make it a weekend trip!
For outdoor fun, families can explore West Point Lake for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
Hills & Dales Estate offers beautiful gardens and a peek into local history, and the Biblical History Center brings ancient civilizations to life with interactive exhibits.
6. Cartersville, Georgia
Cartersville, GA, is one of the best day trips from Atlanta Georgia, located just under an hour away.
In Cartersville, you can visit the Tellus Science Museum. It’s a perfect day trip with younger kids, with dinosaur fossils, hands-on exhibits, and a planetarium. Nearby at the Booth Western Art Museum, you can check out cowboy artifacts and Western-themed art.
If the weather’s nice, head to Red Top Mountain State Park for easy trails and lake views.
7. Gainesville, Georgia
Gainesville, GA, is a fantastic outdoor getaway for families, only an hour northeast of Atlanta. Located on the shores of Lake Lanier, it’s perfect for boating, fishing, and more curated experiences.
Looking for a fun day at a waterpark? There’s Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, a massive water park complete with a relaxing beach area.
Elachee Nature Science Center is great for nature lovers, offering kid-friendly trails, wildlife exhibits, and hands-on programs.
You can also soak in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Don Carter State Park, where you can hike, swim, and explore the lake.
8. Callaway Gardens – Pine Mountain, Georgia
Just under 90 minutes south of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a beautiful getaway for families who love nature and outdoor fun in a refined setting.
You can explore the gardens for scenic walking paths, biking trails, zip lines, and more. The whole family will love visiting the butterfly conservatory, where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter around tropical plants.
On warm days, there’s also Robin Lake Beach, a popular spot for swimming, playing in the sand, and trying water sports.
9. Milledgeville, Georgia
Due South of Atlanta is Milledgeville, the one-time state capital, and current home to Georgia College. This antebellum town has plenty of history to be found in the beautiful Historic District.
Start your tour at the Old Governor’s Mansion, which was occupied by General Sherman during his March to the Sea. Want more? Take a 2- to 3-hour historic tour aboard Millie, the local trolley.
10. Blue Ridge, Georgia
The north Georgia Mountains are a favorite day trip destination from Atlanta. Why not take your budding outdoorsman for a beginner fly-fishing class on Rock Creek through Orvis?
For a more heavy-metal experience, drive a tank at Tank Town USA! The Expedition BigFoot Museum is a must-do kitschy attraction in Blue Ridge. I mean, who doesn’t love Big Foot?
You can take seasonal rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. And don’t miss Huck’s General Store for old-fashioned barrels of candy before heading home.
Amicalola Falls State Park is the gateway to the Appalachian Trail and part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, making it a must-visit destination for hikers. The challenging Approach Trail leads to Springer Mountain, while shorter trails offer family-friendly hikes with waterfall views.
11. Athens, Georgia
For a day of museum fun, take a scenic drive an hour and a half north to Athens, Georgia, a lovely town filled with family-friendly attractions and home to the University of Georgia.
Explore the kid-friendly exhibits and workshops at the Georgia Museum of Art. Or wander through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which features beautiful walking trails, a children’s garden, and nature programs.
Athens also offers plenty of outdoor spaces made for families, including playgrounds and parks perfect for a picnic lunch.
12. Ellijay, Georgia
This small town north of Atlanta is the apple capital of Georgia with several U-pick orchards and a fabulous festival in early October.
Known for its local wines, Ellijay is also a fun girls’ weekend, with several wineries that have gorgeous mountain views. On cool winter days, the place to be is snuggled up in a chair next to the fire in Cartecay Vineyards Tasting Barn, a refurbished 1890s bar with original wood!
No matter what time of year you visit, don’t miss the old-fashioned downtown square.
Pop into Back Porch Bistro after shopping for a quick and delicious lunch. The food is good, but the real star of the show is the homemade apple cake. Enjoy a slice after your meal, then take a whole cake home for later!
13. Helen, Georgia
About an hour and a half northeast of Atlanta is Helen, GA, a charming Bavarian-style town that offers a unique experience.
During the summer tubing down the Chattahoochee River is the alpine village’s main attraction.
Visitors come to stroll down Main Street for great shopping and scenic views of the surrounding mountains year-round. Make sure to pick up German treats while you admire the pretty buildings!
14. Macon, Georgia
Drive an easy 90 minutes south from ATL to Macon for a day full of genuine Deep South culture.
For history buffs, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is a must-see attraction. Here you’ll learn about Native American history and tour earth lodges that date back over 1000 years!
The Tubman Museum offers engaging exhibits on African American art and culture, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is a fun stop for sports fans.
Round out your trip with a stroll downtown (especially along Cherry Street) for delicious Southern food of all kinds, street art, shopping, music, and more.
15. Blairsville, Georgia
A hidden gem in the North Georgia Mountains (right under 2 hours north of Atlanta), Blairsville offers family-friendly hikes at Vogel State Park, boat rentals on Lake Nottely, and seasonal festivals.
Helton Creek Falls is my favorite family-friendly waterfall located inside Vogel State Park. The Falls are a short walk from the parking lot and there is a flat sandy surface for young kids to play.
When you get hungry, you can stop for country cooking and try something a little different. Nani’s Restaurant is a fusion Cuban and Puerto Rican restaurant with a Spanish twist. Olé!
Or end your day in Blairsville at Crane Creek Vineyards, located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its beautiful vineyards that produce award-winning wines. The family-friendly Farmhouse at the vineyard offers wine tasting and snacks with stunning views of the Appalachian foothills.
16. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Just two hours north of Atlanta, Chattanooga is a beautiful city with plenty of family-friendly attractions and a great music scene.
In the downtown area, you have both the Tennessee Aquarium and the Creative Discovery Museum. For an unforgettable experience, you can ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for stunning views.
Did you know that Chattanooga is also a top rock-climbing destination? Stone Fort (Little Rock City) offers world-class outdoor bouldering for all ages. Or head downtown to High Point Climbing and Fitness, an indoor gym with kid-friendly climbs!
17. Providence Canyon State Park – Lumpkin, Georgia
Often called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, Providence Canyon is a unique state park about 2 hours southwest of Atlanta.
Come here for stunning views of deep, colorful canyons and easy rim trails with breathtaking overlooks. Or venture down into the canyon for an up-close look at the orange, pink, and red rock formations.
The park is great for a half-day adventure, with picnic areas and plenty of spots for kids to explore.
While you’re planning your top day trips from Atlanta, Georgia, don’t overlook all the amazing Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids!
About the author: This article was originally written by Sue Rodman, the Managing Editor & Business Development for 365 Atlanta Traveler. She is a mother of 3 boys, a PR professional, a writer, and an ice cream lover. It has since been edited by Elizabeth Ramos.