Where can you go for a fun Day Trip from Atlanta, GA? Many of us may take a day trip to Atlanta. But if you live in Atlanta, where can you go to get away for a fun day trip? Consider these Georgia day trip destinations, all within about a two-hour drive from downtown Atlanta.
Living in the Atlanta area gives you great options for a fun, family-friendly day trip to some great places. The interstate is easily accessible to take you to your destination and back home again. Let’s explore our great day-trip options, not to Atlanta but from Atlanta.
Having lived in Georgia most of my life, I love the Peach State. There is much to offer in all four corners of Georgia. If you are looking for outdoor adventure, exploring museums as a history or culture buff, searching for the best boutiques and shops to browse, or simply looking to explore a quaint small town, it is all in Georgia.
Although you can travel down a major interstate to get to most places, take the back roads when you can. The scenic route is relaxing as you drive past peach orchards, pecan orchards, and cotton fields.
Table of Contents
- 1: Visit Amicalola Falls State Park
- 2: Raft down the Chattooga River
- 3: Tour Rock City at Lookout Mountain
- 4: Visit Callaway Gardens
- 5: Stone Mountain Park
- 6. Visit Macon
- 7. Visit Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 8. Spend a day in Columbus
- 9. Helen
- 10. Blue Ridge
1: Visit Amicalola Falls State Park
Head northwest about 70 miles, and you’ll discover a hiking trail that you’ll not soon forget. Go to the visitor’s center first to get your bearings. Once you get a map of the trails, you can determine which hiking trail is best for you (some are longer than others). The best part of the entire experience is the cascading waterfall and the stunning mountain view. The most notable feature of the park is the 729-foot falls, the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
One of the trails leads to the southern end of the famous Appalachian Trail. These hikes are not for the faint of heart. You should be moderately fit to manage the many steps to climb and rugged terrain.
A trek to the waterfall isn’t the only thing to do at Amicalola Falls State Park. There is also:
- Zip lining
- Trout fishing
- Guided hikes
- GPS scavenger hunts
- 3-D archery
- Hatchet throwing
So pack a picnic and make a good day trip to Amicalola Falls State Park.
2: Raft down the Chattooga River
Are you an outdoor adventurer? Have you ever been whitewater rafting? It’s a thrill, even if you’re in the beginner group. There’s nothing like floating on rapids, working with the people in your raft, and taking in the crisp, fresh smell of the natural world around you.
If you’re an experienced whitewater junkie, you’ll find exactly what you need in the Section IV rapids group. The Chattooga River is about 2 hours northeast of Atlanta in Rabun County. A good place to start is in Clayton, Georgia, with an organization called Southeastern Expeditions. They provide a 6-hour rafting experience, including lunch. The movie “Deliverance” was filmed on the Chattooga River. In fact, Southeastern Expeditions began its business using equipment purchased from Warner Bros. after the filming was complete.
Clayton is known as the “farm-to-table” capital of Georgia. So, be sure to visit a local restaurant while you are there. Clayton Cafe sources local food when it is in season. There are lots of great local restaurants in Clayton.
You will drive by Talluauh gorge, one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. Let’s add it on as a side trip before you go rafting down the Chattooga.
See: The Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia
3: Tour Rock City at Lookout Mountain
Take a trip north to Lookout Mountain, GA, for the unique experience at one of the South’s most popular natural attractions. There are three experiences to enjoy at Lookout Mountain.
- You can see seven states on a clear day from the Lookout
- Tour Rock City
- Explore Ruby Falls
Take a walking tour of Rock City, where you will experience ancient and unique rock formations that you cross over, go around, and squeeze through on your journey. Along the way, there are lots of photo opportunities for your social media.
You will make your way to the site where you can see seven states on a clear day. Because I am afraid of heights, I never made it over to the telescope, but I could see just fine from the wall. It’s an amazing view. A perfect spot for social media shares.
Ruby Falls is a cave tour that culminates with an up-close look at a 145-foot waterfall.
You can buy a combo ticket for both Ruby Falls and Rock City to save a little on the admission price.
4: Visit Callaway Gardens
Located less than 2 hours south of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is a nature-lover’s paradise. It’s actually a resort, but many people visit just for the day. There are special events held throughout the year. You may like to time your visit with one of these events. My favorite event is Pumpkins at Callaway, a family-friendly, magical Fall event for children of all ages. It includes a walk-through path of lights and thousands of pumpkins.
- butterfly conservatory
- a horticultural garden
- Bike path, bike rental
- a man-made beach
- a Discovery center
- a chapel in the woods
- an old log cabin to explore
- Golf courses
The best way to get a glimpse of everything is to rent a bike and hop on the 10-mile bike path, which runs through some of the attractions mentioned above. Callaway Gardens is one of my favorite places to enjoy the bike trail. While the bike trail is always a beautiful ride, my favorite time to go is in the Fall.
What else?
If you’re a golf buff, there are several championship golf courses to choose from, too! And let’s not forget the various dining options available on the property. Believe me, once you see this peaceful gem in the woods, you won’t want to leave!
We are talking about Day trips, but just for your information, you can book a room at Callaway Gardens and stay longer.
5: Stone Mountain Park
Thirty minutes east of Atlanta is Stone Mountain Park. The “mountain” is actually the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. You can view the Atlanta skyline after you arrive a the top of the mountain. You have choices about how to get to the top. You can climb. I have done that. You can also choose to ride on a Swiss cable car.
Attractions at Stone Mountain Park
- Dinosaur Explore
- Mini Golf
- Historic Square: A Collection Of Georgia Homes and Antiques
- Scenic Railroad
- Geyser Splash Pad
- SkyHike®
- 4D Theater: The Lost World
- Shopping Boutiques
- Lots of Dining Options
Don’t forget to stay for the Lasershow Spectacular, the world’s longest-running lasershow. There are always special events at the park, so be sure to check the calendar on their website.
Stone Mountain is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
6. Visit Macon
The bustling city of Macon is about 80 miles south of Atlanta, down I-75. Macon is nicknamed, Music City because of famous musicians who came from here, like Little Richard, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band.
Music tours include: The Big House Museum, which was once home to the Allman Brothers, the Otis Redding Museum, Capricorn Sound Studios, and the Little Richard House. I recommend having either breakfast or lunch at H&H Restaurant downtown. The original owner, Mama Louise, was a friend to the Allman Brothers before they became famous. They frequented her restaurant as long as they lived and were in town. The decor is dedicated to the band and that era. The food is fabulous.
Things to do in Macon:
- Ocmulgee Mounds National Park; indigenous communities, including the mounds, with a view of the city
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- Amerson River Park at Ocmulgee River; Kayaking, canoeing
- Hay House Historic Home
- Cannon Ball House Historic Home
- Museum of Arts and Sciences
- Museum of Aviation (located in Warner Robins)
- Tubman African American Museum
- Lake Tobesofkee: boating, beaches, camping, picnicking, fishing, pickleball, cycling, biking, hiking, and disc golf
- Multiple golf courses
- Tattnall Pickleball Center
- Shopping: downtown boutiques, River Crossing Shopping Mall, Historic Ingleside Village, and Smiley’s Flea Market
- Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival
- Macon Christmas Lights Extravaganza, downtown
See: Best Things To See and Do in Macon, Ga.
See: Where The Locals Eat in Macon, Ga.
See: Macon, Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival Tips
7. Visit Chattanooga, Tennessee
The road trip from Atlanta to Chattanooga is just under two hours, making it a great day-trip destination. We spent the weekend in Chattanooga a while back and had a great time.
See my list of Four Fun things to do in Chattanooga. You can do them all in one day.
Did you know they have a zoo in Chattanooga?
8. Spend a day in Columbus
The city of Columbus is about 90 miles southwest of Atlanta. It borders the Alabama state line. Drive across the bridge over the Chattahoochee River, and you will be in Alabama. Fort Benning Army Base is located in Columbus.
Columbus is the second-largest city in Georgia, with plenty of reasons to make it your day-trip destination. From Atlanta, you can travel via I-85 south to 185 South. On a good day, this route will have you there in just about 90 minutes.
There is Outdoor adventure, such as the River Walk and White Water Rafting down the Chattahoochee, loads of nature to explore in places like the Botanical Garden. Museums include the National Civil War Naval Museum, the National Infantry Museum, the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and more. There are so many places to eat that you’ll have trouble deciding.
See: 21 Fun Things To Do in Columbus, Georgia
See: 13 Best Places To Eat in Columbus, Georgia
See: 5 Best Coffee Shops in Columbus, Georgia
9. Helen
The quaint Alpine town of Helen, Georgia, is one of my favorite tourist destinations in the Peach State. It feels like a little touch of Gatlinburg in Georgia.
While there are plenty of reasons to visit Helen any time of the year, I recommend going in the Fall. Helen is in the Georgia mountains, so the scenery is quite beautiful in the Fall. October brings Oktoberfest to Helen, so this Alpine village will be bustling with activities daily.
The only problem you will have with spending a day in Helen is that you won’t want to go home. I recommend that you decide which activities you plan to do before you go, especially when taking the kids.
To Do in Helen:
- Chattahoochee River water sports like rafting, floating on inner tubes
- Hiking on mountain trails
- Mountain Waterfalls
- Local wineries
- Wildlife & Safari Park with drive-through Safari and a petting zoo
- Native American Heritage
- Arts and culture
- Horseback riding
- Adventure activities like: Escape room, Arcade, Go-Karts, and more
- Pickleball
- Water Park
- Lake Chatuge Cruise
- Lavender farm
- Adventure Mini Golf
- Fishing
- Zip Line
- Spas
- and more
10. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge, Georgia, is only 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. Once you get there, you will feel like you are in another world. A quiet world away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.
This is another Georgia destination that I enjoy visiting in the Fall because of the gorgeous scenery created by God’s paintbrush.
If you only want to do one thing that will leave you with a memorable experience, ride the Scenic Blue Ridge Railway. Your journey begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. From there, you will enjoy a four-hour, 26-mile round-trip journey along the Toccoa River through the North Georgia countryside. Exit the train for a two-hour layover in the quaint small town of McCaysville. Explore the boutiques and shops. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants where train guests are treated with care.
Blue Ridge is also known for their many festivals throughout the year. There are not only arts and crafts, but live music is a mainstay in these Appalachian mountains.
More To Do:
- Hike on the Appalachian Trail
- Geocaching
- Tubing and rafting
- Apple picking
- Gem Mining
- Swan Drive-In Movie Theatre
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Biking
- Golf
- Zipline
- Waterfalls
A day trip should be no more than a two-hour drive one way. These day trip ideas from Atlanta all meet that criteria on a good day. Traffic is, of course, unpredictable.
