Weekend Trips Near Atlanta

By: Allyson Mateja – Biostatistics

Even though there is so much to do in Atlanta, it can be good to get away for a long weekend and take a break from the Gracement! There are so many great destinations within driving distance of Atlanta. Here are a few of my favorites!

New Orleans

New Orleans is about a seven-hour drive from Atlanta, making it the perfect destination for a long weekend or spring break. Bourbon Street is very popular but be sure to also explore Frenchman Street and City Park, which has mini golf and beautiful botanical gardens. Another favorite activity from my visit was a swamp tour, where gators swam right next to our boat and we saw wild hogs in the bayou!

No visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Pat O’Brien’s on Bourbon Street for their famous hurricanes!

Alligators were right next to our boat on the swamp tour!

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The beaches of Alabama are about a five-and-a-half-hour drive away. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta.

Nashville

Nashville is only about four hours from Atlanta, making it a great spot for a weekend visit. The summer is a good time to visit, with various festivals happening during the season. I visited during the Tomato Art Festival, complete with art celebrating the tomato. In addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame, be sure to visit the Nashville Farmer’s Market and the Bicentennial State Park. When I visited, I came across a game of vintage baseball played using the rules of the 1860s.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is only about two hours away from Atlanta. There are many hikes in the area, including one with a lookout location where you can see seven different states. There is also Ruby Falls, un underground waterfall. There are cave tours and ziplining adventures here as well.

Charleston, SC

Charleston is a little over four hours away. It is a perfect place to enjoy the beach and just walk around to look at the beautiful, colorful houses. There are plenty of places to shop and historic homes and plantations to visit as well.

The Pineapple Fountain at Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston is known for its colorful waterfront houses.

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA has a huge St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year. It is also home to River Walk, a large shopping area, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the birthplace of the Girl Scout’s founder. Nearby to Savannah is Tybee Island, with beaches and camping.

Asheville, NC

I haven’t had a chance to visit Asheville yet myself, but I’ve only heard great things about it! Asheville, NC is the perfect destination for hiking and/or camping. There are also several breweries in the area that are a large tourist draw. Finally, if you enjoy historic homes, the Biltmore Mansion, America’s largest home, is in the area and is beautiful to tour.

North Georgia

North Georgia is only an hour or so away, meaning it could be a day trip. Waterfalls are the highlight of the region, with two of the more popular being Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge. But there are several that are lesser known, but still amazing to visit, such as Minnehaha Falls and Anna Ruby Falls. In addition, Helen, GA is a Bavarian town in the area with authentic German food and beer. The region also has several wineries that are worth a visit.