The 16 Best Weekend Getaways From Atlanta

From captivating coastal enclaves to sprawling golfing motels to rustic rural hideaways, Atlanta is completely located for get right of entry to to a plethora of a laugh kinfolk journeys and romantic getaways. Make your nice get away from town to 1 the highest weekend getaways from Atlanta.

Situated about 85 miles east of Atlanta, this leisure haven is best possible for the ones in search of a weekend travel with masses of outside actions. Whilst in Lake Oconee, revel in fishing, tenting, golfing, mountaineering and water sports activities. Guests respect the scenic good looks and serene surroundings of this rural gem, which gives year-round kinfolk a laugh. The reservoir itself boasts just about 375 miles of lush coastline, covered with lakefront houses, marinas, eating places and geologic options – like the preferred Leaping Rock, available handiest by way of boat. Landlubbers can hit the paths on the Rock Hawk Effigy & Trails middle to hike, mountain motorbike and watch flora and fauna.

With ease situated 70 miles north of town, this expansive game space in Georgia makes for a very simple weekend getaway within the nice outdoor. The park’s 800-plus acres harbor the tallest waterfall within the area and a lot of mountaineering trails for all talent ranges, together with a connector to the reputable Southern place to begin for the famend Appalachian Path. The method to the falls is difficult however profitable, in line with guests who respect the trek for its shocking surroundings. Supervised actions like a zipper line, archery classes and reside flora and fauna displays be offering further family-friendly leisure and journey.

Refuel on the park’s mountaintop eating place, in style for its Sunday brunch and floor-to-ceiling home windows overlooking the wooded area. On-site lodging vary from glamping and tenting websites within the wooded area to resort-style resort rooms and cabins – which function stunning perspectives in each and every path, in line with vacationers. The park is offered year-round, and previous guests point out that they loved the enjoy with fewer crowds all through the wintry weather months.

This sprawling 3,000-acre assets nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains was once as soon as the nation-state property of probably the most South’s first cotton barons, whole with chic structure and pristine landscaping. Guests say the herbal good looks and regal environment of Barnsley Lodge create a quiet serenity that briefly erases any stress constructed up from the hustle and bustle of town lifestyles. Situated about 65 miles from Atlanta, the grounds function driving stables, a golfing path, a 10-acre lake for game and a recreation taking pictures facility. Different facilities – starting from an on-site spa and seasonal outside pool to curated stories like bourbon tastings and fireplace s’mores – supply the whole thing you wish to have for a well-rounded romantic respite or ladies getaway.

In spite of the array of adventurous actions, a leisurely walk throughout the lodge’s 10 acres of heirloom gardens is a should. The property gardens, designed within the 1840s, are featured at the Georgia Lawn Path, a selection of 26 public landscapes with local blooms and historical importance. The close by the city of Adairsville is at the Nationwide Sign in of Ancient Puts, offering a captivating spot to spend a day of antiquing. It additionally gives further eating choices, which some visitors felt had been missing on-site.

With its two golfing lessons, a full-service spa, expansive botanical gardens, mini-golf and personal lakes that includes a 1-mile white sand seaside, a weekend getaway to this 2,500-acre lodge is a one-stop store for a laugh and rest. Situated about an 80-mile force from Atlanta, Callaway Lodge & Gardens boasts many actions and facilities which can be available to non-lodging visitors for a day by day admission rate, offering leisure for guests to the close by the city of Pine Mountain, too.

Seasonal surprises and particular occasions – together with colourful azalea blooms within the spring, foliage within the fall, seaside get right of entry to in the summertime and an award-winning vacation mild show within the wintry weather – stay vacationers returning time and time once more. Nature enthusiasts will in finding enjoyment of a community of trails; the Discovery Heart, with flora and fauna shows and reside presentations; and a conservatory with some 1,000 free-flying butterflies, which many guests declare as their favourite function. Along with Aqua Island, the lodge’s floating water park, children of every age love the problem of conquering 3 aerial journey lessons constituted of a selection of zip strains, ladders, bridges and different a laugh hindrances (further charges observe).

Simply over 100 miles from Atlanta, this secluded, family-friendly mountain resort sits within the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, noticed with the manicured vegetables of an on-site golfing path. Vacationers are enchanted with the pretty surroundings, whole with hardwood forests and flowing streams, which can also be explored on a hike or horseback path trip across the 503-acre assets. Equestrian lovers will really feel proper at house at this full-service north Georgia lodge, with its stables, guided path rides, driving courses, and custom designed stories like catered picnic outings and hayrides. In a while, soak away any soreness with a refreshing dip within the indoor-outdoor swimming pool or a go to to the spa ahead of heading to dinner at probably the most two on-site eating places. Situated on sacred Cherokee flooring, Brasstown Valley Lodge gives spa services and products that incorporate historical Indigenous therapeutic practices.

The surrounding space boasts further eating places and sights comparable to Crane Creek Vineyards for wine tasting or Lake Chatuge for fishing and boating, which the lodge concierge can help make preparations to go to. Whilst other people adore the country fireplaces right through the resort for surroundings a pleasing scene to loosen up with a e book or glass of wine, some vacationers say the visitor rooms really feel out of date.

This midsize mountain the city about 120 miles from Atlanta is referred to as the “Scenic Town” for its location at the banks of the Tennessee River on the base of Lookout Mountain – a wonderful herbal space that may be explored with an exhilarating trip at the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, a Ancient Mechanical Engineering Landmark. Then, plunge beneath the height to find Ruby Falls, the rustic’s tallest and inner most underground waterfall. Guests advise that even though tickets and reservations are required for every of those top-rated actions, each stories are price the price of admission. For a extra laid-back trek, you’ll be able to take a walk around the Walnut Boulevard Bridge – probably the most longest footbridges on the earth – at sundown.

Chattanooga is a brilliant position for multigenerational households to holiday in combination due to an array of historical and cultural sights that pique the hobby of every age. Forestall by way of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and Tennessee Aquarium, which citizens and vacationers alike respect for its spectacular selection of greater than 9,000 residing creatures organized in considerate shows. All of those sights are simply available from The Westin Chattanooga, an upscale lodge situated downtown whose rooftop eating place serves up an excellent view.

Guests gush in regards to the scenic trails, waterfalls and flora and fauna that abound on this herbal treasure, and Atlanta citizens can enjoy it interested by themselves all through an extended weekend. The front to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park situated in Cherokee, North Carolina, is ready 165 miles from Atlanta. The greater than 522,000-acre park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and hosts greater than 11 million guests every yr – probably the most of any U.S. nationwide park. A force north alongside Newfound Hole Street, the park’s major thoroughfare, covers about 30 miles, however it would be best to permit no less than two hours to prevent on the a large number of scenic overlooks and landmarks, comparable to Clingmans Dome, the best possible top within the park, and Mingus Mill, a historical gristmill that provides reside demonstrations.

If time permits, hit the paths for a better view of the park, together with its many notable waterfalls. Situated close to Sugarlands Customer Heart, the preferred Laurel Falls Path is ready 2.5 miles around travel with a reasonable incline, resulting in a picturesque 80-foot cascade. There are not any accommodations or eating places situated throughout the park (save for a couple of snack pieces discovered on the customer facilities), however a plethora of retail outlets, eating and lodging choices can also be discovered within the lodge the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, situated close to the northern park front. The Margaritaville Lodge Gatlinburg is top-rated by way of vacationers for its just right price, environment and facilities.

Hop within the automobile and cruise north about 200 miles to this colourful the city within the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains for a romantic North Carolina getaway or kinfolk travel. You’ll be able to revel in get right of entry to to outside game, farm-to-table delicacies and the enduring Biltmore Property: an 8,000-acre assets with a chateau museum, eating place and vineyard. The historical landmark is top-rated by way of vacationers for its structure and gardens, particularly all through the vacations, however some visitors warn that admission is an expensive affair. Immerse your self with an in a single day keep at probably the most on-site accommodations, the place you’ll be able to get the royal remedy with particular actions like wine tastings and a falconry enjoy.

In downtown Asheville, observe the Asheville City Path to paintings your manner via one of the crucial town’s different notable spots, from public paintings and indie bookstores to historical constructions and markers, with a plethora of eating places, retail outlets and parks to discover alongside the just about 2-mile course. Vacationers too can get out into nature on probably the most space’s height hikes. Make sure you quit at a brewery to pattern the native suds, too, as town is referred to as the beer capital of the Southeast and has greater than 100 craft beers to provide.

This midsize school the city is brim-full of trails, occasions, sights, eating places and historical past to find – together with various loose issues to do – for a a laugh weekend travel in South Carolina’s state capital. You’ll be able to in finding this town a 215-mile force from Atlanta. Get started with a walk across the just lately revitalized downtown district: Points of interest vary from the Columbia Museum of Artwork, recognized for its thematically arranged galleries, to the Soda Town Marketplace, a weekly roundup of regional eateries and artisans adored by way of each vacationers and citizens alike for its captivating surroundings and number of distributors. Stay your eyes peeled for public paintings tucked into in a different way nondescript nooks and crannies, together with the zany “Tunnelvision” mural by way of Columbia-born artist Blue Sky.

Subsequent, head to the Congaree riverfront; you’ll be able to go with the flow or paddle the muddy waters, or just look forward to birds and benefit from the lush surroundings from the shore. Alongside the Saluda River sits the Riverbanks Zoo & Lawn, which properties a nature path covered with Civil Conflict-era landmarks along with greater than 2,000 animals. Finish your day at Terra eating place, a farm-to-table eatery the place diners can revel in trendy dishes and conventional Southern flavors crafted by way of a James Beard Award-winning chef – comparable to a pimento cheeseburger pizza.

Situated simply off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, close to the South Carolina state border, Tybee Island is heralded for its stunning seashores and water sports activities like kayaking and fishing. It sits about 265 miles from Atlanta. The laid-back island could also be recognized for its selection of beach eateries: Forestall by way of the North Seashore Bar & Grill on the base of the Tybee Island Lighthouse or dinner party on the Crab Shack. You’ll refuel on the latter with the Snow Nation Boil platter, the outpost’s distinctive twist at the conventional Southern seafood dish piled excessive with shrimp, potatoes, corn at the cob and snow crab legs. Despite the fact that this in style eating spot and previous fishing camp overlooking Chimney Creek can really feel a little bit touristy, vacationers say it is no less than price a quit to try the on-site alligator lagoon.

The top-rated Tybee Island Inn is described as captivating and serene by way of visitors who come again over and over again for the bed-and-breakfast’s handy location close to the seaside.

Situated round 280 miles from Atlanta, this world-class coastal vacation spot is definitely worth the force for its golfing lessons, pristine seashores and waterfront eating, maximum of which can also be loved year-round due to its heat local weather. Whilst on Hilton Head, indulging in Lowcountry delicacies is a should; revel in seafood boils, fried okra and grits with perspectives over the water at eating places just like the Cranium Creek Boathouse. To be told much more in regards to the Lowcountry area’s heritage, head to the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is loose to go into and lauded by way of buyers as a hidden gem.

The island is house to 2 dozen stunning championship golfing lessons and continuously hosts PGA excursion occasions that draw in spectators from around the globe. The swanky Sea Pines Lodge showcases Southern hospitality at its best, and its Harbour The town location supplies various leisure of its personal.

This cluster of barrier islands on Georgia’s Atlantic coast – referred to as the Golden Isles for its cream-colored sand – supplies paradise for the ones in search of to flee the warmth and hustle of town for a couple of days. The space is in style for its iconic marshland surroundings, laid-back way of life and acclaimed golfing lessons, however every of the islands has distinct choices. Get started with a quit by way of the historical mainland town of Brunswick – about 305 miles from Atlanta – to poke round its Colonial squares and landmarks ahead of heading to the coast.

The biggest of the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island, is house to Pier Village, a old fashioned district with retail outlets, eating places and an iconic lighthouse, the place guests say the panoramic perspectives from the highest are nicely definitely worth the climb. Heading north, the unique lodge neighborhood of Sea Island boasts a personal seaside membership, championship golfing lessons, horseback driving, and a lot of eating and accommodations choices, together with the the world over acclaimed Cloister at Sea Island lodge.

For final privateness and serenity, hop on a ferry on the Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island for get right of entry to to the northernmost outpost: Little St. Simons Island. Right here you’ll be able to partake in a naturalist-guided excursion of its 11,000 acres of undeveloped seashores, maritime forests and wetlands teeming with flora and fauna, together with 300-plus species of birds. Or, e book a cottage at The Resort on Little St. Simons Island. This all-inclusive lodge filled with Southern allure incorporates simply 32 other people in step with evening – supreme for a romantic weekend getaway or a small kinfolk reunion.

Visitors should pay a parking rate to achieve get right of entry to to Jekyll Island, the southernmost island of the Golden Isle chain. As soon as lined with sprawling Civil Conflict-era plantations, the island is now a haven for nature enthusiasts with trails for mountaineering, cycling and bird-watching. Its pristine seashores are recognized for his or her atypical shelling. Vacationers say the far flung Driftwood Seashore, situated at the north finish of the island, is a must-visit enchantment for iconic pictures of the sandy strip’s twisted log formations and shocking sunsets.

Jekyll Island could also be house to the Georgia Sea Turtle Heart, a cutting-edge rehabilitation and analysis facility. Sea turtles are the unofficial mascot of the world, and guests will in finding turtle-themed occasions and actions deliberate right through the yr, together with the Turtle Move slowly races and Turtleween festivities. Half of one mile from the turtle middle sits the Jekyll Island Membership Lodge, a historical enclave at the banks of the East River with a lot of accommodations choices, applauded by way of visitors for its stunning grounds and Southern allure.

Power immediately east of Atlanta and you can succeed in Myrtle Seashore in about 360 miles. This seaside lodge is superb for households with children, as an array of entertaining sights will stay them busy. Take a look at the oceanfront Circle of relatives Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, mini-golf lessons and Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Seashore, the place guests of every age in finding enjoyment of distinctive shows like a shark tunnel, penguin pool and stingray contact tank.

The seaside itself is 60 miles lengthy and covered with accommodations and high-rise condo constructions for simple get right of entry to to sand and surf for sunbathing, water sports activities and break of day (or sundown) strolls. Its crown jewel is the Myrtle Seashore Boardwalk, a scenic prom whole with a 200-foot Ferris wheel: The Myrtle Seashore SkyWheel, that includes a state of the art design and enclosed gondolas for as much as six other people, was once the primary of its type within the nation. If sand traps quite than sandcastles are extra your genre, Myrtle Seashore additionally boasts greater than 80 golfing lessons, lots of that are PGA-rated and celebrity-designed.

Nashville is comfortably handiest about an hourlong flight away. Historically referred to as the “Nation Song Capital of the International,” this glitzy Southern town has transform a well-liked vacation spot. There’s so a lot more to peer than the Grand Ole Opry (even though this famend landmark continues to be to not be overlooked). Visitors of the Fairlane Resort revel in a central location from which to discover the expansive town.

The absolute best option to see up to imaginable all through a handy guide a rough weekend travel to Nashville is to buy tickets for the Previous The town Trolley: a hop-on, hop-off excursion that shuttles vacationers to greater than a dozen in style sights across the town. Stops come with the Ryman Auditorium, a well-known live performance venue and unique house of the Opry, and the Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-size reproduction of the Greek unique that properties a selection of paintings. After the trolley excursion, you’ll be able to quench your thirst at Nelson’s Inexperienced Brier Distillery, a historical watering hollow whose fascinating excursion and engaging whisky samples guests rave about.

Atlantans can board a lower than two-hour flight for a tropical weekend getaway to Key West, referred to as the southernmost town within the continental U.S. for its location about 90 miles north of Cuba. The the city boasts crystal-clear sea and picturesque seashores in addition to quite a lot of annual gala’s and occasions. The wild Delusion Fest round Halloween is one draw to Key West; there is additionally the Hemingway Days Competition, a birthday celebration of the well-known writer whose historical house is now an area museum. The Ernest Hemingway House and Museum is likely one of the town’s height sights for its witty and informative excursion guides.

Looking at the sundown is every other in style passion in Key West: The town’s Fortress Zachary Taylor Ancient State Park, a former Civil Conflict castle, is likely one of the absolute best viewing spots round. Vacationers additionally counsel heading to Mallory Sq. for its nightly sundown birthday celebration that includes boulevard performers, meals vans and ocean perspectives. As soon as the solar is going down, Duval Boulevard comes alive with a mile of energetic open-air bars and eating places the place guests can sip rum cocktails and dance till the solar comes up once more. Get better within the colour of a palm tree on Smathers Seashore, a serene swath of sand simply steps clear of the hip Margaritaville Seashore Space Key West.