If you live in a big city like Atlanta, you might want a break once in a while. Luckily, there are plenty of great weekend getaways from Atlanta.
Just because Atlanta is a popular tourist city doesn’t mean everyone wants to spend all their time there. Sometimes, it can be fun to visit somewhere else for a weekend, especially if it’s somewhere more peaceful.
So, if you’re hoping to have some weekend getaways from Atlanta, then here are nine great locations to consider.
#1 – Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the oldest town in Georgia, and it’s about a four-hour drive from Atlanta. Unlike the busy streets of the state’s capital, Savannah is a peaceful town with lots of history. It has a historic district with lots of old buildings, Forsyth park with gorgeous nature sights, and monuments that you won’t want to miss. Some popular activities include riding in a carriage, kayaking, riding on the historical bus tour, or taking an eerie ghost tour. It’s a charming town that’ll give you the perfect amount of history and relaxing sights.
#2 – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Luckily, Atlanta is close to many cities outside of Georgia too. Chattanooga is a popular weekend getaway that’s only two hours away from the big Georgia city. It’s known for its lovely parks with waterfalls, museums, and an aquarium. It might not be as big as Nashville or Memphis, but it’s a charming area of Tennessee that you need to visit at least once. The area is full of fun outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, canoeing, and fishing. Luckily, many big attractions are within walking distance of each other too.
#3 – Augusta, Georgia
Not to be confused with the capital of Maine, Augusta in Georgia is one of the popular weekend getaways from Atlanta. It’s almost two and a half hours away, and it’s the second oldest city in Georgia after Savannah. It’s most known for its famous Augusta National Golf Course. But if you’re not a fan of golfing, there’s no need to fear! It has many other perks, including historical tours, mountain bike trails, and paddle boarding rentals. Plus, there are lots of great dining options, shops, and art galleries to check out too. So, many visitors love to dedicate some time to exploring the area.
#4 – Blue Ridge, Georgia
Blue Ridge is an area filled with mountains in northern Georgia. It’s almost three hours from Atlanta, but it’s certainly worth the drive. It’s a great outdoor location for adventurous visitors. It has plenty of areas for hiking, biking, and camping. However, you don’t have to be searching for adventure to stay at Blue Ridge. It also has a nice downtown area, full of shops, dining, and other local businesses. It has an artistic community and a relaxing vibe, so it’s the perfect place to get away from the busy streets of the big city.
#5 – St. Simons Island, Georgia
What better place to vacation than to a peaceful island? St. Simons Island is one of the many islands at the Georgia Golden Isles. It’s just under five hours away, or a short plane ride if you’re not looking to drive. St. Simons is considered a romantic getaway, and it’s most known for its historic lighthouse that was built in 1872. Some activities on the island include golf, kayaking, fishing, and hanging out on the beach. St. Simons is a privately owned island, meaning only a certain number of people can visit at a time, making it extra peaceful. Yet, if you’re looking for a different island that’s more geared toward families, the nearby Jekyll Island is another popular choice.
#6 – Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the oldest and second largest city in South Carolina. Like St. Simons Island, it’s just under five hours from Atlanta. It has a southern charm that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. It has cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historical buildings. To make it even more exciting, it has plenty of special dining options, including rooftop bars and delicious seafood restaurants. There’s a wide range of activities to check out in this city, including tours, museums, and national parks. There’s something for everyone in Charleston.
#7 – Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is just over two hours from Atlanta. It’s the largest city in Alabama, and it’s a unique experience from other big cities. It’s a much slower pace from Atlanta, with lots of historical attractions like museums and landmarks. It also has many nature trails for guests to explore, including the Vulcan Trail, which has beautiful views of the city’s skyline. Some other popular attractions include botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Of course, this city is also full of dining options, including popular bars and grills.
#8 – Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina has something for everyone to enjoy. And luckily, it’s only about three and a half hours away from Atlanta. Asheville is one of the best weekend getaways from Atlanta because it has a great arts community and lots of beautiful sights. It’s even known as one of the best cities for dogs because it has lots of outdoor spaces to visit. You’ll want to spend plenty of time exploring because there are lots of fun murals and breathtaking landscapes to spot. It’s also a popular city for breweries, so you can plan to take several tours and taste lots of drinks too.
#9 – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head, South Carolina is just over four hours away. It sits along the coast, making it a great option in the summer. You can hang out by the beach, where you might see creatures like starfish, sand dollars, and sea turtles. You can also partake in other outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, golfing, or kayaking. Since it’s so close to the water, it’s known for its delicious seafood restaurants. It also has some of the most luxurious resorts with the best views. If you love spending time outside, Hilton Head might be the destination for you.
Atlanta is full of exciting attractions, but not everyone wants that 24/7. So, if you’re interested in weekend getaways from Atlanta, don’t be ashamed. No matter how much you love your home city, it’s nice to have a change of scenery now and then. So, consider visiting one of the above cities, even if it’s only for a weekend.
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