Hitting the Road: the Best Day Trips from Atlanta

Atlanta is an incredible city filled with world-class entertainment, exceptional restaurants and an unbelievable variety of attractions. However, visitors and locals alike looking to get out of the city and explore the beautiful surrounding area are in luck.

Day trips out of Atlanta can allow you to see some of the country’s most stunning historic sites, wander through miles of magnificent forest trails and grab a bite of mouthwatering southern classics beloved for generations.

Take a look at these AAA-recommended travel ideas to see everything these remarkable areas have to offer and plan the best day trip from Atlanta.

Savannah, 3.5 Hour Drive from Atlanta

While Savannah may be a bit farther than other recommendations on this list, there can be no doubt that the drive is well worth it for travelers looking for true southern charm. The city streets are lined with picturesque Georgian and Colonial-style architecture, all veiled under Spanish Moss hanging from the trees.

Savannah is a city rich in history, making it an ideal destination for travelers hoping to dive right into the past. There are several local tours and historical sites to visit, including the AAA Approved Ghosts and Gravestones Tour of Savannah, one of the most popular night tours in one of the country’s most haunted cities.

The American Prohibition Museum is another great opportunity to learn about this country’s incredible history. One of the only museums dedicated to the Prohibition Period, visitors can enjoy wandering through 1918 city streets while learning all there is to know about this interesting and controversial period.

Finish your visit to this unbelievable southern city by stopping by any of the numerous world-class eateries serving both beloved classics and innovative dishes, taking local cuisine to the next level.

Lake Lanier, 1 Hour Drive from Atlanta

If you’re looking to spend the day out on the water, there’s no better place than Lake Lanier. Just an hour outside of Atlanta, this unbelievable reservoir is a nature lover’s wonderland. To reduce flooding from the Chattahoochee River, this beautiful man-made lake was originally built in 1956 and is now home to over 700 miles of stunning shoreline, exquisite natural landscape and innumerable fun-filled activities for guests to enjoy.

There are 45 different parks surrounding the lake for visitors to explore, including Don Carter State Park as well as several winding trails throughout Sawnee Mountain. However, the most popular activities for guests in the area take advantage of the lake itself. Boating, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing and swimming are all understandable local favorites.

Blue Ridge, 1.5 Hour Drive from Atlanta

Luxurious mountain cabins, magnificent waterfalls and exquisite scenery as far as the eye can see are just a few reasons why Blue Ridge has become one of Georgia’s most beloved destinations. Just a short 90-mile drive north of Atlanta, this one-of-a-kind destination is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

Filled with 300 miles of picturesque hiking trails and over 100 miles of trout streams, this unique area is perfect for a fun-filled family getaway or a romantic weekend for two. Widely considered one of the best mountain towns in the region, Blue Ridge is not only brimming with exciting outdoor activities but also welcoming and charming communities filled with delightful boutiques, unbelievable galleries showcasing local artists, highly-rated restaurants and captivating craft breweries serving imaginative seasonal beers as well as year-round staples.

The area hosts numerous events and celebrations throughout the year, so make sure you know exactly what’s happening in town during your expected visit.

Helen, 1.5 Hour Drive from Atlanta

Looking to visit The Alps without having to worry about international travel? Then you’ll definitely want to stop by the Alpine town of Helen. Offering all the charm and beauty of a bustling Bavarian village, this incredible destination is just an hour and a half outside Atlanta. It's filled with unique attractions, delectable German-inspired cuisine and quirky shops lining the stunning cobblestone streets.

Helen is also home to an array of wineries and breweries, taking advantage of Alpine traditions while simultaneously creating new and innovative approaches to the craft.

The area also offers several exciting outdoor adventures including numerous hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, horseback riding, river tubing, ziplining and more.

Birmingham, 2-Hour Drive from Atlanta

While also a larger city, in fact, one of the largest in Alabama, Birmingham offers an entirely different view than Atlanta and is certainly worth exploring. Filled with exquisite art galleries, local theaters and an array of entertainment venues, Birmingham has become a cultural mecca for the South. Bringing together the past and the future in a unique and captivating way, this exceptional city draws visitors in from around the region.

There are several opportunities to take advantage of while visiting here. The Birmingham Zoo is an absolute must-see attraction. With over 500 animals and 230 different species, you will be amazed by this impressive destination.

If you’re looking for a day filled with thrills, the Zombie Scavengers Survival Hunt is for you. This unique interactive game will have you exploring the city with your goal of surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Chattanooga, 2 Hour Drive from Atlanta

Tucked in between the mountains of Tennessee and just a short two-hour drive from Atlanta, lies one of the South’s top destinations. Chattanooga is home to breathtaking historic sites, unbelievable scenic landscapes and numerous cultural activities that have helped make this one of the most beloved cities in the U.S.

Hiking, biking and climbing are just a few of the wonderful outdoor activities to get your heart racing. White water rafting down the Tennessee River is sure to thrill even the most avid adventurer. However, the city is also home to several parks if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at a slower pace.

Chattanooga takes great pride in its vibrant past, showcasing several pristine historic sites and world-class museums highlighting its rich history.

Atlanta and the surrounding areas are filled with unique adventures and unbelievable opportunities for visitors and locals alike. Between jaw-dropping picturesque views and elite cultural events all within three hours of Atlanta, there are so many ways to build the best day trips imaginable.

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