Quick Day Trips From Atlanta
There’s no denying that Atlanta City has an infinite list of fun and interesting things to do and see. Our city tours have become infamous for their coverage of everything to do in this bustling town but every once in a while we also need a break from the hustle. This is what makes Atlanta so perfect, with plenty of trips offering endless activities and sights just outside the city. We’ve compiled just five places of the many day trips that you could take outside of Atlanta, places that we would be happy to transport you and any size group you want to go with. So let’s get inspired!
Lake Lanier, GA – 1 Hour from Atlanta
Lake Lanier is the perfect day retreat, offering loads of activities both on and off the water. The man-made reservoir was built in 1956, boasting 692 miles of shoreline and 38,000 acres of water. This impressive space is made for a day of boating, paddle boarding, laying on the beachy shores, fishing, hiking, biking, ziplining, or literally any other outdoor activity that you want to sink your teeth into. If diving is your forte then expect the unexpected, as the lake can reach 156-feet deep and is often rumoured to be haunted, as a town and various cemeteries are believed to have been forgotten below. Lake Lanier is the center of both adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone!
Athens, GA – 1 Hour from Atlanta
Athens is a classic southern city, with traditional architecture and home to the University of Georgia but don’t be fooled by its historic charm. Underneath the laidback veil is a town with a booming music and arts scene. Some of Georgia’s best art is housed in the Georgia Museum of Art, which opened in 1948, and the Lyndon House Arts Center built in 1856, and the best part is – free entry! Athens is also the birthplace of R.E.M. and the B52’s, with an increasingly dynamic music scene today. The Georgia Theater is one of the most iconic music venues in the state, with arresting art-deco design thanks to its history as a YMCA then Methodist church then Masonic Temple until it was finally a live music hub. For the sport lovers, be sure to catch the Bulldog’s at any of their college games.
Chattanooga, TN – 1.5 Hours from Atlanta
Like Athens, Chattanooga is another sleepy town with plenty to see. Home to one of the world’s longest pedestrian-only bridges, Walnut Bridge spans 2,376-feet over the dazzling Tennessee River. Constructed in 1891, the Tennessee Aquarium sits at one end of the bridge with two facilities separating freshwater and saltwater species. The town also has a rich railroad history, highlighted by STIR – a 5,000-square-foot refurbished terminal station built in 1908. And if you’ve got the time make sure you detour to Lookout Mountain, which dramatically rises 2,000-feet above Chattanooga and is home to various hiking trails and vantage points of North Carolina and back home to Georgia. The park is even home to Ruby Falls, which is a 145-foot underground waterfall inside the mountain.
Blue Ridge, GA – 1.5 Hours from Atlanta
If it’s the crowds of Atlanta that you’re wanting to take a break from then Blue Ridge, Georgia is the place to go. Tucked neatly into the Blue Ridge Mountains, this town is a cool escape (literally – it’s often 10 degrees cooler than Atlanta) and is well-regarded for its hikes, fruit orchards and trout fishing. If you’re after some fly fishing, head to Toccoa River Swinging Bridge just fifteen minutes out of town and don’t forget your lunchbox, as it is also famed as a prime picnic location. You’ll also be surprised to find a quaint shopping haven along the two main drags of the town that has become a destination for curators and artists alike.
Dahlonega, GA – 1.5 Hours from Atlanta
Today, Dahlonega is regarded as prime Georgian wine country thanks to vineyards with stunning mountain backdrops and affordable tastings. Plus with transportation by us, you don’t need to worry about not being able to sample every variety! If wine isn’t what you’re after, there’s still so much more available in this quaint historic town. Established during the Gold Rush, there are plenty of locations to learn about the history and even have a go at panning for gold yourself. But simply wandering through the town and admiring the architecture is a charming experience in itself.
The wonders of living in Atlanta are only broadened by our neighbours. While there are endless activities and sights in the city, sometimes a journey to our surrounding towns is the perfect way to discover more about Georgia, its people, its history and its culture. Get in contact with us today to find out more on how we can get you to wherever you want to go.