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Post Summary- Must take weekend trips from Atlanta, GA

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I love that there are so many things to do in Atlanta, but sometimes it’s nice to have a change of pace and environment. Maybe it’s the travel bug in me that I can’t seem to turn off, or maybe it’s the fact that the Southeast is so underrated for it’s natural beauty and I can’t stop exploring it!

This blog post highlights 17 amazing locations that are all within a 6-hour drive for you to escape to and kick off your weekend with a great change of pace.

The Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta

1) Helen, GA

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours/ 86 miles

Top hikes: Anna Ruby Falls, Hemlock Falls, Dukes Creek Falls
Top things to do/ see: River tubing, Georgia Mountain Coaster, Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway, German Town
Where to Eat: Harvest Habersham (American $$), Paul’s Margarita Deck (American $), Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe (German $)
Where to stay: Timberline Glamping, Hampton Inn Helen

Helen is a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty of the mountains while also staying close to town. The city is home to some of Georgia’s most incredible waterfall hikes, and other outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, river tubing, and fishing.

In town you’ll be greeted with the unique Bavarian buildings that make up Helen’s German town. The town has great restaurants and unique shops for you to explore. This makes it a great place to escape to for a weekend and offers something for everyone.

Read More: 21 Adventurous Things to Do in Helen

2) Great Smoky Mountains, TN

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours/ 164 miles

Top hikes: Grotto Falls, Charlie’s Bunion, Laurel Falls, Alum Cave
Top things to do/ see: Gaitlinburg Sky Lift, Clingsman Dome,
Where to Eat: Chesapeake’s Seafood and Raw Bar (Seafood $$), Timbers Log (Southern $), Split Rail Eats (American $)
Where to stay: Under Canvas, Country Inn & Suites

The Smoky Mountains are truly a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’re surrounded by endless mountains, things just move slower, and my favorite part is, you can actually see the stars at night!

The Smokies are my favorite hiking destination in the Southeast and it’s why I go at least two times a year. They have hikes that range from easy to more challenging routes, but if you’d prefer to stay off the trails there are plenty of overlooks for you to pull over at and take pictures of the panoramic views.

If you’d prefer more adventurous avenues you can go whitewater rafting or zip-lining through the mountains. There’s so much to do there and it’s no wonder it is the most visited National Park in the US!

3) Columbus, GA

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours/ 108 miles

Top hikes: Providence Canyon State Park, Flat Rock State Park
Top things to do/see: Woodruff Riverfront Park, Whitewater Express, Chattahoochee River Walk,
Where to Eat: Wicked Hen (Southern $$), The Black Cow (American $$), The Animal Farm (American $$), Mabella’s (Italian $$$)
Where to stay: Treehouse, Hotel Indigo Columbus

I was surprised by how many things there are to do when we first visited Columbus, Georgia! We originally went to visit Providence Canyon, Georgia’s very own little “Grand Canyon,” but afterwards we visited downtown and really enjoyed our time.

From an outdoor experience like whitewater rafting to exploring museums to enjoying the vast food scene, it’s an underrated weekend trip from Atlanta.

4) Wilmington, NC

Distance from Atlanta: 6 hours/ 420 miles

Top hikes: Bay Bluffs Park, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, Big Lagoon State Park
Top things to do: Taste Carolina Food Tour, Wrightsville Beach, Kayaking, Airlie Gardens, Biking, Sunset Boat Cruise
Where to Eat: Savorez (Latin American $$), Pilot House (Seafood $$), Rebellion (American $$), Seabird (Seafood $$)
Where to stay: Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Located along the coast of North Carolina, this beach city is full of amazing food, beautiful beaches, and offers so many things to do. Be sure to check the dates before you go because Wilmington is famously known for its fun festivals such as Carolina Beach Music Festival, Wilmington Riverfest, and Wilmington Wine and Food Festival.

Read More: 11 Extremely Fun Things To Do in Wilmington, NC

5) Adventurous Weekend Trip from Atlanta- Chattanooga, TN

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours/ 117 miles

Top hikes: Fiery Gizzard, Snoopers Rock, Greeter Falls, Lula Lake Land Trust
Top things to do: Ride a Swincar, Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Coolridge Park, High Point Rock Climbing gym
Where to Eat: Flying Squirrel (Southern $$), State of Confusion (Variety $$), Easy Bistro & Bar (French $$$), Feed Table & Tavern (American $$)
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo, Wander Chatt

Chattanooga is the perfect weekend trip from Atlanta for an outdoor or food lover. It’s an adventurer’s playground because there are so many unique ways to explore the outdoors. From paragliding to hiking to riding an electric 4-legged vehicle through the woods you will be amazed at all the things to do.

We are constantly adding more things to our bucket list to do there! Not to mention the restaurants are extremely good!

Read More: 21 Adventurous Things to do in Chattanooga (+ places to eat!)

6) Pensacola, FL

Distance from Atlanta: 5 hours/ 325 miles

Top hikes: Big Lagoon State Park
Top things to do/see: Fishing on the pier, Paddle Boarding at night with Glow Paddle, diving
Where to Eat: The Garden at Palafox & Main (Variety $$), The Oar House (Seafood $$), Bonelli’s (Italian $$)
Where to stay: SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach

Pensacola is such a nice beach getaway from Atlanta because it’s beautiful year round. In addition to the picturesque beaches, the city also offers tons of outdoor activities, historic sites back to the 1550’S, and amazing seafood.

Whether you enjoy water activities or just looking for warmer weather, Pensacola is a great place to vacation.

7) Savannah, GA & Tybee Island

Distance from Atlanta: 4 hours/ 249 miles

Top hikes: McQueens Trail, Tom Triplett Park Trail, Fort McAllister State Park
Top things to do/see: Forsyth Park, River Street, Wormsloe Historic Site, Walking Tour
Where to Eat: Rhett (Southern), 22 Square (Southern), Parker’s Market, The Public Kitchen & Bar (American $$)
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency, Perry Lane Hotel

Savannah is unique for its vibrant culture, historic sites, incredible southern food, and an atmosphere you have to experience. You’re surrounded by beautiful architecture and there are a ton of walking tours that you can take advantage of to learn the history.

Known for its seafood and southern dishes, the food scene alone is reason to go! Not to mention the natural beauty of the city with massive oak trees and marshland giving it a picturesque appearance.

8) Asheville, NC

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours/ 197 miles

Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has a little bit of everything and is exciting no matter what time of the year you visit. It has a delicious food and brewery scene that cannot be overlooked, a vibrant art culture, and the amount of unique stays there would make you constantly planning trips to come back.

If you’re interested in exploring some unique hiking spots, diving into a great food scene, or immersing yourself in art, then Asheville is the place to go.

9) Suches, GA

Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours/ 80 miles

Top hikes: Preachers Rock, Sea Creek Falls, Dick’s Creek, DeSoto Falls, Blood Mountain
Top things to do: Toccoa River Swinging Bridge
Where to Eat: The OverHang (American $), Hideaway Restaurant (American $$)
Where to stay: Getaway House, Cooper Creek Cabin

Suches is a small town located in North Georgia, but makes up for its size with it’s magnitude of hikes to do. From easy trails with stunning waterfalls to more challenging routes with sweeping mountain views it is a hiker’s paradise to explore.

The best way to enjoy Suches is to stay in cabin with mountain views and cook your own food. That way you can take advantage of your days in the mountains and spend your time hiking the numerous trails. It’s the ideal spot for anyone looking to get off grid and immerse themselves in nature.

Related: 15 Can’t Miss Mountain Hikes in North Georgia

10) Greenville, SC

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours/ 145 miles

Top hikes: Sassafras Mountain, Caesars Head State Park, Reedy River Falls Loop, Table Rock State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Swamp Rabbit Trail
Top things to do/see: Falls Park on the Reedy, TD Saturday Market, Hump Day Getaway Brewery Tour, First Fridays
Where to Eat: Soby’s (Southern $$$), Sassafras Bistro (Southern $$), Willy Taco (Mexican $$), Sticky Fingers (BBQ $$)
Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Greenville, Hilton Greenville

Greenville offers a variety of activities for you to do and so close to some of South Carolina’s most stunning hikes. If you love art Greenville is a great place to go because it has tons of galleries, performances, and a vibrant art culture.

11) Highlands/Cashiers, NC

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours/ 130 miles

Top hikes: Dry Falls, Silver Run Falls, Sunset Rock, Glen Falls, Satulah Mountain
Top things to do/ see: Cashiers Farmers Market, Highlands Outpost
Where to Eat: Slopeside Tavern (American $), Los Vaqueros (Mexican $), The Library Kitchen & Bar (Healthy American $$)
Where to stay: Skyline Lodge, Hotel Cashiers, Old Edwards Inn & Spa

I love escaping to this part of North Carolina! The Highlands and Cashiers are two small towns located in North Carolina where many people go to relax in nature. The area is also known for its five-star spas, beautiful hotels and inns, and delicious restaurants.

In addition, there are a ton of waterfalls and mountain hikes to take advantage of. The pace there is much slower and it makes for a peaceful getaway from Atlanta.

Related: Explore North Carolina’s Scenic Waterfall Byway

12) Huntsville, AL

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours/ 180 miles

Top hikes: High Falls, Buck’s Pocket State Park, Madison County Nature Trail, Monte Sano State Park
Top things to do/ see: Big Spring International Park, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Veloce Indoor Speedway
Where to Eat: Char Restaurant (Steakhouse $$), Rosie’s Mexican Cantina (Mexican $$), Walton’s Southern Table (Southern $$)
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Huntsville, Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville

Known as the “Rocket City,” Huntsville has a rich history deeply rooted in space exploration, with the iconic U.S. Space & Rocket Center serving as a testament to its pivotal role in space technology development that put the first man on the moon.

The city has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing the creativity and talent of its residents. Downtown Huntsville is a charming spot featuring trendy boutiques, delicious dining options, and a lively atmosphere.

13) Charlotte, NC

Distance from Atlanta: 4 hours/ 244 miles

Top hikes: Little Sugar Creek Greenway, McDowell Nature Center,
Top things to do/ see: 7th Street Public Market, Mint Museum, US National Whitewater Center
Where to Eat: Midwood Steakhouse (BBQ $$), Haberdish (Southern $$), Sea Level (Seafood $$)
Where to stay: Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park, Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown

Charlotte is a great place to go to for those who enjoy galleries, history, soul food, and museums.

14) Charleston, SC

Distance from Atlanta: 5 hours/ 319 miles

Top hikes: Little Creek Park Loop Trail, Low Battery Trail, Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail
Top things to do/ see: Folly Beach, Angel Oak Tree, Kiawah Island
Where to Eat: Butcher & Bee (American $$), Millers All Day (Southern $$), Stella’s (Greek $$), Basic Kitchen (American $$)
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Charleston, Hotel Emeline

Charleston is a charming Southern city located along the coast with amazing beaches and fantastic food. There is so much history here and many historic sites to explore if you’re looking to learn more about where the Civil War began and Fort Pickens.

This is also the a great place to go if you love to shop as there are various antique stores, boutiques, and art galleries.

15) Nashville, TN

Distance from Atlanta: 4 hours/ 250 miles

Top hikes: Ted Rhodes Park, Mill Creek Greenway, Cumberland River Greenway, Radnor Lake State Park, Lebanon State Park
Top things to do: Broadway, John Seigenthaler Bridge, What Lifts You Wing Memorial, Printer’s Alley
Where to Eat: Hattie B’s, 5th and Taylor, Biscuit Love
Where to stay: Hutton Hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton

If you’re a fan of live music, bar hopping, breweries, and great food, Nashville is the perfect weekend trip from Atlanta. This lively city has everything to keep the party going and is sure to entertain the entire group for the weekend.

16) Myrtle Beach, SC

Distance from Atlanta: 6 hours/ 363 miles

Top hikes: Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park
Top things to do/see: WonderWorks, Pirates Voyage Dinner Show, Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach
Where to Eat: Sole (Italian $$), Captain George’s (Seafood $$), Drift (Brunch $$)
Where to stay: Hilton Grand Vacations, Four Points by Sheraton

Myrtle Beach is a popular destination to vacation because there are so many attractions for everyone to enjoy. With over 60 miles of sandy coastline there is plenty to explore. From shopping to dining, amusement parks, nightlife, golf, and water sports you are sure to find tons to do!

Whether you’re a beach person or simply looking to relax, it’s perfect weekend trip from Atlanta for all age groups.

17) Columbia, SC

Distance from Atlanta: 3 hours/ 215 miles

Top hikes: Congaree National Park, Dreher Isaland State Park, Three Rivers Greenway
Top things to do/ see: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Botanical Garden
Where to Eat: Green Olive Restaurant (Mediterranean $$), Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe (Southern $$), Hendrix (American $$)
Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Columbia, Staybridge Suites Columbia

Not only is Columbia beautiful because it’s home to the Congaree National Park, but it also offers plenty of attractions.