If you’re searching for Atlanta outlets, you’re probably looking for the best places around the city to score deals on brand-name clothing, shoes, home goods, and more. While there aren’t massive outlet centers inside Downtown or Midtown, Atlanta is surrounded by several major outlet malls that locals regularly use for day trips and bargain shopping.
This guide walks you through the main outlet options near Atlanta, what they’re known for, how long it takes to get there, and tips to make your trip easier.
Here’s a simple comparison of the main outlet destinations Atlanta shoppers use:
| Outlet Center | Approx. Drive from Downtown ATL | General Direction | What It’s Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Georgia Premium Outlets | ~45–60 minutes | North (Dawsonville) | Large selection of major brands, popular day trip |
| Tanger Outlets Locust Grove | ~35–50 minutes | South (Locust Grove) | Good mix of apparel, family shopping focus |
| Tanger Outlets Commerce | ~1 hr 15–30 minutes | Northeast (Commerce) | Wide variety of clothing and shoe outlets |
| The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta | ~30–40 minutes | Northwest (Woodstock) | Closest true outlet center to much of metro ATL |
Drive times depend heavily on traffic, especially on weekdays during rush hours and weekends during busy shopping seasons.
Strictly speaking, large-format outlet malls are not located in the core of Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead). Instead, most outlet centers serving Atlanta are in nearby cities along major interstates.
Inside the city, you’ll find:
If what you want is a traditional outlet mall experience—lots of brand-name outlet stores clustered together—you’ll likely be driving 30–90 minutes outside central Atlanta.
Location:
800 Highway 400 S
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Approx. drive from Downtown Atlanta:
About 45–60 minutes, mainly up GA-400 North (longer during peak traffic).
North Georgia Premium Outlets is one of the largest and most well-known outlet centers serving the Atlanta area. It draws people from all over North Georgia and metro Atlanta because of its wide selection of national and designer brands.
Common reasons Atlantans choose this outlet:
💡 Tip: Traffic on GA-400 can back up near the outlet during holidays and major sale weekends. Arriving earlier in the morning usually helps with parking and crowds.
Location:
915 Ridgewalk Parkway
Woodstock, GA 30188
Approx. drive from Downtown Atlanta:
About 30–40 minutes, primarily via I-75 North and I-575 North.
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is often considered the closest full-size outlet mall to many parts of Atlanta, especially if you live in:
People often choose this outlet when they want:
💡 Tip: If you’re combining this trip with errands, Woodstock and nearby towns along I-575 have plenty of big-box stores, grocery options, and additional shopping centers.
Location:
1000 Tanger Drive
Locust Grove, GA 30248
Approx. drive from Downtown Atlanta:
About 35–50 minutes south via I-75.
If you live in or are staying near:
Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove often offers the most convenient outlet option.
Shoppers typically go here for:
💡 Tip: I-75 can back up significantly on weekends and during holiday travel. Planning your trip outside peak driving times (early morning or later evening) can reduce time in traffic.
Location:
800 Steven B. Tanger Boulevard
Commerce, GA 30529
Approx. drive from Downtown Atlanta:
About 1 hour 15–30 minutes northeast via I-85.
Tanger Outlets Commerce is a popular choice if you:
💡 Tip: Many Atlanta-area residents pair a visit to Commerce with other stops along I-85, especially if they’re already traveling in that direction for college visits, weekend trips, or sporting events.
While the big outlet malls are outside the city, you can still find discounted and outlet-style shopping options closer to home.
These aren’t always traditional “outlets,” but Atlantans often use them for similar reasons: saving money on brand-name goods.
Some Atlanta-area malls and shopping centers include:
Areas to check:
These are not full outlet malls, but for many shoppers who don’t want to leave the metro area, they can be a good compromise between convenience and savings.
In many parts of Atlanta—Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and beyond—you’ll find off-price retailers and discount chains that carry:
They generally don’t function like traditional factory outlet stores, but for most consumers their role is similar: finding deals on recognizable brands without driving far.
When deciding which “Atlanta outlet” works best, consider:
North / North Metro (Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming):
North Georgia Premium Outlets is typically the most convenient major outlet.
Northwest Metro (Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna):
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock is usually closest.
East / Northeast Metro (Lawrenceville, Duluth, Snellville):
Commerce (Tanger Outlets) can be worth the drive if you plan to spend several hours shopping.
South / South Metro (Jonesboro, Stockbridge, McDonough, near the Airport):
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is generally the easiest choice.
A few hours:
Choose the closest outlet to reduce driving time, or stick to in-town malls and discount stores.
Half-day or full-day:
North Georgia Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets Commerce are more realistic; you’ll have time to walk more of the property and visit multiple stores.
Back-to-school or family wardrobes:
Tanger Outlets (Locust Grove or Commerce) and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta have plenty of kids’ and athletic brands.
Designer or premium labels at outlet pricing:
North Georgia Premium Outlets is often the first choice for designer-focused outlet shoppers in the Atlanta region.
Quick wardrobe refresh or last-minute pieces:
In-town malls and discount retailers may be easier than a long outlet drive.
To make the most of your outlet trip from Atlanta:
Check hours before you go.
Hours can change for holidays, seasonal events, or severe weather.
Plan around Atlanta traffic.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light bag.
All of the major outlets near Atlanta involve a good bit of walking outdoors.
Set a budget.
Outlet pricing can feel like a big discount, but it’s easy to overbuy when you see constant “sale” signs.
Check return policies.
Outlet and factory store returns may differ from regular retail locations, especially for final sale or clearance items.
Watch the weather.
Since most outlets are open-air, summer heat, sudden storms, or cold snaps can affect your comfort. A hat, sunscreen, or light jacket can make a big difference.
One simple way to remember your options is to think by interstate corridor:
I-75 South:
Tanger Outlets Locust Grove
I-85 Northeast:
Tanger Outlets Commerce
GA-400 North:
North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)
I-75 / I-575 North:
The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock)
This helps if you’re already heading in a particular direction for work trips, weekend getaways, or visits to friends and family outside the city.
If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want that outlet mall experience, you’ll almost always be looking at a short drive outside the city rather than a quick walk from your hotel in Midtown. Once you know which side of the metro you’re on and how much time you have, choosing the right “Atlanta outlet” becomes a straightforward part of planning your day.
