Best Outlet Malls Near Atlanta: Where to Go for the Biggest Deals

If you’re hunting for the best outlet mall near Atlanta, you’re really choosing between a handful of major players within about an hour to an hour and a half of the city. Each one has its own vibe, mix of stores, and driving distance, so the “best” choice depends on what you care about most: brand selection, travel time, crowds, or overall shopping experience.

Below is a clear breakdown of the top outlet options for Atlanta-area shoppers, plus tips to make your trip worth the drive.

Quick Comparison: Best Outlet Malls for Atlanta Shoppers

*Drive times vary with traffic; peak rush hours around Atlanta can add significant time.

1. North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

Why many Atlantans consider this the “best” outlet mall

If you ask regular outlet shoppers around Atlanta which center has the most brands and “true outlet” feel, North Georgia Premium Outlets often comes up first. It’s a large open-air property with a mix of luxury, contemporary, and mainstream brands, and it tends to draw both locals and visitors willing to make the drive for better selection.

Location & basics

• Address: 800 Highway 400 S, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Drive from Atlanta: Typically 45–60 minutes from Midtown via GA-400 N, longer during weekend or holiday traffic.
• Parking: Large surface lots all around the property; parking is usually free but can be busy on peak days.

What makes it stand out

• Brand variety:
  Shoppers often find:

  • Higher-end fashion and accessory brands
  • Popular athletic wear and shoe outlets
  • Kids’ clothing outlets and home goods options
    This mix makes it easier to cover back-to-school, workwear, and special-occasion outfits in one trip.

• Outlet-style layout:
  It’s a village-style, open-air center with storefronts arranged in clusters. Expect lots of walking, but the layout is fairly intuitive with directories and signage throughout.

• Destination feel:
  Many Atlanta families turn this into a half-day or full-day trip, often pairing shopping with a meal in Dawsonville or nearby Cumming.

Best for

• Shoppers wanting the widest brand selection within reasonable driving distance of Atlanta.
• People comfortable with an outdoor mall (helpful to know during hot summers or rainy days).
• Those planning a planned “outlet day” rather than a quick in-and-out stop.

Tips for visiting

• 🕒 Go earlier in the day on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid the heaviest crowds and parking congestion.
• 🧾 Bring a list of priority stores and focus on those first; it’s easy to lose time browsing.
• 💧 In summer, bring water and comfortable shoes; most walkways are outdoors.

2. Tanger Outlets Locust Grove (South of Atlanta)

Why it’s a favorite for southside and I-75 travelers

If you live on the south side of Atlanta or frequently drive along I-75 toward Macon or Florida, Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove is often the most convenient stop. It’s smaller than North Georgia Premium Outlets but still has plenty of mid-range fashion, athletic, and family-focused brands.

Location & basics

• Address: 1000 Tanger Drive, Locust Grove, GA 30248
• Drive from Atlanta: Around 35–55 minutes from Downtown via I-75 S, depending on traffic.
• Parking: Open, free parking surrounding the outlet center.

What makes it stand out

• Easy highway access:
  It is directly off I-75, which makes it a practical choice if you:

  • Live in Henry County, Clayton County, or nearby areas.
  • Want a quick outlet run instead of a full-day trip to North Georgia.

• Family-friendly layout:
  The center is a straightforward, outdoor strip-style design, which makes it simpler to navigate with children or strollers.

• Good for basics and athletic wear:
  Shoppers frequently use this outlet for:

  • Athletic shoes and sportswear
  • Casual everyday clothing
  • Kids’ clothes and seasonal items

Best for

• South metro Atlanta residents (Stockbridge, McDonough, Jonesboro, etc.).
• Travelers heading south who want to combine road trips with outlet shopping.
• Families who want a less overwhelming outlet trip compared to the largest centers.

Tips for visiting

• 🚗 Check I-75 traffic before you go; even a small accident can create long delays.
• 🍽️ Plan meals ahead—there are food options at and around the outlet, but they can be busy during lunch and dinner peaks.

3. Tanger Outlets Commerce (Northeast of Atlanta)

Why it’s popular with northeast suburbs and road-trippers

Tanger Outlets Commerce serves many residents of Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, and Athens areas and is also a common stop for people driving between Atlanta and the Carolinas.

It’s a large, open-air center with a broad mix of national outlet chains, similar in feel to other big Tanger properties.

Location & basics

• Address: 800 Steven B. Tanger Blvd, Commerce, GA 30529
• Drive from Atlanta: Around 1–1.5 hours from Midtown via I-85 N.
• Parking: Large free parking lots surrounding the center.

What makes it stand out

• Regional hub:
  For people living northeast of Atlanta, this is often closer and more convenient than driving to Dawsonville.

• All-day visit potential:
  With a broad selection of outlet stores and nearby big-box retailers and restaurants, many shoppers treat Commerce as a full-day shopping destination.

• Highway stop advantage:
  If you travel I-85 frequently, it can be an easy stop for:

  • Back-to-school or holiday shopping
  • Replacing shoes and wardrobe staples during a road trip

Best for

• Residents in northeast metro Atlanta and beyond who want a one-stop outlet destination.
• Shoppers who don’t mind driving a bit farther if it means spending the whole day shopping.

Tips for visiting

• 📅 Avoid heavy travel days (holiday weekends, major game days) when I-85 can be especially congested.
• 🛍️ Group your shopping trips; it’s often more worth the drive if you have multiple needs (clothing, shoes, gifts).

4. Sugarloaf Mills (Lawrenceville) – Indoor Outlet-Style Mall

Why it’s different from other options

Unlike the open-air outlet centers listed above, Sugarloaf Mills in Lawrenceville is a large, indoor outlet-style mall. While not a traditional “outlet-only” center, it includes many outlet and value-focused stores under one roof, plus entertainment and dining.

This can be a major advantage during extreme heat, heavy rain, or cold snaps—all common at different times of the year in metro Atlanta.

Location & basics

• Address: 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
• Drive from Atlanta: Around 30–45 minutes from Downtown via I-85 N (varies with traffic).
• Parking: Large free parking lots around the mall.

What makes it stand out

• Indoor comfort:
  Fully enclosed and climate-controlled, ideal for:

  • Hot summer days
  • Rainy or stormy weather
  • Shoppers who prefer an indoor walking environment

• Mix of shopping and entertainment:
  In addition to outlet-style stores and discount retailers, Sugarloaf Mills typically features:

  • Movie theater
  • Family entertainment venues
  • Casual restaurants and food court options

• Broad appeal:
  Some Atlanta-area residents use Sugarloaf Mills as a hybrid outing—shop, eat, and catch a movie in one trip.

Best for

• Shoppers in Gwinnett County and east/northeast of Atlanta.
• Anyone wanting a weather-proof outlet experience with more to do than just shop.

Tips for visiting

• 🎟️ If you plan to add a movie or entertainment stop, check showtimes and opening hours in advance.
• 🚶 It’s a big loop-style mall; comfortable shoes help if you plan to walk the entire complex.

Choosing the Best Outlet Mall for Your Atlanta Trip

Instead of thinking “Which outlet mall is objectively the best?”, it helps to think “Which one fits my situation?” Here’s a quick way to decide, based on where you are and what you want.

If you’re staying or living in central Atlanta

• Best all-around choice:
  North Georgia Premium Outlets is often the top pick if you want:

  • The most stores in one spot
  • A full shopping day-trip experience

• If you prefer indoor, climate-controlled shopping:
  Consider Sugarloaf Mills for a mix of outlet and discount stores, especially when the weather is uncomfortable.

If you’re on the south side or heading down I-75

• Best option:
  Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is usually the most practical. It’s closer than Dawsonville or Commerce if you’re in:
  • Hapeville
  • Stockbridge
  • McDonough
  • Fayetteville and surrounding communities

If you’re northeast (Gwinnett, Athens, etc.)

• Main choices:
  • Tanger Outlets Commerce for a large, traditional outlet trip.
  • Sugarloaf Mills for an indoor shopping and entertainment mix.

How to Get the Most Out of Any Outlet Trip from Atlanta

Regardless of which outlet mall you choose, a few local-savvy tips can help you save time and avoid frustrations.

1. Plan around Atlanta traffic

• Avoid peak rush hours when leaving or returning:
  • Weekday mornings: roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Weekday evenings: roughly 3:30–7:00 p.m.
• On Fridays, traffic often starts backing up earlier in the afternoon, especially heading out of the city.

2. Time your visit

• Mornings (right after opening) are usually:

  • Less crowded
  • Easier for parking
  • Better for trying on clothes without long fitting-room lines

• Weekdays typically feel calmer than weekends, if your schedule allows.

3. Prioritize your top stores

Before you drive out from Atlanta, make a simple list:

• Clothing brands you must visit
• Shoe or athletic stores you’re targeting
• Any specialty or home goods stores you don’t want to miss

This keeps your trip focused and helps you avoid leaving without what you actually needed.

4. Prepare for Georgia weather

• For open-air centers (Dawsonville, Locust Grove, Commerce):

  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water in summer.
  • Have a light jacket or umbrella in fall and winter.

• For indoor outlet-style experiences (Sugarloaf Mills):

  • A small bag is usually easier than a large backpack if you’ll be walking long distances.

5. Think about return trips and exchanges

If you live in Atlanta and choose an outlet more than an hour away, consider:

• Whether you’ll realistically drive back for returns or exchanges.
• Buying only what you’re reasonably sure about in terms of sizing and fit.

Sometimes, choosing a slightly closer outlet can be better if you expect to make adjustments later.

Which Outlet Mall Is “Best” for Atlanta?

In everyday conversations among Atlanta shoppers, these general patterns are common:

• Best overall selection and “true outlet” feel:
  North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

• Best for southside residents and I-75 travelers:
  Tanger Outlets Locust Grove

• Best for northeast metro and I-85 travelers:
  Tanger Outlets Commerce

• Best indoor, weather-proof option with outlets and entertainment:
  Sugarloaf Mills (Lawrenceville)

For most people based in or visiting Atlanta, North Georgia Premium Outlets is often the top recommendation when someone asks for the “best outlet mall near Atlanta”, especially if you’re willing to make it a day trip. But if convenience, travel time, or weather matter more than having every possible brand, one of the closer or indoor options may suit you better.

Choosing the right one for your location, schedule, and shopping goals will make the biggest difference in how good the trip feels—and how much value you get out of the drive from Atlanta.