Best Outlet Shopping Destinations in Atlanta: Where to Go and How to Plan Your Trip

If you’re hunting for designer brands at discounted prices in Atlanta, you’ll need to know where the true outlet centers are—and how they differ from regular malls and discount stores. Atlanta doesn’t have dozens of outlets inside the city limits, but there are several major centers in and around the metro area that locals regularly drive to for deals.

This guide focuses on the best outlets near Atlanta, Georgia, what each is known for, and practical tips for planning your visit.

Quick Overview: Top Outlet Centers Around Atlanta

Here’s a fast comparison of the main outlet destinations Atlanta shoppers use most often:

All drive times are approximate and can vary with metro Atlanta traffic.

1. Tanger Outlets Locust Grove

Location:
1000 Tanger Dr, Locust Grove, GA 30248
Accessible via I-75 South, exit near Bill Gardner Parkway.

This is one of the most convenient outlet choices for people on the south side of Atlanta or anyone heading toward Macon or Florida on I-75.

What makes Tanger Locust Grove a top pick

• Outdoor outlet layout with multiple wings of stores
• A broad mix of clothing, footwear, accessories, and home outlets
• Commonly includes many of the big outlet-style brands travelers look for
• Easy on/off from the interstate, often used as a quick shopping stop on road trips

When it’s best to go

• Weekday mornings tend to be calmer and easier for parking.
• Weekends and holidays can get busy, especially around back-to-school and winter holidays.
• Locals often time trips here with clearance events and seasonal sales.

Tips for Atlanta shoppers

• If you’re coming from in-town neighborhoods (Grant Park, Midtown, Downtown), plan extra buffer time for I-75 traffic, especially near Hartsfield-Jackson and the I-285 interchange.
• It’s practical to combine your outlet visit with other Southside errands or planned stops along I-75.

2. Tanger Outlets Commerce

Location:
800 Steven B. Tanger Blvd, Commerce, GA 30529
Off I-85 North, roughly an hour northeast of Atlanta.

Tanger Commerce is one of the largest and most established outlet centers Atlanta-area shoppers use, especially for all-day outlet trips and major seasonal shopping.

Why Atlantans drive to Commerce

• Wide store selection compared with many smaller outlets
• Good for family shopping trips—kids’ clothing, athletic wear, and basics are easy to find
• Often used by college students and families traveling between Atlanta and Northeast Georgia

Is the drive worth it from Atlanta?

For many shoppers, yes, especially if you:

• Want to knock out multiple categories at once (school clothes, sportswear, basics, gifts)
• Can commit to half a day or more to make the drive pay off
• Prefer a classic, open-air outlet feel with a broad mix of familiar national brands

Planning your outing

• From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta, expect 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes in light traffic; more during peak times on I-85.
• It can be a good weekend day trip when combined with stops in Braselton, Jefferson, or other northeast Georgia towns.

3. North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

Location:
800 GA-400, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Right off GA-400 North, north of Cumming.

North Georgia Premium Outlets is widely seen as one of the go-to “destination outlets” for Atlanta residents, especially those in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, and Roswell along GA-400.

What stands out here

• Strong selection of mid-range to higher-end designer and fashion brands
• Good variety of shoes, accessories, and lifestyle outlets
• Open-air village-style layout, with some covered walkthroughs that help in light rain

Who this outlet is best for

• Shoppers seeking name-brand and designer deals
• Northside residents who want to avoid the I-75/I-85 corridors
• People planning a full day out—shopping followed by dining in nearby Dawsonville, Cumming, or along GA-400

Driving from Atlanta

• From Buckhead or Midtown, GA-400 gives fairly direct access; plan around 1 hour in typical conditions.
• Traffic can back up around Cumming and Dawsonville, particularly on Saturdays and before holidays.

Helpful tips

• Try to arrive near opening time on weekends for easier parking and less crowded fitting rooms.
• Weather in the North Georgia area can be cooler or breezier than in the city, especially in winter—worth keeping in mind for comfort while walking between buildings.

4. The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock)

Location:
915 Ridgewalk Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188
Near I-575, just northwest of Atlanta.

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta is one of the closest outlet-style centers for many in-town and northwest metro residents (West Midtown, Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw).

Why it’s popular with metro Atlanta locals

• Shorter drive for many ITP (inside the perimeter) and northwest OTP neighborhoods
• Compact, easy-to-walk open-air center
• Mix of popular fashion, athletic, and accessories stores

Ideal for

• Half-day or quick trips rather than full weekend outings
• Combined shopping and dining in downtown Woodstock or nearby areas
• North- and west-side residents who want to avoid the longer drive to Dawsonville or Commerce

Travel notes from Atlanta

• From Downtown Atlanta, expect around 35–40 minutes via I-75/I-575, depending on traffic.
• Rush hour can slow things considerably around the I-75/I-575 interchange; off-peak shopping is usually smoother.

5. Sugarloaf Mills (Lawrenceville)

Location:
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Right off I-85 North in Gwinnett County.

Sugarloaf Mills is technically an indoor mall with a strong mix of outlet and value-oriented stores, making it a useful option if you want outlet-style prices with fully indoor comfort.

Why Atlanta shoppers choose Sugarloaf Mills

• Completely indoors—air-conditioned in summer, protected from rain and heat
• Many discount and outlet-format stores, plus standard mall retailers
• Entertainment and dining options that are convenient for families and groups

Best suited for

• Rainy or very hot days when outdoor outlets are less appealing
• Shoppers who want to combine deals shopping with movies or casual dining
• Residents of Gwinnett County, Decatur, and northeast Atlanta looking for close options

Getting there from Atlanta

• From Downtown or Midtown, plan around 35–45 minutes via I-85, with more time during weekday rush hours.
• Traffic can build near Sugarloaf Parkway and the Infinite Energy Center area during events.

6. Smaller & Alternative Outlet Options in the Atlanta Area

Beyond the large, branded outlet centers, Atlanta also has scattered outlet-format, clearance, and warehouse-style stores. These aren’t full outlet malls, but they can still provide discounted pricing on specific categories.

Common patterns include:

• Brand-specific factory stores in strip centers around metro Atlanta
• Warehouse and clearance centers in industrial areas or near distribution hubs
• Seasonal or rotating clearance events in big-box retailers

These options change more frequently than the main outlet centers, so it’s best to:

• Check current hours before driving
• Verify whether a location is a true outlet or just a regular retail store with occasional sales

They can be especially useful if you live far from the big outlets and want quick, local access to discounts without a long drive.

Choosing the Best Outlet for Your Needs in Atlanta

When you’re deciding which Atlanta-area outlet to visit, consider:

1. Where you’re starting from

• Southside / Hartsfield-Jackson area:
  • Tanger Locust Grove is usually the most convenient.
• Intown / Midtown / Downtown:
  • Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock), Sugarloaf Mills (Lawrenceville), or a longer trip to North Georgia Premium Outlets or Tanger Commerce.
• North Fulton / East Cobb / Roswell / Alpharetta:
  • North Georgia Premium Outlets is often the top choice.
• Gwinnett / Northeast metro:
  • Sugarloaf Mills and Tanger Commerce are usually easiest.

2. What you’re shopping for

• Designer and higher-end fashion:
  • Often best at North Georgia Premium Outlets.
• Broad family shopping (kids, basics, athletic wear):
  • Tanger Commerce, Tanger Locust Grove, and Sugarloaf Mills are strong choices.
• Quick trip for a few outfits or shoes:
  • Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta or Sugarloaf Mills can be more time-efficient.

3. Weather and timing

• On a very hot, cold, or rainy day:
  • Sugarloaf Mills (indoor) may be more comfortable than open-air outlets.
• Holiday weekends and peak back-to-school times:
  • Expect heavier crowds and plan to arrive early regardless of which outlet you choose.

Practical Tips for Outlet Shopping Around Atlanta

Use these simple strategies to make the most of your outlet trip:

• Check hours before you go.
  Major centers may adjust hours for holidays or events.
• Plan around traffic.
  • Avoid peak rush hours on I-75, I-85, I-285, I-575, and GA-400 when possible.
  • Weekend mornings are usually the most relaxed.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
  All of the main outlets involve significant walking, especially Commerce and Dawsonville.
• Set a budget.
  Outlet prices can be appealing, and it’s easy to overspend without a plan.
• Bring a list.
  Knowing which items you truly need helps you focus on genuinely useful deals rather than impulse buys.
• Consider bringing snacks or water.
  While all major outlets have food options, having something on hand can help if you’re traveling with kids or planning a long day.

Is Outlet Shopping in Atlanta Right for You?

Outlet centers near Atlanta are most worthwhile when you:

• Have multiple items you’re looking for (clothing, shoes, gifts, athletic wear)
• Can dedicate at least half a day to shopping
• Are comfortable with a 30–75 minute drive depending on which center you choose

If you just need one specific item and you’re tight on time, a local retail store or online option may be more efficient. But if you want to hunt for deals and don’t mind a bit of a drive, the Atlanta area offers several solid outlet choices in almost every direction from the city.