Best Road Trips From Atlanta: Scenic Getaways Within Driving Distance

If you’re based in Atlanta, Georgia and itching to hit the road, you’re in one of the best launch points in the Southeast. Within a few hours’ drive, you can reach mountains, beaches, historic towns, and state parks—many of them perfect for a weekend road trip from Atlanta or even a quick day trip.

Below is a practical guide to the best road trips from Atlanta, with realistic drive times, what each destination is known for, and how to choose the right getaway for you.

Quick Overview: Top Road Trips From Atlanta

Use this summary to match your mood to the right drive:

*Drive times are approximate from central Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown) and vary with traffic.

How to Choose the Right Road Trip From Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, think about:

• Time available

  • Same-day or one night: aim for under 2.5 hours (Blue Ridge, Helen, Macon, Athens, Chattanooga).
  • Long weekend: 3–5 hours opens up Savannah, Tybee, Asheville, the Smokies, and the Golden Isles.

• Travel style

  • Scenic & outdoorsy: Blue Ridge, Helen, Smoky Mountains, Asheville.
  • City + culture: Chattanooga, Savannah, Athens, Macon.
  • Beach & coast: Tybee, Jekyll, St. Simons.

• Who’s coming

  • Families with kids: Chattanooga, Smokies, Tybee, Jekyll.
  • Couples: Savannah, Asheville, Blue Ridge.
  • Friends’ trip: Athens, Helen, Asheville, Tybee.

Once you narrow that down, you can use the sections below to build a realistic plan.

1. Blue Ridge, Georgia: Classic North Georgia Mountain Escape

Distance from Atlanta: ~90 miles
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours via I‑575/GA‑515

If you want a true “mountain weekend” without a long drive, Blue Ridge is one of the most popular road trips from Atlanta.

Why Atlantans Love It

• Cabin stays with porches, hot tubs, and mountain or lake views.
• Access to the Chattahoochee National Forest and nearby trails.
• Lake Blue Ridge for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• A small but vibrant downtown with restaurants, breweries, and shops.

Don’t Miss

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: A relaxed train ride along the Toccoa River.
• Hiking:
  • Short options near Fall Branch Falls or Long Creek Falls.
  • Longer treks on the Benton MacKaye Trail or Appalachian Trail segments.
• Mercier Orchards: Seasonal fruit picking and a large market.

Tips From Atlanta

• Traffic planning: Leaving Atlanta after 3 p.m. on Fridays can add time; an early Friday departure or Saturday morning start is usually smoother.
• Seasonal highlights: Fall foliage weekends are extremely popular; book cabins well in advance.

2. Helen, Georgia: Alpine Village in the North Georgia Mountains

Distance from Atlanta: ~90 miles
Drive time: 1.75–2.25 hours via GA‑400/US‑19/GA‑115

Helen is known for its Bavarian-style buildings, tubing on the river, and seasonal festivals.

Why Go From Atlanta

• Feels like a totally different setting in just two hours.
• Close to Unicoi State Park and multiple waterfalls.
• Good mix of touristy fun and nature escapes.

Highlights

• Chattahoochee River tubing (warm months).
• Anna Ruby Falls: A short, paved trail to a double waterfall.
• Unicoi State Park: Hiking, lake activities, and ziplines.
• Oktoberfest: Live music and a festive atmosphere in the fall.

Atlanta-Specific Tips

• If you’re leaving from north Atlanta suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs), this drive can be even quicker.
• Consider pairing Helen with Cleveland or Dahlonega for a loop that includes wineries or historic squares.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee: City + Nature in a Short Drive

Distance from Atlanta: ~120 miles
Drive time: 2–2.5 hours via I‑75 North

Chattanooga often feels like Atlanta’s go-to family road trip, but it also works well for couples and solo travelers.

Why It Works for Atlantans

• Quick interstate drive, usually manageable even for one overnight.
• Walkable riverfront area once you arrive—park once and explore.
• Mix of indoor and outdoor activities (good for unpredictable weather).

Popular Stops

• Tennessee Aquarium (downtown).
• Lookout Mountain:
  • Rock City Gardens.
  • Ruby Falls.
  • Incline Railway.
• Walnut Street Bridge: Pedestrian bridge with city and river views.
• Coolidge Park: Green space that’s great for kids.

Road Planning Notes

• I‑75 can slow near Marietta and Cartersville during rush hours, so plan departure times accordingly.
• Many Atlantans do Chattanooga as a last-minute getaway because lodging options are plentiful.

4. Savannah, Georgia: Historic Coastal Charm

Distance from Atlanta: ~250 miles
Drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours via I‑75 South / I‑16 East

For many, Savannah is the classic long weekend road trip from Atlanta—especially for couples, food lovers, and history fans.

Why Atlantans Keep Going Back

• Walkable Historic District with moss-draped oaks and public squares.
• Strong food and cocktail scene.
• Easy access to the beach at Tybee Island.

What to Do

• Stroll the squares and along the riverfront.
• Take a history, architecture, or ghost tour.
• Visit Forsyth Park and the iconic fountain.
• Drive or rideshare to Bonaventure Cemetery for scenic walks.

Driving Notes From Atlanta

• I‑16 is mostly straightforward, but services can be spaced out. Top off fuel near Macon or Dublin if needed.
• For a less stressful return, avoid driving back into Atlanta late Sunday afternoon or evening when traffic is heavier.

5. Tybee Island, Georgia: Easygoing Beach Near Savannah

Distance from Atlanta: ~265–280 miles (via Savannah)
Drive time: 4–5 hours total

If you’re craving the ocean, Tybee Island is one of the most practical beaches for Atlantans.

Why Choose Tybee

• Laid-back compared to some larger resort beaches.
• Close enough to Savannah that you can combine city and beach in one trip.
• Bike-friendly and fairly compact.

Highlights

• North Beach & Lighthouse area for views and history.
• South Beach for a more active, central atmosphere.
• Dolphin tours and simple water activities in season.

Planning From Atlanta

• Many Atlantans choose:
  • 2 nights in Savannah + 1 night on Tybee, or
  • Stay in Savannah and day trip to Tybee.
• Parking can be tight on peak weekends—arrive early in the day when possible.

6. Asheville, North Carolina: Artsy Mountain City and Blue Ridge Parkway

Distance from Atlanta: ~210–225 miles
Drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours via I‑85 North / US‑74 / I‑26

Asheville blends mountain access with a strong arts, brewery, and food culture.

Why Asheville Appeals to Atlantans

• Cooler temperatures, especially in summer.
• Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway for some of the most scenic drives in the region.
• Vibrant downtown with galleries, music, and local restaurants.

Things to Do

• Drive segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway for overlooks and trailheads.
• Explore River Arts District and downtown Asheville.
• Visit nearby waterfalls and hikes in Pisgah National Forest and surrounding areas.

Road Tips

• You can choose more scenic routes through northeast Georgia and western North Carolina, or stick to faster interstates.
• In winter, check mountain weather conditions before you leave Atlanta.

7. Great Smoky Mountains & Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: ~200–230 miles
Drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours (route options vary)

For a mix of national park hiking and high-energy attractions, this is a very popular extended weekend from Atlanta.

Why It’s a Favorite

• Access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (no entry fee).
• Family-friendly attractions, shows, and activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
• Good variety of cabins, hotels, and lodges.

Ideas for Your Trip

• Scenic drives within the park, such as:
  • Cades Cove Loop Road (check for seasonal hours).
• Short and moderate hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints.
• Attractions like mountain coasters, amusement areas, and roadside stops.

Atlanta Considerations

• There are multiple ways to drive up from Atlanta; some pass through northeast Georgia and western North Carolina, others via Chattanooga.
• Peak leaf season and school breaks can bring heavy traffic—both on the road from Atlanta and in the park.

8. Macon, Georgia: Quick Cultural and Music History Trip

Distance from Atlanta: ~85–95 miles
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours via I‑75 South

Macon works especially well for a same-day or one-night road trip from Atlanta.

Why Go

• Deep music history connections, including artists and venues tied to Southern rock and soul.
• Walkable downtown with historic architecture.
• Cherry Blossom Festival in spring draws many Atlantans.

Good For

• A low-stress outing with more time on the ground than in the car.
• Travelers who like history, architecture, and local food but don’t necessarily need mountains or beaches every trip.

9. Athens, Georgia: College Town Vibe Close to Atlanta

Distance from Atlanta: ~70–80 miles
Drive time: 1.25–1.75 hours via GA‑316 or US‑78

Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is known for its music scene, food, and lively main streets.

Why Atlantans Visit

• Feels distinct from Atlanta—more compact and walkable, with a strong student presence.
• Good for live music, local restaurants, and a change of pace.
• Easy to visit even if you can only spare one night or part of a weekend.

Trip Ideas

• Explore Downtown Athens for shops, venues, and restaurants.
• Visit campus-adjacent green spaces and historic buildings.
• Plan around a specific concert, game, or event if that fits your interests.

10. Jekyll Island & St. Simons Island: Quieter Georgia Coast

Distance from Atlanta: ~300–320 miles
Drive time: 5–6 hours via I‑75 South / I‑16 East / I‑95 South (route can vary)

For a slower-paced, nature-forward coastal trip, many Atlantans head to Georgia’s Golden Isles, especially Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island.

Why Choose the Golden Isles

• More relaxed feel than some busier Southeastern beaches.
• Marsh views, bike paths, and preserved areas.
• Combines beach time with historic sites and nature.

What to Expect

• On Jekyll Island: bike-friendly, quieter atmosphere, nature walks, and historic district.
• On St. Simons: more shops and restaurants, plus piers and beaches.

Planning From Atlanta

• Best as a 3–4 day trip given the longer drive.
• Many Atlantans leave early morning to arrive by lunchtime, especially with kids.

Practical Road Trip Tips for Atlanta Drivers

1. Timing Your Departure

Atlanta traffic can significantly change your actual drive time. In general:

• Avoid: Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) when leaving or returning.
• Better:
  • Early morning departures, especially Fridays.
  • Late evening returns on Sunday can sometimes be lighter, but check for construction closures.

2. Where You’re Leaving From in Metro Atlanta

Your starting point matters:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP): You’ll need to account for downtown/connector traffic before you ever reach the outskirts.
• North Metro (e.g., Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta):
  • Faster for North Georgia mountains, Chattanooga, Asheville.
• South Metro (e.g., College Park, McDonough, Fayetteville):
  • Faster for Savannah, Macon, Golden Isles.

3. Safety and Preparedness

• Carry basic supplies: water, snacks, phone charger, and a paper backup of key directions or addresses in case of signal issues.
• Keep an eye on:
  • Weather forecasts in mountain or coastal destinations.
  • Any road advisories from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) before long drives.

GDOT General Information
600 W. Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Main phone (central office): 404‑631‑1990

For live traffic information, many Atlanta drivers also rely on regional 511 phone services and map apps.

4. Parking and Lodging

• In busy destinations (Savannah, Asheville, Gatlinburg, Tybee), it often helps to book lodging with parking included.
• In mountain areas (Blue Ridge, Helen, Smokies), cabins can book months ahead for fall foliage, holiday weeks, and long weekends, especially for larger groups.

Building Your Ideal Atlanta Road Trip

From quick 90‑minute drives to multi-day journeys, Atlanta gives you a wide radius of options. Decide how much time you have, whether you’re craving mountains, city life, or the coast, and pick a destination that fits your group and your travel style.

With a bit of timing around Atlanta traffic and some basic planning, these best road trips from Atlanta can become regular escapes—whether you live in the city or are using Atlanta as your starting point for exploring the Southeast.