Shopping the Outlets off Georgia 400: Atlanta’s Guide to Dawsonville, GA

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and searching for “Outlets Atlanta Georgia 400 Dawsonville GA,” you’re almost certainly looking for the outlet mall in Dawsonville that many Atlantans use for bigger shopping trips and deals on major brands.

This guide explains:

• What and where the Dawsonville outlets are
• How to get there from Atlanta via GA 400
• What kinds of stores and deals you can expect
• Practical tips for Atlanta shoppers (best times to go, parking, food, and more)

What Are the Dawsonville Outlets People From Atlanta Visit?

When people in Atlanta talk about “the outlets off 400 in Dawsonville,” they’re referring to a large open-air outlet center located in Dawsonville, Georgia, north of the city.

It’s a popular destination for:

• Discounted name-brand clothing and shoes
• Home goods and kitchenware
• Athletic wear and outdoor gear
• Seasonal shopping (back‑to‑school, holiday gifts, etc.)

For many Atlanta shoppers, this outlet center is the go‑to spot when they want deeper discounts than they typically find at in-town malls like Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Perimeter Mall.

How Far Are the Dawsonville Outlets from Atlanta?

From central Atlanta, the Dawsonville outlets are roughly:

• 40–55 miles north, depending on your starting point
• Often about an hour’s drive in light to moderate traffic
• Located near GA State Route 400 (US 19), which many Atlantans simply call “400”

If you live closer to Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, or other northern suburbs, the drive can be considerably shorter.

Driving Directions from Atlanta via GA 400

Most people traveling from Atlanta take GA 400 North nearly the entire way.

Step-by-step directions from Downtown/Midtown Atlanta

1. Get onto I‑85/75 North depending on your starting location.
2. Merge onto GA 400 North. GA 400 becomes a freeway and then a divided highway as you head past Buckhead and Sandy Springs.
3. Continue north through Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
4. Stay on GA 400 North past:
   • Exit for Holcomb Bridge Road (Roswell)
   • Exits for Mansell Road and Haynes Bridge Road (Alpharetta)
   • Exits for Windward Parkway and McFarland Parkway
5. Drive past Cumming and continue on GA 400 until you reach the Dawsonville area, where you’ll see signs for outlet shopping and local services.
6. Follow local signage and turns indicated for the outlet center parking areas.

Because signage may change over time, many Atlanta residents rely on GPS or map apps for the last few turns once they exit GA 400.

Typical Drive Times from Different Parts of Metro Atlanta

Use this table as a general reference. Actual times depend heavily on traffic and time of day.

🕒 Tip: If you can, avoid heading north on GA 400 during the weekday evening rush (around 3:30–7:00 p.m.), when commuter traffic out of Atlanta can be heavy.

What Can Atlanta Shoppers Expect at the Dawsonville Outlets?

The Dawsonville outlet center is designed for browsing and bargain-hunting, not quick in‑and‑out errands. It’s more like a day trip destination from Atlanta.

Here’s what you’ll typically find:

1. Brand-Name Stores

You can expect a mix of:

• Clothing and fashion: Men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel
• Shoes and athletic wear: Sneakers, running shoes, outdoor boots, and casual shoes
• Outdoor and performance brands: Appeal to Atlanta’s hikers, runners, and sports fans
• Luggage, accessories, and handbags
• Home and kitchen outlets: Cookware, small appliances, household basics

Specific brands change over time, but most Atlanta shoppers use these outlets for discounts on mid- to high-profile brands that can be pricey at full retail.

2. Discounts and Pricing

Consumers generally find:

• Markdowns off standard retail prices, often displayed as a percentage off
• Additional in-store sales or clearance racks
• Bigger discounts during:
  • Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.)
  • Black Friday and the winter holidays
  • End-of-season sales

If you’re coming from Atlanta, it’s worth checking for extra savings events or printable/phone coupons on the outlet center’s official channels before you drive up.

3. Food and Break Areas

Because many Atlanta visitors treat the outlet trip as a half‑day outing, the center typically includes:

• Fast-casual or counter-service eateries
• Snack options and coffee
• Seating areas where you can rest, especially helpful if you’re shopping with kids or older family members

Most residents who make a day of it may pair shopping with a sit-down meal in nearby Dawsonville or along GA 400 on the way back toward Atlanta.

When Is the Best Time to Go from Atlanta?

Your best time depends on whether you care more about avoiding crowds or finding sales.

To Avoid Traffic and Crowds

Atlanta shoppers often find it easiest when they:

• Go on weekdays, especially late mornings or early afternoons
• Head up early on Saturday or Sunday, arriving around opening time
• Avoid holiday weekends if they dislike crowded parking lots and long lines

For the Best Deals

Many people time their Dawsonville outlet trips from Atlanta around:

• Major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July)
• Back-to-school season (late summer)
• Black Friday and December holiday shopping

These periods can bring larger discounts but also heavier traffic on GA 400 and more crowded stores. Leaving Atlanta early in the morning can help you beat the rush.

Parking, Accessibility, and Layout

Parking

• The outlet center offers large surface parking lots.
• On typical weekdays, Atlanta visitors usually find parking relatively easily.
• During peak weekends and holidays, you may need to park farther out and walk in, so comfortable shoes help.

Walking and Layout

• The Dawsonville outlets are spread out in an open-air village-style layout.
• Expect to walk between buildings and along outdoor walkways.
• In hot Atlanta summers or during rain, plan for:
  • Sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas
  • Water or drinks, especially if shopping with children

Making the Most of a Dawsonville Outlet Trip from Atlanta

If you’re planning a drive up GA 400 from Atlanta, a bit of preparation can save time and money.

Before You Leave Atlanta

• Make a list of priority items (e.g., kids’ school clothes, workwear, gifts).
• Check store directories for the outlet center so you know which stores are there.
• Look for coupons or special promotions on the outlet’s official website or app.
• Factor in traffic if you’re leaving from I‑75/I‑85 or I‑285.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A small backpack or tote for receipts, water, and snacks
• Any size measurements you need (shoe sizes, waist, inseam, etc.)
• If you’re comparison-shopping, you may want to note Atlanta in‑town prices first, so you know whether the outlet deals are worthwhile.

Pairing the Trip with Other North Georgia Activities

Many Atlantans like to bundle an outlet visit with:

• A stop at Lake Lanier or nearby parks
• A short visit to Dawsonville or a meal at a local restaurant
• A scenic drive further north toward the North Georgia mountains or Dahlonega

This can turn a simple shopping run into a fuller day trip out of the city.

Public Transportation and Rideshare Options from Atlanta

For most Atlanta residents, the Dawsonville outlets are most convenient by car.

• MARTA does not run all the way to Dawsonville.
• Bus and shuttle options directly from Atlanta to the outlets are limited and may change over time.
• Rideshare services can sometimes be used, but:
  • The fare for a round trip between Atlanta and Dawsonville can be high.
  • Return availability can vary depending on time of day and driver coverage in Dawsonville.

If you don’t have a car in Atlanta, consider:

• Carpooling with friends or family
• Car rental for a day, especially if you have a long shopping list
• Checking if any tour or shopping shuttle services are operating at the time of your visit

Tips for Atlanta Shoppers Deciding If the Trip Is Worth It

If you’re trying to decide whether to drive from Atlanta to Dawsonville for outlets, consider:

• How much you plan to buy
  • Large or multiple purchases (like outfitting a family for school or buying work wardrobes) often justify the drive.
• Your flexibility on brand and style
  • Outlets may have more limited color or size ranges than full-line stores.
• The total cost of the trip
  • Factor in gas, possible tolls or parking (if any), and your time.
• Alternative Atlanta options
  • If you only need one or two items, local malls or shops in Atlanta may be more practical, even at higher prices.

For many metro Atlanta residents, a Dawsonville outlet trip is something they do a few times a year rather than a weekly outing.

Key Takeaways for “Outlets Atlanta Georgia 400 Dawsonville GA”

• The Dawsonville outlets are a popular outlet shopping destination north of Atlanta, easily reached via GA 400.
• From most parts of Atlanta, expect around a 45–70 minute drive one way, depending on traffic.
• You’ll find a wide range of brand-name stores with discounted merchandise, plus food options and large parking areas.
• The trip is ideal when you’re buying multiple items or outfitting a household, especially during major sale periods.
• To get the most from your visit, plan your route, check for sales, go during off-peak times if possible, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

With a bit of planning from your starting point in Atlanta, a day at the Dawsonville outlets off GA 400 can be a convenient way to stretch your shopping budget while getting access to a broad mix of brands and products.