Best Georgia Outlet Malls Near Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Expect, and How to Plan Your Trip

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to score big discounts on brand-name shopping, you don’t have to travel far. Several of Georgia’s best outlet malls are within about an hour to an hour and a half of Atlanta, and each has its own vibe, store mix, and travel considerations.

This guide walks you through the major outlet malls near Atlanta, what they’re known for, how far they are, and practical tips for planning your trip from the city.

Quick Overview: Outlet Malls Near Atlanta

Here’s a simple snapshot of the main Georgia outlet malls within day-trip distance of Atlanta:

Distances are approximate and based on driving from Downtown Atlanta; travel time will vary with traffic, which in metro Atlanta can be significant.

Tanger Outlets Locust Grove (South of Atlanta)

Location: Locust Grove, GA
Approx. drive from Atlanta: 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic
Main route: I-75 South

For many people in the city, Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove is the most convenient “true” outlet mall heading south from Atlanta. It’s a classic open-air outlet center with a broad range of clothing, shoes, home goods, and accessories.

Why Atlantans Go Here

• Shortest drive for a major outlet if you live in or near the southside, Hartsfield-Jackson area, or downtown.
• Popular stop for people heading further down I-75 toward Macon or Florida.
• Common outlet staples such as sportswear, casualwear, kids’ clothing, and footwear.

Practical Tips from Atlanta

• Traffic watch:
  • I-75 can get congested, especially southbound on Friday afternoons and northbound on Sunday evenings.
  • If possible, leave earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
• Pair it with other errands:
  • Many Atlanta-area shoppers build this into a day trip that might also include nearby big-box stores or restaurants along I-75.
• Weather planning:
  • It’s an open-air center, so bring an umbrella or sun protection depending on the season.

Tanger Outlets Commerce (Northeast of Atlanta)

Location: Commerce, GA
Approx. drive from Atlanta: 1–1.5 hours
Main route: I-85 North

Tanger Outlets Commerce is a larger outlet destination that serves much of northeast Georgia, including people traveling between Atlanta and the Athens/UGA area.

Why It’s Worth the Drive

• Wide mix of apparel, athletic brands, home decor, and accessories.
• Popular with Atlanta residents who don’t mind a longer drive for more store options.
• Often visited by those combining it with a trip toward Athens, Lake Hartwell, or North Carolina.

Tips for Atlanta Shoppers

• Compare to Dawsonville:
  • If you live on the east or northeast side of Atlanta (Gwinnett, DeKalb, northeast Fulton), Commerce can feel as convenient as Dawsonville, depending on where you start.
• Mind I-85 timing:
  • Weekday rush hours around the northeast corridor (Spaghetti Junction through Gwinnett) can add considerable time.
• Plan a half- or full-day:
  • Between driving and browsing, most Atlantans treat Commerce as a day trip, not a quick errand.

North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville)

Location: Dawsonville, GA
Approx. drive from Atlanta: 1–1.5 hours
Main route: GA 400 North

North Georgia Premium Outlets is one of the most popular outlet destinations within reach of Atlanta, especially for people living in-town, in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the northern suburbs.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Strong mix of mid-range and some higher-end brands at outlet pricing.
• Serves as a shopping hub for people heading toward Dahlonega, the North Georgia mountains, and Lake Lanier.
• Open-air design with multiple clusters of shops, often organized by type or brand.

Planning from Atlanta

• Best for Northside residents:
  • If you’re near GA 400, this is often the most straightforward outlet trip.
• Combine with recreation:
  • Many Atlantans make it part of a weekend getaway to the mountains or wineries in North Georgia.
• Traffic notes:
  • GA 400 northbound can slow near Cumming and Dawsonville on peak weekends, especially during holiday shopping season.

Sugarloaf Mills (Lawrenceville)

Location: Lawrenceville, GA
Approx. drive from Atlanta: 30–45 minutes from downtown (shorter from east/northeast suburbs)
Main route: I-85 North

While Sugarloaf Mills is technically a hybrid indoor mall and outlet center, many Atlanta shoppers treat it as a practical alternative to a traditional outdoor outlet mall, especially if they want climate-controlled shopping and entertainment in one place.

Why Atlantans Choose Sugarloaf Mills

• Indoor, air-conditioned environment, helpful in Georgia heat or storms.
• Mix of outlet-style retailers, standard mall stores, and entertainment options (such as theaters and family attractions).
• Convenient to Gwinnett County and much of the northeast metro.

When It Makes Sense Over Other Outlets

• You want a shorter drive than Dawsonville or Commerce from east metro Atlanta.
• You’re shopping with kids and want options like entertainment, food court, and indoor walking.
• You prefer not to walk between open-air buildings in rain or extreme heat.

Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock)

Location: Woodstock, GA
Approx. drive from Atlanta: 30–45 minutes
Main route: I-75 North → I-575 North

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, despite its name, is located in Woodstock, making it a go-to option for people on Atlanta’s northwest side.

Key Highlights

• Outdoor, village-style layout with brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessory outlets.
• Feels accessible for those coming from Cobb County, Cherokee County, and northwest Fulton.
• Often less of a “full road trip” feel for people in Marietta, Kennesaw, or Smyrna compared to Dawsonville.

What to Consider from Atlanta

• Route choice:
  • From downtown or midtown, you’ll typically use I-75 to I-575; watch for weekday peak traffic.
• Weather & walking:
  • Similar to other outdoor outlets: dress for walking and consider weather changes.
• Pairing with local stops:
  • Many shoppers combine their outing with nearby dining or errands in Woodstock or Kennesaw.

How to Choose the Best Outlet Mall Near Atlanta for You

If you’re starting in or near central Atlanta, here’s how to narrow your options based on your priorities:

1. Shortest Drive

If your main goal is minimizing time on the road:

• Southside / Downtown / Airport area:
  • Tanger Outlets Locust Grove is usually the quickest “true” outlet.
• Northwest Atlanta / Cobb / Smyrna / Kennesaw:
  • Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (Woodstock) often makes the most sense.
• Northeast Atlanta / Gwinnett / Tucker:
  • Sugarloaf Mills is likely the fastest for outlet-style shopping.

2. Largest Selection / “Destination” Feel

If you’re making a dedicated shopping day out of it:

• North Georgia Premium Outlets (Dawsonville) and
• Tanger Outlets Commerce

tend to feel like larger-scale, destination-style outlets with wide brand variety.

3. Indoor vs. Outdoor

If weather or walking comfort is a big factor:

• Prefer indoor, weather-protected:
  • Sugarloaf Mills is the most fully indoor option among the major outlet-style centers near Atlanta.
• Fine with outdoor walking:
  • Tanger Locust Grove, Tanger Commerce, Dawsonville, and Woodstock are all open-air layouts.

4. Combining with Other Atlanta-Area Plans

Many Atlantans combine outlet trips with other activities:

• Heading to North Georgia mountains or lakes?
  • North Georgia Premium Outlets is ideal en route to Dahlonega, Helen, or Lake Lanier.
• Traveling south for a road trip?
  • Tanger Locust Grove is positioned well for those headed toward Macon or Florida.
• Visiting family or events in Gwinnett?
  • Sugarloaf Mills fits easily into a Gwinnett County day.
• Northwest suburb visit (Cobb/Cherokee)?
  • Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta can be a convenient stop.

Practical Planning Tips for Atlanta Shoppers 📝

Check Store Lists Before You Drive

Outlet malls can vary widely in which brands are actually present. Before committing to an hour-plus drive from Atlanta:

• Review the current store directory on the outlet’s official website.
• Make sure the specific brands you care about are there (especially if you’re shopping for specialized items like outdoor gear, professional wear, or particular shoe brands).

Time Your Trip Around Atlanta Traffic

Metro Atlanta traffic patterns matter:

• Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.) and evenings (4–7 p.m.):
  • Try to avoid starting your drive during peak congestion on I-75, I-85, GA 400, and I-285.
• Weekends before holidays and back-to-school seasons:
  • Expect heavier outlet traffic plus normal metro congestion, especially on routes leading north and south out of the city.

Budget for More Than Just Shopping

Even if you’re going mainly for bargains:

• Factor in gas, toll-free but sometimes long-route driving time, meals, and snacks.
• Outlet trips from Atlanta often turn into half-day or full-day outings, especially if you’re traveling with family.

Comfort & Accessibility

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—outlets typically require a lot of walking between stores.
• If you’re shopping with kids or older adults, consider:
  • Indoor, climate-controlled locations like Sugarloaf Mills.
  • Checking ahead for wheelchair or stroller accessibility and seating areas in the outlet you choose.

When Outlet Malls Make Sense vs. In-Town Atlanta Shopping

Living in or visiting Atlanta, you have a wide range of in-town malls and shopping districts, from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead to Atlantic Station, Cumberland, and Perimeter. Outlet malls near Atlanta can make sense when:

• You’re specifically looking for clearance or outlet pricing on certain brands.
• You’re buying for multiple family members at once (back-to-school, holidays, or seasonal wardrobe updates).
• You want to turn shopping into a day trip outside the city.

For quick needs or single items, staying closer to in-town shopping centers often saves more time than you’ll gain in discounts.

How to Decide, Step by Step

If you’re unsure which outlet to try from Atlanta, use this quick decision path:

1. Where are you starting?

   • North of I-20? Look first at Dawsonville or Woodstock.
   • South of I-20? Check Locust Grove.
   • Northeast metro? Consider Sugarloaf Mills or Commerce.

2. Do you care more about indoor or outdoor shopping?

   • Indoor: Sugarloaf Mills
   • Outdoor: Any of the others

3. Are you combining shopping with other travel (mountains, lakes, family visits)?

   • Choose the outlet along your route to minimize extra driving.

4. Is this a quick trip or full-day outing?

   • Quick-ish: Locust Grove, Woodstock, or Sugarloaf Mills from many parts of Atlanta
   • Full-day: Dawsonville or Commerce for bigger layouts and more variety

By matching your location, timing, and goals with the strengths of each outlet mall, you can pick the Georgia outlet near Atlanta that actually fits your day—rather than just defaulting to the one you’ve heard of most.

That’s usually how Atlanta residents get the most value out of an outlet trip without spending the whole day in traffic.