Shopping Guide to North Georgia Premium Outlets for Atlanta Shoppers

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and want serious brand-name savings, North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville is one of the closest and most popular outlet destinations. This guide walks through what it is, how to get there from Atlanta, what to expect when you arrive, and how to make the most of your trip.

What Is North Georgia Premium Outlets?

North Georgia Premium Outlets is a large open-air outlet center located in Dawsonville, Georgia, known for name-brand and designer stores at discounted prices.

For Atlanta-area shoppers, it’s often the go-to outlet option when:

• You want better prices than typical mall sales
• You prefer a wide variety of brands in one place
• You’re willing to drive a bit outside the city for more selection

You’ll find a mix of:

• Designer fashion outlets
• Athletic and outdoor brands
• Kids’ clothing and shoe stores
• Home and kitchen outlets
• Luggage, accessories, and specialty shops

The center is designed as a village-style, outdoor mall, so you walk between clusters of storefronts rather than through an enclosed mall.

Where It Is and How to Get There from Atlanta

Address:
North Georgia Premium Outlets
800 Highway 400 S
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Phone (main center line): 706-216-3609 (commonly listed; verify if needed before you call)

Driving from Atlanta

From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods, the outlets are about 45–70 minutes away, depending on traffic and your starting point.

Typical driving route from central Atlanta:

1. Take I-85 N or I-75/85 N toward downtown connector (if you’re not already north).
2. Merge onto GA-400 N (also called US-19 N) toward Buckhead/Alpharetta/Cumming.
3. Continue on GA-400 N past Alpharetta, Cumming, and exit 17 (SR 306).
4. Keep going until you see signs for Dawsonville and North Georgia Premium Outlets (near Highway 53).
5. The outlets are just off GA-400, well-marked with signage.

Approximate drive times from common Atlanta areas (without heavy traffic):

⛽ Tip: GA-400 has varying toll and express lane history; check for current conditions and construction before you go, especially during weekday rush hours.

Public Transit Options from Atlanta

There is no direct MARTA or rail service to North Georgia Premium Outlets. For most people, the options are:

• Drive yourself
• Carpool with friends or family
• Use a rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) – practical if you’re splitting costs, but keep in mind:
  • One-way fares from central Atlanta can be significant.
  • Return-trip wait times may be longer than inside the city.

For outlet trips involving multiple shopping bags or luggage, driving or carpooling is usually the most convenient.

What Kinds of Stores You’ll Find

While individual stores may change over time, North Georgia Premium Outlets typically includes:

Fashion and Designer Brands

Many Atlanta shoppers come for discounted clothing and accessories from well-known labels. These can include:

• Designer clothing (often last season or overstock)
• Handbags and accessories
• Outerwear and seasonal items

Shoppers from areas like Buckhead or Midtown sometimes compare these stops to Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza brands, but with outlet pricing.

Athletic, Outdoor, and Casual Wear

For people in Atlanta who are active, travel often, or head to the North Georgia mountains for hiking or camping, the outlets can be good for:

• Running shoes and athletic wear
• Outdoor gear and jackets
• Casual weekend clothes

This can be especially useful if you’re pairing an outlet trip with visits to Amicalola Falls, Dahlonega, or Lake Lanier, since they’re all in the same general direction north of the city.

Kids, Baby, and Family Shopping

Families in metro Atlanta often drive up specifically to shop for:

• Back-to-school clothing and shoes
• Baby/toddler outfits
• Budget-friendly basics for fast-growing kids

The ability to visit multiple children’s brands back-to-back is a common reason families from suburbs like Roswell, Johns Creek, or Smyrna make a day trip.

Home, Kitchen, and Gifts

You’ll usually find:

• Kitchenware and cookware outlets
• Bedding, linens, and home decor
• Luggage and travel accessories

This can be handy if you’re outfitting a new apartment in Atlanta, upgrading kitchen basics, or buying gifts.

When to Go: Best Times for Atlanta Shoppers

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays (especially mornings and early afternoons)

  • Generally less crowded
  • Easier parking
  • Smoother browsing with fewer lines

• Weekends and holidays

  • Heavier traffic on GA-400 N, especially mid-morning to mid-afternoon
  • Crowded parking, especially close to center entrances
  • Longer fitting room and checkout lines

If you’re coming from intown Atlanta (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside), consider leaving early enough to arrive when the outlets open, especially on Saturdays or holiday weekends.

Seasonal Considerations

• Back-to-school: Late summer weekends can be extremely busy with families from across north Georgia and metro Atlanta.
• Holiday season: November–December draws heavy crowds; plan extra time for traffic and parking.
• Weather: It’s an outdoor center, so on very hot, cold, or rainy days:
  • Dress for weather (hat, layers, or rain gear).
  • Plan breaks inside shops to cool off or warm up.

Parking, Layout, and Accessibility

Parking

• The outlets offer large surface parking lots surrounding the main shopping clusters.
• On peak weekends, nearby spots may fill quickly, so you may need to park farther out and walk in.
• If you’re driving from Atlanta with kids or older adults, factor in a short walk from the car to the shops.

Accessibility

• The property is generally set up for stroller and wheelchair use, with:
  • Wide sidewalks
  • Curb cuts and ramps
  • Multiple restroom locations

If anyone in your group has accessibility needs, it can help to:

• Drop them off at a main entrance before parking farther out.
• Make note of restroom locations and seating areas as you explore.

Food, Breaks, and Nearby Stops

On-Site Food Options

Inside and around the outlets, you can expect:

• Quick-service spots (sandwiches, pizza, snacks)
• Coffee and beverage options
• Simple dessert or treat options

Food choices are more limited than what you’d find in central Atlanta neighborhoods like Inman Park or West Midtown, so if you are particular about meals:

• Consider eating a full meal before leaving Atlanta, or
• Plan to enjoy a larger meal before or after shopping in nearby Dawsonville or Cumming.

Pairing Your Trip with Other North Georgia Activities

If you’re already driving north from Atlanta, many people combine outlet shopping with:

• A quick stop in Dahlonega (historic square, wineries nearby)
• A visit to Amicalola Falls State Park
• A day at Lake Lanier (seasonal)

For Atlanta visitors staying near Downtown or Midtown, a combined outlets + North Georgia scenery day can give you a different view of the region beyond the city.

Smart Shopping Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

To get the most out of your trip from Atlanta:

1. Set a Plan Before You Go

• Make a short list of top priority stores to avoid wandering and fatigue.
• Check current hours by phone or online, as they may vary seasonally or on holidays.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta and using a rental car, confirm your navigation route and parking plan in advance.

2. Time Your Drive

• Leaving after 9:30–10:00 a.m. on weekdays may put you closer to mid-day traffic delays.
• On weekends, arriving early in the morning helps you:
  • Beat the heat in summer
  • Avoid the heaviest crowds
  • Have the best selection in popular sizes

3. Dress and Pack for Comfort

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; you’ll cover a lot of ground.
• Bring:
  • A reusable bag or two for your purchases
  • A light jacket or umbrella if weather looks uncertain
  • A water bottle, especially on hot days

4. Compare Prices Thoughtfully

Even with outlet discounts, it’s sensible to:

• Know what similar items cost in Atlanta-area stores (Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Atlantic Station, etc.).
• Check:
  • Quality and materials
  • Return and exchange policies (outlet policies can differ from full-price stores)

5. Plan for the Return Trip

After hours of shopping:

• Build in time to rest and hydrate before driving back to Atlanta.
• Expect heavier traffic on GA-400 S returning toward the city in the late afternoon, especially on Sundays and holiday Mondays.

Is North Georgia Premium Outlets Worth the Trip from Atlanta?

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, the outlets are worth the drive if:

• You’re shopping for multiple items (back-to-school, seasonal wardrobes, gifts, or home basics).
• You want brand-name or designer items at reduced prices.
• You don’t mind an outdoor, open-air shopping experience and some walking.

If you only need a single item or prefer to stay within the city, Atlanta’s many malls, boutiques, and neighborhood shops may be more convenient. But if you’re willing to make a day of it, North Georgia Premium Outlets can be a practical, cost-effective addition to your Atlanta shopping plans.