Top 5 Atlanta Day Trips: Explore Georgia’s Hidden Gems

Getting away from the day-to-day, that is something we all need every now and then, right? And if you happen to be near Atlanta, you’re really in luck. The ATL is, in a way, close to some really fantastic spots that make for pretty amazing day trips. So, ditch the city clamor and discover these five fab locations that are, generally, only a hop, skip, and a jump away.

1. Helen, GA: A Taste of Bavaria in the Mountains

Helen, GA, it’s almost like you’ve stepped right into a super cute Bavarian town, that is, yet, chilling in the middle of the Georgia mountains. Very famous for its Oktoberfest festivities, Helen is actually a great visit year-round. Stroll by the cobblestone streets, check out pretty shops with handcrafted items, and also grub on classic German eats.

That being said, that Chattahoochee River actually runs right through Helen, and this, in some respects, makes it ideal for tubing. A bunch of outfitters, as a matter of fact, provide tube rentals. The Anna Ruby Falls are really only about seven miles from Helen. That short hike to the twin waterfalls is, actually, totally gorgeous. Families in particular seem to enjoy this one, for what it’s worth.

Those who want a bit of something unusual could find what they’re looking for too it’s almost like visiting two destinations in one day, right? This makes Helen the right getaway for those who like to eat some pretzels, experience nature, and also have a little bit of, kind of, that Euro vibe, apparently. Read our full review: Helen Georgia Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Helen, GA)

2. Amicalola Falls State Park: Chasing Waterfalls

Want an outdoor escape? This is that place! This park, a little north of Atlanta, very prominently showcases Amicalola Falls, one of the tallest cascading waterfalls found in the southeastern US. Viewing the falls is super doable from many spots, actually including an easy, super accessible overlook that’s near the visitor center.

That being said, for the outdoorsy, many miles of, very beautiful, hiking trails, those stretch all through the park. Hike part of, very well known, Appalachian Trail via a very quick drive to Springer Mountain, which is thought to be the southern start point of, very well known, trail, which is nice. In addition to this, this park also has lodging options such as cabins as well as a lodge for individuals who, typically, would like to make a weekend of, very gorgeous place.

The park actually caters to visitors of all skill levels who love the mountains and being surrounded by beautiful waterfalls. Amicalola Falls State Park, it’s almost like it has that restorative outdoor thing you just want to visit, naturally. Read our full review: Amicalola Falls Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Amicalola Falls)

3. Callaway Gardens: Nature’s Playground

Callaway Gardens, placed way down in Pine Mountain, GA, very beautifully features like thousands of acres of natural beauty, as I was saying. It seems like no matter your age, there will likely be an outdoor activity you enjoy in this, more or less, natural place.

That is that the Callaway Gardens Butterfly Center, a fascinating place that features 1,000+ butterflies, is something most travelers would absolutely find amazing. You can see butterflies, alright, and then you also could go look at the horticulture scene that just sort of expresses how beautiful the plants really are, as I was saying. There’s a zipline together with a tree top adventure, for anybody trying to do something adventurous.

Rent a bicycle to leisurely get through several of the pathways, or basically, unwind on the beach located beside Robin Lake, honestly. The yearly events including the Masters Water Ski Tournament, that is what, it’s almost like, lights up this gardens all the time, that being said. Callaway Gardens, a spot with beautiful gardens, loads of leisure opportunities, also seasonal events, makes for a full day-trip that will leave anyone totally happy they stopped by, you know. Read our full review: Callaway Gardens Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Callaway Gardens)

4. Athens, GA: Home of the Bulldogs and a Thriving Music Scene

Athens, GA, the lively university town home to the University of Georgia, it’s almost like it boasts of, kind of, that vibrant mix of college-town enthusiasm alongside history plus cultural charm. Die-hard UGA fans will certainly wish to actually get a walk all over campus, just to take in all, kind of, that scholastic aura that’s just radiating everywhere.

The Athens music scene, yet it’s legendary, basically having birthed bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s, so stop at the 40 Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre so as to witness local acts and basically even big name artists on the same stage that put Athens on the map musically, as a matter of fact. Athens historic downtown provides one-of-a-kind boutiques and native restaurants to check out that’s, just a little, away from campus as well.

Visit the Georgia Museum of Art also the State Botanical Garden to add a dose of culture as well as mother nature to that Athens journey you take, by the way. If history plus the excitement from a youthful town with great music plus art intrigue, so Athens makes, arguably, a brilliant place to go, you know. Read our full review: Athens Georgia Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Athens, GA)

5. Blue Ridge, GA: Scenic Mountain Charm

Set near to the Blue Ridge Mountains in north GA, Blue Ridge mixes, kind of, a quaint downtown charm together with a wealth of scenic spots. This place, really widely known, really is one of the very best small mountain towns in the state. This makes Blue Ridge the ultimate respite in nature for everyone that likes mountains but also serene settings and old-timey villages too it’s almost something, honestly.

Blue Ridge is just that, extremely great. A really classic spot is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. As a matter of fact, it basically goes by, kind of, that Toccoa River and displays that scenery which, might be, great to see. Check out the many art galleries shops in the downtown location, naturally including a lot of locally crafted art and also items.

For the folks into outdoor fun, so, explore the area surrounding, particularly that hiking plus trout fishing, that, typically, tends to be rather good, as I was saying. Close by Lake Blue Ridge, arguably offering boat rentals along with water-based recreation, generally seems nice as well. Blue Ridge actually serves up the perfect day getaway, and seems like there may be something to it, you know. Read our full review: Blue Ridge Georgia Day Trip Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover Blue Ridge)