The 15 Greatest Street Journeys From Atlanta, Georgia (2024 Information)

Hoping to flee the town and discover extra of the US South? Attempt one in every of these superb street journeys from Atlanta, Georgia!

Spending a while Atlanta, Georgia? Whether or not you’re a traveler or an area, these street journeys from Atlanta are the right approach to get out and discover the southeast states of the USA.

You’ll be able to hit the bike trails within the Nice Smoky Mountains, admire the scenic River Road in Savannah, or take in the solar on Hilton Head Island.

Or strive a street journey to some iconic US cities, such because the well-known “Music Metropolis” of Nashville, Tennessee or the attractive and historic Charleston, South Carolina.

Atlanta is conveniently situated inside a 5-hour drive from among the USA’s greatest locations. Whether or not you need to discover cities, seashores, islands, canyons, mountains, gardens, resorts, or something in between, do all of it on an thrilling street journey.

There are many locations to hire a automobile in downtown Atlanta so you may expertise the liberty of a street journey via Southeast USA!

The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth in the marketplace.

Greatest Street Journeys From Atlanta

Listed below are the most effective street journeys from Atlanta, Georgia! You’ll get to enterprise into the most effective close by locations round South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

A few of these are brief sufficient to be a day journey, and others are higher suited to weekend getaways.

Discover extra concepts with these superb day journeys from Atlanta!

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

• Distance from Atlanta: 162 miles to the southern finish of the parkway
• Driving time: 2 hours and 45 minutes to the southern finish of the parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is likely one of the greatest street journey locations within the USA. This scenic freeway stretches for 469 miles, connecting the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah Nationwide Park in Virginia.

This iconic route, also known as “America’s Favourite Drive,” gives vacationers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, verdant forests, and numerous wildlife.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is famend for its lovely overlooks, historic websites, and leisure alternatives. Whether or not it’s mountaineering on one of many many trails, picnicking at picturesque spots, or just having fun with the drive, guests are handled to among the greatest surroundings within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From Atlanta, drive nearly 3 hours to Cherokee, North Carolina close to Bryson Metropolis on the southern finish of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then you may spend so long as you need driving north alongside the beautiful route.

Sights just like the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Craggy Gardens, Folks Artwork Middle, and Mount Mitchell State Park are highlights to contemplate to your street journey!

2. Asheville, North Carolina

• Distance from Atlanta: 208 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Additionally situated within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is likely one of the greatest weekend street journeys to take from Atlanta. It’s not a really far drive, however Asheville has so many enjoyable issues to do that you simply’ll need to spend not less than a number of days right here!

Immerse your self within the historical past of the world with a go to to the well-known Biltmore Property, or interact with the town’s creative group within the River Arts District.

Those that love the outside can strive kayaking or canoeing down the French Broad River or taking up a mountaineering path within the close by Pisgah Nationwide Forest.

Asheville additionally has an unimaginable music scene and vibrant downtown power. Filled with craft breweries, markets, eating places, artwork galleries, cool museums, and stay music venues, there’s by no means a boring second in Asheville!

Spend a weekend in Asheville with our epic itinerary!

3. Windfall Canyon State Park

• Distance from Atlanta: 148 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Top-of-the-line state parks to go to in Georgia is Windfall Canyon State Park. Sometimes called Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” this beautiful pure surprise is situated in southwest Georgia close to the city of Lumpkin. It makes a straightforward street journey from Atlanta that may be achieved in a day!

This 1,003-acre park is famend for its vibrant, multicolored canyons created via a mix of pure erosion and poor farming practices within the Nineteenth century. The ensuing panorama options deep gullies with partitions of pink, orange, purple, and purple hues.

The park’s distinctive geological formations, together with its numerous plants, make it a haven for photographers, hikers, and nature fanatics.

Windfall Canyon State Park has over ten miles of trails that wind via the canyons, offering entry to scenic overlooks and the canyon flooring. For these fascinated by historical past, the park options remnants of previous homesteads and farm tools, providing a glimpse into the world’s agricultural previous.

Tenting services can be found for these seeking to lengthen their keep at Windfall Canyon State Park.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

• Distance from Atlanta: 307 miles
• Driving time: 4 hours and 50 minutes

Charleston is likely one of the most lovely cities in South Carolina. It’s slightly below 5 hours from Atlanta, making it top-of-the-line weekend getaways from the capital of Georgia.

This extremely scenic metropolis is understood for its colourful structure, historic websites, and southern attraction. There are such a lot of fascinating sights to see, reminiscent of the colourful homes of Rainbow Row or the outstanding partitions of Fort Sumter. Simply strolling across the Historic District is a feast for the eyes!

Contemplate exploring the town by horse-drawn carriage to actually embrace the historic heritage of the charming city. Charleston can also be recognized for its superb meals, which you’ll style at Charleston Metropolis Market or one of many many lovely eateries. Town’s traditional South Carolina delicacies options dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and traditional southern barbecue.

It’s also possible to enterprise out on a day journey to one of many close by historic plantations reminiscent of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Boone Corridor Plantation. These websites supply a glimpse into the agricultural previous of South Carolina, with lovely gardens, historic houses, and academic reveals.

Discover extra of the prime issues to do in Charleston with our full information!

5. Georgia’s Golden Isles

• Distance from Atlanta: 322 miles
• Driving time: 4 hours and 50 minutes

If you happen to’re searching for a seashore weekend getaway from Atlanta, think about visiting Georgia’s Golden Isles. This beautiful group of barrier islands situated off the southeastern coast of Georgia are famend for his or her picturesque landscapes, wealthy historical past, and vibrant ecosystems.

The principle islands embrace St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island. Together with the mainland metropolis of Brunswick, these locations supply each pure magnificence and charming tradition.

The world is characterised by its golden-hued marshes, pristine seashores, and historical maritime forests, making it a haven for outside fanatics.

Guests can get pleasure from actions reminiscent of kayaking via winding creeks, birdwatching in protected sanctuaries, and biking alongside scenic trails that showcase the islands’ numerous natural world.

The Golden Isles even have many historic and cultural sights. Jekyll Island, as soon as an unique retreat for America’s wealthiest households, options the Jekyll Island Membership Nationwide Historic Landmark District, the place grand cottages and a historic resort mirror the opulence of the Gilded Age.

St. Simons Island is residence to historic websites reminiscent of Fort Frederica Nationwide Monument and the long-lasting St. Simons Lighthouse, providing insights into the area’s colonial and maritime heritage.

Whether or not exploring the historic streets of Brunswick or enjoyable on the gorgeous seashores of Sea Island, guests to Georgia’s Golden Isles are in for a deal with.

6. Nashville, Tennessee

• Distance from Atlanta: 248 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 50 minutes

Nashville, Tennessee, typically dubbed “Music Metropolis,” is a vibrant hub of cultural and musical heritage. It’s top-of-the-line street journeys from Atlanta, as you’ll get to drive via the picturesque landscapes of Georgia and Tennessee till you attain the long-lasting metropolis.

Then you may spend a number of days exploring Nashville! Iconic venues such because the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium have performed pivotal roles in shaping American music, internet hosting legendary artists from Hank Williams to Johnny Money.

The Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum gives guests an in-depth have a look at the historical past and evolution of nation music, with reveals that includes memorabilia, devices, and recordings from the style’s most influential figures.

Alongside Broadway, the town’s well-known honky-tonk bars pulse with stay music, inviting locals and vacationers alike to expertise Nashville’s infectious power.

Past its music scene, Nashville has many cultural, historic, and culinary sights. The Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park, a full-scale duplicate of the traditional Greek temple, displays the town’s dedication to arts and schooling.

Up to date neighborhoods like The Gulch and East Nashville showcase a thriving arts and meals scene. Nashville is a charming vacation spot to go to close to Atlanta with so many enjoyable issues to do!

Take a look at these day journeys from Nashville for extra locations to discover close by.

7. Lake Lanier, Georgia

• Distance from Atlanta: 49 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour

On a scorching, sunny day, Lake Lanier is likely one of the hottest street journeys from Atlanta. Only a brief, one hour drive from downtown, this sprawling reservoir has picturesque landscapes and many alternatives for outside enjoyable.

Lake Lanier spans over 38,000 acres with 692 miles of shoreline, making it one of many largest and hottest lakes within the southeastern United States.

The lake’s clear blue waters and scenic environment appeal to tens of millions of holiday makers annually who come to get pleasure from actions reminiscent of boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports activities. Quite a few marinas, parks, and campgrounds across the lake present ample services for each day journeys and prolonged stays.

So should you’re hoping to flee the Georgia warmth, take a day journey from Atlanta out to Lake Lanier!

8. Destin, Florida

• Distance from Atlanta: 314 miles
• Driving time: 5 hours and quarter-hour

Searching for a tropical weekend getaway! Contemplate street tripping right down to Florida! It’s solely about 5 hours from Atlanta to the white sand seashores of Destin on the Florida Panhandle.

Destin gives a wealth of leisure alternatives, from deep-sea fishing to water sports activities to procuring and extra.

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a central hub of exercise, that includes quite a lot of superb eating places, boutiques, and leisure choices, whereas Henderson Seaside State Park gives a serene pure escape with its pristine shoreline and mountaineering trails.

Town’s vibrant marine life, family-friendly sights like Gulfarium Marine Journey Park, and splendid resorts make Destin a beloved trip spot.

There may be actually one thing for everybody right here, whether or not you need to hit up the golf programs, play some seashore volleyball on the sand, or deal with your self to some retail remedy.

Have time to discover extra of Florida? Take a look at these prime issues to do!

9. Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park

• Distance from Atlanta: 167 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours

Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park is simply 3 hours away from Atlanta, and it’s top-of-the-line street journeys for nature lovers and journey seekers.

From Atlanta, you’ll get to witness spectacular surroundings as you drive up via the north Georgia countryside and the Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest in your approach to the Smokies.

The Nice Smoky Mountains embody one of the biodiverse areas in the USA and are a cherished nationwide treasure. Famend for his or her mist-covered peaks, dense forests, and considerable wildlife, the Smokies appeal to tens of millions of holiday makers annually.

Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Website, gives over 800 miles of mountaineering trails and biking trails that lead adventurers via numerous ecosystems starting from old-growth forests to wildflower-filled meadows.

Iconic landmarks reminiscent of Clingmans Dome, the best peak within the Smokies, and Cades Cove, a historic valley dotted with preserved log cabins and church buildings, present glimpses into the world’s pure magnificence and cultural heritage.

10. Savannah, Georgia

• Distance from Atlanta: 248 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Savannah, Georgia, is a metropolis steeped in Southern attraction and historical past that makes a superb weekend getaway from Atlanta.

Well-known for its well-preserved antebellum structure, oak-lined streets, and historic squares, Savannah is residence to iconic landmarks like the plush Forsyth Park and the scenic waterfront River Road.

Based in 1733, Savannah’s wealthy historical past is obvious in its meticulously restored houses and buildings, together with the Mercer-Williams Home and the Owens-Thomas Home. Town’s distinctive structure, with its 22 squares adorned with fountains, monuments, and plush greenery, encourages leisurely walks and exploration.

Savannah’s vibrant arts scene, scrumptious Southern delicacies, and proximity to the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia make it a well-liked vacation spot.

If you wish to take a day journey to close by island, it’s only a brief drive to Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island. Hilton Head Island gives an upscale ambiance with luxurious resorts and golf programs, but it surely additionally has beautiful coastal magnificence and funky sights just like the Coastal Discovery Museum.

Tybee Island, generally known as Savannah’s seashore, options vast sandy shores good for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports activities, together with a historic lighthouse that gives panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Contemplate spending 3 days in Savannah so you could have sufficient time for all of the highlights!

11. Callaway Gardens, Georgia

• Distance from Atlanta: 80 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

If you happen to’re searching for a fast street journey from Atlanta, take a look at Callaway Gardens. Nestled within the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Pine Mountain, this resort and nature protect is an iconic vacation spot in Georga.

Guests can discover over a dozen themed gardens, together with the serene Azalea Bowl and the colourful Overlook Backyard, showcasing a various array of flora year-round. The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, with its springtime explosion of azaleas, is a selected spotlight, drawing crowds through the annual Azalea Competition.

Callaway Gardens additionally has miles of mountaineering and biking trails that wind via forests and round lakes. The Butterfly Middle gives a captivating look into the world of butterflies, whereas the Birds of Prey present permits guests to see majestic raptors up shut.

With its mixture of pure magnificence, family-friendly sights, and outside adventures, Callaway Gardens stays a beloved vacation spot for nature fanatics and vacationers in Atlanta.

12. Jacksonville, Florida

• Distance from Atlanta: 346 miles
• Driving time: 5 hours

Jacksonville, situated in northeastern Florida alongside the Atlantic coast, is one other one of many closest Floridian locations to Atlanta.

This dynamic metropolis is understood for its expansive seashores, vibrant cultural scene, and numerous neighborhoods. The St. Johns River runs via the center of the town, offering alternatives for boating, fishing, and waterfront eating alongside the Riverwalk.

Jacksonville Seaside and close by Neptune Seaside draw surfers and sunbathers to their vast sandy shores, whereas the historic district of Riverside Avondale gives tree-lined streets, eclectic retailers, and historic houses.

There are additionally a number of cool sights to take a look at within the metropolis, such because the Cummer Museum of Artwork & Gardens, the Museum of Science and Historical past, and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

If you happen to’re seeking to lengthen your journey even additional, head out to Amelia Island. The 13 miles of shoreline on Amelia Island supply tranquil stretches of sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and shell gathering.

Amelia Island is steeped in historical past, that includes well-preserved Nineteenth-century structure in its historic district of Fernandina Seaside. This island vacation spot in addition to the town of Jacksonville make for a superb street journey from Atlanta.

Discover extra superb issues to do in Jacksonville!

13. Chattanooga, Tennessee

• Distance from Atlanta: 118 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

One other top-of-the-line weekend getaways from Atlanta is Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Situated within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is an extremely scenic metropolis full of out of doors adventures. You’ll be able to go on a river cruise or strive kayaking or paddleboarding down the Tennessee River, or stroll alongside the tranquil Riverwalk.

One other spotlight is Lookout Mountain, the place guests can get pleasure from breathtaking views from vantage factors like Rock Metropolis and Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall inside a limestone cave.

Along with its pure sights, Chattanooga boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Bluff View Artwork District, perched on the town’s cliffs overlooking the Tennessee River, options galleries, cafes, and historic houses, providing a mix of creative expression and culinary delights.

Town can also be residence to the Tennessee Aquarium, one of many largest freshwater aquariums on this planet, showcasing a various array of river and ocean life.

Guests can even go for historic trolley rides and discover the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a former railroad terminal turned leisure complicated to be taught in regards to the metropolis’s railroad heritage.

There are such a lot of issues to do on this charming mountain city, and the street journey right here from Atlanta via the North Georgia mountains is breathtaking.

14. Birmingham, Alabama

• Distance from Atlanta: 147 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and quarter-hour

Trying to discover extra of the town life within the US South? Head west into Alabama and take a look at the town of Birmingham. This street journey takes you thru the Georgia and Alabama countryside, which is an effective way to witness rural cities and landscapes.

Birmingham is named the “Magic Metropolis” after its speedy development through the industrial age, and there’s heaps to see and do right here.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute chronicles the town’s pivotal position within the Civil Rights Motion and is a must-see for historical past lovers. See highly effective reveals and academic packages to be taught in regards to the Civil Rights journey and the pivotal efforts of Martin Luther King Jr.

The sixteenth Road Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park are different cultural landmarks within the metropolis that have been a part of the Civil Rights Motion.

Cultural fanatics can discover the Birmingham Museum of Artwork, and people searching for a dose of nature can take a look at Oak Mountain State Park or Pink Mountain Park.

Profit from your time in Birmingham with these prime sights.

15. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Distance from Atlanta: 245 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 50 minutes

One other enjoyable street journey thought from Atlanta is to go northeast via downtown Greenville, South Carolina and into the fascinating metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Famend for its mix of Southern attraction and fashionable sophistication, Charlotte gives a various array of sights and actions.

Guests can discover cultural establishments such because the Mint Museum and the Bechtler Museum of Trendy Artwork, which home spectacular collections of artwork spanning totally different eras and kinds.

Sports activities lovers can catch NBA video games on the Spectrum Middle or NASCAR occasions on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, highlighting Charlotte’s position as a hub for sports activities and leisure.

With its thriving culinary scene, vibrant neighborhoods like NoDa and South Finish recognized for his or her artsy vibes and breweries, and proximity to outside leisure areas like Lake Norman and the U.S. Nationwide Whitewater Middle, Charlotte gives a lot for vacationers!

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