Living in The South’s most happening city and looking for an Atlanta weekend getaway? Here’s a guide to short break destinations near Atlanta, Georgia. But first, find the best deal on Atlanta rental cars here.
A fair climate greets those who live near Atlanta, so many families make vacation decisions dreaming about snow-covered mountains or white sand beaches. And with so many airlines serving the Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport (the country’s busiest), there are cheap fares available to many destinations that provide snow or sun.
The priorities for a family weekend, however, are different than a vacation. Tucked in the northwest corner of Georgia between the sunny states of South Carolina and Florida, Atlanta is just too far away from the Atlantic Coast (think Sea Island, Golden Isles, Savannah) and the Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores, Alabama) to make a beach getaway practical for a two-day weekend. Same goes for the nearest ski resort.
But first….
Staycations For Atlanta Families or Close To Home Weekend Getaways
Have you considered hanging out at home or checking into a local motel and sightseeing? Many families are too busy with school and work to get to know their city like a tourist would. In fact, we can make an easy staycation even easier for you to plan. Want a mobile pass with 42% discounts on the top Atlanta attractions?
An Atlanta CityPASS gives you nine days to use admissions to five top attractions in the city. For 2024, rates are $94 for adults and $74 for children ages 3-12
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- Zoo Atlanta
- Plus, your choice of any two of the following:
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Short Breaks & Weekend Getaways From Metro Atlanta
If your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last-minute detour on your road trip, or a weekend Atlanta getaway from everyday routines, here are some of the choices we discovered within a 200-mile radius of the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Atlanta Weekend Getaways in Nearby Georgia
Rocking the Night Away in Macon
A mom takes the family back to her old stomping grounds in Middle Georgia, and discovers more than just memories in the heart of the Peach State.
Aw Shucks! Autumn Adventures in a Major Corn Maze
In less than an hour you could be at a 20-acre corn maze, celebrating the autumn harvest together. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch welcomes all ages during the day and in October, at night, gets seriously scary for haunted house fans.
A Wild Weekend in Northern Georgia
If your family loves to whitewater raft, hike, rappel or hang gliding, this scenic area around Dawsonville could be your next road trip.
Atlanta Weekend Getaways in Nearby Alabama
Montgomery Confronts the Legacy of Racism
Montgomery is much more than leisure and sightseeing. It’s also a modern metropolis whose Civil Rights history and exploration of Black America turn this charming city into an important, compelling trip for the whole family.
Have a Blast in Huntsville, Alabama
Head to the “Rocket City” where anyone can feel like an astronaut for a day by visiting the US SPace and Rocket Center and other local attractions.
Atlanta Weekend Getaways in Tennessee
Chattanooga, Tennessee
There’s more than a choo-choo train in Chattanooga, a city that has reinvented itself to become a magnet for families seeking interesting attractions for kids of all ages.
Nashville is Fun for All Ages
Even if your children–from the tiniest of travelers to teens–are not yet fans of country music, they can enjoy a visit to Nashville and enjoy its musical roots.
Great Smoky Mountain Retreat
Explore the natural beauty of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as other attractions from Dollywood to Sevierville.
Atlanta Weekend Getaways in The Carolinas
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
Running from Virginia south and west to the Carolinas, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic drives.
An Asheville Weekend Getaway
Known for its great leaf-watching, historic mansion tours, and free music festivals, this western North Carolina city makes a great scenic family cultural getaway.
Get great rates on Atlanta hotels and more at Booking.com.
Favorite Family Resorts in Georgia
Family Travel Forum has covered the top Atlanta region family resorts. These are all perfect for a real vacation from the everyday life in Atlanta.
Lake Lanier Island Resort
This fully developed private island within an hour of Atlanta transports families into their own picture-perfect world for a weekend getaway from daily life.
Callaway Gardens & Bungalows
Reunite in Pine Mountain, where nature adventures and landscaped gardens provide activities for all ages in summer, and holiday lights touring in winter.
Brunswick & Golden Isles of Georgia
No matter your age or interest, the Golden Isles of Sea Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simon’s and the surrounding towns provide outdoors fun and animal adventures for your next vacation.
For hotel options in Atlanta or near the airport, try the IHG Hotel Group for best rate guarantees. For more travel savings, get a discount with Priceline.
Day Trip Itineraries
Macon, Georgia
Start your day exploring the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, discover the rich musical heritage at the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House, and enjoy a delightful Southern meal downtown.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Get hands-on at the creative Discovery Museum, take in stunning views aboard the Incline Railway, and immerse yourself in underwater wonders at the Tennessee Aquarium.
Asheville, North Carolina
Explore the magnificent Biltmore Estate, hike to waterfalls in the scenic Pisgah National Forest, and browse unique shops and galleries in the vibrant downtown area.
Seasonal Activities
Spring
Catch a colorful festival like Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Explore Atlanta’s gardens like the renowned Atlanta Botanical Garden. Hike blossoming trails in destinations like Amicalola Falls State Park.
Summer
Cool off at waterparks like Six Flags White Water near Atlanta. Seek adventure rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. Go tubing in Helen, Georgia, located in the North Georgia mountains.
Fall
Admire the stunning foliage of the Blue Ridge Parkway with a scenic drive. Get lost in a corn maze at Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Embark on a weekend of apple-picking in the North Georgia mountains.
Winter
Enjoy festive light displays at Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights. Experience the holiday magic of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Hit the slopes of a nearby ski area if there’s enough snowfall.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Atlanta Weekend Getaways
Accommodation: Consider camping at state parks, staying in vacation rentals, or seeking out budget-friendly motels for affordable overnights.
Transportation: Look for carpool options, utilize public transportation when available, or bundle flights with hotel stays for potential package discounts.
Activities: Choose free or low-cost attractions like parks, hiking trails, museums with free admission days, and seasonal festivals.
Atlanta’s strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for a variety of weekend getaways. Whether you’re seeking the charm of nearby cities, the natural beauty of national parks, or the thrill of amusement parks, there’s something for every family within a short drive. With so many options available, planning your next escape is just a matter of choosing your preferred adventure.
Remember, weekend getaways don’t have to break the bank. With careful planning and by taking advantage of discounts and deals, you can create unforgettable memories without exceeding your budget. So pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the wonders that await just beyond Atlanta’s borders.
Join our vibrant community on social media! Whether you prefer scrolling through stunning visuals on Instagram, dive into a world of creativity and inspiration on Pinterest!, engaging in lively discussions on Facebook, staying updated with real-time news on Twitter, or exploring captivating videos on YouTube, there’s something for everyone.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Best Weekend Getaways for Families from Atlanta”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
The content here is well-researched and very informative, making it a valuable read. This site continues to be a great source of useful and engaging articles.
This blog does a great job of highlighting the rich Black history in St. Augustine. It’s informative and well-structured, making it easy to follow the timeline of events. The details about Fort Mose and the Civil Rights Movement are especially powerful. A must-read for anyone interested in history and culture!
These holiday light displays look absolutely magical! I’m especially drawn to the ‘Las Noches de Las Luminarias’ in Phoenix with all those glowing cacti and lanterns – what a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the season. I also love the idea of the Enchanted Forest in Pine Mountain with its millions of lights. It’s amazing how many incredible places there are to enjoy the festive spirit! I’ll definitely be adding a few of these to my holiday bucket list. Happy holidays to all!
I did a fall road trip through New England, and having a Zetexa eSIM was a lifesaver—no dropped signals, even in remote areas! It made navigating scenic routes so much easier. What’s your favorite fall foliage spot?
Hi, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this post. It was practical.
Keep on posting!
Very nice post. I definitely love this website.
Keep it up!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog.
I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉
Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
I appreciate, cause I found exactly what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
For most recent information you have to pay a quick visit world wide web and on web I found this web site as a best website for latest updates. https://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/nv-hiking-trails/
thank you for sharing with us
Fantastic blog!
We offer pick up at Washougal port and drop off at Portland Airport, with a private tour of the city to fill your time until your flight! See our website for more information.
https://www.peaktoursandtransit.com/americancruiselines
Yourr style is really unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.
Starting the New Year with such vibrant celebrations sounds like a fantastic idea! This guide offers great inspiration for planning a memorable First Night. For anyone looking to experience similar festivities abroad or even within India, the Best Travel Agency in India can make your travel dreams come true. Cheers to a year full of exciting journeys!
Nice i really enjoyed reading your blogs. Keep on posting. Thanks
Would you like this New Year to be the year you let go of your hurtful past? Make the resolution to make the change to become your Best Self.
I am impressed with this website , really I am a fan.
This excellent website truly has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Travel Tuesday is such a great opportunity for families to lock in incredible vacation deals! The Caribbean all-inclusive offers and luxury cruises caught my eye this year. For anyone planning trips in 2025, now’s the time to grab those discounts. I’ve found that setting up airfare alerts and exploring flexible travel tools can help extend the savings even further. What’s your favorite way to find hidden travel deals?
Bokeo is truly a captivating delight located in Thailand!
The blend of unspoiled nature, rich culture, and serene landscapes provide an unforgettable trip.
From hidden waterfalls to genuine experiences, every
minute in Bokeo will feel like a voyage of discovery.
You must visit Bokeo if you are looking for authentic Thai appeal and
undiscovered adventure!
ADMIN NOTE: The province of Bokeo is actually in Northern Laos.
Informative article, exactly what I was looking for.
Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information on your
site. Im really impressed by your site.
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely
digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
How do family-friendly hotels like the Regency Bar & Grill balance a casual atmosphere with upscale dining experiences? Can such venues successfully cater to both adult tastes and children’s preferences without compromising on quality?”,
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i?¦m glad to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much unquestionably will make certain to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a glance on a continuing basis.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again!
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more soon!
I’ve been really impressed
It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Is it possible for a hotel to truly cater to both adults and children without compromising on the dining experience? How can establishments like the Regency Bar & Grill balance sophisticated culinary offerings with kid-friendly options, and do you think this duality enhances or detracts from the overall atmosphere?
What unique dining experiences can families expect at hotels in the Upper East Side, and how do these experiences cater to both adults and children? Are there any hidden gems or unconventional menu items that truly set these family-friendly hotels apart from the typical offerings?”,
“refusal
TY for posting, it was unbelieveably informative and helped me a ton
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your
content. Please let me know. Thank you
Very interesting information! Perfect just what I was looking for!
“The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.” by Sbastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort.
I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
Las Vegas has so much to offer beyond the usual attractions! If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider exploring the local art scene or taking a day trip to the nearby Red Rock Canyon for some beautiful hiking. It’s a great way to balance the excitement of the Strip with some natural beauty!
I appreciate the practical advice you’ve given here.
Thank for your sharing. That’s good to take children to this places.
i like this article , it was useful
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!