Distance Between Charleston And Atlanta

With everything going on, sometimes the all-time pick for a vacation is to keep a route trip! Whether information technology's for a day, a weekend getaway, or fifty-fifty a calendar week, there are tons of awesome destinations within driving distance from Atlanta. With this in mind, nosotros'll exist listing the 27 best road trips from Atlanta, Georgia.

We'll begin with options for day trips to closer destinations, including Lake Lanier, Callaway Gardens, Athens, and the Northward Georgia Mountains. We'll also review the best places for a longer getaway from Atlanta, like Charleston, Destin, or even New Orleans. So, whether you prefer a twenty-four hours trip to the mountains or a relaxing vacation to the beach, this commodity volition assistance yous choose an Atlanta road trip itinerary that'due south platonic for yous!

Day trips from Atlanta

Stone Mount Park (Rock Mountain, GA)

Distance from Atlanta: 20 miles (thirty minutes)

Only 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, Rock Mount Park is i of the easiest 24-hour interval trips from the city. In fact, this 3200-acre park is the most visited allure in the state, best known for hosting The Lasershow Spectacular during the warmer months. Rock Mountain is also domicile to the famous Yellowish Daisy Festival every September.

Nonetheless, thanks to attractions similar Peak Skyride, the Scenic Railroad, and the Great Locomotive Chase Run a risk Golf, you tin notice something exciting to do here any time of year! If it'south your first time visiting, we recommend hiking the one-mile trail to the height, where you'll find a view of downtown Atlanta and the Appalachian Mountains.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 49 miles (1 hour)

Lake Lanier is one of the all-time quick road trips from Atlanta, especially during the summertime. Check out Lanier Islands, a pop resort complex that offers activities like golf, hiking, boating, water sports, embankment volleyball, and even a spa! If y'all're visiting with kids, you won't want to miss Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Water Park –it has water slides, a wave puddle, and a section of sandy embankment.

Around Christmastime, Lake Lanier becomes a popular destination for Atlantans once again due to Margaritaville'south Lakeside Lights Spectacular. This interactive walk-through light brandish is a fun way to gloat the holidays with your loved ones!

Dahlonega, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 66 miles (1 60 minutes, xv minutes)

One of the best Georgia road trip destinations in the autumn is Dahlonega. In fact, this charming pocket-size town in Lumpkin County is where the first major American gold rush took place. For this reason, the most popular local action is to visit the Consolidated Gold Mine. Here, you lot'll learn about the miners who worked to uncover gold and even learn to pan for your own treasure! Specially if y'all're visiting with kids, y'all don't want to miss the mine.

Although Dahlonega is historically associated with gold, it'southward recently gained attention as "the centre of the North Georgia Vino Country." For a more "adult" holiday, spend the mean solar day at some of Georgia'southward best vineyards. I recommend checking out Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Cavender Creek Vineyards, Kaya Vineyard & Winery, Three Sisters Vineyards, and Frogtown Winery. You can also notice tons of bang-up hiking trails at the nearby Amicalola Falls State Park.

Athens, Georgia

Altitude from Atlanta: lxx miles (one hour, 20 minutes)

Athens, also chosen the "Archetype City," is all-time known equally the University of Georgia's higher town. With this in mind, the city is at its busiest in the fall during football flavour. Even if yous're not usually a sports fan, traveling to Athens to tailgate and see a game at Sanford Stadium should be on the saucepan list for any Georgia resident!

Downtown Athens is a great place to grab a bite to swallow or spend some time shopping at local boutiques. It'southward also globe-renowned for its live music scene! Afterward exploring downtown, head to UGA's historic North Campus. Other popular activities include visiting the 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia or grabbing a local beer at Beast Comforts Brewing Co.

Lake Oconee (Greene County, GA)

Distance from Atlanta: 84 miles (1 hr, 25 minutes)

For an exciting Atlanta road trip in the summer, await no further than Lake Oconee! Georgia Power created this reservoir during the construction of the Wallace Dam in 1979. Since so, it's get a pop holiday spot for boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, fishing, and other water activities.

For outdoor lovers, you can detect exciting hiking and camping opportunities throughout the Oconee National Forest. Lake Oconee also has several golf communities with lakefront homes, including Reynolds Lake Oconee, Cuscowilla, and Harbor Club. Additionally, it's home to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds luxury resort, perfect for a romantic getaway.

Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA)

Image courtesy of Callaway Gardens Media Epitome Gallery

Distance from Atlanta: lxxx miles (i 60 minutes, thirty minutes)

Callaway Gardens was originally founded in 1952 with a mission to promote and protect a rare azalea species. Now, it has expanded to cover 6,500 acres of country, drawing 750,000 visitors each year. 1 of the main highlights at Callaway Gardens is the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl. This 40-acre garden houses over three,000 types of azaleas and is the perfect place to take a stroll on a spring day. Furthermore, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Eye is home to over 2000 butterflies of 50 different species! When the warm weather condition hits in the summer, Robin Lake Beach is open daily to visitors and offers all sorts of family unit activities.

During the autumn, plan a visit to run across the stunning autumn foliage in the gardens or feel Pumpkins at Callaway. This family-friendly festival features an illuminated Enchanted Woods, glow-in-the-nighttime mini-golf, and a Pumpkin Art Garden. In the winter, you won't desire to miss Christmas at Callaway, including Fantasy In Lights, which National Geographic ranks as one of the Top 10 Lite Displays in the world.

Helen, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 87 miles (1 60 minutes, forty minutes)

Helen is a mountain town in Northeast Georgia, built in the mode of a Bavarian tall village. During the warmer months (May to September), tourists flock to Helen to go tubing downwards the Chattahoochee River. Fifty-fifty if you're visiting outside of the summertime, there are notwithstanding plenty of heady outdoor activities to practise! For example, Helen has many picturesque hiking trails, similar Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Anna Ruby Falls (easy, brusque trail), Dukes Creek Falls Trail, and the nearby Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail.

Additionally, this town is home to 2 state parks: Unicoi Land Park & Lodge and Smithgall Woods State Park. On top of hiking, Helen is also an ideal location for other outdoor activities, including camping, zip-lining, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Furthermore, i of the all-time fall activities in Georgia is to attend the town's Oktoberfest celebration! With all of this to offer, we think Helen ranks every bit one of the summit driving vacations from Atlanta.

Read More: The Best Autumn Activities in Georgia

Bluish Ridge, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 93 miles (1 60 minutes, 40 minutes)

Blueish Ridge is another great option to escape the city and relax while surrounded by the N Georgia mountains. While in town, 1 of the all-time things to do is to visit Mercier Orchards. Here, you tin can accept a walk through this family-owned orchard, have a picnic, stop by the market, go fishing, visit the winery, and even try freshly baked apple bakery treats! Another can't-miss feel is taking a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This four-hr journey through the North Georgia countryside offers stunning views and is a bully activity for the whole family.

Of form, a visit to Blue Ridge isn't complete without checking out its awesome hiking trails. For case, Flat Creek Loop (Aska Trails), Long Branch Loop (Aska Trails), and Lake Blue Ridge Loop are among the virtually popular. After a long day of hiking, don't forget to drib by Grumpy Old Men Brewery to sample arts and crafts beer!

Read More: 15 Beautiful Places to See Autumn Foliage in Georgia

Toccoa Falls, Georgia

Altitude from Atlanta: 93 miles (1 hr, 40 minutes)

Toccoa Falls is a stunning waterfall located on the campus of Toccoa Falls Higher in northeastern Georgia. Thank you to its 186-foot height, Toccoa Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall due east of the Mississippi River–higher than even certain areas of Niagara Falls! The walk from campus to the falls is only 100 yards, making it a perfect selection for those who can't hike longer trails in this region. Note that there is no swimming, wading, fishing, climbing, or hiking at the falls. As far equally admission, you can pay the nominal admission fee in the gift shop.

Since Toccoa Falls won't have upwards much of your time, we recommend spending more than time exploring the surface area after your visit. For case, check out Henderson Falls Park, Currahee Mountain, and Traveler's Rest State Historic Site. You can also drop by Currahee Vineyard & Winery for a wine tasting! Moreover, for outdoor enthusiasts, Tallulah Gorge Country Park is less than thirty minutes from Toccoa.

Brasstown Bald, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 102 miles (2 hours, fifteen minutes)

Brasstown Bald, known every bit the highest point in Georgia, sits at 4,784 anxiety higher up sea level. This destination is popular on Georgia route trips considering the summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Yous can even see four different states on a articulate day! The trek to the summit is steep, so brand sure to wear hiking shoes or boots with skillful traction. Although the hike to the top can be strenuous for some, the views brand it 100% worth the effort. If you can, plan to continue a sunny, clear day when yous can avoid fog that volition obstruct your view!

Cloudland Canyon State Park (Rising Fawn, GA)

Distance from Atlanta: 120 miles (ii hours, 20 minutes)

Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on the western edge of Watch Mountain in Rising Fawn, GA. With its stunning coulee walls, waterfalls, and creeks, this park is undoubtedly a top hiking and camping destination in the state. Some of the most popular hiking trails at this Georgia State Park include Overlook Trail, the W Rim Loop Trail, the Waterfalls Trail, and Sitton'southward Gulch Trail. Think that Cloudland Canyon is 1 of the well-nigh breathtaking parks in Georgia, so you'll want to snap some photos at the Main Overlook!

Providence Canyon Land Park (Lumpkin, GA)

Distance from Atlanta: 150 miles (2 hours, 20 minutes)

Did you lot know that Georgia has its own Little Grand Canyon? Located in Lumpkin, Providence Canyon State Park is a must-run across destination in the state. Plus, access to the park is only $5, making it a upkeep-friendly day trip from Atlanta. Depending on how much time you have, you tin hike the two.5-mile Canyon Loop Trail, veering off to see the individual Canyons 1-9, or even take on the 7-mile Backcountry Trail.

Equally you lot'll learn on your visit, this scenic canyon is really the effect of erosion from poor farming practices in the 1800s! Regardless of how it came to be, Providence Coulee is now one of the most remarkable and unique places to visit in the state of Georgia.

Weekend trips from Atlanta

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 118 miles (2 hours)

Chattanooga, located in East Tennessee, sits merely beyond the border from Georgia, making information technology approximately a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Some of the main attractions in this riverside city are the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Tennessee Riverwalk (also called Riverpark). Additionally, in that location are tons of options nearby for the outdoor enthusiast!

If you're traveling with kids, Rock City and Lookout Mountain are not to exist missed. Stone City's Lover'south Bound boasts an incredible view beyond multiple states that's a perfect photo op. Additionally, Cherry Falls, a series of hugger-mugger waterfalls, is another beautiful place to see while in the area.

Greenville, Due south Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 145 miles (2 hours, xv minutes)

Greenville is a great selection for a quick weekend trip from Atlanta or even a terminate on your route trip itinerary to farther destinations, like Asheville or Charlotte, NC. If you stay in downtown Greenville, you tin can hands explore Falls Park on the Reedy, a pop 32-acre park that runs through the urban center. Recognized equally 1 of the South's best foodie cities, you lot'll discover enough of restaurants in town offering succulent comfort food and other cuisines. For example, nosotros recommend Sidewall Pizza Company, The Anchorage, and Soby'southward.

Paris Mountain is just a curt drive abroad if you're looking for other things to do near Greenville. This park offers simply about every outdoor activity you can retrieve of–hiking, biking, pond, picnicking, and angling!

Birmingham, Alabama

Distance from Atlanta: 147 miles (2 hours, 15 minutes)

Birmingham is Alabama's most populous city and was an important center for the civil rights motility. "The Magic City" has something for anybody between the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Vulcan Park and Museum, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, and the Birmingham Museum of Art. If you lot're traveling with immature kids, yous'll want to add together the McWayne Science Center and the Birmingham Zoo to your itinerary! Additionally, everyone who visits Birmingham should accept the time to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Constitute and pay homage at 16th Street Baptist Church.

Asheville, North Carolina

Altitude from Atlanta: 200 miles (3 hours, 25 minutes)

Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is probably best known as dwelling house to the Biltmore Estate. Built in the style of a French chateau, this mansion draws thousands of visitors each year. In fact, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-endemic house in the United States.

Moreover, Asheville is a neat spot to explore nature by visiting the Pisgah National Wood or driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After spending the day outdoors, don't forget to check out some local breweries, similar Catawba Brewing Co., Twin Leaf Brewery, and Burying Brewing Co. Asheville is idea to have more than breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.Due south.!

Read More than: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Biltmore Estate

Savannah, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 250 miles (iii hours, 40 minutes)

For one of the almost romantic weekend getaways from Atlanta, head to Savannah, Georgia. As the oldest city in the state, Savannah is packed with history, cute architecture, and Southern charm. The best–and the nearly entertaining–way to explore the historic district is on a ghost tour! You'll definitely desire to encounter all the noteworthy spots in town, like Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and River Street. You can as well visit celebrated 19th-century house museums in Savannah, such as the Owens-Thomas House, located at 124 Abercorn Street.

Our favorite proffer is to have a guided nutrient tour with Savannah Taste Experience. Their tours are ane of the best ways to meet up-and-coming restaurants in town! Furthermore, if you'd like to take photos during your stay in Savannah, nosotros recommend stopping by Wormsloe Historic Site. This colonial manor is surrounded by live oaks and Spanish moss, making it one of the near beautiful places in Savannah.

Read More: The Best Airbnbs in Savannah, Georgia

Charlotte, North Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 245 miles (three hours, l minutes)

Nicknamed "The Queen Urban center," Charlotte is the second-largest city in the Southeast and is an important business organization and fiscal hub. Its most notable attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Scientific discipline Museum, the Billy Graham Library, and Carowinds amusement park.For a unique outdoor experience, y'all'll want to visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center! This facility is the ultimate spot for h2o sports, where you can partake in whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 200 miles (4 hours)

Gatlinburg is a mountain resort city that makes a great base for exploring the Nifty Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan to spend at to the lowest degree i day hiking in the park–in that location are trails for all levels of hikers! Other must-see places in town are Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, SkyLift Park, and the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. If you're traveling with a group of adults, continue a moonshine crawl through Gatlinburg! Y'all tin visit three major distilleries here: Sugarlands, Ole Smoky, and Tennessee Smooth Co.

Longer trips from Atlanta

Nashville, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 250 miles (4 hours)

Nashville is a height-rated destination for route trips due to its brunch scene, vibrant street art, and live music on Broadway. Since y'all're in Music City, you tin't pass up the opportunity to visit the M Ole Opry or the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nashville is full of all sorts of quirks; for example, you tin detect a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park!

Some other of this city's gems is the daily Farmers' Market, where you can purchase local nutrient, produce, and crafts. As far equally other places to eat in Nashville, nosotros advise Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Beige Dear, Liberty Common, and Café Roze.

Read More than: The Most Photo Worthy Spots in Nashville, Tennessee

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 280 miles (iv hours, thirty minutes)

One of the all-time options for a vacation from Atlanta is Hilton Head Island. Spend your days lounging on the island'southward world-form beaches, such as Coligny Embankment or Folly Field Embankment, or maybe fifty-fifty rent a bike!Afterward spending time in the sand, climb to the summit of Harbour Town Lighthouse and grab some local seafood for dinner at i of Hilton Head's 250 restaurants. Families will also savor Island Explorer Dolphin & Nature Tours, which offering guided boat tours around Hilton Head in small groups. For outdoor lovers, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge offers over xiv miles of hiking and biking trails.

Charleston, South Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 305 miles (iv hours, 50 minutes)

Charleston, the largest city in Southward Carolina, was founded in 1670. This adorable Southern town is known for its quaint and historic architecture and its yummy signature cuisines, such as shrimp and grits. Walking the streets of Charleston, it'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to encounter why this destination is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the U.S. for tourism. Historical sites include Middleton Place, Fort Sumter, McLeod Plantation, the Nathaniel Russel House, and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, among countless others.

Read More than: The Best Airbnbs in Charleston, South Carolina

Golden Isles of Georgia

Altitude from Atlanta: 310 miles (4 hours, 50 minutes)

The Gold Isles are made up of four barrier islands (St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Isle, and Little St. Simons Island) and the port city of Brunswick. Spend your vacation lounging in the sand at Due east Embankment, popular with families, or the picturesque Driftwood Embankment. Although these beaches are undoubtedly the principal attractions in the Golden Isles, there are tons of other activities to do here likewise. For instance, you lot can also find horseback riding, watersports, camping ground, boating, fishing, and golf! If you're looking for a place to stay, we suggest Jekyll Island Gild Resort, a castle-like historic hotel that'southward centrally located.

Destin, Florida

Altitude from Atlanta: 335 miles (5 hours, 15 minutes)

Destin, located on the Florida Panhandle, is one of the most popular summer vacation spots for Atlantans. In fact, Destin'southward beaches are considered some of the whitest in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. Henderson Embankment features pristine emerald waters and soft, clean sand. Furthermore, visitors can check out the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Hamlet of Baytowne Wharf, and HarborWalk Village. Destin is also an ideal spot for shopping between the Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

Myrtle Embankment, South Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 360 miles (5 hours, 40 minutes)

Myrtle Embankment is another great option for a summertime getaway from Atlanta. Located on the east coast of Southward Carolina, this metropolis hosts over 20 one thousand thousand visitors along the Grand Strand each yr.Besides lounging on its 60-mile stretch of beach, you lot can likewise head to Broadway at the Beach, the SkyWheel, Ripley'due south Aquarium, or the Hollywood Wax Museum. Myrtle Embankment's 1.2-mile boardwalk is another popular attraction, considered one of the top boardwalks in the nation.

Orlando, Florida

Altitude from Atlanta: 440 miles (6 hours, xv minutes)

Orlando, in Cardinal Florida, is mainly known as the home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. However, you can actually find more than a dozen theme parks here, with Disney's Magic Kingdom and Universal'southward Islands of Risk amongst the most popular. Other parks include Beast Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Discovery Cove. Although you probably won't make information technology to all destinations in one trip, you can definitely see 4-5 parks in a week.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Distance from Atlanta: 460 miles (6 hours, 40 minutes)

New Orleans, the largest city in Louisiana, is undoubtedly one of the nigh special cities in the U.S. NOLA is best known for jazz music, Creole cuisine, its annual Mardi Gras commemoration, and the beautiful French Quarter. While much of the history in New Orleans focuses on the colonial era, y'all can likewise find the Smithsonian-affiliated National WWII Museum here. If you'd like to come across a alive operation, don't miss Preservation Hall. Given everything in that location is to do here, you'll want to spend at least a long weekend in New Orleans!

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This article was first published in Baronial 2020 and has since been updated.