12 Best Weekend Getaways in Georgia (& 8 Near Atlanta!)

If you’re itching for a weekend escape, there are so many fantastic local spots for weekend getaways in Georgia where you can relax… or have an adventure!

From coastal escapes to wineries to nature hikes to small towns, there are lots of options for taking a couple of days to experience something new on a Georgia weekend trip.

So whether you’re going with family, friends, or just by yourself, keep reading for a list of the best weekend getaways in Georgia!

Nature-Focused Weekend Getaways in Georgia

Amicalola Falls

cascading waterfall in Georgia's nature with trees surrounding it
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through one of these links. Thank you for supporting the free content on this site! For more information on affiliate links and cookies, see my disclosure page for more details.

Distance from Atlanta: Amicalola Falls is about 1 ½ – 2 hours outside of Atlanta.

To escape the grind of the city and enjoy some time in nature, check out Amicalola Falls.

It’s time to pack your hiking gear, and embark on a mini road trip to Amicalola Falls State Park in North Georgia!

There are several trails you can take to explore the area, but perhaps the most popular trail is the Amicalola Falls Loop Trail.

This 2.1 mile hike will take you to the centerpiece of this state park, which is Amicalola Falls.

Gaze at this gorgeous waterfall, which stands at almost 730 feet tall. It’s considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia!

Exploring Amicalola Falls makes for a great day trip with family, friends, or your significant other. Head here early in the day, enjoy lots of fresh air and exercise, and then head back home.

Alternately, you can make a weekend of this getaway, and stay at Amicalola Falls Lodge.

This lovely nature retreat offers activities like 3-D archery, zip lining, and guided hikes in addition to comfortable rooms for an overnight stay.

Providence Canyon State Park

Distance from Atlanta: Providence Canyon State Park is about 2 ½ – 3 hours outside of Atlanta.

Another perfect nature escape is Providence Canyon State Park in southwest Georgia.

The photogenic canyons here are also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia!

Come here prepared to hike! The Canyon Loop Trail is a 2 ½ mile hike that is an easy to moderate trek to see many of the canyons that make up this park.

And if you’re up for a challenge, the Backcountry Trail is a pretty difficult 7 mile loop that will test your hiking aptitude.

If you like camping, this is a fantastic weekend getaway. There are several pioneer and backcountry campsites where you can set up your tent and enjoy outdoor living for a couple of nights.

Winery Weekend Getaways Near Atlanta

Chateau Elan

beautiful chateau in the French style with winery in springtime in front of the chateau on a popular weekend getaway from Atlanta
Photo Credit: Dave Morrison Photography via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Distance from Atlanta: Chateau Elan is located about 60-90 minutes outside of Atlanta.

A popular Atlanta weekend getaway option is Chateau Elan. It’s a beautiful resort with a winery, spa, and golf course all on-site for an all-in-one escape.

The focal point of Chateau Elan is their scenic winery. Stroll through the picturesque estate on a guided tour, then wind down by sampling their wines in the tasting room.

If you or your significant other love golf, then you’re in for a treat. The estate has two 18-hole golf courses, as well as an Executive Par 3 course!

To pamper yourself, check out the Spa at Chateau Elan. Indulge in one of the restoring treatments, and enjoy the sauna, steam room, and indoor saltwater swimming pool.

When you visit, you can stay in one of their comfortable rooms while enjoying the lush amenities.

If you’re looking to celebrate something special, this is a perfect romantic weekend getaway in Georgia!

Dahlonega

photo of a house on a northern Georgia vineyard, another popular weekend getaway in Georgia
Photo Credit: savoryexposure via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Distance from Atlanta: Dahlonega is about a 1 ½ – 2 hour drive outside of Atlanta.

Dahlonega is a quiet city in northern Georgia, and it happens to be home to a handful of vineyards.

If you enjoy a nice glass of wine, this is a fantastic Georgia weekend trip!

Accent Cellars is a family founded winery where you can sample wines from grapes sourced from all over the country, including Georgia.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards is a scenic winery where you can experience a “Napa Style” wine tasting.

Cavender Creek Vineyards is another fun winery to visit, where you can taste different wines while relaxing in a rocking chair on the patio of their Tasting Room.

Checking out all of the vineyards in Dahlonega is a great activity to do with a group of friends.

It also would be a perfect date idea for a romantic getaway in Georgia!

Small Town Georgia Weekend Getaways

Helen

interesting architecture inspired by alpine design elements on  building in Helen Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: Helen is about a two hour drive from Atlanta.

One of the most unexpected and quirky places in Georgia is the town of Helen.

Here, you’ll find Bavarian-style buildings that will make you feel like you are in an alpine village!

The dining options in Helen match with the visual appearance of the town!

Grab a beer from the Alpine Brew Deck, taste some traditional German food from the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and G.I. Germany Pub, and finish with a cold treat from the Das Ice Cream Cafe.

With Helen’s location in the north Georgia mountains, there are lots of outdoor activities, like hiking and zip-lining.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can slowly cruise down the Chattahoochee River in an inner tube!

Exploring Helen is a great day trip, or a weekend getaway from Atlanta with family or friends.

It’s truly one of Georgia’s more unusual, local gems that you should visit at least once!

Senoia

manicured grass and lake and house on the lake in Senoia Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: Senoia is located just about an hour outside of Atlanta.

The charming small city of Senoia is a great place to explore some small-town shops and restaurants.

And you may already have seen Senoia on your tv screen, and not even realized it!

Senoia has become quite well known due to the television show The Walking Dead.

It served as a primary filming location for the series, and the town even has tours and shops dedicated to the show.

The downtown area of Senoia is the best place to walk around, and pop in and out of local shops. There’s a calm energy here, and it’s a serene place to explore!

Check out Nic & Norman’s for some hearty grub, like loaded flatbreads and gourmet burgers.

And circling back to Senoia’s connection to The Walking Dead, Nic & Norman’s was founded by Greg Nicotero and Norman Reedus.

Greg is the special effects artist on the series, and Norman plays one of the main characters on the show!

If you happen to visit Senoia from April to August, check out the Beak & Berry Farm. You can pick fresh strawberries and blueberries when they’re in season!

If you’re looking for a little solo escape for the weekend, take a drive over to this lovely city.

City Escapes in Georgia

Athens

tower of building in Athens Georgia, other architecture nearby, cloudy sky at sunset

Distance from Atlanta: Athens is just under a two hour drive from Atlanta.

To immerse yourself in a buzzy college town, head to Athens, Georgia. This is the home of the University of Georgia (go Bulldogs!)

In downtown Athens, you will find lots of fun bars, restaurants, as well as a cool live music scene.

Be sure to come hungry, as there are a large array of eateries to dine at, including award-winning restaurants.

In terms of nightlife and events, scope out the 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theatre for live music events.

There are also great parks and trails to explore in Athens. Choose from a wildlife nature trail, greenway, lake, nature center, and even a skate park designed by Tony Hawk!

One cool place to visit is the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The grounds here are beautiful, and this space is great for a scenic stroll.

For a fun weekend getaway with friends, Athens is a wonderful place to go!

Augusta

buildings in the Augusta Georgia skyline with river and boats in foreground

Distance from Atlanta: Augusta is about a 2 ½ hour drive from Atlanta.

If you love golf, then you are probably already familiar with Augusta. It is most famous for being the home of the Masters golf tournament!

In addition to the golf culture here, there is also plenty to explore in this city. Downtown Augusta is an eclectic area with museums, restaurants, and a waterfront park.

The Augusta Museum of History is a great place to check out. You can explore exhibits about the singer James Brown, as well as the history and tradition of golf.

The Riverwalk is one of the most popular parks in Augusta! There is a fountain and playground here, and live concerts at the outdoor amphitheater.

Be sure to check out Broad Street in downtown Augusta. This is a fun and artsy area to cruise around, and you can browse the interesting and unique shops here.

With things to do for adults and kids, this is a great family-friendly weekend getaway from Atlanta or other Georgia destinations.

Beachy Weekend Getaways in Georgia (Near Savannah)

Tybee Island

beach in Tybee island Georgia on the coast of Georgia near savannah on a sunny beach day

Distance from Atlanta: Tybee is about 4 ½ – 5 hours away from Atlanta.

Distance from Savannah: Tybee is just about a 30 minute drive from Savannah.

If you’re visiting the historic and whimsical city of Savannah, plan a day trip out to Tybee Island.

Just 18 miles away from Savannah, Tybee is a fun little beachside town with fantastic restaurants, a large pier, and a nice beach.

Once you’ve found a place to park, cruise down the street right next to the coastline. There are several local eateries and cute shops to scope out.

Then, head over to the beach, where you can get your fill of ocean breezes and salty air. There’s something about being right by the water that is rejuvenating and soothing.

Tybee has become a popular place in the last decade for Hollywood to film movies in Georgia.

The movie The Last Song was filmed here, and the expansive pier on the beach was actually built specifically for the film. Be sure to explore the pier when you’re here!

Tybee Island is perfect for a day trip from Savannah, or a weekend getaway from Atlanta.

St. Simons Island

white lighthouse on the rocky shore of an island in Georgia surrounded by trees on a cloudy day

Distance from Atlanta: St. Simons Island is about 5 ½ hours from Atlanta.

Distance from Savannah: St. Simons Island is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Savannah

For an amazing weekend getaway to the coast, head to St. Simons Island.

Part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, this island has great energy and is a perfect place to mellow out.

When you’re here, make sure you check out the beaches, of course! Bring a chair, an umbrella, and some drinks, and chill as you listen to the waves and seagulls.

You can also enjoy golfing, kayaking, fishing, biking, and shopping. Additionally, there are fantastic restaurants on the island, where you can dine on fresh seafood.

This is a great place for a family-friendly getaway, or a fun weekend with friends.

Sea Island

Photo Credit: George Creal via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Distance from Atlanta: Sea Island is about a 5 ½ hour drive from Atlanta.

Distance from Savannah: Sea Island is about 1 ½ to 2 hours from Savannah.

For a luxurious seaside escape, head to Sea Island!

Also part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, this beautiful island offers boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and golf in a picturesque coastal setting.

Sea Island is home to the luxurious five star resort called The Cloister. Stay in one of their sophisticated suites, and enjoy some time by the ocean.

The Cloister has a beautiful spa and fitness center, where you can destress and relax. They also have three championship golf courses, which is perfect for golf lovers! 

This is a great place to take the whole family, as there are family fun activities and kids camps.

From waterparks, to miniature golf, and playgrounds, the little ones will have plenty of fun activities to enjoy!

Jekyll Island

driftwood covered beach in Jekyll island Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: Jekyll Island is about a 5 ½ hour drive from Atlanta.

Distance from Savannah: Jekyll Island is about 1 ½ to 2 hours from Savannah.

Another popular beach weekend destination in Georgia is Jekyll Island.

Just like Sea Island and St. Simons, Jekyll Island is part of the Golden Isles of Georgia.

In addition to typical beach activities, Jekyll Island is home to a couple of unique attractions.

Driftwood Beach is a distinctive feature of this island. You can traverse the shore and explore the large and small pieces of driftwood that have settled here.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides rehabilitation services to sea turtles in need, and they are also a research and educational institution.

When you visit, you can see sea turtles being treated, as well as learn about the research and educational efforts being done by the center.

Leave a Comment