If you are planning to take a day trip from Atlanta to enjoy nature or visit a surrounding town, your choices are many. We have gathered 5 options that are 2 hours or less from Atlanta, so you can take your time driving and really explore your destination. Before hitting the road just be sure to check the opening hours of any park or other place you want to visit!
Providence Canyon State Park
If you can’t make it west to the Grand Canyon, this park is considered Georgia’s scaled-down version of the wonder of the world. It’s almost exactly a 2-hour drive from Atlanta, so you might want to leave early if you wish to hike or rock climb. You can also camp here, and it’s a great place to see the stars at night if you want to make a weekend of it. If going, remember to pack a picnic and bring your camera!
Callaway Gardens
Part resort, part outdoor paradise, Callaway Gardens is a popular destination from Atlanta and only a 1 hour and 20-minute drive. The 6,500-acre destination has a variety of things to see and do including gardens, a butterfly habitat, lakes, golfing, and a resort and spa. It is not hard to spend an entire day here!
Macon
Just a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Atlanta, Macon is a Georgia city worth a day trip. One of the most popular things to do is visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park where you can see Native American earth mounds, some of which are still part of archaeological digs. The Tubman Museum, named after Harriet Tubman, has exhibits on African American history. Music aficionados can visit the Allman Brothers Band Museum where you can learn all you ever wanted to know about the Southern rock band.
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier sits just over 1 hour northeast of Atlanta and there are tons of things to do and see in the surrounding area. At the lake itself is Lake Lanier Islands, which is a resort complex where you can get some sun. Of course the lake also offers opportunities for swimming, boating and other water sports, hiking and camping. Fans of the Netflix show “Ozark” might recognize the lake, as part of the series was filmed here.
Chattanooga, TN
Drive north for about 2 hours and you’ll reach Chattanooga just beyond the Tennessee border. Its setting in the Appalachian Mountains makes it a great place to spend a day. Lookout Mountain itself is a great way to spend the day, hiking the trails that give you a fantastic view of Chattanooga and the surrounding area. There is also a Civil War battle site nearby. Set inside Lookout Mountain is Ruby Falls, which is an underground series of caves and waterfalls that you can only see via a guided tour.
SIXT Rent a Car in Atlanta
You can find SIXT at multiple convenient locations in Atlanta including at the airport and in the city including Buckhead. Book a premium SUV for a family trip to Lake Lanier or a budget sedan to explore Macon. Whatever kind of day trip you are planning, let us get you there in style!
