Discover the day trips from Atlanta and enjoy the attractions close to the city.
1. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park, located just 25 km away, is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Atlanta. This park is famous for its granite dome and offers a range of outdoor activities.
You can walk up the mountain or take the Summit Skyride cable car to the top, where you are rewarded with incredible views. In addition, the park has hiking trails, picnic areas, golf courses and the historic Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, which offers a train ride around the mountain.
- Important tip: Atlanta is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
2. Callaway Gardens
Located about 130 km away, Callaway Gardens is a 6,500-acre resort famous for its beautiful gardens, including the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where visitors can walk among thousands of butterflies.
Hiking and biking trails, lakes for fishing and water sports, and a world-class golf course are just some of the attractions that make Callaway Gardens an ideal place for a day trip.
During spring and summer, you can enjoy the floral displays, while in autumn, the colors of the leaves make the trails even more enchanting. In winter, “Fantasy in Lights” is a must-see attraction, offering one of the largest Christmas light displays in the southeastern United States.
3. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area could not be missing from the list of day trips from Atlanta, as it is approximately 30 km away. The park has more than 80 km of trails along the Chattahoochee River, ideal for hiking, running and cycling.
The river is also great for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The landscape is varied, with its wooded banks and marsh areas. In addition to recreational activities, the park is a site of historical and ecological importance. There are several points of interest along the trails, including historical sites dating back to the American Civil War and wildlife conservation areas.
4. Athens
The city of Athens, located about 115 km from Atlanta, is also a destination worth visiting. Known for its music and arts scene, Athens is home to the University of Georgia and offers a mix of museums, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
You can explore the Georgia Museum of Art, which has a collection of American works, or catch a show at one of the many live music venues that made Athens a center for alternative rock in the 80s and 90s.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Atlanta, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
5. Serenbe
Serenbe, a community located about 50 km south of Atlanta, is known for its commitment to sustainability and healthy living, offering a unique experience of living with nature.
There you can go hiking, practice yoga outdoors and enjoy organic meals in restaurants that use local ingredients. Serenbe is also home to an organic farm, where you can take part in guided tours and learn about sustainable farming practices.
How to rent a car for your day trips?
Book your car in advance
Make your reservation online as soon as possible, because a great tip on how to get a cheap car is to book as far in advance as possible and online. The earlier you book, the cheaper you’ll pay. It’s well worth it and you’ll save a lot with promotions, paying much less than renting a car on the spot.
Don’t rent a GPS in Atlanta
Another good tip is not to rent a car with a GPS, as it costs a lot per day. Instead, you can buy a good American chip, unblocked for international calls and with unlimited Internet. That way, you’ll be able to use the map and location apps with your own cell phone.
Use this incredible price comparator
There are some car rental price comparators in Atlanta (and throughout the United States) that are sensational and search all the main car rental companies there, finding the best prices and excellent deals.
We recommend one that you can use by going to the website and entering the date of your trip. It then searches for all the best car rental companies in Atlanta.
If you want to do the search, click here on Car Rental Comparator. In just a few seconds, you’ll have all the options for renting a car in Atlanta from the best companies on your screen, and you can choose the cheapest one. You really will save a lot.
More tips: prefer larger and reliable rental companies, such as Alamo, Hertz, Dollar, Budget and Avis. Take out basic insurance when booking, which is super important and is usually included in the price. But don’t fall for the companies who, when you pick up the car, try to push extra insurance that isn’t worth it.
Save money on your trip to Atlanta:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Atlanta cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Atlanta tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Atlanta. You will find out the best areas, as well as tips on how to find the best hotels.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
