7 Best Weekend Getaway Idea From Atlanta (2024)
What is the most relaxing feeling after working five days rigorously at the office? Well, heading out for a rejuvenating weekend. And when you are in Atlanta, there are endless weekend getaway options available around. From choosing the myriad of places in Georgia or steeping a little further and opting for spending weekends in North Carolina, options are truly endless. Within just a short 2 to 3 hours of drive, you will find yourself either breathing the fresh mountain air, sensing the cool sea breeze, or relaxing in some secluded village away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Atlanta is an ideal jumping-off point for getaways of every kind. For a high-budget vacation, there are several luxurious Resorts and Inns nearby. Whereas if you have plans that are more adventurous and recreational, there are multiple big cities and tourist destinations around. However, even with so many options, there is one tough part, ‘Choosing the right destination.’ But to ease that down, we have some of the finest options for an enjoyable weekend getaway from Atlanta.
7 Best Weekend Getaway Ideas From Atlanta
Have a look:
1. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort (1 hour 4 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
A premier Georgia destination, the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort makes for the best weekend getaway from Atlanta. The resort features multiple aspects, including championship golf, a full-production winery, and a European health spa, along with world-class amenities. Chateau Elan originally began as vineyards in 1981 though gradually, it transformed into a tourism hub. The resort is home to 275 rooms in the form of standard guest rooms, suites, and villas. On the weekend at Chateau, individuals can explore the winery and experience everything from grapes to glass. From offering over 30 different wines to organizing special events, cooking classes, and cooking demonstrations, they ensure the utmost engagement of guests. Or visit the three 9 and 18 golf courses settled around sparkling lakes and beautiful landscapes.
2. Mansion on Forsyth Park (3 hours 14 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
Forsyth Park is a popular tourist attraction in Savannah and a popular place to explore from Atlanta during a weekend. Mansion on Forsyth Park is a hotel by Kessler Collection located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. The Mansion is popular for its Victorian-Romanesque exterior and immaculately appointed interiors. Walking inside, one can find the Grand Bohemian Gallery housing more than 400 original pieces of art.
For a great vacation in Savannah, individuals can book one of the 125 guest accommodations in this Mansion and enjoy the modern luxury. The hotel features in-house dining in its 700 Drayton Restaurant. Or sit at the Forsyth Park Café and enjoy food with astounding views of the cast-iron fountain. Guests can also take a cooking class at 700 Kitchen Cooking School, listen to gypsy jazz in Casimir’s Lounge, relax at Poseidon Spa or enjoy musical performances on the classical grand Bosendorfer piano.
3. Highlands, North Carolina (2 hours 48 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
A retreat in every sense of the word, Highlands allow the locals of Atlanta to infuse excitement into their weekend. Highlands is basically a small incorporated town within the Nantahala National Forest, ideally on the point where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet. While it has activities and attractions that can engage individuals for a whole week (if not more), it also makes for a great weekend getaway. Individuals can explore multiple attractions, including Glen Falls, Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja River Gorge, and Highlands Biological Station. Considering the kind of attraction the town has, the best time to be here is either after the monsoon or during the fall season. Highlands also feature other notable places like Highlands Playhouse, Whiteside Mountain, and the Highlands Plateau Greenway. For accommodation and dining, choose from some great options, including Old Edwards Inn and Spa, 4th Street Market, and the Wine Garden.
4. Serenbe (34 Minute Drive Away From Atlanta)
Serenbe is a beautiful neighborhood spread across 38,000 acres within the city limits of Chattahoochee Hills. The neighborhood is a fine example of New Urbanism and is a great place to spend a weekend at. Individuals from Atlanta can plan a trip here to pause the hustle of life and reconnect with nature and its glory. Some of the popular activities to try here include visiting a Petting Zoo, watching performances at the Serenbe Playhouse, and shopping at the Farmers and Artisans market. Individuals can also tour farms from May through November and learn about the principles of organic farming. Or, for a deeper and more meaningful tour, choose volunteering at the Serenbe Farms. Besides that, travelers also enjoy an afternoon of hiking or horseback riding on the Serenbe Trail, which goes miles from nature and the rolling countryside. Lastly, for an overnight stay, the Inn at Serenbe offers a luxuriant and soul-stirring.
5. Chattanooga, Tennessee (1 hour 47 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
What’s better than driving off for a weekend getaway from Atlanta directly towards the gorgeous Chattanooga. Chattanooga is Tennessee’s third-largest city located in its southeastern part, known for offering a mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back charm. From attractions within four walls to outdoor playgrounds, the city has so much to offer. When Chattanooga begins with exploring tourist spots like Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Hunter Museum of American Art, and the Chattanooga Zoo. Or choose the outdoor playground and hike to reach the Ruby Falls on Lookout Mountain, take the Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain or hop on for an adventure ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Nature enthusiasts can also spend some quality time at the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. The area is open for both adventures and learning experiences. Before wrapping up the holiday, do not forget to explore the Tennessee Riverpark.
6. Asheville, North Carolina (4 hours 7 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
If you are willing to drive a little too far, then add Asheville to your list of weekend getaways from Atlanta. While there are a lot of reasons to visit this city, the craft breweries and quirky art scenes remain prominent. Some of the most popular breweries in Asheville include Bhramari Brewing Co., Cellarest Beer Project, Cursus Keme, Eurisko Beer Co., Highland Brewing Co., and the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Though that’s not all, Asheville also offers opportunities to explore its outdoor setting. From exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway to spending time at North Carolina Arboretum and Biltmore Estate, the city has so much to do. And in addition to that, downtown Asheville contributes to bringing funky, artsy, and eclectic alive. The downtown area is where you can shop, eat, and enjoy a wide array of live entertainment.
7. Columbus, Georgia (1 hour 45 Minutes Drive Away From Atlanta)
Columbus makes for a great weekend getaway from Atlanta in Georgia, and there are no two different opinions in the same. The city is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and is known for adventure and recreational fun. A visit to Columbus allows enthusiasts to go on a thrilling white water rafting ride in the fast-flowing Chattahoochee River. The city also boasts the longest white water courses in the US. Though for individuals who want to keep it the easy way, the well-maintained brick and concrete path across the Chattahoochee River offers multiple opportunities. The 15 miles of trails across make it easier for walkers and cyclists to spend a great evening while enjoying beautiful views around.
Columbus is also popular for housing world-class tourist attractions, including National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, the Columbus Museum, and the Columbus Botanical Garden. The best time to visit Columbus is from March to May since it is less crowded and the temperature stays at its best.