road trip to atlanta georgia

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How to plan an epic road trip to atlanta.

It’s always time for a road trip, y’all. As the B-52s sing, “I’m headin’ down the Atlanta highway.” Whether you’re traveling to Atlanta for a weekend getaway or passing through as a stop on your way to the beach or another neighboring city, you’ll want to check out these ideas for an epic Atlanta road trip. This ultimate Atlanta road trip guide includes information on how to prepare for your trip, where to stay in Atlanta, what to pack, see, do and eat.

Prepare for Your Trip

It’s time to prepare for your epic road trip to Atlanta. Find out where to stay, what to pack and how to get ready for your trip.

Where to stay in Atlanta

Being a major city and home to one of the busiest airports in the world, Atlanta has plenty of hotels to suit every preference and budget. You can easily search hotels based on neighborhood if you want to stay close to the highway or a specific locale. 

Looking for a luxury hotel? Atlanta has several incredible ones including Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead and The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta. View them all with our hotel guide . Staying in the area for a while? An extended stay may be a good option for you. Looking for a pool? Check out the best hotel pools in Atlanta . Families with younger children might find our list of kid-friendly hotels helpful.

What to pack

Bring your masks and check the latest COVID-19 protocols for Atlanta as well as the places you’ll be visiting and staying. Don’t forget sunscreen, umbrellas and rain jackets for sporadic summer showers and rainy days. Get into the spirit with Atlanta-themed road trip snacks like Coca-Cola beverages, boiled peanuts and peach-flavored candies. Be sure to sync up some Atlanta artists on your playlist, too.

Driving Distances to Atlanta from All Directions

I-85 south into atlanta.

Greenville (2 hours 15 minutes), Charlotte (3 hours 58 minutes), Raleigh (6 hours 20 minutes)

Stops along the way: 

• NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte. Learn about the legends of the sport, immerse yourself in the history through exhibits and interactive experiences.
• Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, N.C. Take in show-stopping views, take a hike, say hello to animals. Try rock climbing.
• Consolidated Gold Mine, Dahlonega, Ga. Go underground. Try your hand at gemstone mining. Pan for gold. 
• Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Ga. Climb the mountain or hop aboard the Summit Skyride. Play a round of golf. Visit the covered bridge. Grab a bite. 

I-75 South into Atlanta

Chattanooga (2 hours), Knoxville (3 hours 15 minutes), Nashville (4 hours)

Stops along the way:

• Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain, Ga. See seven states. Walk the Enchanted Trail. Visit Fairyland Caverns.
• Cloudland Canyon, Rising Fawn, Ga. Explore 3,500 acres on bike, on foot or on horseback. Try disc golf. Go geocaching or fishing. 
• Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville, Ga. Look up in the planetarium. Tour fossil and mineral galleries. Let the little ones explore My Big Backyard. 
• Big Chicken in Marietta, Ga. It’s a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, but the really big chicken is a local landmark as in, “Go to the Big Chicken and take a right.” 

I-75 North into Atlanta

Savannah (4 hours 30 minutes), Jacksonville (5 hours), Tampa (6 hours 22 minutes), Orlando (7 hours 15 minutes) and Miami (10 hours)

Stops along the way in Florida and Georgia:

• Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Fla. Visit the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Salute the unsung heroes in Mission Control. See the Rocket Garden.
• Ghost Tour of St. Augustine. Are there really ghosts in St. Augustine? Climb aboard the bus and find out. 
• Savannah. Stroll through Forsyth Park. Check out the architecture. Visit the waterfront.
• The Varsity, Atlanta. It’s the worlds largest drive-in restaurant and an Atlanta tradition. Hot dogs, fries and fried pies for dessert. 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta. Dr. King was born here on Auburn Avenue. Tour his birth home. Sit it a pew at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and hear one of his sermons.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta. It’s bloomin’ lovely, right in the heart of Midtown. Walk among the treetops. Visit the orchid center. It’s 30 acres of green space. 

I-20 East into Atlanta

Birmingham (2 hours 12 minutes)

Stops along the way in in Alabama and Georgia:

• Talladega National Forest, Brent, Ala. Detour to Cheaha State Park in Delta, Ala. Near the visitors’ center, enjoy scenic mountain view from the overlook. Nearby, can you spot Big Foot? 
• Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, Ga. Have a picnic, enjoy a hike and wade in the waters. Watermill ruins look familiar? Movie buffs might enjoy knowing it was a film location for “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” 

I-20 West into Atlanta

Augusta, (2 hours 22 minutes)

• Lake Oconee, on the Oconee River near Greensboro and Eatonton, Ga. Splurge at the nearby Ritz-Carlton Reynolds. 
• Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, Ga. There’s biking and birding and fishing and hiking, swimming and geocaching.
• Little Five Points, Atlanta. Exit onto Moreland Avenue and stop for a bite to eat at eclectic East Atlanta Village. Continue on Moreland to Little Five Points and take a photo at iconic Junkman’s Daughter or the giant skull that marks the entrance to The Vortex.

Things to See and Do

You’ve arrived. Welcome to Atlanta. Here’s an epic roundup of all the things to see, do and taste .

Visit Atlanta’s top attractions and landmarks

For awesome Atlanta locations for your Instagram pics, don’t miss our ultimate guide to Atlanta landmarks . You’re sure to stumble across a few of your own as you explore this amazing city. Atlanta is home to beautiful, eclectic neighborhoods full of public art and hidden treasures, quaint shopping, galleries and excellent restaurants. In addition, there are a handful of things that are uniquely Atlanta that you should be sure to explore. 

Atlanta offers a treasure trove of history and culture, with its roots dating back nearly two centuries.  Top historical spots to visit include Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park , Atlanta History Center , Oakland Cemetery and Margaret Mitchell House .

If you’re looking for popular attractions that the kids will love, don’t miss World of Coca-Cola or Georgia Aquarium located just steps from each other Downtown. Or take a tour of Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame for an up-close look at the world of college football. Across the road, see The Spectacular Olympic Rings sculpture at Centennial Olympic Park and the Fountain of Rings (please note that the park is partially closed for renovation).

Save 45% with Atlanta CityPASS

Planning to visit several attractions? Check out Atlanta CityPASS for some big savings at top Atlanta attractions. 

Itineraries and guides

Whether you’re spending one day in Atlanta or planning a week-long vacation, check out our self-guided itineraries to family fun or Atlanta’s must-see attractions .

Want a little more guidance? Join a safe, professionally led tour for insider tips and in-depth history.

There are several options for Atlanta tours depending on your interests. Foodies will love Atlanta Food Walks while sports enthusiasts may prefer a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium , home to Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, or Truist Park where the Braves hang their bats. Atlanta offers a variety of guided tour options from walking to specialized vehicles. Learn about them here .

Parks and outdoors

Atlanta is truly the City in a Forest with plenty of natural areas to enjoy the great outdoors and catch a breath of fresh air. Atlanta is home to many public parks, but you won’t want to miss Midtown’s Piedmont Park , 200 acres of green space housing hiking trails, green lawns for a variety of sports, a swimming pool and playgrounds for the little ones.

Located next door, is one of Atlanta’s crown jewels, Atlanta Botanical Garden , which adds another 30-acres of lush foliage, gardens and botanical displays in addition to special events. Of course the natural beauty hardly ends with these two locations. Take a look at favorite parks and gardens for the full offering.

Kid favorites

Like many large cities, Atlanta offers something for everyone, and this includes kids of all ages. Teens and tweens might enjoy one of these 12 activities , which, of course, include a trip to Six Flags over Georgia that even younger kids will love. Six Flags offers not only the traditional thrill rides but a fun water park, too. Depending on the season, you may be able to take in a ball game at Truist Park or visit the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. The youngest visitors would probably love spending time at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for some hands-on playtime or stopping at Center for Puppetry Arts to view puppets from around the world including the collection of Jim Henson puppets, costumes and props. 

Prefer to spend time outside with the kids? We’ve got that covered, too, with these 8 outdoor adventures .

For couples and friend getaways

Looking for a place to get away with friends or for a romantic getaway? Atlanta comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene . There is plenty to choose from whether it’s dancing, music or a delicious meal. Beer lovers will find a variety of local brews and cool breweries to visit and those who love to get outside will enjoy these restaurants with bars and patios .

Couples can find ways to carve out a little time for themselves with our ultimate list of date night ideas – many of which would be fun for groups or a weekend getaway without the kids.

Planning a bachelorette party or girls’ trip? We love these ideas for the ladies . Really need to chill out and relax? Consider these relaxing weekend retreats to help you recharge.

What to Eat

Where to start? Barbecue, Southern, innovative? Atlanta’s Food Story is one that is as down to earth as a Varsity hot dog, as varied like the countless international options on Buford highway and as innovative as the talented, resilient neighborhood locales. Kids and adults love King of Pops (gourmet cold treats on a stick). Grab one at the window on Elizabeth Street or find them all over Atlanta. Atlanta is synonymous with soul food, barbecue, fried chicken, sweet tea and famous and up-and-coming chefs . Foodies may want to dive deeper and tick a few boxes on the 25 iconic Atlanta dishes list or take a cruise down Buford Highway known for its vast array of diverse culinary offerings from Central America, Mexico, Korea and much more.

Searching for a healthy portion of comforting soul food? You’ve come to the right place. Atlanta is home to some famous soul food eateries .

Food halls 

We’re not talking the junior high cafeteria of your youth. Atlanta is home to some topnotch eateries in revamped “food halls” like Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market , both renovated historical buildings now home to popular cafes and restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Is everyone in your party in the mood for something different? These food halls as well as Sweet Auburn Curb Market and Chattahoochee Food Works are great options as you can indulge your taste buds in a variety of cuisines like Vietnamese, Mexican, soul food, sushi, bakery items, seafood, confections, Italian, coffee, vegan and even more. Each location offers a communal dining area where you can mingle with locals and tourists while enjoying the vibe. 

Share your adventure

Don’t keep your vacation a secret. Share your best photos and stories with your family and friends, and tell the world how much fun you had on your Atlanta road trip. Don’t forget to tag us on social media @DiscoverAtlanta #DiscoverATL.

Thanks for coming. See you next time.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

15 Fun Georgia Road Trips For Your Bucket List

February 17, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you looking for a fun Georgia road trip to add to your bucket list? Then look no further! This list is full of amazing road trips around the beautiful state of Georgia.

Whether you want to visit coastal cities, try the best food in Georgia, or get lost in the mountains, there is a perfect road trip on this list for you. Georgia is a beautiful Southern state known for peaches and Coca-Cola. But there is more to the state than that.

Georgia has a rich history that has made for some very unique destinations. It is also located near the Blue Ridge Mountains and the has a beautiful Atlantic Ocean coast line. You can drive from the West to the East and experience wildly different landscapes, activities, and even dining.

The Peach State is home to some amazing food, spooky haunted buildings, beautiful landscapes, and even its own little Hollywood. You just have to know where to look.

Monticello to Senoia

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a slice of small-town Georgia, then the small towns in Georgia road trip is the perfect way to do so. Start off your trip in Monticello, which was once a major cotton town. Continue on to what is easily one of the cutest small towns in the South , Helen.

In Helen, enjoy the Bavarian-style architecture and take the time to explore one of the local vineyards. Next head to the charming town of Blue Ridge, which is named for its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Finish your trip in Senoia, which is a quaint historic town just 35 miles south of Atlanta.

Haunted Georgia

• Colonial Park Cemetery
• Devil’s Bridge
• Central State Hospital
• Tennga Motel

Start your Haunted Georgia Road Trip in one of the most haunted cities in the South, Savannah . There you’ll walk through the historic and spooky Colonial Park Cemetery. Next on your trip, head north to the Devil’s Bridge in Cochran. It is there that Satanic Cults were rumored to perform rituals.

After exploring Devil’s Bridge, continue heading north to the Central State Hospital. The Central State Hospital is a large abandoned asylum that is said to be haunted by its former patients. End your haunted road trip at the Tennga Motel in the extremely small town of Tennga. If you go at night, you may be able to spy a few lonely ghosts haunting the abandoned motel.

Amicalola Falls to Toccoa Falls

• Amicalola Falls
• Panther Creek Falls
• Tallulah Falls
• Toccoa Falls

Start your Georgia Waterfall Road Trip at Amicalola Falls, one of the top rated waterfalls in Georgia. While at the State Park, there are a total of seven waterfalls you can view. Next make your way to Panther Creek Falls, and on the way there you will pass a few other waterfalls you can view.

From Panther Creek Falls, continue on to Tallulah Falls. In the Tallulah Gorge State Park there are a total of six waterfalls you can hike to that flow into the gorge. Finish your trip at Toccoa Falls, which is actually on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. If you are looking for hiking adventures, the Georgia Waterfall Road Trip is a must-do.

Savannah to the Golden Isles

• Tybee Island
• the Golden Isles

The coastal Georgia road trip is all about exploring the best coastal cities in Georgia. You’ll start your road trip in Savannah where you can find a ton of things to do . From there head south to Tybee Island and explore the local lighthouse.

Continuing south, you’ll stop in Riceboro and Darien, two amazing coastal cities. After leaving Darien, you’ll want to stop in Brunswick for a bite to eat and then continue on. You’ll end your trip in the beautiful Golden Isles where you can tour a sea turtle center or even go shrimping.

North Georgia Mountains

• Cast & Blast Inn
• Downtown Blue Ridge
• Dawsonville

For your road trip through the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll want to start your journey in Dahlonega. While there explore Georgia’s wine country with a winery tour or stop at the Smith House. Make sure to check out some of the Best Things To Do In Dahlonega!

Continue North to the Cast & Blast Inn where you can learn how to go fly fishing from a professional.

From the Cast & Blast Inn you’ll head west into Downtown Blue Ridge. It’s a charming mountain village that is home to pure mineral springs. Continue your journey by heading south and making sure to stop into Ellijay, another charming mountain village. Finish your trip in Dawsonville where you can explore Amicalola Falls State Park.

Georgia National Parks Road Trip

• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park
• Jimmy Carter National Historic Site

If you want to see some of the best National Parks in Georgia, then start your road trip in Northern Georgia at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. There you can view two of the Civil Wars’ most important battle sites. From there, continue south to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Near Kennesaw there are two other National Parks that you should take the time to check out. One of them honors the late Martin Luther King Jr. and the other overlooks the Chattahoochee River. Continue south on your drive to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and learn about the Native American tribes that once called the area home. Finish your trip at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site where you can tour his former home, school, and more.

Covered Bridges of Georgia

• Watson Mill Bridge
• Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge
• Concord Covered Bridge
• Auchumpkee Covered Bridge

Most people think covered bridges only exist in New England, and that’s just not true. On the Covered Bridges of Georgia road trip, you’ll begin your tour at the Watson Mill Bridge. It is one of the largest covered bridges in the state and one of the most popular. As you make your way to Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge, there will be several other’s you can admire.

From Poole’s Mill, continue on to the Concord Covered Bridge. The Concord Covered Bridge has a unique Queen-rod design that makes it the Georgia-covered bridge with the highest amount of traffic. Finish your Covered Bridges of Georgia road trip at the Auchumpkee Covered Bridge. It’s not open for traffic, but you can get a close up view of it and it’s the perfect way to end your adventure.

Epic Nature Road Trip

• Okefenokee Swamp
• Stone Mountain Park
• Providence Canyon
• Radium Springs

Start your exploration of Georgia’s epic natural world at the Okefenokee Swamp. At almost half a million acres, it is considered to be the largest swamp in the US. Continue Northwest where you can make stops in Savannah, Tallulah Gorge State Park and Amicalola Falls State Park. Your next stop will be Stone Mountain Park.

There you’ll find a beautiful large lake and picturesque views. Head South to Providence Canyon. Providence Canyon is a soft-walled canyon made of red clay and loam and it makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a mini Grand Canyon. Finish your road trip at Radium Springs. There you can look into crystal clear water and explore the landscape.

Abandoned Places Road Trip

• Dungeness Ruins
• Harville House
• Atlanta Prison Farm
• New Manchester Manufacturing Company

Some of the places on this list are also awesome stops if you want to do the Haunted Georgia road trip at the same time. Start out at the Dungeness Ruins in St. Marys. There you can walk amongst the ruins of a once beautiful mansion. From there, travel to the Harville House. The Harville House is a beautiful abandoned mansion hidden on Harville Road.

Next, you’ll venture into Atlanta to take a look at the Atlanta Prison Farm. The Prison Farm is a bunch of abandoned warehouses on private property, so you’ll have to legally admire it from afar. But the buildings are covered in unique graffiti and overgrown plants. End your trip at the New Manchester Manufacturing Company to view the pre-Civil War cotton Mill that burned down shortly after the Civil War.

Cherry Blossoms from Macon to Atlanta

• Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival
• Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens
• Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
• the Governors Mansion

If you want to experience Cherry Blossom season in Georgia, you’re going to want to spend most of your time in Macon. The city of Macon hosts an International Cherry Blossom Festival every year. It is also home to the Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens where you can view Cherry Blossoms during blooming season.

Outside of Macon, you’ll want to travel to Conyers. Conyers is another city in Georgia that hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s not as big as Macon’s, but its still a must attend for any Cherry Blossom lover. Finish your tour of Georgia’s Cherry Blossoms at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta.

Georgia’s Fall Foliage Road Trip

• Cloudland Canyon State Park
• Vogel State Park
• Moccasin Creek State Park
• Black Rock Mountain State Park

Georgia in the Fall is a beautiful time to visit. If you want to drive around looking at Fall foliage, start your road trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park. Cloudland Canyon is one of the biggest State Parks in Georgia and has plenty of vantage points to allow you to enjoy the foliage. Continue on to Vogel State Park where you can admire the beautiful Fall colors against the lake.

From there head to Moccasin Creek State Park. It is one of the smaller State Parks in Georgia, but it has some beautiful views. You’ll be able to admire the Fall leaves against the backdrop of waterfalls, Moccasin Creek, and more. Finish your road trip at Black Rock Mountain State Park. It’s the park with the highest elevation, so you’ll get some amazing birds-eye views of Georgia’s beautiful Fall foliage.

Lighthouses of Georgia

• Tybee Island Lighthouse
• Cockspur Island Light
• Sapelo Island Lighthouse
• St. Simmons Island Lighthouse

There are four lighthouse in Georgia, and on this road trip in Georgia you’ll get to see them all. In Northern Georgia, you’ll start your journey at the Tybee Island Lighthouse. It is near Savannah and is one of the most popular lighthouses to visit in Georgia. Continue South to the Cockspur Island Light. It’s the smallest lighthouse in Georgia and it’s unique because it sits alone in the water.

From there, head to the Sapelo Island Lighthouse. It is a classic red and white stripped lighthouse and is actually the oldest brick lighthouse. End your trip on the Southern tip of St. Simmons Island. There you’ll find the large white stone lighthouse that was used during the Civil War, and after being burned down was rebuilt.

Georgia’s Antebellum Trail

• T.R.R. Cobb House, Athens
• Eagle Tavern Museum, Watkinsville
• Heritage Hall, Madison
• Hay House, Macon

For lovers of Antebellum Architecture, the Antebellum Trail is one of the best weekend road trips through Georgia. You’ll start your journey at the charmingly pink T.R.R Cobb House in Athens. It was once home to one of the authors of the Confederate Constitution. Next, learn a bit of history at the Eagle Tavern Museum in Watkinsville. Built in the 1700’s, visitors can experience what life would have been like in Watkinsville.

Continue on to Heritage Hall in Madison. It is one of the finest Antebellum homes in Georgia from a time when cotton made slave owners wealthy. Now, you can tour the home and learn about it’s famous owners and the slaves who built it. Finish your road trip through Georgia’s Antebellum architecture at the Hay House. It is a beautiful Italian Renaissance Revival mansion in Macon and available for tours.

Georgia Foodies Road Trip

• Big Pie in the Sky, Kennesaw
• Heirloom Market BBQ, Atlanta
• Sublime Donuts, Atlanta
• The Crab Shack, Tybee Island

You’ll start your foodie journey in Northern Georgia at the Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw. There you can take on the challenge to devour their famous 11 pound pizza. Next, head to Atlanta where you’ll find the next two ultimate foodie destinations.

The Heirloom Market BBQ is famous for its combination of Texas-style and Korean BBQ. It is a one-of-a-kind BBQ spot that you must visit in Atlanta. Next head to Sublime Donuts where you can enjoy unique donut flavors and sweets. Finish your foodie road trip on the coast at Tybee Island. There, dig into a classic Southern seafood feast.

The Georgia Film Enthusiast Road Trip

• Crawfordville

In recent years Georgia has become the Hollywood of the East Coast. It is a popular filming location for so many production studios, and even Marvel films have been made there. Start your journey through the stars in North Georgia in Atlanta. This is one of the biggest spots for filming in Georgia and has been the backdrop of movies from ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ to the ‘Blind Side’.

Next head to Crawfordville where you can reenact scenes from ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and check out the Taliaferro County Historical Society’s exhibits on local filmmaking. Continue on to the small town of Monticello where movies like ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ filmed in the Whistle Stop Cafe. Finish your film tour in Savannah. Savannah is one of the most popular filmmaking destinations and has been the backdrop of over 85 films, from ‘Forest Gump’ to ‘X Men: First Class’.

Have you explored any of these fun Georgia road trips? If not, you definitely want to make sure you add one, or even a few, to your Georgia travel bucket list. If you have gone on one of these awesome road trips, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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5 Great Georgia Road Trip Stops (+ A Florida to Georgia Road Trip Itinerary)

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If you are planning a Georgia road trip, we’ve got 5 great centers to base your Georgia road trips around. These Georgia road trip ideas also work for a larger Southern USA road trip because Atlanta is a major international hub in the region. Another popular option is the Florida to Georgia road trip because the Atlanta to Orlando drive is fast and say on I-75. We suggest c ool stops between Atlanta and Orlando because there is so much to see and to do along the way.

Florida to Georgia Road Trip

Although Atlanta is a major international hub, flights from the UK tend to be on Delta Airlines to Atlanta. Unfortunately, British Airways and American Airlines have a strong relationship which leaves Delta out in the cold (ok, Gatwick airport which we find inconvenient from North London).

If you fly into Orlando Florida, you can generally get better flight times and cheaper flights. So we have done a Florida to Georgia road trip quite often. Similar to our Boston to New York road trip you can either zip along on the interstate or take leisurely pace and see all the cool sights along the way on an Orlando to Atlanta drive.

The Atlanta to Orlando drive time runs about 6 hours if you bomb along I-75North. The Atlanta to Orlando distance is less than 500 miles with most of these Atlanta to Orlando miles done on the interstate.

We have gone f rom Atlanta to Orlando drive time ranging between 2 days to a week, depending on what stops you make on your Atlanta to Orlando road trip.

Halfway between Atlanta and Orlando is Valdosta. Other cool stops to make between Atlanta and Orlando are Macon Georgia, Lake City in Florida and Gainesville in Florida.

On our Atlanta to Orlando road trip, here are ideas for places to visit between Atlanta and Orlando FL.

• My son LOVES airplanes and the Warner Robbins Museum of Aviation is a treat.
• Macon Georgia is a cool university town with two very different yet fabulous museums. The Tubman Museum on African Art and A llman Brothers Band Museum on the rock band.
• The Grand Bay Wildlife Area in Valdosta Georgia
• You will probably get your fill of theme parks in Florida, but children never seem to. Check out the Wild Adventures theme park which has safari animals, adrenaline-rush attractions and a water park.
• Lake City is the gateway to the Osceola National Forest with its thousands of acres of swamps and wetlands that stretch onto the Okefenokee National Park .
• Gainesville Florida is another college town with plenty of attractions including a burgeoning craft beer scene.

Our favorite places to stay between Atlanta and Orlando include Valdosta in Georgia and Lake City in Florida, both of which have extensive hotels right off the interstate.

Swing by the swamps of Southeastern Georgia on your Georgia road trips

5 Georgia Road Trip Stops

We associate Georgia with our children being born in Marietta, a northwest suburb of Atlanta. Although Georgia was a brief stop among the many places we have lived in the world, this state will always have a special place in our hearts.

We didn’t see much of Atlanta at the time and we have always promised the kids to plan a trip to Atlanta to see it properly.

The distance from Atlanta to Savannah is 250 miles. From Savannah, the coastal islands are an easy drive. For example, Tybee Island to Savannah is a mere 20 minute drive. 

The driving distance from Savannah to Jekyll Island is about 90 miles or a two hour drive. Atlanta to Jekyll Island though is about 290 miles and a 5 hour drive. It absolutely makes sense to make a pitstop in Savannah if you are driving from Atlanta to the Georgia coast.

A Georgia road trip should always include a trip to Atlanta, the capital, and a visit to the coastline like a trip to Tybee Island.

Plan a Trip To Atlanta

A great stop on any Southern US road trip is Atlanta, Georgia where there is a variety of things to do that will please every traveler. While you can see a lot of Atlanta in one day , a couple days or weekend is best to really experience all the city as to offer. Stop in Ria’s Bluebird for breakfast with delicious French toast or try Simply Done Donuts with epic mini donuts with unique flavors. Try Mary Mac’s Tea Room for a classic Southern meal where you can try fried chicken, collard greens, fried okra, and more! Atlanta is full of incredible attractions so you really can’t go wrong. To save a little money on admission prices, check out the CityPASS. Some of the top attractions in the city are the Georgia Aquarium , rated top in the nation, Atlanta Botanic Gardens , with Alice in Wonderland themed topiary sculptures, or the Atlanta BeltLine , a mural filled pedestrian pathway that circles the city. Other highlights include the picturesque Jackson Street Bridge where you can catch a glimpse of the Atlanta skyline, made famous by the Walking Dead TV show. Don’t miss Martin Luther King Jr Historical Park , to learn about MLK Jr. and America’s history of racism and the civil rights movement. If staying overnight, the Marriot Marquis is one of the best hotels in the center of downtown. You’ll probably recognize its unique interior from movies like The Hunger Games. by Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

Walk the the Atlanta Beltline when you visit Atlanta, a must-see on any Georgia road trip (Image credit: Alanna Koritzke)

Plan a Trip to Augusta

When planning a road trip across the Southern states in the USA, Augusta, Georgia doesn’t usually come to mind as a place to stop. However, this military town has a lot to offer travelers. One of the most famous activities in Augusta is Master’s Week , a major golf tournament that happens every April. Tickets to watch the tournament are hard to come by and require applying for months in advance, but even if you can’t get tickets, this is still a great time to visit Augusta—the city comes alive! Augusta’s downtown area has the most activities and is the best place to stay. The Riverwalk along the Savannah River provides a beautiful place to enjoy the balmy weather and occasional local events. There is also a local art museum, a plethora of bars and restaurants serving Southern food, and historical sites, from the Augusta Canal to the childhood home of Woodrow Wilson . Visitors who love the outdoors will enjoy kayaking in the Savannah River, visiting Phinizy Swamp to find alligators, and camping at Mistletoe State Park . This lesser-known state park lines the Clarks Hill Lake , and is great for boating, kayaking, swimming, and hiking. It’s beautiful, secluded, and much less crowded than other state parks in Georgia. There are also many ranger-led activities there during the weekends and throughout the summer. Whether it’s for the food ( Frog Hollow Tavern and Boll Weevil are local favorites!), the outdoor activities, or Master’s Week, Augusta makes the perfect pit stop on a tour of the Southern United States!

– By McKenna Hurd of One More Step Travels

On your Georgia road trip, consider stopping in Augusta for places like Mistletoe State Park pictured here! (Image credit: McKenna Hurd)

Trip to Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island should be on any southern road trip. This unique little gem is a beautiful island in southern Georgia and feels like a hidden getaway. It has been a vacation retreat for centuries and known for its peaceful calm. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, walking, kayaking and swimming and there are plenty of opportunities to do this all across the island. One of the best activities is to hire bicycles and cycle around the whole thing. Over copper colored creeks and trees heavy with the Spanish Moss which are all across the island it’s a beautiful activity to really appreciate the scenery. It’s also the perfect way to stop off at some of the island’s gorgeous beaches as you go, the most spectacular of which is Driftwood Beach . Regularly named as one of the top beaches in the US this is a special stretch of white sand that is littered with pine and oak tree limbs, bleached by the sun and like a piece of art. This is the perfect spot to watch the sun set from. There are a number of the great family resorts in Georgia   based here in Jekyll Island, the most notable of which is the Jekyll Island Club which is packed full of old world charm and the rocking chairs that line the porch are the perfect place to sit back and relax a while. However long you come for you will wish you had longer, it’s a great place to really unplug and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. – by Nichola of Family Hotel Expert

Swing by a gorgeous beach like Driftwood Beach on your Georgia road trip (Image credit: Family Hotel Expert)

Plan A Trip To Savannah

Travelers from all over the country visit Savannah to see its picturesque squares, stroll along the beautiful cobblestone streets, and sample the city’s incredible Southern-style cooking. The Historic District is very small and walkable, so it’s best explored on foot! Begin along the river, where you can watch the giant container ships sail into port along River Street. Next, head to nearby City Market to shop in the galleries while enjoying live entertainment. Afterwards, hit up the many shops lining Broughton Street (Paris Market is a must!), and then head deeper into the Historic District. That’s where you can explore the city’s many beautiful squares and stroll along Jones Street, which is considered one of the prettiest streets in Savannah . Make sure to stop by Forsyth Park and snap a picture in front of the famous fountain! The Olde Pink House is a favorite restaurant amongst both locals and visitors. It offers fine dining inside an elegant historic mansion. For those who prefer something a little more casual, try Vinnie Van Go Go’s Pizza or Treylor Park. Bonaventure Cemetery and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are two can’t-miss landmarks, while the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters is a top-rated tour. If you’re into the spook factor, a ghost tour is a must! After all, Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in the US. Stay at The Marshall House, which is one of the oldest hotels in Savannah. They’re known for their incredible Southern hospitality.

– Erin Clark from Savannah First Timer’s Guide

Savannah is one of the best road trip stops in Georgia (Image credit: Erin Clarkson)

Plan A Trip to Tybee Island

Tybee Island should be on the Georgia road trips list because it’s the closest beach for R&R after indulging in all the historic and cultural excitement that Savannah offers.

Although you will plan a trip to Tybee Island to chill out, you will not be bored. There are plenty of things to do on Tybee Island for a small beach destination. For example,

• Enjoy Tybee Island beach which has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the USA
• Engage in watersports like SUP and surfing
• Visit pretty Tybee Lighthouse , the oldest lighthouse in Georgia
• Learn about Coastal Georgia at the Tybee Marine Center
• Take a boat tour to see dolphins and other wildlife

The drive from Tybee Island to Atlanta is nearly 300 miles and a 4 hour drive. Tybee Island to Savannah is much closer and a mere 20 minutes away. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, inns and vacation home rentals, for your trip to Tybee Island.

Things to do on Tybee Island include stopping by its famous lighthouse.

Map for Georgia Road Trip Ideas

The Georgia road trip ideas mentioned above are mapped out below. The red markers show the Georgia to Florida road trip we take along I-75 connecting Atlanta to Orlando FL.

A map of Georgia road trip ideas including an itinerary for a Florida to Georgia road trip (or vice versa) with cool stops between Atlanta and Orlando

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! 

Planning a Georgia road trip and looking for road trip ideas? Here are 5 must-see Georgia road trip places to visit picked by travel experts as Georgia bucket list destinations. Georgia bucket list road trips include Atlanta Georgia, Savannah Georgia and coastal Georgia things to do. Georgia travel things to do cover adventure travel, beach vacation and city getaway weekends perfect for family travel, couples travel and girls weekend ideas. When you road trip usa east coast, think Georgia!

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The Ultimate Georgia Road Trip Itinerary

August 17, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   4 Comments

Trying to plan the perfect Georgia road trip? We’re here to help make the process a little less stressful! Georgia has so much to offer, especially when you’re taking some time and driving through the state, so you’re sure to be in for a great time with this trip!

Georgia is full of adventure: from mountains to historical sites, unique towns, bustling cities, scenic byways, and more, your trip is bound to be exciting!

Below we are listing some of the “must-sees” for your Georgia itinerary. Make sure to stop and explore these sites if they interest you, but don’t be afraid to keep your personal timeline in mind when planning this trip!

With that being said, get the car ready to go with some travel snacks and your best playlist of podcasts and songs– you are in for a wild exploration on your Georgia road trip!

Don’t forget to check out our list of the Best Things To Do In Georgia!

The Ultimate Georgia Road Trip

Getting to georgia.

If you have to fly into Georgia to begin your Georgia road trip, we recommend flying into Atlanta Airport. Not only is this airport large and accommodating, offering flight carriers such as United Airlines, Delta, and more, but they also are a great hub that many cities fly too, like Tampa, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and more!

The Atlanta Airport can be a bit big and scary to navigate (with lots of shopping and dining experiences!), but it is always bustling and full of people already on an adventure, and we think starting here is a great starting point for you! Flights can be a bit more expensive to Atlanta, but make sure to check your carrier, as who you fly with can affect the prices. And even consider driving into the city if you’re coming in from a nearby state: it may be a bit cheaper!

Getting Around Georgia

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport features a rental car center (RCC) on-site so you can easily start your Georgia road trip the second you get off your flight and into a car! This RCC is a one-stop facility that houses 13 rental car brands, such as Enterprise Alamo, Budget Car Rental, and more.

To get to the RCC, just take the SkyTrain! The RCC is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience. We recommend possibly renting a car that will be more spacious for your comfort, and looking at gas mileage too! You don’t want to constantly be adding gas stations to your Georgia itinerary, so maybe save those fancy sport car rentals for another trip!

Stop 1: Downtown Atlanta, Georgia

Since you’re flying into Atlanta, it only seems fair to use this as your starting point for your Georgia road trip! Atlanta is a big city, with lots to do, so make sure to pace yourself as you explore some cool (and slightly touristy things) like The Georgia Aquarium or the World of Coca-Cola. 

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are 30 acres of plants, statues, and fountains, and Centennial Olympic Park is the site of the 1996 Olympics. There are also cool tours, like the CNN Studio Tour , where you can go behind the TV news network.

Or if you’re looking for more outdoorsy or historical type things to explore, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is the birthplace, family church, and tomb of King, and the High Museum of Art features a diverse art collection. The close-by Piedmont Park is also lush and green and has farmers’ markets all the time.

But whatever you decide to do in Atlanta, it will make for a great start for your Georgia road trip, especially now there are so many things to add to your Georgia itinerary in just one city!

Where to Stay Near Atlanta

Mid-Range: Miraculous Elaborate Downtown Fotress  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range:  Beautiful Bliss Palace  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 2: Cloudland Canyon State Park

Now that your road trip in Georgia has officially begun, you’re going to head northwest toward the Cloudland Canyon State Park from Atlanta. This natural park is on the western edge of the famous Lookout Mountain and is well known for Sitton Gulch Creek that cuts through the mountain in a deep gorge.

The Sitton Gulch Trail runs parallel to the creek, which you can easily follow, but be careful of the strewn boulder’s nearby. You can also add Waterfalls Trail to your Georgia itinerary, which is a short, steep trail that features stairs that go into the canyon.

If you go down the Waterfalls Trail, you can find Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls , which are great for settling and relaxing and watching water cascade into pools. Sitton’s Cave is also close by too, featuring gorgeous mineral formations that are a must-see for your Georgia road trip!

Where to Stay Near Cloudland Canyon State Park

Mid-Range:  Secluded Getaway Cabin ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Cherry Blossom Yurt on Lookout Mountain  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 3: Yonah Mountain

Yonah Mountain is next up on your Georgia itinerary! This mountain ridge is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia and Yonah translates to Bear in Cherokee.

Yonah Mountain is most famous for Yonah Mountain Trail , which takes hikers through a rocky, wildflower-filled forest. Climbing this mountain offers it’s great Yonah Summit views, and there are great campsites close by.

Yonah rises from the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains and just skyward. These incredible, steep climbs are one of Georgia’s most popular trails, and the rolling landscape from the views are worth every stop. Be warned though, this is a moderately strenuous hike due to its upward nature, so be prepared! And watch out for those extreme drop-offs!

Where to Stay Near Yonah Mountain 

Mid-Range: Greystone Acres Suite A ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

High-Range: Windancer Lookout ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 4: Helen, Georgia

Yonah Mountain sits between Cleveland and Helen , so it only makes sense to add Helen as your next stop on your Georgia Road trip, especially because a lot of campsites on Yonah Mountain Trail are so close to the town of Helen anyway!

Helen is a mountain town known for its vineyards and Bavarian-Style buildings. Since this town is in the heart of it all, there is so much to do: Unicoi State Park is close by and has a lake as well as campsites where you can relax and spend some time. There are also trails that run through the Chattahoochee National Forest to to Anna Ruby and Rave Cliff Waterfalls that you can explore.

If you want to fish for trout, Dukes Creek is in a nearby state park, and the Hardman Farm State Historic Site is home to the Nacoochee Indian Mound burial site.  Helen is also a great lodging town with cute and quaint shops and restaurants– all one of a kind!

And if you’re looking for some adventure, you can always to the Helen Tubing and Waterpark ! There’s so much to do in Helen, it’s up to you to add what you want on your Georgia itinerary!

Where to Stay Near Helen

Mid-Range: Mountain Top Log Cabin ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

High-Range: Cozy Treehouse  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 5: Tallulah Gorge State Park

As you continue on your road trip in Georgia, we next recommend stopping by Tallulah Gorge State Park , a 2,689-acre park with waterfalls, gorges, rivers, and more. This park is arguably most famous for the Tallulah Gorge (hence its name), as the Tallulah River cuts through rock to create a stunning canyon you can look over from a suspension bridge.

Visitors also love to visit Hurricane Falls here, where they can get closer to the canyon on different sets of trails. Lake Tugalo is also close by, and this features a lot of outdoor recreation, like fishing, kayaking, and camping near the edge of the water.

Many people love to take the Tallulah Gorge Rim Trail to get the direct view of the Tallulah falls dam, and along the way, they stop by Ocean Falls and L’Ea d’Or Falls to rest and relish in the sound of crashing water and natural beauty. This is truly one of the coolest places to stop on your Georgia road trip!

Where to Stay Near Tallulah Gorge State Park

Mid-Range: River Cabin on Tallulah River  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: The Honeymoon Cottage  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 6: Savannah, Georgia

Savannah , Georgia is your next stop on your Georgia Road Trip (and warning, will be the longest stretch of your road trip- but we promise it is totally worth it!). This coastal city is famous for its historic district that is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks like Forsyth Park that are surrounded by giant oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

Savannah is great because it has fantastic landscapes, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant history. From visiting the Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low , the creator of Girl Scouts, to walking through Savannah’s Telfair Museum , you can experience history and art at the same time.

There are also great trolley tours to take you through the city. Old Town Trolley Tours can offer great overviews of Savanah, and you’ll be able to stop and weave through historic buildings that feature shops and restaurants along River Street .

Lastly, make sure to visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist , which is the most photographed landmark in Savannah due to its peaks and 81 stained glass windows. And if you want to feel adventures, float down the Savanna River on a Riverboat Cruise in the evenings!

Where to Stay Near Savannah

Mid-Range: King Suite in Downton Boutique Hotel ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: The Golden Fox   ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 7: Jekyll Island State Park

After spending some time in Savannah, head toward Jekyll Island State Park as part of your road trip in Georgia! This state-managed island offers a variety of recreational activities, great photography spots, and more.

We highly recommend checking out Driftwood Beach in particular: this beach is known for its numerous driftwood trees that are scattered around the shore, and give off a looming presence during sunset– perfect for photo ops! The St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is also great for exploring as historic property.

St. Andrews Beach features picnic areas for relaxing afternoons, and if you find yourself exploring the Historic District , also make sure to check out their unique Trail System too! Or if you’re feeling more outdoorsy, the Great Dunes Park and Neptune Park are great for relaxing with their pools, slides, and loungers. You must add this to your Georgia itinerary!

Where to Stay Near Jekyll Island State Park

Mid-Range: Beach Cove ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Cottage on Frederica  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 8: Okefenokee Swamp Park

After checking out Jekyll State Park, plan your visit to Okefenokee Swamp Park as a part of your Georgia road trip! This refuge has SO much to see, including multiple historic cites, and is known as the “Land of the Trembling Earth.”

When visiting, you can check out the Chesser Island Homestead , or go down a drive on Swamp Island Drive , which is 7.5 miles long, so you can walk it too if you’re feeling adventurous! The Wildnerness Canoe Trails let you explore the 120 miles of water trails in the swamp.

The Upland Discovery Trail lets you walk through pines and palmettos to experience the true wildlife of this beautiful park: here you will find woodpeckers, warblers, and white-tailed deer. This trail is about 9 miles in length, and easy for exploration.

Although some may not want to add a swamp to their Georgia itinerary, this shallow wetland is the largest blackwater swamp in North America. It features uniquely gorgeous views and wildlife, so we suggest checking it out!

Where to Stay Near Okefenokee Swamp Park

Mid-Range: Mansion at Oak Lane ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Lilies in the Pines Guest Suite  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 9: Radium Springs in Albany

Radium Springs is famous as being a part of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia” so of course, we had to add it to your Georgia road trip. This is the largest natural spring in the state, and it is well known for its deep blue waters.

The Springs flow at 70,000 gallons per minute and empty into the river, which you can walk along. There is also a complex and extensive cavern system underneath the blue water that is ripe for exploration.

Unfortunately, the water is a constant 68 degrees– too cold to swim in during your road trip in Georgia– but you can stroll through the Courtyard where the old Radium Springs Casino once was and admire the waters as well as the flora from recently renovated terraces and gazebos!

Where to Stay Near Radium Springs

Low-Range: Nana’s B&B  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Rose Ellen’s Raspberry Patch , Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 10: Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon State Park is an outdoor recreational area that features over 1,000 acres in southwest Georgia. Most famously, this park is home to Providence Canyon , which is referred to as “Little Grand Canyon” and is also a part of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.

At this state park, there are also 2 picnic shelters, 9 campsites, a museum and a visitor center to prepare you for your stay! But even when you’re not camping, the nearby Hannahatchee Creek, Flint RiverQuarium , and Lake Walter F. George are ripe for exploration.

However, before you go explore around the canyon itself, make sure to take in the massive gullies this natural wonder. You can enjoy views from a Rim Trai l and immerse yourself in the soil that is pink, orange, red and purple. This spot is truly magical for photographs: between the canyon and the rare Plumleaf Azalea that grows here, you’ll want to add it to your Georgia itinerary at least for a photo op.

Where to Stay Near Providence Canyon State Park

Low-Range: Organic Veggies and Pecan Farm Staycation ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Parrot Farmhouse-Style Rural Retreat , Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Stop 11: Columbus, Georgia

As your last stop for your Georgia road trip, we recommend spending some time in Columbus , Georgia! This city is a true river city. Founded in 1828, it is ripe with history (here is where the last battle of the Civil War took place!) and great for adventure.

This city is full of cool things to do: from the National Civil War Naval Museum that displays warships, to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center that features immersive theatre and observatories, you won’t be bored in this city!

There is also the National Infantry Museum that you can check out, but we reckoned taking some time to explore the Chattahoochee River Walk and the Columbus Botanical Gardens to really appreciate the views of this historic place!

Where to Stay Near  Columbus

Low-Range: Park Suite  ,Check Rates: Airbnb.com

Mid-Range: Lake Oliver House,  Check Rates: Airbnb.com

And there you have it! A great Georgia road trip itinerary that will take you in a full loop around the state to visit state parks, potent landscapes, vibrant cites, cute towns, fun hikes and more. Make sure to drive safe and have fun during your Georgia road trip– we promise it will be unforgettable! And if you’re worried about packing: check out our article on 25 road trip essentials you don’t want to forget!

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• Roadside Attractions
• Small Towns
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• Meet Bill On The Road

South Walton is full of charming neighborhoods located along Florida’s scenic 30A highway and 26 miles of stunning beaches with beautiful white sand and turquoise colored water. Find a spot that suits you to spend your vacation – whether it’s at the sprawling Sandestin Resort, or a rental home at one of South Walton’s 16 quaint communities.

Travel Time: 5 hours / 310 miles

2. Hendersonville, North Carolina

One of the most beautiful small towns in North Carolina is known for its mountain views, close proximity to waterfalls, a wide variety of locally owned restaurants, and even its own Pinball Museum downtown. Hendersonville is also one of the top spots in the USA for apple orchards with a chance to pick your own fresh fruit at numerous farms around the area starting late in the summer and throughout the fall. Renowned poet, Carl Sandburg owned a home here that visitors can tour through the National Park Service.

Travel Time: 3h 10m / 180 miles

3. Nashville, Tennessee

What’s not to love about Nashville? (Okay, maybe rush hour traffic.) Music City USA is hopping these days! Even if hanging out at a honky tonk isn’t your thing, Nashville is home to top notch attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and the world-famous Grand Ole Opry – which is also the longest running radio broadcast in history. One museum not to miss is the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum – a truly underrated collection of artifacts and exhibits that pay tribute to the guys and gals playing the music!

Travel Time: 4h / 258 miles

4. Macon, Georgia

If you’re a lover of music history, Macon has given us some of the biggest names of all time! Take a tour of Capricorn recording studio, hang out where Little Richard used to play the piano, grab a photo with the Otis Redding statue, and visit “The Big House” where The Allman Brothers lived and wrote some of their biggest hits. Macon has some amazing restaurants and southern food as well!

Travel Time: 1h 25m / 83 miles

5. Greenville, South Carolina

Known as one of the friendliest towns in America, Greenville has an incredible downtown that includes Falls Park, an urban green space with waterfalls and bike trails. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of the best biking trails in the south and extends over 22 miles from downtown to neighboring Travelers Rest. You can grab a beer, lunch, or even fresh produce along the way at one of the many shops and restaurants that line the path.

Travel Time: 2h 18m / 145 miles

6. Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is one of the best kept secrets on the eastern coast of Florida. The island has a really cool historic district and lodging like the Florida House Inn that can put you right in the middle of all the action. Be sure to check out the oldest bar in Florida, Fort Clinch State Park, and don’t forget to grab a bite at Tasty’s – a delicious fast food joint that opened in 2011 with amazing burgers and shakes!

Travel Time: 5h / 356 miles

7. Brevard, North Carolina

Brevard is known as the “land of waterfalls” in North Carolina with easy access to the Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, and Gorges State Park. Each spot has multiple waterfall hikes, many of which are easy to navigate. Brevard is a great spot to enjoy outdoor recreation of all types – including kayaking, mountain biking, or maybe even fly-fishing. Be sure to look for the famed white squirrels that Brevard is known for! You might see them running around the local college if you look carefully!

Travel Time: 3h / 168 miles

8. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge has been a family friendly gateway to the Smoky Mountains for decades. You can enjoy shows, ride Go Karts and mountain coasters, and of course – enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all of its beauty. Unlike Gatlingburg, Pigeon Forge is a bit more spread out making it slightly easier to get around. It’s also home to Dollywood – the award winning theme park owned by Dolly Parton. If you’re an RV owner, consider staying at the new Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge .

9. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Some call it the “redneck riviera” but Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are terrific places for a getaway with so much to do for any age group. Of course, if sitting by the beach and watching the waves is all that you want – you can’t beat the white sand and beautiful blue water that awaits you. Be sure to take a bike ride through Gulf State Park and try some amazing barbecue at Hog Wild BBQ.

Travel Time: 5h 27m / 348 miles

10. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

If you already live in Georgia, you know how great the state parks are and Amicalola is certainly no exception. Located in Dawsonville, the park sits in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The focal point, Amicalola Falls is a 729 foot waterfall that ranks as the highest in the state. The park’s lodge is first class with cozy rooms , meeting space, and fire places for those chilly fall and winter months up in the mountains.

Travel Time: 1h 30m / 70 miles

11. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is one of the best weekend road trips from Atlanta! While it’s best known as the place that Elvis Presley called home – Memphis has so much other music history. Sun Records also discovered Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison to name a few. B.B. King has ties to Memphis and don’t forget blues legend, W.C. Handy. Beale Street is a great spot for drinks and live music while the National Civil Rights Museum is a must-see collection of exhibits that’s based around the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was killed in 1968.

Travel Time: 5h 30m / 390 miles

12. Covington, Georgia

Covinginton is one of the fun road trips from Atlanta if you’re looking to get out of the city. If you’ve seen shows like  Dukes of Hazard, The Vampire Diaries ,  In The Heat of the Night , or  The Walking Dead  – you’ve seen Covington. That’s a small sampling of the more than 100 different productions that have used the town square, local neighborhoods, and of course the iconic courthouse downtown as backdrops for the small, and big screen.

In addition to TV shows, Covington has some iconic film history as well. Twelve Oaks, a fictional home used in the film Gone with the Wind, was based off of a mansion in Covington. ( Pictured above) Staying a night a the Twelve Oaks Bed & Breakfast is a must for any movie buff!

Travel Time: 40m / 35 miles

13. St. Simons Island, Georgia

Located off the coast of Georgia, St. Simons Island is one of the most beautiful road trips from Atlanta. The island offers a quaint community with a slightly more relaxed, quiet setting than places like Savannah with the same moss draped oaks that line the streets. You can meander around the downtown shops and diners or check out one of the many local bike paths. You can also tour the St. Simons Lighthouse which was rebuilt in 1872 after being destroyed in the Civil War.

Travel Time: 4h 30m / 315 miles

14. Destin, Florida

The Emerald Coast has become one of the most popular road trips from Atlanta for good reason – it’s beautiful! There’s also so much going on it’s impossible to keep track. All of the family friendly fun in addition to every restaurant you can imagine and of course – stunning white sand beaches and gorgeous emerald green water. Wander over to neighboring Fort Walton Beach for more shopping and dining options. Oh, and be sure to grab some fresh fish at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant!

Travel Time: 5h / 314 miles

15. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Home of the award winning Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga is a lovely Tennessee getaway for families or couples. You’re near the iconic Rock City Gardens as well as Ruby Falls. Take a ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline and of course – catch a glimpse of the Chattanooga Choo Choo! Visitors can actually stay the night on board one of these historic train cars!

The city has really grown and become a terrific tourist spot. It’s perfect for any road trips from Atlanta.

Travel Time: 2h 7m / 118 miles

16. Bryson City, North Carolina

You can’t visit Bryson City without taking a ride on the scenic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and hiking to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls. Don’t miss the waterfall loop that will take you to at least a dozen of them in one hike. Nearby, check out Mingo Falls in Cherokee, North Carolina. Bryson City has a cool downtown with stores and restaurants, or check out lodging at Bryson Village where you can have a kitchen of your own to prepare meals!

Travel Time: 2h 50m / 164 miles

17. Oconee, South Carolina

What’s not to love about chasing waterfalls, enjoying nature and outdoor recreation, and small town charm? Oconee County, South Carolina is an easy road trip from Atlanta. It’s the perfect spot to escape the busy city life and enjoy some peace and quiet. Enjoy hiking trails or a pontoon boat exploring one of the areas beautiful lakes. Check out Lake Jocassee, named one of National Geographic’s Top 50 “Best Places Left on Earth”.

Travel Time: 2h / 124 miles

18. Helen, Georgia

This is an all-around family-friendly getaway and one of the classic road trips from Atlanta. Helen will make you feel like you traveled all the way to Germany! Check out the nearby state park for beautiful outdoor recreation and get your fill of sweets from the many candy stores in town. Helen also has the only alpine roller coaster in Georgia!

19. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville has quietly become a top-notch tourist destination and one of the favorite road trips from Atlanta! Starting with its ties to NASA and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. For decades, this is where kids from across the country have visited to attend “space camp” – but now there are many reasons to visit this hip Alabama town. The views in northern Alabama are stunning and you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation, a growing foodie scene, and a beautiful botanical garden.

Travel Time: 3h 15m / 180 miles

20. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville is a gateway to the Smoky Mountains for sure but it can certainly stand on its own as a first class college town. This is one of my favorite road trips from Atlanta! Its downtown is easily walkabout with great restaurants, a historic theater, and fun sculpture garden mixed in-between. The World’s Fair Park is a must-see and you’ll need to take a ride to the top of the Sunsphere for a 360 degree look at the town from high above. Just avoid visiting during a football game weekend as this place is packed with visitors cheering on their beloved team.

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Family Travel In The Deep South

The Ultimate Guide To Drive Through Atlanta, Georgia

Driving through Atlanta, Georgia can be a daunting task, especially during rush hour. To avoid the traffic nightmare, it’s important to plan your route, know some valuable tips and timing carefully.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to find the best time to drive through Atlanta and make your journey as smooth as possible.

This article contains affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

What affects traffic in Atlanta

Traffic can be affected by current events as much as it is affected by weekday rush hours. With that in mind, you might like to know a few of the Atlanta attractions that bring visitors to the city.

• Atlanta is the capital of Georgia
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top of the list of busiest airports in the world
• Atlanta is home to 5 professional sports teams (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Atlanta Dream & Georgia Swarm)
• CNN is located in Atlanta
• The Georgia Aquarium is in Atlanta
• Multiple large concert venues that attract world famous entertainers
• Numerous museums, historical centers and other tourist attractions

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

Atlanta is known for its heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. To avoid the traffic nightmare in Atlanta, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time. Use a GPS to find the best route based on traffic patterns and estimated travel times.

Consider alternative routes that may be less congested, even if they take a little longer. Some alternative routes may take you off the highway and through town. Those can wind up taking longer so you need to consider what is more important to you, sitting in traffic or taking longer.

It’s also a good idea to check traffic updates before you leave and adjust your route if necessary. By planning ahead, you can save time and avoid the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

I-75 and I-85 go straight through downtown Atlanta and tend to experience traffic jams. You will see signs instructing you to pull off the road if you have had a fender bender. There are also signs giving updates on traffic delays, road construction (which is never-ending) and estimated times to get from where you are to a popular exit.

Locals Tips

• Avoid I-285 if at all possible
• Use the HOV lane if you have at least 2 people in your vehicle

Avoid Rush Hour

Rush hour traffic in Atlanta can be a nightmare, with heavy traffic and long delays. To avoid this, plan your route to avoid driving during peak traffic times on interstates through Atlanta.

Atlanta Traffic Rush Hour Times

• morning rush hours are 6:30 am- 9:30 am
• evening rush hours are 4 pm – 7 pm

However, traffic can be heavy throughout the day, especially on major highways like I-285 and I-75. It’s important to plan your route accordingly and avoid driving during peak traffic times if possible.

Use Traffic Apps to Stay Informed

One of the best ways to find the best time to drive through Atlanta is to use traffic apps. Use a traffic app like Waze, GA 511 or Google Maps that provide real-time traffic updates and can help you avoid or alert you to congestion and accidents. These apps also offer alternative routes and estimated travel times, so you can plan your trip accordingly. Make sure to check the app before you leave and during your trip to stay informed about any changes in traffic conditions.

Stay Alert and Be Nice While Driving

While it may seem obvious, staying alert and focused while driving is crucial to outsmarting Atlanta traffic. Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or applying makeup while behind the wheel. Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings.

Additionally, be nice. Use your turn signals to change lanes. Do not honk your horn at anyone. It is best to always avoid road rage anytime but certainly in bad traffic. Remember, everyone is trying to get somewhere, just like you.

Best Time To Travel Through Atlanta

The best time to drive through Atlanta is 10 am until 3 pm on a good day. These are the best times to avoid the morning rush hour traffic and the evening rush hour traffic. All bets are off if there is a big game or a big concert in town.

Navigating The Lanes On Interstates Through Atlanta

Refer back to the first tip, plan ahead. If you have read your map or GPS app, you should be familiar with where your Exit is going to be. With that information in mind, try to stay in a middle lane. The left lane can become an exit to your left and the right-hand lane is sure to become an exit to your right. The best thing to do is stay in a middle lane until you are closer to your own exit.

If your road trip is going to have you traveling through the Atlanta area, use these tips to make your journey smooth and hopefully uneventful.

• Plan your route ahead of time
• Avoid rush hour times
• Use an interactive traffic app to stay informed
• Stay Alert and Be Nice
• Travel through Atlanta between 10 am and 3 pm if possible
• Know how to navigate the lanes

More Places To Visit in Georgia

• Big List of Fall Fa irs and Festivals in Georgia (updated annually)
• Day Trip To Dauset Trails
• 10 Haunted Places In Georgia You Can Visit
• Gibbs Gardens in Georgia Has The Largest Daffodil Display in the U.S.
• 15 Best Places To Eat In Warner Robins, Ga.
• Tybee Island Bed & Breakfast Surf Song Review
• Murder Mystery Dinner Theaters In Georgia

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North Georgia Road Trip 5-Day Itinerary – Atlanta to Athens

Published August 10, 2020

// By Margherita

During our recent road trip to the US Southwest we caught the road trip bug! There’s truly no better place on Earth than the US for road tripping, that’s why we are super happy to publish this North Georgia road trip itinerary by Alanna Koritzke of  Periodic Adventures!

When I first moved to Georgia , I had no idea how beautiful the state was. As someone who grew up in the West, green isn’t a natural colour I saw often, unless it had a very brown tint.

Coming to Georgia was like a green slap in the face, in a good way. I quickly found myself itching to see the state. I’m in Athens, so the most accessible places were in North Georgia , which is covered in beautiful mountains and waterfalls.

In this North Georgia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary , I’m sharing all the highlights of the mountains with some of the best Georgia cities sprinkled in. In 5 days, you can really see a lot! Come with me as we move from Atlanta to Athens!

Important Georgia Road Trip Info

Vehicle options.

Car – If you decide to stay in hotels, a standard rental car will do the trick. You don’t need 4-wheel drive in Georgia, even in the mountains you should be fine. It doesn’t really snow here and if it does, the flurries will melt pretty fast.

You can rent one for $10-15 a day , unless you are under 25 years old, then it will be more expensive as you’ll be charged an underage fee.

Camper Van – Becoming increasingly popular for travellers, renting a camper van will open you up to the outdoors. Rentals cost about $150-170 per night.

Check out these options based in Atlanta: sCAMPer Van  for traditional vans and  Outdoorsy (like Airbnb for campers and RV’s). Georgia Essentials

There are a couple things that you absolutely need when road tripping around Georgia, especially in the summer months. Don’t travel without them!

You’ll need bug spray, sunscreen, and a good water bottle. I use  Bugables  instead of traditional bug spray because they are citronella soaked bracelets so you don’t need to lather on another layer in addition to your sunblock.

They last a week and work well, especially if you put one on your wrist and another on your ankle (or as a choker, headband, or belt —  who needs fashion if they keep the evil mosquitoes away, right? )

Georgia Road Trip Itinerary Day 1 – Atlanta

If you’re flying into Georgia, you’ll be landing in Atlanta. This is the perfect place to start out your road trip. You can rent a car from the airport and get going. If you decide on a camper van, you can ride share to wherever you need to go to get your van.

MARTA (Atlanta’s public transportation system) also runs to the airport, so you may be able to use that to get where you need to go for your vehicle.

Things to do in Atlanta

I recommend spending one day in Atlanta. That can be the day you land if you land in the morning, or spend the night so you can have a day to explore the city. Here are some things to do that I recommend.

• Bike or walk a portion of  Atlanta’s Beltline , a paved pathway that runs around the whole city. I recommend starting at the Krog Street Tunnel and traveling up the Eastside Trail to  Ponce City Market . Here you’ll pass beautiful murals, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and end at an indoor food market (Ponce). You can also continue up the Beltline to Piedmont Park.  Check out this site to rent bikes.
• Relax at Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Large topiary sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens and usually have a theme. When I visited they were doing Alice in Wonderland. The entry fee is a little steep at $22. If you’re ballin’ on a budget ( heyyy! ), I’d explore the Beltline over the gardens.
• Visit  Centennial Olympic Park , which is the legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Located in the heart of downtown and perfect for families!

Restaurant Recommendations

• If you visit Ponce City Market , I recommend Botiwalla (Indian street food), Hop’s Chicken (Southern fried chicken), Five Daughter’s Bakery (100-layer donuts!), King of Pops (Atlanta’s famous popsicles), and The Tap on Ponce (56 beer varieties on tap + souvenir glasses).
• The Varsity is an Atlanta thing. It looks like an old 50’s diner and sells greasy burgers. The food isn’t amazing, but it’s one of those things you just do. It’s like trying In-N-Out in California . The original location at 61 North Ave  offers beautiful views of the Atlanta skyline as well.
• Krog Street Market (located down the street from the Krog Street Tunnel) has a variety of yummy choices. I fell in love with Richard’s Southern Fried Chicken. Their mac and cheese and cornbread was so yummy!  Check out the other options here.

Honestly Atlanta is full of delicious food so you can’t really go wrong! After a delicious meal, spend the night in Atlanta.

Day 2 Best of North Georgia Mountains – Atlanta to Helen, GA

Now that you’ve explored Atlanta a bit, it’s onward to Helen , the Bavarian village in North Georgia.

First stop: Ellijay, GA – Driving time from Atlanta: 1 hour 20 mins.

Drive from Atlanta to Ellijay, GA. The highlight of Ellijay are the farms that specialise in apples. In the summer and fall (and sometimes through December), you can go apple picking and get some yourself – a fun activity for kids and adults alike!

Check the harvest calendar of each farm to see which types of apples are available. Farms usually have a market where you can purchase fresh baked goods (I recommend apple cider donuts), apple cider, jams, and more!

Second stop: Amicalola Falls State Park – Driving time from Ellijay: 35 mins

After you’re fueled up with fresh food, drive to Amicalola State Park  to see Amicalola Falls. There are a number of trails that range from 0.3 miles to 8.3 miles. For the non-hikers ( hi, welcome ) I recommend parking at the first lot past the visitor’s center.

When you see the visitor’s center, which is on the right, turn left up the road and once you see the parking lot on your right that is where the ADA 0.3 mile trailhead begins.

Another option is to park at the top of the falls (the second parking lot up the same road). You can start some trails here or walk down the stairs to get to the waterfall viewing platform. You can obviously also take these stairs up to the top if you start at our ADA 0.3 mile trail.

If you want to spend the day here , you can pay for additional activities like zip lining and archery!

*Note: parking is $5 at all state parks.

At this point, there are a couple options:

• If you are itching to get to your final destination for the day, you can skip this section entirely and go straight to Helen, Georgia.
• If road tripping is your thing and you have lots of time, I suggest doing both of the following. But, it honestly depends if you are a hiker or not. If you don’t love hiking, you can fit both of these in, no problem.
• If you spend all your time hiking , which is totally fine – more power to you – then you might need to pick and choose. I personally would choose Brasstown Bald , especially if you are visiting in the fall. The views are unreal!

Brasstown Bald – Driving time from Amicalola Falls: 1 hour 30 mins

This is the highest point in Georgia! You can actually drive very close to the view point, so no hiking is really necessary unless you want to. The visitor’s center also has amazing night walks for stargazing. Brasstown Bald is not part of a state park, so the closest camping sites are at  Bald Mountain Park .

Anna Ruby Falls in Unicoi State Park – Driving time from Brasstown Bald: 50 mins OR 1 hour 15 mins from Amicalola Falls

Helen, Georgia – Driving time from Brasstown Bald: 40 mins, driving time from Anna Ruby Falls: 15 mins

Stay here for 2 nights. That will give you one full day to enjoy Helen and continue on your road trip well rested.

Where to stay in Helen

The most unique place is the Heidi Motel , a German themed motel with a windmill. Prices are around $130 a night. Most hotels in the area are near that price, if not higher.

For cheaper options, look into camping at Unicoi State Park. You can get walk-in camp sites for $20 and those with hookups for $40-60.

Day 3: Helen

Start the day with breakfast at Cimmi’s Courtyard Café or Hofer’s Bakery and Café.

Things to do in Helen, Georgia

• Explore the shops along Main Street including Kopper’s Kettle Fudge Shop , Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, The Glassblowing Shop, Village Peddler (Women’s Boutique), Tim’s Wooden Toys , and Windmill Dutch Imports.
• Go mini-golfing at Alpine Mini Golf or  Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf
• Take a ride on the  Georgia Mountain Coaster.
• Shoot the Hooch aka tube down the Chattahoochee River. Some companies that provide tubes are  Cool River Tubing  and  Helen Tubing & Waterpark .
• In September through November, enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities

For lunch and dinner, seek out authentic German food , such as schnitzel, pretzels, and sausages. Checkout the Heidelberg German Restaurant and Bodensee . I ate at The Troll Tavern , which had German options. The best part was the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

Day 4: Helen to Athens, GA

Before heading to Athens, venture to the east for some more waterfall viewing.

First stop: Drive from Helen to Tallulah Gorge (35 mins). I recommend stopping at the Tallulah Point Overlook for a good view of the valley. It’s located at 940 Tallulah Gorge Scenic Loop. You can even spot some of the water from the upper deck.

This is a free stop, not counting the homemade ice cream that’s hard to resist. Inside the park are many trails to hike. I’ve only ever made it to the suspension bridge to look at the water because there are 100’s of stairs. Literally. It’s a doozy, especially in summer.

Second stop: For an easier waterfall to see, head to Toccoa Falls (20 mins from Tallulah Gorge or 40 mins from Helen). Because it is located on a college campus, you need to pay a small entrance fee of $3 per person to access the ADA accessible trail. It’s a high reward, low effort situation and I recommend.

Third stop: The school bus graveyard is a fun art installation where hundreds of old school buses were stacked to create a barrier around someone’s private property and business. Murals have been painted on the buses curated by the owner.

You can visit this free display from the highway. The owner asks that you park on the shoulder of Crane Mill Road off highway 365. If you want to enter the yard, you need to check in with the owner during business hours (M-F, 9am-4pm).

You can still see the outside of the buses and art without entering the yard. Please, do not spray paint the buses.

Arrive in Athens (1 hour drive from School Bus Graveyard).

Spend the night in Athens. Airbnb’s here are pretty cheap ( I host one that is $40 a night ). If you’re looking for camping, the closest is Fort Yargo State Park where campsites cost $25-40, depending on if you need hookups or not. I’ve camped there and it’s really beautiful with campsites right along the lake.

Day 5: Athens

Now that you’re rested, take the day to explore Athens. I have lived here for almost 4 years now. You can read my favourite things to do, here.  The downtown area is super cute and the music scene is vibrant.

If you happen to be in town for a football game ( Go Dawgs! ) participate in the rowdiness to really get a feel for the town. It’s super fun, even if you aren’t a football fan!

That concludes my North Georgia Road Trip 5-day Itinerary! Depending on your time frame, you can spend the night in Athens or head back to Atlanta (1 hour 15 min drive).

You can also head further south to explore Savannah, Jekyll Island, or Cumberland Island! 

COST BREAKDOWN

Atlanta Lodging = $70

Atlanta Food = $30

Atlanta Beltline = FREE

Ellijay Apple Picking = $15 (for picking and something from the market)

Amicalola State Park Entry = $5

Brasstown Bald Entry = $5

Anna Ruby Falls Entry = $3 (you have to state that you’re there for the falls)

Helen Lodging = $130

Helen Food = $40

Tallulah Gorge State Park Entry = $5

Toccoa Falls Entry = $3

School bus Graveyard = FREE

Athens Loding = $50

Athens Activities = FREE

Gas = $60 (one gallon is around $2 at the time of publication)

Car Rental = $75

TOTAL = $491

(Please note: This is an estimated budget based on staying in more expensive lodging. If you cook your own meals (or have granola bars for breakfast, for example), split lodging costs with a travel companion, or choose to omit some activities, this cost will be lower)

*GEORGIA RESIDENTS:

One way to save money is to checkout a Georgia State Parks pass from your local public library. They are free and you can check them out for one week. This will take the place of all the $5 entry costs for the state parks.

10 Best Road Trips Near Atlanta

Escape to georgia this weekend.

The best road trips near Atlanta give you the opportunity to visit small towns offering Southern charms or take in Georgia’s diverse natural landscapes. This Go Guide provides you with great ideas and unmissable highlights, a few of which are only a short drive out from Downtown Atlanta .

There are also beautiful lakes and pine-forested mountains for action and adventure in the great outdoors. And don't miss out on the magnificent waterfalls hidden in unusual locations. Read on to learn more about these and more, so you can plan your next quick and exciting escape to Georgia this weekend.

Stone Mountain Park

Sweeping vistas, southern history, and family fun.

Stone Mountain Park is a popular family destination, offering natural beauty, historical sights, and recreational activities. The focal point of the namesake city, Stone Mountain, the park is within just a half-hour drive east of Downtown Atlanta. This 350 million-year-old, 5 mile-wide adamellite (igneous quartz) dome has a summit at over 1,600 ft above sea level. Reach the top via its west side walking trail or take the Skyride aerial streetcar and take in the magnificent landscapes and Atlanta’s distant skyline.

The Skyride passes the Confederate Memorial Carving, known as the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world – bigger than Mount Rushmore, even. The Historic Square is dotted with historic buildings, and its Farmyard is home to historic farm animal breeds. At the recreated old town, Intersection, you can watch 4D movies, play mini-golf, or view art and craft demos. The Dinotorium, Geyser Towers, and the Sky Hike rope course appeal to families with younger kids. Taking the road trip in summer? Stay on for the evening laser projection and fireworks spectacle.

Location: 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA

Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 8 pm

Phone: + 1 770-498-5690

Lake Lanier

Adventures around georgia’s largest lake.

Lake Lanier is a recreational lake and a great short road-trip destination that’s about an hour’s drive northeast of Downtown Atlanta via the Interstate 85 highway. With its 692 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier is home to multiple parks, each with lovely beaches for water sports, and with campgrounds and hiking trails for soaking in the great outdoors.

There are also great experiences to be had over the water of Lake Lanier, such as guided boat tours and even wine cruises. Better still, you can rent a boat for yourself and take in the lake’s beauty at your own pace. Among Lake Lanier’s top parks is Mary Alice Beach Park on the western shore, with Sawnee Mt. Preserve nearby with its Indian Seats rock formation and scenic hiking trails. Unwind after your adventures at Lanier Islands Tranquility Spa or drop by Cumming Aquatic Center with the kids.

Location: Lake Lanier, GA, USA

10 Things We Love About Atlanta

Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta

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Pine mountain, a small southern town with charming cottages and pine forests.

Pine Mountain is a charming town set against beautiful nature in western Georgia, a little over an hour’s drive southwest of Downtown Atlanta. It’s one of the best road trips near Atlanta that offers history and beautiful scenery. The town was established as Chipley back in 1882 during the railroad extension from Columbus in western Georgia. And it has close ties to the 32 nd U.S. President, Franklin Roosevelt, with Georgia's largest state park named in his honor.

In nearby Warm Springs, you can visit Franklin Roosevelt's Little White House, a personal retreat of the late President. He passed away there in 1945 and it was turned into a museum 3 years later. For outdoor pursuits, the Pine Mountain Trail is a scenic trail that leads you past waterfalls and rugged landscapes. If you’re road-tripping to Pine Mountain with kids, don’t miss the Wild Animal Safari just northwest of the town.

Location: Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822, USA

Callaway Gardens

Vast grounds with flora, butterflies, and golfing greens.

Callaway Gardens is one of the beautiful attractions of the town of Pine Mountain in Georgia. Within the 13,000-acre grounds lie a variety of natural features and recreational highlights. Mountain Creek Lake is the largest of the garden’s 13 lakes. It’s big on boating and fishing – bream, bass, and rainbow trout are among the prize catches.

Robin Lake and its tranquil beach are top summer spots with treetop adventures and biking nearby. Callaway Gardens is home to the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center with thousands of flowering plants and colorful butterflies. Take the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Trail for a trek, or head to Mountain View Course for a round of scenic golf. Callaway Gardens is roughly a 90-minute drive southwest of Downtown Atlanta.

Location: Pine Mountain, GA 31822, USA

A central Georgian escape with rich Native American history

Macon is a city in central Georgia that’s around a 1.5-hour drive southeast of Downtown Atlanta. It's home to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which has a great collection of magnificent prehistoric Native American earthen mounds, as well as artifacts dating back thousands of years. The Mounds was the site of the largest archeology dig in American history, where over 800 people unearthed over 3 million artifacts.

Other interesting sites in Macon include the Tubman Museum, which presents colorful exhibits on African-American art, history, and culture. Check out the museum’s signature 7-panel Africa to America mural on the 1 st floor, created by contemporary artist Wilfred R. Stroud in 1988. For a bit of Southern American music history, visit The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House. Besides rich history, Macon offers miles of hiking trails as well as farm tours with fun blueberry- and strawberry-picking options for families.

Location: Macon, GA 31204, USA

Lake Oconee

Water sports and recreation on a scenic reservoir.

Lake Oconee is a reservoir in Georgia that’s formed by the Wallace Dam and fed by the Oconee and Appalachee Rivers. Unlike most lakes, Oconee is uniquely long and narrow with irregular shores thanks to the hydroelectric activity. It’s a great go-to for outdoor adventures, with 374 miles of shoreline dotted with campgrounds, boat ramps, and hiking trails.

The pine-forested Lawrence Shoals Public Recreation Grounds on the southern shore is a great choice and connects to some exciting hiking trails. To reach the lake from Atlanta, head east on Interstate 20 toward U.S. 441 and follow that to Eatonton. Along the Georgia 16 highway, follow Georgia Power signs to Wallace Dam Road. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

A town with a thriving music scene

Athens in northeast Georgia is a college town that’s known for its Southern history. Driving through town, you’ll be traveling back in time with well-preserved 19 th -century Southern architecture lining the streets. It’s small wonder that it earned the nickname “Classic City” with many of its buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1800s. The Georgia Museum of Art also calls Athens home.

Athens is also known for its thriving music industry. It’s home to chart-topping bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s, and it’s where you can enjoy live music at various venues 7 nights a week. One of the best places to catch a performance of up-and-coming talent is the legendary 40 Watt Club, where the likes of Nirvana and The Strokes have played in the past.

Location: Athens, Georgia, USA

A high valley town in the Georgia mountains

Suches is a small town that’s big on nature and scenery, up in the Georgia mountains. This 90-minute road trip north from Atlanta is breathtaking in autumn with the dazzling display of colors. In summer, its highland setting is also pleasurable with breezy days and cool nights. Head for the Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest for a great experience of the great Georgian outdoors.

The Chattahoochee–Oconee is home to North Georgia Mountains, as well as pretty waterfalls such as the Amicola and Anna Ruby Falls. Other highlights in Suches include Dockery Lake, which’s great for camping and fishing, and Toccoa River with its footbridge. Although small, Suches has festivities worth checking out, such as the annual Indian Summer Festival in October.

Location: Suches, Georgia, USA

Toccoa Falls

An easy walk to majestic falls.

Toccoa Falls is a waterfall that’s uniquely located within the grounds of the Christian liberal arts campus of the same name in Georgia. Even though the waterfall is technically on private property, it’s open to the public for a fee. Its name, meaning “beautiful” in Cherokee, suits it very well. The beautiful grounds of the 1,000-acre campus are also a pleasure to walk through.

The 186-ft-tall cascades are magnificently set against a rocky cliff face and it flows steadily into the Mississippi River. It’s said to be the tallest waterfall east of the river. Enter through the Gate Cottage Gift Shop and follow a wheelchair-friendly path along the stream for around 100 yards to the waterfall’s base. Toccoa Falls is a 90-minute drive northeast of Downtown Atlanta, via the Interstate 85, 985, and U.S. 23 highways.

Location: Toccoa Falls, Georgia 30577, USA

Providence Canyon State Park

Georgia’s “little grand canyon”.

Providence Canyon State Park is among the best road trip destinations in Georgia for outdoor adventures. The outdoor recreation area in Stewart County spans over 1,000 acres and has a landscape adorned with colorful sandstone canyons. Various picnic and camping grounds as well as miles of scenic hiking trails are available for you to take it all in.

Most of the trails throughout the spectacular park feature soft and sandy terrain. The nature-sculpted walls and water-carved ravines have given the park its nickname: Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. Whether you’re here for the pictures or the exploration, a walk down the winding paths through Providence Canyon is truly uplifting. The park is also dog-friendly. It’s a little over 2 hours’ drive south of Downtown Atlanta.

Location: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815, USA

Open: Daily from 7 am to 6 pm

Phone: +1 229-838-6202

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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23 Best Road Trips From Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, or just visiting the City in a Forest, it is a perfect spot from which to explore the Deep South of the United States.

Located in the heart of Georgia with Tennessee, Alabama and the Carolinas on your doorstep, it is the perfect starting point for road trips long and short across the Cotton States.

Featuring traditional city breaks, beautiful mountain retreats, southern blues and longer drives out of Georgia, here are our 20 best road trips from Atlanta.

Best road trips from Atlanta

• See our favorite day trips from Atlanta
• Check out the best weekend trips from Atlanta
• Choose from our top long weekend trips from Atlanta
• Explore our selection of longer trips from Atlanta

Short road trips from Atlanta

1. macon, georgia.

Distance from Atlanta: 84 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

When to visit: Great to visit all year round

Only a short drive south of Atlanta, the city of Macon is a huge antidote to the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The streets are full of cafes and restaurants which serve up amazing local food. The city is also known for its music with Otis Redding and The Allman Brothers Band both calling Macon home. Check out one of the live music venues or visit the Big House Museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the Allman Brothers.

The city has festivals throughout the year happening virtually every single month, so check what's on before you travel - from craft beer to music events to a cherry blossom festival, there's something for everyone on the agenda.

Take time to visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which is within the city bounds and has recently been upgraded from being a National Monument. The Historical Park preserves cultures of Southeastern Native American culture with artefacts, buildings and mounds going back to ancient times.

The site was inhabited for 17,000 years and you can see elements of old temples and visit the archaeology museum inside the visitor center.

2. Lake Lanier, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 49 miles (1 hour)

When to visit: April to Labor Day when the weather is good and water activities and Margaritaville water park are open

Lake Lanier is just outside Atlanta and is a reservoir formed above the Buford Dam built in 1956.

This reservoir is unlike any other you have seen - the landscape is stunning, the coastline is jagged with beautiful islands dotted throughout making this a perfect escape from Atlanta.

There are over 90 different parks spread around the 680 miles of shoreline that are home to endless water activities, camping sites, walking and hiking trails and 23 beaches.

The lake is incredibly popular with a reputed 10 million visitors a year, but with so much to see and so many different parts of the lake to explore, you're unlikely to encounter big crowds.

During the summer months, you can rent kayaks and canoes which is one of the best ways to enjoy the lake. If you want a bit of a thrill, head to Margaritaville on the Lanier Islands (the closest part of the lake to Atlanta) - it's a water park with various slides, beaches and restaurants that is great for the whole family.

3. Stone Mountain Park, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 20 miles (40 minutes)

When to visit: Fun activities and things to do throughout the year

The Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most visited attraction drawing over 4 million visitors a year. Being only 20 miles outside the city, it is a great place to come during the weekend to get away from the busy streets of Atlanta.

The large park that has a lot of trees and paths is surrounded by lakes - Stone Mountain Lake, Venable Lake and Howell Lake being the largest ones.

The mountain itself is the largest single piece of granite in the world with a large Confederate Memorial Carving on one side. You can climb all the way to the top along a dedicated trail or engage in the numerous activities at the base ranging from golf to train rides.

There are shows and events organized throughout the year so check what's on before you go - from laser shows in the summer to an amazing snow-themed Christmas event list, there's always something fun going on.

4. Lake Oconee, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 75 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

When to visit: April to October for the best weather and water-based activities

Lake Oconee was created in 1979 when the Wallace Dam blocked the flow of the Oconee River and flooded the valleys above the dam. Today the lake is a mesmerizing network of waterways with retreats, luxury hotels including the stunning Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Hotel and a boatload of things to do.

If you want to unwind, play a bit of golf, spend a couple of hours in a kayak on the still water of the lake or hike the 21 miles of hiking trails, there's plenty to do on a day road trip from Atlanta or even a whole weekend.

Lake Oconee is very easy to get to - the I-20 runs right from Atlanta and over the middle of the lake. If you have time on your hands the Oconee National Forest is at the northern tip of the lake and offers a natural woodland that you can explore and spot animals including deer and foxes.

If you're into shooting, archery of want to rent a boat for the afternoon, visit the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. Sitting at the northeastern end of the lake, the 100 acre site specializes in clay pigeon shooting and is a great place to come whether you're a seasoned expert or a complete novice.

5. Athens, Georgia and Watson Mill State Park

Distance from Atlanta: 90 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

When to visit: Whenever you want, but avoid weekends when the Georgia Bulldogs are playing at home as the city gets very busy

Athens is a charming Southern town that is home to the University of Georgia and is known for its excellent food and live music scenes. If you are a foodie, who also likes a bit of live blues, a visit to Athens might just be the right thing for you.

The college town's vibrant atmosphere means there are a few interesting museums and art galleries to visit and you can drop into one of the very good local breweries - the Creature Comforts Brewing Company is based here and there are a few other craft brewers as well.

On your way to Athens, consider a stop at Fort Yargo State Park, near Winder, with its 260-acre lake which is great for fishing, swimming and watersports.

At the heart of the park is a log fort built in 1792 for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. This fort is a significant historical landmark and provides a unique glimpse into the early settler life in Georgia. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about its history and the people who lived there.

And if you'd like to extend your road trip from Atlanta to Athens just a little, you can reach Comer and Watson Mill State Park just 30 minutes drive away. Watson Mill State Park is best known for its historic wooden covered bridge that spans 229 feet across the South Fork River. Built in 1885, this is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Georgia.

6. Augusta, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 145 miles (2 hours 10 minutes)

When to visit: Great year-round but avoid mid-April when the Masters golf tournament rolls into town and it gets crowded.

The city of Augusta is Georgia's second oldest after Savannah and there is a whole lot more to it than the famous golf course bearing its name.

The best thing to do in Augusta is to stroll. You should stroll along Broad Street to see a mix of cafes, galleries and restored classic buildings (over 150 of them are now on the National Register).

Then walk two blocks towards the Savannah River and walk back along the Augusta Riverwalk. The trees lining it and the river breeze are very welcome at the peak of the summer heat and there are places to stop for a drink or lunch as well as the Morris Museum of Art at the western end of the walk.

The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, grew up in Augusta after moving here from South Carolina as a child and you can visit the Augusta Museum of History to see a section dedicated to his life's work as well as other exhibits taking you through the city's history.

7. Providence Canyon State Park, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 147 miles (2 hours 10 minutes)

When to visit: Summer when the beautiful rhododendrons are blooming

A hidden secret in Southwestern Georgia, the Providence Canyon State Park is little known outside Georgia and surprisingly inside the state too.

The Providence Canyon is frequently referred to as the Little Grand Canyon due to its look and similarity with the famous sight in Arizona. There are actually 16 different canyons in the park and their origin is a little less exciting and natural than you might think.

The canyons formed due to local settlers' poor farming practices which eroded the soil leading to the formation of deep gullies with the deepest going 150 feet down.

You can hike down to the bottom, although be prepared for it to be wet and muddy. The best views are from the top, looking down the canyons and the colors of the different soil layers.

Look out for the red flowers of plumleaf azalea which only exists in this part of Georgia with the Providence Canyon having the largest number of these plants.

Allow for a few hours to explore the different canyons, but don't expect to spend more than a day here - the camping facilities are very basic and it's only a 2 hour drive back to Atlanta when you're done hiking.

8. Callaway Gardens, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 79 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

When to visit: Go in April to catch the azaleas in full bloom

Callaway Gardens is a large 6,500 acre garden set among a few small lakes that has a mix of flowers, woodland areas, attractions and even 2 golf courses.

Just over an hour's drive from Atlanta, Callaway Gardens have been open to the public since 1952 and a 10-mile trail that runs through the grounds connects different parts of the gardens including the world's largest man-made beach around Robin Lake and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center with over 1,000 butterflies inside.

The main attraction of the gardens is the Overlook Azalea Garden with different types of azalea flowers. Georgia is known for having a large number of different kinds of azaleas growing around the state and the park has large bushes of these flowers in different colors growing in a park setting where you can sit and relax on a bench in the shade.

9. Birmingham, Alabama

When to visit: Outdoors season with good weather from April to October

A city that was born and flourished during the Industrial Age and came to country-wide prominence as a major hub during the Civil Rights Movement is today undergoing a major renaissance with neighborhoods regenerating and a boom in the arts and cultural scene.

Birmingham, Alabama is famous as the place where Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his letter from prison and where a church bombing in 1963 took the lives of four little girls.

Today, the city celebrates its position as the leader of transforming civil liberties during the 20th century - you can walk through the Civil Rights District and visits sights such as the Sixteenth Street Church and the Kelly Ingram Park.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute displays an eye-opening exhibition of the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and carries on to show broader Civil Rights and equality struggles around the United States and the rest of the world through to modern day.

In addition to seeing some of the most formative pieces of American history, there are art and science museums, Botanical Gardens, a great zoo and plenty of nature to explore outside the city.

One of these is the Red Mountain Park in the Appalchian mountains. The former mining site has hiking and bike trails and a lot of things to do outdoor including a long zip line but make sure you clean your shoes afterwards from the distinct red shade of iron ore - it can get everywhere!

10. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 118 miles (1 hour 50 minutes)

When to visit: Visit in the fall when the weather is great and the trees begin to turn golden

Chattanooga didn't use to be on the tourism radar until recently, but it fast transformed into a popular destination as the city developed to match its stunning surroundings.

One of the main attractions in Chattanooga is the Tennessee Aquarium which includes the largest freshwater aquarium in the world among its exhibits. As one of the newer aquariums in the country, the facilities are great and there is a huge amount of sea, river and lake creatures to see here. The large sea tanks are beautifully decorated making it look like you are looking at the fish from inside an underwater sea cave.

When visiting Chattanooga, you won't miss the Lookout Mountain which sits high above the city on the border with Georgia.

There is a trail that will take you to the top for amazing views of Chattanooga and far beyond that will make the perfect Instagram snap. It's only just over 4,000 feet long so it won't take you long to get up there.

Underneath the Lookout Mountain is another sight - the Ruby Falls is the tallest waterfall in the deepest commercial cave in the United States and is within walking distance of downtown Chattanooga.

Weekend road trips from Atlanta

11. great smoky mountains national park and asheville, north carolina.

Distance from Atlanta: 220 miles (4 hours)

When to visit: Great all year round although for cooler weather and better prices, go in April or May

The Great Smoky Mountains is right up there in my list of favourite places I've ever been to across the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest and the Chattahoochee National Forest form one large nature reserve that will make you feel a million miles away from Atlanta.

The Great Smoky Mountains (locally referred to as the Smokies) got their name from the fog that frequently sits in the valleys giving the mountains a subtle blue smoke effect. The amazing views, together with endless trails and things to do have made the Smoky Mountains the most visited National Park in the country with over 11 million visitors coming every year.

Bryson City and Gatlinburg are both great spots for exploring the area. There are a few lodging options out of town in the surrounding country which will definitely add to the experience - check AirBnb and other lodging websites.

Take time to hike along trails around Fontana Lake for a gentle walk with occasional views of the lake through the dense forest. If you want more of a challenge, the Appalachian Trail starts from the Fontana Dam and eventually follows the Tennessee - North Carolina border. It's around 70 miles long so you might want to plan your route to see how far you want to go!

Asheville is a little further along in North Carolina and is picture-perfect, surrounded by tree-covered mountains on all sides.

The city is known for its arts with the River Arts District running along French Broad River and colorful street art dotted around town.

The main sight in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, a giant mansion with landscaped gardens built in 1889 by the Vanderbilt family. With over 250 rooms, it is the largest home in the country but beware that tickets are $79 which even with the discounts for children can turn into an expensive family day out.

12. A weekend in Northern Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 160 miles (4 hours)

When to visit: June to September to get the best weather across Northern Georgia

Northern Georgia is home to the Chattahoochee National Forest and some of the oldest and prettiest cities of Southern United States. It's not far to go from Atlanta so you can spend a lot of time exploring and less time on the road on this road trip.

The town of Dahlonega, Georgia is famous as the site of the first major gold rush in the U.S. in 1828. After quickly growing in stature, Dahlonega began deflating almost as fast as the California Gold Rush offered even greater potential riches drawing miners to move west.

Today you can walk the historic streets, visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum housed in an 1830s courthouse and explore a big part of what Dahlonega is today - wine. Lumpkin County in which Dahlonega is located has recently built a bit of a reputation for its wine and there are tasting rooms and shops in town where you can try the local produce.

Helen is another city in northern Georgia you should add to your list of stops. Only 25 miles away from Dahlonega, it is an incredibly different kind of town - you may just feel that you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in central Europe as you drive into the distinctly Alpine style town.

The houses, shops and restaurants are all built in a Bavarian style and there are a number of outdoors activities near the town for you to enjoy.

As well as the National Forest, there is a huge amount of nature to explore in Northern Georgia. The Appalachian mountains start here and you can visit the tallest peak in the state at Brasstown Bald. You can hike up the mountain along one of two trails leading to the top or for those who want the views without the sweat, you can drive right up to the Lookout Tower at the top.

Make sure you stop off at Toccoa Falls in Northeastern Georgia, near the border with South Carolina. The falls drop some 186 feet and are surrounded by forest, making for amazing views.

13. Destin, Florida

Distance from Atlanta: 314 miles (5 hours)

When to visit: April to May when the weather is perfect and before the summer crowds get here

Destin is a coastal city in the Florida Panhandle, a 5 hour drive southwest of Atlanta. If you want some hot weather, pristine perfectly white beaches and plenty of activities to do in and around the water, the Emerald Coast is the perfect destination for you.

The city of Destin sits on a narrow spit of land that separates Choctawhatchee Bay from the Gulf of Mexico and everything you will want to see, visit, eat or drink sits along the southern edge, along the beach facing the Gulf

Aside from laying on the sand and soaking in the rays, you can hire a boat in the harbor, go on a dolphin cruise, try your hand at deep sea fishing or even parasail.

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park lets you get up close and personal with different sea creatures including shows with dolphins and sea lions.

There are other beach destinations further afield (see Orlando at #19 below), but if you just want to get away from things and laze around to the sound of waves rolling in, pack your swimming shorts and head south to Destin!

14. Savannah, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 248 miles (3 hours 30 minutes)

When to visit: March to July for perfect weather and the festival season (although summers do get hot)

Savannah is Georgia's oldest city sitting on the south bank of the Savannah River as it flows into the Atlantic.

The city was designed in the 1730s and has a unique layout with 22 green squares laying the structure for its Historic District. The mansions with wooden cladding and painted shutters stand on streets lined with Live Oaks that have their branches hanging over the road and front lawns.

Just outside the city is the Wormsloe Historic Site - as you enter, you will see the iconic drive with a Live Oak tunnel stretching into the distance. You can walk around the grounds and see the remains of the oldest structures in Savannah here.

Top tip: The second best thing I have ever eaten in my life is the peanut butter and jelly chicken wings served up at Savannah's Treylor Park - the place is not fancy, it's also loud and you may well have to eat sat on a bar stool if you get a seat at all, but you really have to try them if you come to Savannah!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Atlanta to Savannah

15. Charleston, South Carolina

Distance from Atlanta: 305 miles (4 hours 40 minutes)

When to visit: Spring and fall as summers can get hot and humid

Charleston is a unique old Southern city sitting on a peninsula stretching into the Charleston Bay and flanked by the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. The fastest route to Charleston from Atlanta comes in along the land via the I-26 so you won't have to take one of the three bridges connecting the city with Mt Pleasant and West Ashley.

The picturesque streets of Charleston date back to the 17th century when the city was founded and named after the King Charles II of England. A lot of the buildings in the city date back to the 17th and 18th centuries with the oldest stone house called the Pink House being built between 1694 and 1712.

As you get further towards the Bay, the buildings get larger and more colonial. Right at the tip, by the Battery seawall and promenade is the White Point Garden surrounded by mansion-lined streets and needle palm trees.

The best thing to do in Charleston is to walk its streets and admire the architecture. There are plenty of quirky museums, interesting things to do and places to visit. Historic homes and museums are numerous and seem to stand on every corner south of the Historic City Market so take your pick and go inside.

On the way in, or as you head back to Atlanta, take your time and stop Summerville just outside Charleston. The Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site allows you to see the ruins of a once busy trade city from the 17th and 18th centuries. Then you can explore the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, see the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States at Middleton Place and the Drayton Hall plantation dating back to 1752.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Atlanta to Charleston

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 250 miles (3 hours 50 minutes)

When to visit: Best weather from April to October, but you can really come all year round

Nashville is unlike many cities you will have visited around the United States. Known as the Music City, it is famous for the live music scene that has brought some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century to the fore - the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music of Fame are just two amazing things to do here.

Then there's the famous neon signs of the Honky Tonk Highway running along Broadway and Music Row which will give you a taste for the musical history of the city.

Nashville's Centennial Park is home to a full size replica of the Parthenon that was originally built in ancient Greece. Today it is a museum you can visit to see modern American art as well as marvel at the 1897 construction built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

Don't forget to spend some time in the city's parks and visit a few of its quirky museums. Check out our list of the best things to do in Nashville for some inspiration!

The route from Atlanta to Nashville passes by Chattanooga which is a good place to stop if you want to break up your journey or take more time on your trip.

17. Memphis, Tennessee

Distance from Atlanta: 391 miles (5 hours 30 minutes)

When to visit: April to June or May for the annual Memphis in May festival

If you add a couple more hours to your trip into Tennessee, you will swap country music for blues and end up in Memphis.

This city sitting on the east bank of the Mississippi River is all about music. Just outside the town is Graceland where you can see the complete exhibition of the life and work of Elvis.

Back in the city, there is Sun Studio where everybody from Elvis and Johnny Cash to U2 has recorded music over the decades. Then there is the Museum of American Soul Music, The Rock n Soul Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame to complete your education on local music.

After you've done all that, head to Beale Street and listen to the best of today's blues in one of a number of venues with live music.

Make sure you make a stop at the National Civil Rights Museum in the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically killed. The museum is one of the best in the country at displaying the struggle for equality and Civil Rights across the ages with a focus on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

We've got an awesome list of things you can do in Memphis if you want to scout for more options.

Long weekend road trips from Atlanta

18. orlando, florida.

Distance from Atlanta: 439 miles (6 hours)

When to visit: Can be good all year round but weather and prices are best from April to May

Getting to Orlando from Atlanta is straight forward even if not very quick. You'll get to know Interstate 75 well as it takes you almost the entire way from downtown Atlanta and the journey can be done in a day with about 6 hours of driving.

Orlando is a vibrant city and known for many things. In recent years, tourism has become the main reason people travel to Orlando with some of the world's best known theme parks. That may be the reason you're going to head to the heart of Florida - Disney World, Universal Studios Floria and SeaWorld Orlando are just some of the huge number of theme parks in the area that is home to 5 of the 10 most visited in the world.

The city itself is also worth spending some time in - there are lakes and swamps throughout the area and you can see the skyscrapers of downtown Orlando from far away making for a great evening photo.

With so much tourism in Orlando, there is a huge selection of places to go out and eat both in the city and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Be sure to try different Central American cuisines with large communities based here from across the different countries of the Caribbean offering amazing authentic options.

19. New Orleans, Louisiana

Distance from Atlanta: 470 miles (6 hours 30 minutes)

When to visit: Great all year but can get mighty expensive in late February during Mardi Gras

Last, but most definitely not least on our list of the best road trips from Atlanta is New Orleans. It's the furthest away and will take the best part of 7 hours' worth of driving time to get to, but boy is it worth it!

The best part of driving from Atlanta to New Orleans is the fact that the road there is almost as good as the destination. Driving across the Deep South, you can take the more direct route via the Alabama cities of Montgomery and Mobile or take the I-20 to Birmingham and then drive down Eastern Mississippi on your way to The Big Easy.

The Garden District neighborhood and other parts of Uptown have amazing colonial mansions and tree-lined avenues that you can explore on foot or by catching one of the streetcars.

The food in New Orleans is something that few cities can match. There's everything from fancy French food restaurants to small corner diners serving Alligator Po Boy and dozens of varieties of Gumbo. You have to try it - it may not be a typical foodie city, but the food here is really phenomenal!

Longer road trips from Atlanta

20. washington dc, via charlotte, durham and richmond.

Distance from Atlanta: 640 miles (9 hours 50 minutes)

When to visit: You can visit any time of the year but avoid the holiday periods as Washington DC tends to get crowded

A road trip from Atlanta to Washington DC might be on the longer side compared to most of the adventures on this list, but Washington DC should be on everyone's bucket list with its iconic landmarks and rich history that helped shape a nation.

To get to Washington DC the fastest, follow I-85 through Charlotte, Greensboro and Durham. Approaching Richmond, you will switch to I-95, which will take you all the way to the nation's capital.

On the way, you can stop in Charlotte to visit one of its many amusement parks (Carowinds and Sky Zone to name a couple) or its fascinating museums such as Mint Museum Uptown. Since this is a longer road trip, you can take an overnight break here.

Rest up, because you will need all your energy when you reach Washington DC. The nation's capital is jam-packed with amazing things to see and an impressive array of world-famous museums.

Starting with the National Mall, we recommend paying a visit to Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial.

If you have time and energy, walk over to the White House before taking a lunch break and admire this iconic building from the outside. If you want to explore inside the White House, you will have to book a tour well ahead.

While here, head over to the Smithsonian Museum complex and spend some time in the National Museum of Natural History and National Air & Space Museum.

If you are traveling with family, a visit to the National Zoo will be the perfect way to conclude your epic road trip.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Atlanta to Washington DC

21. North Carolina to Virginia

Via blue ridge parkway.

Distance from Atlanta: 630 miles (18 hours)

When to visit: May to September to catch the good weather

The Blue Ridge Parkway holds the record for being the longest parkway in the United States. Its entire 469-mile route starting from Cherokee in the Smoky Mountains to Waynesboro on the edge of Virginia's Shenandoah National Park is a designated park and it must be one of the most scenic roads you can drive anywhere in the world.

You'll first need to get yourself to the Cherokee - if you have time on your hands, explore the Great Smoky Mountains (see above) while you're there before setting off on your drive.

From there, you can take as long as you want to make the drive. Driving time on the road is likely to take around 15 hours. The road twists and bends along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains and the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or lower the entire way.

There are endless sights to see, places to stop and historic cities to visit along the length of the route. You can take two weeks and still not see everything along the way.

Along with dozens of places you can take pictures of the road meandering through the mountains or overhanging over a valley, don't miss Mabry Mill at milepost 176. You will see it right next to the road, but take your time to stop and look inside - the lunch at the restaurant is pretty good.

If the 469 miles is not long enough, you can keep going! The road actually continues into the Shenandoah National Park as Skyline Drive and ends up in Front Royal, Virginia, a few miles outside of Washington DC.

22. Miami and Key West

Via jacksonville and orlando.

Distance from Atlanta: 820 miles (13 hours)

When to visit: Miami and Key West are popular destinations year-round, but if you'd like to take advantage of the sunny weather and the pristine beaches Florida is so famous for, visit in summer

To get to Miami and Key West from Atlanta , hop onto I-75 out of the city, and drive southeast to Savannah. Hugging the Atlantic Shore on I-95, you will drive through Jacksonville, St Augustine and Orlando before reaching Miami.

A scenic drive down south on US-1 through the many beautiful islands of the Florida Keys will take you to Key West.

A road trip from the heart of Georgia to the sunny shores of Florida is perfect for sun worshippers, those looking to dip their toes in the sand, hit the waves or to enjoy the vibrant nightlife Miami is so famous for.

This journey will take you to the stunning shores of the Atlantic Ocean past Jacksonville and the historic city of St Augustine (make sure to visit Castillo de San Marcos National Monument here) and through the entertainment capital of Orlando before you reach your destination.

If you have enough time on your hands, extend your trip and visit the Walt Disney World Resort, the most famous entertainment resort complex in the world. You can also visit Universal Orlando and spend some time at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

When you reach Miami, gorgeous beaches and world-class entertainment await you. Head to Bayside Marketplace and grab a bite at one of its many amazing restaurants.

After your visit to Miami, the crystal-clear waters of Key West await you. Admire the scenery as you drive on the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

Key West is a very walkable island, so you can just leave your car parked and explore the top attractions such as The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Mallory Square on foot.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Atlanta to Key West

23. Toronto and Niagara Falls

Via chattanooga, knoxville, cincinnati and cleveland.

Distance from Atlanta: 1,000 miles (15 hours)

When to visit: Any time of the year, but keep in mind that you will get wet in Niagara Falls, visit in summer if you can. August and September are particularly good months to visit

Following I-75 north will take you all the way to Cincinnati. From here, take I-71 and head towards Cleveland. Follow the shores of Lake Erie to Niagara Falls and cross the border. Once in Canada, you will reach Toronto following Queen Elizabeth Way.

The road trip from Atlanta to Toronto and Niagara Falls is one of epic proportions. Everybody should see Niagara Falls at least once in their lives, and the gorgeous scenery you get to admire once there will make up for the relatively longer drive.

On this all-encompassing adventure, you will get to witness the landscapes change from the Great Smoky Mountains to cityscapes and crystal-clear lakes.

Chattanooga is an incredibly scenic city that you will drive through during the first leg of your trip. If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you will love the hiking opportunities on Lookout Mountain as well as getting a peak into the Civil War history.

Admire the gorgeous natural surroundings of Knoxville, where you can extend your trip to visit Dolly Parton's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains that crown Gatlinburg.

Driving through Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland on the shores of scenic Lake Erie, you will arrive in Niagara Falls. Make sure to book a Maid of the Mist tour to marvel at the waterfalls up close.

Toronto is a short 1-hour 30-minute drive away from Niagara Falls across the border. Keeping in mind that you will cross into Canada, make sure you have your identification documents with you.

Once in Toronto, make sure to visit the CN Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Our other favorite places to visit here are Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and St Lawrence Market, the perfect itinerary for a laid-back day.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Atlanta to Toronto

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10 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Georgia Before You Die

Marisa Roman

A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.

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Are you a lover of road trips? We are, too. There is nothing quite like hitting the open road with only hand-picked destinations and possibilities ahead of you. This past year, we’ve provided a ton of beautiful, inspiring, and even haunting road trips throughout our great state of Georgia. These Georgia road trips had two goals in mind when we created them: to show you the best parts of Georgia and give you a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget. Take a look at these unforgettable road trips in Georgia and start planning your next adventure.

To view the interactive Google Map of each trip in a separate tab or window, click on the link beneath each map photo.

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Which one of these Georgia road trips are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! Or are you itching to hit the road already? Look at our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to stock up on everything you need before you even buckle your seatbelt.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Georgia road trips.

What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in Georgia?

Take a step off the beaten path and discover the many sites scattered across Georgia that are a little out of the ordinary. Venture out to Buena Vista to explore the expansive collection of unique buildings known as Pasaquan. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the dreamlike vision of artist St. EOM who funded this folk art compound working as a fortune teller. Six colorfully designed buildings span seven acres of land, all detailed with symbolic hand-painted elements like mandalas, intricate designs, faces, and psychedelic natural landscapes. This one-of-a-kind historic landmark is protected by the Pasaquan Preservation Society, which has launched a full restoration and ongoing upkeep of this remarkable site.

What can I do with kids in Georgia?

Fun-filled family things to do in Georgia can be found in every region, from exciting outdoor recreation areas to fascinating children’s museums. Adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, The Children's Museum is a world-class "Museum Without Walls'' featuring exciting exhibits and a multitude of interactive educational programs. The museum was specifically designed to ignite the imaginations of children 8 and under, but kids of all ages will make compelling discoveries at this playful institution. Your family can even explore the museum remotely through the museum’s many virtual programs offering workshops designed to meet the developmental needs of students in PreK through Grade 3.

What are the most thrilling attractions in Georgia?

For thrill-seekers, adrenaline-pumping activities can be found at a wide range of destinations all across our state. From whitewater rafting to skydiving and everything in between, extreme adventures in Georgia are never far from reach. For an unforgettable day of racing through the leafy treetops, head out to Whitesburg to brave the Screaming Eagle Canopy Tour. Offering six levels of zip line tours, guests of all ages can find a suitable route to take in the surrounding landscapes while soaring high above the ground. In Union Point, motorsports enthusiasts love tearing up the 150 miles of trails at the Durhamtown Off-Road Resort. You don’t have to be an experienced ATV or dirt bike rider to enjoy this heart-racing excursion, novices can push their limits with less challenging motor activities or even head out to explore the grounds on a hunting journey.

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Featured Addresses

Beautiful Georgia Coast Road Trip: Best Stops from Savannah to Jekyll Island

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: January 20, 2022  - Last updated: January 30, 2024

Have you ever done a Georgia Coast road trip? No?! Well now’s your chance and you will love it! A road trip along the Georgia coast is rather surprising, as it’s not a big long beach like doing a California Coast road trip or a Florida Gulf Coast trip . But it’s awesome!

For us, this is a regular trip that we do several times each year and find new stops with each jaunt. The Georgia Coast road trip is good in any season, so pack the car, get some snacks and have an adventure! If you have any questions or need more tips, please leave a comment or send us a note !

A lot of people ask us about living in the South and how to get the best of both beaches and history. Doing a road trip from Florida to Georgia is the perfect way to get the full experience. A road trip from Atlanta is an option too, but that’s a bit more complicated. Here’s the scoop though for having an incredible coastal Georgia road trip including Tybee Island, Savannah and the Golden Isles.

Get my book, The Road Trip Survival Guide , to help create a memorable vacation!

Getting to the Georgia Coast

If you’re not familiar with the map of the East Coast, you may think that Atlanta is super close to the beach, but it’s not. Savannah actually isn’t even a beachfront city, but it’s pretty close. So, how do you get to the beaches of Georgia? While heading to the coast is one of the best road trips from Atlanta, it’s not the best way to get to Savannah.

This Georgia Coast road trip map shows the route, drive time from Atlanta to Savannah, and road trip stops from Jacksonville northward.

Flying to Savannah, Georgia

This is the easiest way to get to the Georgia Coast. Fly into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) direct from more than 20 airports in the USA. If you’re coming from Denver , Dallas, Chicago or New York , you’ll have lots of options. Also, there are direct flights from Minneapolis (MSP) which means that you can get to Savannah from nearly anywhere.

Flying to Jacksonville, Florida for a Georgia Coast Road Trip

Flying into Jacksonville, FL (JAX) is also an option. Located less than a half hour from the Florida-Georgia border, flying into JAX is another great way to start your Georgia Coast road trip. Add a few days to explore Jacksonville , Jacksonville Beach , Saint Augustine or the Florida springs and you have a truly winning vacation plan.

Scenic Route to Savannah, Georgia

The Atlanta to Savannah drive is a fun one. The distance between ATL and Savannah is about 270 miles , so it’s not just a quick jaunt. You can go two different ways: the scenic route through North Georgia or the main freeway. 

I love doing the Georgia waterfalls road trip and doing the many hikes in gold country, but if your goal is having a Georgia beach vacation, you may want to skip it.

After you land, drive from Atlanta to Savannah along I-16, making a stop in Macon, GA. It’s about a four hour drive. You could also go via I-20 through Augusta, GA, which would give you lots of interesting Civil War sites to visit.

Ultimately though, the fastest way to start your Georgia Coast road trip is by flying into Savannah or Jacksonville, FL. Unless you have ridiculous stopovers to those airports, you’ll nearly always save time and money by flying into SAV or JAX. You can also start this road trip after driving the coast from the north stopping at beaches in North Carolina and into South Carolina before coming to Savannah.

When is the best time to do a Georgia Coast Road Trip?

Of course summer is the best time to do a road trip on the Georgia Coast, but fall is really perfect. Due to the warm climate, visiting Coastal Georgia in fall means that you’ll have pretty nice weather still with pleasantly warm beaches.

Mid to late spring is also really great for any Georgia road trip. For driving down the coast, you’ll be getting the start of the sunshiny weather and still will be missing the summer crowds. The water doesn’t warm up much until around May, so doing a spring trip might be a bit chilly if swimming in the ocean is one of your goals.

Note: Coastal Georgia is subject to the Atlantic hurricane season, but it’s rare that a named storm actually makes landfall. Summers do bring tropical rains though, but it’s usually short lived.

Winter on the Georgia coast is wet. It’s not even slightly crowded, except for people visiting Savannah over the holidays. Expect rain and wind December through March. We’ve been in February, April, July, October and November and April – October have definitely been the best weather-wise.

Georgia Coast Road Trip Stops and Sights

Unlike driving Florida A1A all along the coast, doing a Georgia Coast road trip is NOT along the beach. Because Georgia’s barrier islands are so undeveloped and protected, there isn’t a coastal road.

The route to Savannah (or from) is mainly along I-95 which leads all the way to Miami. You can drive on state highway 17 for a portion of the road trip, but even then it crosses 95 or joins it. If you drive the 17 you’ll be able to easily make stops at road side points of interest, and you’ll have a chance for easy wildlife watching.

Jump to our 6 Day Georgia Coast Itinerary

Fun Things to Do in Savannah

Savannah really is a highlight, if not THE highlight of a Georgia Coast road trip. Between the history and the live oaks dripping with moss in the parks and squares, it’s magical. There is great food around every corner and since downtown is considered an entertainment district, you can stroll the streets with a cocktail in hand.

See our full guide to the Best Things To Do in Savannah!

Savannah has several museums including the Telfair Museums and SCAD’s museum. And of course several historic homes are available for touring too. Something fun that’s popular, and we have them in our hometown of Saint Augustine , is ghost tours. Being a historic city, of course it’s got stories…

Book a historic walking/food tour or ghost tour here !

Explore the Historic Districts and Parks

If you’re spending a few days exploring Savannah, the city itself, it’s best to get familiar by walking on foot. The Historic District, Historic District South, and the Plant-Riverside District are each beautiful and fascinating. You’ll find that there are so many great places to eat in Savannah ; you’ll want to eat your way around the city.

Spend a day wandering aimlessly through the historic district and enjoy taking photos and relaxing in any of the 24 public squares and parks. Being the first strategically planned city in the USA, the grid of the historic streets is easy to explore and every block offers a unique and beautiful view of Savannah life.

Some of our favorite Savannah squares to visit include:

• Telfair Square
• Orleans Square
• Oglethorpe Square
• Columbia Square
• Whitefield Square
• Troup Square

As you wander, respect the privacy of the residents of Savannah and do not trespass or impact their day-to-day. Sitting on a step here and there is okay, but posing on people’s porches or knocking on their doors IS NOT.

Also make time to visit Forsyth Park, one of the most wonderful places to see in Savannah. Much larger than any of the other 24 squares in the city, Forsyth Park is the heart of neighborhood life in Savannah. We actually have an apartment just off Forsyth Park and love spending weekends there!

Enjoy the live oaks, flowers, and artist tables and performers in Forsyth Park and you’ve got a winning afternoon plan. Check the city’s website for current events at Forsyth Park.

See our Complete Guide to Forsyth Park!

Enjoy Factors Walk and Plant Riverside District

The historic area along the Savannah River is really fun and beautiful. Of course it’s a bit touristy with the riverboat cruises going out from River Street, but it’s still fun and historic.

Check out riverboat cruise tours here!

Be sure to read the historic plaques on buildings and the captions on statues. The Riverside District was the center of the cotton trade in the 1800s, so there is a lot of history, including both the slave trade AND the Underground Railroad.

Tip: try to get on a tour with Savannah Underground Tours to learn about abolition and the Underground Railroad in Savannah.

Also on the river is the JW Marriott Plant Riverside, and it’s incredible. Found in the renovated old riverside powerplant, the JW Marriott is full of art, gems and fossils on display for the public. Amazing, large amethyst geodes and dinosaur fossils are all around. And the JW Marriott lobby collection includes an enormous replica of an Amphicoelias fragillimus, the largest dinosaur ever found.

Finish out the day on the riverfront with rooftop dinner or drinks at any of the many bars and restaurants along River Street or Factors Walk. The Topdeck is great for a 270 degree view of Savannah.

Savannah Historic Sites Not to Miss

Just outside of downtown Savannah is Wormsloe Historic Site. It’s a part of the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites ( get the annual pass ). Wormsloe is a beautiful place to visit. What it’s most famous for is the mile and a half live oak tree tunnel.

Besides the live oaks, there is a small museum about the original structures built around the property, several trails through the forest and into the marsh, and also living history demonstrations. Other historic sites have more to offer in terms of sights and activities, but the incredible live oak tree tunnel all by itself is worth the visit.

Check the Wormsloe Historic Site website for up to date information and happenings at the park.

Another must-visit spot is the Bonaventure Cemetery : the prettiest cemetery in Georgia. It’s not far from downtown Savannah so it’s easy to add to your Georgia Coast road trip. Visit Bonaventure on the way into or out of town. It’s not walkable from the downtown area, but if you are bringing or renting bikes, it’s an easy ride.

If you’ve seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil the Bonaventure Cemetery will look very familiar. The bending trees and Spanish moss paired with the centuries old ornate tombs are really dramatic to see. Don’t go looking for the Bird Girl sculpture from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil though, because it’s not there. It’s in the Telfair Academy (Telfair Museums) in Savannah .

Best Beaches on the Georgia Coast

As I said, Georgia isn’t like Florida when it comes to beaches. The Georgia Coast road trip route crosses marshes and rivers to get to the beaches. The drive from Atlanta to Savannah will have you aching for a day at the ocean, so continue just a half hour past the city for the first beach stop on the Georgia coast.

Tybee Island Beaches

Tybee Island is considered “Savannah’s beach” and rightly so. As you continue on your Georgia Coast road trip, hit up Tybee Island for it’s unique lighthouse (it’s not round, but its shape is an octagon), relaxed vacation vibe and beautiful beaches.

What I love about the beaches of Tybee Island is how active the surf is. Living in Florida, we have a pretty far walk out to the bigger waves for body surfing and boogie boarding. At Tybee Island, the waves crash pretty close to shore, but still with enough shallows that families can have swimming time together.

Tip: watch for sea turtles when you’re visiting Georgia beaches in the summertime. Swimming at Tybee Island in July we saw a loggerhead sea turtle swimming right by us, so know that you’re sharing the water with wildlife.

Beaches on Tybee Island:

• North Beach / Tybee Beach Point
• Mid Beach / Memorial Park
• Tybee Beach at the Pier
• South Beach / Chatham Ave Beach

BE AWARE OF PARKING RULES . Because Tybee Island is also a residential place, there are parking restrictions. Also, there are paid parking lots and street-side parking, so check the posted signs before leaving your vehicle. You can’t do a Georgia Coast road trip if your car gets towed away…

Sapelo Island Reserve Beach

Visiting the Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area and Blackbeard National Wildlife Refuge isn’t just something you happen into. You need to plan it. If you want to visit and explore Sapelo Island, including the pristine Georgia beaches, you need to arrive early in the day and take a boat from the visitor center onto the island.

The ferry to Sapelo Island is a tour, and you’ll need to bring your own snacks, drinks and bug repellent. But once on the island it’s amazing. You’ll find beaches, the red and white striped Sapelo Lighthouse (much like the West Quoddy Lighthouse in Maine ) and wildlife.

TOUR DETAILS: because Sapelo Island is protected, visiting means taking the ferry (25 minute crossing) and then doing a guided bus tour of the island and its sights. You do get to get on and off the bus but it’s limited to approved areas. Confirm on the website that it’s a tour day and CALL FOR RESERVATIONS.

St Simons Island Beaches

I love St Simons Island for lots of reasons, but its chill beaches are really key to a fun visit. At the south end of the St Simons is the shipping area, so you won’t want to access the water there, but as you head north, from the beach at the King and Prince Resort to the Beach at Gould’s Inlet, you’ll find calm waves and at low tide, flat, fine sand stretching into the surf.

Beachfront hotels aren’t very common on the Georgia Coast, so if your road trip need a few nights ON the beach, St Simons is a good place to do that. Jekyll Island has beachfront hotel options too.

Jekyll Island Beaches

Georgia beaches are so unique to each other. Your Georgia Coast road trip takes you to Jekyll Island next. Here you’ll find several nice beach parks, from the south end at St Andrews Beach to the super cool Driftwood Beach. There is a bike path that goes along a good portion of the beach, so ride and take frequent breaks to enjoy the waves.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Part of the National Parks system, Cumberland Island National Seashore is another place that’s tricky to get to. Like Sapelo Island, you have to take a ferry to get to it and then you’re limited with your transportation options. Once on the island though, it’s beautiful.

Read our full guide to visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore!

To make sure you have enough time and get your money’s worth, be sure to catch the FIRST ferry to the island and that you can catch the LAST ferry back (or the 2:45pm boat if you’re okay with shortened beach time). The facilities on Cumberland Island are minimal, so don’t arrive expecting the glamor of Everglades National Park or the services of Glacier National Park . This is a rustic park.

Note : there are water filling stations several spots on the south end of the island, which is where you’ll be for 90% of your visit. And there are a few bathrooms besides at the dock.

Highlights are the pristine Georgia beaches you can swim and beachcomb at , the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion and the wild horses. Yes, wild horses!

Like up in Assateague or Chincoteague, Virginia there are feral horses roaming Cumberland Island. They clearly are often fed by visitors, but cool just the same. They do come very close and YOU are the one responsible for maintaining a safe distance.

Plan to bring bikes onto the island if you can, or you can rent them. To see all of the sites it’s a lot of ground to cover. Ideally camping for a night or two would be perfect to explore on foot, but that’s not an option for many, so bringing bikes to Cumberland Island is the best bet. There is also the Lands and Legacies Tour , which can be booked in advance.

Get up-to-date sailing and fare information for the Cumberland Island Ferry here!

Georgia History Road Trip Stops

You can’t swing a dead cat on a Georgia road trip without it landing someplace historic. And that’s why we love doing the road trip on the Georgia Coast. From Tybee Island to the Florida-Georgia border you’ll find British colonial history, Civil War history, the Underground Railroad, prohibition and more.

One of the best road trip ideas from Florida to Georgia is to stop at each historic fort along the way. Or plan a road trip to Jekyll Island visiting plantation and military ruins. So many great road trip themes you can choose from!

Old Fort Jackson in Savannah

Just outside of downtown Savannah on the way to Tybee Island is Old Fort Jackson . We loved this place so much. We’ve been to lots of forts and done lots of living history demonstrations and Old Fort Jackson is a winner!

Yes, Dry Tortugas National Park is amazing and beautiful and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is fun with kids, and the living history at Colonial Williamsburg is awesome, but Old Fort Jackson is subtle and wonderful. We really enjoyed how unique this pre-Civil War era fort is and the musket and cannon demonstrations were great.

Entrance to Old Fort Jackson is included if you have the Georgia State Historic Sites pass, otherwise it has an entrance fee per person ($9/adult and $5/child). Check the Old Fort Jackson website for any current events and schedule.

Visiting Fort Pulaski National Monument on Tybee Island

If you haven’t been to Dry Tortugas and won’t be able to visit the Florida Keys anytime soon, Fort Pulaski National Monumen t is a great option to add to your Georgia Coast road trip. A HUGE brick fortress with a lighthouse and a moat, Fort Pulaski is pretty cool.

Located on Cockspur Island (basically Tybee Island still), Fort Pulaski isn’t far off your Georgia road trip route. Visiting with kids is fun and one of the most educational fort sites we’ve visited. The Junior Ranger packet is pretty complex, but as long as you’re interested in history and love attention to details, it’s a breeze to complete.

Wander the fortress walls and tunnels, watch for wildlife in the marsh and do the nature trails to the edge of the island to get the full experience. The small Cockspur Island Lighthouse has been under renovation in 2021, but when it’s finished is an easy walk from the visitor center.

Tip : use your America the Beautiful National Park Pass here!

Georgia History at Fort Morris and Fort McAllister State Historic Sites

I know, another fort to visit. There are just so many of them! One of the great things about planning your stops on a Georgia Coast road trip is that you DON’T have to do every single one. For example, both Fort Morris and Fort McAllister are along the route but you can skip one or both of them.

Both of these forts are Georgia State Historic Sites so are covered by the pass. They are very similar in that they are ruins of forts with earthen coverage. The live oaks and historic exhibits are cool and interesting, but they aren’t as intriguing as Old Fort Jackson or Fort King George.

Top Pick: Fort King George Historic Site

We LOVE Fort King George Historic Site. And it too is included with the Georgia State Historic Sites pass. Seriously, that pass pays for itself in a few days.

Fort King Georgia is very different from any of the other forts we’ve included in our Georgia Coast road trip plan. Fort King George is mostly reconstructed with a few historic ruins, like there are some mill ruins and a cool old cottage. Dating to the 1700s when England and Spain fought all the time, Fort King George is a great example showing how construction and technology changed over time.

There are nature trails, cool fortress buildings, a museum and even a dock to watch for alligators from. Be prepared with bug spray. Fort King George is located directly in the Georgia marsh and there are lots of flies and mosquitoes depending on the weather. The visitor center even posts a warning about the bug activity level for the day.

Note: the mosquitoes really are no joke. We encounter intense mosquito activity when we do bioluminescent kayaking in Florida , and the bugs in the Georgia marsh sites are very comparable.

There are also seasonal kayak and canoe rentals available at Fort King George. If you choose to go paddling, be sure you’re prepared to prevent bug bites.

Exploring Beautiful Brunswick, Georgia

Despite many Georgia Coast road trips, somehow we kept on skipping Brunswick. Never again! Brunswick, Georgia is a beautiful town complete with public squares, parks and fountain. Beautiful 19th century architecture can be seen all over the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Walk down Newcastle Street to find local galleries, the really beautiful old city hall, small squares and lots of restaurants. Visit Hanover Park and Square to enjoy live oaks, flower gardens and a beautiful fountain. Pop over a few blocks to check out the Lovers Oak. Wow! What an enormous tree!

Outside of the historic downtown is our favorite stop in Brunswick, and one we’ve made several times now: the Pinball Palace . An awesome collection of vintage pinball machines and other 80s video games (I swear they’re straight from an old Pizza Hut) the Pinball Palace is perfect for the inevitable rainy afternoon. Pay by the hour for unlimited play.

Best Road Trip Stops in Georgia’s Golden Isles

We’ve done several vacations JUST to the Golden Isles of Georgia. There is so much to do and relaxing around the islands is so easy. The Golden Isles are comprised of Jekyll Island, St Simons Island, Little St Simons Island and Sea Island. Brunswick connects them all, but it’s not an island (so cool though!).

FYI, if you are up for a really fun idea, bring your bikes or rent them on the island to get around everywhere. Biking on St Simons Island is really fun and with great bike paths, it’s easy to do. Also, the island is super flat which is perfect for biking. And this is, what I think is, the epicenter of Georgia Coast kayaking !

Fort Frederica National Monument on St Simons Island

The first stop, since we’ve been talking about so many forts is Fort Frederica National Monument . It’s interesting because it’s mostly ruins and is just pretty to wander through. As you explore Fort Frederica, you’ll walk down used-to-be streets ogling huge live oaks and checking to see if the oranges are ripe yet.

There are some cannons, fortress ruins, the ruins of an 18th century two story barracks building and more. Our kids enjoy doing the scavenger hunt around the Fort Frederica grounds. It’s a great way to keep them interested is engaged.

Climbing the St Simons Island Lighthouse

We visit as many lighthouses as we can. We love lighthouses ! The St Simons Island Lighthouse is a great one for getting a slice of history and a beautiful view. It’s not too tall, at just 104 feet (129 steps). The St Augustine Lighthouse has 219 steps, so this one is pretty easy in comparison.

Plan around a hour or more to do the maritime museum and lighthouse, and then if the weather is nice do the walk along the waterfront path. The village of St Simons is right near the lighthouse too, so it’s easy to walk to any number of dinner places when you’re done.

Hunting for Spirit Trees Around St Simons Island

Another wonderful feature of St Simons Island is its spirit trees. All around the island there are live oaks with faces carved into them. Over the years, the tree bark has grown around the faces of many of the St Simons Island tree spirits , but searching for them is still a fun Georgia Coast road trip activity.

The biggest and most well maintained spirit tree is the large mermaid named Cora by the visitor center. If you’re not down for a cross-island scavenger hunt, visit Cora and call it good.

Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island 

Wildlife education, and in particular sea turtles, needs to be a part of visiting the Georgia beaches. Loggerhead, green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley and leatherback sea turtles all make their egg laying nests on east coast beaches, with coastal Georgia having hundreds of sea turtle nests each year.

Visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island is a must for both learning and seeing turtles up close. In addition to the exhibits, there is also an observation window where you can watch the doctors at the facility do check-ups and sometimes operate on sea turtles.

Pay a visit to the holding tanks and listen to the caretakers talk about turtle health and safety. This is the perfect place to inspire kids to develop a love of nature and an understanding of human impact.

Explore the Ruins and Trails at Horton House and Pond

The Georgia Coast road trip includes a lot of ruins of houses and forts. While other parts of the South have many well preserved structures and historic sites, Georgia’s have often been hit hard by war or weather. The Horton House on Jekyll Island is an example of that.

Built in 1743 the remains of the Horton House make for a beautiful backdrop as you head into the woods on the nearby trail, but there’s not much left to it. Across the street is a small historic cemetery and then through the woods you’ll find Horton Pond.

It’s a nice stop, and the live oak forest is beautiful to walk through.

Favorite Eats on the Georgia Coast

I don’t love writing about food, but it really is an integral part of travel, particularly in a place like Coastal Georgia. So here’s what Imma do: tell you some great things to watch for and then give you my picks for places we’ve enjoyed on the Georgia coast across our many road trips.

Georgia Coastal Dishes to Try

Peaches. Actually, there’s a lot more to enjoy than Georgia peaches.

You can’t talk about Coastal Georgia cooking without talking about the low country boil. When you’re doing a Georgia Coast road trip, you’re driving through the “low country.” A low country boil is a combination of local seafoods and corn, served as a basket or platter. It’s ALWAYS too much food for one person, but it’s delicious.

Another dish to watch for is blackened fish. This is popular in Florida too, but in Georgia for some reason it tends to run spicier. Commonly served on a hoagie in the style of a po’boy, blackened fish tends to be whatever the local catch is, rubbed with lots of herbs and seasonings and then grilled or sautéed up.

Grits and gravy is good too. Mmmm. My favorite grits and gravy is at the St Augustine Fish Camp in our town, but I’ve had it several places in Georgia too and it’s always good. Expect the gravy to have some sort of ham in it, and to be thick, just a bit more thin than the grits it’s served on.

Hushpuppies. Yum. Do you like cornbread? Do you like biscuits? Then hushpuppies are for. Basically cornbread balls that are fried, hushpuppies are a southern staple. If you can get them with jalapeños in them and served with honey butter then you’ve really hit to Georgia eats jackpot!

The last delicious Georgia food to watch for is roasted pecans, candied or as pralines. Pecans are BIG in the South and it’s easy to find candied pecans almost anywhere, whether it’s a gas station or a roadside stand.

Restaurant Recommendations on the Georgia Coast

When we’re looking for restaurants, we look for local options that have fresh cooking and characterize the area. Our picks for restaurant recommendations on the Georgia Coast exemplify that. We’ve included some favorite spots from Savannah too, as Savannah is a primary destination for a Georgia Coast road trip.

Starting in Savannah and heading south on the Coastal Georgia route, here are our favorite places to eat in the Savannah area:

• Pirate House – Savannah, good coastal food in a historic house (and it’s funny too)
• Corleone’s Trattoria – Savannah, Italian food that’s really delicious and great with kids
• Treylor Park and Hitch – Savannah, local food with several locations
• Driftaway Cafe – Savannah, near Wormsloe Historic Site

And moving onto Tybee Island restaurants:

• Sundae Cafe – Tybee Island, get the chicken fried chicken. OMG
• Salt Island Fish and Beer – Tybee Island, name says it all
• Savannah Praline Company – Tybee Island, pecans and much more

Favorite restaurants in the Golden Isles :

• Echo St Simons – St Simons Island, at the King and Prince Resort but so very delicious, get Eggs Coastal for breakfast
• Gnat’s Landing – St Simons Island, Red Fern Village area, great blackened catch of the day
• Moo Cow Ice Cream – St Simons, main village area, local ice cream made on site in the old service station
• Zachary’s Riverhouse – Jekyll Island, just off the water with great hushpuppies
• I ndigo Coastal Shanty – Brunswick, love the outdoor seating being loomed over by a huge live oak, great Caribbean flare

Of course there are more great restaurants, but after several visits to the Georgia Coast, these are our top picks. If you find some places you love, share them with us and we’ll give them a try!

6 Day Georgia Coast Road Trip Plan

Here is a plan for 6 days of Georgia beaches and historic sites. Have fun, drive safely, and make this plan fit with whatever YOUR travel style is!

Day 1: Arrive in Savannah

Drive from Atlanta to Savannah or fly directly into Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to begin your road trip. Enjoy strolling River Street and Factors Walk. Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Savannah River or have dinner at the historic Pirate House. If you like, get an adult beverage for your evening and walk through the historic district or find a beautiful public square to relax in .

Day 2: Explore Savannah Historic Districts

Today’s the day to pick a museum and enjoy. The Telfair or Savannah History Museums are both worth a visit. Walk either Liberty or Bull Streets visiting the many squares, eventually making your way to Forsyth Park for ice cream and appreciating the city.

Drive or bike to Bonaventure Cemeter y for a walk through the historic burial ground. If you drove, nearby Wormsloe Historic Site is an easy add-on. End the day back in town visiting the galleries of the JW Marriott Plant Riverside and then a rooftop dinner or drinks. Book a ghost tour for the complete Savannah experience.

Day 3: Tybee Island and Coastal Georgia Forts

Rise and shine and head to Old Fort Jackson before it’s too hot out. Enjoy some living history or wander the fort on your own. Next stop is Fort Pulaski National Monument for even more Georgia Coast tales and education. Move onto Tybee Island for lunch and then climb the Tybee Island Lighthouse.

Wrap up the day with sunset on the beach and a nice walk to dinner. Tybee Island is very chill, so expect the southern “relaxed” approach to dinner time.

Day 4: Georgia Low Country

From Tybee Island take your Georgia Coast road trip southward, making stops at Fort McAllister or Fort Morris (I’d pick Morris) unless you’ve booked a trip out to Sapelo Island to enjoy one of the most pristine Georgia beaches. When you’re ready to move on, visit Fort King George Historic Site to tour the reconstruction or go paddling at high tide.

End the day with an arrival at your Golden Isles hotel or vacation rental. Staying on St Simons or Jekyll Island will give you the option of being beach front, but staying in Brunswick is more central for the next few days’ activities.

Day 5: Enjoy St Simons Island

Begin your day with renting bikes on St Simons Island. This will make it both fun and easy to get around. Ride out to Fort Frederica and then make your way to the beach. Bring lunch with you or head back into the Village for food. In the afternoon, climb the lighthouse and then do the scavenger hunt around the island to find the many spirit trees.

End your day on St Simons with a nice dinner at Echo or a mellow low country dinner at Gnat’s Landing. It’s been a long day, so get some good rest tonight.

Day 6: Brunswick and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island has an entry gate, so the earlier you head to the Island the better. Start with a visit to Horton House and do the nature trail to Horton’s Pond (watch for gators!). From here, visit Driftwood Beach for some of the largest, most beautiful washed up logs in the southeast. Grab some lunch and then make your way to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Head to Brunswick for your last evening in the Golden Isles. Plan to get your pinball on at the Pinball Palace (it really is a must) and then head to historic Brunswick for dinner. Enjoy walking around the old neighborhood and Hanover Park at sunset.

BONUS: Cumberland Island National Seashore

Book your ferry tickets in advance for this adventure. You need to book tickets TO Cumberland Island and then separate tickets FROM the island. If you’re not bring bikes or camping on Cumberland Island, plan to visit the Dungeness Ruins and the beach, watching for deer and wild horses. This is plenty to do in a day and will make for a beautiful, memorable trip!

I hope you have a great time on your Georgia Coast road trip. Whether you’re driving from Atlanta to Savannah and then doing it or if you’re driving up from Florida, you’ll enjoy the history and beauty with every turn.

Wednesday 13th of April 2022

One of my favorite Savannah locales is Jekyll Island. You will undoubtedly appreciate the seashore and a variety of activities. Include some of this in your schedule.

Saturday 11th of December 2021

Savannah Georgia really has some of the best beach destinations in the country! I'm really going on a beach tour there on my next visit! This blog is really helpful and Jekyll Island is certainly on top of the list for me!

Jessica papillon

Sunday 1st of August 2021

Love Savannah Plan to do st Simon and Jekyll islands soon

Monday 2nd of August 2021

Yay! If you're short on time, you can easily break this route up into two trips, even though it doesn't cover a ton of ground. Doing Savannah and the historic coast sits and then doing the Golden Isles is a great way to split it.

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Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains Loop Road Trip

From big-city attractions to america's favorite national park and all the fascinating stops on the way..

Wind your way on this hilly and curvy road trip from Atlanta’s big-city attractions to America’s favorite national park, Great Smoky Mountains. On the way you’ll stop at sites that made history and have Instagram-worthy views. Plus, you can check another drive off your bucket-list before reaching Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tenn., a great gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can do this trip on a long weekend, but we recommend you spend at least a week to make the most of this adventure at a leisurely pace.

Start: Atlanta, Ga.

Start your Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains Loop Road Trip in the “Big Peach,” Atlanta, Ga.

Atlanta is a city full of culture, history, music and a burgeoning foodie scene.

Jump on the Peachtree Trolley for a 90-minute trolley ride through the heart of the city. Designed to be reminiscent of Atlanta’s transportation in the early 20th century, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time – with the modern convenience of air conditioning of course.

Next up, visit the World of Coca Cola. Here, you’ll get a tour of a bottling plant, which is slowed down to give visitors a better look at the process. You’ll learn about Coke’s history and cultural impact and taste their products from all around the world, the classics and new products that are being tested at the Taste It! area. Overwhelmed by choices? Fan favorites include Fanta Pineapple from Greece and Guaraná Kuat, a Brazilian drink that tastes similar to ginger ale with a hint of berry.

Atlanta played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement and was home to activist Martin Luther King Jr. Give yourself at least two hours to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. Tour the house where King was born and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he served as a reverend and pay your respects at his grave. Make sure to stop by Freedom Hall to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement before you continue your journey.

You’ll need to fuel up before hitting the road and in Atlanta, there’s no shortage of good food. In the South, declaring you’ve found Atlanta’s best barbeque amounts to fighting words. We won’t tell you B’s Cracklin’ BBQ is the best, but the out-the-door line speaks for itself. Pitmaster Bryan Furman raises the heritage-breed hogs he roasts over split oak and pecan logs himself. Make sure to try the Carolina Mustard Style BBQ Sauce B’s is famous for. It’s a sweet and tangy blend of mustard and, of course, Georgia peaches.

If barbeque isn’t your thing, head to Buford Highway, an eight-mile stretch of road near the city center that’s packed with more than 20 international communities serving dishes from around the world in restaurants and markets. Or, you could head to the original Waffle House which is located just outside of Atlanta in Avondale Estates. Just remember, while it may be called Waffle House, ordering hash browns is the pro move. Make sure to check the menu so you’re ordering in the correct lingo. Author’s choice? Scattered, covered and smothered.

Ocoee Country

The land in Southern Tennessee is crisscrossed by rivers, carving their way through gorges and around mountains. This area, known as Ocoee Country after its biggest river, is 60% national forest. It’s a remote and rural outdoor lover’s paradise with hiking trails, whitewater rafting and fishing galore. In between vast chunks of nature, charming small towns dot the landscape offering delicious food, local brews and unique lodging. Here are seven of our favorite things to do in and around towns like Benton, Ducktown and Copperhill , Tennessee.

Lake Fontana Dam and Marina

If you haven’t fallen in love with the Appalachian Mountains yet, this stop will have you convinced. An hour west of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Fontana Dam is part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and is the tallest dam east of the Rockies. It creates Fontana Reservoir, with over 200 miles of shoreline and 10,000 acres of water to explore.

Start at the Visitor Center and join a ranger-led tour from the observation deck to learn more about the surrounding area.

If those stellar views have you eager to hit the trails, consider checking out one of the world’s most famous hikes: the Appalachian Trail. While this through-hike stretches from Georgia to Maine and takes months to complete, you can get a taste of what drives these hikers by venturing as far as you like on the trail and then heading back to the dam.

If you’d rather find some solitude, catch a pontoon boat shuttle at the Fontana Village Marina and explore Fontana Lake’s North Shore, which isn’t accessible by motorized vehicle. Miles of pristine trails await, as well as excellent fishing.

Back at the Marina, rent a pontoon boat, canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the water. The Fontana Village Resort, home to the Marina, also offers a variety of lodging and dining options.

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Pigeon Forge /Gatlinburg, Tenn. is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With the Dollywood theme park, a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and more, Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is quite the tourist attraction, but don’t let the hullabaloo fool you. The area’s best feature is its natural beauty.

Hop on the Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway at Parkway and LeConte Streets and soar high above the treetops to see the beautiful vistas. Have lunch at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant for more great views.

When you research the Pigeon River, you’d think it was designed with all levels of white-water rafter in mind. The upper Pigeon offers an exhilarating Class III rapid trip, while the lower river is calmer, offering those who would rather take in the peaceful scenery than get their blood pumping, a chance to float gentle rapids and swim in calm swimming holes. There are several rafting companies based in Gatlinburg that offer trips on the Pigeon.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Adventure awaits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Work your way through the park from Tennessee to North Carolina, stopping for your picks from our Top Things to Do list. Staying near the park for a couple of days? Here’s our plan for the best 48-Hours in Great Smoky .

Think Pink When you board one of Pink Adventure Tours’ signature pink Jeep Wranglers, you’ll soak up more information than you thought possible on your Smoky Mountains tour. Catch a tour from Pigeon Forge .

Drive the Tail of the Dragon

You may want to opt for the rental car upgrade as this route includes a thrilling drive. The Tail of the Dragon on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line might just be the most exciting road you’ll ever drive. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. Eleven miles of tight curves, some with banked turns will leave you breathless. This road is a favorite of sports car enthusiasts and motorcyclists and has been featured on the British car show, Top Gear . Start at Cheoah Dam in Robbinsville, North Carolina and drive Hwy 129 north to Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Cheoah Dam is home to “Fugitive Bridge” which was featured in the 1993 movie The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford. Stop at Deals Gap to stretch your legs before beginning the true Tail of the Dragon, Hwy 129 north to Tabcat Creek Bridge. There are no intersecting roads or driveways on this stretch of the highway and no semi-trucks are allowed, making it a drive without exterior distractions so you can keep your eyes on the road. Photographers may line the route, snapping photos of your vehicle on the road. Check out www.killboy.com after your drive to see if you were featured and to purchase a copy of your photo.

Franklin, North Carolina

Don’t let the 4,233 population number fool you. The tiny town of Franklin , North Carolina and the surrounding region are chock full of hidden gems. Quite literally. In the mountains outside of town you’ll find 10 active, locally owned and operated gem mines where you can sift through buckets of dirt for rubies, sapphires and other precious gemstones.

Then, there are the waterfalls. Set aside an entire day to drive the 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway through Macon County and you’ll find plenty of them. The most popular stop along the way is Dry Falls where you can park at the top of the 75-foot-tall waterfall and peer down at it from an accessible overlook.

The world-famous Appalachian Trail runs through Franklin at mile 110 and each spring the town sees an influx of northbound thru-hikers on their way from Georgia to Maine. While the 2,190-mile trail is too much of an adventure for most of us, you can still get a taste of the AT on the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Siler Bald.

End: Atlanta, Ga.

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Columbus to Atlanta drive

Columbus to atlanta road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Columbus to Atlanta. If you're planning a road trip to Atlanta, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Columbus drive for about 1 hour

11:08 am   Dayton stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:08 pm drive for about 49 minutes

12:56 pm   Cincinnati eat at Rhinegeist Brewery stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:56 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:31 pm   Lexington stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:31 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5 hours

10:00 am  leave from London drive for about 2 hours

11:45 am   Knoxville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:45 pm drive for about 2 hours

2:36 pm   Chattanooga stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:36 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:06 pm   Kennesaw stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:06 pm drive for about 32 minutes

6:37 pm  arrive in Atlanta eat at The Varsity stay at W Atlanta - Midtown

day 2 driving ≈ 5.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Dayton   (15 answers)     questions about Dayton:         Activities Cincinnati   (46 answers)     Washington Park   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Cincinnati:         Rhinegeist Brewery         Skyline Chili         Nada         The Eagle         Senate     questions about Cincinnati:         Best free things to do in Cincinnati?         The best of Cincinnati?         Top dining spots in Cincinnati!?         Where is the best place to grab an early dinner in Cincinnati         Running near Eden Park? Lexington   (37 answers)     questions about Lexington:         What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington?         Best place to stay in Lexington while attending the Rolex 3 day event?         Fun things to do with kids under 6 in Lexington?         stays overnight, Lexington, Ky. near highway London   (2 answers) Knoxville   (47 answers)     questions about Knoxville:         New Years in Knoxville reccomendations         Pet friendly lodging near Knoxville, TN Chattanooga   (41 answers)     Ruby Falls   (5 mentions)     Rock City   (3 mentions)     Tennessee Aquarium   (2 mentions)     Creative Discovery Museum   (2 mentions)     Lookout Mountain   (2 mentions)     questions about Chattanooga:         Is April a good month to visit Chattanooga?         Activities in Chattanooga for families with active kids Kennesaw   (2 answers)     Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park   (3 mentions)     Marietta Square   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Kennesaw:         Marietta Diner

Where's the best place to stay in Atlanta?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Atlanta .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out W Atlanta - Midtown , which was mentioned 6 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Atlanta? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Atlanta?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest The Varsity , which was mentioned 14 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Atlanta? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Atlanta?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Atlanta. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Atlanta.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Atlanta to Columbus drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Columbus to Atlanta . Or get a full Columbus to Atlanta flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Columbus well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Columbus!

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Tampa To Atlanta: 10 Things To See On This Perfect Southern Road Trip

T he United States is home to beautiful tourist attractions, most of which can be accessed all year round. A cluster of these wonders can be found in Tampa, as well as Atlanta, and the cities in between. Thus, embarking on a road trip from Tampa to Atlanta is one of the most satisfying ways to get around the southern region of the United States and explore the culture, its historical significance, and its delectable local cuisine, along with many iconic things to see along the way. Not to mention, it's easily worthy of being named one of the most famous road trips in the US .

Unwrapping an enticing adventure for every tourist, the route from Tampa to Atlanta is one of the best road trips in the Southern United States, and it comes down to what people can see along the way and the many interesting stops en route. From a long list of tourist attractions, here are some of the most beautiful things to see on this perfect southern route.

Related: 14 Perfect East Coast Destinations For A Road Trip

The Florida Aquarium — Tampa, Florida

On a southern road trip from Tampa to Atlanta, The Florida Aquarium is a worthy stop. Visitors can explore nature up close by watching thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals in their natural habitat. The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa has so much to see ; it is home to over 9,000 animals and serves the purpose of saving marine wildlife. Spotted eagle rays, loggerhead sea turtles, wild dolphins, and bonnethead sharks are only a few of the wildlife species tourists can observe when they take an aquatic trek through the heart of the sea.

Related: Wildlife Watch: Here Are The Top 10 US National Parks To Visit This Spring

The Apalachicola National Forest, Florida

Spanning 575,849 acres, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest of the three national forests in Florida, making it one of the most amazing things to see on a southern road trip from Tampa to Atlanta. Tourists can enjoy scenic views of the forest's majestic landscapes as they drive by, or they can step right in and explore its natural wonders up close. The forest is home to a diverse range of unique flora and fauna, which means that there is no shortage of things to see.

Ocmulgee National Monument — Macon, Georgia

Located in Macon, Georgia, Ocmulgee National Monument is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the south. The monument comprises a collection of earthen funeral mounds and has been existing for decades. These mounds provide insight into the history and culture of the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. While exploring the mounds, visitors can hike any of the scenic trails in the area or spread out a picnic mat and enjoy the view.

The Bridge of Lions — St. Augustine, Florida

One of the top things to see in Florida, The Bridge of Lions is a unique architectural wonder that always commands attention, even from locals who are not new to its spectacular beauty. This bridge is popular for its jaw-dropping architectural design, featuring two majestic lion statues standing guard at the entrance, hence the name 'The Bridge of Lions.' With decorative columns, the bridge showcases the best of the Mediterranean Revival style and has been a major landmark in St. Augustine since its completion in 1927. Tourists who drive through the bridge or stop by on a day trip enjoy pleasant views of the azure-blue Matanzas River, among other must-see attractions in the area.

Related: 10 East Coast Road Trips That Will Have You Packing Your Car ASAP

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park — Atlanta, Georgia

History enthusiasts can't resist the allure of Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park , as it holds a significant piece of American history. Located on Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, this family-friendly park spans almost 35 acres of historical landmarks and monuments, each of which details the legacy of the social activist and Baptist Minister Martin Luther King Jr. The park's serene location creates an ideal atmosphere for tourists to pay tribute to Dr. King, making it a worthy stop on a Southern road trip from Tampa to Atlanta.

Related: Why Everyone Should Visit The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park In Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium — Atlanta, Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium has received several accolades as one of the best things to see in Georgia. This stunning tourist attraction is one of the best stops from Tampa to Atlanta; it boasts hundreds of species of marine life flapping away in the enchanting blue waters. The Georgia Aquarium is the third largest in the world—a coveted global status that accounts for most of its popularity. The aquarium was the world's largest until 2012, when two Asian aquariums surpassed it. Still, it remains one of the top tourist attractions in the South, exhibiting hundreds of marine species, including beluga whales, tiger sharks, and whale sharks.

Ocala National Forest — Florida

Tourists who want to spice up their road trip from Tampa to Atlanta are not left disappointed when they drive through Ocala National Forest , as it offers plenty of things to see and do in Florida. History enthusiasts will enjoy catching a glimpse of the historical significance of the Ocala National Forest before resuming their road trip. The forest offers several scenic drives from which tourists can enjoy the best views of rolling hills and sparkling rivers in the Southern United States. But to explore the forest to the fullest, tourists need to hop off their cars and hike a series of adventurous trails.

Florida Citrus Tower — Clermont, Florida

Standing 226-foot tall, Florida Citrus Tower is an archeological wonder that commands reverence even from a distance. Often referred to as the Naked Citrus Tower, this iconic whitewashed landmark can be seen from miles away, so even road-trippers who are just driving by are left in awe. Drivers who fancy a stop at this majestic tower are rewarded with panoramic views of Florida's citrus groves, pristine lakes, and rolling hills when they climb to the observation deck of the tower.

Busch Gardens — Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens is an amusement park owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The park is a magical mix between exciting roller coaster rides, natural beauty, and animal encounters. It is no surprise then, that Busch Gardens has been voted the world's most beautiful theme park for 25 years in a row, strengthening its reputation as a top tourist attraction in Florida. While the scenic beauty of the park boldly announces its presence, the park is also well-signed from the surrounding highways and roads, which makes it even easier to spot, leading road-trippers right through its ticketing booths.

Check out a guide to Busch Gardens for first-timers and get excited to go!

Tallulah Gorge State Park — Georgia

Endowed with stunning waterfalls, several miles of hiking trails, serene picnic areas, and idyllic mountain views, Tallulah Gorge State Park has something exciting for every tourist. The park's main attractions are the stunning waterfalls cascading through Tallulah Gorge itself, making it a prominent stop in the Southern United States. Whether tourists are on a road trip from Tampa to Atlanta or just taking a tour around Georgia, this magnificent natural attraction is a destination worth visiting, as it offers an endless supply of amazing things to do in the South.

The entire United States is home to some truly epic routes. Why not add some of the best road trips in the US to the bucket list next?

36 Best Stops Between Atlanta and Charlotte

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How long is the drive from Atlanta to Charlotte?

The direct drive from Atlanta to Charlotte is 242 mi (390 km) , and should have a drive time of 3 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Atlanta to Charlotte, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Greenville , Helen , Stone Mountain , Hendersonville , Athens , and Dahlonega , as well as top places to visit like The Spa at Château Élan and Atlanta Botanical Garden, GAINESVILLE, or the ever-popular Chateau Elan Winery & Resort.

Top cities between Atlanta and Charlotte

Stone mountain.

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Hendersonville

Best stops along atlanta to charlotte drive, chateau elan winery & resort.

The Spa at Château Élan

Atlanta botanical garden, gainesville, the state botanical garden of georgia, sanford stadium, tanger outlets commerce, goats on the roof, palmetto distillery, dupont state recreational forest, city scape winery, fluor field, falls park on the reedy.

Peace Center Concert Hall

Greenville zoo, carl sandburg home national historic site.

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Mineral & Lapidary Museum

Campbells covered bridge, hollywild animal preserve, chimney rock state park, lake lure flowering bridge, rockers brewing co. & restaurant, tryon international equestrian center, shelby city parks, south mountains state park.

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Kings Mountain National Military Park

Skydive carolina, the schiele museum of natural history & planetarium, glencairn garden, daniel stowe botanical garden.

Top searches in Charlotte

Other popular road trips from atlanta, explore nearby places.

• Mount Holly
• Huntersville
• Indian Trail
• Indian Land
• Iron Station
• Mooresville

All related maps of Charlotte

• Map of Charlotte
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• Map of Lake Wylie
• Map of Indian Trail
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• Map of Fort Mill
• Map of Tega Cay
• Map of Cornelius
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Charlotte throughout the year

• Charlotte in January
• Charlotte in February
• Charlotte in March
• Charlotte in April
• Charlotte in May
• Charlotte in June
• Charlotte in July
• Charlotte in August
• Charlotte in September
• Charlotte in October
• Charlotte in November
• Charlotte in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Charlotte?

Get inspired for your trip to Charlotte with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Charlotte Itinerary
• 2-Day Charlotte Itinerary
• 3-Day Charlotte Itinerary
• 4-Day Charlotte Itinerary
• 5-Day Charlotte Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from atlanta to charlotte.

Yes! You can drive from Atlanta to Charlotte.

How far is Charlotte from Atlanta by car?

The drive from Atlanta to Charlotte is 242 miles (390 km).

How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Charlotte?

Driving from Atlanta to Charlotte should take you 3 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Atlanta to Charlotte?

Gas from Atlanta to Charlotte would cost around $21 to $50 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Atlanta to Charlotte?

You could check out The Spa at Château Élan and Atlanta Botanical Garden, GAINESVILLE, or the always popular Chateau Elan Winery & Resort!

What are the best cities to visit between Atlanta and Charlotte?

People love visiting Greenville, Helen, and Stone Mountain, among others.

What's the weather like in Atlanta?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Atlanta in January
• Weather in Atlanta in February
• Weather in Atlanta in March
• Weather in Atlanta in April
• Weather in Atlanta in May
• Weather in Atlanta in June
• Weather in Atlanta in July
• Weather in Atlanta in August
• Weather in Atlanta in September
• Weather in Atlanta in October
• Weather in Atlanta in November
• Weather in Atlanta in December

What are some other road trips from Atlanta?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Atlanta.

• Atlanta to New York City drive
• Atlanta to Orlando drive
• Atlanta to Nashville drive
• Atlanta to Washington DC drive
• Atlanta to New Orleans drive
• Atlanta to Chicago drive
• Atlanta to Savannah drive
• Atlanta to Pigeon Forge drive
• Atlanta to Chattanooga drive
• Atlanta to Charleston drive
• Atlanta to St. Augustine drive
• Atlanta to Memphis drive
• Atlanta to Toronto drive
• Atlanta to Boston drive
• Atlanta to Myrtle Beach drive
• Atlanta to Miami Beach drive
• Atlanta to Tampa drive
• Atlanta to Asheville drive
• Atlanta to Philadelphia drive
• Atlanta to Saint Louis drive
• Atlanta to Niagara Falls drive
• Atlanta to Branson drive
• Atlanta to Louisville drive
• Atlanta to San Antonio drive
• Atlanta to Baltimore drive
• Atlanta to Montreal drive
• Atlanta to Charlotte drive
• Atlanta to Mexico City drive
• Atlanta to Greenville drive
• Atlanta to Williamsburg drive

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Stokes, James

STOKES, James David James David Stokes, age 81, died April 10, 2024. Services will be held on Friday, April 19, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. Visitation will follow. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1942, Jim graduated from Lanier High School in 1960. After starting college at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, he completed his undergraduate degree at Mars Hill College in North Carolina. He returned to his hometown to attend Mercer Law School, completing his JD and being admitted to the Bar in 1967. As a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, he was admitted to the U.S. Military Court of Appeals in 1968. He completed a tour of duty in Vietnam before being honorably discharged from the Corps as a Captain in 1973. Jim and the late Julia Branham of Macon married in 1967 and moved to the East Cobb area in 1972, where he practiced law in Marietta until his retirement in 2015. He was involved in church work throughout his life, serving as a Sunday school teacher to many and as an Elder at Marietta First Presbyterian. He later participated in a range of congregational activities as a member of Trinity Presbyterian in Atlanta. In 2014, he married Sally Peck Cole of Marietta. Together, they enjoyed world travel, time with family and an active retirement life in Marietta. Jim is survived by his wife, Sally; daughter, Shannon Stokes Sale (Rick); and grandson, James Sale; daughter, Laura Elizabeth Stokes; Sally's sons, Gavin and Patrick Cole; one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Branham Stokes; infant son, James David Stokes, Jr; parents, Jim and Ruth Reeves Stokes; and sister, Tina Wootan. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Trinity Presbyterian Church or Agape Youth and Family Center, 2210 Marietta Boulevard, Atlanta 30318.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

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