Sweet Georgia! When one thinks of Georgia, one might think of riding horseback and eating peaches. Well, that’s not all the state has to offer. In fact, Georgia is home to many major cities, universities, and people that make the state a fusion of cosmopolitan international hospitality! If ever you’ve asked yourself, “What are some fun and spontaneous day trips in Georgia, or Googled day trips near me”, this is the list for you. Without further ado, here are 14 great things to do in the Peach State, and in my opinion, some of the best day trips in Georgia that are worthy of your bucket list.

1. Enjoy the music festivals, all-you-can-drink beer festivals, and the infamous Taste of Atlanta Festival.
Volsfan/Google
There are hundreds of festivals all over Georgia throughout the spring, summer, and fall. One of the most notable ones is Taste of Atlanta, where people travel from all over to come and sample all of the many tastes of Georgia. Here are some of the best food festivals in Georgia.
2. Go to a different restaurant every day of the year in Atlanta.
Best Day Trips In Georgia
Tom Driggers/Flickr
Since Atlanta is an international city, there are many, many different restaurants to visit. Georgia is a foodie’s dream! Think southern comfort, eclectic food fusion mixed with (insert different nationality here). You can have your choice of gluten-free, organic fried chicken one day, and Ethiopian the next! Of course, it's not just Atlanta that has incredible food. Check out our famous foodie road trip in Georgia...you'll be impressed!
3. Go see a Braves Game
Brian Blake via Flickr
Here in Georgia, we’re serious about our baseball team, the Braves. Few things invoke a sense of Georgia nostalgia than going to a Braves game on a hot summer day and throwing back a few cold brews!
4. Tube down the Chattahoochee River during the hot summers.
Chattahoochee River Road, Chattahoochee River Rd, Georgia, USA
Ericdege/Flickr
There’s nothing like having some fun in the sun by cruising or kayaking down the Chattahoochee River in the hot Georgia sun. Learn more about this epic river tubing trip in Georgia.
5. Visit the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere.
Best Day Trips In Georgia
Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Rian Castillo/Flickr
Yes, it’s true - The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium on this side of the planet! It also has a reputation for being the most interactive aquarium in the world. Get up and close with playful otters or touch the sting rays. Learn more about one of the best family-friendly attractions in Georgia: the aquarium!
6. Drive a golf cart in Peachtree City.
Peachtree City, GA, USA
Tony Bernard via Flickr
Yes! You heard right. People here actually own golf carts and drive around in them like cars in Peachtree City, a suburb of Atlanta. When it comes to unique day trips in Georgia, it doesn't get much better than Peachtree City.
7. Go to the great Mall of Georgia.
Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30519, USA
Mike Kalasnik/Flickr
This super mall has 195 stores and not only is it Georgia’s largest mall, but it’s also one of the biggest in the United States. Learn more about planning your trip to the famous Mall of Georgia.

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8. Travel through Hartsfield Atlanta Airport.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 6000 N Terminal Pkwy Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30320, USA
Andrew E. Cohen/Flickr
Catch a flight in the busiest airport in the United States. Make sure to arrive at least 2-3 hours early - seriously, it’s a big airport!
9. Get out on Lake Lanier.
Lake Lanier, Georgia, USA
Cody Wellons via Flickr
There’s nothing as fun as getting out on Lake Lanier, whether it’s fishing or taking part in our fun boat parties there’s always something to do on the lake! Plus, many people don't realize there's actually a sunken city at the bottom of Lake Lanier.
10. Go to North Georgia (Blue Ridge or Dahlonega) to see the mountains.
Dahlonega, GA 30533, USA
Mountain Street, Mountain St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA
Olin Gilbert/Flickr
There’s nothing more simple and beautiful than going up into the mountains of north Georgia when the leaves turn bright auburn and yellow and sit around a fire. Looking for some inspiration? Check out these epic mountains in Georgia.
11. Go to Savannah's Riverwalk Street.
Savannah, GA, USA
Grant Dawson via Flickr
Beautiful and historic Savannah is only a short drive away from metropolitan Atlanta. It’s common for Georgia residents to go and party up and down Riverwalk Street for St. Patty’s day, but this makes for an excellent day trip destination in Georgia all year.
12. Visit Six Flags over Georgia.
Six Flags Over Georgia Railroad, Georgia 30168, USA
Edward Beavers via Flickr
The childhood memories of going to Six Flags over Georgia are common for native Georgians. Visit during Fright Fest for an extra fun time! Learn more about planning your trip to the single greatest amusement park in Georgia.
13. Visit Little Five Points and eat at the Vortex.
438 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
Alana Jasmine Skyflowers/Google
If you come to Georgia, you have to visit Little Five Points. It’s like hippie, urban, and artistic vibes all mixed together. If you decide to stop by, make sure to have a burger at the famous Vortex. Learn more about this iconic burger restaurant in Georgia.
14. Climb the rock we like to call Stone Mountain.
Best Day Trips In Georgia
Stone Mountain, GA, USA
Chris Yunker/Flickr
Last but certainly not least is the famous Stone Mountain hike. If you're wondering, "what are some fun day trips near me?" and you're in the mood for an outdoor adventure, this hike will not disappoint! The great man-made mountain is a tradition to climb. There’s a beautiful breathtaking view of Georgia at the mountain’s peak. Learn more about one of the most famous hikes in Georgia.

Wanna discover more fun day trips in Georgia? Here is a cool YouTube video by TRIP XTREME highlighting some of the best places to visit in Georgia.

There you have it: 14 great, spontaneous day trips every person should experience in Georgia. We hope this list provides some inspiration the next time you’re wondering about day trips in Georgia. What are some other really cool things to do in Georgia? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!

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day trips near me in Georgia

Beth C. | November 11, 2021

What are some more of the best day trips in Georgia?

If you live in Georgia and you’ve ever Googled “day trips near me”, you probably got an overwhelming list of places to visit. Luckily, I have narrowed down some of the best day trips in Georgia for you.

  • Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin
  • Callaway Resort & Gardens near Pine Mountain, Harris
  • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Suches
  • Jekyll Island, Glynn County
  • Blackbeard Island, McIntosh County 
  • Helen Tubing and Waterpark, Helen
  • Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain
  • Case Cave, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls


For more fun day trips in Georgia, check out this previous article with some natural attractions in Georgia that we recommend.

What belongs on my Georgia bucket list?

You could easily dedicate a lifetime to exploring all that Georgia has to offer: unbelievable natural attractions, exciting cities, bustling small towns, whimsical roadside wonders, and just about everything in between. Putting together a bucket list is a great way to ensure that you make the most of your time in the Peach Time. Fortunately, we've spent some time compiling a bucket list to get you started. Some of the adventures on our bucket list include:

  • Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain
  • Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta
  • Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah
  • Southern Soul BBQ in St. Simons Island
  • Wiley's Championship BBQ in Savannah
  • VIP Southern Tours
  • Barnsley Resort in Adairsville
  • The Lodge & Spa at Callaway in Pine Mountain
  • The Olde Savannah Inn
  • Atlanta Botanical Gardens
  • The Chattahoochee Nature Center
  • Amicalola Lodge in Dawsonville
  • Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground
  • Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn
  • Okefenokee Swamp in Waycross
  • Providence Canyon in Lumpkin
  • Tallulah Gorge, Stone Mountain
  • Warm Springs
  • Georgia's Barrier Islands.Learn more by checking out our complete Georgia bucket list.

Does Georgia have any hidden gems?

Yes! The Peach State is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be uncovered. Some of our favorites include:

  • Sleepy Hollow in Blairsville
  • The Secret Air Force Plant in Dawson Forest
  • Beach Paradise in Jonesboro
  • The Abandoned Castle in Menlo
  • Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe University
  • Lake Thurmond
  • Indian Springs State Park
  • New Manchester Mill Ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park
  • Cloudland Canyon State Park
  • Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • The East Palisades Trail.But that's just the beginning; there are countless attractions to be discovered in Georgia. If you'd like to keep exploring, be sure to check out the Definitive Guide To Uncovering Georgia’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More.

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