- \n
- Day trips from Atlanta: What you need to know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The best day trips from Atlanta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Day trips from Atlanta by interest<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Toyota](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Toyota-Corolla-rental-in-Atlanta-GA-on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")
A fuel efficient sedan’s smooth ride and impressive range make winding through Blue Ridge, Helen and Dahlonega feel effortless. Find yours on Turo and make every detour worth taking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\nCar rental Atlanta<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDay trips from Atlanta: What you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Getting around:<\/strong> A car is essential \u2014 Atlanta’s best day trips are spread across North Georgia, Tennessee, and beyond. Rent a vehicle<\/a> to make the most of them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Fall for cooler temperatures and changing leaf colors. Spring for waterfalls at peak flow and wildflowers. Summer is popular but very hot \u2014 start early for mountain destinations. Atlanta traffic, especially on Friday afternoons, can significantly extend drive times, so earlier departures are always worth it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quick reference drive times from downtown Atlanta:<\/strong>\n
- \n
- Blue Ridge: 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chattanooga: 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helen: 1.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cloudland Canyon: 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Savannah: 4 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amicalola Falls: 1.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Providence Canyon: 2.5 hours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The best day trips from Atlanta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Blue Ridge, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 90 miles | 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Mountain scenery, charming downtown, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Lake Blue Ridge, local wineries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Blue Ridge is Atlanta\u2019s most popular mountain day trip \u2014 a small North Georgia town with a walkable downtown full of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants surrounded by Appalachian scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The historic rail depot anchors the center of town, while the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway follows the Toccoa River through the mountains on a relaxed scenic excursion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond downtown, Lake Blue Ridge is popular for kayaking, boating, and summer water activities, while the surrounding mountains are filled with waterfall hikes, horseback riding, and winery stops. Fall is especially beautiful, as the leaves of the Chattahoochee National Forest change color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Chattahoochee-Oconee-National-Forest-1024x576.jpg\")
Swap the city skyline for blazing fall colours in Chattahoochee National Forest, where scenic drives, leaf peeping and cosy walks make every stop feel worth the detour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lake-Blue-Ridge-Blue-Ridge-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Fancy a day on the water? Glide across the crystal clear waters of Lake Blue Ridge by kayak or paddleboard, and drift into quiet coves framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> Leave Atlanta early if you\u2019re heading north on a Friday or weekend \u2014 traffic can build quickly by late morning. Midweek visits feel noticeably quieter around downtown and the railway.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chattanooga, Tennessee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 118 miles | 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Civil War history, outdoor adventures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Chattanooga is easily Atlanta\u2019s most varied day trip \u2014 a city just across the Tennessee border with mountain scenery, Civil War history, and one of the South\u2019s best riverfront districts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tennessee Aquarium is the headline attraction downtown, while nearby Lookout Mountain is home to Rock City, famous for its sweeping views, and Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall hidden inside the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For history lovers, the nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park preserves one of the Civil War\u2019s most important battlefields. The city also has a strong food and brewery scene that makes staying overnight very tempting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tennessee](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/RT2AC4R-1024x576.jpg\")
Curious minds of every age will love Tennessee Aquarium, where hands on exhibits, playful otters and towering tanks turn a family outing into an unforgettable learning adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Lookout](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/RCLWV1E-1024x576.jpg\")
Camera in hand and nowhere to rush, Lookout Mountain is the perfect place to frame candid shots, soak up panoramic views from Sunset Rock and enjoy a moment to yourself.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Helen, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 90 miles | 1.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Bavarian alpine village atmosphere, Chattahoochee River tubing, Anna Ruby Falls, Oktoberfest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The small mountain town of Helen reinvented itself in the 1970s as a Bavarian alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, German restaurants, and riverside beer gardens beneath Yonah Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer is all about tubing down the Chattahoochee River, while nearby Anna Ruby Falls adds one of the region\u2019s easiest and most enjoyable waterfall walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helen also hosts one of the South\u2019s biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, which makes fall the town\u2019s busiest season. Weekends can get extremely crowded during the fall foliage season, so keep away from peak rush hours to avoid traffic and full parking lots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Helen,](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Helen-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Stroll beneath Helen’s charming Alpine fa\u00e7ades, pop into independent gift shops and see how many unique souvenirs you can squeeze into your shopping bag.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Anna](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Anna-Ruby-Falls-Helen-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Why settle for one waterfall when Anna Ruby Falls gives you two? Round up your mates, strike a pose by the cascades and turn every stop into a highlight reel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Cloudland Canyon State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 100 miles | 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Canyon hiking, waterfalls, panoramic views, camping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cloudland Canyon features a 1,000-foot-deep gorge on the western edge of Lookout Mountain with stunning rim trails, a steep waterfall trail descending to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls, and some of the best panoramic views in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also an easy add-on for anyone already visiting Chattanooga, sitting just a short drive from the Tennessee border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cloudland](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Cloudland-Canyon-State-Park-1024x576.jpg\")
Walk through a landscape once home to the Cherokee people, where Cloudland Canyon’s 1,000 foot deep gorge turns every scenic stop into a lesson in Georgia’s natural heritage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Tip from the author:<\/strong> The waterfall trail is much steeper than many people expect, especially on the climb back up, so proper footwear makes a big difference.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Georgia waterfalls: Amicalola Falls, Tallulah Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 1.5\u20132 hours (varies by destination)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Waterfall chasing, hiking, Appalachian Trail access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With each destination offering something completely different depending on how much hiking you want to do, North Georgia\u2019s waterfalls make some of the best outdoor day trips from Atlanta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi at 729 feet, as well as the approach trail leading toward the southern start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tallulah Gorge State Park combines suspension bridges, waterfall overlooks, and a dramatic 1,000-foot-deep gorge stretching for nearly two miles through the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For something more forested, Raven Cliff Falls offers a longer hike through the Chattahoochee National Forest to a striking waterfall that pours through a split in the cliff face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All three sit within a similar driving distance of Atlanta, but suit very different hiking abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tallulah](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Tallulah-Gorge-State-Park-Tallulah-Falls-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Wrapped in autumn colours and the distant sound of rushing waterfalls, Tallulah Gorge is where couples can slow down, share the view and capture photos they’ll treasure long after the drive home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Appalachian](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Appalachian-Trail-Springer-Mountain-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Snacks in one backpack, endless banter in the other, the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain is where every break comes with mountain views and another story to tell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Savannah, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 250 miles | 4 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Historic squares, Spanish moss, Southern food, ghost tours, coastal charm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Four hours makes Savannah a long day trip from Atlanta, but it\u2019s one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the American South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With 22 historic squares shaded by ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, a riverfront lined with restaurants and bars along River Street, and a food scene that\u2019s drawn national attention, the city is made for wandering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elegant old homes, hidden courtyards, Forsyth Park, and the city\u2019s famous evening ghost tours all add to the atmosphere \u2014 especially once the streets empty out after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many visitors still consider it worth the drive, though an overnight stay makes it even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"River](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/River-Street-Savannah-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Arrive hungry because River Street pairs fresh Southern seafood, homemade pralines and waterfront dining with charming shops where the perfect keepsake is always waiting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"Forsyth](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Forsyth-Park-Savannah-Georgia-1024x576.jpg\")
Need a breather between sightseeing stops? Wander past the famous Forsyth Fountain, find a quiet bench beneath the oaks and soak up Savannah’s unhurried charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dahlonega, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 72 miles | 1.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> North Georgia wine country, gold rush history, charming downtown square, Blood Mountain hiking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dahlonega is Atlanta\u2019s closest wine country destination \u2014 a North Georgia mountain town best known for its 1828 gold rush history, historic downtown square, and vineyards that spread across the surrounding hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dahlonega also sits close to Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, making it an easy place to combine a mountain hike with an afternoon of wine tasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip from the author:<\/strong> If you\u2019re planning to hike and visit wineries on the same day, start early with Blood Mountain before heading back toward the tasting rooms in the afternoon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athens, Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 70 miles | 1.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Live music, University of Georgia campus, independent food and drink scene, Southern college town character<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Athens is consistently underrated as a day trip from Atlanta for anyone craving city energy instead of mountain scenery \u2014 built around the University of Georgia, with an outsized music, food, and bar scene for a city its size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city famously launched bands like R.E.M. and The B-52s, and downtown is still packed with independent record stores, breweries, restaurants, and venues like the legendary 40 Watt Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond the nightlife, Athens also has the Georgia Museum of Art on the UGA campus and the beautiful State Botanical Garden of Georgia just outside downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"University](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/RO5S6DI-1024x576.jpg\")
Trade your usual coffee stop for the University of Georgia, where shaded quads, historic architecture and buzzing student life set the scene for an afternoon of people watching.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Providence Canyon State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 130 miles | 2.5 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” hiking, photography, unique geology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Providence Canyon is a southwest Georgia state park where erosion has carved deep canyons through layers of pink, orange, purple, and red clay that feel far more like the American Southwest than the Southeast. The park\u2019s canyon walls reach up to 150 feet deep in places, and the rim trail offers some of the most unusual scenery in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spring is especially beautiful when wildflowers begin appearing along the canyon floor, and temperatures are more comfortable for hiking and photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Greenville, South Carolina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distance:<\/strong> 140 miles | 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Falls Park on the Reedy, walkable downtown, craft beer, outdoor adventures, arts scene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Greenville is an underrated day trip from Atlanta, centered around Falls Park on the Reedy, where a suspension bridge overlooks waterfalls flowing directly through the middle of downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With excellent restaurants, breweries, and an easy city center to explore on foot, Greenville is a great alternative for visitors wanting city energy without Atlanta-scale traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The city also connects to the popular Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail for cycling and walking, making it easy to turn the trip into a full afternoon outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Falls-Park-on-the-Reedy-Greenville-South-Carolina-1024x576.jpg\")
Trade screen time for family time as Falls Park on the Reedy invites everyone to stroll across the iconic bridge, spot the waterfalls and enjoy a picnic by the river.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Day trips from Atlanta by interest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For outdoor adventurers and hikers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For adventurers and nature lovers, Atlanta day trips are perfect \u2014 with several hiking trails nearby, Appalachian mountain scenery, and endless chances for chasing waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cloudland Canyon State Park:<\/strong> Canyon rim hikes, scenic overlooks, and a steep trail descending to stunning waterfalls deep within the gorge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amicalola Falls State Park:<\/strong> The tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi and one of the best-known starting points for the Appalachian Trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blood Mountain via Dahlonega:<\/strong> One of North Georgia\u2019s best summit hikes, with rocky Appalachian Trail views across the Blue Ridge Mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Raven Cliff Falls:<\/strong> A longer forest hike leading to one of North Georgia\u2019s most unusual waterfalls, where the water pours through a split in the cliff face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tallulah Gorge State Park:<\/strong> Suspension bridges, steep canyon walls, and some of the most dramatic scenery within day-trip distance of Atlanta.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For nature and waterfall lovers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Atlanta\u2019s surrounding landscape is layered with natural beauty \u2014 and some of the Southeast\u2019s most beautiful waterfalls sit surprisingly close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Anna Ruby Falls<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> An extraordinary double waterfall reached via a short walk through the forest near Helen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DeSoto Falls near Dahlonega:<\/strong> Twin waterfalls surrounded by dense mountain forest along the Appalachian Trail corridor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helton Creek Falls near Blairsville:<\/strong> Two scenic waterfalls with minimal hiking required, making this one of the easiest nature stops from Atlanta.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Providence Canyon State Park:<\/strong> Georgia\u2019s \u201cLittle Grand Canyon,\u201d known for its colorful canyon walls, unusual geology, spring wildflowers, and surprisingly dramatic landscape.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For food, drink, and small-town lovers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the best small towns near Atlanta for good food, drink, and downtown streets worth wandering around for an afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Blue Ridge:<\/strong> A must-visit for mountain restaurants, wineries, breweries, and nearby orchard stops like Mercier Orchards and Bear Claw Vineyards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dahlonega:<\/strong> North Georgia wine country, gold rush history, and a lively town square lined with tasting rooms and restaurants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helen:<\/strong> German restaurants, riverside beer gardens, Oktoberfest celebrations, and an intentionally over-the-top Bavarian atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Athens:<\/strong> Independent restaurants, live music venues, caf\u00e9s, and classic Southern college-town energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Greenville:<\/strong> Craft breweries, Falls Park on the Reedy, and one of the Southeast\u2019s most walkable downtowns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For history lovers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
From Civil War landmarks to preserved Southern cities and gold rush history, some of the region\u2019s most interesting historical sites sit within driving distance of Atlanta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Savannah:<\/strong> Historic squares, oak-lined streets, antebellum architecture, and some of the South\u2019s best guided tours exploring the city\u2019s long history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chattanooga:<\/strong> Civil War history around Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain alongside museums and riverfront attractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dahlonega:<\/strong> The site of America\u2019s first major gold rush, still centered around its historic courthouse square.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For families<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no shortage of kid-friendly day trips from Atlanta, especially if you want a mix of outdoor activities, water fun, and easy attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Chattanooga:<\/strong> The Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and interactive museums make this one of the strongest family day trips in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> A scenic train ride following the Toccoa River through the North Georgia mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helen:<\/strong> Tubing and whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River, the easy Anna Ruby Falls trail, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants and sweet shops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is the best day trip from Atlanta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blue Ridge is one of the most popular day trips from Atlanta for good reason \u2014 a mountain town within two hours of the city with beautiful drives, wineries, scenic trails, and a downtown full of local shops, galleries, caf\u00e9s, and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chattanooga is the best day trip option for variety, combining outdoor attractions, family activities, restaurants, and riverfront scenery all in one trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For visitors willing to drive farther for a day trip, Savannah is one of the South\u2019s most memorable cities, known for its historic squares, moss-covered oak trees, and beautiful old architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How far is Savannah from Atlanta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Savannah is around 250 miles from Atlanta, with a drive time of roughly four hours via I-16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It makes for a long day trip, but plenty of visitors still do it \u2014 they leave early, have a full day exploring, and often find the return drive much easier once out of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do I need a car for day trips from Atlanta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes \u2014 Atlanta’s best day trips are spread across North Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, and are too difficult to reach without a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Browse for your perfect Atlanta car rental<\/a> for an even more exciting day trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time for day trips from Atlanta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fall is the most popular time for day trips from Atlanta, especially across the North Georgia mountains when the Blue Ridge and Chattahoochee National Forests turn gorgeous shades of red, orange, and gold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spring is ideal for waterfalls and wildflowers, while summer is popular for river tubing, mountain escapes, and lake trips \u2014 though temperatures in Atlanta itself can feel intense by midday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the closest day trip from Atlanta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dahlonega is one of the closest mountain day trips from Atlanta, sitting around 70 miles north of the city with local vineyards, gold rush history, and stunning views across the Blue Ridge foothills all within easy reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stone Mountain Park is even closer, at around 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, though it feels more like a city attraction than a true escape into North Georgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore Atlanta and beyond with Turo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Atlanta\u2019s superpower is what surrounds it \u2014 Appalachian mountain towns within two hours in one direction, one of the South\u2019s great historic cities within four in another, and a mix of waterfalls, wineries, and breathtaking views filling everything in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the region\u2019s best experiences depend on a car. Browse vehicles on Turo in Atlanta<\/a> and start planning your next road trip, weekend escape, or spontaneous day out of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nissan](\"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Nissan-Kicks-rental-in-Atlanta-GA-on-Turo-1024x576.jpg\")
Whether you’re after a fuel efficient sedan, a luxury ride or a spacious SUV, Turo’s wide selection from local hosts makes finding the right car for every Atlanta day trip effortless.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n - Blue Ridge Scenic Railway<\/strong><\/a>:<\/strong> A scenic train ride following the Toccoa River through the North Georgia mountains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chattanooga:<\/strong> Civil War history around Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain alongside museums and riverfront attractions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dahlonega:<\/strong> North Georgia wine country, gold rush history, and a lively town square lined with tasting rooms and restaurants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- DeSoto Falls near Dahlonega:<\/strong> Twin waterfalls surrounded by dense mountain forest along the Appalachian Trail corridor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Amicalola Falls State Park:<\/strong> The tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi and one of the best-known starting points for the Appalachian Trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Falls Park on the Reedy, walkable downtown, craft beer, outdoor adventures, arts scene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” hiking, photography, unique geology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Live music, University of Georgia campus, independent food and drink scene, Southern college town character<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> North Georgia wine country, gold rush history, charming downtown square, Blood Mountain hiking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Historic squares, Spanish moss, Southern food, ghost tours, coastal charm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Waterfall chasing, hiking, Appalachian Trail access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Canyon hiking, waterfalls, panoramic views, camping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Bavarian alpine village atmosphere, Chattahoochee River tubing, Anna Ruby Falls, Oktoberfest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Civil War history, outdoor adventures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Best for:<\/strong> Mountain scenery, charming downtown, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Lake Blue Ridge, local wineries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Distance:<\/strong> 90 miles | 2 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best time to go:<\/strong> Fall for cooler temperatures and changing leaf colors. Spring for waterfalls at peak flow and wildflowers. Summer is popular but very hot \u2014 start early for mountain destinations. Atlanta traffic, especially on Friday afternoons, can significantly extend drive times, so earlier departures are always worth it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The best day trips from Atlanta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n