Best Weekend Getaways in Georgia Guide

There are so many wonderful trips you can take in Georgia. Honestly, I think you could spend your whole life never leaving the Peach State and you might not miss out on too much!

• Best for history buffs - Savannah
• Best for metropolitan style - Atlanta
• Best for variety - Augusta
• Best for music history, Macon is the place for you - Macon

• Best for mountains - Helen
• Best for exploration - Thomasville
• Best for football fans - Athens

• Best for nature - Flintstone
• Best for mountain adventure - Dahlonega
• Best for a romantic weekend at the beach - Golden Isles
• Best for Anyone looking for a small town feel in a larger city - Marietta

Whether you're looking for affordable getaways in Georgia that you can enjoy on a budget or want to splurge on some of the very best weekend getaways in Georgia, there's something for everyone here. There's such a huge variety of places to escape to within the state.

Shopping, hiking adventures, beach days, mountain climbing, and more are all waiting, so let's check out some of the best weekend getaways in Georgia!

If you're looking at lists of best Georgia getaways, a few cities tend to be recurring themes. There's a reason these places are so popular, though. While you might run into a crowd at any of these popular destinations, there are always places to explore that are off the beaten path.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you love history, visiting Savannah is an absolute must. The historic district is one of the very best in Georgia.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ It gets extremely hot here in the summer, so unless you're planning on heading to the beach to cool off, I recommend visiting at any other time of year.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ Don't wear high heels downtown! The stairs and cobblestones on River Street can be dangerous even in sneakers.

There's so much to do in Savannah, regardless of whether you're traveling alone, with family, or on a romantic getaway for two. If you love museums, I highly recommend a visit to the American Prohibition Museum, which provides a fascinating look at the history of bootlegging and Prohibition.

There are lots of great restaurants in the Hostess City, particularly in the downtown area, but I've got to give a shout-out to my favorite bakery, Bakery's Pride Bakery. This spot has been serving up doughnuts and other desserts since 1982.

There's a lot to see downtown, and just wandering through the historic district is a great way to admire all the Victorian architecture and the city's unique vibe. Forsyth Park is a 30-acre park with a historic fountain and lots of green space.

Are you a fan of the wacky and macabre? Graveface Museum is a must-visit. It's got artwork from serial killers, exhibits on carnival sideshows, and so much more.

Though it's technically its own city, I'd be remiss to not mention Tybee Island. Located about half an hour from Savannah proper, it's a lovely beach with lots of neat local shops, fun eateries, and great scenery. If you go, grab a slice of pizza from Huc-A-Poo's (just make sure you come hungry).

Savannah is easily reached by car — it's right at the intersection of I-16 and I-95.

If you prefer to fly in, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is conveniently located just outside the main area of town.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you love the big city life and metropolitan style, it doesn't get much better than Atlanta. It's one of the largest cities in the southern U.S. and there's so much to do here, no matter your interests.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ Honestly, I don't think there's really a bad time for a trip to Atlanta. There's almost always something going on here, so check a calendar of events and see what looks most appealing to you.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ Check out Atlanta CityPASS to enjoy a great deal on some of the best attractions the city has to offer.
  

There's virtually no end to the fun to be had in Atlanta. One of the city's most popular attractions is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum documenting the history of Georgia's favorite soft drink. There are a ton of interactive exhibits here, and it's a great place for kids of all ages.

The Georgia Aquarium is another top attraction in Atlanta. It's one of the only aquariums in the world to house whale sharks.

If you're a fan of live music, there are some phenomenal venues in Atlanta. One of my favorites is The Tabernacle, a historic church built in 1911 that's now a great concert venue.

On a beautiful day, few places are more pleasant than the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The 30-acre garden is located just beside Piedmont Park, one of the largest parks in Atlanta.

Want to learn more about the history of Atlanta? Check out the Atlanta History Center, and while you're there, make sure to take a peep at the Atlanta Cyclorama. It's a huge circular painting that depicts the Civil War's Battle of Atlanta.

Whether you're traveling with kids or not, the Center for Puppetry Arts is pretty cool. It's one of the only puppet museums in the entire world and has information on the history of the art as well as live performances.

Atlanta is home to the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

It's also easily-reached by several major highways. Traffic can be pretty harrowing if you've never driven here before, so stay vigilant and make sure to check out a map before you hit the road.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Augusta offers up a broad range of experiences that are great whether you're traveling with family or by yourself.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ The Masters are held each year in early April. Even if you're not a fan of golf, the city goes all-out for Masters week, and it's a fun time of year to be there.
• ‌If You Go:‌ If you've got the time, head across the state line to nearby Aiken, South Carolina. It's another charming city with a lot of history.

The Augusta Riverwalk is a beautiful place for a stroll. The multi-level trail spans several blocks along the Savannah River. Several statues and fountains are along the path, and you'll also pass by some great shops and restaurants.

Phinzy Swamp Nature Park is a massive 1,100-acre nature preserve that provides ample opportunities for walking and bird-watching. The boardwalk trails here are beautiful, and it's a unique park to be right in a major urban area.

While James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," was actually born in South Carolina, he lived in Augusta for many years. You can see some of his famous attire and other memorabilia related to him at the Augusta Museum of History. Other exhibits focus on the history of golf, the city itself, and transportation.

Another spot to enjoy history in Augusta is the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson. The 28th president grew up here and his childhood home is now a museum that focuses on his life and achievements.

Augusta is right off I-20, making it quite easy to reach by car from just about anywhere in the state.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you love music history, Macon is the place for you.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ Macon is considered the cherry blossom capital of the world. Visit in March if you'd like to see all these pink trees in bloom.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ There's a public parking lot on Mulberry Street where you can park all day for a flat rate if you don't want to have to deal with feeding meters every few hours.

Macon has a bad reputation as a boring city, but there's so much to do here. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Site is one of the most historic places in Georgia. The mounds here were built by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago.

There's a lot of music history in Macon, and if you're a fan of classic rock, you will definitely want to stop by The Big House Museum. The Allman Brothers Band lived here for several years in the 1970s.

The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is the country's largest state sports museum. It's got over 43,000 square feet of exhibits about famous athletes from the Peach State.

My personal favorite spot in Macon is Reboot Retrocade and Bar. This place is so much fun! It's full of pinball machines and other vintage arcade games to enjoy while you imbibe.

Macon is smack-dab in the middle of the state. This is a mostly rural region, but I-16 will take you right to the city.

Looking for more unique getaways in Georgia that aren't quite as huge or nationally known, but still have plenty to explore? The following smaller towns can easily be enjoyed in just a day or two without missing out on much. Here are some of the best weekend getaways in Georgia:

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you love the Appalachian Mountains, Helen is one of the best Georgia getaways.
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ Fall is by far the busiest time of year here. The city holds a massive Oktoberfest that's one of the largest in the country.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ Helen can get a little crowded with tourists. Head to the nearby small town of Sautee Nacoochee if you have trouble getting into a restaurant in Helen without a lengthy wait.

Helen is an extremely small town of under 1,000 people, and the entire downtown area is designed to resemble a Bavarian village. There are loads of great shops here. I love checking out all the Black Forest cuckoo clocks at Lindenhaus Imports.

The Chattahoochee River flows right through downtown. If you visit during the summer, enjoying a tubing adventure is the best way to cool off. Check out Cool River Tubing for one- or two-hour trips down the river.

Looking to enjoy nature? Unicoi State Park is located in Helen and has some phenomenal trails to enjoy, plus amazing mountain views and opportunities for zip lining.

Several of the highways that lead into Helen can get pretty curvy at times, so be careful if you're prone to carsickness.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you're wanting to explore one of the best cities in southwest Georgia, Thomasville is the spot.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ The Rose Show and Festival has been occurring annually in April for over a century. It's a fun time to visit!
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ Keep your eyes peeled when you're walking through downtown. There are nearly 20 quail statues hidden around, and the Hunt the Lost Quail scavenger hunt is a great activity for the entire family.

Looking for somewhere a little quieter than our larger cities? Thomasville, a city of about 18,000, is a great option. It's nicknamed the City of Roses thanks to the beautiful Thomasville Rose Garden, home to over 1,500 rose blooms.

The downtown Thomasville area is quite easy to walk through, and you'll find tons of charming boutique shops there.

Visit Elisabeth Ireland Poe Park to see the Big Oak, one of the largest oak trees east of the Mississippi. This massive tree is 68 feet tall and was thought to have been planted around 1680.

Pebble Hill Plantation is a beautiful plantation that's been turned into a museum. The grounds and home itself are open for tours, and it's a stunning place for a visit.

Thomasville is tucked away in quiet southwest Georgia. It's not far from the Florida and Alabama state lines.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Fans of the University of Georgia Bulldogs will be delighted to see landmarks like Sanford Stadium and The Arch.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, come during December or the summertime when many of the students are gone for the year.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ Be careful when parking downtown. Many of the lots are reserved for students and faculty with parking passes, so keep an eye out for signage to avoid tickets.

Athens is most famous as the home of the University of Georgia. The campus sprawls through much of downtown and is full of historic buildings and gardens. North Campus is a particularly beautiful area that's great for strolling through. Most of the buildings are not open to the public, but you're free to walk around the grounds.

If you're a fan of the Dawgs, make sure to stop by Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. You can see cool artifacts like championship trophies and more.

The Georgia Museum of Art is located on campus. It's a huge free art museum that's got centuries of artwork from all over the globe.

Looking for some great breweries? Terrapin and Creature Comforts are both in Athens and frequently have fun events on the schedule. Just outside of town, you'll find Chateau Elan in nearby Braselton. This is one of the prettiest wineries in the state, and the property is also home to an on-site luxury hotel.

There are several highways leading into Athens. It's in the northeast region of the state and pretty easy to get around by car.

Are you a fan of outdoor adventure who's always looking to get out and explore new places? These quick Georgia getaways are just what you need for a good time, whether you're looking to check out mountains or waterfalls or just lounge on the shore.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ If you're a nature lover, this area of the state is absolutely magnificent. It's right in the heart of the North Georgia mountains.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ If you're looking to explore the hiking trails here, it might be best to avoid the dead of winter, as this part of Georgia does get some snow.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ This is a small town, but you can easily make a week-long trip of it. It's not far from both the magnificent Cloudland Canyon State Park and the Tennessee state line.

Flintstone has fewer than 5,000 residents, but it's got a lot of things to do in the surrounding area. Ruby Falls is right on the state line with Tennessee and it's one of the Southeast's most impressive natural wonders. This underground waterfall is 145 feet in height and lit up by a rainbow of colored lights.

Right atop Ruby Falls is Lookout Mountain, a 2,000-foot-high peak that overlooks Chattanooga. It's home to the world's largest incline railway, so you don't even have to drive or hike to enjoy the views. The mountain was the site of a famous Civil War battle and has several exhibits related to the Battle of Lookout Mountain.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in Flintstone, Georgia, I love this darling farmhouse Vrbo that's right on a working farm. It's the perfect place to kick back and relax while escaping your worries for a bit.

Flintstone is up at the very tip of Georgia, about 15 minutes south of Chattanooga and only 45 minutes or so east of Alabama. It's located just off Highway 193.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ This is one of the best Blue Ridge Mountain towns in Georgia, so if you're a fan of high peaks, it doesn't get any better than this.
  
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ Fall is the busiest time of year for this little tourist town, so it'll be tough to avoid crowds if you go then. However, the beautiful foliage makes it worth the lines. Christmas is also an especially magical time here.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ There are so many great outdoor activities here that it's easy to overlook anything indoors, but don't skip out on the Dahlonega Gold Museum. It's a fascinating look into the area's local history.

Dahlonega is famous for both its gold rush history and natural beauty. Head out for a hike and admire towering cascades like DeSoto Falls or the mighty Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall in the state.

Experience the gold mines firsthand with Consolidated Gold Mines, a tour company that will take you underground through a 40-minute tour of a real gold mine. Add on packages for gem mining and gold panning if you'd like to get the full experience.

This area is also well known for being a major producer of wines. There are several vineyards in Dahlonega that offer tours and tastings. One of the most popular is Wolf Mountain Vineyards, which has been recognized nationally for its wines.

Dahlonega is just off Highway 19. You'll want to be careful if you've got motion sickness, as it's right in the heart of the state's mountains.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Looking for a romantic weekend at the beach? The Golden Isles might be for you!
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ Obviously, many people think of island getaways in the summertime, but Georgia's climate is mild enough that you can visit the barrier islands during any season and have a great time.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ The Golden Isles are made up of Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. You'll have a different experience depending on where you visit, but they are all among the best weekend getaways in Georgia.

Brunswick is one of the most affordable getaways in Georgia. One of my favorite destinations here is Pinball Palace. It's home to more than 150 pinball machines and feels like a museum that you can play in! The area is also famous for numerous antique shops.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, St. Simons Island is a great option. Take a tour of the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, where you can climb the steps of the lighthouse and get a bird's eye view of the surrounding area. Fort Frederica National Monument is another must-visit attraction on St. Simons Island. The Spanish fought the British there, and the fort is now a museum and historic site that's open for tours.

Sea Island is a privately owned island, and if you're not a member, you won't be able to visit the exclusive resorts of The Lodge and The Cloister. The five-star resorts at Sea Island are amazing, with world-class dining, golf courses, and tons of outdoor activities.

Little St. Simons Island is far less developed than the other Golden Isles. This pristine paradise is incredibly private and only accessible via boat. A stay here is luxurious, with opportunities for kayaking, bird-watching, and more. Only 32 guests at a time are allowed at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island.

Jekyll Island is another great beach option for an affordable getaway in Georgia. You will definitely want to visit Driftwood Beach on the north end of the island. It's got absolutely beautiful bits of driftwood and has some of the most magnificent sunsets in the state.

The Golden Isles are located in a lengthy stretch along Georgia's coast. All of them are accessible by car except for Little St. Simons Island, which must be reached by private boat.

• ‌Perfect For:‌ Anyone looking for a small town feel in a larger city.
• ‌Best Time to Visit:‌ The Taste of Marietta food festival is held each spring and it's a great event for foodies.
  
• ‌If You Go:‌ If you'd like an easy way to check out some of the city's best attractions, Tours of Marietta offers a variety of fun walking tours, including spooky ghost tours, informative history tours, and delicious food tours.
  

Marietta is one of my favorite Atlanta suburbs. Located just north of Atlanta in Cobb County, this historic city has a small town vibe despite a bustling population of more than 60,000.

The Marietta Square area is one of the most charming districts in the entire state. You'll find tons of amazing restaurants and fun shops here, and there's often a festival or event going on.

Want to enjoy some history with a side of hiking? Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It's amazing to walk through this peaceful preserve now and think about what went down here. There are miles of trails at the site, plus a museum full of artifacts.

Speaking of Civil War history, the Gone With the Wind Museum in Marietta's Brumby Hall is a must-visit for lovers of the classic film or book. While the movie was not actually filmed in Georgia, Brumby Hall serves as a sort of stand-in for Tara, the majestic home that was the setting of the story's adventures.

Marietta is a mere 20 minutes north of Atlanta proper. It's a perfect stopping point if you're traveling up to Tennessee for a few days, as it's not far from Chattanooga. Marietta is located just off I-75.

As you can see, there are plenty of unique getaways in Georgia to cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape in the mountains or an affordable getaway in Georgia's best cities, there's truly something for everyone here. The Peach State offers such a rich diversity of experiences, and our natural beauty is surpassed only by our Southern hospitality and limitless attractions. Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road: it's time to check out the best weekend getaways in Georgia and make memories that will last a lifetime!