Next time you're getting stir crazy in ATL, check out this list and start planning your next day trip out of the city!
Take a stroll through the Rock City Gardens
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
Georgia is a beautiful spot, that's for sure. But sometimes you want to forget where you are and immerse yourself in a place that feels totally different. A trip to Rock City Gardens will make you feel like you're in a beautiful wonderland with its amazing rock formations.
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Go kayaking down the Chattooga River
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The adrenaline you feel while kayaking down the Chattooga River will hit you 10x harder than the stress of adulthood, but it's definitely way more exciting. If water isn't your thing, there's also plenty of hiking trails nearby to check out.
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Check out the incredible views of Stone Mountain Park
Time from Atlanta: 30 minutes
When the craziness of the city gets to be too much, sometimes you just need to get outside and realign with nature. Stone Mountain Park is just a short 30-minute drive from Atlanta, but it boasts some of the most beautiful views you'll find anywhere in the state.
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Take a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Time from Atlanta:1 hour and 30 minutes
Exploring by foot can be fun, but if we're being realistic, you'll see a lot more if you travel by train. Hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to get your fill of beautiful views for the day - be sure to bring along your camera so you can capture your most memorable moments.
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Live out your mermaid dreams at Toccoa Falls
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 40 minutes
If you think back to your childhood, there was probably at least one point in time when you dreamed of being a mermaid. Now that you're an adult and have all sorts of responsibilities, you probably still wish the same thing from time to time. If you want to live out those dreams, make the drive to Toccoa Falls and spend the day splashing about in the stunning waterfall.
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Admire the amazing Georgia Guidestones
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
If you're like me,you're probably too broke to plan a trip to Europe to see Stonehenge anytime soon. Luckily, the Georgia Guidestones exist, and they're often referred to as "America's Stonehenge." To this day, no one knows who created the massive landmark, or the "commandments" that have been carved into them in several languages.
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Spend the whole day in your swimsuit on Lake Lanier
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour
The Georgia heat can get to be way too much sometimes,and if you can't avoid it, the best thing to do is enjoy it. Throw on your swimsuit and head out to Lake Lanier for a day of fun in the sun on a boat or in the water.
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Head down into the depths of the Consolidated Gold Mine
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Gold mining is a major part of Georgia history, and if you want to see what all the excitement was about firsthand, we advise you to head down to the Consolidated Gold Mine. You can explore the many tunnels and spend some time panning for gold - who knows, you may strike it rich.
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Go for a float down the river in Helen
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 40 minutes
What better way to kick a day off than with a float down the river? Pack your swimsuit, plenty of SPF, your favorite floatie, and snacks, of course, and set off for a day of fun in the sun.
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Pick some delicious fruit in the Mercier Orchard
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This family-owned farm has been in operation for over 70 years and is home to some of the most delicious and ripe fruit that you'll get your hands on in Georgia. Make the trip out and spend the day picking fruit, sampling apple cider, and purchasing delicious baked goods. You'll leave full and happy.
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Visit High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Whether you're looking to just admire some beauty,or go all in and take a dip under the water, High Shoals Falls is a great spot. This massive waterfall will make you feel small and insignificant in the best way possible, and really remind you just how lucky you are to exist in such a stunning world.
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Climb to the top of Brasstown Bald
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, so if you can make it to the top, you'll literally feel on top of the world. The views you'll take in are worth the huffing and puffing you'll do as you climb—trust us.
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Grab a bite to eat in Birmingham
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 10 minutes
If anyone knows how to make incredible food, it's Southerners - and Birmingham, Alabama, is no exception. No matter if you're looking to chow down on some BBQ, seafood, or a sweet treat, this city has got it all and then some!
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Go camping in Chattahoochee National Forest
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
If you want to be totally immersed in the beauty of nature,plan a camping trip out to Chattahoochee National Forest. All sorts of natural wonders are at your fingertips, and you can explore them while hiking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, or rock collecting.
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Explore the beautiful Callaway Gardens
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 20 minutes
No matter if you're looking for a walk through the park, or a day on the water, Callaway Gardens has it all. You can explore the beautiful Azalea Garden, spend some time in the butterfly center, or go for a swim in the cool, refreshing water.
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Conquer the stairs at the Etowah Indian Mounds
Time from Atlanta: 50 minutes
If you're looking to switch up your regular workout routine from the Stairmaster at the gym, you could always try conquering the stairs at the Etowah Indian Mounds. The mound pictured above is actually taller than a six-storey building—talk about a killer leg day!
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Pay a visit to the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 50 minutes
The U.S. military has always played an important role in our country's history. This spot, in particular, played a very important role in the Civil War and was once a battleground. Knowledgeable rangers give tours of the area, filling you in on everything you wanted to know.
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Take a hike through Providence Canyon State Park
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Whether hiking is your life, or you can barely make it up the stairs without running out of breath, we highly recommend you take the trip to Providence Canyon. There are trails for hikers of all levels, and there's an abundance of beauty to be admired.
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Take a walk around the gorgeous Anna Ruby Falls
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
There's definitely no shortage of waterfalls in Georgia, and there's no time like the present to explore them. You'll have to go on a bit of a hike to get to the falls, but the beauty of the rushing water will be worth it, for sure.
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Catch a concert in Athens
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Athens is not only home to the University of Georgia,it's also known for its thriving indie music scene. While in the city, be sure to keep an eye out for any artists performing — you may just find a new favorite.
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Take your dog out to Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 10 minutes
You and your dog may be best friends, but it's likely that he wants to interact with some other animals as well. Piedmont National Wildlife is a great spot to go to see wildlife such as beavers, wood ducks, white-tailed deer, and woodpeckers.
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Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Personally,gold is something that I spend a lot of time thinking about, and I'm sure it's the same for some of you. If you've ever wondered what life was like during the Gold Rush, a trip to the Dahlonega Gold Museum may give you a good idea — you can also try your hand at panning for gold and see just how lucky you are.
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Spend a day exploring the small town of Mableton
If you don't have a ton of time for a long day trip,but still want to get out of Atlanta for the day, we recommend a trip to Mableton. This small town of 20,000 is located just 20 minutes outside the city and is home to a lot of great parks for picnicking and soaking up the sweet Georgia sunshine.
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Get a history lesson at Andersonville National Historic Site
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
The Andersonville National Historical Monument is a super important piece of U.S. history — it's the spot where more than 45,000 Union soldiers were held captive, 13,000 of whom died. There's plenty of knowledge to be acquired here, and it's a great place to pay your respects to those who fought in the Civil War.
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Venture through Amicalola Falls State Park
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Are you sick of waterfalls yet? We sure aren't. TLC may have told you not to chase them, but if you ask us, they're too pretty to ignore. Amicalola Falls State Park has a ton of things to check out, including camping accommodations, nature exhibits, and wildlife watching.
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Visit the Museum of Aviation
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Even if you've never wanted to be a pilot, you've definitely got to be curious about how airplanes work. The Museum of Aviation is run by the military and has five venues with two main exhibition projects which include over 90 airplanes for you to check out.
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Visit the tiny mountain town of Summerville
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Hidden away in the Georgia mountains is the little town of Summerville.This spot is an interesting one for sure, with plenty of unique buildings, restaurants, and street art to be admired. They also have the beautiful Paradise Garden, which is definitely worth looking at.
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Check out the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours
Anyone who knows me knows that I'll never pass up the chance to see some animals. If you're the same way and are in the mood to get up close and personal with some crazy sea life, make the trip to the Tennesee Aquarium. It's home to hundreds of unique creatures that will have you mesmerized all day long.
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Explore the heart of Georgia in Macon
Time from Atlanta: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Macon has been described as "the heart of Georgia," and it's a particularly great spot to visit if you love music and culture. Macon is home to the Hay House and the Grand Opera House, as well as other amazing museums, restaurants, and shopping experiences.
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Stroll the Augusta Riverwalk at dusk
Time from Atlanta: 2 hours and 30 minutes
The Augusta Riverwalk is easily the best way to take in the city, but it's also a very romantic spot — perfect for a first date. Pop in and out of local restaurants and shops, and pause to admire the beautiful Savannah River as you watch the sunset.
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