These 9 Spontaneous Day Trips Are Less Than 3 Hours From Atlanta
Sometimes you don't have an entire weekend to get away but adventure is calling your name. Perhaps you've already hit the iconic city of Helen in Georgia and you're searching for more hidden gems close to home.
Whatever the reason behind your need to day trip, there is plenty to see in just a few short hours of our capital. This guide will take you within and over state lines, to destinations you may have never heard of. Here are the 9 top day trips that are less than three hours away from Atlanta.
Pasaquan
Price: (suggested contribution) $10
Address: 238 Eddie Martin Rd, Buena Vista, GA 31803
Why you need to go: This eclectic folk art palace has a crazy history behind it. The creator was allegedly visited by humanoids from the future that told him to create Pasaquan. You'll be stunned by his end result.
Rock City & Ruby Falls
Price: $43.90
Address: 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Why you need to go: This price gets you into seeing the giant rock formations, exclusive gardens, a panoramic view where you can see seven states and an underground waterfall. You'll want to get started early because there's so much to see.
Callaway Gardens
Price: $24.95
Address: 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Why you need to go: This resort is a mecca of activities for everyone. You even visit the man-made beach on the property for a quarter of the cost of your everyday resort.
Georgia Guidestones
Price: Free!
Address: 1031 Guide Stones Road, Elberton, GA 30635
Why you need to go: No one knows who made these mysterious guidestones that are a guide to restarting civilization - perhaps after an apocalypse. There are some huge takeaways that you can apply to your own life, written in several different languages.
Monastery of the Holy Spirit
Price: Free!
Address: 2625 GA-212, Conyers, GA 30094
Why you need to go: Here you can meet monks and destroy any misconceptions you may have about their lifestyle. Once you're done expanding your mind, you can hike along Arabia Mountain, which is part of this site.
Chateau Elan
Price: $30
Address: 100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton, GA 30517
Why you need to go: After this tour and wine tasting, you'll never want to drink convenience store wine again (but you will). You get to sip some of the finest wine is the U.S. while exploring the beauty of North Georgia wine country.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Price: Bike rentals from $20, free for walkers
Address: Park at 115 Henderson Rd, Greenville, SC 29607
Why you need to go: This 22-mile walking and biking trail will lead you through the lush greenery of Greenville, South Carolina. After your ride, you can chow down at one of Greenville's 600 restaurants.
Southern Cross Guest Ranch
Price: Starts at $45
Address: 1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA 30650
Why you need to go: Not only will you get the chance to brush, feed and bond with your horse, you'll explore vast fields, trails and waterways all aboard your new four-legged friend.
Downtown Senoia
Price: Free to walk and explore
Address: 80 Main Street, Senoia, GA 30276
Why you need to go: This adorable small town may seem quaint, but it's actually where The Walking Dead was filmed. There are zombie tours, museums with tons of trinkets from the show, and residents with boatloads of stories about filming.
