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Looking for a fun-filled family weekend getaway from Atlanta that doesn’t require traveling too far from home
Atlanta is a great city to live in, but sometimes you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. If you’re looking for some ideas for fun weekend family getaways, look no further! We’ve put together a list of some great destinations that are just a short drive away from Atlanta. So pack up the car and get ready for some fun!
9. Savannah, Georgia
Nestled on the Georgia coast just two hours away from Atlanta, Savannah is a beautiful city rich in history and culture. With its antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets lined with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Savannah oozes Southern charm. Those looking for a simple and cheap family weekend getaway from Atlanta that doesn’t require much time on the road – Savannah is the perfect choice.
Families can explore the city by horse-drawn carriage, trolley or riverboat, tour historic homes like the Juliette Gordon Low House and the Mercer-Williams House, and visit the interactive exhibits at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Or take a leisurely stroll through one of Savannah’s 22 squares, stop for a picnic lunch, and let the kids run and play.
There are tons of kid-friendly attractions in Savannah, including the Historic Railroad Shops, where kids can take a train ride, and the Coastal Discovery Museum, where they can learn about the local ecosystem. And no visit to Savannah would be complete without a stop at River Street, where you can stroll along the waterfront, do some shopping, and enjoy some delicious seafood.
Just outside of Savannah is Tybee Island, where you can spend a day relaxing on the beach, fishing, kayaking, or bird watching. And don’t forget to sample the city’s famous sweet tea and Southern cuisine!
8. Charleston, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with a bit of everything, Charleston is your perfect destination. With its cobblestone streets, historic homes and quaint alleyways, Charleston oozes Southern charm.
The city is also home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters, as well as the oldest public market in the country. Families can take a carriage ride through the city, tour the Charleston Museum or go for a stroll on one of the city’s many scenic walking trails.
Kid-friendly Charleston attractions include the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, the Charleston Aquarium, and the Splash Zone Waterpark. And don’t forget to enjoy some of Charleston’s famous shrimp and grits!
And just outside of Charleston is Folly Beach, where you can enjoy a day of fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Bring along a blanket and some snacks for a picnic on the beach!
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is a charming city with a vibrant arts scene. The city is home to a variety of art galleries, museums, and theaters, as well as the world-renowned Biltmore Estate. Families can explore the 8,000-acre estate, take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or go hiking in one of the many nearby state parks.
In Asheville, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like zip-lining, rafting, and horseback riding. And don’t forget to sample the city’s locally-brewed beer and mouthwatering barbecue – Asheville is home to tons of delicious barbecue joints to try during your visit. Asheville is a great destination for foodies in the Southeast looking for a family weekend getaway from Atlanta.
Kids will have tons of fun in Asheville, too! They can explore the hands-on exhibits at the Colburn Earth Science Museum, go for a ride on the Asheville Railway, or take a tour of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. There’s also a variety of parks and playgrounds throughout the city where they can burn off some energy.
6. Nashville, Tennessee
Music City, USA, is the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway. In Nashville, you can tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, see a show at the Grand Ole Opry and visit the Johnny CashMuseum. Families can also take a scenic drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway, go hiking in Percy Warner Park, or explore the Nashville Zoo.
When most people think of Nashville, they might think of country music. But the city has so much more to offer! In Nashville, you can find a variety of live music venues, from country to rock to blues. You can also enjoy a variety of delicious restaurants, from upscale Southern cuisine to authentic barbecue joints.
And don’t forget – Nashville is also home to a variety of kid-friendly attractions, like the Adventure Science Center, the Nashville Children’s Museum, and the Lane Motor Museum.
And just outside of Nashville is Franklin, where you can tour the Historic Carnton Plantation or go shopping in the quaint downtown area.
5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s full of fun and adventure, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is home to a variety of attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Anakeesta.
Families can also take a scenic drive on the Newfound Gap Road, go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or explore the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Gatlinburg also has a variety of kid-friendly attractions, like the Gatlinburg Children’s Museum and the Candy Cabin.
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy some of Gatlinburg’s delicious food! The city is home to a variety of restaurants, from barbecue joints to upscale dining. You can also find a variety of shops and boutiques throughout Gatlinburg, where you can find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is a mountain town located just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town is home to a variety of attractions, including Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. Families can also take a scenic drive on the Parkway, go hiking in the national park, or explore one of the many nearby caverns.
Pigeon Forge is also home to a variety of kid-friendly attractions, like the WonderWorks indoor amusement park and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. In Pigeon Forge, you can also enjoy a variety of live shows, including country music, comedy, and magic.
And don’t forget to sample the town’s famous moonshine!
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a beach town located on the Atlantic Ocean. The town is home to a variety of attractions, including the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Virginia Aquarium and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Families can also take a scenic drive on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, go hiking in First Landing State Park or explore one of the many nearby beaches. Kids in Virginia Beach can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly attractions, like the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum and the Sandbox Children’s Museum.
In Virginia Beach, you can also find a variety of restaurants, from seafood joints to upscale dining. While you’re here, be sure to taste the city’s famous saltwater taffy!
2. Destin, Florida
Destin is a beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico, and is only a short drive from Pensacola. The town is home to a variety of attractions, including the Destin HarborWalk, the Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and the Henderson Beach State Park.
Families can also take a scenic drive on the Gulf Islands National Seashore, go hiking in the Eglin Air Force Base reservation or explore one of the many nearby islands. The town is home to a variety of attractions, including the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and the Destin History and Fishing Museum.
Our favorite things about Florida? The seafood! Destin is home to a variety of seafood restaurants, from casual joints to upscale dining. Don’t forget to try the city’s famous shrimp!
1. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway from Atlanta. The nation’s capital is home to a variety of attractions, including the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museum, and the U.S. Capitol Building.
Families can also take a scenic drive on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, go hiking in Rock Creek Park, or explore one of the many monuments and memorials. For those looking for a historical family trip experience, the city also offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions, like the International Spy Museum and the Newseum.
D.C. is also home to a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining. While you’re here, be sure to try one of the delicious half-smokes and sample the famous crab cakes!
So there you have it, a few of our favorite destinations for a family weekend getaway from Atlanta! The Southeast has so much to offer – whether you’re looking for a beach town, a mountain town, or a city full of attractions, there’s sure to be a destination that’s perfect for your family. We hope you’ll take the time to explore some of these amazing destinations. So get out there and explore!
