day trips from lagrange ga

Day trips from LaGrange

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga

The Varsity

Georgia Aquarium

Piedmont Park

World of Coca-Cola

Athens (Georgia)

Georgia Museum of Art

Columbus (Georgia)

Troy (Alabama)

Auburn (Alabama)

Birmingham (Alabama)

Talladega Superspeedway

Decatur (Alabama)

State park day trips from LaGrange

Hiwassee State Scenic River

Red Top Mountain State Park Visitor Center

George Washington Carver Park

Chattahoochee National Forest

Amicalola Falls State Park

Blackburn State Park Lake

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Lake Russell State Wildlife Management Area

Stone Mountain Park

Fort Yargo State Park

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

Victoria Bryant State Park

Richard B Russell State Park Campground

Elijah Clark State Park

Mistletoe State Park

Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge

Andersonville National Historic Site

Reed Bingham State Park

Providence Canyon State Park

George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge

Fish & Wildlife Service

Falling Waters State Park Campground

Blue Springs State Park

Weogufka State Forest

Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge

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LaGrange, Georgia is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 33° 2' 10" N  /  85° 1' 55" W

The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Georgia

Marisa Roman

A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.

More by this Author

Life is always busy, but hopefully, from time to time, you are able to plan some fun things to do in order to explore the great state of Georgia. Between waterfall hikes, swimming holes, and farmers markets, Georgia is always chock-full of fun things to do during the summer, or any other season, with the entire family. So, the next time you’re wondering to yourself, “Where are some of the best day trips near me?” we have 11 of the best day trips in Georgia listed below. You’ll want to experience each of them.

1. The Rock Ranch

2. Red Clay Resort

3. Gibbs Gardens

4. Magnolia Springs State Park

5. Panther Creek Falls

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6. the georgia ice cream trail.

7. Tybee Island Beach

8. Lake Lanier

9. The East Palisades Hiking Trail

10. Zipline Canopy Tours

11. Abernathy Greenway Park

How about that for one heck of an itinerary? Have you ever experienced any of these fun day trips in Georgia? If so, please feel free to share your experience(s) with us in the comments below. Can you think of any other day trips in Georgia that are worth experiencing? If so, please feel free to share those with us as well. No matter where the road takes you, make sure you’re well-fueled for adventure. To help you do just so, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of road trip snacks .

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during a weekend in Georgia this summer, especially something on the romantic side, then check out this romantic waterside cottage .

The Romantic Waterside Cottage In Georgia That’s Just What You Need For A Weekend Away

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What is there to do in georgia.

Where are a couple of places to visit with kids on a rainy day in Atlanta, Georgia?

Places to visit with kids on a rainy day in Atlanta, Georgia:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Ready Set FUN!

What fun things are there to do with kids in Georgia? Fun things to do with kids in Georgia:

• Visit the Georgia Aquarium
• Hike through Rock City
• Camp at Stone Mountain

What do you do with kids in Georgia without spending money?

Things to do with kids in Georgia without spending money:

• Go on a kid-friendly hike
• Discover hidden waterfalls
• Explore Georgia's underrated state parks

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Top 15 road trips from LaGrange (Georgia)

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Georgia (GA) » 15 Best Things to Do in LaGrange (GA)

15 Best Things to Do in LaGrange (GA)

The city of LaGrange is located in Troup County, southwest of Atlanta, and just a short distance from the state border with Alabama.

The city is named after a country estate outside of Paris, France. It was incorporated in 1828, making it one of the region’s earliest European-American settlements.

LaGrange quickly became wealthy off the back of cotton production, and suffered less damage than elsewhere during the American Civil War, with various historic sites to explore as a result.

Thanks to the donations of the Callaway family, the city has a number of attractions more normally associated with cities of much larger size.

Here are the 15 best things to do in and around LaGrange, Georgia.

1. Legacy Museum on Main

The Legacy Museum right at the heart of downtown LaGrange is a museum space based around the archives of Troup County.

Its rotating gallery of temporary exhibitions includes displays from its own extensive collection of paperwork as well as visiting exhibitions from national museums.

These exhibitions span the full spectrum of LaGrange’s past, beginning with the settlement of the area by European-Americans after the removal of the Creek Indians, and extending as far as the modern developments of the streets that lie around it.

The museum also contains a bale of Troup County cotton from the 1870s, recognized as the oldest anywhere in the United States.

2. LaGrange Art Museum

LaGrange Art Museum is located within a late Victorian jailhouse which demonstrates all the unnecessary architectural detail of the period.

Its grounds contain a sculpture garden, while inside there are four galleries. These hold a small but important collection of around 500 contemporary American artworks.

Internationally-important artists such as Andy Warhol share the wall space with Georgia artists including Lamar Dodd and Mildred Thompson.

The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, making it an unmissable stopping point for anyone interest in the contemporary art scene.

3. West Point Lake

We turn from artistic beauty to its natural cousin, in this case West Point Lake, located less than 13 km west of LaGrange.

Actually a man-made reservoir created by the damming of the Chattahoochee River, the lake has almost 1,000 km of attractive shoreline to choose between.

A wildlife management area, and two regions of wetland, Dixie Creek and Glover’s Creek, provide important habitats for a variety of species. These include the endangered Bald Eagle.

The lake is a popular spot for anglers to drop a line, with fish such as the bluestripe shiner common. But be warned, alligators have been spotted doing a little fishing here too.

4. Biblical History Center

Sometimes still referred to by its former name, the Explorations in Antiquity Center, the Biblical History Center aims to bring alive the period around the birth of Christ.

It does this through archaeological finds and historical reconstructions. The center’s time tunnel takes visitors back to the period when the worship of pagan gods still took place in the area of modern-day Israel for instance.

Visitors will discover how everyday people lived their lives roughly 2,000 years ago, and as a result how Christ was likely to have lived his own.

Exhibits include the goat hair tents traditionally used by shepherds in the region, the grape presses used to create wine, and recreations of some of the common foods of the period.

5. Bellevue Mansion

This antebellum (pre-Civil War) home is one of the best examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in Georgia. It is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

Impressive Ionic columns rise two storeys in front of the exterior verandas. The interior is rich in grand wood carvings, plaster moldings on the ceilings, and marble fireplaces shipped from Italy.

Its rooms are furnished in the style of its 1850s heyday, which include a half-tester canopied bed in the upstairs bedroom.

A number of family mementos decorating the period pieces of hardwood furniture create an authentic period atmosphere.

6. Piedmont Mountains

Translating from the French as ‘foothills’, this description does the Piedmont Mountains a disservice.

This range of mountains sweeps from Alabama across to the southern reaches of New York State. The range is typified by mountains dotted around LaGrange including Sweat, Alcovy, and Stone Mountain, which is approximately 1.5 hours from LaGrange.

An isolated monadnock of quartz, Stone Mountain has an unusual globular appearance, and comes close to being the highest point in the greater Atlanta region.

However, the mountain is probably best known as the location of the world’s largest bas-relief carving, which portrays (somewhat controversially) three Confederate generals at what was once a memorial to southern troops.

7. Hills and Dales Estate

One of the most impressive structures in LaGrange, this estate was the home of the Callaway family, who made their money from the region’s textile industry.

Comparable in look to the palace of a small European noble family, the house is surrounded by perfectly-manicured gardens first laid out by Sarah Ferrell in the late 1800s. They are some of the best preserved in the United States.

Stepping across the threshold, visitors are able to explore all three floors of the Italianate villa finished in 1916. Tours include a 15-minute film describing some of the history of the estate and its owners.

8. Lamar Dodd Art Center

LaGrange’s second art gallery, this center of art is named after local artist Lamar Dodd. Located on the campus of LaGrange College, the centre boasts a constantly changing display of artworks across its 3,000 square metre three-story building.

A stylish space with a sweeping staircase and rooms bathed in natural light from the large number of double-height windows, the center hosts a variety of artistic forms.

Sculptures are cleverly placed to offer the maximum impact, while wall-based art ranges from pencil drawings and paper cut outs to color photography.

9. Callaway Memorial Tower

It’s difficult to escape the name of Callaway in LaGrange, because the family has done so much for the city they called their home.

Based on the design of the famous campanile that rises above the delights of St Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, this tower was built in 1929.

It commemorates the founder of the dynasty, Fuller E Callaway, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that make it a fitting place to visit at pretty much any time of year.

Uninterrupted views of the tower from all sides also makes it a popular subject for both amateur and professional photographers.

10. LaGrange College

No ordinary school, LaGrange College not only has the Lamar Dodd Art Center but also a wider range of attractions worth exploring in its 50-hectare campus grounds.

Founded just three years after the city itself, it is the oldest private college in Georgia (though welcoming of visitors) and nationally recognized for the quality of its graduates.

Smith Hall is one of the campus’ oldest structures, while the chapel incorporates stones from the ancient Greek temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, and from Saint George’s Chapel in Britain’s Windsor Castle.

The chapel has some fine examples of modern stained-glass windows as well.

11. Former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant

Few drinks companies can have a bottling plant as beautiful or as architecturally important as this one on Broad Street.

Created in Atlanta in 1886 by John Pemberton, the world’s favorite commercially-produced drink was already expanding its reach by the early 1900s.

In the 1930s it was so big in LaGrange that a local bottling plant was needed, and in 1940 a ‘streamline moderne’ art deco building with curving windows and brickwork was created.

The Coca-Cola logo can still be seen chiseled above the main entrance out of pale stone, below a carved contour bottle inside a scallop shell.

12. Cecil B Day Butterfly Center

This butterfly center is made up of a large greenhouse located within Callaway Gardens, in the town of Pine Mountain, roughly 30 km southeast of LaGrange.

The largest glass tropical conservancy in North America, the center has over one thousand free-flying butterflies fluttering between the verdant leaves of its plants.

Made up of more than 50 species of this beautiful insect, the collection also contains a screening room with the award-winning documentary Wings of Wonder on a loop.

Elsewhere in the gardens, visitors are able to tackle a 16 km bicycle trail, or settle on the white sands of Robin Lake Beach, the largest artificial beach in the world.

13. Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

Back in the town of Pine Mountain, those taking a day trip to the Cecil B Day Butterfly Center should also consider reserving time for the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center.

Named after one of the co-founders of these gardens, the center lies on the banks of Mountain Creek Lake and is surrounded by mature tree cover.

There’s an information point which describes the creation of the gardens and highlights some of its most important parts.

These include a cinema space showing a film detailing the purpose of the gardens, a wildlife-friendly green space, and a small amphitheater that hosts regular bird of prey shows.

14. Stonewall Confederate Cemetery

In many ways the American Civil War has left scars that are yet to fully heal. These scars are particularly difficult for the southern states that broke from the Union to form the Confederacy and ultimately lost the war.

It makes sites such as the Stonewall Confederate Cemetery all the more important for acknowledging the sacrifice of soldiers fighting for their way of life even if their ethics don’t match today’s ideals.

The cemetery contains the remains of around 300 Confederate troops, most of whom died from either disease or wounds in the city’s hospitals. Their final resting places are marked by simple headstones similar to the one placed at the head of President Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

15 Best Things to Do in LaGrange (GA):

• Legacy Museum on Main
• LaGrange Art Museum
• West Point Lake
• Biblical History Center
• Bellevue Mansion
• Piedmont Mountains
• Hills and Dales Estate
• Lamar Dodd Art Center
• Callaway Memorial Tower
• LaGrange College
• Former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant
• Cecil B Day Butterfly Center
• Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center
• Stonewall Confederate Cemetery

The Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in LaGrange, Georgia

LaGrange checks all the boxes for an addition to your road trip adventure. It’s got plenty of good food, art and culture, and a community that will welcome you with open arms.

Home to one of Georgia’s largest lakes, LaGrange also puts nature and animals in the forefront. Don’t miss out on the Wild Animal Safari or the many trails in the city!

LaGrange is a city in Georgia, only an hour away from Atlanta and less than an hour from Colombus, Georgia. The city is named after General Marquis de Lafayette after he visited the region. 

You can see the touch of French influence in the city’s culture and architecture. Not to mention LaFayette’s statue in LaFayette Square. There are a lot of stories packed in this town, all are interesting and worth exploring.

Aside from its history, the arts and music scene are also thriving. Spend some time downtown and enjoy what LaGrange has to offer!

Keep your getaway jam-packed with these 15 things to do in LaGrange, Georgia!

Hills and Dales Estate

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The 13,000 square foot Callaway home is one of the must-see destinations here in LaGrange. Its 19th-century garden is the star of the property, with a well-tended grounds and flora that’s blooming year-round.

The house is also a historical treasure, having been built in 1916. There’s a lot of stories within the walls, so get yourself a guided or self-guided tour of its halls.

A complete house tour takes about two hours, where you’ll get to learn more about the Callaway legacy and roam around the grounds.

The LaGrange community has always had a religious history, so it comes as no surprise that they have the Biblical History Center .

Formerly known as the Explorations in Antiquity, the center takes you back in time to experience the ancient biblical world’s daily life.

You can learn more about people’s practices back then, look at artifacts and archeological replicas, and dive deep into what they used to eat.

A lot of thought and passion for the ancient world can be seen here with their 23 life-size replicas of different worship houses to a 15-item meal straight from the past.

It’s an enjoyable visit, even if you’re not passionate about religion.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try this indoor waterpark in the city!

Great Wolf Lodge is one of the largest in North America and has so many exciting activities for everybody. The waterpark itself is already amazing, with pools and slides remaining warm all year, so you can enjoy a nice swim even during winter!

Of course, there’s slides, water treehouses, wave pools, and more. As well as child-friendly options if you’re bringing the little ones along. Besides the water activities, you can also find a ropes course, mini-golf, bowling, MagiQuest, and an arcade.

You can stay at the resort here for the full experience. Make sure to read all about the resort’s health and safety precautions before checking in. For families, it’s one of the best things to do in LaGrange, Georgia.

The LaGrange Art Museum , a jail-turned-museum is not only famous here in LaGrange but in all of Georgia. This museum was founded by locals with works by local artists, focusing on visual arts.

With three floors to explore, they have a steady stream of revolving and traveling exhibitions. You can check out their current local artists’ exhibition from an artist collective, Visual Artists Alliance of LaGrange.

LaGrange is home to one of Georgia’s largest lakes, West Point Lake, with surrounding forests and a 525-mile shoreline.

This lake is known for its impressive shoreline, giving you many opportunities to fish, camp, and boat. It has a healthy largemouth bass population, making it popular with those who like to fish.

Try your hand at it, and you might bring something for dinner!

There’s also a lot of parks, campgrounds, and resorts in the area. You can do a picnic, go on trails, or just relax. The sunset over the lake is just excellent and made for the ‘gram!

The Bellevue Mansion is one of the city’s historic homes and is a National Historic Landmark.

The two-story house is best praised for its Greek Revival architecture and has entertained many notable people in its time. It’s now owned and used by the LaGrange Woman’s Club. They offer public tours of the estate. 

There’s a diverse collection of animals here in Wild Animal Safari that you can see up close with their drive-thru park.

Having about 75 species and more than 400 animals, you can rent their zebra van or use your own car to drive through the park’s 3.5-mile driving area. You can even feed the animals from your hands with grass pellets. There are giraffes, zebras, and camels running wild and free in this safari.

After your drive, you can opt for a guided or self-guided tour around the park to see more of their animals. Definitely one of the best things to do in LaGrange, Georgia.

This historical monument is a landmark for the city and a place to wind down.

The tower is dedicated to Fuller E. Callaway, a massive influence on the textile industry of LaGrange.

There’s a gorgeous and enormous lawn surrounding the memorial, and many come here for picnics and outdoor recreation. If you’re with the family, it’s the perfect place for flying kites, playing sports, or just taking a few pictures.

The tower is based on the Campanile of St. Mark’s Square in Italy.

If your idea of outdoor adventure is more about the mountains and the forests, there are several trails near West Point Lake.

The Lakeside Trails ranges from hiking, mountain biking, and walking trails in its eleven-mile loop. In between, there are rest stops and viewing points.

The trails here are designed for more intermediate visitors and can become tricky the farther out you venture. 

A museum that focuses on the history of West Georgia and how it is today, the Legacy Museum on Main is more about history, heritage, and unique artifacts. Their rotating gallery houses archive collections and traveling exhibits. They also have rare items like the world’s oldest cotton bale first displayed in the 1904 World’s Fair.

You’ll definitely find something that’ll catch your eye in this collection from the past. 

A ten-acre farm with 200-year-old pecan trees is only the start of what Nutwood Winery has to offer. Their signature wines are made from the best ingredients paired with their diverse menu. You could try any of their wines with homemade bread, cheeses, and desserts.

Another unique feature of the winery is their 6,000 sq ft tasting room with an indoor and outdoor seating area.

Have a glass of wine, taste the food, and enjoy friends or family time here in Nutwood Winery.

The community is never more alive than in downtown LaGrange. Even more so here in LaFayette Square. It’s the center of the city, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores all located beside each other.

The square functions like a park where locals and tourists can relax, walk around, and take a breather. The square’s center features a fountain where a statue of War hero, Marquis de LaFayette, who the city is named after.

The figure is a copy of the one on Auvergne, France.

One of the highlights of LaFayette Square is its antique stores, especially Marketplace at LaFayette Square . It’s a two-floor building filled with antique goodies and vintage treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

The shop has about 11,000 square feet of booths; it’d take you all day just to shop! Their items range from the very old like 1700 and 1800 memorabilia to newer knickknacks. One of the best things to do in LaGrange, Georgia.

Beacon Brewing Co is one of the newer breweries in the community, having started recently in 2018. It sits on LaGrange’s hillside area, the owners trying to revive the mill villages’ lively energy.

The brewery likes to create experimental beers, trying to make something completely brand new. Their craft derives from Belgian and Bavarian beers but is distinct in itself in a way that you won’t expect.

A little something for beginners who still want to be out in nature, the Callaway Resort and Gardens is what they call an “authentic outdoor escape.” It’s only a 30-minute drive from LaGrange but is a worthy destination.

Their gardens are filled with wildlife from various birds, butterflies, to different flowers in bloom in different seasons. The gardens date back from the 1950s and is an impressive 2,500 acre of land. It includes a resort, spa, golf course, and Robin Lake Beach.

There’s also the nearby Pine Mountains for trails, nature walks, or even their TreeTop Adventure.

There are a lot of options here, located south of LaGrange in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

There are many dining choices here in the city, but you truly can’t miss Charlie Joseph’s hotdogs located downtown. It’s dated back to 1920 and contains an impressive collection of Coca-Cola mementos.

Other restaurants you can try are Mare Sol , Country’s Barbecue , and A Taste of Lemon.

Some of your choices to stay can be the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, the Great Wolf Lodge’s resort, or Courtyard Marriott located downtown.

If you’re into nature, you can camp at the many campgrounds near West Point Lake.

Pine Mountain is a popular day trip destination from LaGrange. It’s got many attractions, and the Pine Mountain woods attracts many for an escapade in nature.

The Chattahoochee River is also near West Point Lake, running along the Alabama-Georgia state line, so you can easily extend your water adventures there.

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20 Best & Unique Things To Do in LaGrange, Georgia

Are you looking for your next fun vacation destination in Georgia? This small, charming Southern U.S. city will etch wonderful memories in your heart. Fun activities await you with the best things to do in LaGrange, GA.

LaGrange is a city in Georgia that is packed with pleasurable water fun, outdoor recreation, cultural fares, and indoor adventures. 

Located an hour from Atlanta in the foothills of Georgia Piedmont, the city was named after Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who visited the city in 1828. 

This small town is blessed with a rich history, lush greenery, and vibrant culture. Some fantastic museums and water parks can keep you busy all day long. 

This article covers key information for your trip to LaGrange GA, including transportation options, a list of year-round activities and accommodations, and tips to make your solo or family vacation in the US enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Weather in LaGrange, GA

Weather conditions in this part of Georgia are characterized by oppressive and hot summers, whereas the winters are very short and not too cold. 

In summer, the temperatures can go as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°Celsius). However, the winter season temperature rarely goes below 34°F (1°C). 

The weather reports show that the best time to visit LaGrange, GA is between September and October, when the temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold.

Things To Do in LaGrange, GA – Activities

1. skating at southbend park.

Located just beside Lafayette Square, Southbend Park is an amazing place to skate amid scenic views. While the park recently opened in 2019, it has since become one of the most visited tourist places in the city. 

The skating rink and park receive some really good reviews from skaters online. It provides an ideal outdoor adventure setting for any skateboarder, BMX biker, scooter rider, and in-line skater. 

2. The Fields Golf Club

The Fields of Golf Club has an 18-hole links-style golf course surrounded by astonishing landscapes. It is the perfect place for someone who wants to enjoy the fresh air and play golf amid breathtaking natural beauty. Some instructors provide golf lessons to both adults and juniors if you are a rookie at the game. 

In addition, there is a golf club-operated store where you can buy caps, shirts, mugs, and many other sports-related items. 

If you seek to play in a variety of golf courses as you travel across the USA , check out these other outstanding destinations for golf enthusiasts and women golfers . 

3. Music and Sports at Sweetland Amphitheater

Sweetland Amphitheater is a great place to spend a day enjoying musical concerts and dramas. The outdoor venue has space for 2,500 attendees at a time. It also offers a wide variety of foods and drinks. 

The best part is to experience your favorite artist perform while eating delicious local cuisine under a mesmerizing sunset. This place is one of the best entertainment spots in the entire state of Georgia.

4. Watersports at West Point Lake

West Point Lake is an artificial lake surrounded by the rolling fields and deep forest of LaGrange. It is under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers. 

The lake has a 525-mile (845 kilometers) shoreline that provides a wide variety of tourist activities, such as boating, camping, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, hiking, etc. 

Moreover, there is also a public hunting area nearby if you are an expert hunter.

5. Fun at Water Wiz

Water Wiz, an indoor water park, is a perfect place for water entertainment if you are traveling with kids. It has great pools and water slides for adults and kids and provides bookings for private picnics and parties. 

If you want to enjoy food while swimming, there is a snack bar with delicious hotdogs, nachos with cheese, and more good stuff. 

Keep in mind the place is kid-friendly, so no alcohol is allowed.

6. Lamar Dodd Art Center

Lamar Dodd Art Center was named after a famous local artist Lamar Dodd. It is located at LaGrange College . Lamar was a bright student of arts in this college. The center has three floors spread over 0.3 hectares (32,292 square feet). 

The artworks displayed are changed after the new batch arrives. You can experience different art styles, including pencil drawings, colored photographs, and paper cutouts. 

7. Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to enjoy time with your family. It is one of North America’s largest indoor water park resorts and one of Georgia’s top attractions for kids. 

From little ones to adults, the park has something for everyone. There are many different water slides, wave pools, toddler-friendly pools, water treehouses, etc. There are so many activities for kids to do and enjoy. You can even find indoor games such as mini-golf, MagiQuest, bowling, and arcade games. 

As a luxury resort, there are some great accommodation options. You can book luxurious rooms with amenities such as a mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, balconies with amazing views, and chill-out areas. 

Things To Do in LaGrange, GA – Sights

8. troup county archives and legacy museum.

If you want to know about the history of LaGrange, Troup County Archives is the best place to visit. The archives here include materials about the history of Georgia, Troup County, and the rest of the southeast. 

On the other hand, the Legacy Museum features the history of West Georgia. This museum is also operated by Troup County but has different exhibits. The place is closed on Sundays and opens from 9 am to 5 pm on the weekdays.

9. Hogg Mine

Hogg Mine is the perfect place for you if you want some real adventure and exploration. It provides visitors an opportunity to find unusual jewels from the mine. There are plenty of things to find, such as rose quartz, green beryl, clear quartz, aquamarine, black tourmaline, and kaolin clay. 

Make sure to bring a bucket, shovel, and a pair of gloves to be equipped well for the digging.

10. Callaway Memorial Tower

This amazing memorial tower is situated near Troup County archives and the legacy museum. It is a monument dedicated to Fuller E. Callaway, a great textile mogul who transformed Georgia by constructing and operating textile mills. 

Built in 1929 and patterned after the tower in Venice’s St. Mark Square, the memorial tower has become a great spot for picture-taking to preserve memories of your LaGrange trip.

11. LaGrange Art Museum

Another place that art lovers should not miss is the LaGrange Art Museum. The museum is a non-profit with artwork displayed by local and international artists. 

There is also a sculpture garden on the grounds, where you can find 500 American sculpture pieces, including masterpieces by Mildred Thompson and Lamar Dodd. 

12. Bellevue Mansion

The historic Bellevue mansion house was the home of US Senator Benjamin Harvey, who designed it for his wife in 1855. Here, you can marvel at the house’s Greek Revival-style architecture. The National Park Service has now registered it as a National Historic Landmark. 

When you visit this place, do not forget to ask them about the hidden stairway. It is surely a unique experience. 

13. Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is a famous tourist spot located in the downtown area. It features a lovely fountain with a statue of Marquis de Lafayette, a French royalty, military officer, and war hero. His statue was built in 1976 to honor the Marquis, who helped launch the 1789 French Revolution. 

The square has become popular for its lovely scenery and fresh air.

14. Hills and Dales Estate

The Hills and Dales Estate, an important part of the city’s heritage, is sprawled in a 13,000-sq ft (0.12 ha) property with amazing gardens, beautiful terraces, and well-trodden paths. 

It is remarkably well-maintained as all the décor gleams as if the estate was constructed only a few months ago instead of in 1916. 

We advise you to take a tour guide to explore this house with detailed information on its history.

15. Biblical History Center

The Biblical History Center is another great historic place with exhibitions, objects, and artifacts from the ancient world. In addition, this cultural museum provides a unique experience to its visitors by taking them through biblical history. 

This biblical artifact gallery is unique, being one of seven such galleries in the entire world. Here, you can also find a replica garden with tombs, a tent made with goat’s hair, and a Roman step theater. 

16. LaGrange College

LaGrange College is not only an institute but a home to many historic monuments and structures. Established in 1831, the college boasts of historical architecture with a touch of modernism, making this place a must-visit. 

Recently, the college has completed a 40,000-sq ft (3,716 sq m) science lab building, which you can also check out on your visit.

Things To Do in LaGrange, GA – Food, Drinks, and Nightlife

17. nutwood winery.

Nutwood Winery is located in the rolling hills of LaGrange. It is built over a 4 ha (40,469 sq m) property, surrounded by pecan trees. Before buying anything from this place, head to the tasting room, where you can sample a great variety of wines. 

18. Taste of Lemon

Taste of Lemon is undoubtedly the best place to try local food. The restaurant has an old and rustic exterior similar to a church. 

It serves some divine fried steak, mouth-watering seed chicken, fresh vegetable sides, and delectable salmon croquettes. 

The specialties of this place are its Mac n Cheese and Pineapple Casserole.

19. Mare Sol

Mare Sol, a restaurant in the downtown area, serves great Mediterranean cuisine amid modern interiors. Moreover, the place offers more than 15 different crafted beers, with a special menu for vegans. 

The menu has great options; we highly recommend the shrimp and grits, Butterfinger cheesecake, and chicken hoagie.

20. Sound Factory Nightclub

The Sound Factory Nightclub is located just outside the town of Columbus, a 50-minute drive from LaGrange. The place has a reputation as a venue for adult drama-free parties (no drunken brawls or catfights, perhaps?). 

Moreover, this nightclub has a karaoke bar, darts, slots, and hookahs, making it a fun spot to keep you entertained.

How To Get to LaGrange, GA?

To get to LaGrange, you can choose to travel by bus or plane. Some buses leave directly to LaGrange from Atlanta, the nearest major city in Georgia. 

However, if you want to travel by air , you need to land at the Atlanta International Airport, the only major airport near LaGrange that can accommodate international flights from all over the world. 

Once you have reached Atlanta, take a bus from the nearest station to the airport. The bus trip lasts for around one hour and 15 minutes and costs $32 to $42 per person. The distance between the airport station and LaGrange City is 66.8 miles (107.5 kilometers).

How To Stay Safe During Your LaGrange, GA Visit?

To enjoy your LaGrange visit, follow these four expert tips.

• The poverty rate in the area is high, so make sure to take that into account when traveling.
• Please do not stay on public roads late at night. Overnight street parking is prohibited from 2:00 to 6:00 am. 
• Living costs here are quite low compared to other cities, so you can plan a long trip to explore the area completely.
• Try as many restaurants as possible; there are plenty of delightful options.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing , which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in LaGrange, GA

Which city is close to lagrange, georgia.

Atlanta is the closest city to LaGrange at a total distance of 67 miles.

Is LaGrange, GA, in the Mountains?

LaGrange, GA, is located in the foothills of Georgia Piedmont.

What Is the Crime Rate in LaGrange, GA?

The chances of being targeted by criminals in LaGrange is 1 in 175 .

Conclusion – Things To Do in LaGrange, GA

Having taken a closer look at what LaGrange, Georgia has to offer through this article, you now know that LaGrange is a charming destination where you won’t run out of fun things to do. For a city this size, there are surprisingly numerous activities to be experienced with various options that would suit everyone. 

Hop on the next bus or plane to LaGrange; you won’t regret it! Or check out other wonderful US destinations.

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Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

Top Things to Do in LaGrange, GA

Places to visit in lagrange, tours near lagrange.

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• Biblical History Center
• Hills & Dales Estate
• Wild Leap Brew Co.
• Great Wolf Lodge
• South Bend Dog Park
• Mike Daniel Recreation Center
• Pyne Road Park
• Calumet Park

Budget-Friendly Getaway

A soul-inspiring adventure.

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Strange lagrange walking tour, the full event calendar, where to stay, where to dine, find adventure in lagrange.

• Family-Friendly
• Go glamping in a yurt
• Spend the day hiking, biking and on the water
• End the night sipping on local brews

West Point Lake Hiking, Biking & Fishing

• Hit the trails trails along West Point Lake
• Enjoy Southern cuisine with an Asian twist
• Night fishing from a lake pier

R. Shaefer Heard Campground

Pine Mountain RV Resort

Highland Marina

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Interested in other ways to experience LaGrange? We’ve curated these travel itineraries to give you additional trip ideas!

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54 Perfect Day Trips from Atlanta

Splash at the 100k square-foot indoor water park at lagrange’s great wolf lodge.

The Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange is Las Vegas for kids, which is to say they will love it even if you don’t. For one thing, everything—except for the outdoor pool, a compact play area, and a hot tub—is inside. You could conceivably go days here without breathing fresh air, subsisting only on the overpriced food. And while the five water slides, the wave pool, the lazy river, and the gargantuan splash pad are obvious attractions, the operators know kids can’t have enough to do, and so there’s a ropes course, an arcade, a bowling alley, and even a digital scavenger hunt that will take them hours to complete. The waterpark—the 16th in the Great Wolf chain—opened in May, and when we visited in June, the staff was still getting its footing. But once your kids are scampering up the six or so flights to go down the water slides—including one that hurtles you down a 20-foot free fall from a collapsing floor—all annoyance is forgotten. There are no day passes, so to enjoy the park, you have to be a guest at the hotel, where rooms start at $200 (plus taxes) a night.

Tags day trips Great Wolf Lodge hotels kids LaGrange waterpark

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39 Best Day Trips From Atlanta — Places Nearby!

Atlanta is cocooned by plenty of beautiful things to see and do, from quaint alpine towns tucked away in magnificent mountains to bustling cities with all the urban comforts one could want to tranquil forests where it’s only you and Mother Nature.

From Athens (the American variety!) in the north to Augusta in the south, you have several (39, to be exact) choices to choose from.

Kick back, relax, and plan a scenic outing with the best day trips from Atlanta below.

1. Chattanooga

At the top of the list is the family-friendly Chattanooga, a melting pot of culture, nature, and history.

For all the history buffs, the city’s vibrant downtown area is a must explore, with several monumental reminders of the Civil War along the Riverwalk, as are the tours of the Chickamauga Civil War Battlefield, the Cravens House, and the 6th Cavalry Museum.

If you’re looking for fun outdoors, you’ll find that too at Chattanooga, in the form of several beautiful green lungs and adventure activities such as hiking, hang-gliding, and rafting along the banks of the gushing Tennessee.

One of the unique experiences the city offers is its Incline Railway, which takes you to Ruby Falls (a magnificent 30-million-year-old waterfall), and Rock City (for views of seven states!).

Begin your day trip with something closer, like Chattanooga, which is only under 2 hours away.

2. Rock City Garden

1400 Patten Rd Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 (706) 820-2531

Speaking of Rock City, here’s a more detailed breakdown of why making the trip to this family-friendly spot may be worth your while!

Rock City Garden sits atop Georgia’s Lookout Mountain and is a beautiful natural museum of caverns, cliff formations, cascades, and stunning views.

These natural wonders line the Enchanted Trail—4,100 feet of scenic beauty—interspersed with family-friendly man-made entertainment such as High Falls, Fairyland Caverns, and Lover’s Leap.

An especially thrilling feature is the Swing-a-Long suspension bridge, a swinging rope bridge that sits 200 feet above the ground.

Another unique offering is the nursing and release of peregrine falcons, some of the few in the country.

With only a 2-hour car ride, you’ll have enough time to explore its attractions.

3. Dahlonega

Sitting an hour and a half’s worth of driving away from Atlanta, quaint, historic Dahlonega is one of the easiest Atlanta day trips to make.

The small city’s rich heritage will interest history lovers—the first settlers of Dahlonega came here during the initial days of the Gold Rush.

If you’re more interested in gold of the liquid variety, you’ll be happy to know Dahlonega sits at the heart of Georgian wine country, with 12 sites for wine tasting spread across 5 vineyards.

The buzzing downtown area, featured on the Historic Register, is where the old and new come together in Dahlonega, with modern shops, art galleries, and restaurants sharing walls with historic museums and buildings.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas

4. Consolidated Gold Mine

185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-8473

Though this mine sits in Dahlonega, it deserves a spot of its own on the list for being a thrilling step back in time and for the chance to be a miner, even if only for a short while!

Sitting 200 feet below the surface, visitors to Consolidated Gold Mine can expect interactive and immersive experiences, tours of the mines, and programs that give you a quick but extensive 101 on mining gems and gold.

Once the lessons end, it’s time to practically apply what you’ve just learned—in a throwback to the Gold Rush era, you can pan for emeralds, rubies, amethysts, and gold in the rocks and the water (this isn’t just a marketing hoax; the mines still have gold in them)!

It’s only a little more than an hour away, so you’ll still have plenty of energy to tour the area.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Dahlonega University Area

5. Toccoa Falls

107 Kincaid Dr Toccoa Falls, GA 30598 (706) 886-6831

This majestic 186-foot cascade sits tucked away on the Toccoa Falls College campus, in a secluded area encompassed by dramatic cliffs, away from the campus’s academic life and happenings.

Toccoa Falls is among the highest waterfalls to the Mississippi’s east, 26 feet taller than New York’s Niagara Falls.

You can access the falls via a private pathway that will take you right to the base, where spectacular views and plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops await you.

Aptly named (toccoa means beautiful in the Cherokee language), this spectacle is worth the 1-hour-40-minute drive to the campus if you enjoy being in Mother Nature’s lap.

If you’ve got time left over after visiting the falls, you could enjoy a leisurely walk through the lovely thousand-acre boscage on the campus.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Apple Mountain Resort at Clarkesville

Related: Activities in Atlanta

6. Gatlinburg

Though you’d be pushing against the upper limits of a day trip by driving to Tennessee’s Gatlinburg (it’s four hours away), it’s worth the effort if you love the outdoors—the city is a gateway to the gorgeous Smoky Mountain National Park.

With over 150 trails snaking across 800 miles of wilderness at its rawest and most unblemished, hiking enthusiasts will find no shortage of trails to explore.

The park is also one of the few International Biosphere Reserves in the world, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as the Roaring Fork (a gorgeous confluence of two waterfalls).

If you’d just like to wander around Gatlinburg itself, you’ll find plenty of historic buildings and cabins to explore—time has stood still at these, affording a taste of the OG Smoky Mountain way of life!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Carr’s Northside Hotel and Cottages

7. Birmingham

Just a little over two hours away by road, Birmingham is a great urban getaway and a popular one day trip from Atlanta.

One of the South’s most significant metropolises and Alabama’s most populated city, Birmingham is the state’s cultural capital today, brimming with popular annual festivals and theaters for performing arts.

Several renowned art museums also call the city home, such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Southeast’s biggest museum of art.

Birmingham also has many prestigious colleges and universities, so if you’ve got a potential college-goer in the family, you can spend the day checking these out.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Birmingham Downtown at UAB

Also See: Best Day Trips From Augusta

Yep, Georgia has its very own Athens, home to the reputed University of Georgia, but don’t be quick to dismiss Athens as just another college town.

You see, Athens is also home to a roaring music scene, several popular historical and natural attractions, and tons of cultural experiences.

If you’re looking for nature-based attractions, check out the “Tree That Owns Itself” (it’s literally that—the tree has legally owned itself and some of the surrounding lands since the 19th century).

The State Botanical Garden is also a gorgeous sight with a super-fun kids’ play area.

Sports fans can catch a game at the Sanford Stadium, while art lovers can check out the many art galleries and the city’s performing arts venues.

For a slice of 18th-century Southern life, tour the many vintage homes-turned-museums and historic buildings that dot downtown Athens.

An hour-and-a half drive is all it takes to enjoy these attractions, and more!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Graduate Athens

9. Lake Lanier

Come summer, Lake Lanier turns into a veritable water paradise, with plenty of water sports, adventure activities, and outdoor excursions on offer.

The lake and the beach around it present plenty of opportunities for water sports, beach games, swimming, fishing, and boating, with more water fun at LanierWorld, a waterpark on the beach with a plethora of water slides and its own mini-golf course.

There are many activities for the non-summer months too, such as golfing, hiking the Sawnee, zip-lining, or spending a day pampering yourself at Tranquility, a luxurious Lanier Islands spa offering.

Several superb seasonal events are also hosted at the lake throughout the year; the holiday season’s Lake Lanier Lights event is by far the most popular, attracting hordes of visitors.

Whenever you feel the need to cool off, just drive an hour to this aquatic paradise.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge

Related: Beaches Near Atlanta

10. Brasstown Bald

A little over two hours away from Atlanta sits Georgia’s tallest peak, the go-to spot for extensive, spectacular views of Georgia’s natural best and the states of Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.

At an elevation of 4,784 feet, Brasstown Bald is a popular year-round destination—each season adds its own beauty to the views from the peak.

Avid hikers will enjoy the hike (on a paved pathway) to the tip, where an observation tower affords the best panoramic views from the peak.

This spot is a hit with the tykes, who enjoy the easy, rewarding hike and the super-fun scavenger hunt organized by the folks who run the place.

It’s also a fun way to get your kids to learn about the region’s ecology and history; the visitors center also runs many presentations on these.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge

11. Mableton

Suburban Mableton sits right outside Atlanta, merely 20 minutes away and a great addition to any list of one-day Atlanta trips.

This charming town’s major draw is the historic Mable House, a period home that also houses a center for performing arts.

After touring the house, you can settle down in any of the five parks and enjoy a picnic, a lovely stroll, or some fun sports under the fine Georgian sun.

Another reason that folks head to Mableton is the Silver Comet Trail, a hiking path that follows the historic Silver Comet railroad, stretching up to the Georgia-Alabama state line.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Atlanta West – Theme Park Area, an IHG Hotel

12. Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (770) 498-5690

No list of Atlanta day trips is complete without the world’s biggest granite formation and one of Georgia’s star attractions—Stone Mountain Park.

What makes this park even more unique is that you’ll find the faces of Southern legends Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jackson carved into the granite face.

Stone Mountain Park also has its own amusement park, with an array of thrilling and fun rides that may excite the young ones in the clan, from a four-story barn to a rope course.

If you find your day trip turning into an overnighter (though the park is only 30 minutes away from Atlanta, you may not be able to prise the kids away from the rides!), sleep under the stars by camping on the grounds or stay at any of several hotels around if you’re a creature of modern comforts.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort

13. Nashville

Like Gatlinburg, you’d be pushing it with a four-hour drive to Nashville, but if you’re a fan of folk and country music, you won’t mind the effort at all!

The home of some of the country’s most reputed music venues, Nashville is rightly known as the Music City and fully deserves its spot as the capital of country music in the United States.

Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, where country music greats are honored and the musical movement evolution is tracked across the ages and the world-famous stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

The many intimate venues peppering the city’s many vibrant, individualistic neighborhoods are also worth checking out, providing a stage for many up-and-coming artists in the genre.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Hyatt Nashville

Related: Weekend Trips in Georgia

14. Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

718 Round Oak Juliette Rd Hillsboro, GA 31038 (478) 986-5441

Sitting in the heart of Georgia and a little over an hour away from Atlanta, the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is a prime example of how a little TLC can nurse a barren landscape back to life.

A wasteland in the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to all the overuse, the refuge is a well-maintained, lush space today, with thriving forest and wetland environments that are home to a variety of native flora and fauna.

Hike through the various trails winding through the property to encounter the resident white-tailed deer, beavers, turkeys, wood ducks, and the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered bird species.

Fishing is also permitted in certain parts of the park.

Given the diversity of its residents, Piedmont is a favorite among animal and birding enthusiasts.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Macon-North

15. Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls Rd Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571 (706) 878-1448

Nestled in the depths of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the Anna Ruby Falls is a spectacular waterfall with an adjoining recreational area.

The York Creek and Curtis Creek together form this cascade, which requires trekking up half a mile on an asphalt trail or any of the longer unpaved trails winding through the forest to reach it.

There’s also a visitors center on site, with a gift shop showcasing and selling local artwork, quick bites, and several special tours, including a popular guided stargazing activity.

Fishing fans in the group can bide their time waiting for fish to take the bait in any of the onsite creeks, while the rest of the gang can picnic and chill in any of the assigned spots.

And, the best part is, it only takes a two-hour drive to see this natural wonder.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen, an IHG Hotel

16. Andersonville National Historic Site

760 POW Rd Andersonville, GA 31711 (229) 924-0343

This landmark site is steeped in Civil War history, with three distinct parts showcasing different historically significant military events.

Start at the Camp Sumter military prison, run by the Confederates and the site of torturous imprisonment for over 45,000 soldiers of the Union—upwards of 13,000 inmates lost their lives to the poor living conditions.

Next, head to the Andersonville National Cemetery, now a spot where soldiers who died while serving the country are honored but formerly a graveyard where dead prisoners of Camp Sumter were laid to rest.

Round off the trip at the National Prisoner of War Museum, where all American war prisoners, across all wars fought by the country, are honored.

With a little more than a two-hour trip, you can learn vital history lessons up close.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Americus

17. Callaway Gardens

17617 US-27 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 (855) 894-0420

There’s a little something for everyone at Callaway Gardens, family, solo adventurer, or love birds!

This gorgeous 2,500-acre recreational retreat is a prime spot for fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, watersports, boating, and plain beach bumming, with several dining and shopping options also liberally sprinkled across.

It’s also a haven of natural beauty, with lovely, romantic gardens of holly, azalea, and hydrangea (a treat in full bloom), a historic log cabin, and a butterfly center housing over 1,000 butterflies across 50 species.

Some popular annual events to catch here are the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Fantasy in Lights event, and the July 4th Beach Party.

Awe in nature’s splendor after only an hour and 17 minutes of driving.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Callaway Resort & Gardens

18. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

175 Bourne Ave Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 748-8888

If the impressive name doesn’t draw you in, this museum’s extensive aircraft collection from the Second World War and excellently curated artifacts might do the trick.

The museum is both a tribute to and a hub of information about the country’s Eighth Air Force, a numbered unit that served in Europe and supplied over 200,000 soldiers, 1,000 single-mission fighters, and 2,000 four-engine bombers to fight against enemies in World War II.

At the museum, you’ll see informational displays, aircraft, and artifacts from the War and read the personal accounts of the force’s soldiers.

The lovely outdoor garden is a memorial to all the soldiers of the Second World War.

It’s nearly a four-hour car ride, but for aircraft fanatics, the time will fly by.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Airport

19. Museum of Aviation

1942 Heritage Blvd Robins AFB, GA 31098 (478) 926-6870

An hour and a half away from Atlanta, the Museum of Aviation sits in Georgia’s Robins, and as the name suggests, is dedicated to showcasing different military aircraft and their stories.

The museum is run by the military (it sits close to the Robins Air Force Base) and is divided into five internal venues exhibiting aviation projects and aircraft.

You’ll find the 93 exhibited aircraft in the museum’s two hangars and all other exhibits spread across the various buildings on the premises.

What sets this museum apart is the array of aircraft representing several categories, such as helicopters, bombers, drones, and cargo planes.

A guided tour is the easiest and most time-efficient way to learn about the museum’s many exhibits.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Warner Robins AFB

20. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Suches, GA 30572 (770) 297-3000

A long name and an even longer list of things to see and do await visitors to this nearly 867,000 acre expanse of oaks, hiking trails, and native wildlife.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is sprawled across eight Georgian counties and is a highly beloved tourist spot that sits just under two hours away from Atlanta.

The forest boasts over 86 hiking trails, so whatever your interest and fitness level, the forest has you covered—not to mention the several beautiful spots that line these trails, perfect for the gram.

You can also find several opportunities for other outdoor activities, such as fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, rock collecting, wildlife watching, and rafting down the Chattooga.

Other points of interest include the Scull Shoals Historic Site and the Track Rock Gap Petroglyph Site.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Blue Ridge, GA

21. Mercier Orchards

8660 Blue Ridge Dr Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 632-3411

Looking for a romantic day trip outside Atlanta?

Then the 70-year-old family-owned Mercier Orchards should feature on your list of places to visit near Atlanta.

Enjoy picking fruits in the orchard with your significant other against the backdrop of the gorgeous Georgian sun, tour the apple cider brewery, and stuff yourself with the delicious baked treats made with the orchard’s own fruits.

You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch at the deli, so you’re sorted for the whole day!

You can reach Mercier Orchards within two hours by road from Atlanta.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Blue Ridge

22. Amicalola Falls

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 265-8888

One of the most scenic places near Atlanta, the Amicalola is East Mississippi’s tallest cascade and a must-visit for outdoor aficionados.

This natural wonder is just 90 minutes away from Atlanta, and depending on your interest, fitness level, and available time, you can head by car straight to the top of the falls, the middle, or the bottom (be warned that you have to climb up 620 steps to get to the top!).

You could also follow the trail near the well-equipped visitor center to reach the top, with a fork somewhere in the path leading you to Springer Mountain, the southern tip of the Appalachian Trail.

Enjoy views of the mountains from the back deck, curled up in a rocking chair, or even better, get up close and personal with the surrounding greenery by zip-lining through the trees!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Forrest Hills Mountain Resort

23. Providence Canyon State Park

8930 Canyon Rd Lumpkin, GA 31815 (229) 838-6202

Known fondly as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”, visiting the Providence Canyon State Park should be on your list of things to do outside Atlanta if picturesque views and hiking are your thing.

The funny thing about Providence Canyon is that it is actually the (lovely) result of a mistake, created by the irregular farming methods of the 19th century.

This mistake birthed the soil-and-rock formations of the canyon, with their lovely natural orange, pink, and red hues.

There are several hiking trails in the 1,000-acre park, which let you climb along the face of the canyon, as well as a camping ground.

The park is a year-round destination, but fall affords the best colors and summer brings with it the gorgeous plumleaf azalea—this is the only spot in the world where you can see these flowers blooming in the wild.

Travel just two hours from Atlanta to see some of the most beautiful flowers in existence.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: THE FARMHOUSE

24. Charlotte

Some of us don’t have a “green” bent of mind and that’s completely okay—you can forgo the national parks and forests and head instead to the glitz and glamor of urban Charlotte.

North Carolina’s most populated city sits four hours away from Atlanta, but the city’s buzz and energy will help brush off the weariness of a long drive.

Auto and sports enthusiasts will enjoy the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte, where informative, interactive exhibits tell you about the sport’s biggest legends and most epic victories.

Adrenaline junkies can spend the day at the Carowinds amusement park, riding its many waterslides and rollercoasters.

A great family-friendly spot is Discovery Place, with an indoor IMAX theater and a lovely indoor rainforest to boot!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Charlotte

25. The Cherokee Forest

Elizabethton, TN 37312 (423) 476-9700

Another 4-hour drive from Atlanta that’s worth it if you love the great outdoors, Cherokee Forest is chock-full of breathtaking views, fun water activities, and hiking trails.

Sprawled across nearly 656,000 acres of Tennessee’s wilderness, this woodland was established only a century ago.

Some activities to do here include kayaking, camping, and fishing in Watauga Lake, and hiking up to Roan Mountain.

The deliciously, eternally cold Bald River Falls is an impressive cascade, plummeting 90 feet over sharp rocks—summer or winter, the water’s always cold, so swimming here isn’t recommended.

Of course, as is the perennial case with natural beauty, there are several stunning photo ops at Cherokee Forest.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Newport

26. Augusta

Every April, Augusta comes alive with teeming crowds and professional golfers aiming for gold at the prestigious Masters Tournament!

Sitting prettily on the Savannah’s banks, this golf lovers’ holy grail is pretty calm the rest of the year, but that doesn’t mean there’s a dearth of things to do.

The Augusta National Golf Club is open to golfers but is quite expensive.

For a more pocket-friendly day out, take a boat cruise down the Savannah, tour the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, visit the Phinizy Nature Park, take a trolley tour, visit the Augusta Museum of History, or do a bit of hiking and biking at the Savannah Rapids Park.

Baseball season is just as revered as golf season—catch a game at SRP Park and experience for yourself the crazy adulation that the Augusta Greenjackets enjoy from a dedicated fan base!

Whether you want a restful or action-packed day trip, the two-hour drive is well worth it.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2Suites by Hilton Augusta

27. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

3370 Lafayette Rd Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 (706) 866-9241

Covering parts of southern Tennessee and northern Georgia, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was formerly a Civil War-era strategic population point.

Since Chattanooga was a primary center for railroad travel, the site where the military park sits today was deemed a gateway to all the other Confederate lands.

In 1863, the Confederate and Union soldiers battled it out for control of the site, with the latter emerging as the victors and impelling the former further south.

Today, you can learn about the spot’s rich history through informative guided tours led by rangers.

Visit with family and enjoy a terrific, informative trip about two hours from Atlanta.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Stay Express Inn Chattanooga

Whether you’re a fan of music, history, or good architecture, Macon, sitting right in the center of Georgia, ticks all the boxes.

The Allman Brothers Band Museum must be on your list if you’re a music lover, as well as the annual Bragg Jam, a music crawl spread over two days and held every July.

If you love beautiful buildings, the Grand Opera House and Hay House are must-see spots.

For art and history lovers, a stop at the Museum of Arts and Science and the Tubman African American Museum may be warranted.

Some other things to do include kayaking down the Ocmulgee, exploring downtown Macon (especially during the holidays, when it’s beautifully lit up), spending the day at Lake Tobesofkee, or biking/hiking on the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

As you can see, there’s a little something for everyone in beautiful Macon, and it’s just 1.5 hours away from Atlanta!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1842 Inn

You’d be forgiven for forgetting that you’re in the United States when you enter this beautiful little alpine village—with its Bavarian-style buildings and culture, Helen brings a slice of Germany to Americans, right down to its own Oktoberfest!

Merely an hour and a half away from Atlanta, Helen has plenty of exciting outdoor activities, such as tubing down the Chattahoochee, riding the new Georgia Mountain Coaster, and hiking through the multitude of trails surrounding Helen.

The Anna Ruby Falls is within easy hiking distance of Helen, with several viewing platforms for great vistas of the falls, as well as designated picnic spots on the banks of the river.

For a truly unique experience, try riding through town in a carriage or taking part in the annual Oktoberfest and Christmas events.

Have a blast exploring Helen’s beauty after just an almost two-hour road trip.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Helen, GA

30. Blue Ridge

Another gem of a mountain town sitting 2 hours away from Atlanta, Blue Ridge is an outdoor lover’s dream.

Try fishing for trout in the Toccoa, hike through the beautiful surrounding trails or level up the adventure by rafting down the Toccoa.

A fun experience that visitors can enjoy every fall is picking apples at the local orchards.

But what truly drives folks to this charming haven is the picturesque Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a two-mile long train ride that takes you through the splendid countryside, with the gently flowing Toccoa keeping you company.

If you don’t want to ride the entire four hours, you can disembark at Copperhill and explore the quaint town’s many antique stalls, gift shops, and cute cafes—try the locally made ice cream and thank us later.

Related: Best Restaurants in Blue Ridge

31. Summerville

There’s something very hard to resist about mountain towns and Summerville is no exception—this mountain town should be on the top of your list if you’re seeking a slow-paced day out amidst crisp mountain air and oodles of mountain-town charm.

If you’re a history buff, start by exploring the Colonial Dorchester State Historical Park, where you can view the beautiful remnants of an era gone by.

If you’ve got little ones in the gang, the Wassamassaw Community Park, with its well-equipped playground, is worth a pit stop.

For a lazy afternoon of lounging around in the fine weather, try Azalea Park or Paradise Gardens.

Summerville also plays host to many amazing community events and festivals throughout the year, so plan a visit that coincides with any of these to experience Summerville in full form!

No need to worry about the travel time—it’s just an hour and 40 minutes away.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Coach Inn – Summerville

32. LaGrange

If making the tykes happy is the sole focus of your day trip, it rarely gets better than LaGrange.

Not only does LaGrange host one of the Great Wolf Lodge hotels with a full-fledged indoor waterpark, but it also has a range of kid-friendly annual events, such as the Azalea Storytelling Festival.

If your tykes love animals, they may adore the Wild Animal Safari Park, a drive-through animal park that sits right outside LaGrange.

The Biblical History Center and the Hills Dales Estate are landmarks in the city and are worth ticking off the LaGrange bucket list.

If you’re planning a day with family, this one-hour-away location can’t be missed.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott LaGrange

33. Bryson City

Cocooned by nature and the many adventures that this brings, Bryson City is a gateway to all kinds of outdoor fun.

For one, ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, with themed rides for both the young (the “Polar Express” themed ride is a must!) and not-so-young (did someone say Moonshine Car?).

The open-air cars that run during autumn are especially beautiful, affording gorgeous views of fall’s changing colors.

Bryson City is extremely close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which brings with it its own beauty, such as stunning views, miles of hiking, wildflower carpets, and lush foliage.

If you don’t want to spend so much time doing outdoor activities, you can always cut it short and head to the bustling downtown area to get your fill of great shopping and lip-smacking food.

Bring food or stop at restaurants along the route because the drive will take you three hours.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn Bryson City Cherokee

Athens, a Bavarian town, and now Rome—channeling Europe much?

This postcard southern town is a short drive away from Atlanta and home to all sorts of outdoor activities.

Bike, hike, or walk the Downtown Heritage Trail System which takes you by three of the city’s rivers, or spend the day in the water in Rolater Park’s swimming lake.

The city is also home to the lovely Berry College and the gorgeous campus is worth visiting.

Cave Spring is also close by, though it’s only open seasonally so always check before you visit.

But it’s not all about just the outdoors in Rome—you can have more than your fill of amazing shopping, superb restaurants, baseball games (during the season), and unique activities like navigating a labyrinth!

You don’t have to travel miles away just to get to Rome; only an hour and 25 minutes will do.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Rome, GA

35. Milledgeville

Just a little under two hours away from Atlanta, Milledgeville is your quintessential college town—great colleges, rich history, and of course, tons of summer parties.

If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss the annual family-friendly Beach Bash, where residents bring the beach to Milledgeville by spreading tons of sand (we’re talking about 80-90 tons here) in the local post office’s parking lot for a day of partying!

Recover from the party (and the hangover) by lazing around on Lake Sinclair’s beach or jogging and fishing at the Oconee River Greenway.

History lovers should check out the historic district, which houses the Natural History Museum and the Lockerly Arboretum and is the starting point of the African-American Heritage Tour.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Milledgeville

36. Serenbe Farms

8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

If you’d like to spend the day on a lovely farm buying top-quality organic produce, Serenbe Farms, located in the Serenbe neighborhood, is a no-brainer.

Each Saturday in the months from April to November, the farm plays host to a thriving Farmers Market where the artisanal goods and natural produce will leave you spoilt for choice.

The live music and fun activities add to the energetic vibe, as does the warmth of the Serenbe community.

Serenbe, though only 45 minutes away from Atlanta, is a world of its own, so take the chance and explore the community while you’re here.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Atlanta-Newnan

“The Walking Dead” fans alert—this one’s for you!

Visit the town that served as the backdrop for the hit television series; there are convenient Walking Dead tours that’ll take you around all the spots in the town that make an appearance on the show.

This doesn’t mean that Senoia shouldn’t be on your list if you’re not a Walking Dead fan—plenty of folks make their way here for the slow-paced life and the relaxed vibe of the city.

Small-town charm oozes out of every cobblestone in the downtown area, with its array of antique stores, amazing restaurants, and gorgeous vintage homes—you could easily spend your whole day here.

If this got you excited, then drive quickly, but not too quickly, and you’ll be there in under an hour.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conference Center

38. Pasaquan

238 Eddie Martin Rd Buena Vista, GA 31803 (706) 507-8306

One of the more unique offerings on this list, Pasaquan may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it will definitely excite art lovers.

This impressive installation sits south of Columbus and is a folk art piece conceptualized and constructed by famed artist and visionary Eddie Owens Martin (also called St. EOM).

The installation, along with other works of art, sits on a seven-acre compound and is under the care of Columbus State University, which does a great job of preserving the work and organizing tours for visitors.

You’ll never experience anything more artsy than this attraction just two hours away.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus/Near Fort Benning

39. Cloudland Canyon

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd Rising Fawn, GA 30738 (706) 657-4050

If hiking is the name of the game and the focus of your day out, you can hardly go wrong with Cloudland Canyon—hiking trails abound at this spot.

For an easy hike, hike the canyon’s rim and be rewarded with splendid views.

If you want to challenge yourself a little, take a hike right into the canyon, where you can see two beautiful cascades—Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls—and make the steep climb back.

This gorgeous state park is among Georgia’s most unique and beautiful offerings, and sitting just 2 hours away from Atlanta, is a popular day destination for many active, outdoor-loving families.

No matter which spot you pick for your day trip, you’re bound to make many lovely memories, considering that these are the best day trips from Atlanta.

If you haven’t already got the car and the kids ready to head to one of these spots, what are you even waiting for?

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn by Wyndham Trenton

Map of Day Trips Near Atlanta, GA

39 Best Day Trips from Atlanta, GA for 2024

• Chattanooga
• Rock City Garden
• Consolidated Gold Mine
• Toccoa Falls
• Lake Lanier
• Brasstown Bald
• Stone Mountain Park
• Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
• Anna Ruby Falls
• Andersonville National Historic Site
• Callaway Gardens
• National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
• Museum of Aviation
• Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
• Mercier Orchards
• Amicalola Falls
• Providence Canyon State Park
• The Cherokee Forest
• Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
• Summerville
• Bryson City
• Milledgeville
• Serenbe Farms
• Cloudland Canyon