Treat Yourself to a Mother’s Getaway in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Published March 31, 2025

It goes without saying that being a mother is incredibly rewarding. Raising tiny humans can also be quite exhausting. As a toddler mom I used to fantasize about spending a solo weekend in a nice hotel, where all I would do is read and sleep. Then I realized that the time and expense in a mother’s getaway was absolutely worth it for my entire family. Rest, recharge, rejuvenate and celebrate you, Mom. Here’s everything you need to plan your mother’s getaway in Atlanta.

Where to Stay Based on Vibes

Where you decide to stay in Atlanta can really set the tone for your entire mother’s getaway or staycation, especially if you plan to spend most of your time there. It’s important to consider the hotel’s vibe (the ambiance and feeling you have being there) in addition to your budget and deciding what Atlanta neighborhood makes the most sense for you. 

Quiet Luxury

If you’re looking for a bit of indulgence and upscale service, Atlanta luxury hotels are for you. Enjoy larger accommodations, top dining options, spa treatments and more. In Atlanta’s Buckhead shopping district, there’s The St. Regis Atlanta, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, Nobu and the InterContinental to name a few. Luxury hotel options in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood include Four Seasons Atlanta, Loews and Epicurean. Then there’s The Ritz-Carlton, The Candler Hotel and Signia by Hilton, located Downtown.

Zen Getaway

If you’re planning a Zen getaway to Atlanta — something calm, grounding and restorative — you’ll want to choose an Atlanta hotel that creates that peaceful, tucked-away-from-the-world vibe. Located near Chastain Park, The Whitley offers cozy elegance and relaxing spa services. Bellyard offers a modern, peaceful, wellness-conscious atmosphere. Here are more Atlanta hotels for a Zen getaway.

Cool & Creative

Looking to find inspiration while on your mother’s getaway? These hotels for art-lovers in Atlanta might be just the ticket. Experience artwork, bold, eclectic designs and lively vibes. Enjoy artwork from local Atlanta artists at The Darwin Hotel in Old Fourth Ward. It’s one of Atlanta’s most vibrant neighborhoods, located off the Atlanta Beltline. There are restaurants, shopping and walls upon walls of street art to see.

Where to Eat

Atlanta is for foodies. If you love to eat good food and enjoy great vibes, then you’re in for a treat. There is truly something for everyone’s taste buds and budget. 

Unique Atlanta Food Halls

If you’ve never been to Atlanta (or even if you have) you’ve got to check out Atlanta’s food halls. As someone who often plans trips around local restaurants and food options, I contend that there is nowhere that does food halls like Atlanta. If you visit Ponce City Market, I highly recommend the chicken quesadilla (without modifications) and a margarita at Minero. Patio seating is available. For good vibes, great music and a unique menu, check out Bar Vegan upstairs. It has excellent mocktail options as well. On a beautiful day, you won’t regret a walk through Krog Street District, which not only offers great food and drink options but also excellent people watching.

Solo Dining

An incredible fifty-seven Atlanta restaurants were recognized by MICHELIN in 2024. Any would offer you a noteworthy culinary experience. Hotel dining in Atlanta is nothing to sleep on either, with insta-worthy restaurants such as Polaris (one of Atlanta’s most legendary rotating restaurants overlooking Downtown), Atlas Buckhead and The Garden Room, to name a few. Enjoy quiet dining and ambiance at The Americano by James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant, located in the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel. Here are some great solo dining ideas in Atlanta for every personality.

Brunch with Besties

Who doesn’t love brunch? It’s arguably a foodie favorite with options running the gamut. Usually a lively affair, brunch is best served with besties. You and your mom friends have a plethora of options any given weekend in Atlanta. Here are a few faves.

If you’re looking for a brunch spot in Atlanta that feels like stepping into a dreamy, floral wonderland, The Garden Room is it. It’s tucked away in Buckhead, and the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, twinkling lights and a whimsical vibe. The brunch menu is just as stunning as the atmosphere—elevated, indulgent, but not overcomplicated. The truffle scrambled eggs are rich and velvety, the lobster pop-tart is a must-try (yes, it sounds wild, but it works) and the cocktails? Absolutely top-tier. The Garden Room Spritz is light and refreshing, while the espresso martinis hit just right if you’re in the mood for a little buzz. You’ll want to dress up a bit, take your time and soak in the experience. Reservations are a must because it’s super popular, but if you can snag a spot, it’s one of the most magical brunch experiences in the city. It is perfect for a special occasion — or just because you deserve a beautiful start to your day.

Located on the Beltline in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward, Buena Vida Tapas & Sol offers Spanish-inspired dishes with a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options available. Brunch is served upon opening on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. There is lots of seating, a fun photo opp, lively atmosphere and great music. The menu options have recently been upgraded. I loved the French toast with ciabatta bread, maple syrup, berry compote, dulce de leche and powdered sugar. In addition to a full drink menu, a margarita flight and bottomless mimosas are available.

Brunch at Tesserae in Atlanta is an absolute vibe — chic, elevated and effortlessly cool. Perched atop the Thompson Hotel, it’s got that perfect mix of stylish ambiance and stunning skyline views, making it a great spot for a laid-back yet luxe brunch experience. The menu is all about bold flavors with a refined touch. The crab Benedict is a standout, rich but balanced, and the whipped ricotta toast? Pure perfection — light, airy and just the right amount of indulgent. If you’re into cocktails, the mimosas and craft brunch cocktails are next-level, striking that perfect balance between refreshing and just strong enough. What really sets Tesserae apart, though, is the energy. It’s buzzy but not overwhelming — just the right choice for a stylish weekend brunch where you can soak in the scene, enjoy great food and linger over a second (or third) drink. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a little escape above the city, this is it.

Check out our Atlanta events calendar for special events and immersive dining options during your stay.

Best Patio Dining in Atlanta 

For most of the year, Atlanta is perfect for dining al fresco. The city has some great places to soak up the sun with good food and drinks. Head to 9 Mile Station for rooftop skyline views, Azotea Cantina for rooftop tacos and margaritas at Atlantic Station or Bartaco for chill patio vibes and creative tacos. For something a bit different, BeetleCat near the Beltline serves globally inspired seafood on a cozy, tree-shaded patio, and Rina offers the best of Tel Aviv. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or a full meal, these outdoor dining patios capture the best of weather in Atlanta.

Treat Your Self

You’re worth treating your whole self. Here are fives ways to show love to your mind, body and spirit in Atlanta.

1. Enjoy a Spa Treatment

Whether you’re into high-end luxury or something more holistic and grounding, there’s a spa for every kind of self-care vibe in Atlanta. For pure indulgence, The Waldorf Astoria Spa in Buckhead is next-level — think tranquil pools, top-tier facials and that “wrapped in a cloud” feeling when you leave. If you want something a little more hidden-gem, Buckhead Grand Spa is an intimate, European-style escape where the massages are a chef’s kiss. And for a more holistic approach, Treat Your Feet is the place for reflexology and deep-tissue massages that actually work out all the tension. No matter what kind of reset you’re craving, this guide lays out the best spas in Atlanta to unwind, recharge and feel completely pampered.

2. Fitness Fun in the A

Why not challenge yourself to something new while on your mother’s getaway? For something high-energy, Vesta Movement offers boxing classes that make you feel like a total baddie, while DEFINE: Atlanta combines cycling, barre and yoga for a killer full-body workout. If you’re looking to switch things up, Hammonds House Museum yoga blends movement with art, giving your workout a fresh, inspiring setting. And for the truly adventurous? Sky Gym takes fitness to the next level — literally — with aerial silks classes that will challenge your strength in the most exhilarating way. Atlanta has so many creative ways to stay active. For more unique experiences, check out our guide to out-of-the-box fitness ideas in Atlanta. If you’re on a strict budget and looking for the most affordable options, here are free ways to workout in Atlanta.

3. Shop ’til You Drop

Atlanta’s shopping scene is a mix of luxury, indie boutiques and cool vintage finds, making it perfect for treating yourself or finding the perfect gift. If you’re into high-end fashion, Buckhead Village District is your go-to — it’s got all the designer names like Gucci and Dior, plus some stylish local boutiques. For a more artsy, eclectic vibe, Ponce City Market is it — think curated shops with indie designers, handcrafted goods and a cool industrial-chic atmosphere. And if you love hunting for vintage gems, Little Five Points has some of the best thrift and vintage stores, like The Clothing Warehouse and Rag-O-Rama. If you’re like me and the hunt of thrifting is your vibe, here’s where to go thrifting in Atlanta. No matter what your style is, Atlanta has a shopping destination that matches your energy — whether it’s luxury, laid-back or totally one-of-a-kind. Make a shopping day part of your mother’s getaway at one of these top shopping districts in Atlanta.

4. Spend Time in Nature

As “The City in the Forest,” Atlanta is packed with amazing outdoor spots, whether you’re up for an adventure or just want to relax in nature. Piedmont Park is the city’s central green space — perfect for a picnic, a scenic jog or just soaking in skyline views. If you’re into hiking, Stone Mountain Park has breathtaking trails and a summit view that’s totally worth the climb. For a more laid-back vibe, the Atlanta Beltline is a must — walk, bike or grab a drink at one of the many cool patios along the way. And if you love gardens, Atlanta Botanical Garden is pure magic, especially in the spring and during holiday light displays. Whether you’re exploring waterfalls at Sweetwater Creek State Park or kayaking on the Chattahoochee River, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Atlanta.

5. Learn Something New

There are so many opportunities to learn something new and expand your horizons in Atlanta. One of the best ways to do it is to take a tour. Atlanta tours include something for everyone from history buffs to foodies and adventurers. The Atlanta Beltline tour is a must for getting a feel for the city’s culture, street art and buzzing neighborhoods. If you’re into history, the Martin Luther King Jr. Heritage Tour is powerful and gives deep insight into Atlanta’s civil rights legacy. Foodies will love Peachtree Food Tours, which take you through some of the best eats in the city. And for something totally different, Atlanta Movie Tours let you step into scenes from some of your favorite films and TV shows. No matter your interest, these tours let you see Atlanta up close and in a way you won’t soon forget.

How to Get Around Atlanta 

Whether you’re planning a solo getaway or a mom’s trip with friends, you’ll need to decide how to get around Atlanta. You can easily rent a car or use a ride-share service but you might also consider using public transit. MARTA is an affordable option at only $5 for a round-trip. With a station in the airport, it’s very convenient upon arriving and departing Atlanta. MARTA has stations in all major Atlanta neighborhoods. 

Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.