Nearby Day Trips

Explore neighboring cities and areas close to Atlanta

The city of Atlanta is surrounded by incredible cities and neighborhoods with their own cultures, cuisines and character to explore. Head OTP (outside the perimeter as locals say) to see what the surrounding areas are all about.

East Point

East Point is the place to go when you’re looking for the comfort of a small town, but with close proximity to big-city entertainment.

Just a quick 15-minute MARTA trip from downtown Atlanta, hop off at the East Point MARTA Station to find a few bars and restaurants within walking distance.

East Point also neighbors College Park, where the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located, making it convenient to visit the city before or after getting into town.

Visit the Dick Lane Velodrome — one of only 26 velodromes in the United States — for bicycle races throughout the year.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in East Point.

Decatur

Friendly, walkable and right on the MARTA line, Decatur is home to more than 200 boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Hop off MARTA and you’ll be situated in Decatur Square where you may let the exploration begin.

Eddie’s Attic is a must-see for live, local and sometimes national musicians. Find your latest read at Little Shop of Stories or enjoy a variety of dining options. Decatur Square is home to a beer garden, Spanish tapas at The Iberian Pig and homemade pastas at No. 246.

Annual festivals bring thousands from all over the city and region to Decatur Square. The free Decatur Arts Festival runs throughout the month of May. The Decatur Craft Beer Festival sells out in seconds every fall. Bring your pail and shovel for the annual Beach Party, when the city carts in mounds of sand to cover the streets. The most nationally renowned festival might be the Decatur Book Festival, which brings together authors of national and regional fame for the largest independent book festival in the country.

Decatur has so much to do, beyond the square. So see Visit Decatur for the full breakdown.

Alpharetta

The perfect place to stay and play in metro Atlanta, Alpharetta boasts more than 250 stores in three distinct shopping districts, more than 200 restaurants ranging from chef-driven concepts to locally owned restaurants and numerous attractions, venues and festivals to keep you busy all year round.

Don’t miss the hiking and biking trails along nearby Big Creek Greenway.

Awesome Alpharetta has the full breakdown for what to do while here.

(Photo courtesy of @connectedalpharetta and @awesomealpharetta)

Awesome Alpharetta

Dahlonega

The historic Downtown area may look straight out of a Hallmark movie to you and that’s because it actually has been shown in a few films. Spend the day shopping at stores like the Dahlonega General Store, Bear Book Market and Humble Abode, or grab a bite to eat at Gustavo’s, Picnic Cafe or Nighthawk Tavern. Come during the holidays for the gorgeous lights and Christmas tree in Downtown.

Dahlonega is also known for wineries and vineyards. Enjoy scenic views with a variety of wines to try.

(Photo courtesy of @wolfmountainvineyards)

Helen

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, this Northeast Georgia village has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and Indian burial mounds, as well as early settlers who arrived to mine for gold and create a thriving lumber industry in the early 1900s. Helen is a re-creation of an Alpine village, complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers, filled with shopping, restaurants, B&Bs and amazing family-friendly outdoor activities.

Come during the fall for the longest running Oktoberfest in the U.S. You will find plenty of good eats and beer to enjoy.

Dive further into what Helen has to offer with Visit Alpine Helen.

Cobb County

Culturally vibrant, refreshingly diverse, easily accessible and effortlessly hospitable, Cobb County combines everything you love about being close to a world-class city with the warmth and history of your favorite neighborhood. 

(Photo courtesy of Cobb Travel & Tourism)

From big city excitement in Cumberland where the Atlanta Braves play, the Atlanta Opera sings and the Atlanta Ballet dances to quaint, but high fashion-fun in Marietta, Acworth, Smyrna and Kennesaw, Cobb hits the spot.

Make your full Cobb County itinerary now.

DeKalb County

Home to Stone Mountain Park, Georgia’s No. 1 attraction, DeKalb County boasts a diverse selection of world-class museums, art centers, music venues, eclectic neighborhoods and unique shops. Just six miles outside downtown Atlanta, you’re never far from DeKalb County’s local attractions, such as DeKalb Farmers Market, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory and, of course, Stone Mountain Park.

Explore the attractions and adventures in DeKalb County.

Rome

No, we’re not talking about Italy. Georgia has it’s own Rome, and it is full of scenic views.

The city is situated on seven hills surrounding three rivers that meet in Downtown.

(Photo courtesy of Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism)

Top attractions to visit while in Rome, Ga., include the House o’ Dreams at Berry College, Rome Labyrinth and Capitoline Wolf, which is a Roman statute gifted from Italy.

See all the beauty the city has to offer.

Gwinnett County

Whether you’re looking to cheer on Atlanta Vibe at Gas South Arena or you want to explore the family-friendly green spaces and recreational opportunities, you’ll fit right in with the locals while you venture through Gwinnett’s many downtowns.

The unique dining options and endless list of events each city offers will keep you coming back for more, and the shopping scene beckons you to go storefront to storefront to peruse the boutiques, antiques and accessories that will make perfect gifts.

Start planning for a trip to Gwinnett County.

If you’re staying in the city, check our Atlanta neighborhood guide to figure out which area fits your vibe best.