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If you live in or near Atlanta and you’re looking for weekend road trips for families, you’re in the perfect spot. Within just a few hours, you can go from city life to the beach, the mountains, or a fun family getaway packed with things to do.
Let me be real with you. This is why I love living in Atlanta: no flights, no long airport lines, no stress. Just pack the car, grab some snacks, and hit the road. From my experience, these trips are easier to plan, more budget-friendly, and perfect when you don’t have a full week to travel.
So if you’re ready to get away without going too far, here are some of the best family trips from Atlanta that are worth it, and a few my own family has tried and loved.
Destin, Florida: A Beach Road Trip Families Love
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 5 hours
Destin is one of the most popular road trips from Atlanta for families who want clear water and beautiful beaches without flying to the Caribbean.
My family and I once took a road trip to Destin and stayed in a vacation home with friends. It was the perfect setup because we had a full kitchen and plenty of space for everyone. Instead of eating out every night, we cooked some meals at home and saved money for beach activities.
Destin is known for its soft white sand beaches and family-friendly environment. The kids can enjoy building sandcastles. The teens can swim in the Gulf, and everyone can enjoy visiting attractions like waterparks or dolphin tours.
Families visiting Destin should consider staying at beach resorts or condos with kitchens so you can relax and enjoy the destination without constantly eating out.
Be sure to get ready to book early before they are sold out
Hotel options to explore:
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Destin is a great option when you want a family beach vacation within driving distance of Atlanta.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Classic Family Beach Trip
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 6 hours
If you grew up on the East Coast, Myrtle Beach probably feels familiar. It reminds me a lot of the Jersey Shore because there are so many activities packed into one place.
My husband and I planned a family weekend vacation in Myrtle Beach, and it quickly became one of those trips we still talk about.
What makes Myrtle Beach great for families is the variety of attractions.
Families can visit:
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
- Myrtle Waves Water Park
- Broadway at the Beach
Teens and kids love the entertainment options, and adults appreciate the restaurants and oceanfront views.
For hotels, many resorts include pools, lazy rivers, and easy beach access.
Check the availability, prices, and dates
Family-friendly hotel options:
Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
Myrtle Beach is perfect if your family wants a beach destination with lots of entertainment and activities nearby.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: A Quick Adventure Trip
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 2 hours
Chattanooga is one of the easiest weekend trips from Atlanta for families because it is so close.
If you want a quick getaway without a long drive, this city offers outdoor activities and family attractions.
Some of the best things to do in Chattanooga include:
Tennessee Aquarium
Lookout Mountain
Rock City
Ruby Falls
Families can spend the day exploring caves, hiking scenic trails, or walking along the Tennessee River waterfront.
Chattanooga also has charming restaurants and family-friendly downtown areas that make it easy to enjoy a relaxed weekend trip.
Recommended places to stay:
The Edwin Hotel (Autograph Collection)
This destination is ideal for families looking for short road trips from Atlanta that still feel like a vacation.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia: A Cozy Cabin Escape
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 1.5–2 hours
If your family enjoys nature and quiet mountain scenery, Blue Ridge is one of the best family trips from Atlanta.
My family recently stayed in a cabin in the Blue Ridge area, and it felt like a peaceful break from the busy city. The cabin had a kitchen, a hot tub, and a beautiful mountain view.
One thing I learned during that trip is that driving in the mountains can be very dark at night. The roads are narrow and winding, so it’s best to arrive before sunset if possible.
Blue Ridge is perfect for families who enjoy:
Hiking trails
Mountain views
Zip lining
Local shops and restaurants
Families can also visit the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or explore waterfalls nearby.
Cabin rentals and hotels can be found on:
For families wanting a relaxing nature getaway from Atlanta, Blue Ridge is hard to beat.
Savannah, Georgia: History and Southern Charm
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 4 hours
Savannah is one of the most charming weekend trips from Atlanta.
Families can explore historic squares, walk along River Street, and enjoy southern cuisine. The city has a slower pace that makes it great for relaxing family trips.
Teens can enjoy:
Savannah Riverboat Cruises
Forsyth Park
Kids enjoy:
Savannah Children’s Museum
Parents often enjoy the historic architecture and the beautiful parks scattered throughout the city.
Family-friendly hotel options include:
Savannah is perfect if your family enjoys history, culture, and scenic walks.
Great Wolf Lodge, LaGrange, Georgia: A Waterpark Weekend
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 1 hour
Sometimes families just want a quick getaway that doesn’t involve a long drive.
Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange is one of the most popular family trips from Atlanta for parents with younger kids.
The indoor water park makes it a great option year-round.
Kids can enjoy:
Water slides
Wave pools
Interactive water play areas
Parents appreciate that everything is located inside the resort, making it easy to relax without planning too many activities.
Learn more here:
Hotels near Great Wolf Lodge LaGrange
Jacksonville, Florida: A Relaxed Beach Escape
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 5 hours
Jacksonville offers a quieter beach experience compared to some larger tourist destinations.
Families can explore:
Jacksonville Beach
Adventure Landing Water Park
The Jacksonville Zoo
This destination is great for families who want a more relaxed Florida beach vacation.
Hotel options include:
Margaritaville Jacksonville Beach
Orlando, Florida: The Ultimate Family Destination
Driving Time from Atlanta: About 6.5 hours
No list of family road trips from Atlanta would be complete without Orlando.
Families can visit:
Disney World
Universal Studios
SeaWorld
Orlando is perfect for longer weekend trips or school breaks.
Family hotels and resorts can be found here:
Orlando, FL Family Hotels and Resorts
Tips for Planning Family Road Trips from Atlanta
Planning ahead makes road trips smoother and more enjoyable.
Some of the best family road trip tips include:
Pack snacks and drinks to avoid expensive gas station stops.
Bring entertainment for kids and teens. Tablets, headphones, and downloaded movies help make the drive easier.
Take breaks every few hours so everyone can stretch.
Book hotels early during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays.
These small steps make a big difference during longer drives.
Time to Book and Go
One of the best things about living in Atlanta is how many incredible destinations are within driving distance. From beaches to mountains to historic cities, there are countless road trips from Atlanta for families waiting to be explored.
Whether your family prefers relaxing on the beach in Destin, exploring the mountains in Blue Ridge, or enjoying attractions in Myrtle Beach, these destinations offer memorable experiences without needing to board a plane.
Sometimes the best family memories start with simply packing the car, turning on your favorite playlist, and heading out on the road together.
If you’re planning your next trip, you may also enjoy this guide:
10 Road Trip Essentials for Teens: Keep Them Happy on the Road
This post shares practical ideas to help keep teenagers entertained during long drives.
Plan Your Road Trip Without the Stress
Before you head out on your next adventure, download my Free Road Trip Planner for Families, Couples, and Group Travel.
This simple planner helps you organize routes, hotels, daily activities, and your travel budget so your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.
Click here to download your free planner and start planning your next road trip today.
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Author
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Hi, I’m Lexie G, a wife and mom of two based in Atlanta. I created Lexie On The Go to share helpful travel tips, road trip ideas, hotel advice, and easy getaway inspiration for couples and families.
With a background in the hotel industry, experience booking travel, and years of planning trips for my own family, I love helping others travel with more confidence and less stress.
View more about Lexie On The Go here.
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