Girls’ Trip Guide to Atlanta & Beyond
Atlanta and its surrounding region are packed with things to eat, see, and do – whether you're exploring the city or heading out on a scenic escape. From tree-lined walking trails and soul music festivals, to vineyard spa days and mountain hikes just a short drive away, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind, explore, and enjoy the best of North Georgia and the capital of the South.
Things to do
Visit iconic attractions in Atlanta
The Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline stretches roughly 22 miles around Atlanta, linking neighborhoods with a vibrant mix of walking trails, public art, food spots, and bars. Whether you’re walking the Eastside Trail near Ponce City Market or cruising the Westside Trail to explore the Lee + White Complex and top breweries like Monday Night Garage and Wild Heaven, the BeltLine is always buzzing with energy.
High Museum of Art
You might recognize the High Museum of Art in Midtown from its standout appearance in “Black Panther,” but its cultural impact runs much deeper. With a permanent collection of more than 15,000 works and a strong focus on Southern artists, the High is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s art scene. From popular events like Friday Jazz to buzzy exhibitions like Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ “Giants,” this is the spot for a serious culture fix.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is an oasis of vibrant, exotic plant life in the heart of the city. With 30 acres of lush outdoor gardens, the elevated Canopy Walk, and the Skyline Garden, it’s a natural runway for your inner pop star. Don’t miss the 25-foot Earth Goddess sculpture – her flowing hair, made from 18,000 blooming annuals, is striking.
See film & TV locations
More than 400 film and TV projects are shot in Atlanta every year. Swing by Clark Atlanta University, where Nick Cannon filmed “Drumline,” or head to the Porsche Experience Center, the stand-in for Avengers HQ in “Captain America: Civil War.” You can also pop into the Marriott Marquis downtown, which doubled as the Capitol in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”
If you're part of the TVD family, don’t miss the Mystic Falls Tour in nearby Covington. It hits iconic spots like the Lockwood Mansion and other fan-favorite locations from “The Vampire Diaries.”
Go for a hike, run, or walk
Atlanta, home to the country’s largest urban forest, is crisscrossed with tree-lined trails that make even a casual walk feel special. Piedmont Park offers 200 acres of skyline views and greenspace, while Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park) – Atlanta’s largest – features quarry overlooks and winding paths perfect for a jog with your favorite tunes on repeat.
For something more nostalgically scenic, head to Old Roswell Mill, where 1830s ruins, a picturesque bridge, and trails along Vickery Creek lead into the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. And at Sweetwater Creek State Park, just 15 miles west of Atlanta, you’ll find more than 2,500 acres of trails and rapids, which doubled as a “Hunger Games” filming location. If you’re in it for the distance, the Silver Comet Trail stretches 61.5 miles from Smyrna to the Alabama border.
Enjoy a spa day
Take a day trip and get pampered at Chateau Elan, just 40 miles outside of Atlanta. The European-style winery and resort offers vineyard views, wine tastings, a full-service spa, and restaurants that feel like a scene out of a music video. It’s the perfect place to toast to good friends.
If you have more time …
Take a wine country day trip to Dahlonega
Head to Dahlonega, just a little over an hour away from Atlanta, known for its scenic vineyards, including Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Montaluce Winery, and Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery. Sip award-winning wines with mountain views, stroll through rolling vines, and maybe even book a wine hike.
Get in a cowboy mood at Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville
Find your inner cowboy at Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. At 120,000 square feet, the Smithsonian-affiliated museum showcases a diverse array of art and artifacts celebrating the American West and beyond.
Plan a music & history day trip to Macon
Atlanta’s music history runs deep, but just an hour and a half south, Macon showcases its own with legendary roots. It’s home to Capricorn Sound Studio, The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House, and Rock Candy Tours – perfect for paying tribute to icons like Otis Redding and Little Richard.
Visit Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain
Just two hours north of Atlanta is Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain. Walk the 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail past massive ancient rock formations, explore the whimsical Fairyland Caverns, and take in the jaw-dropping panorama from Lover’s Leap.
Head to Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin
Nicknamed “Georgia's Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon State Park is just over two hours southwest of Atlanta and features 150-foot-deep canyons in beautiful shades of pink, orange, and red. Hike the Canyon Loop Trail and stargaze with minimal light pollution at the 1,000-acre park.
Spend a day on the water
Just 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is a local go-to for a laid-back lake day. With more than 12,000 acres of water and 270 miles of shoreline, it's ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply lounging on the beach. Scenic hiking trails, cozy campgrounds, and hidden coves make it feel like a full-on escape.
Explore small towns in North Georgia
In Helen, a Bavarian-style town known for hosting one of the country’s longest-running Oktoberfests, float down the Chattahoochee River with Cool River Tubing and browse alpine-style shops.
Or, head to Ellijay – Georgia’s apple capital – where sprawling orchards and a beloved fall festival each October pair perfectly with nearby hikes and a stroll through its charming downtown.
In Blue Ridge, ride the scenic railway, explore local art galleries, and hike to waterfalls or sections of the Appalachian Trail.
