Two women clinking wine glasses together at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia

Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia. Photo by Erica Key, EatingWithErica.com

Girls’ Trip Guide to Atlanta & Beyond

Beyoncé is coming to Atlanta, and the energy is high – but the concert is just the beginning. Georgia is alive with food, culture, and adventure, ready to match every Beyoncé mood. Whether you're channeling the unapologetic energy of “Texas Hold 'Em” on a trail shaded by towering oaks and magnolias, embracing the soulful vibes of “16 Carriages” at a local music festival, or indulging in a spa day at a winery and resort in the spirit of “My Rose,” there’s no shortage of ways for you and your girlfriends to turn up the fun in and around the city.

Things to do

Visit iconic attractions in Atlanta

Aerial view of the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail
Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by @steadyfly

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 – perfect for the Beyhive.

Exterior of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia
High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia

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.

Earth Goddess at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones

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 Beyoncé. Don’t miss the 25-foot Earth Goddess sculpture – her flowing hair, made from 18,000 blooming annuals, is striking.

See film & TV locations

Red Porsche driving on the track at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia

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

Water flowing over rocks at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia
Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Photo by @justonanadventure

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 “Cowboy Carter” 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

Fountain in front of Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia
Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia

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 Queen Bey and good friends.

Attend a music festival

Put on your best Beyoncé boots and head to the Dukes & Boots Southern Soul Music & Food Festival at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The day-long celebration will feature Southern food, DJs, and live performances that honor the South’s rich culture and history. Atlanta-based singer Lloyd will hit the stage, and between sets, you can ride a mechanical bull, play carnival games, go horseback riding, and snag free barbecue samples during select times.

If you have more time …

Scenic view of the vineyards at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, Georgia
Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, Georgia. Photo by @benjamingalland

Take a wine country day trip to Dahlonega

Few things scream “soft life” like taking a day trip to wine country. 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.

Statue of a cowboy on a bucking horse in front of The Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia
The Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia

Get in a cowboy mood at The Booth Museum in Cartersville

Find your inner cowboy at The 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.

Exhibits inside the Museum at Capricorn in Macon, Georgia
Museum at Capricorn in Macon, Georgia

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.

Lover's Leap at Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Photo by @seerockcity

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.

Hiker in Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia
Providence Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photo by @gljohnson

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.

Sunset over Lake Allatoona from Sunset Grille in Woodstock, Georgia
View of Lake Allatoona from Sunset Grille in Woodstock, Georgia

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 with Beyoncé’s latest playing in the background. Scenic hiking trails, cozy campgrounds, and hidden coves make it feel like a full-on escape.

Explore small towns in North Georgia

Tubing on the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Georgia
Tubing in Helen, Georgia. Photo by @supersimplesaltylife

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.

Written by: Jacinta Howard
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