Whether you’re an Atlanta resident or just visiting the area, then you’re in luck if you love variety: just a drive away from the city, you’ll find mountains, coastline, and plenty of small towns to explore!
If you’re a hiker, a rock climber, or a geology enthusiast, then you’ll enjoy discovering Georgia’s monadnocks (mountain-like rock formations located close to Atlanta).
And for those of you who would rather soak up some sun and saltwater, then your dreamy beachside getaway is only a few hours away. (No plane tickets or passports necessary!)
Not sure where to begin planning your trip? Start here!
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 1.5 Hours or 68 Miles
Located in the North Georgia mountains, Big Canoe is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. You can spend your days hiking through lush forests and your evenings stargazing, making it an ideal escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Options for exploration in Big Canoe include:
If Big Canoe is the peaceful escape you’ve been dreaming of, explore our 100 Collection partner, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals You’ll find a wide range of options, from cozy cabins to spacious houses perfect for hosting.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 1.5-2 Hours or 95-100 Miles
Surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge offers pristine, untouched natural beauty, as well as a lively downtown with plenty of local wineries and breweries.
Scenic train rides, mountain hikes, and local culture are at the heart of Blue Ridge, making it a fantastic destination for a weekend escape.
Blue Ridge is known for:
After a day of exploring, you can unwind by sipping hot cocoa next to a crackling fire in a cozy mountain cabin.
Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals also happens to be our esteemed Blue Ridge, GA partner. Whether you’re looking for a waterfront view or you want to be in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals has a perfect option for you.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 2-2.5 Hours or 130 Miles
While Clemson University's game days draw passionate crowds, this charming South Carolina town offers much more than collegiate spirit. From large lakes to historic sites, Clemson has that small-town charm with an outdoor adventure for everyone. Visitors will discover that Clemson has plenty to offer that extends far beyond football season!
We recommend checking out some of these activities for your getaway to Clemson:
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 1.5-2 Hours or 80-100 Miles
Suches, GA is known for being gorgeous– its poetic nickname is the “Valley Above The Clouds.” Suches is lush and green, with multiple bodies of water nearby. It is also about a mile away from the Appalachian Trail. This makes it a dream for hikers, bikers, fishing enthusiasts, and hunters as well as anyone who wants to retreat to the forest for a little R&R.
When planning your trip to Suches, consider adding the following to your itinerary:
Our Suches area partner is SVR Properties, a lovely collection of mountain cabins, cottages, and lodges. You’ll be able to explore the wilderness during the day and return to a comfy, cozy, and distinctly modern vacation home at night.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 3.5 Hours or 200 Miles
Near the Smoky Mountains, Asheville, NC has a hip and fun local culture and bustling downtown scene that make for a truly fun and exciting weekend away. Not only is Asheville only a short drive away from Atlanta, but it also has a splendor of shops, restaurants, and things to do in the area as well!
Both outdoor enthusiasts and those who prefer a more laid-back vacation love the area because of all that it has to offer:
If you're staying in the area and not making the trek back to Atlanta in the same day, then you absolutely must stay with Greybeard Rentals. These cabin rentals and house rentals in Asheville offer a peaceful retreat away from the city while embodying everything that Asheville is.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 3.5-4 Hours or 200-250 Miles
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, hidden away in the Great Smoky Mountains, provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, charming shops, and family-friendly attractions. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides opportunity for adventure, while the town of Gatlinburg offers local crafts and culture.
Whether you're hiking the trails or exploring the vibrant arts and crafts scene, there's something for everyone, including:
Not sure where to stay in Gatlinburg? Our 100 Collection partner, Mountain Laurel Chalets, has a wide selection of luxury rental options ranging from elegant, multi-story houses to airy mountain cabins soaked in natural light.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 4.5-5 Hours or 270-320 Miles
Saint Simons Island, Georgia, offers coastal serenity with moss-draped oaks, historic landmarks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
A wonderful destination for beach lovers and history buffs alike, there’s plenty to do on St. Simons Island, including:
The 100 Collection’s St. Simons Island partner is Hodnett Cooper, ideal for exploring Southern luxury in a spacious, comfortable, multi-bedroom rental property.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 5-6 Hours or 330-400 Miles
Perdido Key, Florida, is an idyllic choice for ocean lovers. This Gulf Coast paradise boasts warm, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water– an ideal haven for relaxation and seaside fun. After soaking up the sun and surf, you can enjoy a delectable seafood dinner at a local waterfront restaurant.
In addition to beachside relaxation, Perdido Key offers:
If you’re ready to escape to Perdido Key, The 100 Collection has partnered with Perdido Realty Vacations to offer you breezy, ocean-view accommodations at varied price points.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 5-6 hours or 350-400 Miles
For those looking for a coastal getaway, consider Orange Beach, Alabama, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and fantastic fishing opportunities. Plus, fill your evenings with live music and oceanfront dining for a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
While you’re in Orange Beach, make sure to:
Beachball Properties, The 100 Collection’s Orange Beach partner, offers multi-bedroom rental options that are perfect to share with family and friends. These lovely beachside rentals sleep 8 to 23 people without compromising on comfort or luxury. Ideal for your next bachelor/ette party or family vacation!
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 5-5.5 Hours or 315-340 Miles
Destin, Florida, is known as the "Emerald Coast" due to its stunning green waters and soft white sands.
There’s more to Destin than swimming and sunbathing, though!
Make sure to:
Of course, when it comes to accommodations, there’s no better option than our Destin partner, Holiday Isle Properties. Perfect for larger groups, Holiday Isle offers plenty of space, but also luxe, resort-style amenities.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 5-5.5 Hours or 330-400 Miles
Known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and southern hospitality, Amelia Island is a truly charming barrier island located in the northeastern corner of Florida. With a blend of natural beauty and Victorian-era architecture, it offers a relaxing escape with plenty of activities for visitors. From exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor adventures, Amelia Island is a great destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Amelia Island has a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy including:
For the perfect home away from home, our 100 Collection partner, Destination Amelia, has the best rental properties available on the island. These homes embody the culture and beauty of the city while providing a luxury experience in the best way possible. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront condo or a luxury penthouse, they have exactly what you need.
Distance from Atlanta: Approximately 5-6 Hours or 330-400 Miles
Only about a 6 hour trip away from Atlanta, Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach are two areas in SC that will leave you feeling plenty fulfilled for a weekend getaway.
Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach both have plenty to offer:
Saltwater Grande in Myrtle Beach and Sea Mountain Vacations in North Myrtle Beach both have some exquisite vacation rentals for your stay. Whether it's condo rentals in convenient locations near your favorite attractions, stunning vacation rentals with private pools, or luxurious beachfront rentals, you are in for a special treat when you visit the area!
As an Atlanta resident or visitor, you have so many options for long weekend getaways, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy mountain cabin or an airy oceanfront experience. Whether you're captivated by the mountain beauty of Big Canoe, Blue Ridge, Asheville, Suches, Clemson and Gatlinburg, the coastal allure of Perdido Key, Amelia Island, Orange Beach, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach, the serene charm of Saint Simons Island, or the beachy vibes of Destin, each location promises relaxing days and great new memories.
So, begin planning your next long weekend escape from Atlanta, and make the most of your trip with vacation rentals from The 100 Collection. Your next adventure is just a drive away!
