Fall break is right around the corner, and for families in Georgia, that means the first real stretch of time off since school kicked off in August. By October, everyone’s ready for a change of pace, a little adventure, and some quality family time. Whether your crew craves mountain air, sandy beaches, or attractions just around the corner, fall break is the perfect opportunity to load up the car and make some memories. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to find destinations that kids (and parents!) will love. Here are three day trips and eight family-friendly overnight trips within a five-hour drive of South Atlanta that will make your long weekend feel like a true vacation.
Day Trips
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
Just 30 minutes from South Atlanta, this park offers a mix of history, hiking, and nature. The park’s ruins of the Old Sweetwater Mill provide a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s past, while trails along the creek are perfect for families and beginner hikers. Fall brings beautiful foliage along the water.
Things to do: Hike the Red Trail to see the mill ruins, rent a canoe or kayak at the Visitor’s Center, enjoy a picnic by the creek, or attend seasonal programs offered by the park.
Places to eat: Nearby restaurants in Lithia Springs include The Hub Bar & Grill and Iron Horse Tavern.
Stone Mountain Park – Stone Mountain
About 30–40 minutes from South Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a classic family destination offering a mix of outdoor adventure and entertainment. The massive granite mountain and surrounding parkland are fun for all ages.
Things to do: Take the Summit Skyride to the top, hike or bike the trails, enjoy mini-golf or the scenic railroad, and don’t miss the nightly laser show if visiting in the evening. Their Pumpkin Festival also just so happens to be during Fall break as well!
Places to eat: The Crossroads at Stone Mountain or nearby local spots in Stone Mountain Village. Or, pack a picnic—there are plenty of shaded spots, and it can save time and money for families.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
Only a half-hour from South Atlanta, this park features a unique granite monadnock and plenty of outdoor activities for adventurous families. It’s quieter than Stone Mountain, making it perfect for nature lovers.
Things to do: Hike the 1.25-mile Watershed Trail, go birdwatching, attend guided nature programs, or try geocaching on the grounds.
NOTE: Reservations are required for summit hikes on weekends, so plan ahead.
Staying Local (1–2 hours max)
Not every getaway has to mean long hours in the car. Staying closer to home has its perks: less driving, more time to enjoy your destination, and often budget-friendly options. If you’re looking for something easy but still packed with fun, these close-to-home ideas deliver big.
Great Wolf Lodge – LaGrange
Just over an hour from South Atlanta, Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange is a dream come true for kids and a lifesaver for parents. Known for its massive indoor water park, themed rooms, and endless family-friendly activities, this resort brings the fun rain or shine. Families love it because it’s all-inclusive once you arrive: water slides, pools, ropes courses, arcade games, bowling, and kid-friendly dining options are all at your fingertips. It’s especially appealing for a short break, because you can pack a ton of fun into just a few days without spending hours in the car. Parents also appreciate that everything is under one roof, making it easy to relax while the kids play.
Where to stay: Great Wolf Lodge itself is the main attraction and lodging option, offering themed suites with kid-friendly bunk beds.
Things to do: Indoor water park, MagiQuest adventure game, ropes course, bowling alley, arcade, story times, and seasonal events.
Places to eat: Multiple on-site options, including Dunkin’, Buckets Incredible Craveables (poolside dining), and Lodge Wood Fired Grill for heartier meals. If you want to enjoy local favorites, head downtown to enjoy local favorites such as Karvelas Pizza, Charlie Joseph’s, or Venucci.
Local tip: Book one of the themed suites (like the Wolf Den) for an extra layer of excitement. It feels like a sleepover adventure for kids!
Callaway Resort & Gardens – Pine Mountain
Right around an hour from South Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is a perfect blend of outdoor beauty, kid-friendly attractions, and peaceful relaxation. Families love the variety of things to do, from biking and paddle boating to walking through butterfly-filled conservatories and exploring blooming gardens. October is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with mild weather and the first hints of fall foliage.
Where to stay: Callaway Resort & Gardens offers lodge-style accommodations, charming cottages, and even lakefront villas, making it easy to find the right fit for your family.
Things to do: Explore the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, bike or hike the 10+ miles of scenic trails, visit Robin Lake Beach, play mini golf, and enjoy seasonal events like the Harvest Festival or pumpkin-themed garden displays.
Places to eat: On-site dining options include the Piedmont Dining Room (buffet-style), Country Kitchen for Southern favorites, and Robin Lake Beach Grill for casual lakeside meals.
Local tip: Bring your bikes or rent them at the resort! Riding through the gardens is one of the most enjoyable (and kid-approved) ways to explore everything the property has to offer.
Special edition: Read a more detailed blog here, including links to places to stay, things to do, and places to eat.
Mountain Towns
There’s something magical about fall break in the mountains: crisp air, changing leaves, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether your family loves hiking, exploring charming downtowns, or just cozying up with hot cocoa, these mountain towns offer the perfect backdrop.
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is one of North Georgia’s most beloved small towns, famous for its vibrant downtown, apple orchards, and scenic mountain views. Families flock here for a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. In fall, the area shines with apple picking, train rides through colorful foliage, and cool nights perfect for a firepit. Blue Ridge is also known for its strong arts community and excellent food scene, making it fun for parents too. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, unplug, and enjoy time together.
Where to stay: Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast (historic and cozy), or rent a mountain cabin through Escape to Blue Ridge.
Things to do: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Mercier Orchards, hiking trails, Lake Blue Ridge boat rentals, shopping downtown. Read more about apple picking at Mercier Orchards here.
Places to eat: Harvest on Main (farm-to-table), Southern Charm (classic Southern dishes), and Das Kaffee Haus for coffee.
Local tip: Visit Mercier Orchards in the morning before it gets crowded, and don’t leave without their famous fried pies.
Special edition: Read a more detailed blog here, including links to places to stay, things to do, and places to eat.
Helen
Helen is known for its Bavarian-style village, complete with cobblestone streets, German restaurants, and fun family activities. In October, it’s especially festive with its Oktoberfest celebrations, such as music, dancing, and Bavarian flair make it a treat for kids and adults alike. Beyond the themed village, Helen is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails, so you can balance sightseeing with outdoor fun. Families love it for its quirkiness, walkable downtown, and mix of activities that feel unique compared to other Georgia mountain towns. It’s like a mini European vacation without the flight.
Where to stay: Valhalla Resort Hotel for a bit of luxury, or family-friendly cabins through Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals.
Things to do: Anna Ruby Falls, tubing on the Chattahoochee, Unicoi State Park zip lines, downtown shopping, and mini golf.
Places to eat: Bodensee for authentic German food, Bigg Daddy’s for American pub fare, and Hofbrauhaus for bratwurst.
Local tip: Grab a pretzel from Hofer’s Bakery. It’s a must-stop treat that tastes even better while strolling the village.
Special edition: Read a more detailed blog here, including links to places to stay, things to do, and places to eat.
Highlands, NC
Just under a five-hour drive from South Atlanta, Highlands, North Carolina is a cozy mountain retreat that feels worlds away. Perched on a plateau in the Nantahala National Forest, Highlands offers cooler temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, and plenty of outdoor adventures. It’s a great spot for hiking, waterfall chasing, and exploring charming shops and galleries. Families love the peaceful vibe, beautiful views, and family-friendly hikes that even little legs can manage.
Where to stay: Old Edwards Inn (luxury with family-friendly amenities), or rent a mountain cottage nearby through VRBO or Airbnb.
Things to do: Hike to Dry Falls or Glen Falls, explore the Highlands Nature Center, visit The Bascom art center, or shop downtown.
Places to eat: Wild Thyme, Mountain Fresh Grocery, and Ugly Dog Pub are great local favorites.
Local tip: Drive the nearby “Waterfall ByWay” (US-64) for a scenic route with multiple roadside waterfalls perfect for quick stops and photos.
Special edition: Read a more detailed blog here, including links to places to stay, things to do, and places to eat. If you like golf, be sure to check out this blog for great options in the Highlands area.
Beach Towns
Fall break might not scream “beach season,” but in the Southeast, it’s the perfect time. The crowds are gone, the weather is mild, and the coast is still warm enough for sandcastles and seaside fun. If your family craves salt air and ocean breezes, these destinations deliver the perfect coastal escape.
Tybee Island
Just outside of Savannah, Tybee Island is one of Georgia’s most family-friendly beaches. Known for its laid-back vibe, lighthouse, and wide sandy beaches, it’s an easy coastal escape. Families love Tybee for its small-town feel and mix of beach fun with history and nature nearby. You can play in the surf, climb a lighthouse, explore a salt marsh, or pop into Savannah for a day trip. Fall is especially nice because the summer crowds are gone, but the water is still warm enough for swimming.
Where to stay: Hotel Tybee (right on the beach), or rent a cottage through Mermaid Cottages.
Things to do: Tybee Island Lighthouse, dolphin tours, kayak tours, Marine Science Center, and beach days.
Places to eat: The Crab Shack (“where the elite eat in their bare feet”), A-J’s Dockside, and Sunrise Restaurant for breakfast.
Local tip: For a quieter beach, head to North Beach near the lighthouse, as it’s less crowded than the main pier area.
St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island is part of Georgia’s Golden Isles and offers a mix of natural beauty, family-friendly beaches, and charming village life. Known for its moss-draped oaks, historic sites, and laid-back feel, it’s a destination families return to again and again. Visitors love that it combines beach relaxation with plenty of things to do, such as biking trails, kayaking, historic forts, and the iconic lighthouse. October makes it even more special, with cooler evenings perfect for a beach walk or a seafood dinner outdoors. St. Simons has enough to keep kids entertained while still feeling relaxing for parents.
Where to stay: The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort (oceanfront), Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse, or vacation rentals through Lighthouse Vacations.
Things to do: East Beach, St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, Fort Frederica, bike paths, pier fishing, and kayaking.
Places to eat: Southern Soul Barbeque, Iguanas Seafood, and Barbara Jean’s for crab cakes.
Local tip: Rent bikes and explore the island that way. It’s the best way to take in the scenery without the traffic.
Santa Rosa Beach
Located along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach offers sugar-white sand and stunning emerald waters, some of the clearest you’ll find in the Southeast. It’s quieter than neighboring beach towns like Destin but still has plenty to offer families. The beach is the main draw, but kids also love the nearby state parks, biking trails, and seaside ice cream stops. In fall, the temperatures are ideal for spending all day outdoors, and the sunsets over the Gulf are hard to beat.
Where to stay: Vacation homes through Kalos, 30A Escapes, or WaterColor Inn for resort-style amenities.
Things to do: Relax on Blue Mountain Beach or Dune Allen Beach, hike or paddle at Grayton Beach State Park, bike the Timpoochee Trail, explore the funky art scene in Gulf Place, and visit the nearby Seaside Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Places to eat: Scratch Biscuit Kitchen (best breakfast and coffee), The Perfect Pig (upscale Southern with a beachy twist), Pizza by the Sea (kid favorite), Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (great views and seafood), Pickle’s (best burgers and shakes), Old Florida Fish House (pretty view), and Blue Mountain Creamery for homemade ice cream.
Local tip: Rent bikes and cruise the scenic 30A path. It’s the easiest (and most fun) way to explore multiple beach towns without dealing with traffic or parking.
Special edition: If you like golf, be sure to check out this blog for great Emerald Coast options!
Unique Experiences
If your family is craving something truly out of the ordinary, these destinations offer a break from the usual and create memories you won’t stop talking about.
Sleep in a Train Car – Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel (Chattanooga, TN):
Restored Victorian train cars have been converted into cozy hotel suites, giving kids the thrill of a “train sleepover.” The property also has gardens and fun dining options, making it a novelty stay that’s still comfortable for the whole family.
Special edition: Read a more detailed blog here, including links to places to stay, things to do, and places to eat.
Wild Animal Safari (Pine Mountain, GA):
Just over an hour from Atlanta, this drive-through safari lets animals like giraffes, zebras, and bison walk right up to your car. Rent one of the zebra-striped vans if you don’t want to use your own, and prepare for lots of giggles when the animals poke their heads inside.
Georgia Aquarium Sleepover (Atlanta, GA):
For a one-of-a-kind night, families can roll out sleeping bags in front of the massive aquarium windows. Falling asleep while whale sharks and manta rays drift by is a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
Treehouse Stays (North Georgia):
Several Airbnbs and rentals across Georgia offer treehouse stays, ranging from rustic hideaways to luxury treetop retreats. It’s the perfect way to mix adventure with comfort, and kids love the feeling of living among the trees.
Barnsley Resort “Castle” Ruins (Adairsville, GA):
This historic estate includes the romantic ruins of a 19th-century manor, known as the “castle.” Families can explore the grounds, ride horses, play lawn games, and stay in cozy cottages for a trip that feels both unique and enchanting.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy escape close to home, crisp mountain air, or the salty breeze of the coast, Fall Break is the perfect chance to recharge and make memories with your family. From the excitement of Great Wolf Lodge to the charm of mountain towns like Blue Ridge and Helen, to the beaches of Tybee and St. Simons, each destination offers something special. And if you want to try something a little different, the unique experiences prove that adventure can be found in all sorts of places. You don’t have to go far to make Fall Break feel like a true vacation—all it takes is packing up the car, hitting the road, and enjoying time together.
Happy traveling,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
