Romantic Weekend Trips from Atlanta for Couples

Introduction:

If you’re based in Atlanta and looking for a quick romantic escape, you’re in the perfect city. Atlanta is surrounded by charming mountain towns, beautiful lakes, relaxing resorts, wineries, and coastal destinations that are all within a 2–5 hour drive. As someone who loves spontaneous weekend road trips, I’ve personally taken many of these routes—and every escape has its own charm.
In this guide, you’ll find the best weekend trips from Atlanta for couples, including what to do, the best time to visit, how to reach each place, and complete 2-day and 3-day itineraries you can follow easily.

Best Romantic Weekend Trips from Atlanta for Couples

1. Blue Ridge, Georgia

Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour 45 minutes

Blue Ridge is one of the most romantic and peaceful weekend destinations for couples near Atlanta. With cozy cabins, mountain views, wineries, waterfalls, and scenic drives, it’s a perfect 2-day escape.

Things to Do in Blue Ridge

• Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
• Hike to Fall Branch Falls
• Explore downtown Blue Ridge cafés
• Enjoy a wine tasting at Bear Claw Vineyards
• Visit Mercier Orchards for fresh pies and cider
• Relax in a private cabin with a hot tub

Best Time to Visit

• Fall (Sept–Nov): Peak foliage
• Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant weather
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Best for cabin stays

How to Reach (Atlanta → Blue Ridge)

Route (Most Scenic):
I-75 N → GA-5 N → US-76 E → Blue Ridge

Driving time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

2-Day Itinerary (Blue Ridge)

Day 1:

• Breakfast in Atlanta → Scenic drive
• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
• Lunch at Harvest on Main
• Visit Mercier Orchards
• Check-in at cabin + private hot tub evening

Day 2:

• Morning hike to Fall Branch Falls
• Wine tasting at Bear Claw Vineyards
• Explore downtown shops
• Drive back to Atlanta

2. Helen, Georgia

Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes

Helen feels like a small European village right in the mountains of Georgia. It’s perfect for couples who enjoy nature, food, and charming Bavarian-style streets.

Things to Do in Helen

• Explore the Bavarian Village streets
• Visit Anna Ruby Falls
• Go tubing down the Chattahoochee (summer)
• Dine at the Bodensee Restaurant
• Walk through Unicoi State Park
• Enjoy romantic dinners at local riverfront cafés

Best Time to Visit

• Fall: Oktoberfest celebrations
• Spring/Summer: Tubing, hikes
• Winter: Quiet, peaceful stays

How to Reach (Atlanta → Helen)

I-85 N → GA-365 N → GA-384 → GA-75 → Helen
Driving time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

2-Day Itinerary (Helen)

Day 1:

• Drive from Atlanta
• Explore downtown Helen
• Lunch at Hofbrauhaus
• Anna Ruby Falls hike
• Sunset walk at Unicoi Lake

Day 2:

• Tubing or river walk
• Coffee at Yonah Coffee Company
• Return to Atlanta

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Distance: 2 hours

Chattanooga is a perfect romantic city getaway with mountains, waterfalls, riverfront walks, and great food options.

Things to Do in Chattanooga

• Visit Ruby Falls (underground waterfalls)
• Ride the Incline Railway
• Walk around Tennessee Riverwalk
• Explore Lookout Mountain
• Have dinner at Tony’s Pasta Shop
• Visit the beautiful Walnut Street Bridge at night

Best Time to Visit

Year-round destination. Spring and fall are especially beautiful.

How to Reach

I-75 N from Atlanta → Chattanooga
Driving time: ~2 hours

3-Day Itinerary (Chattanooga)

Day 1:

• Ruby Falls
• Lookout Mountain
• Sunset at Walnut Street Bridge

Day 2:

• Tennessee Aquarium
• Lunch at Puckett’s
• Incline Railway
• Evening riverfront walk

Day 3:

• Shopping at downtown
• Scenic drive back to Atlanta

4. Savannah, Georgia

Distance: 4 hours

Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the South. With cobblestone streets, historic squares, horse carriages, and beautiful oak trees, it’s a dreamy weekend destination for couples.

Things to Do in Savannah

• Walk through Forsyth Park
• Explore River Street
• Romantic dinner cruise
• Take a historic trolley tour
• Visit Tybee Island (30 mins from Savannah)
• Try delicious Southern food at The Olde Pink House

Best Time to Visit

• March to June
• September to November

How to Reach

I-75 S → I-16 E → Savannah
Driving time: ~4 hours

3-Day Itinerary (Savannah)

Day 1:

• Forsyth Park
• River Street exploration
• Dinner at The Olde Pink House

Day 2:

• Trolley tour
• Coffee at Collins Quarter
• Sunset at Tybee Island

Day 3:

• Shopping + brunch
• Drive back to Atlanta

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Distance: 3.5 hours

Asheville is perfect for couples who love mountains, craft beer, art, and scenic drives.

Things to Do in Asheville

• Visit Biltmore Estate
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Explore downtown Asheville cafés
• Waterfall hikes: Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove
• Romantic meals at farm-to-table restaurants

Best Time to Visit

• Fall for foliage
• Spring for hikes
• Winter for cozy Biltmore nights

How to Reach

I-85 N → US-74 W → I-26 W → Asheville
Driving: ~3.5 hours

3-Day Itinerary (Asheville)

Day 1:

• Blue Ridge Parkway drive
• Downtown Asheville dinner

Day 2:

• Full day at Biltmore Estate
• Wine tasting

Day 3:

• Waterfall hikes
• Return to Atlanta

6. Greenville, South Carolina

Distance: 2 hours 15 minutes

Greenville is an underrated romantic destination with amazing food, scenic parks, and a lively downtown.

Things to Do

• Explore Falls Park on the Reedy
• Walk the Liberty Bridge
• Visit Greenville Zoo
• Coffee date at Methodical Coffee
• Dinner at Soby’s

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall
Very pleasant weather for outdoor walks.

How to Reach

I-85 N → Greenville
Driving: ~2 hours 15 minutes

7. Lake Oconee, Georgia

Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes

Perfect for couples wanting a peaceful lakeside weekend.

Things to Do

• Relax at Ritz-Carlton Lake Oconee Spa
• Rent kayaks or paddleboards
• Lakeside sunset picnic
• Explore local shops at Greensboro

Best Time to Visit

• Summer for water activities
• Winter for cozy resort stays

How to Reach

I-20 E → Greensboro → Lake Oconee
Driving: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Best Time of Year for Couples Trips From Atlanta

• Spring: Waterfalls, hiking, light weather
• Summer: Lakes, beaches, mountain escapes
• Fall: Foliage, romantic cabin stays
• Winter: Fireplaces, hot tubs, quiet escapes

FAQs

1. What is the best romantic weekend trip from Atlanta?

Blue Ridge and Helen are the most popular romantic weekend getaways for couples near Atlanta.

2. What is the best time for a couple’s trip from Atlanta?

Spring and fall offer the best weather, clear mountain views, and great outdoor activities.

3. What is the closest romantic destination from Atlanta?

Lake Oconee (1 hour 20 mins) and Blue Ridge (1 hour 45 mins).

4. Is Savannah a good weekend trip for couples?

Yes, Savannah is one of the most romantic cities in the South with parks, cobblestone streets, and beautiful sunsets.

5. What is the most scenic drive from Atlanta?

The drive to Blue Ridge and the North Georgia Mountains offers the best scenic views.

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