Take advantage of time off during the winter months and plan a quick road trip with the kids
Now that winter has settled in Atlanta, we know that cabin fever will be creeping in at some point too. And while we know families can find plenty of winter activities to keep them busy around the city, sometimes it helps to get out of town for an easy weekend trip. Maybe a day trip to a nearby ski resort is your family’s speed? Or an overnight at a rustic cottage? Bottom line? Atlanta is within five hours of the beach, the mountains, and a long list of historic sites worth paying a visit to. So pack your family’s bags, and gas up your tanks, because we’ve zeroed in on sensational winter road trips for families that start in the city and end at tons of travel fun.
Winter Weekend Trips from Atlanta Perfect for Families
Tybee Island, GA
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Located just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, this Georgia barrier island has been a popular vacation spot since the late 1800s. Its wide, clean beaches with warm and gentle waves makes Tybee Island is the perfect escape for those who need a healthy dose of sand, sun and seaside bliss. In the winter, you can still expect cooler temperatures, but locals agree that the island slows down and is an ideal winter destination for those seeking a slower-paced getaway.
Don’t Miss: With both shrimp and oyster season in full swing during the winter, Tybee is home to some of the freshest seafood around. Go to an oyster roast, plan a Low Country boil or simply grab a bucket of peel-and-eat shrimp. And, during the winter, you can go kayaking, deep-sea fishing, fossil hunting and even bird watching without breaking a sweat.
Where to Stay: Tybee is home to historic bed and breakfasts as well as a limited number of oceanfront hotels. Visitors can find great deals for their winter island getaway with these special offers for everything from lodging to experiences. Our favorite basecamp at Tybee is from an airbnb cottage in the historic South end of the island.
Find out more: visittybee.com
Gaylord Opryland Resort | Nashville, TN
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Situated in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort is unlike any hotel you’ve ever seen, and serves as a destination, itself. Built around nine acres of airy, indoor garden atriums, you’ll forget about the winter blues—and hide from the sweltering summer—when you enter the doors and walk through paths teeming with tropical plants, bordered by waterfalls, and illuminated by the natural light from the glassed-in ceiling.
SoundWaves is a four-acre, three-level upscale indoor/outdoor water attraction with dedicated recreation zones for adults, young children and families. Connected to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, getting there is as simple as walking through a corridor. Without a doubt, it’s the cleanest, brightest and prettiest indoor water space we’ve ever seen, and everything from sleek finishes to the living walls and plant best makes being at SoundWaves a treat.
Good to Know: Guaranteed admission is available only with the exclusive SoundWaves Water Experience overnight package, which guarantees the capacity at SoundWaves will be manageable, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re toting a group of multi-aged kids to a water park.
2800 Opryland Dr.
Nashville, TN
Online: marriott.com
Gatlinburg, TN
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Gatlinburg is a great basecamp for families who want to explore the miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but who are looking for entertainment, attractions, and a multitude of lodging options. And, since peak visiting season is Summer and Fall, you can get some outstanding deals when you book winter trips to the Smokies.
Don’t Miss: Gatlinburg is home to Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski resort in Tennessee—which includes ice skating, snow tubing, and a tram ride—and a historical Arts & Crafts Community provides a nice alternative to the tourist boutiques that line the strip. Of course, there’s also Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Aquarium of the Smokies, along with easy access to Dollywood (opening for the season mid-March) and plenty of live shows.
Where to Stay: Gatlinburg’s consolidated booking tool makes renting a hotel room, cabin, condo or chalet a breeze, and you can check out their deals page for savings on lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions.
Find out more: gatlinburg.com
Related: Discover the Great Smoky Mountains & So Much More in Gatlinburg, TN
Providence Canyon State Park | Columbus, GA
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Just over two hours from Atlanta in Lumpkin, you’ll find an astonishing smaller (but still very big) version of the Grand Canyon, Georgia’s own Providence Canyon. And, with our frequently glorious and not too cold winter weather, you can explore it year-round. With more than 1,000 acres of deep, rocky canyons caused by poor farming practices in the 1800s, plus native wildflowers and vegetation, it’s as cool as it is totally out of place in Georgia. A surefire way to both social distance and experience one of the state’s most amazing natural wonders, the park should be on your winter bucket list. to the free Infantry Museum at Fort Benning.
Don’t Miss: You’ll find old cars rusted-out along the rim of the canyon not far off the trail, and if you only have time (or endurance) for one or two hikes, be sure and check out canyons 4 and 5, which are known for their impressive colors. The park has several picnic areas, including covered tables and a playground. Make sure you bring whatever you want to eat because there isn’t any place remotely close to pick up food near the canyons.
Where to Stay: If you want to make a weekend of the trip—it’s doable as a long day trip—your best bet for lodging is in nearby Columbus. In addition to lodging, you’ll find the Coca Cola Space Science Center, a Lunchbox Museum, and a cool Riverwalk that hugs the banks of 15 miles of the Chattahoochee River.
Find out more: visitcolumbusga.com
Chattanooga, TN
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Chattanooga is just under two hours from Atlanta, and you’ll find museums, river cruises, loads of city tours, and an incredible Riverwalk—13 paved miles of shops, parks, restaurants, bars, and more that will keep you busy all weekend.
Don’t Miss: You’ll find an awe-inspiring underground waterfall (be sure to bundle up) at Ruby Falls, an old-school but still super cool Rock City, which hosts special themed weeks throughout the winter, and an impressive Creative Discovery Museum that your kids won’t want to leave.
Where to Stay: The best-known lodging in Chattanooga is in the sleeper car of the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, but you can also find remote cabins, historic bed and breakfasts, and plenty of hotel options to choose among.
Find out more: visitchattanooga.com
Related: Plan the Perfect Family Vacation in Chattanooga, TN
6. Sapphire, NC
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Not far from Highlands and Cashiers is a family-friendly mountain community—only around three hours from Atlanta—that’s home to the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort, plenty of dining, and beautiful hikes.
Don’t Miss: Walk behind a waterfall at Dry Falls, ski Sapphire Valley resort day or night, or go for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in nearby Bryson City.
Where to Stay: To be near the slopes, explore Ski Sapphire Lodging. Or, to be centrally located near multiple trailheads, the Black Bear Lodge might be just the thing.
Sapphire Resort
127 Sapphire Valley Rd.
Sapphire, NC
Online: sapphirevalleyresort.com
