Peachtree Corners is just northeast of Atlanta, and you and your family can head there to enjoy everything the city has to offer. But sometimes, it’s just nice to get out of town for a day or two and explore other areas. The great state of Georgia has a plethora of both family-friendly destinations and parents-only activities. So the next time you want to get out of the neighborhood for a while, whether you’re bringing the kids or not, check out these five day trips from the Peachtree Corners area.

Lake Lanier

“Spending time out on the water equals great memories” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by surfitusa

Lake Lanier is northeast of Peachtree Corners, approximately 31 miles away. This area combines luxury amenities and outdoorsy activities, so it’s got a little something for everyone in your family. Plus, it’s in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are spectacular from nearly every point. If your family is the outdoorsy type, then you’ll love the parks and trails that offer spectacular views of the water, areas for nature hiking or biking through the woods, or exploring science and nature at the Elachee Education Center in Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. 

At the lake itself, you and your family can have fun splashing in the water and sunning on one of the pristine beaches, taking the boat out for a nice, scenic ride or some fishing, or going kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. There are also plenty of restaurants that offer beachside dining, perfect for a convenient meal during a beach day or a romantic setting for a dinner without the kids. 

Around town in nearby Gainseville, you can hit some drives on one of the beautiful golf courses or go putt-putting with the kids. There’s also plenty of diverse entertainment like galleries, history museums and historical sites, and family-friendly live theater. All in all, Lake Lanier has much to offer for a quick, one-day trip or even a fun-filled long weekend.

Chattahoochee National Forest

If you’re interested in seeing more of Georgia’s great outdoors, then the Chattahoochee National Forest is the place to visit. This natural recreation area is approximately 76.5 miles north of Peachtree Corners, and it’s an awesome spot for families who love hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, and just being outside. This rugged park has over 100 trails of varying difficulties for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and you can even hike portions of the Appalachian Trail!

Chattahoochee National Forest has plenty in the way of water activities, too. Visit one of the swimming areas at a local campground or head to Lake Conasauga, Lake Sinclair, or Peeples Lake. Go whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Chattooga River for a thrilling family adventure. If you’ve got a boat, there are many lakes in the area where you can drive it out onto the water and fish. You can fish in the many lakes, rivers, and streams in the area, too. Overall, this park is a rugged-loving, outdoorsy family’s paradise for a little vacation not too far from home.

Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia, is Southern charm come to life. It’s a great place to get out of the bigger city area and enjoy smaller-town life for a while. But that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in fun activities, interesting museums, or amazing nature just waiting to be explored. 

Maybe your family has already visited every museum Greater Atlanta has to offer. Then Macon is the right place for you because this town has many educational destinations with fascinating exhibits and important topics. Visit the Tubman Museum, which houses exhibits dedicated to African American history and culture. Sports fanatics will love the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame that honors fantastic athletes and coaches in nearly every sport. And everyone can find something to love about the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences, which has a stellar planetarium, galleries of beautiful fine art, and unique rotating exhibits.

You can also enjoy a bit of the great outdoors since Macon has multiple parks and is even near the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which is a Native American heritage site where artifacts from thousands of years ago were found over multiple excavations. You can also explore Amerson River Park, which has a playground, over 7 miles of trails, and a boat launch into the Ocmulgee River, and Sandy Beach Water Park, where your family can hang out in the lazy river, go down water slides, and splash around.

Callaway Gardens

If you’re in need of a relaxing resort getaway that’s not too far from home, then head about 103 miles southwest of Peachtree Corners to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This area has over 2,500 acres of gardens and beautiful blooming landscape, the perfect backdrop to a spa weekend without the kids or a fun family trip. Plus, Callaway Gardens and Resort plays host to some fantastic events throughout the year, including sporting events and holiday celebrations.

There’s a little bit of everything at Callaway Gardens, so everyone is sure to have a good time. You can stroll around the massive gardens and chase butterflies at the Butterfly Center. Practice your swing at one of the two scenic golf courses. Get the full-on spa treatment, complete with a massage, facials, sauna time, as well as manicures and pedicures. Hang out at the beach, swim in the lake, or go on the boat or kayak. Or, go on a high-flying zipline adventure.

LaGrange, Georgia

About 90 or so miles southwest of Peachtree Corners is LaGrange, which is a hub of family-friendly activities and parents-only destinations for the perfect day or weekend trip. 

Head to Great Wolf Lodge for the indoor water park, climbing wall, mini golf, and bowling all in one place, West Point Lake offers outdoor water fun like fishing, boating, kayaking, and picnicking on the shoreline. Pay a visit to some of the town’s fantastic museums, like the LaGrange Art Museum, the historical Legacy Museum, and the Lamar Dodd Art Center. Or, take the family to see live music at Pure Life Studios, an intimate, family-owned venue, or Sweetland Amphitheatre. And parents, enjoy Nutwood Winery where you can have a fruit and cheese plate and sample delectable wines.So there you have it, five awesome day trips from Peachtree Corners. Did we miss any of your family’s favorite day trips around Georgia? If so, contact Crème de la Crème of Peachtree Corners, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list!