Living in Buckhead offers plenty to enjoy right at home: fine dining, shopping, green spaces, and city conveniences. But one of the best things about life in this Atlanta neighborhood is how close you are to so many incredible getaways. Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a quiet retreat, or an active weekend full of exploration, there’s no shortage of great destinations within a few hours' drive. These weekend trips from Buckhead, GA, make it easy to recharge without the need for long travel days or complicated planning.
Augusta, GA
Roughly two and a half hours east of Buckhead, Augusta is best known as the home of The Masters golf tournament. But there’s much more to see beyond the fairways. The city’s Riverwalk along the Savannah River is perfect for an afternoon stroll, with scenic overlooks, gardens, and access to art galleries and museums nearby.
If you enjoy historic districts, Augusta delivers. The Summerville neighborhood features architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries, while downtown is lined with restored buildings housing boutiques, cafes, and local shops. Music lovers can check out the James Brown Arena or the museum dedicated to the iconic performer’s life and legacy.
For golfers, even if you’re not attending The Masters, the area has several top-rated public courses worth playing. Augusta also offers a slower pace, perfect for anyone looking to relax without straying too far from home.
If you enjoy historic districts, Augusta delivers. The Summerville neighborhood features architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries, while downtown is lined with restored buildings housing boutiques, cafes, and local shops. Music lovers can check out the James Brown Arena or the museum dedicated to the iconic performer’s life and legacy.
For golfers, even if you’re not attending The Masters, the area has several top-rated public courses worth playing. Augusta also offers a slower pace, perfect for anyone looking to relax without straying too far from home.
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga sits about two hours northwest of Buckhead and offers a blend of outdoor adventure, walkable neighborhoods, and family-centric attractions. The city’s location along the Tennessee River gives it a natural edge, with plenty of trails, parks, and waterfront access to enjoy throughout the year.
One highlight is Lookout Mountain, where visitors can take in panoramic views, explore Rock City Gardens, or ride the Incline Railway for a unique experience. Downtown Chattanooga is compact and easy to navigate, filled with galleries, breweries, and local restaurants. The city also invests heavily in public art and urban development, making each visit feel fresh and thoughtful.
For families, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see and is often considered one of the best in the country. With two separate buildings dedicated to freshwater and marine life, it’s both educational and entertaining. Chattanooga is an easy pick for one of the best weekend trips from Buckhead, GA, especially if you want a mix of nature, culture, and city energy.
One highlight is Lookout Mountain, where visitors can take in panoramic views, explore Rock City Gardens, or ride the Incline Railway for a unique experience. Downtown Chattanooga is compact and easy to navigate, filled with galleries, breweries, and local restaurants. The city also invests heavily in public art and urban development, making each visit feel fresh and thoughtful.
For families, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see and is often considered one of the best in the country. With two separate buildings dedicated to freshwater and marine life, it’s both educational and entertaining. Chattanooga is an easy pick for one of the best weekend trips from Buckhead, GA, especially if you want a mix of nature, culture, and city energy.
Birmingham, AL
Just over two hours west, Birmingham offers a compelling mix of history, food, and Southern hospitality. It’s a city that has evolved into a creative hub, where long-standing traditions sit comfortably alongside contemporary ideas.
The Civil Rights District is a moving and important part of any visit, with stops like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park. These sites offer a perspective on the city's past and its role in American history. Beyond the museums, Birmingham has made a name for itself as a food destination. From James Beard Award-winning chefs to neighborhood barbecue joints, the culinary scene is strong. Avondale and Five Points South are two neighborhoods worth exploring for drinks, brunch, or dinner out.
For those interested in architecture or design, Birmingham’s industrial roots show up in creative ways: old warehouses turned into lofts, breweries, and market halls. Birmingham blends character and charm in a way that makes a weekend trip feel well-rounded and enriching.
The Civil Rights District is a moving and important part of any visit, with stops like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Kelly Ingram Park. These sites offer a perspective on the city's past and its role in American history. Beyond the museums, Birmingham has made a name for itself as a food destination. From James Beard Award-winning chefs to neighborhood barbecue joints, the culinary scene is strong. Avondale and Five Points South are two neighborhoods worth exploring for drinks, brunch, or dinner out.
For those interested in architecture or design, Birmingham’s industrial roots show up in creative ways: old warehouses turned into lofts, breweries, and market halls. Birmingham blends character and charm in a way that makes a weekend trip feel well-rounded and enriching.
Greenville, SC
Greenville has become a favorite for quick trips from Atlanta, and it’s easy to see why. Located about two and a half hours northeast of Buckhead, this South Carolina city offers a walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and public art. Falls Park on the Reedy, right in the center of town, adds a natural anchor to the urban experience. Its suspension bridge and waterfalls make it one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Bike enthusiasts can rent a set of wheels and ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which connects downtown Greenville to nearby towns like Travelers Rest. It’s an easy way to see the area while enjoying the outdoors.
Greenville’s food scene is also worth noting. It includes both upscale dining and casual favorites, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative menus. You’ll find breweries, bakeries, and coffee shops tucked into almost every block downtown.
Bike enthusiasts can rent a set of wheels and ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which connects downtown Greenville to nearby towns like Travelers Rest. It’s an easy way to see the area while enjoying the outdoors.
Greenville’s food scene is also worth noting. It includes both upscale dining and casual favorites, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative menus. You’ll find breweries, bakeries, and coffee shops tucked into almost every block downtown.
Savannah, GA
For those looking for a bit more travel time in exchange for coastal views and a distinct sense of place, Savannah is about four hours southeast of Buckhead. Known for its cobblestone streets, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and historic squares, the city feels like a step back in time but with plenty of modern appeal.
River Street and City Market are popular areas for walking, dining, and shopping. Meanwhile, the Historic District offers walking tours that showcase both the architecture and the stories that shaped the city. Ghost tours and carriage rides add a playful twist for those wanting to dig deeper into local lore.
Savannah also has an emerging arts scene, supported in part by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Galleries, design shops, and rotating exhibits give visitors a chance to explore local creativity alongside the more traditional sights.
Tybee Island, just 30 minutes outside of town, is a perfect beachside destination for those who want to extend their weekend with sand and sea. Whether you wish to explore landmarks or relax by the water, Savannah offers a well-rounded experience.
River Street and City Market are popular areas for walking, dining, and shopping. Meanwhile, the Historic District offers walking tours that showcase both the architecture and the stories that shaped the city. Ghost tours and carriage rides add a playful twist for those wanting to dig deeper into local lore.
Savannah also has an emerging arts scene, supported in part by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Galleries, design shops, and rotating exhibits give visitors a chance to explore local creativity alongside the more traditional sights.
Tybee Island, just 30 minutes outside of town, is a perfect beachside destination for those who want to extend their weekend with sand and sea. Whether you wish to explore landmarks or relax by the water, Savannah offers a well-rounded experience.
Make Buckhead Your Launchpad for Living Well
Living in Buckhead means having easy access to experiences that stretch well beyond the city limits. Whether you’re exploring the Southeast or coming home to quiet tree-lined streets, the balance of convenience and opportunity is part of what makes this neighborhood so special. If you're looking to buy or sell in Buckhead, working with a real estate team that understands both the market and the lifestyle makes all the difference. The Katie McGuirk Team offers local insight and a grounded approach, helping clients find a home base that suits their everyday life and every weekend adventure. To learn more about the Buckhead real estate market, contact The Katie McGuirk Team today.
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
