The Most Exciting Suburbs Outside Atlanta
From historic sites in Cartersville to nostalgic College Park, these towns just outside of ATL are perfect for a day trip.
If you’re from Atlanta, you’ve probably experienced a lot of the fun things to do in the city. But several suburbs outside of Atlanta are more than worth the short drive for some variety. The nostalgia of College Park, the vibrance of Johns Creek, or the historic appeal of Cartersville provide plenty of options for the solo traveler or group of friends looking for an overnight getaway or a weekend staycation. So whenever you want a change of pace, head on out to experience all that these surrounding areas have to offer.
Distance from Atlanta: 15 minutes
The city of College Park is arguably one of the most nostalgic places in the state of Georgia. Aside from being your first and last stop in the city thanks to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the historic downtown offers lots to see and do. If you travel to Main Street, you’ll find a bevy of restaurants, including some of the city’s best, like Nouveau, The Corner Grille, and Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen. The quaint neighborhood is also surrounded by East Point and Hapeville, two communities that have been considered a hub for Black-owned businesses.
Distance from Atlanta: 20 minutes
Named after US Navy official Stephen Decatur, this rapidly expanding town has so much to offer. It is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From cozy cafes and upscale dining to food trucks with international flavors, there is something to satisfy every palate including not one, but two James Beard-nominated restaurants Kimball House and Revival—both focusing on farm-fresh ingredients. The Dekalb Farmers Market also has a huge selection of meat, seafood, produce, pastries, and much more. If you love history, head on over to the History Center which provides comprehensive information about Decatur's chronology and was the actual site of the Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta. Decatur's downtown is a thriving walkable district lined with locally owned shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and a quaint bookstore called Little Shop of Stories. It hosts various events and festivals throughout the year like the Decatur Arts Festival and the Decatur Book Festival, so check the calendar before planning your visit. Before you leave, stop by SOS Tiki Bar for island-themed ambiance, reasonably priced appetizers, and a large list of cocktails and spirits.
Distance from Atlanta: 25 minutes
Located northwest of Atlanta, Smyrna is often referred to as "The Jonquil City" due to its annual festival celebrating the flowers’ bloom in the spring. The festival features arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. The Silver Comet Trail starts in Smyrna and is worth seeking out whether you're a pedestrian or cyclist. It’s 61.5 miles of paved trail that ends at the Georgia-Alabama line, but the route is pretty flat and offers lots of greenery along the way. When it comes to food, Muss & Turners (and its speakeasy, Eleanor’s) is a must-visit. Whether you go during the day for one of its famous sandwiches (like Swifty’s Dream with slow-smoked pulled pork, barbecue sauce, bacon, and horseradish slaw on a brioche bun) or at night for creative small plates, you’ll leave with a happy belly. Additionally, fueling up at Rev Coffee is mandatory—the coffee is roasted in-house, and you can get delicious drip or espresso drinks.
Distance from Atlanta: 30 minutes
If you like ogling fancy real estate, drive through the neighborhoods of Sandy Springs, which also happens to be the home of Mercedes Benz’s U.S. headquarters. Drive down the main thoroughfare of Roswell Road and you’ll find vintage furniture shop Kudzu & Company and resale clothing store Rag-O-Rama. After you’ve gotten your fix of home-envy, take advantage of the area’s many outdoor delights. The mixed-use development City Springs is home to a performing arts center and city hall, as well as a beautiful green space (hello, splash pad!). Sandy Springs also boasts an extensive park system with numerous green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks like Morgan Falls Overlook Park and Abernathy Greenway Park offer trails for walking, biking, and jogging and an even larger network of trails within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Distance from Atlanta: 30 minutes
Drive northwest of Atlanta to visit Marietta. In the heart of the city is Marietta Square, built in the 19th century around a park donated by Mayor John Glover (hence the park’s name, Glover Park). The park itself is beautiful with shady trees, benches, a fountain, and a performance area. It may also seem vaguely familiar because it is featured in many films. The real draw for Marietta is the food because there is something for everyone from the minimalist-fancy Spring and Australian Bakery Cafe for delicious hand pies to more than 32 drafts at Two Birds Taphouse. For a speakeasy-like experience check out The Third Door or Glover Park Brewery for local craft beer. Another option is to go to Marietta Square Market which offers food hall-style dining with more than 19 food stalls. There are plenty of places to sit outside or take your food to Glover Park. For the outdoor enthusiast, the city has numerous parks, green spaces, and trails, including the popular Marietta City Club Golf Course and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Distance from Atlanta: 35 minutes
McDonough is a straight shot down I-75 South and is the perfect place to spend the day when you want to escape from the busy city of Atlanta. With so many draws like excellent food, sports events at Warhawk Stadium, and a variety of unique indoor activities, this town located in the heart of Henry County is a must-visit. The Southern Belle Farm is an outdoor experience for all seasons, with strawberries and peaches available during the summer months, a pumpkin patch in the fall, and some of the best Christmas trees to buy this side of the Mississippi. The Hood Street Arts Center hosts regular events for anyone who fancies any kind of art. Heritage Park is a must-see place—it contains Henry County’s first library building, a large picnic area, and the Heritage Park Veterans Museum. McDonough’s Main Street has always been a tourist attraction for its great eating spots such as Gritz Family Restaurant and Macon Street Tacos. The town also hosts an annual Geranium Festival in May, a fun event for all ages.
Distance from Atlanta: 35 minutes
Sorry to disappoint, but Woodstock isn’t a hippie haven. It’s not clear how the town got its name, but apparently, it’s been called Woodstock since 1833. Today, it has a charming downtown with plenty of restaurants, like Truck & Tap, a lively gastropub, and Canyons Fresh Grill, along with shops like Spirited and Antiques by Samson and Delilah to explore. If you’re a mountain biker, you will want to make the trip to Blankets Creek. The trail system is of national repute and is accommodating of everyone from beginner to expert mountain bikers.
Distance from Atlanta: 40 minutes
Duluth is located northeast of Atlanta and is known for its parks and green spaces, whether that's the nearly 50-acre Scott Hudgens Park, which has access to the Chattahoochee River, or Rogers Bridge Park. Duluth’s Town Green hosts festivals throughout the year and is home to delicious food like O4W Pizza, micro food hall Sweet Octopus, and Crave Pie Studio serving some of the best pies in Georgia. Duluth also boasts a large Korean community with plenty of Korean-owned restaurants to support like Breakers BBQ and Dan Moo Ji which serves twists on traditional Korean classics.
Distance from Atlanta: 40 minutes
At first glance, Roswell might look like a typical suburb, but then you arrive at Canton Street, and it suddenly becomes quite picturesque. The city has roots as a manufacturing town when Roswell King set up his mills in the 1800s. The city is very walkable thanks to the beautification efforts in 1996, when Atlanta hosted the Olympics. Now you can stroll through the city and admire the historic buildings, green spaces, or grab a bite at one of the reputable restaurants. If you visit for brunch or breakfast, definitely try Fellows Cafe. The historic former cottage has indoor and outdoor seating and a killer menu with options ranging from ricotta pancakes, sweet potato eggs benedict, and various kinds of toasts. If you come for dinner, it’s a close call between Table & Main, known for Southern fares like fried chicken and short rib, or its sister restaurant Osteria Mattone, known for house-made pasta and pizza—reservations are highly recommended. Roswell also has beautiful parks and trails like Old Mill Park and Riverside Park, both of which have numerous walking paths, biking trails, and play areas by the Chattahoochee River as well as a boat launch.
Distance from Atlanta: 40 minutesA
nother northern suburb, Alpharetta has experienced booming development in recent years between mixed-use development Avalon and the transformation of its downtown now known as Alpharetta City Center. These spaces are beautifully designed with a central green area and surrounded by shops and restaurants, most of which offer outdoor seating. If you're hungry, grab a bite from Never Enough Thyme, a cafe with soups and salads, Coalition Food and Beverage for modern comfort food, or Restaurant Holmes. Head to Valor Coffee for a caffeine fix and Crave Pie Studio for a sweet treat. If you want to stretch your legs, go for a stroll on the Big Creek Greenway. The eight-mile trail is paved and there’s also a wetlands trail made of mulch (accessed near North Point Mall) that allows you to see wildlife like herons and deer.
Distance from Atlanta: 50 minutes
In 2014, Google named Suwanee Georgia’s eCity due to its strong online business community, but this place is also known for its parks, dynamic public art centers, and events suitable for folks of all ages. Sims Lake Park, the Suwanee Creek Greenway, and the Big Splash Interactive Fountain provide big fun for the kids, and there's also Bear’s Best Atlanta for all you golfers out there, which was home to Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour. Suwanee is very eclectic when it comes to its restaurants. It features a groovy sushi bar called MoRi House, Mexican-inspired establishments like Don Bonachon Mexican Bar & Grill, and an Indonesian sports bar called Adda located right on Peachtree Parkway. No wonder Money Magazine also named Suwanee one of the nation’s “best small communities in which to live.”
Distance from Atlanta: 50 minutes
Cartersville is affectionately thought of as a place where history comes alive, thanks to its unique museums, restored Victorian-era homes, and a vibrant shopping and dining district in the heart of downtown. The Tellus Science Museum showcases natural history with numerous interactive experiences, and the Booth Western Art Museum houses the world’s largest permanent collection of Western art. One of the coolest exhibits is signed letters from every U.S. president, a visitor favorite. The city’s newest museum, Savoy Automobile Museum is a must-visit for any automotive buff and the Bartow History Museum is located downtown in an 1869 red-brick courthouse. It sheds light on almost two centuries of regional history, from the area’s 1800s Cherokee residents to the present day. Another must-visit is the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site which honors the traditions, skills, and craftsmanship of the Native Americans of the Mississippian culture. Six earthen mounds, a village site and more can be seen along its grassy trails, and artifacts like carvings, jewelry, shells, and tools are displayed at the site’s museum.
Distance from Atlanta: 60 minutes
Forsyth is a charming city located approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta. The city's historic downtown area is lined with beautifully preserved buildings, boutique shops, and local restaurants like Grits Cafe, a southern comfort food hotspot, and Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen located in a historic building. If you want something a little more upscale, Jonah's on Johnston offers an elevated dining experience in a renovated historic building with locally sourced ingredients, including steaks, seafood, and even vegetarian options. Forsyth is also home to the Monroe County Courthouse, an architectural gem that serves as a prominent landmark in the area. Nearby High Falls State Park which is known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails offers a multitude of recreational opportunities.
Okla Jones is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE, Creative Loafing Atlanta, and Consequence of Sound. Follow him on Instagram at @coolhandoak.