• Forest in GeorgiaForest image by Dave from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether you're looking to spend a weekend at the beach or planning to venture high into the mountains, there are several weekend getaways within five hours of Atlanta, Georgia. Atlantans live within easy driving distance of numerous fantastic landscapes and climates. The only hard part will be choosing just one of them for a weekend free from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  
  

Callaway Gardens

• Callaway Gardens sits in west-central Georgia, just north of Columbus. A luxury resort featuring golf courses, a swimming lake and beautifully-landscaped gardens compete with native species, this weekend getaway offers a lot to do in just one place. The vegetable garden is full of fresh produce in the spring and summer months, and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center lets you walk among hundreds of fluttering butterflies. Callaway Gardens is about 2 1/2 hours from Atlanta. Different lodging options for couples, families and large groups are available.
  
  Callaway Gardens
  U.S. Hwy. 18
  Pine Mountain, GA 31822
  (706) 663-2281
  http://callawaygardens.com
  
  

Pine Mountain

• Pine Mountain, situated within Georgia's F. D. Roosevelt State Park, is an excellent place to get away from the rat race and enjoy camping and hiking. This might also be a good complement to a long weekend spent at Callaway Gardens as they are located nearly side-by-side. Just 2 hours and 15 minutes from Atlanta, you should call the park office to make a reservation. Upon arrival, you drive to a campsite where you will set up camp for the night or for the whole weekend. The Pine Mountain Trail also meanders through the park; at 23 miles long, you could spend all weekend hiking it.
  
  F.D. Roosevelt State Park
  2970 Ga. Hwy. 190
  Pine Mountain, GA 31822
  (800) 864-7275
  http://gastateparks.org/fdr
  
  

Helen

• If you're looking for some cool, mountain air, Helen, Georgia is only about 2 hours north of Atlanta. This tiny town bills itself as an old-time alpine village in Bavaria. The streets--which are cobblestone--are lined with specialty shops selling everything from candy to cuckoo clocks. Many German food options are available, and the town features a huge Oktoberfest event each fall.
  
  Helen, Georgia 30506
  http://helengeorgia.com
  
  

Hilton Head Island

• Whether you're hunting for a spot to bask in the sunlight or swim in the surf, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a popular destination for Atlanta residents needing a weekend at the beach. About 4 1/2 hours from Atlanta, Hilton Head Island boasts beautiful beaches and accommodations to fit a number of budgets. As a summertime destination, Hilton Head's proximity to Atlanta makes it convenient for city dwellers. It's also a good place to stay for a long weekend if you're considering a day trip to nearby Savannah, Georgia
  
  Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
  http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/