The Best Places to Visit on Your Road Trip from Arlington, VA to Atlanta, GA

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington to Atlanta? Lucky you! There are so many amazing places to see and things to do along the way. From stunning natural landmarks to iconic cities, this trip offers plenty of opportunities to explore. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top places to visit on your drive from Arlington, Virginia to Atlanta, Georgia. These destinations are perfect for a pit stop or a longer stay, and each one adds to the allure of this scenic journey.

The Blue Ridge Mountains

Starting off on your journey south, one of the most famous landmarks you will encounter are the Blue Ridge Mountains located in Virginia. Road-trippers can go to Skyline Drive, a 105-mile long national scenic byway, running along the crest of the mountains with sensational views in Fall and Spring especially. The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their fantastic hiking and camping opportunities, and visitors can embark on a range of activities, from simple hikes walks along the trails to climbing to waterfalls such as Crabtree falls, visible from the roadside. The lingering atmosphere of outdoor adventure makes this the ideal stop for nature lovers.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Located in the heart of North Carolina, Charlotte is a fantastic destination for foodies and sports fanatics. There's always something new and exciting happening in the Queen City. If you want to treat your tastebuds, Uptown Charlotte offers an abundance of restaurants and culinary adventures. For sports fans, the Bank of America Stadium is the home of the NFL Carolina Panthers and visitors can take a tour of the stadium as well as getting an education on the team’s history. Visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center just outside Charlotte is a must-do. It's an adventurous place for kayaking, white-water rafting, climbing, and mountain biking. There's also zip line courses and plenty of trails to explore.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a vibrant, bohemian city with plenty to offer visitors. It's also conveniently located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway; therefore, it’s a prime spot for a pit stop. Asheville has a thriving arts community, excellent cuisine, stunning architecture, and interesting history. The Biltmore Estate, with its stately mansion and impressive gardens, is a definite highlight for lovers of architecture and horticulturists, alike. Downtown Asheville is known for its trendy coffee shops, brewpubs, and art galleries. Don’t forget to visit the Grove Arcade, an ornate shopping mall with boutiques, a local brewery, and restaurants.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina, is a city with charming style and plenty of character. Its vibrant downtown area boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants. For those who love the outdoors, consider cycling or walking along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which travels along the Reedy River. A must-see attraction in Greenville is the gorgeous Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful park with cascading waterfalls, green space, and a suspension bridge. Don’t forget to check out the Peace Center, a performing arts center hosting a variety of musicals, plays, and concerts.

Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia, is the ideal destination to experience Southern charm and hospitality. It is also the home of the University of Georgia, the birthplace of R.E.M., and many other notable artists. Athens is a small, lively college town with plenty of colorful street art, live music, and lively bars and restaurants. Visitors to Athens should try to see the Georgia Museum of Art, located on the campus of the University of Georgia, which houses over 11,000 works of art in their collection- there;s plenty for curators to lose themselves in. For whiskey lovers try touring the J.R.Epperson Pursuit Distilling Company located in Athens, it’s the perfect way to finish your journey with a sip of their custom made cocktails.

Conclusion

While there are undoubtedly many more stopovers, these are the ones that we deem the greatest. A road trip from Arlington, Virginia, to Atlanta, Georgia, is a journey filled with activities, history, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends or family, this road trip will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. Happy travels!