Atlanta’s 8 Best Full-Day Tours

Atlanta might not be the first place that comes to mind for full-day tours, but it offers a surprising variety of experiences that can fill a well-spent day. Whether you’re after breathtaking waterfalls, immersive civil rights history, or wine tastings in North Georgia, there’s something for every traveler. For example, the Full Day Tour from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls and Blue Ridge combines stunning mountain scenery with outdoor adventures, while the North Georgia Wine Country trips offer tastings amidst rolling hills and vineyards. If you’re a pop culture fan, the Stranger Things Location Tour immerses you in your favorite series’ filming sites. And if you’re just looking to slow down, the Full-Day Waterfalls Tour treats you to five waterfalls with scenic hikes and mountain vistas. These tours highlight the diversity of attractions just a short drive from Atlanta’s city buzz.

We’ve put together a list of the 8 best full-day tours that showcase Georgia’s natural beauty, history, and fun escapes. From scenic drives and outdoor hikes to wine tasting and cultural excursions, each offers a different way to experience what makes Atlanta and its surroundings special.

1. Full Day Tour from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls and Blue Ridge

At number 1, this tour offers a scenic drive through North Georgia’s mountains, combining outdoor adventure with picturesque towns. The tour begins with an easy drive from Atlanta into the Chattahoochee National Forest, covering 106,000 acres of woodland, rivers, and Lake Blue Ridge. The highlight is a visit to Amicalola Falls State Park, home to a 729-foot waterfall, considered one of the most spectacular in Georgia. You’ll enjoy around two hours exploring the falls and surrounding trails—admission is free, but the views are priceless.

Next, the trip heads towards Blue Ridge, a town famous for its mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and local charm. You’ll spend about an hour and fifteen minutes here, soaking in the views and maybe poking around for unique crafts and local food. The tour ends with a visit to Mercier Orchards, the largest orchard in the South, perfect for apple lovers and those wanting to sample fresh fruit. This tour is ideal for outdoors enthusiasts and families looking for a mix of nature and small-town charm. The 9-hour journey offers a balance of sightseeing, fresh air, and a taste of North Georgia’s best.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a full day immersed in mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and local flavor—all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

2. From Atlanta: Half-Day or Full-Day Wine Country Tasting Trip

For around $115, the North Georgia Wine Country Tasting Trip offers a relaxed, flavorful experience. This tour takes you through the rolling hills of North Georgia, where you’ll visit two or three wineries depending on your chosen length. The focus is on local wines, with tastings at Buckley Wineyards and Ott Farms and Vineyards, where you’ll learn about traditional Georgia winemaking techniques.

The tour is perfect for wine lovers eager to sample distinctive local vintages while enjoying the mountain views. The round-trip bus ride is comfortable and relaxed, making it easy to sit back and take in the scenery. Guides share insights into Georgia’s emerging wine scene, making it both educational and enjoyable. Guests often comment on the friendly atmosphere and the chance to sample 9-12 different wines in one day.

This tour appeals to those who want a taste of Georgia wine without driving, combined with the chance to enjoy the scenery and learn about winemaking. It’s a casual, approachable experience for couples, friends, or anyone interested in expanding their wine knowledge.

Bottom Line: Great for a laid-back, educational day with plenty of tastings—perfect for wine novices and connoisseurs alike.

3. Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta

This tour, available for about $130, offers a full immersion into North Georgia’s wine scene. It includes visits to three wineries—Canoe Winery in Talking Rock, Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard, and Ott Farms and Vineyard. Expect to sample around a dozen wines during your day, with a focus on local varieties and traditional wine-making.

What makes this tour stand out is the comprehensive visit to each winery, with around an hour at each stop, allowing for tasting, learning, and soaking in the views. The tour is fully guided, so you don’t need to worry about logistics or driving. Many guests praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to ask questions about the wines and vineyards.

Guests have also noted that the scenery is breathtaking, with mountain vistas complementing the wine tastings. The tour’s value lies in the in-depth exploration and the chance to sample a broad range of wines, making it ideal for serious wine enthusiasts or those wanting a deeper dive into Georgia wines.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, all-day wine adventure perfect for those seeking variety and insight into Georgia’s wine production.

4. Atlanta Vineyards and Wines Full-Day Private Tour

If privacy and a personalized experience are your priorities, this full-day private tour (around $1,570 per person) is hard to beat. Starting in Atlanta, the tour takes you to Dahlonega, home to some of Georgia’s oldest vineyards, where you’ll savor premium wines amid mountain scenery. The journey continues to Helen, a charming Alpine village where German wines are sampled alongside local brews and food.

This tour’s biggest advantage is the flexibility. With a private guide, you can tailor the stops, spend more time at wineries or explore additional sights like local shops or scenic overlooks. The itinerary includes visits to Dahlonega’s renowned vineyards and Helen’s unique wine scene, all while avoiding the crowds. Travelers who have done this tour rave about the personalized attention and the ability to customize their day.

While the price is high, the luxury and exclusivity make it worth considering for special occasions or private groups. It’s perfect for wine aficionados who want a curated, intimate experience, or for travelers celebrating a special event.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those valuing privacy, customization, and top-tier service, with a full day of wine, mountain vistas, and personal attention.

5. All Day VIP Pass

If selfies and fun are more your style, the All Day VIP Pass offers access to over 30 photo zones in Atlanta’s selfie museum. For just $25, you gain admission to a space filled with creative props, professional lighting, and dozens of spots perfect for social media. It’s a straightforward, affordable way to spend a few hours capturing quirky, memorable photos.

This pass is especially suited for families, teenagers, or anyone wanting to get artistic shots in an environment designed for fun. It’s not a traditional tour, but it’s a playful break from outdoor sightseeing. Guests often enjoy the lively atmosphere and creative setups, making it a good option for a quick, light-hearted experience.

While it doesn’t offer the landscape or history of other tours, it’s a surprisingly popular choice for a quick city escape or a unique souvenir of your visit.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those looking to create fun, Instagram-worthy photos in a lively setting—an inexpensive way to add a playful element to your day.

6. Atlanta Civil Rights Full-Day Guided Walking Tour

For those interested in history and culture, this 6.5-hour guided walking tour dives into Atlanta’s pivotal civil rights landmarks. Starting at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the tour explores where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, and then moves to the APEX Museum, which highlights African American history and achievements.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share personal insights and stories that bring the landmarks to life. Guests appreciate the emotional depth of the experience, with some calling it “a profound journey into Atlanta’s soul.” The itinerary includes stops at historic districts, museums, and cultural sites, all within walking distance. It is well-suited for anyone wanting a meaningful, educational experience.

Because it focuses on history and culture, this tour provides an authentic look at Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement, making it a meaningful choice for history buffs or families wanting to understand the city’s roots.

Bottom Line: A deeply moving and informative experience for those interested in civil rights, history, and African American culture.

7. All-Day Private Stranger Things Location Tour in Atlanta

Fans of the hit series Stranger Things will love this private tour (around $350 per person), which visits filming locations across Atlanta and nearby towns. Starting with the homes of the Wheelers, Sinclairs, and Hendersons, you’ll see the actual streets where key scenes were shot.

The tour includes visits to Skull Rock, Hawkins Public Pool, and the Nesting Place of the Mind Flayer. It also features stops at Hawkins High School and Middle School, as well as the Studio where the series is produced. Your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts, making this a must for fans eager to relive their favorite moments.

The tour lasts about 7 hours and is perfect for super fans or families who want a day of nostalgia. Since it’s private, you can customize the stops or linger longer at favorite spots.

Bottom Line: An immersive, behind-the-scenes experience if you love Stranger Things and want to see the actual filming locations in a personal setting.

8. Full Day Waterfalls Tour in North Georgia with Scenic Hikes

This 11-hour tour is a dream for nature lovers and photographers. Starting at Georgia’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls, you’ll hike downhill and explore five waterfalls including Dukes Creek and Anna Ruby Falls. The hikes are moderate and focus on the natural beauty of Appalachian scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities.

You’ll also get a taste of Bavarian charm in Helen, where you can walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy lunch. The tour is designed for those who want a full immersion into Georgia’s waterfalls and mountain environment. It includes admission to waterfalls and the chance to combine outdoor activity with cultural exploration.

While it’s a long day, the focus on waterfalls and scenic hikes makes it perfect for active travelers who want to see as much natural beauty as possible. Some guests comment that the hikes are manageable, and the stunning views make it totally worth the effort.

Bottom Line: The best choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a full day of hiking and waterfall photography, with a side of mountain town charm.

How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Atlanta

When selecting the right full-day tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical fitness level. If you’re after outdoor scenery and hikes, the Waterfalls Tour or Amicalola and Blue Ridge trip are excellent. For a more relaxed experience, the wine tours provide tastings and scenic drives without strenuous activity. History buffs will appreciate the Civil Rights Tour, while pop culture fans can’t miss the Stranger Things location visit.

Think about group size and privacy—private options like the Vineyards Tour suit groups seeking exclusivity, whereas the Selfie Museum offers a quick, fun break. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, when the scenery is at its best.

For those wanting a broad overview of Georgia’s natural beauty and culture, combining a waterfalls adventure with a wine tour can give a well-rounded experience. If you’re in Atlanta for a week, these tours create memorable day trips that showcase the region’s diversity.

Final Thoughts

Atlanta’s full-day tours present an array of experiences suited to all interests and activity levels. Nature lovers will find waterfalls and mountain scenery irresistible, while history enthusiasts can deepen their understanding of Atlanta’s civil rights legacy. Food and drink connoisseurs will enjoy wine tastings in North Georgia, and pop culture fans can trace the filming locations of Stranger Things.

For practical purposes, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on popular tours, especially during peak seasons. Whether you want an active outdoor day, a cultural deep dive, or a fun photo adventure, there’s a perfect option waiting just outside Atlanta’s city limits. Happy exploring!