Budget-Friendly Day Trips Around Atlanta

Written by David Rice

Uncovering hidden local treasures doesn’t have to cost a king’s ransom. These wallet-friendly locales will give you a feeling of discovery on the cheap. The best part? These destinations are only a tank of gas (or less) away.

McDaniel Farm Park

3251 McDaniel Rd.

Duluth

(770) 904-3500

Why Go? A onetime cotton farm, the 128-acre park features a restored Depression-era subsistence farm. Visitors get a look at farming life as it might have been in 1930s Gwinnett County.  

Insider Tip: The tours are kid-friendly, not physically demanding but require reservations, which can be made here.

Must Do: Enjoy a mug of apple cider or hot chocolate at the end of the tour.

The Fine Print: Admission is $5 (free to members of the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center). Parking is free. 

The Cobb Galleria Festival of Trees

2815 Akers Mill Rd. S.E.

Atlanta

(678) 460-2561

Why Go? To see more dozens of lavishly decorated trees. The fourth annual festival, which runs through Jan. 1, will raise money for local charities. “A lot of locals come to see this every year,” said Dale Gustafson, director of sales for the Embassy Suites Atlanta - Galleria Hotel. “We have [about] 40 trees that are put up and decorated by local charities. Last year we raised $30,000 for charity and this year our goal is $40,000.”

Insider Tip: Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, holiday cookies, carol singing and more at this free event.

Must Do: Admirers can “vote” for their favorite tree or charity by donating money in envelopes designated at each tree.

The Fine Print: Admission and parking are free. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights

17800 U.S. Highway 27

Pine Mountain

(800) 628-8582

Why Go? With 8 million lights and 15 dazzling scenes, Fantasy In Lights is a holiday must. A spectacular holiday light and sound show, it was named one of the world's “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” by National Geographic Traveler.

Insider Tip: New this year, you and your family can enjoy the show from a completely new perspective during one of the specialty nights. Tickets for these nights are $16 for an adult and $8 for a child (ages 6 to 12). Children 5 and younger are free.

Must Do:  “You can experience it in your own car or in a jolly trolley,” said Rachel Crumbley, Director of Marketing for Callaway Gardens. “It also includes daytime admission to enjoy the gardens. My favorite part of this is the joy it brings people and the tradition it creates. We've got families that come every year to celebrate Christmas.”

The Fine Print: The show runs through Dec. 30. Tickets for prime show dates are priced at $24 for adults and $12 for kids. Value show dates sell for $17 for adults and $8.50 for kids.