Best Day Trips from Columbus, GA: 10 Places Worth the Drive

From charming small towns to wild outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of day trips near Columbus, GA that make it easy to explore more of the region.

Whether you’re new to Columbus, thinking of relocating, or simply planning a weekend outing, these destinations offer quick escapes filled with history, nature, food, and family-friendly fun. 

With mountain trails, state parks, quirky art sites, and even white-sand beaches within a short drive, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away. Below are the 10 best day trips from Columbus, GA, all within two hours of the city.

1. Providence Canyon State Park (“Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”)

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why go: One of Georgia’s most striking natural wonders, this unexpected canyon landscape offers plenty of awe within a short drive from Columbus. Its colorful sandstone gullies and hiking trails make it a favorite for photographers and outdoor explorers alike.

2. Callaway Resort & Gardens 

• Drive time: 45 minutes
• Why go: A stunning blend of gardens, lake and forest, Callaway is ideal for a romantic day out or a family picnic. Bike trails, a butterfly house, a white-sand beach, and seasonal festivals like Fantasy in Lights make it a year-round destination.

3. Pine Mountain 

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why go: Right next door to Callaway, this area offers sweeping ridge views, scenic overlooks, and some of the region’s best hiking on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail. You can also experience over 550 animals from your vehicle at the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari.

4. Auburn, Alabama

• Drive time: 45 minutes
• Why go: Known for SEC sports and college-town charm, Auburn is perfect for a game day or a walk through downtown. Enjoy local restaurants, coffee shops, and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

5. LaGrange, GA

• Drive time: 50 minutes
• Why go: Enjoy a picturesque town with rich history and surprising attractions, like the Biblical History Center. The revitalized downtown is perfect for a casual Saturday stroll.
• Can we add Sweetland Amphitheatre here? Sweetland Amphitheatre – The South’s Sweetest Stage

6. Eufaula, Alabama

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why go: Often called one of Alabama’s most charming small towns, Eufaula features one of the South’s largest historic districts, with a walkable downtown and local restaurants worth the drive. Add in Lake Eufaula views, antique shops, and seasonal festivals, and it’s an easy, well-rounded day trip from Columbus, GA.

7. Pasaquan

• Drive time: 40 minutes
• Why go: Explore an internationally renowned art site on the National Register of Historic Places, with a lavish mix of African, pre-Columbian Mexico, and Native American cultural and religious symbols and designs.

8. Warm Springs, GA

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why go: President Franklin Roosevelt’s former retreat town is rich in history, with the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute and Little White House Museum. Browse antique stores, grab lunch downtown, and tour one of the most personal chapters of presidential history.

9. Senoia, Georgia

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why go: This charming historic downtown doubled for the fictional “Woodbury” in the Walking Dead. Stroll through streets lined with filming markers, enjoy themed tours, and explore boutiques and cafés that combine Southern charm with pop‑culture appeal.

10. Tuskegee, Alabama

• Drive time: 1 hour
• Why Go: Step into American history at the home of the Tuskegee Airmen and explore campuses, museums, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of civil‑rights breakthrough and scientific innovation.

Plan Your Next Day Trip

Whether you’re craving fresh air, small-town charm, or a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction, these day trips from Columbus, GA put adventure within easy reach. Start with one of the destinations above and see where the road takes you next. 

Looking for things to do within the city limits? Explore our full guide to things to do in Columbus, GA for food, culture, outdoor fun, and hidden gems right here at home.