We love Birmingham, but everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while! Fortunately, a short drive in every direction can lead you to fun destinations that are perfect for an impromptu getaway. Whether you’re craving an exciting excursion, a relaxing retreat, or just a little novelty, there’s an itinerary to satisfy your travel bug. Here are five ideas for last-minute escapes, all within five hours of Birmingham.
Gatlinburg, TN
Best For: When the mountains are calling and you need to unplug.
Drive Time: 5 hours
More Info: gatlinburg.com
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you prefer the peaceful tranquility of a cozy log cabin or the luxurious amenities of a spa resort, Gatlinburg does not disappoint. In fact, you can have the best of both worlds at Oak Haven Cabin Resort and Spa and Riverstone Resort and Spa. For a unique lodging experience, check out the incredible treehouses at Treehouse Grove (designed by Pete Nelson of the show Treehouse Masters) or the adorable glamping options at Camp LeConte.
SB TIP: The Gatlinburg Trolley has a stop at Camp LeConte and can take visitors straight to town.
WHERE TO EAT
Make a reservation for Crockett’s Breakfast Camp to start your day in downtown Gatlinburg. Then, enjoy lunch on the rooftop patio at Azul Mexican Cantina overlooking Pigeon Forge. For dinner, The Greenbrier is a hidden gem tucked away in the Tennessee forest, offering fine dining paired with upscale rustic mountain charm.
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy some much-needed pampering at your resort spa, then head out to Gatlinburg SkyPark to take in the incredible views and enjoy the breathtaking walk across SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge on the continent. Throughout your trip, stop along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail to sample the area’s best wines — four of the five tasting rooms are all within walking distance of the strip. Of course, no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a few hikes in the Smokies, and you can’t go wrong with classics like the Alum Cave Bluffs, Cades Cove, and Grotto Falls.
Greenville, SC
Best For: Nature lovers craving an outdoor getaway and main street shopping.
Drive Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes
More Info: visitgreenvillesc.com
WHERE TO STAY
The Grand Bohemian Lodge rests on the banks of the Reedy River in Falls Park, providing the ultimate combination of feeling ‘away from it all’ while still being in the heart of the city. If you would prefer to stay out of town, Hotel Domestique is well worth the 30-minute commute. Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it has Old World vibes and lavish amenities that will transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside.
WHAT TO EAT
One of the best spots to soak up the view of the iconic Reedy River Falls is on the sprawling patio at Passerelle Bistro as you enjoy the culinary delights and delicious libations. Head to Jianna for the house-made pasta or make reservations for an upscale dinner with locally sourced ingredients at Halls Chophouse. UP on the Roof is another great option, and serves up hand-crafted cocktails and farm-fresh plates on its rooftop retreat overlooking the river.
WHAT TO DO
Stroll the crown jewel of the city, Liberty Bridge, which overlooks the falls that cut straight through downtown. Greenville is a beacon for walkable city centers, so you can spend the day exploring its art-drenched streets and shopping at local galleries and boutiques. Beyond the city limits, Hotel Domestique is known for its proximity to world-class cycling routes and is the perfect hub for street cyclists and mountain bikers. For even more adventure, experience the country’s steepest and fastest zip line canopy tour at The Gorge.
HWY 30A | FL
Best For: A picture-perfect beach escape for every vibe.
Drive Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes
More Info: visitsouthwalton.com
WHERE TO STAY
If you want to be right on the beach, WaterColor Inn in Santa Rosa Beach a fabulous resort option nestled between the Gulf Coast and a coastal dune lake. Snagging a last-minute beach house rental along 30A’s coastline is challenging, but not impossible, especially in the off-season.
The area also offers incredible gems just off the water, like The Pearl boutique hotel in Rosemary Beach’s town square. Its stunning architecture, idyllic locale, and amenities like complimentary beach set-up earned its place on Travel & Leisure’s list of World’s Best Hotels. Other notable mentions include Hotel Effie in Sandestin, which features a luxurious spa and gorgeous rooftop pool, and Camp Creek Inn at Inlet Beach, complete with five sprawling pools and two exclusive championship golf courses.
WHAT TO EAT
Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove is essential 30A dining, and Fish out of Water (located in the WaterColor Inn Resort) is an excellent spot for daily lunch or weekend brunch. For dinner, The Citizen in Alys Beach offers elevated coastal cuisine. Alternatively, you can take in the sunset at Pescado Rooftop Bar and Seafood Grill in Rosemary Beach. Be sure to book your reservation for Roux 30A in Grayton Beach to experience the culinary stylings of Nikhil Abuvala, a 2025 finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the South.
WHAT TO DO
While there is plenty to enjoy in each 30A town, renting a bike and town-hopping along the Timpoochee Trail is a fun way to explore the area. Beyond that, the formula for 30A is simple: swim, shop, spa, repeat. For shopping, Rosemary Beach and Seaside stand out for their beautiful, walkable downtowns. (Check out our guide to shopping your way through 30A!) When it’s time for some pampering, the indulgent resort spa at WaterColor Inn and Hotel Effie’s Spa Lilliana are simply fabulous, and you can consult our list of the best spas in 30A for even more relaxing options.
Tupelo, MS
Best For: Small town adventures and hidden gems.
Drive Time: 2 hours
More Info: tupelo.net
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Tupelo offers boutique amenities and a central location to explore the town. Several rental options are within walking distance to downtown lodging, like the cozy Mill Village Cottage or the Luxury Downtown Loft on Main Street.
WHAT TO EAT
Fill up and relax over a leisurely brunch at The Grill at Fairpark before hitting the town. Cafe 212 is a great Main Street spot to refuel for lunch. For dinner, Park Heights Restaurant offers an elevated menu and an intimate atmosphere. Another dinner option is Jobos, Hotel Tupelo’s onsite bohemian restaurant and bar, serving up Southern surf and turf straight from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Be sure to stop by Crave (Tupelo’s original dessert cafe) for a sweet treat, and don’t miss out on a glass of honey wine from Queen’s Reward Meadery, the first and only meadery in Mississippi.
WHAT TO DO
Of course, no trip to Tupelo is complete without a visit to the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Birthplace grounds include the singer’s childhood church and a museum commemorating his life and achievements. Another can’t-miss stop in Tupelo is the century-old Reed’s department store, a family-owned clothing store (plus gift shop and independent book shop), which first opened in 1905. Throughout your getaway, explore Tupelo’s distinct shopping districts while enjoying the town’s cocktail trail.
SB Tip: Pick up a cocktail card at any of the seven bars along Tupelo’s cocktail trail and complete all seven stops to redeem it at the Tupelo Visitor’s Center for a complimentary cocktail shaker!
Atlanta, GA
Best For: Big city bustle and plenty of neighborhoods to explore
Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
More Info: exploregeorgia.org
WHERE TO STAY
The only issue you might have in finding fabulous accommodations in ATL is narrowing down your choices! The Chandler Hotel and Ritz-Carlton are indulgent options when staying right in the city, while Hotel Clermont and the Waldorf Astoria offer a bit more breathing room. They are still in the metro area, and you can enjoy stunning rooftop city views and a charming English garden, respectively. Head over to our list of the top luxury hotels in Atlanta for more superb options.
WHAT TO EAT
While Birmingham boasts an incredible food scene for its modest size, Atlanta offers culinary excursions that scale its sprawling city limits. While a last-minute reservation might be a hard snag for the city’s top-rated eateries, there are plenty of delectable options to enjoy on your getaway, including several MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-rated restaurants esteemed for their distinguished cuisine and affordability, like the delicious Filipino dishes at Estrellita and the unique menu at Little Bear.
If you want to get closer to nature, head up to the Vinings neighborhood for a serene lunch right on the banks of the Chattahoochee River at Canoe.
WHAT TO DO
The question is really, what isn’t there to do in Atlanta? Shopping, hiking, sightseeing, check, check, check. Get out and explore Atlanta’s hippest neighborhoods along the Beltline, a 22-mile trail that travels through parks, by shops and eateries, and boasts a cool art scene. Shop the day away at the Ponce City Market, find your next obsession at Odd McLean, and indulge in the paradise that is the Buckhead Shopping District. End your day at Skyline Park’s boardwalk-style amusement park atop the Ponce City Market for carnival games, casual eats, and gorgeous city views.
Get outta town, Birmingham!
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