Atlanta shines as a city packed with history, culture, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal base for full-day tours that go beyond city limits. The area’s diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to mountain waterfalls, and its rich heritage provide ample opportunities for memorable experiences. Whether you’re into savoring local wines, exploring civil rights landmarks, or chasing the spooky locations from Stranger Things, Atlanta offers options that suit different tastes and schedules. Many tours include convenient round-trip transportation, so you can relax and focus on enjoying the day.
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of full-day tours that highlight the best of what Atlanta and its surroundings have to offer. From wine tastings in North Georgia to uncovering Atlanta’s civil rights history, there’s something for every curiosity and interest. Read on to discover what makes each tour special and help decide which trip fits your travel plans best.
Quick Overview
Our list features six highly-rated full-day tours in Atlanta, each offering a unique experience. Highlights include wine tastings at three North Georgia wineries, an immersive civil rights history tour, a Stranger Things location tour, and even a trip to Blue Ridge and Amicalola Falls. Some tours focus on local wines and scenic mountain views, while others explore Atlanta’s cultural landmarks or pop culture sites. Click the links to learn more about each experience and find the perfect fit for your interests.
1. Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings From Atlanta
At number 1, this full-day winery tour to North Georgia is perfect for those who love sampling wine while enjoying beautiful scenery. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Atlanta, so you leave the driving to someone else. Over approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, you’ll visit three celebrated wineries — Canoe Winery in Talking Rock, Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard, and Ott Farms and Vineyard — and sample around a dozen wines.
What makes this tour stand out is the relaxing atmosphere and the chance to learn about Georgia’s fast-growing wine industry from experienced guides. According to reviews, the informative and fun guide, Anita, makes the experience extra special, especially for first-timers or wine aficionados alike. The views of North Georgia’s rolling hills add to the enjoyment, making it a top choice for those seeking a delicious day in scenic surroundings.
Bottom Line: With its comprehensive itinerary, friendly guide, and the chance to sample a wide variety of wines, this tour offers great value for wine lovers. It’s ideal if you want a hassle-free day with a focus on tasting and scenery.
2. From Atlanta: Half-Day or Full-Day Wine Country Tasting Trip
At number 2, this flexible wine tasting trip also ventures into North Georgia’s vineyards, with options for half or full-day experiences. Starting at $115 per person, the tour is priced competitively, especially considering it includes visits to two or three wineries where you enjoy 9-12 tastings.
The tour features guided visits to Buckley Vineyards and Ott Farms, with opportunities to learn about how Georgia wines are made. The trip is perfect for travelers wanting a more relaxed pace or those with limited time but still eager to experience the region’s wines and views of the mountains. The guide offers insights into the local wine scene and traditional production methods, adding depth to the tasting experience.
Reviews highlight the beautiful mountain scenery and the relaxing bus ride that lets you daydream while enjoying the vistas. The tour’s shorter duration makes it a good option if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a quality wine experience.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a cost-effective way to explore North Georgia wineries with flexible timing. It’s best suited for casual wine drinkers or those looking to combine a scenic drive with tastings.
3. All Day VIP Pass
At number 3, the All Day VIP Pass is a must for anyone wanting to indulge their camera or social media feeds. For just $25, you gain access to over 30 photo zones with props, professional lighting, and creative backdrops.
This experience is less about sightseeing and more about creating memorable photos. It’s perfect for families, teens, or anyone who loves taking fun, high-quality pictures of themselves in a unique setting. Located in Atlanta’s most Instagrammable space, this pass offers a high-energy, fun-filled environment with plenty of opportunities for self-expression and selfies.
While this tour doesn’t include traditional sightseeing, it stands out for its instant Instagram-worthy results and is a quick, affordable escape for a few hours. Reviewers mention it’s a great way to boost your social media and capture some laughs along the way.
Bottom Line: Ideal for photo enthusiasts and social media fans who want an entertaining, light-hearted experience that’s different from typical tours.
4. Atlanta Civil Rights Full-Day Guided Walking Tour
Coming in at number 4, this full-day guided tour dives deep into Atlanta’s civil rights landmarks and history. The 6.5-hour experience is not just about sightseeing but also about emotional storytelling, making it a meaningful way to connect with Atlanta’s legacy of justice and equality.
Starting at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, you’ll walk through the Sweet Auburn District and visit the APEX Museum, which highlights African American achievements. The tour also includes stops at other key sites, offering insights into the struggles and victories of the civil rights movement. Local guides share personal stories and detailed histories, enriching the experience beyond a typical sightseeing tour.
Reviews praise the guide for being personal and knowledgeable, making the history come alive. This tour appeals to history buffs and those interested in learning about Atlanta’s pivotal role in social change. It’s a profound way to understand the city’s cultural fabric.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in a thought-provoking experience that combines walking, history, and culture, this tour is a top choice. It’s best suited for travelers eager to learn and reflect.
5. All-Day Private Stranger Things Location Tour in Atlanta
Number 5 offers a full-day private tour of the filming locations from Netflix’s hit series, Stranger Things. Priced at $350 per person, it’s a more personalized experience for fans eager to explore Hawkins, Indiana, as portrayed in the series, but set in Atlanta.
The itinerary includes stops at the homes of the Wheelers, Sinclairs, and Hendersons, as well as the studio where the show is produced. Fans will recognize spots like Billy’s house from Season 3, the nesting place of the Mind Flayer, and Hawkins High School. The tour lasts around 7 hours, giving plenty of time to soak in details and take photos.
Reviewers note the tour’s personalized approach and how the guide shares behind-the-scenes stories. It’s especially suited for dedicated fans of Stranger Things who want a tailored experience rather than a group tour.
Bottom Line: This private tour delivers an immersive fan experience and detailed location visits, perfect for series enthusiasts, but at a higher price point.
6. Full Day Tour from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls and Blue Ridge
Rounding out the list, this scenic 9-hour trip takes you from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls State Park and Blue Ridge. It’s the only tour with a focus on mountain scenery and outdoor beauty, with a notably lower price of $36.
The day starts with a drive to Amicalola Falls, the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, and then continues to Blue Ridge, a charming town known for its outdoor activities and lakes. The tour provides opportunities to enjoy nature, hiking, and exploring in a less urban environment.
Reviews indicate some inconsistency, with a couple of travelers mentioning the tour’s value issues. Still, the chance to see gorgeous waterfalls and mountain views makes it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: This tour is suited for travelers who want an affordable scenic escape into North Georgia’s natural beauty, though it’s less structured than others.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Atlanta
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If you love wine and scenic drives, the Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings or the Half-Day Wine Tasting Trip are excellent choices. For those wanting to explore Atlanta’s civil rights history in depth, the Civil Rights Tour offers powerful storytelling. Pop culture fans should look at the Stranger Things Location Tour, especially if you’re traveling with a dedicated fan. Finally, outdoor lovers can’t go wrong with the Blue Ridge and Amicalola Falls trip, even if it’s more about scenery than structured sightseeing.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, and check availability for tours with variable times. For the best value, think about what specific experiences resonate most—whether wine, history, or nature—and choose a tour that matches those interests.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s full-day tours provide a wide range of experiences — from sipping local wines among rolling hills to walking through civil rights landmarks and visiting pop culture sites. For a relaxing day of tastings, the Full-Day Wine Country Wine Tastings offers excellent value with its three wineries and dozen wines. History buffs aiming for a meaningful cultural experience will appreciate the Civil Rights Tour. And fans of TV series should consider the Stranger Things locations for a fun, behind-the-scenes look.
No matter your interests, planning ahead and booking early will help you make the most of your time in Atlanta. With so many options, you’re sure to find a full-day tour that enriches your visit and creates lasting memories.