Looking for a new spot for a quick weekend getaway? Sandy Springs has the perfect mix of comfortable and upscale accommodations, delicious dining, and outdoor activities that will help you have the perfect laid-back weekend.  To help you plan your trip, we have created an itinerary for two people spending 48 hours in Sandy Springs with a combination of downtime and outdoor fun.

We've framed this blog around a Friday to Sunday trip, but this itinerary could easily be adapted for any other part of the week. Sandy Springs is also a great place to visit for kids and pups, so do not hesitate to bring them along!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Enjoy Patio Dining On Friday Night 

First order of business, check into your hotel and relax. You are on a mini vacation! Whether you are looking for a full service luxury hotel or a suite-style hotel with extra room to stretch out, your hotel room is going to serve as your home base for this trip so it is time to get comfortable. Take some time to unwind because you are going to have an action-packed weekend.

Next, head out for some al fresco dining. There's a wide variety of restaurants in Sandy Springs that offer patio dining, so you can enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine with your meal. Head to Mojave for great happy hour specials and a patio that overlooks water. If this is a more romantic weekend, Ray’s on the River is calling your name! Ray’s has views of the Chattahoochee River and steak and seafood dishes you will love. Did you bring your dog? Hammocks Trading Company has a beach-themed patio that your four-legged friend will love.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Spend Saturday Morning At The Sandy Springs Farmers Market

Sleep in! This trip is all about relaxation. Then grab late breakfast or brunch from one of the many stellar breakfast spots in Sandy Springs including Egg Harbor Café, J. Christopher’s, Tupelo Honey or Flying Biscuit Café. Bring your takeout back to your hotel or have it delivered and enjoy breakfast in bed.

If you're an early riser, consider checking out the Sandy Springs Farmers Market at City Springs, and grab some items from local vendors like Strive Foods who brings plant-based pizza, donuts, cookies and more! The market is open from 8:30 to noon on Saturday mornings from April to November. Make sure to check out the market’s new One Way To Shop guidelines before you visit to help keep the market safe for all guests. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Explore The Chattahoochee River Saturday Afternoon 

Now, it’s time for the most exciting part of this itinerary. Head to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area!

There are three units of the CRNRA in Sandy Springs that all offer endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, bird watching, nature photography and more. One of the best things about visiting Georgia is that the weather stays beautiful almost all year long. Depending on the temperature, you can explore the river by kayak or take a hike along the banks of the river.

There are two outfitter outposts located in Sandy Springs, Nantahala Outdoor Center and High Country Paddle Shack, that are currently closed for the season, but you can still rent kayaks from both vendors at their other locations and drop in at Island Ford or Powers Island. 

If you are more interested in fishing, you can make reservation for a private tour with River Through Atlanta. 

If you paddled your heart out at Island Ford on the north side of Sandy Sprigs, consider grabbing a late lunch to-go from Samad Mediterranean or Ju-C Bar and heading over to Pontoon Brewing to eat on their patio while you try a flight of their beers. If you decided to explore Powers Island or East Palisades on the other side of Sandy Springs, we recommend following up your trip lunch and a flight of beers at Porter Pizza and Brewery. Both breweries offer crowlers and growlers to-go if you want to enjoy your lunch and victory brews back in your hotel room. Another alternative would be to bring a cooler and pick up a picnic lunch from Breadwinner, a local favorite lunch spot, on your way out and enjoying lunch in the park after your trip. 

Pro tip: Drink a lot of water before, during and after your time on the water! Staying hydrated is an important part of staying safe and enjoying the Chattahoochee River.

Want a backup plan just in case it rains or is too chilly out? Get in touch with you inner artist by booking an art class with Painting with a Twist, Sips n Strokes, or The Sipping Plant. These laid back art studios allow you to bring your own beverages and snacks, so you can get comfy while you create your masterpiece. They also offer to-go kits just in case you would be more comfortable working on your project somewhere else. If the weather is nice, you could take your kit to a pavilion at a park and enjoy your art in a beautiful setting. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Saturday Night At The Springs Cinema Drive-In 

After enjoying some downtime at the hotel after lunch (and maybe taking a giant nap after all that time in the sun), head over to The Springs Cinema and Taphouse Drive-In for dinner and a movie. That’s right, drive-in movies have made a big comeback. Though they are still open for regular showings inside, The Springs Cinema has also added a giant outdoor screen so guests can enjoy movies in the comfort of their own vehicle. The movies they show change each weekend, but past showings have included beloved blockbusters like Jaws, Back to the Future, Grease and The Avengers. You can breakout a whole tailgating set up or watch from inside your car. You can even order food from their full kitchen and have it delivered right to your car.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hike A Bamboo Forest On Sunday Morning 

Okay, this time we are going to recommend waking up a little early before it gets too hot out. Grab some coffee and pastries to-go from Café Vendome or City Bagel Café and take a stroll around the sculpture garden at City Springs, the heart of Sandy Springs.

Finally, if you are feeling up for a little activity, wrap up your weekend with a hike through East Palisades. This unit of the CRNRA is a four-mile trail that has amazing views of the river and a bamboo forest.