While Atlanta may not be the first place you might think of for a girls weekend, especially since there’s no beach, but there is plenty to keep you and your friends entertained.
Our series of girlfriend getaway guides includes places to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your weekend, as well as the best place to stay. This itinerary is best for people who have already seen all the top sights of the city but are looking to branch out.
Eating in Atlanta
Atlanta has so many places for you and your girlfriends to dine, so we’ve included a few options for each meal. This section includes restaurants known for their light options and a few with more decadent menus. Prices range as well.
R. Thomas 
Alon’s Bakery 
Ria’s Bluebird
Breakfast
Alon’s Bakery & Market– If what you’re craving is a big, crusty croissant, Alon’s is where to go. The bakery and market sells prepared foods, cakes and more. There are multiple locations, including Buckhead and Sandy Springs.
Ria’s Bluebird– Start the most important meal of the day early, as Ria’s gets crowded by 9, even during the week. They serve both hearty favorites like biscuits and gravy and huevos rancheros, along with country fried tempeh.
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill– Open 24 hours, R. Thomas is good for an early breakfast or a late-night bite. The offbeat Buckhead eatery has a family of birds that live there and a menu with healthy options, including breakfast all day.
Souper Jenny 
Swan Coach House 
Cafe Sunflower
Lunch
Cafe Sunflower– Heralded as the best vegetarian and vegan eatery in the city, Cafe Sunflower brings together influences from around the world. With dishes like beet carpaccio, soy sesame chicken and vegan carrot cake, you won’t miss the meat!
Souper Jenny– With multiple locations around town, it’s more than just soup here. The soups, salads, and sandwiches are made fresh daily. It’s a cozy spot for an afternoon coffee or conversation with friends, sans your cell phone.
Swan Coach House– This is the ultimate spot for ladies who lunch, located at the Atlanta History Center at the city’s most famous residence. Here you can dine on classic dishes like chicken salad, cheese straws, and frozen fruit salad.
Polaris 
The Optimist 
Agave
Dinner
Agave Restaurant– The Southeastern eatery next to Oakland Cemetery is cozy and dimly lit. Enjoy their tasty margaritas with traditional dishes like posole soup, ceviche and chile relleno.
The Optimist– For a taste of seafood many miles from the ocean, you can’t do better than The Optimist. They have an oyster bar and an outdoor bocce court. Save room for cocktails and dessert!
Polaris– Located in a revolving spot of the Hyatt Regency, the restaurant was originally open in the 1970s, but closed and recently reopened. The menu is made up of seasonal dishes and regional ingredients. Their bar also specializes in bourbon but includes cocktails from their original menu.
dtox 
Barcelona
Drinking in Atlanta
Atlanta runs the gamut for nightlife, from casual spots for a sundowner to nightclubs and everywhere in between. Here are a few favorites for a night out with friends.
Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant– For Spanish tapas and wine, head to Barcelona in Inman Park, also located on the Beltline. It’s a great spot to split a bottle and appetizers with your gals.
dtox organic juice– Before or after a night out, pick up a dtox juice from one of their Buckhead or Piedmont Park locations. It will get rid of all the toxins while tasting delicious. Ask the staff which elixir is best for your ailments.
Estrella– The spot on the Beltline overlooks the walkway and serves Spanish inspired drinks and cocktails. Don’t miss the pisco sour or a glass of wine with friends.
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall– One of the Beltline’s best bars, Ladybird is reminiscent of summer camp, but with adult beverages. They’ve got a full menu of bites to share as well as a full bar of cocktails and craft beer.
Ponce City Market Roof– Pay a fee to head to the top of this building for games, drinks, and views of the city at Skyline Park. Alternatively, you can make a reservation at Nine Mile Station to enjoy dinner while you’re there.
SOS Tiki Bar– The Decatur bar makes you feel like you’re in the tropics, set in a cozy space behind Victory Sandwich Bar. Their theme is year-round but has a seasonal pop-up bar as well.
SkyGym 
SUP 
Dry Bar
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in Atlanta
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Drybar Buckhead– Prepare your hair for a night out with the experts at Drybar, who will offer you a glass of champagne while they wash, dry and blow out your do. They cost $40 plus tip.
High Country Outfitters – Paddle Shack– You and your gals can rent paddleboards for only $25 each on the weekends, including your paddle, board, and lifejacket, for an hour. You put in at Morgan Falls in Sandy Springs.
Jeju Sauna– Make the trek to Gwinnett County for this totally unique Korean spa. Spend the entire day in the wet and dry saunas, hot tubs, and pools for only $25. They also offer treatments and have an in-house restaurant. The fee gives you access for 24 hours if you want to come back.
Perspire Sauna Studio– This Buckhead sauna has rooms for two that allow you to get your sweat on while watching television equipped with streaming services. They have showers to wash off when you’re done.
Pure Barre– Feel the burn at a barre class, including this popular Buckhead spot. It’s only $23 to drop in for a single class. Bring your own socks!
Sky Gym– For a unique fitness experience, try aerial yoga and silks classes at this Sandy Springs studio. Drop-in classes are $25 per person. They also have private classes for groups.
Phipps Plaza 
Fabrik 
The Beehive
Shopping in Atlanta
Atlanta has some of the best shopping in the South, especially in Buckhead. Between Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, and Buckhead Atlanta shopping centers, there’s a store for every price range. There are dozens of great boutiques around town, but here are just a few favorites.
The beehive– Here you’ll find a number of smaller booths from local craft makers, selling everything from gifts to clothing to jewelry. You never know what you’ll find!
The Clothing Warehouse– Shop for vintage clothing and accessories at this Little Five Points outpost. They also have warehouse sales where you pay by the pound.
fab’rik – With dozens of locations around town, this is Atlanta’s favorite boutique, with reasonable prices and cute clothing. Try the Shops Around Lenox location first.
Lenox Square Mall– Here you’ll find all your favorite big box stores like Anthropologie, Diane Von Furstenberg and Madewell are all worth checking out.
Paris on Ponce– Dozens of vendors are set up in this warehouse, including vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, and gifts.
Ponce City Market– You can find just about every store at this shopping complex, including Anthropologie, Frye, and Citizen Supply.
Sightseeing in Atlanta
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
The BeltLine– Walk off some calories in between brunch and Sunday drinks on the Beltline, which has trails that run around the perimeter of the city. Start on the Eastside Trail, which connects Piedmont Park to the Old Fourth Ward.
Atlanta Botanical Garden– The botanical gardens, set inside Piedmont Park, offer glass sculptures by Dave Chihuly and a seasonal display of lights and other works. They even have events like concerts, chef demonstrations and cocktails in the garden.
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll– Held monthly in one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, the art stroll takes you from venue to venue, including galleries and restaurants.
SkyView Atlanta– Centennial Olympic Park’s newest attraction is this Ferris wheel that soars over the park. Go at night for the best views and if you feel like splurging, go for the VIP experience for $50 per person, which gives you a private car and longer time in the air.
Sleeping in Atlanta
Where you sleep is the most important part of any girlfriend getaway and thankfully for you, Atlanta is blessed with some of the region’s most luxurious hotels.
Artmore Hotel– This Midtown boutique hotel has a nightly happy hour and its Spanish Mediterranean architecture sets it apart from the rest. It’s steps away from the MARTA station.
Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel– The perfect base for exploring the city, this Midtown hotel has stunning rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, a spa and fitness center, and driver services.
Hotel Clermont– Spend the night at this trendy and historic hotel with a rooftop bar, chic rooms, a French restaurant, coffee shop, and the famous dive bar in the basement. Read our review here.
The Westin Buckhead Atlanta– Shop until you drop at Lenox before crashing into the Heavenly beds at the Westin next door. They have an in-house branch of The Palm Restaurant and have recently been renovated.
Rentals- There are plenty of Airbnb properties around the city including this light-filled loft on Edgewood Avenue and the sunny modern space in Summerhill.
Thinking of girlfriend weekend in Atlanta