News Summary
Metro Atlanta has dropped to the second position in WalletHub’s rankings of summer travel destinations, trailing behind Metro Orlando, Florida. The analysis evaluated 100 U.S. locations based on travel costs, local expenses, attractions, and safety. Travelers can expect affordable flights averaging $219 and an array of entertainment options, including theme parks and vibrant nightlife. Despite the ranking drop, Atlanta remains a popular vacation hotspot. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport anticipates heavy passenger traffic over Memorial Day weekend, encouraging early arrivals to avoid delays.
Metro Atlanta has been named the second-best summer travel destination in the nation by WalletHub, a notable drop from its first-place ranking last year. The only destination to outrank Atlanta is Metro Orlando, Florida, which secured the top position in the 2023 report.
WalletHub’s rankings were derived from an exhaustive analysis of 100 U.S. destinations, evaluating multiple factors such as travel costs and hassles, local expenses, attractions, weather, activities, and overall safety. The results reflected the appeal of Atlanta as a key summer vacation spot, highlighting its variety of attractions and affordability.
Travelers heading to Atlanta can find average flights from major cities priced as low as $219. The city boasts an extensive lineup of entertainment options, from amusement parks to shopping centers, and offers activities suitable for all ages, including ice cream shops and swimming pools. Additionally, Atlanta is known for its vibrant nightlife with one of the latest ‘last call’ hours in the country—4 a.m.—which caters well to night owls.
While Atlanta shines in the summer travel rankings, Augusta, another Georgia metro area, made noticeable progress by climbing to the 60th spot overall. However, it falls short in activity options compared to Atlanta.
Georgians often opt for popular nearby getaway destinations such as Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Tybee Island, and Savannah during the summer season. Nevertheless, Atlanta remains the centerpiece of attractions in the state, featuring celebrated spots including Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags White Water, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Zoo, Stone Mountain Park, the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, Ponce City Market, and the World of Coca-Cola.
As the summer travel season kicks off, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is gearing up for a surge in passenger traffic. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the airport expects more than 111,000 passengers to travel on the first day alone, culminating in a total of 2.6 million passengers over the entirety of the holiday travel period. On the Friday of the holiday weekend, 375,000 passengers were anticipated to pass through the airport.
With substantial crowds expected, airport officials recommend that travelers arrive early to avoid delays. Potential weather-related travel disruptions have prompted caution, as developing storms are monitored. In response to the expected congestion, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has taken proactive measures by suspending all interstate lane closures during the holiday period.
Traffic congestion is predicted to run heavy on major routes and at key attractions in metro Atlanta during peak travel times throughout the holiday weekend, resulting in longer travel times for visitors. Amidst these circumstances, travelers can benefit from decreasing flight costs this summer. According to Kayak’s annual Travel Check-In, average summer airfare prices have decreased by 7%, tying Atlanta with Tampa, Florida, as the cheapest destinations at an average cost of $262.
For those planning for the July 4th weekend, the cheapest flight originating from Atlanta averages $229. Travelers looking for the most economical airfares this summer should consider booking their trips between May 19 and June 8 or from August 11 to 31.
In conclusion, as Atlanta continues to be a prime summer destination, it entices both local residents and visitors with its affordable travel options, vast range of attractions, and vibrant culture, ensuring that it remains a priority for leisure travelers this season.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Best Summer Travel Destinations 2025
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Memorial Day 2025 Busy Travel Season
- Augusta Chronicle: Cheapest Places to Fly This Summer
- NBC Chicago: Summer Travel Bargain Destinations
- The Sun: Best Summer Travel Destinations in US
- Wikipedia: Summer Travel
