Home to unique attractions, delicious restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and cozy hotels, skip taking a long trip away this fall and enjoy a staycation instead! Whether you’re a family with small kids, looking to enjoy a couple’s day out, or planning a trip with friends, we’ve got you covered with recommendations on where to play, stay, and dine.
Start Your Day off Right
Kick off your staycation with a delicious breakfast or brunch at Hen Mother Cookhouse, a local favorite that’s earned Michelin recognition for its Southern-inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From fluffy biscuits to creative takes on classic brunch plates, it’s the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead.
If a slower start sounds more your style, settle in at Rushing Trading Co., where cozy vibes meet elevated café fare. Pair your morning coffee with a hearty breakfast sandwich or pastry before heading out for the day’s adventures.
For something whimsical, stop by Alchemist, a coffee shop with a touch of magic. Their signature cloud lattes and inventive drinks, like the fruity Blackberry Dutch, bring a creative twist to your morning cup. Don’t forget to try a croffle—a cross between a croissant and a waffle that’s as tasty as it is unique.
Explore New Adventures & Experiences
With school back in session, planning a vacation as a family with small kiddos is tough, which is why a staycay is the perfect choice! You can break up the school week with a fun activity that’ll have your kid excited for some much-needed family time. If you’re not sure where to get started, head over to Funville Factory Indoor Playground. This immersive two-hour play experience can accommodate infants, toddlers, and young children from the ages of 10 months to 6 years old. It’s truly a kid’s paradise full of sensory toys, play houses, and other kiddos to interact with. While your little ones run wild, you can relax in their lounge and catch up on that book you still haven’t finished yet.
Tap into your creative side during your staycation. At ReWax and UnWine, you can sip, laugh, and make your own custom candles, complete with trivia, karaoke, and a little BYOB fun. Over at Hawaii Fluid Art, try your hand at colorful canvases, resin tumblers, or glass painting, letting the experts handle the details while you focus on creating something unique. And when the sun sets, swap out the usual dinner-and-a-movie for an evening with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, where world-class musicians transform the night into a masterpiece of its own.
Looking for fresh air? Spend the day exploring Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center. With over 46 acres of woodlands, gardens, historic buildings, and trails, it’s a peaceful way to connect with nature without leaving the city. Or, head down to the Chattahoochee River for a day on the water—perfect for kayaking, tubing, or simply enjoying a riverside picnic.
Relax & Rejuvenate
Looking to enjoy a bit of self-care with your significant other? Check out Bluefern Spa for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. They have everything from massage therapy and facials to red light therapy and a salt room. If you haven’t been inside of a salt room before, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience! Besides providing health benefits, salt rooms are proven to help with skin issues, stress, and anxiety. They also offer spa packages such as the Perfect Pair for two, which includes a 90-minute couple’s massage, aromatherapy steam towel, and herbal tea and refreshments. You can also experience the latest trend in wellness at J H Beauty, a luxury head spa specializing in scalp treatments designed to improve circulation, reduce tension, and leave you feeling refreshed. Pairing a head spa with a full spa day makes the perfect reset for body and mind.
And when you’re ready to continue the feel-good vibes, explore Johns Creek’s boutique shopping scene. Browse gifts and home décor at All Inspired Boutique, discover one-of-a-kind crystal and curated wines at Johns Creek Wine & Crystal, or find chic clothing and accessories at chanElizabeth. Wrap up your outing at Vice Kitchen, a stylish spot where you can sip, shop, and unwind all in one place. Check out all the great shopping experiences in Johns Creek HERE.
Delicious Bites & Craft Drinks
When it comes to dining in Johns Creek, there’s no shortage of flavors to explore. For an elevated evening out, SUGO makes the perfect date night with its Mediterranean-inspired menu and warm, intimate setting. If you’re craving something bold and authentic, Persian Basket offers dishes bursting with traditional Persian flavors, complemented by handcrafted cocktails that are as beautiful as they are delicious. For a high-end steakhouse experience, you’ll find two exceptional choices, Pampas Steakhouse, known for its classic Argentine-style cuts and impressive wine list, and Stoney River Steakhouse, where prime steaks and fresh seafood are served in an upscale, lodge-like setting that’s ideal for a special night out. And of course, a Johns Creek favorite, Ari Korean Steakhouse, delivers a lively, interactive dining experience with premium cuts grilled right at your table.
Food isn’t the only way to indulge a little here, Johns Creek has a thriving craft beverage scene as well. Head to Six Bridges Brewing, the city’s first craft brewery, where you can sample small-batch brews in a laid-back, community-focused taproom. With a rotating lineup of seasonal favorites and year-round staples, it’s a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
Cozy Accommodations
No staycation is complete without the comfort of an overnight stay. Johns Creek offers a range of hotels that are not only affordable, but also safe, welcoming, and designed to make you feel right at home. Whether you’re planning a family weekend, a couple’s retreat, or a getaway with friends, you’ll find plenty of options that fit your style.
Settle into the pet-friendly Hyatt Place, perfect for travelers who don’t want to leave their four-legged family members behind. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta North/Johns Creek. At Hampton Inn & Suites Johns Creek, guests can start the day with a complimentary hot breakfast and appreciate the hotel’s convenient location near shopping, dining, and entertainment.
No matter which hotel you choose, you can count on comfort, convenience, and the peace of mind that comes with staying in one of the safest cities in Georgia, making Johns Creek the perfect place to turn an ordinary weekend into a true getaway.