Georgia's 'City Of Granite' Is A Quaint Small Town With A Walkable Downtown And Endless Outdoor Adventure

Lithonia, Georgia, whose name means "city of stone" in ancient Greek, is a quiet community in DeKalb County not far from downtown Atlanta. The city is fewer than 20 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making it a convenient destination for travelers who want a slower pace after a flight into one of the world's busiest hubs. Most visitors rent a car or take a rideshare, although you can take the MARTA subway directly from the airport to Indian Creek station and then hire a short ride to Lithonia.

Once there, you can explore a walkable historic district built from the very same granite the city is famous for. Lithonia was established in 1856, and today, the sidewalks and storefronts reflect its quarrying past while local businesses welcome visitors with a friendly, small-town charm. Be sure to stop by the Ruth Carroll Dally Johnson Interpretive Garden, where informative plaques will educate you about the city's history. A simple stroll through downtown Lithonia is worth the visit on its own, as you'll see many buildings from the 19th century.

Granite has shaped Lithonia since its founding. The 400-million-year-old Arabia Mountain, located 4 miles outside of town, was the primary source of this granite. The mountain was renowned for being a quarry of "Tidal Grey," a type of granite characterized by unique spiral-like patterns and remarkable hardness. The stone was quarried for generations and used to build many of the historic buildings that still stand downtown today. Not only that — Lithonia's Tidal Grey from Arabia Mountain was also shipped across the United States to create iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland (an East Coast beauty also known as one of America's prettiest cities).

A must-see stop is indeed that very same granite-producing peak, located within the Davidson-Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The preserve features massive granite outcrops, rare plant species, and more than 30 miles of paved multi-use trails. Hike the Arabia Mountain Top Trail, a 1.3-mile round trip that rewards you with panoramic views of the Georgia landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for native yellow daisies (in bloom early to mid-September) and diamorpha (emerges around early to mid-March and lasts only until early April). Trails are free to access, and parking is available at several points of interest throughout the area at no charge. To hike the mountain, the closest parking is available at the Arabia Mountain South Lot.

Boutique accommodations in Lithonia are quite limited, but larger chain hotels are available within a short drive from the city's historic center. You'll find Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge, and a Hilton Garden Inn just five minutes away. Prices start at approximately $100 to $120 and increase from there, depending on the room and the travel season.

Visitors will appreciate the slower pace and easy access to hikes and historic sites. The best time to go is late spring through early fall, when warm weather makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. Summer can be humid, so pack light clothing, a hat, and some bug spray if you plan to venture into the woods. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring granite sidewalks and park trails.

Lithonia is ideal for a weekend getaway, particularly for travelers seeking small-town culture and a touch of nature, while also enjoying the proximity of Atlanta's metropolitan area. If you are planning a road trip through Georgia, consider stopping by Savannah, its oldest city, a walkable gem of lush gardens and picturesque streets.