A Soccer Fan’s Guide to Blue Ridge, GA

In Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Blue Ridge is the perfect day trip for some adventure and fun.

The FIFA World Cup is in Atlanta from June 15 to July 15, 2026. If you’re in town for all of the excitement, you’re not far from a day well spent in our mountain towns. Check out our picks for the top activities for soccer fans visiting Blue Ridge.

Outdoor Adventure

Sports Bars

Mountain Towns

Outdoor Adventure

Looking for your own way to get in on the action? The Blue Ridge area offers outdoor recreation opportunities for both thrill-seekers and those seeking a breath of fresh air.

Play Pick-Up Soccer

Head to Fannin County Park, where you can show off moves you learned from the pros in Atlanta at one of several soccer fields. The park also has playgrounds, walking trails, batting cages, pickleball courts, and a fishing pond, making it a great multi-purpose spot for anyone looking to burn off some energy.

Go Birding

Go from keeping your eye on the ball to keeping an eye out for birds! Blue Ridge is the perfect spot to find birds like chimney swifts, barn and rough-winged Swallows, bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. An afternoon of bird-watching can turn your average walk through the park into a full-on nature adventure.

Plan a Picnic

With mountain views, lakeside parks, and green spaces tucked away in charming downtowns, the perfect picnic spot is waiting for you in Blue Ridge. Grab a blanket, a basket, and your favorite finger foods and head to a local park to enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine.

Take a Hike

It’s hardly a trip to Blue Ridge without venturing out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are trails available for both beginner and experienced hikers, including gorgeous waterfall views and iconic routes from the start of the Appalachian Trail.

A scenic shot of the sunset from the Appalachian Trail.

Catch the Game from a Sports Bar

If you want to watch the game from the comfort of the Blue Ridge area, there are tons of great restaurants with stellar food and prime television viewing spots. Here are a few of our recommendations:

Tipping Point Brewing Co. | 322 West Main Street, Suite 2D
Misty Mountain Hops | 3300 East 1st St.
Fightingtown Tavern | 511 E Main Street
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill | 733 E Main Street, Suite A
Vertigo Pinball | 322 West Main Street, Suite 1D
Burra Burra on the River | 100 Blue Ridge

Best Sports Bars in Blue Ridge

A hamburger with a fried egg, bacon, and cheese on a wooden table

creditFightingtown Tavern

Explore Downtowns

This area is home to charming downtowns with fantastic restaurants, boutiques, and hidden gems to fill your time. Spend the day exploring downtown Blue Ridge, McCaysville, or other surrounding towns.

Blue Ridge

Historic downtown Blue Ridge has a lively local culture, making it a great place to explore on foot. You’ll find Main Street lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops alongside a lively dining scene that includes cozy cafés, craft breweries, and restaurants. Art lovers can visit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and rotating exhibits, and the area’s walkable streets make it easy to discover local history with a self-guided tour or stop in at museums and heritage sites.

McCaysville

In downtown McCaysville, you can experience riverside charm and small-town character. You can stand with one foot in Georgia and one in Tennessee at the Blue Line marking the state border, stroll across the historic steel bridge, or browse the Riverwalk Shops lining the Toccoa/Ocoee River with local dining and boutiques. The McCaysville Visitor Center shares mining history and community info, while nearby parks like McCaysville Park and Horseshoe Bend Park invite picnics, playground time, and seasonal bluegrass jams. You can also spend the afternoon tubing or kayaking on the Toccoa or with a more thrilling whitewater rafting excursion.

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