10 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta mixes big-city energy with Southern charm, world‑class attractions, and a thriving food and arts scene. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re here for a weekend, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Atlanta.

Below are 10 standout experiences that show off different sides of the city, plus practical tips to help you plan your day.

1. Explore the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a favorite for families, couples, and solo visitors.

You’ll find:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Touch pools with stingrays and other marine life
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Dedicated kids’ zones and learning exhibits

Local tips:

• 🕒 Go early or late in the day to avoid the heaviest crowds, especially on weekends.
• 🎟️ Buying tickets in advance often makes entry smoother.
• 🚗 It’s located in downtown’s Pemberton Place near Centennial Olympic Park, with several nearby parking decks and access from the MARTA Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station.

Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581‑4000

2. Walk, Bike, and Eat Your Way Along the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails, parks, and art installations built along former railway corridors. It’s one of the best ways to experience everyday Atlanta life.

Popular BeltLine stretches include:

• Eastside Trail – runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and near Ponce City Market
• Westside Trail – connects historic neighborhoods with emerging restaurants and breweries

What to do:

• Walk, jog, or rent a scooter or bike
• Browse local shops and markets along the trail
• Sample food at nearby spots in Poncey-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and West End
• Enjoy outdoor art and frequent pop-up events

Local tips:

• ☀️ Early mornings and evenings are more comfortable in summer heat.
• 🚆 The BeltLine is reachable from multiple MARTA stations (e.g., Inman Park/Reynoldstown and King Memorial) with a short walk.

3. Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

For a meaningful and educational experience, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn district offers a deep look at Dr. King’s life and legacy.

The area includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours available, often by advance sign‑up on site)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached
• The King Center and reflecting pool
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

This is a powerful stop for both residents and visitors who want to understand Atlanta’s role in American history.

Local tips:

• ⏱️ Plan at least 1.5–2 hours if you want to see both the visitor center exhibits and the church.
• 🚗 Street parking and small lots are nearby; MARTA’s King Memorial Station is about a 10–15 minute walk.

Main visitor center address:
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone (National Park Service main line): (404) 331‑5190

4. Stroll Through Piedmont Park and Midtown

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s classic in‑town green space, often compared to a “Central Park of the South.” It sits right by Midtown, one of the city’s cultural and business hubs.

What you can do in and around Piedmont Park:

• Walk or jog the paved trails with skyline views
• Relax by Lake Clara Meer or picnic on the lawns
• Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the park’s northern edge
• Join local festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events

Nearby Midtown Atlanta adds:

• Walkable streets and public art
• Cafés and restaurants along Peachtree St
• Easy MARTA access (Midtown and Arts Center stations)

Key locations:

Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta Botanical Garden (inside the park area)
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876‑5859

5. Experience World of Coca‑Cola and Centennial Olympic Park

Right next to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola offers a look at the history and branding of the Atlanta‑born beverage company.

Inside, expect:

• Exhibits on how Coca‑Cola started in Atlanta
• Memorabilia, vintage ads, and interactive displays
• Tasting areas with drinks from around the world

Directly outside, Centennial Olympic Park provides open lawns, fountains, and views of downtown. It was built for the 1996 Olympic Games and remains a central public gathering spot.

Local tips:

• 📸 Good photo ops around the Olympic Rings and Fountain of Rings.
• 🧺 Bring a blanket for a casual picnic between visits to nearby attractions like the CNN Center and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Addresses:

World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676‑5151

Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

6. Dive Into Art and History at the High Museum of Art

If you’re interested in culture, the High Museum of Art in Midtown is one of the most respected museums in the Southeast.

You’ll find:

• American, European, and African art collections
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family-friendly programming and occasional free or discounted days

The High is part of the Woodruff Arts Center campus, alongside the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, making it easy to plan a full arts-focused day.

Local tips:

• 🎟️ Check for discount days or evenings, especially if you live in the Atlanta area.
• 🚆 The Arts Center MARTA Station is directly across the street.

Address:
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733‑4400

7. Catch a Game or Concert at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

Atlanta is a big sports and live events city. Two major venues anchor the downtown entertainment district:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), and host to major concerts and events
• State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and year‑round concerts and shows

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the atmosphere around game days or big concerts offers a lively, fun experience.

Local tips:

• 🚆 MARTA is usually the easiest option; use GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station for both venues.
• ⏰ Plan to arrive early to navigate security and enjoy pre‑event activities.
• 🧥 For evening events, downtown can feel breezy; bring a light layer if you’re walking.

Addresses:

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (470) 341‑5000

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 878‑3000

8. Discover Neighborhood Flavor in Little Five Points and Inman Park

To see a more eclectic, everyday side of Atlanta, head to Little Five Points and nearby Inman Park.

Little Five Points (L5P) offers:

• Independent record stores and vintage shops
• Murals and street art
• Casual eateries and bars
• A bohemian, artsy vibe

Inman Park, Atlanta’s first planned suburb, features:

• Tree‑lined streets and restored Victorian homes
• A cluster of restaurants and cafés
• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

These neighborhoods are close together and easy to explore on foot.

Local tips:

• 🚘 Street parking is available, but can be tight during peak times; pay attention to posted signs.
• 🚆 MARTA’s Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station is a short walk or rideshare away from both areas.

9. Go Underground and Learn at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History in the Druid Hills area is a popular spot for families and anyone who enjoys science and nature.

Highlights include:

• Dinosaur exhibits and fossils
• Exhibits on Georgia’s ecosystems
• Giant screen theater
• Outdoor areas like WildWoods and Fernbank Forest with elevated boardwalks and walking trails

It’s a nice blend of indoor learning and outdoor exploration, especially on days when you want options for changing weather.

Local tips:

• 🧒 Many Atlanta families use Fernbank as a go‑to weekend outing; mornings are often busiest.
• 🚗 Free or low‑cost parking is typically available on site; MARTA access usually requires a short rideshare from the nearest station.

Address:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929‑6300

10. Take in Skyline Views from Jackson Street Bridge and Westside

If you’ve ever seen a postcard or movie shot featuring the Atlanta skyline, there’s a good chance it was filmed from the Jackson Street Bridge over Freedom Parkway.

This spot offers:

• A classic view of downtown Atlanta’s skyscrapers
• A popular location for photos at sunset and dusk

For more skyline and city views:

• Westside Provisions District in West Midtown combines restaurants, shops, and city vistas.
• Rooftops around Ponce City Market and Midtown give a different angle on the skyline.

Local tips:

• 📷 Jackson Street Bridge can get busy at golden hour; be respectful of traffic and use sidewalks.
• 🚌 Limited nearby parking means you may need to walk a bit; some visitors combine it with nearby attractions in Old Fourth Ward.

Nearby reference address (for navigation):
Jackson St NE & Freedom Pkwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

Quick Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Interests

These top ten fun things to do in Atlanta give you a strong starting point, whether you’re planning a packed weekend or looking for new spots to add to your local routine.