What Is There To Do in Atlanta? A Local Guide to the Best Things To Do

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city attractions, historic sites, music and food, green spaces, and family activities—all spread across neighborhoods that each feel a little different. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re planning a longer visit, there’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide what to do, where, and when, based on your interests.

Quick Overview: Top Things To Do in Atlanta at a Glance

Explore Atlanta’s Major Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the most recognizable attractions in downtown Atlanta and is especially popular with families and visitors.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Large marine exhibits, dolphins, whale sharks, hands-on touch pools
• Good for: Families, groups, first-time visitors, hot or rainy days

Plan for at least 2–3 hours. It pairs well with other downtown attractions within walking distance.

World of Coca-Cola

Right next door to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola offers brand history, memorabilia, and tasting rooms.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Visitors who want something uniquely “Atlanta,” indoor activity, souvenir-seekers

This is often combined with the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park as a one-day downtown itinerary.

Centennial Olympic Park

Originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a green space surrounded by major attractions.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Things to do: Walkways, fountains (including the Fountain of Rings), seasonal events and festivals
• Good for: Short breaks between attractions, casual picnics, photos of the skyline

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s best outdoor family destinations.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Highlights: Large animal habitats, children’s activities, family-friendly layout
• Good for: Families with young children, outdoor time close to downtown

Grant Park itself has walking paths and historic homes, so you can make a half- or full-day out of the area.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers science, history, and nature-focused exhibits, plus outdoor experiences.

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights: Dinosaur exhibits, hands-on science areas, IMAX-style giant screen theater, outdoor forest trails
• Good for: School-age kids, science and nature fans, mixed indoor/outdoor day

Fernbank Forest and WildWoods trails give you access to urban nature without leaving the city.

Discover Atlanta’s Civil Rights and History Landmarks

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This is one of the most important places to visit if you want to understand Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Key sites in the area:
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home (tours are offered but often require planning)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb
  • The Visitor Center with exhibits on the movement

This area is walkable and sits in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, which also has murals, eateries, and local shops.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects U.S. civil rights history with modern human rights issues.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Adults and older teens, history and social justice-focused visits, educational trips

It’s easy to visit this center on the same day as the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, since all three are close together.

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center gives broader context about the city and region, including the Civil War, local neighborhoods, and Southern culture.

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Features: Museum exhibits, historic houses, gardens, and the relocated Cyclorama painting (now housed here)

This is a good choice if you’re interested in how Atlanta developed, beyond downtown landmarks.

Enjoy Atlanta’s Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former rail corridors, and it has become one of the city’s signature experiences.

Popular stretches include:

• Eastside Trail: Connects areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland
  • Near: Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park, multiple restaurants and bars
• Westside Trail: Links neighborhoods such as West End and Adair Park
  • Near: Local breweries, art installations, community parks

Good for: Walking, jogging, biking, people-watching, casual food and drink stops, and public art.

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a large green space just northeast of downtown.

• Main Access: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Things to do:
  • Walk, jog, or bike on paved trails
  • Visit the dog parks
  • Enjoy lake views and skyline photo spots
  • Attend seasonal festivals and events

The Atlanta Botanical Garden sits adjacent to the park, making it easy to visit both in one outing.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

This garden offers carefully maintained plant collections, seasonal installations, and skyline views.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights: Canopy walk, orchid center, children’s garden, holiday light displays (seasonal)

It’s a good option for a calmer, slower-paced activity that still feels very “urban Atlanta.”

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Metro-Area Access Points)

For people who want to get on or near the water without leaving the metro area entirely, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has several access points north of the city, including:

• Palisades Unit – Paces Mill (near 3444 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339)
• Island Ford Unit (about 20–30 minutes north of downtown in Sandy Springs)

You can walk riverside trails, fish, or arrange tubing and kayaking through private outfitters in the broader area.

Experience Atlanta’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s major art museum, located in Midtown.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Focus: American art, European art, African art, photography, and rotating special exhibitions
• Good for: Art lovers, date nights, visitors staying in or near Midtown

This area also includes the Woodruff Arts Center, home to the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is a historic performing arts venue known for its ornate interior and “night-sky” ceiling.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Events: Touring Broadway shows, concerts, classic film screenings, special events

If you want something memorable in the evening, checking the Fox Theatre’s schedule is a good place to start.

Neighborhood Galleries and Street Art

In addition to large institutions, Atlanta has a strong street art and local gallery scene, especially in:

• Cabbagetown and Krog Street (including murals near Krog Street Tunnel)
• Old Fourth Ward (murals along the BeltLine)
• Castleberry Hill (galleries and loft-style spaces)

These areas are good for self-guided walks and photography.

Sports and Live Events

Major Sports Venues

Atlanta is home to professional teams and big-time college sports. Depending on the season, you can:

• Watch football or soccer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Catch baseball at Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) in nearby Cumberland area
  • Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• See basketball or other events at State Farm Arena
  • Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

These venues also host concerts and large events throughout the year.

Food Halls, Markets, and Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta’s food scene is wide-ranging, from classic Southern cooking to global cuisines. A few food hall–style stops can help you sample a lot at once.

Ponce City Market

Located in a historic Sears building along the BeltLine:

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Features: Food hall, shops, rooftop amusement-style area (Skyline views), direct BeltLine access

Great for: Groups with different tastes, combining a walk on the BeltLine with a meal.

Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market)

This historic indoor market sits near the MLK Jr. sites:

• Location: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Features: Produce, meats, bakeries, and small eateries

It’s a good lunch stop if you’re exploring Sweet Auburn and nearby civil rights landmarks.

Other Dining Areas Worth Exploring

• Inman Park / Krog Street Market area: Stylish restaurants, bars, and BeltLine access
• West Midtown / Westside: Warehouses converted into restaurants and shops
• Buckhead: Mix of upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife
• Edgewood Avenue: Casual bars, late-night spots, and music venues

Many locals choose activities around where they want to eat or go out, so planning by neighborhood works well.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum is designed especially for younger children.

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus: Hands-on exhibits, play-based learning, short attention spans

Ideal for families who want something indoors and interactive.

College and University Campuses

Several Atlanta-area campuses are open to visitors and can be surprisingly family-friendly:

• Georgia Tech (North Avenue area, Midtown): Walkable campus, interesting architecture
• Emory University (Druid Hills): Near Fernbank, tree-lined quads and calm spaces

These can be good places for low-cost walks or to grab a casual meal on or near campus.

Nightlife, Music, and Live Performances

Atlanta’s nightlife and music options are spread across several neighborhoods:

• Midtown: Lounges, clubs, and bars within walking distance of many hotels
• Edgewood: Bars and music venues with a more casual, eclectic feel
• East Atlanta Village: Live music and neighborhood bars
• Buckhead: Mix of upscale bars, restaurants, and hotel lounges

Music genres range from hip-hop and R&B to rock, EDM, and jazz, with shows at larger venues like State Farm Arena and Tabernacle, as well as smaller clubs throughout the city.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re trying to keep costs down, there are still plenty of options:

• Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine
• Relax or picnic in Piedmont Park
• Visit neighborhood parks such as Grant Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, or smaller city parks
• Explore street art in Cabbagetown, Krog Street Tunnel, and along the BeltLine
• Visit public libraries in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System for community events, talks, or exhibits

For many residents, rotating through different parks and BeltLine segments is a standard way to spend weekends without spending much money.

How To Plan Your Time in Atlanta

If You Have One Day

Focus on downtown and Midtown:

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium or National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Midday: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park and nearby lunch
• Afternoon: World of Coca-Cola or a stroll through Midtown / Piedmont Park
• Evening: Dinner in Midtown and, if possible, a show at the Fox Theatre or a walk around the BeltLine Eastside Trail

If You Have a Weekend

You can add variety beyond the core downtown attractions:

• Day 1: Downtown sights (Aquarium, Civil and Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park)
• Day 2: MLK Jr. National Historical Park and Sweet Auburn, then BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market

Or:

• One day focused on culture (High Museum, Midtown, Fox Theatre)
• One day on outdoors and food (Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, BeltLine, food hall of your choice)

If You Live in Atlanta

Residents often:

• Use the BeltLine or Piedmont Park regularly for exercise
• Rotate new restaurants in Inman Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buford Highway (just outside the city but easily reachable)
• Attend seasonal festivals in parks and around downtown/Midtown
• Plan occasional days for major attractions (like the Aquarium or Zoo) when hosting visitors

A practical approach is to pick one neighborhood per weekend and explore its parks, food, and any nearby attractions on foot.

In Atlanta, “what there is to do” depends heavily on your interests—but between world-class attractions, parks and trails, historic civil rights sites, sports, dining, and live entertainment, you can fill anything from a free afternoon to an entire week without leaving the metro area.