Atlanta offers far more than a quick layover or a weekend conference. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand what Atlanta is like, there’s an enormous range of things to do — from major attractions and historic sites to neighborhood food spots, parks, and free community events.
Below is a practical, locally focused guide to things to do in Atlanta, organized by interest so you can quickly find what fits your time, budget, and style.
If you’re new to the city or hosting visitors, these are the big-name Atlanta attractions most people start with.
Most of Atlanta’s biggest attractions sit within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown.
Major attractions near Centennial Olympic Park:
Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.
• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
World of Coca‑Cola
A museum-style attraction exploring the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, with memorabilia, exhibits, and tasting areas.
• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
A powerful museum focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.
• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
SkyView Atlanta
A large Ferris wheel offering skyline views of Downtown and Midtown.
• Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
These are all walkable from MARTA’s Peachtree Center station or via street-level parking decks.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. It’s one of the most significant places to visit in Atlanta for history and reflection.
• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Atlanta History Center
Combines museum exhibits, historic homes (including the Swan House), and gardens that cover Atlanta’s past from the Civil War to the present.
• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Oakland Cemetery
A historic cemetery that’s also a peaceful city green space, with notable graves, architecture, and skyline views.
• Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Despite its traffic reputation, Atlanta is full of trees, trails, and parks that are easy to enjoy year-round.
The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular things to do in the city, especially for locals.
You can access the BeltLine from neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Poncey-Highland, West End, and Reynoldstown.
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s central “city park,” with walking trails, sports fields, dog parks, playgrounds, and frequent festivals.
• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Adjacent to Piedmont Park, with seasonal exhibits, a canopy walk, and themed gardens.
• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Chastain Park
Large park in north Atlanta with trails, tennis courts, a golf course, and an amphitheater that hosts concerts.
• Location: 140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
Freedom Park
A linear park connecting several intown neighborhoods, good for biking and walking, and linked to portions of the BeltLine.
If you want something that feels more like a day in nature without leaving metro Atlanta:
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)
Multiple access points for riverside trails, picnic areas, and tubing or kayaking in season.
• Common access: 8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Island Ford Visitor Center)
Stone Mountain Park (east of the city)
Hiking, walking up the mountain, or taking the skyride for views of the Atlanta skyline.
Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have a different feel. Exploring them is one of the best ways to really “do” Atlanta.
Why go: Arts, culture, and a walkable mix of restaurants and bars.
Why go: Major attractions, historic sites, and convention activity.
Why go: BeltLine access, dining, and historic character.
Why go: Walkable streets, independent shops, and casual dining.
Why go: Shopping, higher-end dining, and nightlife.
Why go: Converted industrial spaces, breweries, and trendy restaurants.
Beyond the big attractions, Atlanta has a wide range of arts and culture options.
High Museum of Art
The city’s main art museum, with rotating exhibits and a permanent collection ranging from classic to contemporary.
• 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Focuses on design in architecture, products, and graphic arts.
• 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
Exhibitions emphasizing art by women of the African diaspora.
• 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Fox Theatre
Historic theater in Midtown hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
• 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Alliance Theatre (inside Woodruff Arts Center)
Regional theater known for new works and high-quality productions.
• 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Also based at the Woodruff Arts Center, with a full concert season.
Across the city, you’ll also find smaller venues, improv theaters, and music spaces in neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and West Midtown.
Atlanta is a major sports and events city, with professional teams and large venues.
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus major concerts and events.
• 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
State Farm Arena
Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and a regular concert venue.
• 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
Truist Park (in nearby Cobb County)
Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), surrounded by The Battery entertainment district.
• 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
If you’re planning activities with kids, Atlanta has many family-focused attractions.
Zoo Atlanta
Located in historic Grant Park, with animals, kids’ play areas, and seasonal programs.
• 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Hands-on, educational play areas for younger children near Centennial Olympic Park.
• 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur exhibits, an IMAX-style theater, and nature trails in Fernbank Forest.
• 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
Eating and going out are central to the Atlanta experience.
These are convenient if your group wants multiple food options in one place:
Ponce City Market – Large food hall and retail space along the BeltLine.
• 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Krog Street Market – Smaller, more intimate food hall in Inman Park.
• 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Sweet Auburn Curb Market – Historic market with food stalls and local vendors.
• 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Nightlife shifts over time, but commonly busy areas include:
You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the city. Many Atlanta activities are low-cost or free, especially if you take advantage of public spaces.
| Interest | Good Places to Start |
|---|---|
| Big attractions | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, CNN area, Zoo ATL |
| History & culture | MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta History Center |
| Outdoors & trails | BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Chattahoochee River |
| Arts & museums | High Museum, Civil and Human Rights Center, MODA |
| Family activities | Zoo Atlanta, Children’s Museum, Fernbank |
| Nightlife & music | Midtown, Buckhead, Edgewood Ave, East Atlanta Village |
| Shopping & food | Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, Lenox/Phipps |
How you move around the city affects what’s realistic to do in a day.
MARTA offers rail and bus service across much of Atlanta:
MARTA Headquarters:
• 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service phone numbers and current schedules are typically available through MARTA’s official customer channels.
Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts festivals, parades, and seasonal activities that are major draws for both residents and visitors.
Common types of events include:
Checking event calendars through city and venue websites can help you plan around big weekends or find something special going on during your visit.
In Atlanta, “things to do” can mean a big-ticket day at the aquarium, a quiet walk on the BeltLine, exploring neighborhood murals, or just sitting in Piedmont Park watching the skyline. Whether you’re here for a few hours or you’ve lived in the city for years, there is always another corner of Atlanta to discover.
