What To Do Around Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Exploring the City

Whether you’re new to the area, visiting for a few days, or a longtime local looking for fresh ideas, Atlanta offers plenty to do year-round. From major attractions and historic neighborhoods to outdoor trails and local food, there’s something within reach no matter where you are in the metro area.

Use this guide to figure out what to do around Atlanta based on your interests, schedule, and part of town.

Big-Name Attractions and Must-See Spots

If you’re in or near Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, you’re close to many of the city’s most popular attractions.

Centennial Olympic Park Area (Downtown)

This area is compact and walkable, which is helpful if you only have a day or two.

Popular things to do around Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) include:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, with large viewing tunnels and daily shows.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style attraction focused on the Coca‑Cola brand history, exhibits, and tasting room.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful museum focusing on the Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel offering elevated views of the city skyline.

If you’re staying downtown or commuting by MARTA, the GWCC/CNN Center Station and Peachtree Center Station are convenient for this area.

Midtown: Arts, Parks, and Culture

Midtown combines culture, dining, and green space in one walkable district.

Highlights include:

• Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306) – Atlanta’s central park, great for walking, jogging, picnics, and festivals.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) – Next to Piedmont Park, known for seasonal exhibits, a canopy walk, and special evening events.
• High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) – The city’s major art museum with rotating and permanent collections.
• Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) – A historic theater on Peachtree Street with touring Broadway shows, concerts, and films.

Midtown is easy to reach via Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stations, with frequent buses and walkable streets.

Neighborhoods to Explore Around Atlanta

Each Atlanta neighborhood has its own personality. Exploring by neighborhood is a good way to see more than just the major tourist stops.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Old Fourth Ward area mixes history with modern development.

Things to do:

• Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a paved, multi‑use path running through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and up to Piedmont Park.
• Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312), which includes:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours often require advance sign-up)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center

The BeltLine in this area is lined with public art, food halls, and patios. Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) is a major mixed-use complex with a central food hall, rooftop amusement-style area, and retail.

Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, and Little Five Points

These intown neighborhoods are known for walkable streets and local businesses.

• Inman Park – Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and access to the BeltLine. Ideal for a slower-paced stroll and brunch.
• Virginia‑Highland – Corner shops, cafes, and restaurants grouped along North Highland Ave, popular for relaxed evenings.
• Little Five Points – A more eclectic area with vintage shops, record stores, street art, and casual dining.

You can easily combine these neighborhoods in one afternoon by car, bike, or rideshare.

Buckhead: Shopping and Dining

If you’re wondering what to do around North Atlanta, Buckhead is the upscale retail and dining hub.

Options include:

• Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) and Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) – Large shopping malls with a mix of national and luxury retailers.
• High-end and mid-range restaurants clustered along Peachtree Road and side streets.
• Buckhead Village District – A walkable shopping and dining area with boutiques and restaurants.

Buckhead is served by Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations on the Gold and Red lines.

Outdoor Activities in and Around Atlanta

Even in a busy metro area, there are many ways to spend time outdoors without driving far.

Urban Trails and Parks

Some of the most accessible things to do outside around Atlanta:

• Atlanta BeltLine – Multiple paved paths around the city. The Eastside and Westside trails are most developed and popular for walking, running, and casual biking.
• Piedmont Park – Large open lawns, tennis courts, a dog park, playgrounds, and paved paths. Festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events are common here.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) – Near Ponce City Market, with a lake, playgrounds, and amphitheater area.

These spaces work well for both solo visits and group meetups.

Rivers, Hikes, and Nature Preserves (Metro Area)

If you have time for a short drive, you can reach natural areas around the edges of the city:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple access points along the river for walking trails, kayaking, and tubing. Popular units near the city include:
  • Palisades – Whitewater Creek (off Northside Dr NW)
  • Cochran Shoals (near I‑285 and Powers Ferry Rd)
• Stone Mountain Park (1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083) – East of Atlanta, with a walk‑up trail to the top of Stone Mountain, lakes, and seasonal events. Entry policies and parking fees apply.
• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area – South‑east of Atlanta, with hiking trails, boardwalks, and unique rock outcrops.

These are good options if you want something more nature-focused without an all-day road trip.

History, Museums, and Educational Stops

Atlanta has a strong Civil Rights and cultural history, along with specialties like sports and transportation.

Civil Rights and Cultural History

Beyond the MLK National Historical Park, notable spots include:

• Auburn Avenue Historic District – Once known as “Sweet Auburn,” this corridor contains historic churches, businesses, and community landmarks.
• Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305) – Located in Buckhead, it covers regional history, Civil War exhibits, and includes historic homes and gardens.
• The Carter Center (453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Includes the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.

These sites offer structured exhibits, which may be helpful if you prefer more guided learning over open-ended wandering.

Other Specialty Museums and Attractions

Depending on interests, you could also consider:

• College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Interactive exhibits focused on college football history and teams.
• Fernbank Museum (767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Natural history museum with dinosaur exhibits and an adjacent forest area with trails and outdoor structures.
• Delta Flight Museum (1060 Delta Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354) – Near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, focused on aviation and airline history.

These are good choices for families, aviation enthusiasts, or days when the weather pushes you indoors.

Family-Friendly Things To Do Around Atlanta

Families in Atlanta usually look for activities that are easy to reach, stroller-friendly, and flexible.

Core Family Attractions

Some of the most commonly recommended family options include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315) – Located in historic Grant Park, with a range of animals, a playground, and kid-focused programming.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Hands-on exhibits designed for younger children, near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Especially popular during seasonal displays, with a dedicated children’s garden area.

These attractions often have timed-entry or peak hours, so planning ahead can make the visit smoother.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Free or Low-Cost Options

If you’re looking for low-cost ways to entertain kids:

• Piedmont Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park have playgrounds and open play spaces.
• Many Atlanta public libraries host storytimes, craft sessions, and homework help; larger branches within the Fulton County Library System frequently offer weekend programs.
• Neighborhood parks across Atlanta Parks and Recreation facilities provide playgrounds, sports fields, and sometimes splash pads in warm months.

Checking local park or library schedules can turn a regular day into a structured outing without major costs.

Nightlife, Live Music, and Events

If you’re wondering what to do around Atlanta after dark, there are options for both low-key and high-energy evenings.

Live Music and Entertainment Districts

Popular areas for nightlife and music:

• Midtown – Bars, lounges, and music venues along Peachtree Street and nearby side streets.
• Edgewood Avenue – A corridor east of downtown with bars, music, and late-night food options.
• East Atlanta Village – Known for local bands, smaller venues, and neighborhood restaurants.

For larger shows:

• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Major concerts and professional basketball games.
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Professional football, soccer, and large-scale concerts.
• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339) – Concerts, theater, and dance performances just outside city limits.

Seasonal Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts festivals, parades, and neighborhood events, including:

• Art and music festivals in Piedmont Park and Candler Park
• Street festivals in Inman Park, Little Five Points, and East Atlanta Village
• Holiday light displays at places like Atlanta Botanical Garden and Stone Mountain Park

Checking event calendars before you head out can help you avoid traffic and find special activities happening near you.

Shopping, Food, and Local Markets

Food and shopping are central to what many people do around Atlanta on weekends and evenings.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are especially convenient if your group has mixed tastes:

• Ponce City Market – Large food hall, rooftop area, and shops.
• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Smaller, walkable market with food stalls and nearby BeltLine access.
• Municipal Market (209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303), often called the Sweet Auburn Curb Market – A historic indoor market with food vendors and local products.

These spots work well when you want casual dining plus a neighborhood to explore on foot.

Malls, Boutiques, and Local Shops

For traditional and local shopping:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza – Major malls in Buckhead.
• Atlantic Station (1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363) – Open-air shopping, restaurants, and a movie theater near Midtown.
• Boutique and independent shops in Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, Little Five Points, and parts of West Midtown.

Shopping areas often host small events, pop-ups, and seasonal markets, especially on weekends.

Quick-Choice Guide: What To Do Based on Your Situation

Use this simple guide if you’re trying to decide quickly:

Practical Tips for Getting Around While You Explore

To make the most of what there is to do around Atlanta, it helps to plan how you’ll move between areas.

• MARTA Rail and Bus:
  • MARTA rail lines connect Airport – Downtown – Midtown – Buckhead – North Springs/Doraville, with key stations near major attractions.
  • Bus routes fill in some gaps but may require schedule checks.
• Rideshare and Taxis:
  • Commonly used to connect neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, Grant Park, and West Midtown, where train coverage is limited.
• Driving and Parking:
  • Parking is widely available but can be paid and limited in busy areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, BeltLine access points).
  • Many attractions and parks have their own parking facilities with posted rates and rules.
• Walking and Biking:
  • Neighborhoods such as Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and areas along the BeltLine are generally more walkable.
  • Bike and scooter rentals are often available in popular intown corridors.

Planning your day around one or two clusters of attractions or neighborhoods can help you spend more time enjoying Atlanta and less time dealing with traffic.

By focusing on the area you’re in—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or one of the intown neighborhoods—you’ll find plenty of things to do around Atlanta that match your interests, time, and budget.