Sunday in Atlanta: The Best Things To Do in the City

Sunday in Atlanta has its own rhythm. Brunch crowds fill patios, neighborhoods slow down just enough to stroll, and many of the city’s best attractions are open and less crowded than on Saturdays. Whether you live here or are visiting for the weekend, there are plenty of ways to spend a memorable Sunday in Atlanta, Georgia.

Below are some of the most popular, practical, and locally loved options.

Classic Sunday Morning: Brunch, Parks, and Neighborhood Strolls

Start with a Local Brunch

Atlanta takes Sunday brunch seriously. You’ll find everything from classic Southern plates to modern takes on comfort food.

Popular brunch areas include:

• Midtown – High density of restaurants, easy to pair with a walk in Piedmont Park.
• Virginia-Highland – Smaller, neighborhood spots with a laid-back feel.
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – Trendy, walkable, close to the Eastside BeltLine.

Typical Sunday brunch hours in Atlanta start around 10:00 a.m. and often run until 2:00–3:00 p.m.. Reservations are common at popular places; walk-ins may face a wait.

Tip ✅: If you’re planning a busy Sunday, try to reserve an early brunch so you can enjoy attractions or outdoor time before the afternoon heat or crowds.

Walk or Picnic in Piedmont Park

After brunch, many people head to Piedmont Park for a walk, run, or relaxed picnic.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Good for: Walking trails, skyline views, dog parks, playgrounds, open lawns
• Nearby: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Atlanta Botanical Garden

On Sundays, you’ll often see:

• Pickup games (soccer, volleyball, frisbee)
• Families and dog walkers
• Small pop-up fitness groups or yoga meetups

Bring a blanket, grab coffee or snacks from nearby shops, and enjoy a low-key morning or afternoon in the heart of the city.

Enjoy the BeltLine and Intown Neighborhoods

Stroll or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the most popular Sunday activities for both locals and visitors.

• Access points:
  • Near Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
  • At Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  • Various entrances through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown

Along the trail you’ll find:

• Public art and murals
• Outdoor patios and beer gardens
• Coffee shops and dessert spots
• People jogging, biking, skating, and strolling

Bike and scooter rentals are commonly available along or near the trail, making it easy to explore several neighborhoods in a few hours.

Explore Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market

Both markets are open on Sundays and work well with a BeltLine outing.

Ponce City Market

• Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• What to do:
  • Browse food stalls and retail shops
  • Walk the BeltLine directly behind the building
  • Enjoy rooftop attractions (typically ticketed and often open Sundays)

Krog Street Market

• Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• What to do:
  • Sample multiple local eateries in one place
  • Walk to nearby Krog Street Tunnel for graffiti and street art
  • Connect easily to the BeltLine

Arts, Museums, and Culture Open on Sundays

Many of Atlanta’s major cultural attractions are open on Sundays, sometimes with slightly shorter hours. It’s wise to check current times before you go, but the locations below are typically Sunday-friendly.

High Museum of Art

• Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown Arts District
• Good for: Art lovers, families, rainy-day activities

The High Museum of Art usually offers Sunday hours and features:

• Permanent collections spanning classic and contemporary art
• Rotating exhibits
• Family-friendly programs on select weekends

Pair a visit with lunch or coffee in Midtown and, if the weather is nice, a quick walk over to Piedmont Park.

Atlanta History Center

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Neighborhood: Buckhead
• Good for: Learning about local history, gardens, historic homes

The Atlanta History Center campus often includes:

• Museum galleries focused on Atlanta and regional history
• The Swan House historic mansion
• Beautiful grounds and gardens to explore

Sunday is a comfortable time to visit, as crowds can be lighter than on Saturdays, especially in the afternoon.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park area
• Good for: Visitors and residents wanting deeper context on civil rights history

Located near several other major attractions, this center offers powerful exhibits about:

• The American Civil Rights Movement
• Ongoing global human rights struggles

It pairs well with a Sunday visit to Centennial Olympic Park or nearby museums.

Other Popular Sunday Cultural Stops

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

  • Includes the Visitor Center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. King’s birth home area.
  • Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• College Football Hall of Fame

  • Interactive exhibits and activities for sports fans.
  • Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (especially for families)

  • Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Quick Reference: Popular Sunday Attractions

Outdoor and Nature-Focused Sundays

If the weather is good, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to spend your Sunday outdoors.

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Location: Adjacent to Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is usually open on Sundays and is known for:

• Seasonal plant displays and conservatories
• Canopy walk and themed gardens
• Occasional special exhibits and events

It’s easy to combine a garden visit with a stroll through Piedmont Park before or after.

Explore Stone Mountain Park

• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Approximate drive: 25–30 minutes east of Downtown Atlanta (traffic-dependent)

Stone Mountain Park is a popular Sunday trip for:

• Hiking the walk-up trail to the summit
• Scenic views of the metro area
• Lakes, picnic areas, and additional paid attractions

Parking fees typically apply, and some paid attractions may have separate hours or seasonal schedules.

Chattahoochee River Recreation

If you want a quieter, nature-focused Sunday:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has multiple units in the metro area, including:
  • Paces Mill (3444 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339)
  • Island Ford (8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350)

Common Sunday activities:

• Walking moderate riverside trails
• Kayaking, tubing, or paddleboarding (seasonal and weather-dependent)
• Picnicking by the river

Day-use fees or parking passes may be required at certain access points.

Sports, Events, and Live Entertainment

Depending on the time of year, Sunday in Atlanta can be packed with games and performances.

Catch a Game

Common Sunday sports options include:

• NFL (Fall/Winter):

  • Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• MLS (Spring–Fall):

  • Atlanta United FC also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; many home games fall on weekends.

• Baseball (Spring–Fall):

  • Atlanta Braves home games at Truist Park
  • Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Game times vary. If you’re driving, allow extra time for parking and traffic.

Check Out a Show or Concert

On Sunday evenings, you may find:

• Concerts at venues like Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, or Fox Theatre
• Comedy shows at local clubs in Midtown, Buckhead, or East Atlanta
• Small live music sets in bars and restaurants around Edgewood, East Atlanta Village, or West Midtown

Schedules change week to week, so it’s best to review lineups in advance.

Family-Friendly Sunday Activities

Zoo Atlanta

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Neighborhood: Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta is a popular Sunday outing for families, with:

• A variety of animal habitats
• Kids’ play areas
• Seasonal events, especially in spring and fall

Plan to visit earlier in the day if you want cooler temperatures and more active animals.

Georgia Aquarium

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s top attractions and is typically open on Sundays. Expect:

• Large marine life exhibits (including whale sharks and manta rays)
• Indoor, climate-controlled environment
• Timed entry during busier periods

You can also combine a visit with nearby attractions like the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or a walk through Centennial Olympic Park.

Playground and Park Hopping

If you prefer free or low-cost options, Atlanta has numerous parks with good playgrounds:

• Grant Park – Near Zoo Atlanta; large trees and open lawns.

  • Address: 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (general area)

• Chastain Park – North Atlanta; walking paths, playgrounds, and ball fields.

  • Address: 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 (general area)

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Near the BeltLine and Ponce City Market; splash pad (seasonal).

  • Address: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

These spots are ideal for a casual Sunday with kids, with nearby coffee or snack options in surrounding neighborhoods.

Relaxed Neighborhood Exploring

Visit Local Shopping Districts

If you like browsing boutiques or doing light shopping, consider:

• Virginia-Highland – Walkable streets with shops, cafes, and neighborhood bars.
• Little Five Points – Alternative and vintage stores, record shops, and unique local businesses.
• Westside Provisions District – Trendy boutiques, design stores, and restaurants in West Midtown.

Many shops in these areas are open on Sundays, though some local businesses keep shorter hours.

Coffee Shops and Cafés

Sunday is a good day to slow down with:

• A specialty coffee in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Decatur
• A pastry and a book in a neighborhood café
• A to-go drink to walk a nearby trail, park, or BeltLine segment

Hours can vary, but many Atlanta coffee shops open by 8:00–9:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Sunday Planning Tips for Atlanta

To make the most of your Sunday in Atlanta:

• Check hours in advance: Some museums and attractions have reduced Sunday hours or timed entry.
• Plan transportation: MARTA trains and buses run on Sunday schedules, and parking in popular areas (Midtown, Downtown, BeltLine access points) can fill up.
• Book ahead for brunch: Popular brunch spots may require reservations or have long waits.
• Consider traffic: Sunday mornings are usually lighter, but evenings near stadiums or concert venues can be busy when events are scheduled.
• Stay weather-aware: Atlanta can be hot, humid, or rainy depending on the season; plan outdoor activities earlier in the day in summer and keep an indoor backup option.

Whether you’re into food, art, sports, history, or the outdoors, there is always something to do in Atlanta on a Sunday—you just need to choose the mix that fits your pace.