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

Atlanta offers far more than just traffic and TV filming locations. Whether you live here, you’re planning a trip, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta, Georgia unique, there’s a long list of things to do that fit different interests, budgets, and time frames.

Below is a practical guide to what to do in Atlanta, organized by type of activity and area of the city so you can quickly find what fits your plans.

Quick Overview: Top Things to Do in Atlanta

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Skip

Downtown Highlights

1. Georgia Aquarium
One of the city’s signature attractions, known for its massive exhibits and variety of marine life. It’s a go-to for:

• Families with kids
• Rainy days
• Visitors who want a “wow” experience

Located in the Pemberton Place area of Downtown, near other major attractions, it’s easy to pair with nearby sites in one day.

2. World of Coca-Cola
Right next door to the aquarium, this museum-style experience walks you through the history of Coca-Cola, with interactive exhibits and a large tasting area at the end. It’s especially convenient if you’re already at Georgia Aquarium or Centennial Olympic Park.

3. Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this green space in the middle of Downtown is good for:

• Short walks between attractions
• Letting kids run around between museum visits
• Seasonal events and festivals

From here, you’re within walking distance of:

• College Football Hall of Fame
• SkyView Atlanta (large ferris wheel)
• State Farm Arena (for concerts and Hawks games)

Civil Rights, History, and Culture

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Located in Old Fourth Ward, this area includes:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and King’s final resting place

It’s run in part by the National Park Service, and many visitors combine it with time on the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail nearby.

NPS Visitor Center (for planning your visit):
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

This is a core experience for understanding Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement and is worthwhile for both locals and visitors.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

In Downtown near the aquarium, this museum connects American civil rights history with modern human rights issues around the world. Exhibits are detailed and can be emotionally heavy, so plan enough time and mental space for a full visit.

Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

Midtown & Piedmont Park

Midtown is one of the most walkable parts of Atlanta and a good base if you want a mix of parks, culture, and dining.

Key things to do:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s “Central Park,” great for walking, jogging, picnics, dog-watching, and seasonal festivals.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Attached to Piedmont Park, with seasonal light displays, orchids, and a canopy walk.
• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with permanent collections and rotating exhibits.

Midtown is also well-served by MARTA rail (Arts Center, Midtown, and North Avenue stations), which makes it one of the easiest areas to navigate without a car.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing loop of trails and future transit that connects neighborhoods and parks. The Eastside Trail is the busiest and most popular segment.

Things to do along the BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• Walk, run, or bike from Ponce City Market down toward Krog Street Market
• Stop for food and drinks at restaurants and patios that back directly onto the trail
• Check out local art, murals, and small pop-up markets

This is one of the best ways to experience in-town Atlanta life in a single afternoon.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Zoo Atlanta is in the historic Grant Park neighborhood, a leafy area just southeast of Downtown. The zoo offers:

• Animal exhibits suitable for all ages
• Play areas for younger kids
• Seasonal events and educational programs

Many families pair a zoo visit with:

• A picnic or playground time in Grant Park
• A short drive to Oakland Cemetery (historic cemetery with tours and skyline views)

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Located in the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum features:

• Dinosaur exhibits
• Natural history and science displays
• A large-screen theater
• Access to Fernbank Forest, with outdoor trails and nature experiences

This is a good alternative to Downtown attractions if you prefer a quieter environment.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

In Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum is geared toward younger kids with interactive exhibits focused on play, imagination, and basic STEM concepts. It’s compact, making it manageable for a half-day visit.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Beyond walking and picnics, Piedmont Park is popular for:

• Outdoor fitness classes and sports leagues
• Dog parks (with separate small and large dog areas)
• Views of the Midtown skyline, especially near the lake

If you live in Atlanta, this is a go-to everyday outdoor spot. Visitors can easily combine it with nearby Midtown attractions or the BeltLine.

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park is a large outdoor recreation area with:

• Hiking trails, including the steep walk-up trail to the top of Stone Mountain
• Lake activities, playgrounds, and picnic areas
• Seasonal events, festivals, and light shows

Many Atlanta-area families make regular trips here for day hikes and group outings.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

If you want water-based activities, the Chattahoochee River offers:

• Kayaking, canoeing, and tubing
• Riverside walking trails
• Shaded areas that are especially welcome in Atlanta’s summer heat

There are several access points north of the city in areas like Sandy Springs and Roswell.

Arts, Theater, and Live Performances

Fox Theatre (Midtown)

The Fox Theatre is an historic venue known for its distinctive architecture and interior design. You can:

• Attend touring Broadway shows
• See concerts, comedy shows, and special events
• Sometimes join behind-the-scenes tours

Located on Peachtree Street NE in Midtown, it’s easily reachable by MARTA (North Avenue station).

High Museum of Art & Woodruff Arts Center

The High Museum of Art anchors the Woodruff Arts Center complex, which also includes:

• Alliance Theatre – plays and new productions
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – classical and contemporary performances

This is the cultural heart of Midtown and a central spot for arts-focused days in Atlanta.

Sports, Arenas, and Large Events

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS), Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown also hosts:

• Major concerts and touring events
• College football games and championships
• Conventions and special events

Its retractable roof and central location make it one of the city’s most visible landmarks.

State Farm Arena

Adjacent to CNN Center and within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and hosts:

• Concerts
• Family shows
• Large-scale performances

Downtown MARTA stations (e.g., GWCC/CNN Center) provide quick transit access for events.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Located in the Cumberland area northwest of the city, Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves (MLB). Around the stadium, The Battery Atlanta offers:

• Restaurants and bars
• Live music and gathering spaces
• Year-round shops and entertainment

Even on non-game days, this area is popular for dining and nights out, especially for Northside residents and visitors staying nearby.

Food, Nightlife, and Local Flavor

In-Town Food Halls and Markets

Some of the most convenient ways to sample local and regional food in Atlanta are its food halls, including:

• Ponce City Market (off the BeltLine, Old Fourth Ward) – Large indoor food hall plus shops, office spaces, and rooftop attractions.
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Smaller, more intimate food hall with restaurants, food stalls, and bars.

These are popular for both visitors and locals, especially on evenings and weekends.

Neighborhood Nightlife Areas

Depending on the vibe you’re looking for, Atlanta offers:

• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Bars, music venues, and a more casual, late-night atmosphere.
• Inman Park / BeltLine Eastside – Trendy restaurants and relaxed patios along the trail.
• West Midtown – Converted industrial spaces, upscale restaurants, breweries, and clubs.

For a more low-key evening, Decatur Square (in the city of Decatur, adjacent to Atlanta) offers:

• Walkable streets
• Independent restaurants and bars
• A smaller-town feel with direct MARTA access

Buford Highway: Multicultural Dining

North of Atlanta, Buford Highway is known for one of the region’s most diverse food scenes, with restaurants offering:

• Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine
• Mexican, Central and South American food
• Markets and bakeries representing several global regions

Locals often treat Buford Highway as a go-to for trying new foods or enjoying informal group meals.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

Many well-known attractions charge admission, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options, especially for residents.

Some popular choices:

• Walk the Atlanta BeltLine – Free access; pay only if you stop at businesses along the route.
• Explore Piedmont Park – Free to enter, with paid events occasionally.
• Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – No admission fee for many areas; check visitor center information for specific details.
• Self-guided street art tours – Areas like Krog Street Tunnel, Cabbagetown, and the BeltLine feature extensive murals.
• City of Atlanta parks – Scores of neighborhood parks scattered across the city, often with playgrounds and walking trails.

Residents may also want to watch for free days and discounts at certain museums or attractions, which are periodically offered for local communities.

Seasonal Events and When to Visit

Atlanta’s event calendar changes throughout the year, but certain patterns are common:

• Spring (March–May): Festivals, outdoor concerts, and neighborhood tours; pleasant weather for walking the BeltLine and parks.
• Summer (June–August): Outdoor movies, concerts, and baseball games; best to plan indoor activities during midday heat and enjoy evenings outside.
• Fall (September–November): Major festivals, football season, and popular hiking time at Stone Mountain and in North Georgia.
• Winter (December–February): Holiday light displays at places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, indoor attractions, and fewer crowds at some major sites.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s useful to spread out your visits to big attractions across the year to avoid large event weekends and peak tourist seasons.

Practical Tips for Getting Around to These Activities

• MARTA Rail and Bus:

  • Best for: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, airport access, and major stadiums.
  • Stations near key attractions include Peachtree Center (Downtown), Five Points, Midtown, Arts Center, and GWCC/CNN Center.

• Driving and Parking:

  • Common for: Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank, Buford Highway, Stone Mountain, and some BeltLine trailheads.
  • Parking costs vary widely by neighborhood and event, so checking garage and lot options in advance is useful.

• Walking and Biking:

  • Best in: Midtown, Downtown, BeltLine-connected neighborhoods, Decatur Square.
  • Many locals combine short drives or transit rides with walking stretches to avoid heavy congestion.

How to Choose What To Do in Atlanta (By Time Available)

If you have half a day:

• Downtown: Georgia Aquarium + quick walk in Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown: Piedmont Park + Atlanta Botanical Garden
• BeltLine: Walk from Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market and back

If you have a full day:

• Morning: MLK Jr. National Historical Park
• Midday: Lunch on the BeltLine + walk the Eastside Trail
• Evening: Dinner in Inman Park or West Midtown and a show or game (Fox Theatre, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or local music venue)

If you live here and want new ideas:

• Try a different neighborhood each weekend (Grant Park, West Midtown, Decatur, Old Fourth Ward)
• Explore lesser-known segments of the BeltLine or city parks in neighborhoods you don’t usually visit
• Rotate through arts venues (High Museum one month, Alliance Theatre another, smaller galleries and performance spaces in between)

Atlanta offers a wide range of things to do, from world-class attractions to everyday neighborhood experiences. Whether you’re planning a short visit, a staycation, or looking for new local routines, focusing on specific areas (Downtown, Midtown, BeltLine, Westside, Eastside) and your main interests (history, food, outdoors, arts, sports) is the most efficient way to build a satisfying Atlanta itinerary.