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.
| Interest | Great Options in Atlanta | Neighborhood/Area |
|---|---|---|
| First-time sightseeing | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park | Downtown |
| Families with kids | Zoo Atlanta, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Fernbank Museum | Grant Park, Downtown, Druid Hills |
| History & civil rights | Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights | Old Fourth Ward, Downtown |
| Outdoors & walking | Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain Park | Multiple, Midtown, East of city |
| Arts & culture | High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, Alliance Theatre | Midtown |
| Sports & big events | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park | Downtown, Cumberland |
| Nightlife & food | Edgewood Avenue, West Midtown, Inman Park, Buford Highway | Eastside, Westside, North of city |
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:
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:
From here, you’re within walking distance of:
Located in Old Fourth Ward, this area includes:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
This is one of the best ways to experience in-town Atlanta life in a single afternoon.
Zoo Atlanta is in the historic Grant Park neighborhood, a leafy area just southeast of Downtown. The zoo offers:
Many families pair a zoo visit with:
Located in the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum features:
This is a good alternative to Downtown attractions if you prefer a quieter environment.
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.
Beyond walking and picnics, Piedmont Park is popular for:
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.
Just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park is a large outdoor recreation area with:
Many Atlanta-area families make regular trips here for day hikes and group outings.
If you want water-based activities, the Chattahoochee River offers:
There are several access points north of the city in areas like Sandy Springs and Roswell.
The Fox Theatre is an historic venue known for its distinctive architecture and interior design. You can:
Located on Peachtree Street NE in Midtown, it’s easily reachable by MARTA (North Avenue station).
The High Museum of Art anchors the Woodruff Arts Center complex, which also includes:
This is the cultural heart of Midtown and a central spot for arts-focused days in Atlanta.
Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS), Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown also hosts:
Its retractable roof and central location make it one of the city’s most visible landmarks.
Adjacent to CNN Center and within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and hosts:
Downtown MARTA stations (e.g., GWCC/CNN Center) provide quick transit access for events.
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:
Even on non-game days, this area is popular for dining and nights out, especially for Northside residents and visitors staying nearby.
Some of the most convenient ways to sample local and regional food in Atlanta are its food halls, including:
These are popular for both visitors and locals, especially on evenings and weekends.
Depending on the vibe you’re looking for, Atlanta offers:
For a more low-key evening, Decatur Square (in the city of Decatur, adjacent to Atlanta) offers:
North of Atlanta, Buford Highway is known for one of the region’s most diverse food scenes, with restaurants offering:
Locals often treat Buford Highway as a go-to for trying new foods or enjoying informal group meals.
Many well-known attractions charge admission, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options, especially for residents.
Some popular choices:
Residents may also want to watch for free days and discounts at certain museums or attractions, which are periodically offered for local communities.
Atlanta’s event calendar changes throughout the year, but certain patterns are common:
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.
MARTA Rail and Bus:
Driving and Parking:
Walking and Biking:
If you have half a day:
If you have a full day:
If you live here and want new ideas:
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.
