What’s There To Do in Atlanta? Your Local Guide to Fun, Food, and Culture

Atlanta is one of those cities where you can have a totally different experience every weekend without ever leaving the metro area. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a short visit, or you’re thinking about moving, there’s plenty to do in Atlanta—from big-ticket attractions and historic neighborhoods to parks, festivals, and local food.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-specific guide to help you decide what to do today, this weekend, or on your next trip.

Top Atlanta Attractions You Should See at Least Once

These are the classic Atlanta things to do that many residents still revisit with guests.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

Centennial Olympic Park (Downtown)
A central green space built for the 1996 Olympics, good for walking, people-watching, and quick kids’ playtime. Often used as a base to explore nearby attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits. Great for families, date days, or group outings.
• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style experience with brand history, art, and a tasting room of drinks from around the world.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Hands-on exhibits, indoor field, and memorabilia; especially appealing if you or your visitors love sports.
• CNN Center area – The former studio tours are no longer active, but the surrounding area still has quick food options and is close to State Farm Arena for events and games.

These attractions are walkable from each other, so it’s easy to plan one big “downtown day”.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture

Atlanta has deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement and the broader story of the American South. You can easily build a meaningful day around these sites.

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Sites (Sweet Auburn)

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, you’ll find:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes Dr. King’s birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center.
• The King Center – Offers exhibits, Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb, and spaces for reflection.

This area is walkable and gives you a concentrated look at Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects U.S. civil rights history with global human rights. Exhibits are immersive and can be emotionally intense, but they’re often considered a must-do experience for understanding Atlanta’s identity and legacy.

Neighborhoods to Explore Like a Local

One of the best ways to experience Atlanta is to pick a neighborhood and wander—each area has its own style, food, and vibe.

Midtown

Midtown is known for arts, culture, and walkability.

Highlights include:

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum featuring classical, modern, and rotating exhibits.
• Alliance Theatre – Professional theater offering plays, new works, and family-friendly shows.
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Concerts ranging from classical to pop and film scores.
• Midtown Mile (Peachtree Street) – Lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Easy to combine with a visit to Piedmont Park.

Virginia-Highland & Inman Park

These intown neighborhoods are ideal if you like tree-lined streets, porches, and local businesses.

• Virginia-Highland (“VaHi”) – Boutique shopping, neighborhood pubs, and casual restaurants. Great for an afternoon stroll and dinner.
• Inman Park – Historic homes, parks, and access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Popular for brunch and outdoor dining.

Little Five Points

If you’re into eclectic shops, vintage clothing, street art, and music, Little Five Points is worth a visit. Expect record stores, tattoo studios, and casual eats. It’s small but packed with character.

Old Fourth Ward

Once industrial, now one of the trendiest areas in Atlanta:

• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Popular markets, food halls, and breweries
• Easy connection to Ponce City Market and nearby parks

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Things to Do

Atlanta’s nickname “city in a forest” feels accurate when you start exploring its green spaces. You don’t have to leave the city to get fresh air.

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s central park:

• Large fields for picnics, sports, and festivals
• Walking and running paths
• Dog parks
• Seasonal pool and splash areas

You can pair a park visit with Midtown dining or a quick walk to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which borders the park.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Next to Piedmont Park, this garden features:

• Seasonal flower displays
• Tree canopy walk
• Rotating art installations and evening light events

It’s a popular spot for dates, photos, and calm strolls.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi‑use trails connecting neighborhoods. Parts are still under development, but two segments are especially popular:

• Eastside Trail – Connects Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland nearby. Lined with murals, patios, and access points to food halls and breweries.
• Westside Trail – Runs through West End and surrounding neighborhoods, with growing restaurant and art scenes.

People use the BeltLine for walking, jogging, biking, and bar-hopping. On good-weather weekends, it can feel like a city-wide block party.

Chattahoochee River & Nearby Nature

If you’re willing to leave central Atlanta briefly, you can access the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at multiple points in the metro area for:

• Kayaking or tubing (in season)
• Riverside trails
• Picnic spots

Inside city limits, smaller parks like Freedom Park, Grant Park, and Westside Park offer quieter walks and playgrounds.

Sports, Events, and Big Venues

If you like live sports or big entertainment events, Atlanta has options in almost every season.

Professional Sports

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown) – Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus major concerts and events.
• Truist Park (Cumberland area) – Home to the Atlanta Braves (MLB). Surrounded by The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use area with restaurants, bars, and shops.
• State Farm Arena (Downtown) – Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and frequent concerts.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, these venues host major tours, festivals, and special events throughout the year.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

Atlanta’s festival scene is active almost year-round. Popular event types include:

• Music festivals in parks or near downtown
• Food and wine festivals in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and suburban areas
• Neighborhood festivals (for example, in Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points)
• Art and craft fairs in parks and along city streets

Check event calendars before planning your weekend; traffic and parking can be heavily affected when big festivals are scheduled.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

If you have kids, Atlanta works well for both quick outings and full-day adventures.

Major Family Attractions

• Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park) – Features a wide range of animals, including giant pandas and a large reptile collection. The surrounding Grant Park has playgrounds and walking paths.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Druid Hills) – Dinosaur exhibits, natural history, and a large forest area with outdoor learning spaces and trails.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown) – Hands-on, play-based exhibits designed for younger children.

Everyday Kid-Friendly Activities

• Neighborhood splash pads and playgrounds in city parks
• Family bike rides on BeltLine segments or park trails
• Indoor trampoline parks, climbing gyms, and skating rinks in various parts of the metro area

Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Atlanta is known for its music and film scene, but everyday arts and nightlife are just as active.

Performing Arts and Museums

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – Historic venue hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and movies. The interior alone is worth seeing at least once.
• Woodruff Arts Center (Midtown) – Home to the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
• Smaller theaters and improv groups around Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown offer more casual nights out.

Live Music

Atlanta music ranges from hip-hop and R&B to rock, jazz, and indie:

• Intimate venues scattered across East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
• Larger venues near downtown and in suburban areas hosting national tours

Music lovers often combine dinner on the BeltLine or in a neighborhood with a show afterward.

Nightlife and Late-Night Spots

Popular nightlife areas include:

• Midtown – Bars, lounges, and clubs with a mix of casual and upscale options
• Buckhead – More traditional “night out” feel with rooftop bars and late-night restaurants
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Bars, live music, and a younger crowd

Ride-share and MARTA can be helpful for late-night outings, especially when parking is tight.

Shopping, Markets, and Local Food Halls

Atlanta’s food and shopping scenes are spread across neighborhoods, so it’s helpful to know where to start.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls give you multiple local options in one place, useful for groups or picky eaters.

Some popular options include:

• Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) – Large food hall, retail shops, and rooftop attractions, directly on the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Smaller than Ponce, with food stalls and restaurants in a converted warehouse.
• Additional markets and mini food halls are scattered around the metro, often near BeltLine segments or new developments.

Farmers Markets

For local produce and prepared foods, Atlanta has several farmers markets on weekends and some weekdays. These can include:

• In-town neighborhood markets
• Larger regional markets accessible by car

They often feature local farms, bakers, and small food businesses.

Malls and Shopping Districts

If you’re in a shopping mood:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – High-end and mainstream retail options, plus dining.
• Street-level shopping in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and West Midtown for local boutiques, home goods, and gifts.

Free or Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend much to enjoy the city.

Free Activities

• Walking or biking on the Atlanta BeltLine
• Exploring Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Westside Park, and neighborhood green spaces
• Visiting public art and murals, especially along BeltLine trails and in neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward and Cabbagetown
• Window-shopping and people-watching in Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, Inman Park, and Midtown

Certain museums and attractions occasionally offer free or discounted days, especially to Georgia residents, so it’s worth checking current schedules before you go.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Using MARTA to reach major hubs (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) instead of paying for parking
• Pack a picnic for parks instead of dining out for every meal
• Choose one major paid attraction (like the Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta) and fill the rest of the day with free nearby exploration

Quick Planning Guide: What To Do Based on Your Time and Interests

Use this simple overview to match your timeframe and interests with core Atlanta activities.

Practical Tips for Getting Around and Making the Most of Your Time

A few local-minded pointers can make your day smoother:

• Traffic and timing: Weekday rush hours (roughly early morning and late afternoon) can be slow on interstates and major roads. If possible, plan drives to big attractions outside peak times.
• Parking: Many popular areas (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, Downtown) use paid decks or street parking. Check signs carefully and consider parking in one spot, then walking or using MARTA or scooters to move around nearby.
• MARTA: The rail system is especially useful for Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, and for events at major venues. The airport is directly connected by MARTA as well.
• Weather: Summers can be hot and humid. Plan outdoor walks early or late, and keep indoor spots in mind for midday (museums, food halls, attractions).

Atlanta offers historic sites, major attractions, local neighborhoods, nature, and nightlife all within a relatively short radius. Whether you’re here for a day or you’ve lived in the city for years, there is almost always something new to try—often just a different park, trail segment, neighborhood, or venue away.