Things To Do Near Atlanta Airport: A Local’s Guide to Hartsfield‑Jackson and Nearby Attractions

Flying into or out of Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering how to make the most of your time nearby? Whether you have a long layover, a few hours before a flight, or you’re staying at an airport hotel, there are plenty of things to do near Atlanta Airport that don’t require a long drive into the suburbs.

This guide focuses on practical, easy options around ATL, mostly within a 5–20 minute ride, plus tips for getting into the city quickly if you have more time.

Quick Overview: What You Can Do Near ATL

Here’s a fast snapshot of popular types of activities near Atlanta Airport:

Getting Around the Airport Area

Before diving into specific things to do, it helps to know your transportation options:

• MARTA (train):
  The airport has a MARTA station at the Domestic Terminal, West End. From here, you can reach:
  • Downtown Atlanta in roughly 15–20 minutes.
  • Midtown in around 25–30 minutes.
• Airport SkyTrain:
  A free automated train connects the Domestic Terminal with:
  • Rental Car Center
  • Nearby airport hotels and some business centers
• Rideshare & taxis:
  Designated pickup areas are clearly marked at the airport. These are often the fastest way to reach College Park, Hapeville, East Point, and Camp Creek.
• Hotel shuttles:
  Many ATL-area hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the terminals. If you’re staying overnight, check your hotel’s shuttle schedule to see if you can also use it to reach nearby restaurants or shops.

If you have under 3 hours before your next flight, you’ll likely want to stay close (airport area, nearby neighborhoods, or even inside the terminal). With 4–6 hours or more, it becomes easier to go into Downtown or Midtown.

Things To Do Inside or Right Next to Atlanta Airport

If you don’t want to leave the airport complex, there are still ways to stretch your legs and experience a bit of Atlanta.

Explore the Art Installations in the Terminals

Hartsfield‑Jackson features permanent and rotating art exhibits throughout its concourses and walkways. These include:

• Large-scale murals that reflect Atlanta’s history and culture
• Photography and sculpture displays in the connecting tunnels
• Seasonal or special exhibits featuring regional artists

You can turn a walk between concourses into a mini art tour, especially in the long pedestrian tunnel between Concourses A and B.

Plane Spotting and Airport Views

If you’re fascinated by aviation, ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world, which makes it ideal for plane spotting:

• Some airport hotels along Airport Blvd, Virginia Ave, and around the Rental Car Center offer good views of the runways from public areas, lounges, or restaurants.
• You can also often get impressive views from the Domestic North and South terminal windows, especially near the end of the concourses.

If you’re not a current customer or guest, always check with staff before using hotel rooftop decks, lounges, or parking decks for viewing.

Unwind in Lounges or Quiet Areas

If your focus is relaxation rather than exploration:

• ATL has airline lounges and common-use lounges (access often via membership or day pass purchase).
• There are quiet seating zones, nursing rooms, and rest areas scattered through the concourses, which can be useful if you’re traveling with family or just need a calmer space.

Nearby Neighborhoods: College Park, Hapeville & East Point

Just beyond the airport perimeter are three communities that feel distinctly local and are worth a short ride: College Park, Hapeville, and East Point.

College Park: Historic Streets & Local Flavor

College Park borders the western side of the airport and is one of the most convenient places to go if you have a short-to-medium layover.

Highlights include:

• Historic Downtown College Park
  Centered around Main Street, this walkable area has:

  • Local restaurants and cafes
  • Small bars and lounges
  • Early 20th‑century architecture and historic homes nearby
    It’s a good place to grab a bite and get a feel for an older Atlanta-area neighborhood.

• Easy MARTA Access
  College Park MARTA Station, at:

  • 3800 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
    connects directly to the airport. The ride is only a few minutes, making this a convenient option if you prefer not to use rideshare.

Ideal for:
Travelers who want a quick local meal or a stroll without going all the way into Downtown.

Hapeville: Art, Aviation History & Small-Town Feel

On the east side of the airport is Hapeville, a small city with a walkable downtown, public art, and strong ties to aviation and automotive history.

Things to do in Hapeville:

• Downtown Hapeville Arts District
  The center of town, near:

  • North Ave & S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
    features:
  • Colorful murals and street art
  • Small galleries and studios
  • Locally owned eateries and coffee shops
    It’s easy to walk around for an hour or two.

• Historic Markers & Local History
  Hapeville includes nods to:

  • The former Ford Assembly Plant that once stood near the airport
  • The growth of commercial aviation around ATL
    If you enjoy local history, you can explore plaques and small historic points clustered around downtown streets and city buildings.

• Nearby Green Spaces
  Hapeville maintains several small parks and playgrounds that can be welcome if you’re traveling with children and want a quick outdoor break.

Ideal for:
Visitors interested in a small-town atmosphere, public art, and a quick sense of the communities surrounding ATL.

East Point: Neighborhood Parks & Local Eats

East Point, north of the airport, is another accessible option for dining and outdoor time.

What to look for:

• Downtown East Point & Main Street area
  Around:

  • 2757 E Point St, East Point, GA 30344
    you’ll find:
  • Independent restaurants and coffee shops
  • A MARTA station (East Point Station) that connects directly to ATL and Downtown
  • Periodic community events on the city green

• Parks and Recreation Areas
  East Point has several parks and recreation centers where you can:

  • Go for a short walk or jog
  • Let kids play on playgrounds
  • Enjoy a quick picnic if your schedule allows

Ideal for:
Travelers with a few hours who want to experience a residential side of Atlanta that’s still closely tied to the airport.

Parks and Outdoor Time Near Atlanta Airport

If you’ve been sitting on a plane for hours, you may prefer fresh air and walking paths instead of more indoor time. While the immediate airport area is heavily developed, nearby cities maintain parks suitable for short visits.

Local Parks Within a Short Drive

A few commonly used options close to ATL include:

• Barrett Park (Hapeville)
  1300 Dove St, Hapeville, GA 30354

  • Small neighborhood park
  • Open fields, playground equipment, and walking space
    Good for a quick stretch, especially with children.

• Sumner Park (College Park)
  1881 Harvard Ave, College Park, GA 30337

  • Community park with open areas and basic amenities
    A convenient green space not far from the airport.

• East Point’s City Parks
  East Point maintains multiple small parks dotted through the city. Local signage and the city’s parks department can guide you to the closest one from your rideshare drop‑off.

✅ Tip: If you have checked luggage or bulky bags and you’re on a layover, consider using airport baggage services or a trusted companion to avoid hauling everything to a park.

Shopping, Errands, and Dining at Camp Creek Marketplace

If you need retail shopping, big-box stores, or casual chain restaurants near Atlanta Airport, Camp Creek Marketplace is one of the most popular stops.

• Location:
  Intersection of Camp Creek Pkwy & Marketplace Blvd, East Point, GA 30344
  (About a 10–15 minute drive northwest of ATL.)

• What you’ll find:

  • Large retail stores (general merchandise, clothing, electronics, and more)
  • Casual chain restaurants and fast food
  • Basic services like pharmacies and sometimes wireless carriers

This area is especially useful if you:

• Forgot travel essentials (chargers, clothes, toiletries)
• Want to grab a familiar meal before heading back to the airport
• Are staying at one of the nearby airport hotels along Camp Creek Pkwy

Ideal for:
Travelers on a long layover or staying overnight near the airport who want convenient shopping and dining in one cluster.

Quick Trip Into Downtown Atlanta From the Airport

If you have at least 4–6 hours between flights (and your bags/luggage situation is manageable), you can use MARTA to enjoy some of Atlanta’s biggest attractions near Downtown and Midtown.

Getting Downtown via MARTA

• Board MARTA’s Red or Gold line at:
  • Airport Station (Domestic Terminal, West End side)
• Ride to Five Points Station for central Downtown, or continue to:
  • Peachtree Center Station (for central hotels and dining)
  • Civic Center or North Ave Stations (for some attractions and neighborhoods)

Travel time is usually 15–20 minutes to central Downtown.

Popular Downtown Attractions Reachable from Marta

These aren’t walking distance from the airport, but they’re simple Marta rides away and often visited during longer layovers:

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Among the city’s most visited destinations, with diverse marine life and family-friendly exhibits.

• World of Coca‑Cola
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A museum-style experience focused on the Coca‑Cola brand’s history and memorabilia.

• Centennial Olympic Park
  265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A central green space where you can walk, relax, and view the Atlanta skyline.

• College Football Hall of Fame
  250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  An interactive museum celebrating college football teams and players.

• State Farm Arena & Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Area
  Located just west of Centennial Olympic Park, these venues host sports and entertainment events year-round.

✅ Timing Tip:
If you have a same‑day connection, most travelers prefer to head back to the airport at least 2 hours before their next domestic flight (more for international). Factor in 15–30 minutes for MARTA travel from Downtown plus the time needed for security lines.

Hotel‑Area Dining and Meeting Spots Near the Airport

Many visitors staying near ATL never venture far from the airport hotel clusters, especially around Virginia Avenue, Airport Blvd, and Camp Creek Parkway. Even if you’re not staying at a hotel, these areas can be useful for:

• Business meetings near ATL
• Casual meals between flights or after landing
• Waiting out traffic or weather delays in a more comfortable setting than the concourse

These hotel corridors often include:

• Sit‑down restaurants and bars attached to national hotel brands
• Coffee shops and small eateries within walking distance of multiple hotels
• Spaces suitable for informal meetings or laptop work

If you have a car or rideshare, you can also move between different hotel clusters—such as from Virginia Ave near Hapeville/College Park over to Camp Creek Pkwy—for more options.

Practical Tips for Planning Activities Near Atlanta Airport

To make the most of your time near ATL, keep these practical points in mind:

• Check your layover length honestly.

  • Under 3 hours: Stay in or right next to the airport.
  • 3–5 hours: Nearby areas like College Park, Hapeville, East Point, Camp Creek Marketplace.
  • 6+ hours: Downtown or Midtown via MARTA becomes more realistic.

• Monitor traffic if using roads.
  The areas around ATL can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. If you’re relying on rideshare or taxi, build in extra buffer time.

• Know which terminal you’ll return to.
  Hartsfield‑Jackson has separate Domestic and International terminals. Returning through the correct entrance saves time and stress.

• Watch your baggage.
  If you’re on a layover and your bags are not checked through:

  • Consider using airport storage options, if available, or
  • Limit your off‑airport plans to what you can comfortably carry.

• Stay aware of closing times.
  Many neighborhood businesses and smaller museums may close earlier in the evening than large downtown attractions or airport restaurants.

By focusing on College Park, Hapeville, East Point, Camp Creek Marketplace, and convenient MARTA access to Downtown, you can turn time near Atlanta Airport into a chance to eat well, explore local neighborhoods, or even catch a few major Atlanta attractions—without straying too far from your gate.