Best Things To Do in Buckhead, Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive neighborhoods—a mix of luxury shopping, buzzing nightlife, historic homes, green spaces, and surprisingly down‑to‑earth pockets. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or are trying to understand what makes Buckhead unique, this guide walks you through the top things to do in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and how to enjoy it like a local.

Getting Oriented: Where Is Buckhead in Atlanta?

Buckhead sits in north Atlanta, roughly bounded by:

• South: around Peachtree Creek / I‑85 area
• North: toward the I‑285 perimeter
• East: around Lenox Road / Buford Highway
• West: Northside Drive and the Chattahoochee River corridor

Major roads you’ll use to navigate Buckhead include:

• Peachtree Road NE – the main spine through Buckhead
• Piedmont Road NE – runs parallel to Peachtree, with plenty of shopping and restaurants
• Roswell Road NE – connects south toward Midtown and north toward Sandy Springs
• Lenox Road NE / Peachtree Road / GA‑400 – main access points for Lenox and Phipps area

MARTA rail stations serving the Buckhead area:

• Buckhead Station (Red Line) – near the office and hotel core
• Lenox Station (Gold Line) – by Lenox Square
• Lindbergh Center Station (Red & Gold) – just south of Buckhead, easy transfer point

1. Shop and Stroll: Buckhead’s Retail Hotspots

Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza

For many people, “things to do in Buckhead” starts with shopping.

Two of Atlanta’s best‑known malls sit across Peachtree Road from each other:

• Lenox Square
  • Address: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • What to expect: Mix of high‑end and mainstream shops, large food court, busy around holidays and weekends.
• Phipps Plaza
  • Address: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • What to expect: More upscale, boutique feel, luxury brands, plus dining and entertainment options.

Tips:

• 🚆 Without a car: Take MARTA Gold Line to Lenox Station or Red Line to Buckhead Station, then walk or use a short rideshare.
• 🕒 Best times: Weekday afternoons are usually calmer; Saturdays get crowded, especially during events and holiday season.

Buckhead Village District

Formerly known as the “Shops Around Buckhead,” Buckhead Village District is a walkable area with:

• Designer boutiques and unique specialty shops
• Sidewalk cafés and restaurants
• A more outdoor, urban-village feel than the enclosed malls

It’s a good choice if you want a strolling experience with coffee stops, patio dining, and people‑watching rather than a traditional mall visit.

2. Explore Buckhead’s Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Buckhead isn’t just luxury shopping—it has surprising pockets of nature right off busy streets.

Chastain Park

• General area: Around 140 W Wieuca Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Highlights:
  • Walking and jogging paths
  • Golf course
  • Tennis courts and ball fields
  • Amphitheater (concerts in season)

Locals use Chastain Park for morning walks, dog‑friendly strolls, and casual runs. Parking is scattered around the park; arrive early for concerts or big events.

Atlanta Memorial Park & Bobby Jones Golf Course

• General area: 384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Highlights:
  • Walking trails along Peachtree Creek
  • Open green spaces
  • Bobby Jones Golf Course & clubhouse

This area gives you a quieter, more residential feel while still being minutes from Buckhead’s main roads.

Path400 Greenway

PATH400 is a multi‑use trail that runs roughly parallel to GA‑400 through Buckhead. It’s popular for:

• Walking and running
• Biking and scooters
• Connecting between neighborhoods without using Peachtree or Piedmont

Entrances are scattered along the corridor (for example, near Sidney Marcus Blvd and around Miami Circle). If you live in Buckhead, it’s a convenient everyday fitness and commuting path.

3. Enjoy Buckhead’s Food Scene

You can find everything in Buckhead—from white‑tablecloth dining to relaxed brunch spots and late‑night eats.

Upscale Dining

Buckhead has long been known for special-occasion restaurants, many clustered along Peachtree Road, Piedmont Road, and in Buckhead Village. Common themes:

• Steakhouses and seafood spots
• Chef‑driven New American restaurants
• High‑end hotel restaurants in Buckhead’s major hotels

These places are popular for anniversaries, business dinners, or pre‑event meals. Reservations are usually a good idea, especially on weekends.

Casual Spots & Brunch

For a more relaxed day in Buckhead:

• Weekend brunch is a big deal—expect patios, long lines at popular spots, and bottomless coffee.
• Casual lunch options fill the area around Lenox, Phipps, and Peachtree–Piedmont: salad bars, noodle spots, sandwich shops, and fast‑casual chains mixed with local eateries.
• Neighborhood pockets off Roswell Road, Powers Ferry, and Peachtree Battle offer a less touristy vibe if you want places locals frequent.

Late‑Night & Bars

Buckhead’s nightlife has evolved, but you’ll still find:

• Cocktail lounges and hotel bars
• Rooftop spots with skyline views
• Livelier bars clustered near Peachtree Road and in the Buckhead Village area

If you’re planning a night out:

• 🚗 Parking: Most spots have paid decks or valet; street parking is limited and often regulated.
• 🚕 Rideshare: Many locals rely on rideshare on weekend nights due to heavy traffic and limited parking around bar clusters.

4. Arts, Culture, and History in Buckhead

Atlanta History Center

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

This is one of the best things to do in Buckhead if you want culture and history in one place. On one campus, you’ll typically find:

• Exhibits on Atlanta and regional history
• Historic homes and gardens (including the Swan House)
• Trails and green spaces

It’s suitable for:

• Families looking for a half‑day educational outing
• Visitors wanting to understand Atlanta’s past without leaving Buckhead
• Locals who enjoy rotating exhibits, seasonal events, and quiet gardens

Check opening hours and parking onsite before you go.

Governor’s Mansion (Georgia Governor’s Mansion)

• Address: 391 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

The Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead is a Greek Revival–style home that sometimes offers public tours and special events, especially around holidays.

Things to know:

• Tours and access are schedule‑dependent; you’ll need to check current public visiting dates and requirements.
• Security protocols may apply (ID checks, bag restrictions).

This is a good stop if you’re interested in state history and architecture and already exploring the West Paces Ferry area.

5. Family‑Friendly Things To Do in Buckhead

Buckhead can be very family‑friendly if you know where to go.

Parks and Playgrounds

• Chastain Park – fields, paths, and open areas for kids to run around.
• Neighborhood parks tucked off Peachtree Battle Ave, Wieuca Rd, and Northside Drive often have:
  • Play structures
  • Shaded seating
  • Nearby coffee or snack options within a short drive

Indoor Options

Depending on the current tenants and offerings in Buckhead’s major centers, families may find:

• Indoor play spaces or activity centers in and around the Lenox/Phipps area
• Kid‑friendly dining with children’s menus and high chairs
• Seasonal events (photos with Santa, holiday displays, etc.) at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

For rainy days, consider pairing a mall visit (for walking and food) with a quick trip to a nearby park when the weather clears.

6. Buckhead Nightlife and Entertainment

If you’re looking for things to do in Buckhead after dark, you have a range from low‑key to high‑energy.

Live Music & Events

• Chastain Park Amphitheatre (often called Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park) hosts concerts in season. You’ll find:
  • Big‑name acts and themed nights
  • Lawn seating and reserved seating
  • Strict event parking patterns—expect traffic and consider rideshare

Bars, Lounges, and Rooftops

Common Buckhead nightlife experiences include:

• Upscale lounges with cocktails and dress codes
• Hotel rooftops with skyline views of Buckhead and Midtown
• Sports bars around Roswell Road and Peachtree Road for game days

Local tips:

• Check each venue for age limits, cover charges, and dress codes.
• Parking garages may validate with bar or restaurant use; ask before you park.

7. Business, Meetings, and “Bleisure” in Buckhead

Many companies choose Buckhead for offices and meetings, so business travelers often stay here.

Why Business Travelers Like Buckhead

• Easy MARTA access on the Red Line (Buckhead Station, and Lindbergh Center nearby)
• Cluster of hotels along Peachtree Road NE and GA‑400
• Walkable access to:
  • Dining
  • Meeting spaces
  • Shopping and services

Mixing Work and Free Time

If you’re in Buckhead for work and have a free afternoon or evening:

• Walk from your hotel to Lenox Square or Buckhead Village District for shopping and dinner.
• Add a few hours at the Atlanta History Center before or after meetings.
• Use PATH400 for a quick run or walk without getting stuck in traffic.

8. Practical Tips for Visiting Buckhead

Getting Around

By MARTA:

• Red Line: Buckhead Station and Lindbergh Center
• Gold Line: Lenox Station
  From these, you can walk, use a scooter, or take a short rideshare ride to most major Buckhead spots.

By Car:

• Expect heavy traffic on Peachtree, Piedmont, and Lenox during rush hour and weekends.
• Most shopping centers and office towers use paid deck parking or valet.
• Street parking is limited, often time‑restricted, and strictly enforced in key corridors.

Safety & Comfort

• Buckhead is generally busy and well-trafficked, especially around major shopping areas and hotels.
• At night, stay in well‑lit, populated areas and use common urban safety habits (watch your belongings, know your route, use rideshare if you’ve been drinking).
• Summer can be hot and humid, so plan outdoor activities in the morning or later in the day when possible.

9. Sample Half‑Day and Full‑Day Buckhead Itineraries

Quick Half‑Day in Buckhead (Visitor)

Morning or Afternoon:

1. Take MARTA to Lenox or Buckhead Station.
2. Shop and stroll at Lenox Square and/or Phipps Plaza.
3. Walk or rideshare over to the Buckhead Village District for a coffee or early dinner.

Great if you’re staying elsewhere in Atlanta but want a taste of Buckhead’s shopping and dining.

Full Day in Buckhead (Visitor or Local Staycation)

1. Morning:
   • Head to the Atlanta History Center for exhibits and a walk around the grounds.
2. Lunch:
   • Eat at a nearby Buckhead restaurant along West Paces Ferry or Peachtree Road.
3. Afternoon:
   • Drive or rideshare to Chastain Park or Atlanta Memorial Park for a stroll.
4. Evening:
   • Return toward Peachtree/Lenox area for dinner and drinks, or catch a concert at Chastain if one is scheduled.

Low‑Key Local Day in Buckhead

1. Walk/run on PATH400 in the morning.
2. Grab brunch at a Piedmont or Roswell Road spot.
3. Spend a relaxed afternoon shopping lightly at Buckhead Village District or browsing shops along Peachtree.
4. End with a rooftop drink or neighborhood bar visit.

10. Quick Reference: Buckhead Highlights at a Glance

*Governor’s Mansion access varies; check current tour policies.

Focusing your visit on these core Buckhead experiences—shopping, parks, history, food, and nightlife—will give you a clear sense of what makes the Buckhead area of Atlanta distinct and how to enjoy it whether you’re here for a few hours, a weekend, or you’re settling in as a new local.