What To Do in Buckhead, Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Shopping, Dining, and Exploring

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable neighborhoods: upscale but approachable, busy but still leafy and residential. Whether you live in the city and want to explore your own backyard, or you’re visiting and staying nearby, there is plenty to do in Buckhead, Atlanta almost any day of the week.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to what to see, eat, and experience in Buckhead, with ideas for different budgets, times of day, and interests.

Buckhead at a Glance

Buckhead sits in north Atlanta, roughly along Peachtree Road between Midtown and Sandy Springs. It’s known for:

• Luxury shopping and malls
• High-end and chef-driven restaurants
• Busy nightlife and rooftop bars
• Beautiful residential streets and historic estates
• Parks, art, and culture tucked between office towers

If you’re planning what to do in Buckhead, it helps to think in zones: Buckhead Village, Lenox/PHIPPS area, and the Peachtree corridor in between.

Top Things To Do in Buckhead, Atlanta

1. Explore Buckhead Village on Foot

Buckhead Village (centered near Peachtree Road NE and Buckhead Avenue NE) is walkable by Atlanta standards, with boutiques, restaurants, and patios close together.

Highlights include:

• Upscale fashion and specialty shops in a compact few blocks
• Sidewalk dining with people-watching, especially in the evenings
• Seasonal décor and occasional outdoor installations or markets

This is a good starting point if you have an afternoon or evening and want to stroll, shop lightly, and grab a drink or dessert without getting in and out of your car repeatedly.

Tips for enjoying Buckhead Village:

• 🅿️ Parking garages and valet are common; rates and validation vary by garage and business.
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes; streets are short, but you’ll likely walk multiple blocks.
• 🕒 Late afternoon into evening is busiest; mornings feel calmer and more residential.

2. Shop (or Window-Shop) at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

The Lenox/PHIPPS area near Peachtree Road NE and Lenox Road NE is Buckhead’s major shopping hub and a regional draw for metro Atlanta.

Lenox Square

Lenox Square is a large indoor shopping mall with a mix of:

• National retailers and department stores
• Mid-range to high-end fashion
• Food court options and sit-down restaurants

It’s a classic “mall experience” and a reliable option for rainy days, back-to-school shopping, or last-minute trip needs.

Phipps Plaza

Directly across Peachtree from Lenox, Phipps Plaza skews more luxury and is generally quieter. You’ll find:

• Designer and luxury brands
• A more relaxed, upscale atmosphere
• A growing mix of dining options and an attached hotel/office development

Together, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza give you everything from casual shopping to big-ticket purchases within a short walk or quick drive.

3. Enjoy Buckhead’s Dining Scene

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s primary restaurant districts, ranging from classic steakhouses to contemporary Southern and international spots.

You’ll generally find:

• Power-lunch and business-friendly restaurants along Peachtree
• Trendy, design-focused dining rooms in Buckhead Village
• Steakhouses and classic American fare throughout the neighborhood

If you’re visiting, it’s worth planning at least one Buckhead dinner. Buckhead is particularly strong for:

• Date nights and special occasions
• Client dinners or work events
• Group celebrations that need a lively atmosphere

👉 Local tip: Reservations are often wise on Thursday–Saturday nights and during large events or holidays in Atlanta.

4. Experience Buckhead Nightlife and Rooftop Views

If you’re wondering what to do in Buckhead after dark, nightlife is one of the main answers. The neighborhood has:

• Rooftop bars and lounges with city views
• Cocktail spots and wine bars popular with locals and business travelers
• Livelier late-night venues closer to the Peachtree corridor and Buckhead Village

Expect:

• Dress codes at some higher-end venues
• Busy weekends and quieter Sunday–Wednesday nights
• Valet or paid parking at many nightlife spots

If you prefer a lower-key evening, hotel bars and more relaxed lounges throughout Buckhead can give you a calmer, polished experience without the club vibe.

5. Visit the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead

For something more cultural than shopping and nightlife, the Atlanta History Center is one of the best things to do in Buckhead.

Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Main phone (commonly listed): (404) 814-4000

On its Buckhead campus, you’ll typically find:

• Exhibits on Atlanta and Georgia history, including the Civil War and civil rights eras
• Historic homes and gardens, such as the Swan House, on the grounds
• Rotating exhibitions and educational programs

This is a strong choice if:

• You’re traveling with family or mixed-age groups
• You want to understand Atlanta’s broader story, not just Buckhead
• You prefer indoor/outdoor mix (galleries plus grounds and gardens)

👉 Parking is available on-site; check current policies and hours before you go.

6. Walk, Run, or Relax in Buckhead’s Parks and Trails

Even with its office towers and malls, Buckhead has pockets of green space that give you a break from traffic.

Common options include:

Chastain Park Area (on Buckhead’s northern edge)

While often associated with the broader northwest Atlanta area, Chastain Park is near Buckhead and is popular with local residents. The area is known for:

• Walking and jogging paths
• Recreational facilities and open fields
• Seasonal concerts at the nearby amphitheater

Neighborhood Parks and Green Spaces

Throughout Buckhead, you’ll find smaller parks and green areas used by nearby residents:

• Sidewalks on residential streets for walking or jogging
• Small pocket parks and landscaped plazas near offices and condos

These won’t feel like destination parks on their own, but they’re useful if you’re staying in a Buckhead hotel and want a quick outdoor break or short run.

7. Drive the Historic and Residential Streets

One of the underrated things to do in Buckhead is simply to explore its residential areas by car (or via rideshare, with brief walks).

Look along corridors like:

• West Paces Ferry Road NW
• Nearby side streets branching off Peachtree and West Paces

You’ll see:

• Historic and modern mansions
• Mature trees, rolling lawns, and quiet cul-de-sacs
• A very different feel from the high-rises and traffic on Peachtree

If you enjoy architecture or just want to see another side of Atlanta, a short neighborhood drive through Buckhead can be surprisingly memorable.

8. Attend Events, Concerts, or Business Gatherings

Buckhead is a major business and events hub for metro Atlanta. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might be in the area for:

• Corporate meetings, conferences, or trainings in Buckhead hotels or offices
• Charity galas and private events in local venues
• Smaller concerts, talks, or cultural events in nearby spaces

If you’re planning a visit and want to add something structured to your itinerary, you can:

• Check what’s scheduled at major Buckhead hotels or cultural venues
• Look for business networking events if you’re in town for work
• Combine a day meeting with dinner and a walk in Buckhead Village afterward

9. Make Buckhead Your Base for Exploring the Rest of Atlanta

Buckhead’s location makes it a useful home base if you want to explore other parts of Atlanta:

• Midtown and Downtown are typically a short drive or MARTA ride south.
• Sandy Springs and Perimeter Center are north along GA-400.
• Popular attractions like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and major stadiums are accessible by car or transit.

From Buckhead, you can:

• Spend the day in Midtown (museums, parks, BeltLine) and return to Buckhead for dinner.
• Head north to suburban shopping or hiking in the Chattahoochee River areas, then come back to Buckhead for a quieter evening.
• Use MARTA’s Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations as starting points if you want to avoid some driving and parking stress.

Quick Planning Guide: What To Do in Buckhead by Time and Interest

Below is a simple overview to help you match your plans to what Buckhead does best.

Practical Tips for Visiting or Exploring Buckhead

To make the most of your time in Buckhead, keep a few local realities in mind:

• Traffic: Peachtree Road, Lenox Road, and nearby intersections can be congested during rush hours and weekends. Build in extra time if you have reservations or events.
• Parking: Expect paid parking, valet, or garages at most malls, hotels, and busy restaurant clusters. Residential streets often have restrictions.
• Walkability: Parts of Buckhead are walkable in short pockets (Buckhead Village, Lenox/PHIPPS area), but the neighborhood as a whole is spread out. Be realistic about distances.
• Transit: MARTA rail and bus service serve Buckhead. The Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations can help you avoid some driving and parking hassles.
• Dress: Buckhead tends to be slightly dressier than some other Atlanta neighborhoods, especially for dinner and nightlife, though casual wear is still common during the day.

If you’re asking “What should I do in Buckhead, Atlanta?” the answer depends on your interests, but most people will enjoy some mix of shopping, dining, and strolling through Buckhead Village or the Lenox/PHIPPS area, with a visit to the Atlanta History Center if you’re interested in the city’s story. From there, you can easily connect to the rest of Atlanta while returning to Buckhead for a comfortable, well-served base.