The Best Things To Do in Atlanta, GA: A Local-Focused Guide

Atlanta, Georgia offers a mix of big-city attractions, historic neighborhoods, and green spaces that make it easy to fill a day, a weekend, or an entire week. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, this guide walks through some of the top things to do in Atlanta, GA, with practical tips and local context to help you build your own itinerary.

Top Landmarks and Must-See Attractions in Atlanta

World of Coca‑Cola

Located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca‑Cola is one of the city’s signature attractions. Inside, you’ll find:

• Exhibits on the history of the Coca‑Cola brand
• Memorabilia from around the world
• Interactive displays and tasting areas

It’s especially popular for families and visitors who want a quick, indoor activity close to other downtown sights.

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, lighthearted fun

Georgia Aquarium

Next door is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world and one of the most well-known things to do in Atlanta, GA. Visitors typically spend several hours here.

Highlights often include:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Interactive touch pools
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations

Buying tickets in advance often helps with planning, especially on weekends or school holidays.

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: Families, couples, rainy day plans

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Also in the Centennial Olympic Park area, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement to human rights issues worldwide. Exhibits are designed to be both educational and thought‑provoking.

Expect:

• Multimedia exhibits about the U.S. civil rights era
• Collections related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Rotating installations focused on global human rights

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Best for: History-minded visitors, older kids, adults

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this national park gives a deeper look at the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The area generally includes:

• Birth home (tours are limited and often timed)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Visitor center with exhibits
• King Center grounds and reflecting pool

Allow time for walking between buildings and for possible lines during peak times.

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Best for: History and culture, reflective visits, school-age kids and older

Exploring Atlanta Neighborhoods

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own feel. Exploring by area can be one of the most satisfying ways to experience the city.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Walkability

Midtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most walkable districts and a hub for arts and entertainment.

Key things to do in Midtown:

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with permanent collections and rotating exhibits
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta Symphony Hall – Home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and events
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Piedmont Park – Large urban park with walking paths, lawns, and festivals
  • 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Midtown is a smart base if you want easy access to MARTA rail, restaurants, and major cultural venues.

Downtown: Sports, History, and Big Attractions

Downtown Atlanta is busy on event days and offers several “one-stop” destinations.

Popular activities:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, plus concerts and special events
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – NBA games and concerts
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Centennial Olympic Park – Open green space with fountains and city views, centrally located to the Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
  • 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This area is particularly convenient for visitors staying in central hotels without a car.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead is known for high-end shopping, dining, and hotels.

Things to do in Buckhead:

• Browse major shopping centers and designer boutiques
• Enjoy upscale restaurants and rooftop spaces
• Walk some of the surrounding residential streets to see stately homes and mature trees

Buckhead can be a good option if you prefer a more polished, residential feel with easy access to GA‑400 and north metro suburbs.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Eastside Vibe

On the city’s east side, neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Cabbagetown balance historic homes with a modern food and arts scene.

Highlights include:

• Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Street murals and public art
• A mix of casual and creative restaurants
• Historic streets with Victorian homes and bungalows

These neighborhoods are popular with locals and give visitors a good sense of “day‑to‑day” Atlanta life.

Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is often compared to a “central park” for Atlanta. It’s ideal for:

• Walking, jogging, or biking
• Picnics with skyline views
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Seasonal festivals and farmers markets

Location: Near 10th St NE & Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta BeltLine Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of multi‑use trails built on former rail corridors encircling the city. The Eastside Trail and Westside Trail are the most popular segments inside Atlanta.

Common activities:

• Walking or biking between neighborhoods
• Checking out public art installations
• Stopping at restaurants, breweries, or coffee shops just off the trail

If you’re visiting, you can often rent bikes or scooters nearby. Residents frequently use the BeltLine for both recreation and short-distance commuting.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

While technically stretching beyond the city limits, many Atlantans consider a trip to the “Hooch” a core local outdoor activity.

Around the metro area, people often:

• Tube, kayak, or paddleboard on calmer sections of the river
• Hike riverside trails
• Enjoy scenic overlooks and picnic areas

Access points near Atlanta include spots in Sandy Springs and Roswell; driving is typically required from the city center.

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby)

A short drive east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a common day‑trip destination for locals and visitors.

Activities include:

• Hiking the walk‑up trail to the summit for wide‑angle views
• Paved walking and biking paths around the base
• Lake activities and seasonal events

Because it is outside the City of Atlanta, plan extra travel time, especially during traffic peaks.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is popular with families due to several kid-focused options close together.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a major family attraction featuring a wide variety of animals and educational programming.

• Walkable layout suitable for strollers
• Daily keeper talks and animal presentations
• Nearby playgrounds and green space in Grant Park

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

For younger children, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta in downtown offers hands‑on exhibits focused on play‑based learning.

Expect:

• Interactive exhibits geared toward toddlers and early elementary ages
• Indoor activity ideal for hot or rainy days

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum combines science exhibits with access to outdoor trails.

Highlights:

• Dinosaur skeletons and natural history exhibits
• Giant screen theater
• Outdoor boardwalks and forested play areas (Fernbank Forest)

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Arts, Culture, and History in Atlanta

Atlanta History Center

In Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center covers regional history on a large campus.

On-site, you’ll find:

• Museum galleries about Atlanta and Southern history
• The Swan House, a historic mansion
• Gardens and outdoor spaces
• Exhibits on the Olympics, the Civil War, and local stories

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

High Museum of Art

As mentioned in the Midtown section, the High Museum of Art is a central stop for art lovers.

Inside you’ll find:

• American, European, African, and folk art collections
• Rotating exhibits that change throughout the year
• Family-oriented programs and special events

Residents often take advantage of recurring free or discounted admission days announced by the museum.

Fox Theatre Tours and Shows

Beyond attending a show, many people choose to tour the Fox Theatre to see its design and learn its history.

Tour experiences generally include:

• Ornate interiors with a “movie palace” style
• Behind-the-scenes look at the stage and seating
• Background on the building’s preservation and role in Atlanta culture

Checking the schedule in advance helps coordinate a tour with an evening performance if you want to extend your visit.

Sports and Live Events

Atlanta is known for its active sports culture and frequent major events.

Professional Sports

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park in nearby Cumberland area (Cobb County)

On game days, expect heavier traffic and crowded MARTA trains, particularly around downtown and the northwest side near Truist Park.

Concerts and Festivals

Throughout the year, Atlanta hosts:

• Large concerts at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
• Neighborhood festivals in areas like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, and Grant Park
• Food, music, and arts events in parks such as Piedmont Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park

Events often span multiple days, so locals typically plan around major festival weekends when choosing what to do in Atlanta, GA.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavor

Food Halls and Markets

Atlanta has several popular food halls that make it easy to sample multiple cuisines in one stop.

Common choices include:

• Ponce City Market – Former Sears building on the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine with food stalls, shops, and a rooftop amusement area
• Krog Street Market – Smaller indoor market near the BeltLine in Inman Park with restaurants and bars

These are go‑to spots for both residents and visitors who want to walk, eat, and explore nearby neighborhoods.

Farmers Markets and Local Produce

Depending on the day of the week, you can find farmers markets across the metro area. Within or near Atlanta:

• Many neighborhoods host weekly seasonal markets in local parks or parking lots
• Shoppers can find produce, baked goods, and prepared foods
• Markets are often social hubs where residents meet up and listen to live music

Checking current schedules is useful because some markets are seasonal or have limited hours.

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy Atlanta. Many popular options are free or budget-friendly.

Free or Budget-Friendly Activities

• Walking the Atlanta BeltLine and exploring public art
• Relaxing or picnicking in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Visiting public spaces like Centennial Olympic Park
• Exploring neighborhoods such as Little Five Points, Virginia‑Highland, or West Midtown on foot
• Attending free community events, outdoor movie nights, or concerts in local parks (offerings vary by season)

Some museums and attractions offer discounted or free admission days, especially for locals, students, or children, so it may be worth checking policies before you go.

Sample Itineraries: Planning Your Time in Atlanta

To help organize your visit or a staycation, here are simple, example itineraries that combine several of the best things to do in Atlanta, GA.

One-Day “First Time in Atlanta” Itinerary

Morning

• Georgia Aquarium
• Walk through Centennial Olympic Park

Afternoon

• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Evening

• Dinner in Midtown or on the Westside
• Optional: Show at the Fox Theatre or a walk around Piedmont Park

One-Day “Neighborhood and BeltLine” Itinerary

Morning

• Brunch in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward
• Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Afternoon

• Visit Ponce City Market (shopping, snacks, rooftop access)
• Continue on the BeltLine toward Krog Street Market and nearby murals

Evening

• Dinner along the BeltLine or in Virginia‑Highland
• Casual stroll through neighborhood streets

Weekend Visit Overview (2–3 Days)

You can adjust based on your interests—arts, sports, food, or outdoor activities all have plenty of options within the Atlanta area.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail is useful for downtown, Midtown, and the airport.
  • Rideshare and taxis are common, especially at night or when moving between neighborhoods.
  • Parking can be limited or paid at major attractions; checking garage locations ahead of time can save time.

• Weather:

  • Summers are often hot and humid—indoor attractions and early-morning or evening outdoor activities tend to be more comfortable.
  • Spring and fall are popular for festivals and outdoor dining.

• Advance Planning:

  • Events, major games, and conventions can affect crowd levels and hotel prices.
  • Many attractions accept or encourage timed tickets, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Atlanta offers enough variety that you can plan a visit focused on family activities, history and culture, sports and nightlife, or a mix of everything. Using the neighborhoods and ideas above, you can tailor your own list of things to do in Atlanta, GA, that fits your time, budget, and interests.