Fun Things To Do in Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta offers a mix of history, culture, food, sports, and outdoor adventures that can keep both locals and visitors busy year-round. Whether you’re planning a weekend in the city or looking for new ideas close to home, this guide walks through fun things to do in Atlanta, GA with practical, locally focused tips.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Skip

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most popular attractions and a favorite for families, couples, and solo travelers.

• Massive exhibits with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and more
• Interactive touch pools for kids
• Convenient to other downtown spots like the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
💡 Local tip: Weekday mornings usually feel less crowded than weekends and holidays.

World of Coca-Cola

Next door to the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola gives a curated look at one of Atlanta’s most famous brands.

• Memorabilia from different eras
• Tasting room with flavors from around the world
• Short films and exhibit areas explaining the brand’s global reach

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
💡 This spot pairs easily with the aquarium for a full downtown day.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is now a public green space in the heart of downtown.

• Fountain of Rings splash area (especially popular with kids in warmer months)
• Open lawns to relax between attractions
• Frequent festivals, concerts, and community events

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Sports, Stadiums, and Live Events

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a major attraction even beyond game day.

• Modern, retractable roof stadium with city views
• Concessions often priced more affordably than many large venues
• Hosts concerts, college football games, and special events

Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
💡 For non-game days, public tours are sometimes available and give a behind-the-scenes look at locker rooms and field access.

State Farm Arena

Right next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena is the home court of the Atlanta Hawks and hosts concerts and other shows.

Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
If you’re downtown for a game, it’s easy to walk to restaurants and nearby attractions before or after.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is essential.

Key features include:

• MLK’s childhood home (guided tours often available with timed entry)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center and reflection pool

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
💡 Plan extra time to walk Auburn Avenue and reflect on the neighborhood’s history.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with broader global human rights issues.

• Engaging exhibits, multimedia displays, and personal stories
• Focus on civil rights leaders and everyday participants
• Rotating curated exhibits on modern human rights topics

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Museums, Science, and Educational Fun

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum combines science, nature, and history in a way that works well for kids and adults.

• Dinosaur exhibits and fossils
• IMAX or giant-screen theater
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor trails for nature walks

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Tellus Science Museum (Day Trip Option)

Though not in the city proper, some Atlanta visitors and locals take a drive to the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville for a half-day outing. It’s outside Atlanta but often considered in broader metro-area plans.

Outdoor Adventures and Green Spaces

Despite its busy traffic and skyline, Atlanta offers a surprising amount of green space and outdoor activities.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails repurposed from old rail corridors, connecting neighborhoods around the city.

Popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and to Ponce City Market
• Westside Trail: Connects neighborhoods like West End and Adair Park

What you can do:

• Walk, run, or bike
• Explore public art installations
• Stop at restaurants, cafés, and breweries along the way

💡 Tip: Weekends can be very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, go earlier in the day or on weekdays.

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a large urban green space in Midtown.

• Walking and jogging paths
• Dog parks
• Open fields for picnics, pickup games, or lounging
• Frequent festivals and farmers markets

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Bordering Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden showcases curated plant collections, seasonal displays, and art installations.

• Canopy Walk overlooking a forested ravine
• Themed gardens (orchids, roses, edible gardens, and more)
• Seasonal events like holiday light displays

Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each offer a distinct vibe, from nightlife to historic charm.

Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is known for its cultural institutions and walkability.

Highlights:

• High Museum of Art – major art museum with rotating exhibits
  • Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (both at the Woodruff Arts Center)
• Quick access to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These intown neighborhoods combine history with trendy dining.

• Victorian homes and tree-lined streets in Inman Park
• Street art and nightlife in Old Fourth Ward
• Direct BeltLine access
• Ponce City Market for shopping, dining, and rooftop fun

Little Five Points

Little Five Points is known for its alternative, artsy atmosphere.

• Vintage shops and record stores
• Street art and murals
• Casual dining and pubs

This area is very walkable and good for people-watching and browsing.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for upscale shopping and dining.

• High-end malls and boutiques
• Numerous restaurants, from casual to fine dining
• Mix of business centers and residential areas

Food, Markets, and Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Food is a big part of fun things to do in Atlanta, GA. The city blends Southern tradition with international flavors.

Ponce City Market

A major BeltLine stop, Ponce City Market offers:

• Food hall with a wide variety of vendors
• Retail shops and specialty stores
• Rooftop amusement-style area with games and skyline views (admission usually required)

Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Krog Street Market

Just off the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Krog Street Market is a smaller, more intimate food hall.

• Multiple eatery stalls and local restaurants
• Easy walk to the Krog Street Tunnel, famous for graffiti and street art

Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Local Farmers Markets

If you’re in town on a weekend or live nearby, farmers markets offer fresh produce and local goods.

Some well-known options include:

• Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center
  • 453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Peachtree Road Farmers Market (Buckhead, seasonal)

These are good spots for grabbing breakfast, coffee, or local specialties while supporting regional farmers and vendors.

Family-Friendly Activities in Atlanta

Families will find plenty of kid-friendly attractions in and around the city.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a staple for families.

• Home to gorillas, pandas (subject to change), reptiles, and many other species
• Train rides and a carousel for younger kids
• Shaded paths that help during hot months

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is geared toward younger children.

• Hands-on exhibits encouraging play and learning
• Indoor, climate-controlled environment (useful on hot or rainy days)

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

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta, the large Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park, offers a bird’s-eye view of downtown.

Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

This can be a quick, memorable experience, especially at night when the city is lit up.

Nightlife, Music, and Entertainment

Atlanta has a strong music and nightlife culture spanning hip-hop, R&B, rock, EDM, and more.

Live Music Venues

Several venues around the city regularly host concerts:

• Tabernacle – Historic church turned concert hall in downtown
  • 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Variety Playhouse – Intimate venue in Little Five Points
  • 1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• The Eastern – Relatively newer venue in Reynoldstown

Lineups range from local bands to nationally touring acts.

Theatre and Performing Arts

Besides the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Midtown, you’ll find:

• Fox Theatre – Iconic venue on Peachtree Street with Broadway tours, concerts, and classic film events
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

The Fox is as much about the venue’s historic architecture and atmosphere as it is about the shows.

Day Trips and Nearby Getaways

If you’re based in Atlanta or have an extra day, it’s fairly easy to plan nearby escapes.

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers:

• Hiking up Stone Mountain for panoramic views
• Scenic railroad and seasonal attractions
• Large picnic areas and lake access

Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
💡 Arrive early if you plan to hike; midday can be hot and crowded.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

If you want a break from city streets, the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta has multiple access points for:

• Kayaking, tubing, and paddleboarding (in season)
• Riverfront hiking trails
• Picnic spots and fishing areas

Common access points include areas in Sandy Springs and Roswell, within reasonable driving distance from Atlanta.

Simple Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Interests

Use this quick reference to narrow down what to do based on your time and preferences.

Exploring fun things to do in Atlanta, GA can mean anything from quiet walks through historic neighborhoods to big-ticket attractions and stadium events. With a mix of downtown landmarks, neighborhood gems, and nearby outdoor escapes, it’s easy to build an itinerary—whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Atlanta resident looking for something new.