Ten Great Things to Do in Atlanta, GA: A Local-Focused Guide

When people search for “Ten Atlanta GA”, they’re usually looking for the top 10 things to do in Atlanta, Georgia—whether they live here, are planning a visit, or just want to understand what makes Atlanta special.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to 10 standout experiences in Atlanta, plus tips on getting around and making the most of your time in the city.

1. Explore Downtown Atlanta’s Core Attractions

Downtown Atlanta is where many visitors start, and locals still come for big-ticket sights and events.

Must‑see spots downtown

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits. Great for families, but also interesting for adults who like marine life and conservation.

• World of Coca‑Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A brand-focused museum that traces the history of Coca‑Cola, with tasting rooms and memorabilia. It’s touristy, but many first-time visitors enjoy it.

• Centennial Olympic Park – 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A public green space built for the 1996 Olympics. Good for a short walk, kids’ play time, or sitting out between attractions. Seasonal events and concerts are common.

• College Football Hall of Fame – 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a big indoor playing field area. Appeals most to sports fans.

👍 Local tip: Parking downtown can be pricey and crowded on event days at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Consider MARTA rail to GWCC/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station to skip traffic.

2. Enjoy Culture and Green Space in Midtown

Midtown Atlanta mixes arts, dining, and parks—all very walkable by Atlanta standards.

Art & culture in Midtown

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Atlanta’s leading art museum, with rotating exhibitions, modern and classic art, and family programs.

• Alliance Theatre (inside the Woodruff Arts Center) – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Known for new productions and classic plays, often featuring regional talent.

Piedmont Park and outdoor time

• Piedmont Park – 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  Midtown’s “central park” with:
  • Jogging and biking trails
  • Dog parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports fields and open lawns

The park backs up to the Atlanta Botanical Garden (see below), making it easy to pair both in one day.

3. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Nestled beside Piedmont Park, this garden features:

• Seasonal displays (orchids, holiday lights, spring blooms)
• A Canopy Walk through the treetops
• Children’s garden and water play areas (seasonal)
• Conservatories with tropical and desert plants

🎟️ Practical tip: Timed tickets are common during popular events (like holiday light shows). It’s wise to book in advance, especially on weekends and evenings.

4. Walk, Bike, or Skate the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi‑use trails built along a former rail corridor, connecting neighborhoods and parks.

Key BeltLine sections

• Eastside Trail – Runs roughly from Piedmont Park/Virginia‑Highland down through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and to Reynoldstown.
  Popular for:

  • Walking and jogging
  • Biking and scooters
  • Street art and murals
  • Easy access to restaurants and coffee shops

• Westside Trail – Connects neighborhoods like West End and Adair Park.
  You’ll find breweries, food halls, and local businesses just off the path.

🚲 How locals use it:

• As a car‑free route between neighborhoods
• For casual weekend outings with friends
• For family bike rides or stroller‑friendly walks

If you’re visiting, consider renting a bike or scooter from one of the shared services located near major trail entrances.

5. Experience History and Civil Rights Landmarks

Atlanta played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and several sites help you understand that history up close.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Visitor Center & Historic Sites – 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This area includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tours often require advance reservations)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center, with exhibits on nonviolence and civil rights

It’s a meaningful stop for residents wanting to better understand their city and for visitors looking to connect with American history.

Other noteworthy historical sites

• Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Located in Buckhead, it offers exhibits on Atlanta’s past, gardens, and historic homes including the Swan House.

• Oakland Cemetery – 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  A historic cemetery near downtown with city views, architecture, sculptures, and the graves of many notable Atlantans.

6. Catch a Game or Major Event

Atlanta is a big sports town and a major events hub.

Key venues

🚌 Transportation tips:

• For Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, MARTA rail is usually easier than parking.
• Truist Park is not on MARTA rail; many people drive or use rideshares and park at The Battery or nearby lots.

7. Discover Neighborhood Food and Nightlife

Atlanta’s food scene is one of its biggest draws. If you live here, you know neighborhoods can feel like their own little cities; if you’re visiting, it’s worth planning evenings around specific areas.

Popular areas for dining and going out

• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward

  • Accessed easily from the BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Mix of restaurants, bars, and casual spots
  • Close to Krog Street Market, a food hall with multiple vendors

• Poncey‑Highland / Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

  • Ponce City Market is a former Sears warehouse turned mixed‑use development
  • Includes a food hall, shops, and rooftop attractions (like mini golf and city views)
  • Connects directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

• West Midtown (around Howell Mill Rd NW)

  • Known for stylish restaurants, breweries, and converted industrial spaces

• Buckhead

  • Concentration of upscale dining, shopping, and nightlife, especially near Peachtree Rd and Lenox/Phipps area

🌃 Local note: Atlanta’s nightlife is spread out. If you’re trying multiple spots in one evening, plan by neighborhood to avoid long, traffic-heavy drives between areas.

8. Take Kids (or Guests) to Family‑Friendly Favorites

If you live in Atlanta and have children—or you’re visiting with family—you’ll find plenty beyond the big downtown attractions.

Family‑friendly options

• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Located in Grant Park, with animals, educational programs, and a walkable layout.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Features:

  • Dinosaur exhibits
  • Giant screen theater
  • Outdoor forest and nature experiences (Fernbank Forest)

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Especially geared toward younger kids with interactive, hands-on exhibits.

🕒 Planning tip: Many of these attractions are busiest weekend late mornings and early afternoons. Weekday mornings during the school year tend to be calmer, except for scheduled school group visits.

9. Get Out Into Nature Without Leaving the Metro

Atlanta is known as a “city in the forest,” and you don’t have to drive far to find real outdoor options.

Close-by natural escapes

• Stone Mountain Park – 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  East of Atlanta, popular for:

  • Hiking up the granite mountain
  • Walking trails
  • Lake and picnic areas

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Atlanta-area units)
  Several access points north of the city for:

  • Walking along riverside trails
  • Kayaking and tubing (seasonal)
  • Fishing and picnicking

• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (Lithonia, east of the city)
  Offers unique rocky landscapes, trails, and wildflowers in season.

👟 What locals do:
Early mornings or later afternoons help avoid heat and thunderstorms in warm months. Many trails are dog‑friendly, but leashes are typically required.

10. Explore Neighborhoods and Local Life

Beyond the big attractions, Atlanta’s character shows up most in its neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods worth exploring

• Virginia‑Highland (VaHi)

  • Walkable, with bungalow homes, boutiques, and restaurants
  • Near Piedmont Park and Morningside

• Little Five Points

  • Known for vintage shops, record stores, street art, and an alternative vibe
  • A quick hop from Inman Park and Candler Park

• Grant Park

  • Historic homes, tree‑lined streets, and Zoo Atlanta
  • Good for strolls and neighborhood cafes

• Castleberry Hill (south of downtown)

  • Arts district with galleries and lofts
  • Often used for film and TV shoots, adding to its distinct look

🏙️ Living vs. visiting:

• Residents might focus more on day‑to‑day convenience—commute routes, schools, and grocery access.
• Visitors usually prioritize walkability and nightlife, making Midtown, downtown-adjacent neighborhoods, and BeltLine‑connected areas especially appealing.

Practical Tips for Navigating Atlanta

To make any “top 10” Atlanta experience smoother, it helps to understand how the city works on the ground.

Getting around

• MARTA Rail & Bus

  • Rail lines connect Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of the east and west sides.
  • Useful stops for visitors: Airport, Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center, Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center.
  • Buses fill in gaps, but routes vary; checking schedules in advance is important.

• Driving

  • Many residents rely on cars, but traffic on I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and GA‑400 can be heavy, especially rush hours and event days.
  • Parking varies greatly—downtown and Midtown garages can be expensive, while some neighborhoods have limited street parking.

• Rideshare & Taxis

  • Commonly used for nightlife and events to avoid parking hassles.
  • At the airport, designated pick‑up zones are clearly marked.

When to visit (or plan your outings)

• Spring and fall are often the most comfortable times for outdoor activities.
• Summer can be hot and humid; earlier or later in the day is usually better for walking the BeltLine or exploring parks.
• Many major festivals, concerts, and neighborhood events take place in spring and fall, especially in Midtown, Piedmont Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Grant Park.

If you’re searching for “Ten Atlanta GA,” the city offers far more than ten experiences, but these highlights will give you a strong sense of what life in Atlanta feels like, where locals actually spend time, and how to plan your own days around the city—whether you’re here for a weekend or for the long term.