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

Atlanta offers a mix of Southern history, modern culture, green spaces, sports, and food that feels different from any other city in the Southeast. Whether you live here, are in town for a quick visit, or are deciding what to prioritize on a longer stay, this guide walks through Atlanta, Georgia things to do with a clear, local lens.

Getting Oriented: Key Areas of Atlanta to Explore

Atlanta is spread out, so it helps to think in terms of neighborhood clusters:

• Downtown – Big attractions, major venues, government buildings.
• Midtown – Arts district, Piedmont Park, walkable dining.
• Buckhead – Upscale shopping, dining, some nightlife.
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park / BeltLine Eastside – Trendy, walkable, lots of local food and bars.
• Westside (West Midtown) – Converted warehouses, breweries, restaurants.
• Grant Park / Summerhill – Historic homes, Zoo Atlanta, emerging dining scene.

If you’re short on time, Downtown + Midtown + BeltLine Eastside will give you a strong first taste of Atlanta.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Skip

Downtown Atlanta Highlights

1. Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world and a top pick for families, couples, and groups.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: Massive tanks, whale sharks, touch pools, and immersive exhibits.
• Local tip: Weekday mornings typically feel less crowded than weekends and holidays.

2. World of Coca-Cola
A museum dedicated to the history and global reach of Coca-Cola, headquartered in Atlanta.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Expect: Memorabilia, a bottling line display, tasting room with drinks from around the world.
• Pairs well with: Georgia Aquarium (they’re a short walk apart).

3. Centennial Olympic Park
A major green space built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do: Walk paths, relax on the lawn, see the Fountain of Rings.
• Good for: A break between indoor attractions, quick picnic, or kids who need to run around.

4. SkyView Atlanta
A large Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas offering downtown views.

• Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Best time: Around sunset or at night when the city is lit up.

5. CNN Center Area & State Farm Arena
While the interior CNN Studio tours have changed over time, the area is still a hub for events.

• State Farm Arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks) is steps away.
• If you’re in town for a concert or NBA game, you’ll likely pass through this part of Downtown.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta plays a central role in U.S. civil rights history, and you can explore much of it in and near Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Includes:
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (guided tours often require early sign-up)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and reflecting pool
• Why it matters: Offers a grounded, powerful look at the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s life.
• Local tip: Combine with a walk through the surrounding Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (near Georgia Aquarium)
• Focus: American civil rights history and global human rights issues.
• Good to know: Many visitors recommend setting aside at least 2–3 hours for the exhibits.

Atlanta History Center

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s past, including the Civil War and local culture
  • Swan House mansion and gardens
  • Trails and outdoor spaces on the property
• Ideal for: Visitors wanting a deeper understanding of how Atlanta developed over time.

Parks, Outdoors, and the Atlanta BeltLine

Despite its traffic and towers, Atlanta has extensive green spaces and trails.

Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s “Central Park”

• Location: Main entrances around 10th St NE & Charles Allen Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Activities:
  • Walking and jogging trails
  • Dog parks
  • Sports fields and open lawns
  • Seasonal festivals and events
• Nearby: Restaurants and shops in Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden at the park’s northern edge.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Why go: Themed gardens, canopy walk, seasonal light displays, and special exhibits.
• Local tip: Consider a weekday visit to avoid heavier weekend crowds, especially during major events.

The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor being transformed into multi-use trails encircling the city.

• Most popular section: Eastside Trail
  • Runs roughly from Piedmont Park down through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and toward Reynoldstown.
• What to do:
  • Walk or bike the trail
  • Stop at food halls, restaurants, and breweries along the way
  • View street art and murals

Prominent BeltLine Eastside access points:

Stone Mountain Park (Day Trip)

• Location: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (east of Atlanta)
• Features: Hiking up Stone Mountain, lakes, family-oriented attractions, seasonal events.
• Transportation: Best reached by car; count on 30–45 minutes from central Atlanta, depending on traffic.

Arts, Museums, and Performance

High Museum of Art

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown)
• Highlights: American art, African art, European works, photography, rotating exhibitions.
• Nearby: Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra within the same arts campus.

Fox Theatre

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• What it is: A historic, ornate theater known for its atmospheric interior and marquee.
• Events: Broadway shows, concerts, films, and special events.
• Tip: If a show interests you, seats often sell quickly; plan ahead, especially on weekends.

Center for Puppetry Arts

• Location: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Appeal: Museum exhibits (including Jim Henson’s work) and live performances.
• Good for: Families, fans of puppetry, and those looking for something different from typical museums.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

For families living in or visiting Atlanta, there are several reliable, kid-friendly options.

Zoo Atlanta

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
• What to expect: A wide variety of animals, educational exhibits, and seasonal events.
• Tip: Pair with a walk through Grant Park or a visit to nearby historic neighborhoods.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus: Hands-on, interactive exhibits for younger children.
• Fits well with: A Downtown day including Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola.

College Football Hall of Fame

• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Experience: Interactive displays, memorabilia, and activities centered around college football.
• A hit with: Families and sports fans, even those who live in the metro area.

Sports and Major Events

Atlanta is a major sports city, and catching a game or event is a big part of the local experience.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Home to:
  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Also hosts: Major concerts, college football games, and special events.
• Tip: If you’re not here for a game, stadium tours are often available and show off the building’s design.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

• Location (stadium): 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland area, just northwest of city limits)
• Home to: Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• The Battery Atlanta: Surrounding mixed-use complex with restaurants, bars, and shopping.
• Game day: The area fills with fans, live music, and family activities.

Shopping, Food Halls, and Local Eats

Atlanta’s food scene mixes Southern classics, international cuisines, and modern “New Southern” cooking.

Food Halls and Markets

Ponce City Market

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Features:
  • Central food hall with a variety of vendors
  • Retail shops and offices
  • Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Rooftop: Typically offers games, beverages, and skyline views (access and offerings may vary by season and ticketing).

Krog Street Market

• Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights:
  • Smaller, more intimate food hall than Ponce City Market
  • Good mix of casual dining, bars, and specialty shops
• Nearby: Krog Street Tunnel with ever-changing street art, BeltLine access, Inman Park restaurants.

Popular Shopping Areas

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)

  • Addresses:
    • Lenox Square: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
    • Phipps Plaza: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
  • Focus: Higher-end and mainstream retail, dining options, and access to Buckhead hotels.

• Atlantic Station

  • Location: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
  • Offers: Open-air shopping, dining, a movie theater, and frequent outdoor events.
  • Easy to pair with: A visit to the nearby High Museum or Midtown.

Neighborhood Wandering: Where to Stroll, Eat, and Explore

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

• Character: Tree-lined streets, historic homes, hip restaurants and bars.
• What to do:
  • Walk along the BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Explore coffee shops, bakeries, and local boutiques
  • Check out street art and pocket parks

Virginia-Highland

• Rough area: Around Virginia Ave NE & N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Vibe: Village-like feel with independent restaurants, bars, and small shops.
• Pairs well with: A visit to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

West Midtown (Westside)

• General area: Around Howell Mill Rd NW & Marietta St NW
• Known for:
  • Former industrial buildings converted into restaurants, offices, and showrooms
  • Breweries, trendy eateries, and home decor shops
• Good for: Evening drinks, dinner, or casual weekend exploring.

Performing Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Live Music and Performance

Beyond the Fox Theatre, Atlanta has multiple performance venues:

• Tabernacle – Historic music venue in Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Variety Playhouse – Located in Little Five Points, hosting bands and performances.
• Center Stage / The Loft / Vinyl – A complex in Midtown with multiple spaces for live shows.

Many bars and smaller venues across East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward also host frequent live performances.

Nightlife Pockets

• Midtown – Mix of bars, lounges, and clubs, many within walking distance of one another.
• Buckhead – Bars, upscale lounges, and late-night options.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Clusters of bars and casual nightlife spots with a younger crowd.

If you’re visiting, consider how you’ll get back to your hotel at night. Rideshare, MARTA, and designated drivers are common local strategies.

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the city. Here are budget-friendly options:

• Walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trails
• Relax in Piedmont Park or Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Explore Krog Street Tunnel street art
• Visit Centennial Olympic Park for a picnic or simple stroll
• Check for free admission days or reduced pricing at museums and attractions (policies can change, so it’s best to verify current offerings directly with each location)

Local community calendars and neighborhood organizations often list free festivals, concerts, and outdoor movie nights, especially in spring and fall.

Practical Tips for Visiting and Living in Atlanta

Getting Around

• MARTA Rail & Bus

  • Good for: Airport access (Hartsfield-Jackson to Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead), reaching some major destinations, avoiding traffic during big events.
  • Main stations for visitors often include: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center, and Lenox.

• Rideshare & Taxis

  • Common choice for night outings, when carrying luggage, or going between neighborhoods that are not directly connected by rail.

• Driving and Parking

  • Many locals drive due to the city’s layout.
  • Expect paid parking at most major attractions, Downtown/Midtown lots, and stadiums.
  • Event days can cause congestion; arriving early helps.

When to Go

• Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are usually the most comfortable for outdoor activities.
• Summers can be hot and humid, so indoor attractions and early-morning or evening outdoor plans are usually more pleasant.
• Winters are generally mild, but occasional cold snaps and rain can occur.

Quick-Start Planning: Sample Ways to Spend Your Time

Have one day in Atlanta?
Focus on: Downtown + BeltLine

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Midday: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park, then World of Coca-Cola
• Late afternoon: Head to Ponce City Market and walk a stretch of the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Evening: Dinner in Inman Park or Midtown

Have a weekend?
Add:

• Atlanta History Center and Buckhead shopping or dining
• MLK Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• A game or event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park (if in season)

Live in Atlanta and want to explore more?

• Try a different BeltLine section, like the Westside Trail
• Visit Stone Mountain Park or other nearby hiking spots
• Check out new exhibits at the High Museum or rotating shows at the Fox Theatre
• Explore neighborhoods you don’t usually visit—West Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Grant Park—on weekends.

Whether you’re a resident looking for new activities or a visitor planning your first trip, Atlanta offers a wide range of things to do, from major attractions around Downtown to local favorites along the BeltLine and in surrounding neighborhoods. Use this guide as a starting point, then adjust based on your interests, schedule, and how much of the city you want to cover in one visit.