Best Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta is a city of neighborhoods, history, music, and food—spread out enough that planning your time matters. Whether you live here, are in town for a weekend, or are trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, this guide walks through the best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, with clear ideas for different interests, budgets, and schedules.

Classic Atlanta Must‑Do Attractions

These are the big, signature experiences most visitors (and many locals) tackle at least once.

Downtown Atlanta Highlights

1. Georgia Aquarium
Probably the single most famous attraction in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and an easy starting point if you’re downtown.

• Best for: Families, animal lovers, rainy days
• Plan for: 2–3 hours minimum
• Tip: Mornings and weekdays are usually less crowded.

2. World of Coca‑Cola
Across from the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola explores the brand’s history, advertising, and global reach, with interactive exhibits and a tasting area.

• Best for: First‑time visitors, brand/history buffs
• Plan for: 1.5–2 hours
• Tip: Combine with the aquarium and nearby Centennial Olympic Park in one day.

3. Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central green space with fountains, walking paths, and good skyline views.

• Best for: Relaxing between attractions, kids, photos
• Tip: Bring a picnic or grab nearby food and use the park as a break spot.

History and Civil Rights in Atlanta

Atlanta has a deep civil rights legacy. If you want to understand the city, these stops are essential.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Located in the Sweet Auburn district, this national historical park includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center, with exhibits and his final resting place

It’s one of the most meaningful things to do in Atlanta if you care about American history and social change.

5. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Near the aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the U.S. civil rights movement to global human rights issues. Exhibits are immersive and often emotional.

• Best for: Adults and older teens, history and social issues
• Plan for: 2–3 hours
• Tip: Many people pair this with the MLK Jr. site for a full “civil rights day” in Atlanta.

6. Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)
This large complex in Buckhead covers Atlanta’s broader history, from Native American life to the Civil War and modern city growth. It also includes:

• The Swan House mansion
• Gardens and walking trails
• Rotating exhibits on Southern culture

Neighborhoods You Should Explore

Atlanta is very neighborhood‑driven. You’ll get more out of the city if you pick a few areas and walk around rather than try to see everything at once.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown is dense, walkable (by Atlanta standards), and full of arts institutions.

7. High Museum of Art
Atlanta’s leading art museum, the High Museum of Art, is known for its architecture and collections ranging from classic to contemporary.

• Best for: Art lovers, quiet afternoons
• Tip: Check for free or reduced‑admission days; many locals plan around those.

8. Woodruff Arts Center & Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Woodruff Arts Center houses the High Museum, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. If you enjoy live performance, this is the heart of Atlanta’s formal arts scene.

9. Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s “central park,” Piedmont Park, stretches along Midtown’s east side.

• Jogging, dog parks, playgrounds
• Seasonal festivals and events
• Great skyline views from the meadow and lake areas

Pair a park walk with nearby Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail access or food in Virginia‑Highland/Ansley areas.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park & BeltLine Eastside

If you want to see where a lot of locals actually spend weekends, head here.

10. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
The BeltLine is a series of multi‑use trails built on old rail corridors. The Eastside Trail is the most popular and walkable.

Along this stretch you’ll find:

• Murals and street art
• Patios, breweries, coffee shops
• Access to Ponce City Market, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward

11. Ponce City Market
Built in a former Sears distribution center, Ponce City Market now houses:

• A food hall with many local and regional options
• Retail shops and coworking spaces
• A rooftop area with games and skyline views

It’s one of the best single stops if you want food, atmosphere, and a sense of modern Atlanta redevelopment.

12. Historic Inman Park
Atlanta’s first planned suburb, Inman Park, features Victorian houses, tree‑lined streets, and small restaurants. It’s especially popular in spring during the Inman Park Festival, but is pleasant year‑round for walking.

Downtown Decatur & East Atlanta Vibes

Technically its own city but fully part of daily Atlanta life, Decatur offers a walkable square with restaurants, bookstores, and bars. If you like smaller‑scale, community‑centric areas, plan an afternoon or evening there.

Nearby, East Atlanta Village has a more alternative, music‑centric feel, with live venues, small shops, and a different side of Atlanta nightlife.

Family‑Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re visiting or living in Atlanta with kids, there’s a long list of options beyond the big aquarium stop.

Science, Nature, and Animals

13. Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)
Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a popular choice for families.

• Animal exhibits, educational programs, kids’ rides
• Shady, walkable layout helpful in warm months
• Easy to pair with a walk or picnic in Grant Park itself

14. Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest
In Druid Hills, Fernbank offers:

• Dinosaur exhibits and natural history displays
• An immersive giant screen theater
• Outdoor forest and nature trails

It’s a good mix of indoor learning and outdoor exploration.

15. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Across from Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed for younger kids, with hands‑on exhibits focused on play and early learning.

Sports and Live Events

Atlanta is a major sports city, and catching a game is a classic activity.

16. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium also hosts concerts and major events.

• Known for wide concourses and a dramatic retractable roof
• Concession prices are relatively wallet‑friendly for a big stadium
• Tours are often available on non‑event days

17. State Farm Arena
Next to CNN Center, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and hosts concerts and shows. If you’re staying downtown, it’s one of the most accessible big venues.

18. Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta
In Cobb County, north of the city, Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves) is attached to The Battery Atlanta, a mixed‑use area with restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Even on non‑game days, the Battery area is active and walkable.

Outdoors: Parks, Trails, and Views

Atlanta is often called the “city in a forest” because of its trees and green space. If you like being outside, there’s plenty to do beyond Piedmont Park.

In‑Town Green Spaces

19. Atlanta BeltLine (Multiple Sections)
Beyond the Eastside Trail, the BeltLine’s other sections (Westside, Southside, and Northside) are gradually expanding. They’re ideal for:

• Biking and running
• Discovering murals and public art
• Moving between neighborhoods without driving

20. Historic Fourth Ward Park
Near Ponce City Market, this park has a lake, playground, and open lawns, offering a quieter alternative to Piedmont Park but still near food and shops.

Day Trip–Style Outdoor Options

21. Stone Mountain Park
East of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is centered on a massive granite outcrop with trails and views.

• Hiking to the top is popular in cooler months
• Family activities, rides, and seasonal events are available in the park area

22. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
North of the city, the “Hooch” is popular for:

• Tubing and kayaking in warm weather
• Riverside hiking trails
• Picnic areas and fishing

This is a good way to see the natural side of metro Atlanta.

Arts, Culture, and Music

Atlanta has a deep music history and a growing arts scene that’s spread across the city.

Performing Arts

23. Fox Theatre (Midtown)
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks, hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and special screenings.

• The interior is ornate and worth seeing even if you’re not usually a theater person
• Tours are sometimes offered during the day

24. Alliance Theatre & Local Playhouses
The Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center stages new works and classics. Smaller theaters across the city—like those in Little Five Points or West Midtown—offer more experimental or local productions.

Music and Nightlife Areas

25. Live Music Venues
Atlanta’s music scene ranges from big arenas to small clubs. Many locals look for shows in:

• Midtown and Downtown for larger venues
• East Atlanta, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward for smaller stages and indie acts

26. Little Five Points
This neighborhood has a bohemian feel, with record shops, vintage clothing, street art, and bars. It’s a classic stop if you want to see Atlanta’s alternative side.

Food & Drink: What (and Where) to Eat in Atlanta

Food is one of the best ways to experience Atlanta. The city blends Southern comfort food, global cuisines, and modern restaurants into a very broad scene.

Essential Atlanta Food Experiences

• Southern & Soul Food: Fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, greens, and peach cobbler appear on menus all over the city.
• Barbecue: Expect pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, with regional sauces and styles.
• Global Food: Atlanta’s metro area, especially along Buford Highway, is known for diverse cuisines—Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and more.

Food Halls and Market‑Style Eating

For variety in one stop, food halls are very popular:

• Ponce City Market – Large, centrally located, connected to the BeltLine
• Krog Street Market – Smaller but packed, near the Eastside Trail and Inman Park
• Neighborhood markets and smaller halls are scattered around West Midtown, Buckhead, and the suburbs.

These are excellent options if you’re with a group or unsure what you want to eat.

Quick Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Trip

Use this simple table to decide what to do based on your time and interests.

Practical tips for Enjoying Atlanta

A few local‑style pointers can make your time in Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable:

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic is well‑known. If you’re driving, try to avoid weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.).
• Use MARTA strategically: The MARTA rail system is handy for reaching the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some stadiums. Many major attractions near Peachtree Street are walkable from MARTA stations.
• Cluster activities by area: Instead of crisscrossing the city, focus on one or two neighborhoods a day—like Downtown/Midtown one day and BeltLine/Old Fourth Ward another.
• Mind the heat and humidity: In warmer months, plan outdoor walks for morning or evening and use midday for indoor attractions.
• Check event calendars: Atlanta hosts many festivals, parades, and games. These can be fun to join but may affect parking and crowds.

If you focus on a mix of Downtown landmarks, BeltLine neighborhoods, history sites, and at least one park or outdoor area, you’ll experience the core of what makes Atlanta, Georgia, such a distinctive place to live in or visit.