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

Atlanta packs a lot into its neighborhoods, from world-famous attractions to hidden local spots. Whether you live in Atlanta, are in town for a weekend, or are deciding what’s worth doing while you’re here, this guide walks through fun stuff to do in Atlanta, Georgia with a clear, local focus.

Big-Name Attractions You Should See At Least Once

These are the places most people think of first—and they’re popular for a reason.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s signature attractions. It’s known for:

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

It’s an easy walk from many downtown hotels and other attractions like the World of Coca‑Cola and Centennial Olympic Park, so you can plan a full day in this part of the city.

Tip:
🎟️ Buy timed-entry tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid long lines.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door, the World of Coca‑Cola explores the history of the Coca‑Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta. Inside, you’ll find:

• Exhibits on the brand’s early days in Atlanta
• Artifacts and advertising from around the world
• Tasting stations with dozens of Coca‑Cola products from different countries

This is especially fun for families and visitors who want a quick, upbeat indoor activity in downtown Atlanta.

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Zoo Atlanta in historic Grant Park is a walkable, shade-filled zoo that’s especially popular with local families. Highlights include:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, and elephants
• A kid-friendly train and carousel
• Seasonal events, night events, and educational programs

Pair a zoo visit with a stroll around Grant Park’s leafy neighborhood streets or a stop at a nearby coffee shop.

Outdoor Fun, Parks, and Skyline Views

Atlanta’s green spaces and trails give you plenty of ways to get outside without leaving the city.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s classic in-town park, stretching along Midtown’s skyline. Locals use it for:

• Walking, running, and biking
• Pick-up soccer, volleyball, and Frisbee
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Seasonal festivals and events

On the park’s northern edge sits the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a beautifully designed space with:

• Canopy walk through the trees
• Seasonal flower displays and light shows
• Sculpture gardens and specialty plant collections

These two spots together make for a relaxed but full day in Midtown Atlanta.

Atlanta BeltLine: Walk, Bike, and Explore

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s most popular ways to get outside. It’s a former rail corridor converted into multi-use trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, and restaurants.

The Eastside Trail is the most developed and active stretch, running through:

• Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• Poncey-Highland

Along the trail you’ll find:

• Public art and murals
• Outdoor patios and breweries
• Access to Historic Fourth Ward Park

You can walk, jog, or bike (with scooters and bike rentals available near busy trailheads).

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Day Trip)

While Stone Mountain Park is technically outside Atlanta, many locals treat it as a standard weekend outing. Visitors often:

• Hike the walk-up trail to the top for skyline views of Atlanta
• Ride the cable car (Skyride)
• Enjoy seasonal events and attractions in the park area

If you’re staying in Atlanta proper, it’s about a half-hour drive east, depending on traffic.

Museums, History, and Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta has a deep and complex history, especially around civil rights. Many visitors and residents spend time learning that story through the city’s museums and historic sites.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park includes:

• Dr. King’s childhood home (tours are usually timed and limited)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he co-pastored
• The King Center and his final resting place

This area gives important context about Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement and is a meaningful stop for both visitors and locals.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights focuses on:

• The U.S. civil rights era, including Atlanta’s leadership role
• Global human rights struggles
• Interactive exhibits that invite reflection and discussion

People often visit this museum and the King Historic District together to get a more complete picture of Atlanta’s civil rights history.

High Museum of Art

In Midtown, the High Museum of Art is the city’s main art museum, known for:

• Permanent collections of American, European, African, and folk art
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family programs and evening events

It’s easily combined with a trip to Piedmont Park or nearby restaurants on Peachtree Street.

Fun Neighborhoods to Explore

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have a distinct feel. Many locals plan weekend days around a single area rather than trying to see everything at once.

Midtown

Midtown is dense, walkable by Atlanta standards, and packed with things to do. People come here for:

• Arts and culture (High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre nearby)
• Restaurants and bars along Peachtree and side streets
• Access to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine’s Eastside connections

If you’re staying in Atlanta without a car, Midtown is one of the easiest areas to base yourself.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is where you’ll find many of the big attractions and event venues:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Centennial Olympic Park

Downtown is more event-driven and tourist-focused than neighborhood-driven, but it’s very convenient for a day of sightseeing.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

Just east of downtown, Inman Park and nearby Little Five Points offer a more eclectic, local vibe:

• Inman Park: historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and BeltLine access
• Little Five Points: vintage shops, record stores, pubs, and street art

This area is popular with locals for brunch, coffee, and evenings out.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for:

• High-end shopping and dining
• Upscale hotels and nightlife
• Office towers and denser commercial development

If you’re interested in shopping or a more polished nightlife scene, Buckhead is a common destination.

Sports, Live Events, and Nightlife

Atlanta has a busy sports and entertainment calendar, especially during the fall and spring.

Pro Sports in Atlanta

Depending on the season, you can usually catch a home game for at least one major team:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) at State Farm Arena
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) at Truist Park in the Cumberland area

Game days bring extra energy—and traffic—so factor that into your plans.

Concerts, Theater, and Comedy

For live entertainment, Atlantans often look to:

• Fox Theatre in Midtown for Broadway tours, concerts, and special events
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium for large concerts
• Smaller venues around East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and Edgewood for local shows and nightlife

Comedy clubs and open-mic nights are also scattered across the metro, especially around Midtown and Buckhead.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re traveling with kids or planning a local family day out, Atlanta has plenty of options that mix fun and learning.

Top Family Spots

Here are some go-to family-friendly activities in and around Atlanta:

• Georgia Aquarium – Big visual impact, lots of interactive areas
• Zoo Atlanta – Walkable and shaded, good for younger kids
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (downtown) – Hands-on exhibits geared toward younger children
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Dinosaurs, science exhibits, and forest trails
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Seasonal events and children’s garden areas

Many families also use the Atlanta BeltLine and city parks as low-cost ways to let kids run around and explore.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavor

Eating your way through Atlanta can be just as fun as any attraction.

Food Halls and Markets

Atlanta’s food halls bundle multiple local vendors under one roof, making them convenient for groups:

• Ponce City Market (off the BeltLine Eastside Trail) – Shops, restaurants, rooftop amusement area, and city views
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Smaller than Ponce City Market but very popular for food and drinks

These two spots sit right on or near the BeltLine, so many people walk or bike between them.

Classic Atlanta Food Experiences

Some of the most satisfying “fun stuff to do” in Atlanta involves just eating and relaxing:

• Trying Southern and “meat-and-three” style comfort food
• Sampling local barbecue
• Checking out neighborhood brunch spots in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or West Midtown
• Visiting local ice cream and dessert shops in walkable areas like Old Fourth Ward or Midtown

Restaurant scenes shift over time, but these neighborhoods tend to stay active and food-focused.

Seasonal and Annual Events in Atlanta

Many Atlantans plan their year around recurring events and festivals.

Common types of annual events include:

• Music and cultural festivals in Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, and other major venues
• Film and TV events, reflecting Atlanta’s busy production scene
• Holiday light displays at places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Zoo Atlanta
• Sporting events such as college football games and major tournaments

If you’re visiting from out of town, a quick check of Atlanta’s event calendars can help you line up your trip with something special, but even without a big event, there’s usually plenty happening on weekends.

Quick Comparison: Fun Stuff To Do in Atlanta by Type

Use this as a starting point and then pick one or two areas per day so you’re not spending all your time in Atlanta traffic.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

A few local-style tips make a big difference in how fun your time in Atlanta feels.

• Plan around traffic. Atlanta’s rush hours can be intense. If possible, schedule cross-city drives outside peak morning and late-afternoon times.
• Use MARTA strategically. For events downtown or in Midtown, MARTA rail can be easier than driving and parking.
• Group activities by neighborhood. Spend a full day in Midtown, another in downtown, and another along the BeltLine instead of hopping all over.
• Check hours and tickets ahead of time. Major attractions, especially the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta, often use timed entry and can sell out on busy days.
• Stay hydrated in summer. Atlanta summers are hot and humid, especially on outdoor trails and at festivals.

By focusing on the neighborhoods and activities that match your interests—whether that’s museums, parks, sports, nightlife, or family fun—you’ll find plenty of fun stuff to do in Atlanta, Georgia, whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve lived in the city for years.