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

Atlanta, Georgia is a city where history, culture, food, sports, and nature all collide. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re deciding if Atlanta should be your next getaway, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to the top things to do in Atlanta, organized so you can quickly find what fits your time, interests, and budget.

Iconic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

World of Coca‑Cola

Located in downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park area, the World of Coca‑Cola showcases the history and global impact of one of the world’s most famous brands.

What to expect:

• Historic Coca‑Cola ads and memorabilia
• A gallery on the company’s Atlanta roots
• A bottling line demonstration
• Tasting room with flavors from different countries

Good for: Families, first-time visitors, brand/history lovers.

Georgia Aquarium

Also in the Centennial Olympic Park district, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and a major Atlanta highlight.

Highlights include:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Touch pools for kids
• Special experiences like behind-the-scenes and animal encounters (for an additional fee)

Tip: Lines can be long on weekends and holidays. It’s smart to go early in the day.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central green space surrounded by major attractions.

What many locals and visitors do here:

• Walk or relax by the Fountain of Rings
• Picnic or let kids run around the open lawns
• Enjoy seasonal events, festivals, and occasional concerts

It’s an easy launching point to explore World of Coca‑Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this site offers a powerful look at the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Key places within the park:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tours offered on a first-come, first-served basis)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center and his tomb
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

This is one of the most meaningful things to do in Atlanta if you’re interested in American history, social justice, or local culture.

Outdoor Activities & Green Spaces in Atlanta

Atlanta is often called “the city in the forest” because of its tree canopy. You don’t have to leave town to enjoy nature.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s signature intown park, stretching along Midtown.

Popular activities:

• Walking/running loops and bike paths
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Open fields for picnics, frisbee, or casual sports
• Seasonal festivals (like large music and food events)

Right next door is the Atlanta Botanical Garden, making this area a full afternoon or day outing.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail system built on historic rail corridors that circles the city’s core neighborhoods.

Key sections for visitors and locals:

• Eastside Trail (Old Fourth Ward to Virginia-Highland area): Restaurants, breweries, street art, and direct access to Ponce City Market.
• Westside Trail: More residential but quickly growing with local cafes, breweries, and parks.

Common things people do on the BeltLine:

• Walk, jog, or bike
• Stop at patios and food halls along the way
• Take in murals and public art installations

🚲 Tip: Bike and scooter rentals are widely available near the BeltLine, especially around Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Bordering Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is known for its seasonal plant displays and creative exhibits.

You’ll find:

• A canopy walk through the treetops
• Themed gardens (rose garden, edible garden, children’s garden)
• Orchid and tropical plant collections
• Special nighttime events and seasonal displays (often ticketed separately)

This is a great option if you’match “city person” with “loves beautiful gardens.”

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Metro Atlanta)

If you’re willing to drive a bit from central Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River offers a calmer, nature-heavy experience.

Popular activities:

• Tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in warm weather
• Riverside hikes on well-marked trails
• Picnics and fishing in designated areas

Areas like Palisades (near I‑285 and Northside Drive) and Powers Island are common starting points for city residents.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Atlanta

High Museum of Art

In Midtown’s Arts District, the High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier art museum.

What you’ll find:

• American, European, and African art collections
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family-friendly programs and hands-on spaces
• Free or reduced admission days on certain schedules (check current details before visiting)

Art lovers often pair a High Museum visit with a meal along Peachtree Street in Midtown or a walk through nearby neighborhoods.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

Next to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with ongoing human rights issues around the world.

Inside you can:

• Explore powerful exhibits related to segregation and nonviolent protest
• Learn about Atlanta’s role in Civil Rights history
• View rotating displays that connect past and present justice movements

This is an especially meaningful stop if you’re trying to understand Atlanta’s identity and legacy.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre in Midtown is a historic, ornately designed theater that hosts:

• Broadway tours
• Concerts and comedy shows
• Classic movie screenings and special events

The interior is famously atmospheric, styled like an outdoor Arabian courtyard with a starry sky ceiling. Even if you’re not seeing a show, many people enjoy a guided tour of the building.

Atlanta History Center

Located in the Buckhead area, the Atlanta History Center combines traditional museum galleries with large outdoor spaces.

Highlights:

• Exhibits on Atlanta’s past, including transportation, sports, and cultural history
• Historic homes, including the Swan House
• Extensive gardens and walking paths

It’s a good choice if you want a broader picture of Atlanta’s development beyond downtown.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is packed with activities that work well for kids, teens, and multi-generational trips.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features:

• Giant pandas, gorillas, and a wide range of animals
• A children’s area with a petting zoo
• Educational and seasonal programs

The surrounding Grant Park neighborhood also has playgrounds, walking paths, and Victorian-era homes to admire.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

In downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on hands-on learning and play for younger kids.

You can expect:

• Interactive science, art, and imaginative-play exhibits
• Soft play zones for toddlers
• Storytime and rotating themed areas

It’s popular with families who want something easily walkable from downtown hotels or attractions.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Fernbank Forest

In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum offers:

• Dinosaur fossils and natural history exhibits
• Giant screen films (separate ticket)
• Kid-friendly interactive science spaces

Outside, Fernbank Forest and WildWoods feature elevated walkways, outdoor exhibits, and forest trails, giving kids and adults a close-up feel of Atlanta’s natural landscape.

Sports, Entertainment, and Nightlife

Major League Sports

Atlanta has a strong pro sports scene, and catching a game is a favorite local pastime.

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (downtown): Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS). Known for its huge video halo board and fan-friendly concessions.
• Truist Park (Cumberland area): Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), anchored by the mixed-use Battery Atlanta complex with restaurants, bars, and shops.
• State Farm Arena (downtown): Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a major concert venue.

All these venues are designed to be full entertainment districts, not just stadiums.

Live Music and Nightlife Areas

Some of Atlanta’s most active nightlife and music spots include:

• East Atlanta Village: Bars, live music venues, local restaurants, and a neighborhood feel.
• Virginia‑Highland: Walkable area with restaurants, pubs, and patios.
• Poncey‑Highland / Old Fourth Ward: Trendy bars, BeltLine access, and food halls nearby.
• Buckhead Village: Higher-end lounges, restaurants, and late-night options.

Most neighborhoods have their own vibe, from casual dives to upscale cocktail bars, so it’s easy to find a scene that fits your style.

Shopping, Markets, and Food Halls

Food and shopping are a big part of experiencing Atlanta. The city has moved heavily toward mixed-use developments and food halls that bundle dining, shops, and experiences in one place.

Ponce City Market

Right off the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market is a redeveloped historic Sears building featuring:

• A large indoor food hall with diverse local and international options
• Boutiques and national retail stores
• Rooftop amusement area (Skyline Park) with games and skyline views (separate admission)

Many locals treat Ponce City Market as a regular hangout spot, especially combined with a walk or bike ride on the BeltLine.

Krog Street Market

In Inman Park on the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Krog Street Market is a more compact food hall with:

• Food stalls offering everything from casual bites to chef-driven concepts
• A few retail shops and a lively bar scene
• Easy access to Krog Street Tunnel, famous for its constantly changing street art

It’s common for people to do a BeltLine walk or ride between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, stopping for food and drinks along the way.

Local Farmers Markets and Neighborhood Spots

Around metro Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center (seasonal schedule): Local produce, baked goods, and vendors.
• Neighborhood commercial districts like Decatur Square, Marietta Square (slightly north of Atlanta), and Downtown College Park offering independent shops and restaurants.

These are great for experiencing everyday Atlanta life beyond the main tourist areas.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring on Foot

Atlanta is known for being car-oriented, but many intown neighborhoods are walkable and full of character.

Inman Park

Atlanta’s first planned suburb turned hip intown neighborhood:

• Historic Victorian homes
• Access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Strong restaurant and café scene

People often combine Inman Park with Krog Street Market and Krog Street Tunnel.

Little Five Points

An alternative, artsy neighborhood with:

• Vintage shops and record stores
• Murals and street art
• Eclectic bars and eateries

If you like unconventional, creative neighborhoods, Little Five Points offers a very different feel from Midtown or Buckhead.

Old Fourth Ward

Historically significant and rapidly redeveloped, Old Fourth Ward includes:

• Access to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market
• Proximity to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Growing restaurant and coffee shop options

It’s one of the most popular areas for people who want a mix of history, nightlife, and modern development.

Midtown

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most urban-feeling areas, with:

• High-rise buildings and dense development
• The High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, and Colony Square
• Easy access to Piedmont Park

If you like staying in a centrally located, walkable district with strong public transit options, Midtown is a solid base.

Seasonal and Annual Events in Atlanta

Depending on when you’re in Atlanta, you may want to align your plans with signature events. Dates and formats can change, so it’s important to check current schedules, but some widely recognized annual happenings include:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival (Piedmont Park, typically spring): Arts, crafts, food, and live music.
• Atlanta Jazz Festival (often around Memorial Day): Free performances and events centered in city parks.
• Peachtree Road Race (July 4): Major 10K run along Peachtree Street from Buckhead to Midtown.
• Dragon Con (Labor Day weekend): Large pop culture and sci-fi convention spread across downtown hotels, with a popular parade.
• Atlanta Pride Festival (fall): Events and a parade centered around midtown and Piedmont Park.
• Holiday lights at places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, and various city neighborhoods.

If you live in Atlanta, these events become annual traditions. For visitors, they can add extra energy and activities to your stay, but they may also affect traffic and hotel prices, especially around downtown and Midtown.

Quick Planning Guide: What to Do in Atlanta Based on Your Time

Below is a simple overview to help you match your time in the city with the best activities.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

• Transportation: Atlanta has MARTA rail and bus service, taxis, and rideshares. Many visitors rely on rideshare plus occasional MARTA rides, especially for airport-to-downtown/Midtown travel.
• Traffic: Weekday rush hours (roughly morning and late afternoon/early evening) can be slow, especially along major interstates like I‑75/85 and I‑285. Plan extra travel time if you have timed tickets.
• Weather: Summers can be hot and humid, so outdoor activities are often best in the morning or evening. Winters are generally mild, but you may still want layers.
• Tickets and Reservations: Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and major events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium can be busy. Advanced tickets or reservations often save time and reduce stress.

Atlanta, Georgia offers much more than a quick checklist of tourist stops. Whether you’re living here and looking for new weekend ideas or visiting and trying to make the most of a short stay, you can shape your time around what you enjoy most—history, food, nightlife, sports, nature, or all of the above—without ever leaving the metro area.