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

Atlanta blends Southern hospitality with big-city energy, historic landmarks, thriving neighborhoods, and an impressive food and arts scene. Whether you’re a local planning a weekend, a visitor on a short trip, or someone trying to understand what Atlanta really offers, this guide walks through the best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia—with a focus on practical, on-the-ground tips.

Top Atlanta Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Explore Downtown’s Big-Name Attractions

Downtown Atlanta packs several of the city’s most famous attractions into a walkable area, mostly around Centennial Olympic Park.

Key spots:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits. Ideal for families, dates, or solo visits.
• World of Coca-Cola – A museum-style experience focused on the Coca-Cola brand’s history, memorabilia, and global flavors.
• Centennial Olympic Park – Built for the 1996 Olympics, it’s now a green space with fountains, walking paths, and views of the skyline. Great place to relax between attractions.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Hands-on exhibits, interactive games, and a huge helmet wall. A favorite for sports fans.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel across from Centennial Olympic Park with enclosed gondolas and skyline views.

Local tip:
Downtown parking can be expensive and congested. MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations are often easier for reaching this area, especially on weekends and during events.

2. Visit Atlanta’s Civil Rights & History Landmarks

Atlanta has deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement and African American history. These sites are powerful, educational stops whether you live here or are visiting.

Key places to prioritize:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Includes:

  • Dr. King’s birth home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center
  • Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement
    It’s walkable, moving, and one of the city’s most important historic areas.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  Located near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects Civil Rights history in Atlanta with global human rights issues. Expect impactful exhibits and first-person stories.

• Oakland Cemetery
  Just east of downtown, Oakland is a historic cemetery and garden, with memorials, sculptures, and city views. It’s a peaceful place to understand Atlanta’s layered past.

Local tip:
If you’re visiting the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, combine it with a walk through the Sweet Auburn neighborhood to get a feel for the historic Black business and cultural corridor.

3. Enjoy Nature and Parks Without Leaving the City

Atlanta is known as a “city in a forest.” You don’t need to go far to find trees, trails, and green space.

Piedmont Park & Midtown Green Spaces

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s most famous park, located in Midtown.

  • Walking and jogging paths
  • Dog parks
  • Sports fields
  • Great skyline views
    It’s also home to seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor events.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (inside/adjacent to Piedmont Park)
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Features themed gardens, a canopy walk, orchids, rotating exhibits, and seasonal light displays.

Good for: Picnics, jogging, dog-walking, festivals, and relaxed afternoons.

The BeltLine: Walk, Bike, Eat, and Explore

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail system built on former rail lines, connecting neighborhoods with paths, art, and parks.

Most popular segment: Eastside Trail

You’ll find:

• Public art installations
• Murals and street art
• Access to Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and numerous restaurants and breweries
• Scooters, bikes, and pedestrians sharing the trail

Local tip:
Visit the BeltLine on a weekday or early weekend morning if you want a quieter experience. It can get crowded on sunny afternoons.

Chattahoochee River & Outdoor Recreation

For more nature:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various access points northwest/north of the city)
  Popular for:
  • Easy riverside hiking
  • Tubing and kayaking in warm months
  • Fishing and birdwatching

If you live in Atlanta, this can become a regular weekend escape for light hiking and fresh air.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Atlanta is often experienced neighborhood by neighborhood, each with its own character.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Urban Energy

Midtown is walkable, artsy, and dense with attractions.

Highlights:

• High Museum of Art – Modern and classic art collections, rotating exhibits, family programs.
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, and movies.
• Woodruff Arts Center – Home to the High Museum, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Alliance Theatre.

Midtown is also full of high-rise living, restaurants, bars, and access to MARTA’s Arts Center and Midtown stations, making it convenient for car-free outings.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead, in north Atlanta, is known for luxury shopping and dining.

Things to do:

• Browse major malls and shopping centers
• Enjoy high-end restaurants and rooftop lounges
• Explore residential streets with large homes and established neighborhoods

If you’re visiting and want a polished, urban-suburban feel, Buckhead is a common base.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland

These eastside neighborhoods offer a more local, walkable feel.

• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – Trendy, historic, and adjacent to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Great for food, bars, and artsy energy.
• Inman Park – Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and local restaurants. Often used as a base to access the BeltLine and Krog Street Market.
• Virginia-Highland (Va-Hi) – Classic Atlanta neighborhood with boutiques, coffee shops, and laid-back dining.

These areas are ideal for strolling, shopping small, and getting a neighborhood feel rather than just visiting attractions.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village

If you prefer something eclectic:

• Little Five Points – Known for vintage shops, record stores, street art, and an alternative/bohemian vibe.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV) – Popular for live music, bars, and late-night energy, plus a growing food scene.

Food, Markets, and Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta’s food culture is a big part of what there is to do here.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls make it easy to sample multiple cuisines in one stop.

• Ponce City Market
  675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  A converted historic Sears building with:

  • A large food hall
  • Retail shops
  • Offices and residences
    The Rooftop area (Skyline Park) offers games and skyline views.

• Krog Street Market
  99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  A smaller, cozy market near the BeltLine with:

  • Food stalls and sit-down spots
  • Easy access to street art in the Krog Street tunnel

Local tip:
Plan to walk the BeltLine between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market if the weather’s nice. It’s one of the most classic Atlanta experiences.

Classic Southern & Soul Food

Atlanta is a strong place to try:

• Fried chicken and biscuits
• Shrimp and grits
• Mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams
• Peach cobbler and Southern desserts

Look for locally established soul food restaurants around neighborhoods like West End, Downtown, and the Westside. Reservations or calling ahead can help reduce long waits during peak times.

Global Cuisine

Atlanta’s diversity shows in its food:
You’ll find strong communities offering Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, Ethiopian, Caribbean, and more, especially in:

• Buford Highway corridor (north/northeast of central Atlanta)
• Parts of Doraville and Chamblee

If you live in Atlanta, exploring Buford Highway can easily become an ongoing “things to do” list on its own.

Sports, Music, and Nightlife

Cheer on Atlanta’s Home Teams

Sports are a big part of local life.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Home to:

  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS)
    Also hosts major concerts and events.

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Home to:

  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
    Plus concerts and shows.

• Truist Park (in nearby Cobb County)
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and part of a mixed-use area with dining and entertainment, known as The Battery Atlanta.

Local tip:
On game or concert days, consider MARTA or rideshare to avoid traffic and parking challenges.

Live Music and Shows

Atlanta has a wide range of venues for live performances:

• Large arenas like State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Historic venues such as the Fox Theatre
• Neighborhood venues and clubs across Midtown, East Atlanta, and Little Five Points

Check venue schedules if you’re planning a trip; locals often build weekend plans around a show plus nearby dinner or drinks.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is very family-friendly, with options indoors and out.

Popular choices:

• Georgia Aquarium – Interactive exhibits, dolphin presentations, and large viewing windows.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Located in Grant Park, known for:

  • Giant pandas
  • Gorilla habitat
  • Educational programs

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

  • Dinosaur exhibits
  • Nature trails
  • Science-focused displays

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown) – Hands-on exhibits ideal for younger children.

Planning tip:
For families, consider grouping attractions by area:

• Downtown day: Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola + Centennial Olympic Park
• Grant Park day: Zoo Atlanta + picnic or stroll in Grant Park
• Emory/Druid Hills day: Fernbank + nearby parks or neighborhood restaurants

Arts, Culture, and Events

Museums and Galleries

Beyond the High Museum and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta has:

• Smaller galleries across Midtown, West Midtown, and Castleberry Hill
• Cultural centers and rotating exhibitions throughout the year

Locals often take advantage of free or reduced admission days offered periodically by some institutions, so it’s worth checking current schedules if you live in the city.

Festivals and Annual Events

There are frequent festivals in and around:

• Piedmont Park
• Grant Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• Neighborhood commercial districts

Common themes include:

• Food and wine
• Music
• Art
• Cultural celebrations
• Community events and neighborhood festivals

If you’re planning travel, look at the time of year:

• Spring and fall: Many outdoor festivals, comfortable temperatures.
• Summer: More humidity and heat, but lots of concerts and events.
• Winter: Holiday lights, indoor attractions, and some seasonal markets.

Practical Tips for Getting Around and Planning Your Time

Getting Around Atlanta

Atlanta is spread out, but you have options:

• MARTA Rail & Bus
  Main rail lines connect:

  • Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson) to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
  • Some east-west routes (e.g., to Decatur)
    MARTA is often the easiest way from the airport to central Atlanta.

• Rideshare and Taxis
  Widely used for hopping between neighborhoods, especially at night or when parking is tight.

• Driving and Parking
  Common for locals, but:

  • Traffic can be heavy at rush hours.
  • Event parking can be expensive near stadiums and big attractions.
    Look for public parking decks and pay attention to posted rates and restrictions.

• Walking & Biking
  Good in specific areas:

  • Midtown
  • Downtown
  • BeltLine corridors
  • Certain neighborhoods like Inman Park and Virginia-Highland
    Many locals combine walking with MARTA or rideshare.

When to Visit (or Plan Local Outings)

• Spring (March–May): Mild weather, blooming trees, frequent festivals.
• Fall (September–November): Comfortable temperatures, foliage, strong event calendar.
• Summer: Hot and humid; best for indoor attractions, evening events, and water-based activities.
• Winter: Generally mild compared to many cities; some cold spells, but most attractions remain open year-round.

Quick-Glance Ideas: Things To Do in Atlanta by Interest

How Locals Often Plan a “Perfect Day” in Atlanta

Here are a few sample day plans that work well for both residents and visitors:

1. Classic Tourist Day

   • Morning: Georgia Aquarium
   • Midday: World of Coca-Cola + lunch Downtown
   • Afternoon: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park
   • Evening: SkyView Atlanta or a game/show if scheduled

2. Neighborhood + BeltLine Day

   • Morning: Brunch in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward
   • Midday: Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail
   • Afternoon: Explore Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market
   • Evening: Drinks or dessert along the BeltLine

3. History & Culture Day

   • Morning: MLK Jr. National Historical Park and Sweet Auburn
   • Midday: Lunch nearby
   • Afternoon: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
   • Evening: Dinner in Midtown + possible show at the Fox Theatre

4. Nature & Relaxation Day

   • Morning: Walk in Piedmont Park or along the Chattahoochee River
   • Midday: Picnic or casual lunch nearby
   • Afternoon: Atlanta Botanical Garden or more time outdoors
   • Evening: Low-key dinner in Virginia-Highland or Midtown

Living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia means you have access to major attractions, deep history, a rich food scene, and an ever-growing list of neighborhoods to explore. Whether you’re planning one afternoon or many weekends, starting with these core experiences will help you make the most of what the city offers.