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

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern culture, and a surprisingly green landscape into one busy, walkable (and drivable) metro. Whether you live here, are visiting for a weekend, or are trying to understand what Atlanta has to offer, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta, Georgia for every interest and budget.

Below is a practical, locally grounded guide to help you plan your time in the city.

Top Atlanta Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

These are the core Atlanta experiences most people try to see at least once.

1. Explore Downtown: History, Civil Rights, and City Landmarks

Downtown Atlanta is compact enough to tackle several major spots in the same day.

Key places:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the world’s largest aquariums, known for whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 581-4000

• World of Coca-Cola – A museum dedicated to the history and branding of Coca-Cola, with memorabilia and tasting rooms.
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 676-5151

• Centennial Olympic Park – A large public park built for the 1996 Olympic Games, ideal for walking, fountains, and skyline views.
  265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful museum connecting the U.S. civil rights movement with current global human rights issues.
  100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (678) 999-8990

If you’re short on time, you can walk between these attractions, making downtown ideal for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

2. Dive into Civil Rights History: Sweet Auburn & MLK Sites

Atlanta played a central role in the civil rights movement, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is one of the city’s most meaningful stops.

Main points of interest:

• MLK Jr. Birth Home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and Dr. King’s tomb
• Visitor Center with exhibits and media

All of these are within walking distance of each other in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 331-5190

Tip: Parking around Auburn Avenue can be tight; arriving earlier in the day usually makes it easier.

3. Walk, Bike, or Skate the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail system that loops around intown neighborhoods. It’s one of the best ways to experience local life in Atlanta.

Popular sections:

• Eastside Trail – Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and up toward Midtown. Known for restaurants, bars, street art, and people-watching.
• Westside Trail – More residential and still growing, with parks and local food spots.
• Northside Trail – A quieter, greener section near Buckhead.

Rental bikes and scooters are often available along the BeltLine. Many locals use it for exercise, commuting, and weekend outings.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Atlanta

Atlanta has a well-developed arts scene that ranges from classic to cutting-edge.

4. Midtown’s Cultural District

Midtown is the city’s arts hub, with major institutions clustered close together.

High Museum of Art

• Modern, contemporary, and classic collections.
• Frequently hosts special touring exhibits.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 733-4400

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (at the Woodruff Arts Center)

• Regular orchestral performances and guest artists.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 733-4900

Alliance Theatre

• Professional theater with new plays and popular productions.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 733-4600

These are all within the Woodruff Arts Center campus, making it easy to pair a museum visit with a concert or show.

5. Learn at the Fernbank and Other Family-Friendly Museums

For science and natural history:

Fernbank Museum

• Dinosaur exhibits, Georgia natural history, an IMAX-style theater, and an outdoor forest experience.
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 929-6300

Other options:

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on play and learning space for younger kids.
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 659-5437
• Delta Flight Museum – Aviation and airline history at Delta’s headquarters near the airport.
  1060 Delta Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354 | (404) 715-7886

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

Despite its traffic and towers, Atlanta is surprisingly green. There are many places to walk, paddle, and unwind.

6. Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park is essentially Atlanta’s “Central Park” — large lawns, dog parks, sports fields, walking paths, and skyline views.

Piedmont Park Conservancy
1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 875-7275

Within the park’s northern section sits the Atlanta Botanical Garden:

• Themed gardens, canopy walk, orchid center, seasonal light shows and events.
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 876-5859

You can easily pair a garden visit with a picnic or walk in Piedmont Park.

7. Hike or Float Along the Chattahoochee River

For a quick nature escape, locals often head to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the northern metro area.

Popular access points:

• Powers Island / Interstate North
• Cochran Shoals
• Island Ford

Activities include:

• Easy to moderate hiking trails
• Kayaking, tubing, or paddle boarding (through local outfitters)
• Fishing and bird-watching

National Park Service – Chattahoochee River NRA (Island Ford Headquarters)
8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350 | (678) 538-1200

8. Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Day Trip)

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a major local outdoor and recreation destination.

Activities:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the top for skyline views
• Scenic railroad, lake, and seasonal attractions
• Picnicking and walking trails

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 | (800) 401-2407

This is outside city limits but very commonly included in “things to do in Atlanta, Georgia” lists because of its proximity.

Neighborhoods to Explore Like a Local

Atlanta is known for its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel. Exploring them is one of the best ways to get a true sense of the city.

9. Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park

Midtown

• High-rises, nightlife, arts, and walkable blocks around Peachtree Street.
• Close to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine.

Old Fourth Ward (O4W)

• Blend of historic homes and new development.
• Home to Ponce City Market and a lively stretch of the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Inman Park

• One of Atlanta’s oldest planned neighborhoods.
• Known for Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and local restaurants.

These three areas connect easily via the BeltLine, making them ideal for a car-light day of exploring.

10. Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, and Poncey-Highland

These neighborhoods offer a more laid-back, eclectic vibe:

• Virginia-Highland (VaHi) – Boutique shops, patios, and historic homes.
• Little Five Points – Known for record stores, vintage shops, and alternative culture.
• Poncey-Highland – Mix of restaurants and apartments, close to the BeltLine and Freedom Park.

This cluster is great for cafés, bar-hopping, and people-watching.

11. Buckhead and West Midtown

Buckhead

• High-end shopping districts, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
• Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) and Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) are well-known retail centers.

West Midtown (Westside)

• Former industrial area turned trendy district.
• Home to design shops, dining, breweries, and the Westside Provisions District.

Sports, Entertainment, and Nightlife

Atlanta is a major sports and entertainment hub, with year-round events.

12. Catch a Game or Live Event

Key venues:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus concerts and special events.
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (470) 341-5000

• State Farm Arena – Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and frequent concerts.
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 878-3000

• Truist Park – Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), with restaurants and shops in The Battery Atlanta complex.
  755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (404) 577-9100

If you live in Atlanta, checking team schedules and planning around games is common, as event days can significantly affect traffic and transit.

13. Music, Comedy, and Theater

Some of Atlanta’s major performance spaces include:

• Fox Theatre – Historic theater on Peachtree Street, known for Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (855) 285-8499

• Tabernacle – Intimate downtown concert venue in a former church.
  152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 659-9022

• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points) – Mid-size music venue with a mix of genres.
  1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 524-7354

• Laughing Skull Lounge and The Punchline – Popular stand-up comedy venues in the city.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavors

Atlanta’s food scene draws from Southern, international, and modern influences, with options at every price point.

14. Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are a convenient way to sample multiple vendors in one stop.

Ponce City Market

• Located in a historic Sears building beside the BeltLine.
• Mix of food counters, sit-down restaurants, shops, and a rooftop amusement-style area.
  675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 900-7900

Krog Street Market

• Smaller, more compact food hall with a strong local feel, just off the BeltLine in Inman Park.
  99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

• Historic indoor market with produce, meats, and local food stalls.
  209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 659-1665

These are all good spots for quick, walkable meals while exploring nearby neighborhoods.

15. Classic Southern and International Dining

Atlanta is known for:

• Southern comfort food – Fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens.
• Barbecue – Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and smoked wings.
• Global cuisine – Korean, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, and more, especially around Buford Highway and various intown neighborhoods.

Because restaurant turnover can be high, it’s helpful to check recent reviews or local listings before committing to a specific spot, especially if you’re traveling from outside the city.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Families visiting or living in Atlanta have many choices that work for kids and adults.

16. Kid-Friendly Attractions

Some of the most popular family activities include:

• Georgia Aquarium (downtown)
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (downtown)
• Zoo Atlanta – Home to a wide range of animals, plus a ropes course and playgrounds.
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 624-5600
• Fernbank Museum and Fernbank Forest
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel offering downtown views.
  168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (678) 949-9023

Most of these are easily reachable by car; several downtown attractions are also accessible by MARTA rail.

17. Parks and Playgrounds

Locals regularly use:

• Piedmont Park – Multiple playgrounds, open fields, and walking paths.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Modern playground, splash pad, and pond close to the BeltLine.
  680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Grant Park – Atlanta’s oldest city park, surrounding Zoo Atlanta with walking paths and playgrounds.
• Chastain Park (north Atlanta) – Trails, sports facilities, and an amphitheater.

These spaces work well for picnics, casual games, and low-cost outings.

Quick Planning Guide: Choosing What to Do

Use this simple overview to match Atlanta activities to your time and interests.

Practical Tips for Getting Around and Making the Most of Atlanta

• Traffic: Rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can be heavy, especially on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) and GA-400. Building in extra time is wise.
• MARTA: The rail system is useful for going between the airport, downtown, Midtown, and some Buckhead stops. Stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, Arts Center, and Civic Center are near major attractions.
• Parking: Downtown and Midtown have many garages and paid lots. Neighborhood streets may have time limits or resident-only sections, so reading signs closely is important.
• Weather: Atlanta summers are hot and humid. Light clothing, water, and indoor breaks in the middle of the day help, especially for outdoor BeltLine or park plans.
• Events: Major sporting events, conventions, and festivals can change the feel of certain areas and affect hotel prices and traffic. Checking event calendars for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and major parks can help you plan.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, sports, art, or the outdoors, Atlanta offers a wide range of things to do, from iconic attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the BeltLine to quieter neighborhood walks and river trails. Using the sections above, you can mix and match activities to build an Atlanta itinerary that fits your time, budget, and interests.