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

Atlanta, Georgia offers a mix of big-city energy, Southern history, diverse neighborhoods, and green spaces. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to understand what the city has to offer, this guide walks through local favorites, must-see attractions, and practical tips for exploring the city.

Top Landmark Attractions in Atlanta

These are the places most people think of first when they search for “things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.”

Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Icons

Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta is a central starting point. From here, you can walk to several major attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for massive viewing windows and marine life exhibits.
• World of Coca-Cola – A museum experience focused on the Coca-Cola brand, history, and memorabilia.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits highlighting college football teams, players, and traditions.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel offering views of downtown and the surrounding area.

This area is walkable and well-connected by MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center and Peachtree Center stations. It’s busy on weekends, game days, and during conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

In the Sweet Auburn district, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park offers a deep look into the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Key sites typically include:

• Dr. King’s boyhood home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and memorial
• Visitor center exhibits on the civil rights movement

This is a place many Atlanta residents recommend to out-of-town guests, and it’s highly meaningful for understanding the city’s history and role in civil rights.

Atlanta’s BeltLine: Walking, Biking, and Exploring

The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformed former rail corridor circling inside the city, now a mix of paved trails, green spaces, and art installations. Sections are still under development, but several parts are already very popular:

• Eastside Trail – Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and to Ponce City Market; lined with restaurants, breweries, and public art.
• Westside Trail – Passes through historic neighborhoods, connecting parks and local businesses.

Locals use the BeltLine for:

• Walking, jogging, biking, and skating
• Meeting friends at BeltLine-adjacent patios
• Exploring new restaurants and markets

If you’re visiting, this is a good way to experience multiple neighborhoods in one trip without always needing a car.

Neighborhoods to Explore in Atlanta

Atlanta is very neighborhood-driven, with each area offering its own vibe. Here are some of the most popular for things to do.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and City Parks

Midtown Atlanta is a hub for arts, culture, and nightlife.

Highlights include:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s signature intown park, great for walking paths, dog parks, sports fields, and festivals.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Located adjacent to Piedmont Park, known for seasonal displays, canopy walks, and special events.
• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of classical and contemporary works.
• Atlanta Symphony Hall and local theaters for performances and concerts.

Midtown is accessible via multiple MARTA stations (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue) and is often where visitors stay to be centrally located.

Buckhead: Shopping, Dining, and High-End Experiences

Buckhead is known for:

• Major shopping districts such as Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Upscale and fine-dining restaurants
• High-rise hotels and office towers
• Nightlife clustered around commercial corridors

People who live further outside the city often come to Buckhead for big shopping trips or special-occasion dinners.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: Trendy and Historic

On the eastside near the BeltLine, you’ll find:

• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – Industrial-chic feel, new apartments, murals, and easy BeltLine access.
• Inman Park – One of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, with Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.

Things to do in these neighborhoods include:

• Visiting Ponce City Market, a large food hall and retail space in a converted Sears building.
• Walking or biking the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Dining at local, often independent restaurants.
• Exploring neighborhood festivals and seasonal events.

Little Five Points: Alternative, Artsy, and Eclectic

Little Five Points (L5P) is known for:

• Vintage clothing and record shops
• Street murals and local art
• Alternative and independent businesses
• Casual bars and live music

Locals often go here to browse unique shops, people-watch, or catch a show.

Sports, Concerts, and Big Events

If you’re into sports or live entertainment, Atlanta offers major venues and teams.

Professional Sports

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium; known for large, energetic crowds.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Play at Truist Park, part of The Battery Atlanta development in Cobb County, just northwest of the city.

Game days make surrounding areas busier, especially downtown and The Battery. Plan for heavier traffic, crowded parking, and more activity around restaurants and bars near these venues.

Concerts and Shows

Major concerts and touring shows regularly come through:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Fox Theatre in Midtown – A historic theater hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
• Smaller venues scattered across neighborhoods for more intimate performances.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s common to check local event calendars regularly because many national tours include Atlanta as a major stop.

Outdoor Activities and Nature Near Atlanta

Even though Atlanta is a big city, it has plenty of green spaces and outdoor activities.

City Parks and Greenspaces

Some of the most popular parks and recreation areas include:

• Piedmont Park (Midtown) – Large central park with walking paths and skyline views.
• Grant Park – Home to Zoo Atlanta, playgrounds, and historic homes nearby.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Modern park with a lake, green space, and playgrounds adjacent to the BeltLine.
• Chastain Park (north Atlanta) – Trails, golf, a pool, and an amphitheater for concerts.

Hiking and River Activities

For outdoor experiences within a short drive:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple trailheads and river access points north of the city in areas like Sandy Springs and Roswell. Locals go here to hike, fish, float, or kayak.
• Trails at Kennesaw Mountain (northwest of Atlanta) – Popular for hiking with views and Civil War history.

Many Atlanta residents pair these destinations with nearby lunch spots or half-day trips on weekends.

History, Museums, and Educational Attractions

Atlanta has a strong historical and cultural identity, and there are several places where you can dig deeper.

Civil Rights and Local History

In addition to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, you can explore:

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (near Centennial Olympic Park) – Focuses on civil rights in the U.S. and global human rights issues.
• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) – Includes exhibits, historic homes, and gardens that cover Atlanta’s development, the Civil War, and local culture.

These are often recommended for families, new residents wanting to learn about their city, and visitors interested in context beyond typical tourist spots.

Science, Kids’ Activities, and Interactive Museums

Family-friendly options include:

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Dinosaur exhibits, natural history displays, forest trails, and an immersive theater.
• Fernbank Science Center (nearby, but separate from the museum) – Educational facility with a planetarium and occasional public programs.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (downtown) – Targeted toward younger children with hands-on activities and exhibits.

Locals frequently use these as weekend activities, school break outings, or rainy-day plans.

Food, Dining, and Nightlife in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene is diverse and constantly changing, with everything from long-standing Southern restaurants to global cuisines and food halls.

Southern Food and Local Flavors

Around the city, you’ll find:

• Classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, and peach desserts.
• Barbecue spots offering ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and smoked wings.
• Soul food restaurants and meat-and-three-style eateries.

These are scattered across many neighborhoods, including downtown, West End, East Atlanta, and beyond. If you live in Atlanta, you’ll likely find a favorite spot close to your own area.

Food Halls and Market-Style Dining

Food halls have become a big part of the modern Atlanta dining scene. A few widely known ones include:

• Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) – Large food hall with local and national vendors, plus retail and rooftop attractions.
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Smaller but very popular, with a mix of restaurants and stalls.

These spaces make it easy for groups to find different types of food in one place and are often connected to the BeltLine for easy walking access.

Nightlife and Entertainment Districts

For nightlife, bars, and late-night activities, many people look to:

• Midtown – Clubs, lounges, and bars with a mix of casual and upscale venues.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward/Edgewood) – Known for a dense strip of bars and nightlife.
• Buckhead – Bars and nightlife near the commercial centers.

As with any large city, it’s common to plan transportation in advance—ride-shares, designated drivers, or MARTA—especially at night.

Shopping and Markets in Atlanta

Whether you’re a local running errands or a visitor hunting for something unique, Atlanta has a wide range of shopping options.

Major Shopping Districts

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – Large, established shopping malls with a mix of mainstream and luxury retailers.
• Atlantic Station – Outdoor shopping and entertainment area in Midtown/West Midtown with retail, restaurants, and a movie theater.

These areas are often busy on weekends and around holidays.

Local Shops and Markets

For more independent and local finds:

• Little Five Points – Vintage clothing, indie boutiques, record stores, and specialty shops.
• Neighborhood farmers markets (seasonal in various parts of the city), where vendors offer local produce, prepared foods, and crafts.
• Small business districts around Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta Village, and Inman Park.

Residents often combine shopping with brunch or coffee in these walkable neighborhoods.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

Families living in or visiting Atlanta typically look for activities that are engaging, accessible, and not too far apart. Some of the most common choices include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Zoo Atlanta (in Grant Park) – Home to a wide range of animals and educational programs.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Especially during seasonal light shows and special exhibits.
• Parks with playgrounds, splash pads, and open spaces, such as Piedmont Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park.

Many of these attractions are relatively close to each other inside the city, so families can plan half-day or full-day itineraries that cover multiple stops.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips for Atlanta Activities

Atlanta is known for traffic and spread-out neighborhoods, so understanding transportation can make your plans smoother.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

MARTA offers:

• Rail service connecting the airport to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of the northern suburbs.
• Bus routes throughout Atlanta and neighboring areas.

Key MARTA rail stops near major attractions:

Many visitors use MARTA from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport into the city to avoid renting a car right away.

Driving, Parking, and Ride-Share

• Driving is common for residents, but traffic can be heavy during rush hours and around event times.
• Parking varies widely—some attractions have dedicated decks or lots, while others rely on street parking or private pay lots.
• Ride-share services and taxis are widely available, especially in central neighborhoods.

If you’re planning to visit multiple areas in one day (for example, Buckhead shopping, then a game downtown), it’s common to factor in extra travel time.

Day Trips and Nearby Excursions from Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or have a few extra days, there are several easy day trips that locals regularly recommend:

• Stone Mountain Park (east of Atlanta) – Known for hiking, a large granite outcrop with summit views, and seasonal attractions.
• Callaway Resort & Gardens (further south) – Gardens, trails, and seasonal events, especially popular for holiday light displays and spring blooms.
• North Georgia mountains and wineries – Areas like Dahlonega and Helen attract visitors for scenic drives, hiking, and wine tastings.

These trips typically require a car and can turn a simple Atlanta visit into a broader look at north Georgia.

Practical Details and Local Resources

If you’re planning your time in Atlanta, it helps to know a few practical points:

• Visitor information is available at various downtown and airport information desks.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the main air gateway, located just south of the city and connected directly to MARTA’s Red and Gold lines.
• City services and event schedules are often listed on official city and county websites, along with information on festivals, parades, and road closures.

Residents often track:

• Neighborhood association sites and local news for community events
• Park and recreation department announcements for classes, sports leagues, and park updates
• Cultural institutions’ event calendars for free or reduced-admission days

From landmark attractions and neighborhood exploring to sports, nature, shopping, and family activities, things to do in Atlanta, Georgia span every interest and budget. Whether you’re here for a weekend or putting down roots, planning around neighborhoods, transit options, and your own pace will help you experience what makes Atlanta distinct.