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

Atlanta blends Southern hospitality with big-city energy, making it one of the most interesting cities in the Southeast to explore. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta, Georgia special, this guide walks through the top things to do in Atlanta with practical, local-focused detail.

Must-See Atlanta Landmarks and Attractions

1. Explore Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Icons

Centennial Olympic Park is the heart of downtown and a great starting point.

From here, you can easily walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for whale sharks, manta rays, and immersive exhibits.

  • Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Tip: Weekday mornings generally feel less crowded.

• World of Coca-Cola – A museum-style attraction about one of Atlanta’s most famous brands, with historic displays and tasting areas.

  • Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel near the park offering skyline views, especially pretty at night.

  • Address: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits, perfect for sports enthusiasts and families.

  • Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Centennial Olympic Park itself offers open green space, fountains, and frequent events. It’s a logical hub if you’re trying to hit several big-name attractions in one day.

2. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For anyone trying to understand Atlanta, the MLK Jr. National Historical Park is essential.

Key sites within the area include:

• Dr. King’s childhood home on Auburn Avenue

• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached

• The King Center, with exhibits on the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s legacy

• Reflective spaces honoring Dr. King and Coretta Scott King

• Main Visitor Center: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Plan a few hours if you want to walk through the neighborhood, spend time in the exhibits, and reflect. This area also gives you a sense of the historic Sweet Auburn community, once a major center of Black business and culture.

3. Walk (or Bike) the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s most-loved public projects: a growing loop of paved trails built along old railroad corridors.

Popular stretches include:

• Eastside Trail – Runs through neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland. It’s lined with:

  • Public art
  • Murals
  • Restaurants and coffee shops just off the path

• Westside Trail – Connects areas like West End and Adair Park, with historic homes and revitalized industrial spaces.

Why locals love it:

• Great for walking, jogging, biking, or simply people-watching
• Easy access to parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Connects directly to food halls, breweries, and small local shops

📝 Tip: On weekends, the Eastside Trail can be crowded. Early mornings or weekday afternoons are usually more relaxed.

4. Discover Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Atlanta is a “city of neighborhoods,” each with its own character. Spending time in different areas is one of the best ways to understand the city.

Midtown

Midtown is a cultural and arts hub, centrally located and walkable by Atlanta standards.

Highlights:

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection.

  • Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Woodruff Arts Center – Home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre.

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s best-known urban park, ideal for:

  • Walks and runs
  • Picnics
  • Festivals and seasonal events
  • Main Entrance: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for upscale shopping, dining, and major hotels.

Things to do:

• Browse national and luxury retailers at major shopping centers
• Enjoy rooftop bars and high-end restaurants
• Take a quieter stroll in nearby residential areas with large homes and tree-lined streets

Buckhead is more car-oriented, but you can reach it via the MARTA Red Line (Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations).

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Close to downtown and the BeltLine, these neighborhoods show a mix of historic homes and modern development.

• Old Fourth Ward – Trendy restaurants, apartments, and Historic Fourth Ward Park with a lake and green space.
• Inman Park – One of Atlanta’s oldest planned neighborhoods, with Victorian homes and a village-style commercial core.

Both are easily explored on foot, especially in combination with the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Activities

5. Relax in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park.” It’s central, scenic, and used constantly by locals.

Popular activities:

• Walking and jogging along paved paths
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Seasonal farmers markets and festivals
• Informal sports, frisbee, or just reading under a tree

It also borders the Atlanta Botanical Garden, making it easy to pair both in one visit.

6. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a thoughtfully designed outdoor and indoor garden space.

• Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Highlights:

• Elevated canopy walk through the trees
• Seasonal plant displays and light shows
• Children’s garden area
• Indoor conservatories with tropical and desert plants

Locals often return for seasonal events, so it’s worthwhile even if you’ve been before.

7. Spend a Day at Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a large outdoor recreation area centered around a massive granite dome.

• General Park Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Popular things to do:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the top of the mountain for wide views of the city and surrounding area
• Take the summit skyride (a cable car) if you prefer not to hike
• Enjoy lakeside walking paths and green spaces

Parking and some attractions may have fees, so it’s worth checking current details before you go. For many Atlanta families, Stone Mountain is a recurring weekend or holiday outing.

Arts, History, and Culture

8. Dive into Atlanta’s Museums

Beyond the high-profile attractions, Atlanta has several museums that help you understand the city and region.

Atlanta History Center

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Located in Buckhead, it includes:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s growth and role in major historical events
  • Historic homes and gardens, including the Swan House
  • Trails and outdoor spaces

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
• Focuses on:
  • The American civil rights movement
  • Global human rights issues
    This center pairs well with a visit to the MLK Jr. National Historical Park for a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s role in civil rights history.

9. Experience the Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable historic venues.

• Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Why it stands out:

• Striking interior design with a “starry sky” ceiling
• Hosts Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, and special events
• Guided tours are often available for those more interested in architecture and history than performances

If you’re planning a visit around a show, consider MARTA to avoid heavy Midtown traffic and parking challenges.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavor

10. Eat Your Way Through Atlanta’s Food Halls

Food halls give you a chance to sample different local vendors in one place.

Notable options include:

• Ponce City Market

  • Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Located along the BeltLine Eastside Trail in a former Sears building
  • Features:
    • Multiple food vendors
    • Retail shops
    • Rooftop area with games and skyline views (ticketed)

• Krog Street Market

  • Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Smaller but very popular option near Inman Park and the BeltLine
  • Known for:
    • Local restaurants and food counters
    • Easy access to nearby murals and the Krog Street Tunnel

These spaces are busy on evenings and weekends, so plan extra time if you’re on a schedule.

11. Sample Classic Southern and Soul Food

Atlanta’s dining scene is wide-ranging, but many visitors and locals look for Southern and soul food options.

Typical dishes to seek out:

• Fried chicken and catfish
• Collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread
• Shrimp and grits
• Peach cobbler or other peach-based desserts

Different neighborhoods—especially those with long-established communities—offer their own take on these classics. Many residents treat exploring new Southern restaurants as an ongoing pastime rather than a one-time activity.

12. Visit Neighborhood Farmers Markets

Farmers markets around the metro area give you a view into local agriculture and small food businesses.

Common experiences:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables (including Georgia peaches when in season)
• Local honey, jams, and baked goods
• Food trucks and prepared foods
• Artisan goods like candles, soaps, and crafts

Markets operate on different days of the week and often vary by season, so it’s helpful to check schedules before heading out.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

13. Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta is located in historic Grant Park, a leafy neighborhood southeast of downtown.

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Attractions:

• A variety of animals, including species that many kids recognize and request to see
• Educational programs and demonstrations
• Nearby walking paths in Grant Park for a quieter stroll after your zoo visit

Grant Park also features historic homes and local restaurants just a short drive away.

14. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

For younger children, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits and play spaces.

• Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s located near Centennial Olympic Park, so families often combine it with a short outdoor break or another nearby attraction depending on kids’ energy levels.

Sports and Live Events

15. Catch a Game or Concert

Atlanta is a major sports and events city. Depending on the season, you might:

• Watch baseball at Truist Park (Cumberland area)
• Catch football or larger events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (downtown/Westside)
• See basketball or indoor events at State Farm Arena (downtown)

Parking can be expensive and congested on event days. Many residents:

• Use MARTA to get close to stadiums
• Park further away and walk or use rideshares
• Arrive early to avoid last-minute traffic

Quick Planning Guide: How to Structure Your Time in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview to help you decide how to spend your time based on your interests.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

• Getting Around:

  • MARTA rail is useful for going between the airport, downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Many popular spots (like BeltLine segments and food halls) are best combined with ride-hailing or short drives.

• Traffic & Timing:

  • Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM) can be slow across major interstates.
  • Central areas like Midtown, Downtown, and BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods are more walkable once you’re parked or off the train.

• Weather:

  • Summers are hot and humid—plan outdoor activities early or later in the day and stay hydrated.
  • Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable times for walking tours and park visits.

• Tickets & Reservations:

  • Popular attractions, especially the Georgia Aquarium and major shows at the Fox Theatre, often require timed tickets or advance booking.
  • Food halls and parks are more flexible, but peak weekend hours are busy.

Whether you’re mapping out a packed weekend or slowly getting to know your own city, focusing on Atlanta’s parks, history, major attractions, and neighborhood streets will give you a strong sense of what makes Atlanta, Georgia unique.