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

Atlanta, Georgia is a city where history, food, music, sports, and green space all collide. Whether you live here, you’re planning a visit, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta tick, there is a lot to do in and around the city.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to what there is to do in Atlanta, organized by interest so you can quickly find what matters most to you.

Top “Only in Atlanta” Experiences

These are the signature Atlanta things to do that many visitors and locals put at the top of their list.

Explore Downtown’s Big Attractions

1. Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
One of the largest aquariums in the world, with whale sharks, manta rays, and huge viewing windows.

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Ideal for: Families, couples, school breaks, rainy days
• Tip: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays.

2. World of Coca-Cola (Downtown/Centennial Park area)
A museum dedicated to Atlanta’s most famous soft drink brand. You’ll find company history, memorabilia, and a global tasting room.

• Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Often combined with: Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame (all within walking distance).

3. Centennial Olympic Park
A public park built for the 1996 Olympic Games, now a central green space in Downtown.

• Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do: Walk, relax by the Fountain of Rings, attend festivals and concerts during major events.

Experience Atlanta’s Civil Rights Legacy

Atlanta played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, and there are several important historic sites clustered on the east side of downtown.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Operated by the National Park Service, this area includes:

• Dr. King’s childhood home (tours available with park rangers when operating)
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (where Dr. King co-pastored)
• The King Center and Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb
• Address (Visitor Center): 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)
A museum connecting the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to modern global human rights issues.

• Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Tip: Many people pair this with the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola, since they are just across the street.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Atlanta is neighborhood-driven. You’ll get a better feel for the city by walking or biking through a few of its distinct areas.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and High-Rise Living

Midtown is dense, walkable, and full of museums, theaters, and restaurants.

Key things to do:

• High Museum of Art – Atlanta’s major art museum with permanent and rotating exhibits.
  • Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Performances at the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater on Peachtree Street hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and tours.
  • Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Piedmont Park – Large urban park great for walking, picnicking, and festivals.
  • Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Midtown also connects directly to parts of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it easy to walk or bike into other neighborhoods.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: BeltLine, Food, and History

These eastside neighborhoods blend historic homes, new apartments, and vibrant food spots.

Highlights:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – A multi-use path lined with art, restaurants, and green spaces.
• Ponce City Market – A redeveloped historic Sears building with a food hall, boutiques, and a rooftop amusement space.
  • Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Street art and murals under and around the BeltLine bridges.
• Easy walk to the MLK Jr. National Historical Park from parts of Old Fourth Ward.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead is known for high-end shopping, hotels, and nightlife.

Things to do:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza – Major shopping centers near the Buckhead MARTA station.
• Fine dining restaurants and rooftop bars along Peachtree Rd NE.
• Atlanta History Center – Museum and historic grounds featuring exhibitions and the Swan House.
  • Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Westside & West Midtown: Industrial-Chic and Breweries

Former industrial areas have turned into a hub for restaurants, breweries, and design shops.

Look for:

• Westside Provisions District – Mixed-use area with boutiques and dining.
  • Around Howell Mill Rd NW & 14th St NW
• Breweries and taprooms along Howell Mill Rd and nearby corridors.
• Easy access to Georgia Tech campus and Midtown by car, bike, or scooter.

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

Atlanta is sometimes called the “city in a forest.” There are parks, trails, and outdoor activities in nearly every direction.

Top Parks and Nature Spots in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)
A popular city zoo featuring giant pandas, gorillas, and children’s activities.

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

Atlanta BeltLine
The BeltLine is a long-term project converting old rail corridors into multi-use trails and parks circling the city.
Popular sections:

• Eastside Trail – Connects Midtown (near Piedmont Park) to Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Reynoldstown.
• Westside Trail – Connects southwest neighborhoods with art installations, breweries, and parks.

Tips:

• 🚲 Best for biking and walking: Early mornings or later evenings, especially in summer.
• 🌞 Bring water; parts of the path can be sunny and hot.

Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)
Not inside city limits but a common day trip for Atlantans.

• Activities: Hiking (popular walk-up trail to the summit), lake activities, seasonal events.
• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Arts, Museums, and Cultural Sites

Atlanta has a strong arts, film, and music scene.

Major Museums and Cultural Centers

• High Museum of Art (Midtown) – Modern and classical art, family days, and evenings.
• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) – Local history exhibits, historic houses, and gardens.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown) – Civil rights and human rights exhibits.
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (Freedom Park area)
  • Address: 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Druid Hills)
  • Dinosaurs, science exhibits, and an adjacent forest with outdoor trails.
  • Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Music, Theater, and Film

• Fox Theatre – Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, plus venue tours.
• Alliance Theatre (Midtown/Woodruff Arts Center) – Regional theater productions.
• Numerous smaller venues around East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and West Midtown host local bands and touring acts.

Atlanta is also a major film and TV production hub, so you may see film crews around town or join guided tours that highlight locations used in popular movies and shows.

Sports and Major Events

If you’re wondering what to do in Atlanta on game day, the city has NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and college sports all within reach.

Pro Sports in Atlanta

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Downtown)

  • Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Also hosts concerts, college football games, and large events.

• State Farm Arena (Downtown)

  • Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Truist Park & The Battery (Cumberland area, just outside city limits)

  • Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • The Battery Atlanta offers restaurants, a plaza, and entertainment even on non-game days.

College and Special Events

• Georgia Tech (Midtown) and Georgia State University (Downtown) host college sports, concerts, and lectures open to the public.
• Annual events like Dragon Con (multi-genre convention), the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and city marathons/half-marathons add to the calendar, especially on holiday weekends.

Food, Drink, and Nightlife

Atlanta’s food scene blends Southern staples, international cuisines, and modern restaurants.

Classic Atlanta Food Experiences

• Southern cooking: Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, biscuits, and peach-based desserts are common on local menus.
• Barbecue: You’ll find rib and brisket spots all around the metro area.
• Soul food: Several long-standing restaurants serve meat-and-three style plates.

Food Halls and Market-Style Dining

For multiple options in one place:

• Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) – Food hall, rooftop attractions, shops.
• Krog Street Market (Inman Park) – Food stalls and small restaurants near the BeltLine.

These are helpful if you have a group with different tastes or want to try several small bites in one outing.

Nightlife Areas

• Midtown – Popular for bars, dance clubs, and LGBTQ+ nightlife.
• Buckhead – Rooftop bars, lounges, and hotel bars.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward/Edgewood) – A stretch of bars and music venues.
• West Midtown – Trendy spots, breweries, and cocktail bars.

For late nights, always check local hours and transportation options in advance; ride shares and MARTA trains/buses serve most major areas but schedules can vary by time and day.

Family-Friendly Things To Do

If you’re in Atlanta with kids, there are many family-oriented attractions clustered within reasonable distances.

Good options include:

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
• World of Coca-Cola (Downtown)
• Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on exhibits for younger children.
  • Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Druid Hills)
• Piedmont Park – Playground areas and open space to run.

Many of these are accessible via MARTA plus a short walk or rideshare, which can help avoid downtown parking stress on busy days.

Shopping and Local Markets

Atlanta offers both large malls and smaller neighborhood shops.

Major Shopping Areas

• Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) – National brands and luxury retailers.
• Atlantic Station (West Midtown) – Outdoor shopping district with restaurants and a movie theater.
  • Address: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363

Local and Seasonal Markets

Look for:

• Atlanta Farmers Markets – Many neighborhoods host weekend markets featuring local produce, prepared foods, and crafts.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Downtown/Sweet Auburn) – Historic market with food stalls and vendors.
  • Address: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Checking neighborhood association or city calendars is helpful for finding pop-up markets and festivals tied to specific weekends.

Getting Around While You Explore

Knowing how to move around Atlanta makes it much easier to enjoy what there is to do.

Public Transit (MARTA)

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) runs:

• Rail lines connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.
• Bus routes that reach many neighborhoods not on the rail line.

Key stations near major attractions:

• Peachtree Center – Downtown, close to hotels and offices.
• GWCC/CNN Center – For Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Arts Center – For the High Museum, Symphony, Alliance Theatre, and parts of Midtown.
• Lenox & Buckhead – For Buckhead shopping and nearby restaurants.

Driving and Parking

Atlanta is still very car-centric:

• Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead have numerous parking decks and lots, often with variable event pricing.
• Many popular attractions offer their own parking but may charge separate fees.

Traffic can be heavy around rush hour and during major events, so allow extra time when heading downtown for games or concerts.

Ideas for Sample Itineraries

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Atlanta in a day or weekend, here are some simple combinations.

One Day Focused on Downtown

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch: Nearby restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park
• Afternoon: World of Coca-Cola or Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Evening: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park, or head to State Farm Arena/Mercedes-Benz Stadium if there’s a game or concert.

One Day on the BeltLine and Midtown

• Morning: Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Lunch: Ponce City Market food hall
• Afternoon: High Museum of Art and a stroll through Piedmont Park
• Evening: Dinner in Midtown and a show at the Fox Theatre (if available).

Family-Friendly Weekend

• Day 1:
  • Georgia Aquarium and Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  • Picnic or playtime at Centennial Olympic Park
• Day 2:
  • Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park
  • Easy BeltLine walk or playground time in Piedmont Park

Whether you’re interested in history, sports, food, nature, or the arts, there is always something to do in Atlanta, Georgia. By focusing on neighborhoods, using MARTA or the BeltLine when you can, and grouping nearby attractions, you can make the most of your time in the city.