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

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city energy, Southern history, and green spaces that can fill a weekend or keep locals busy year-round. Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting for the first time, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta, Georgia that suit different ages, budgets, and interests.

Below is a practical guide organized by theme so you can quickly find what fits your plans.

Top Landmark Things To Do in Atlanta

1. Explore Downtown’s Major Attractions

Downtown Atlanta packs several of the city’s best-known sights into a walkable area.

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks and massive viewing windows. Good for:

  • Families with kids
  • Rainy or hot days
  • Half-to-full-day visits

• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum dedicated to the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, with memorabilia, tasting areas, and interactive exhibits.

• Centennial Olympic Park – Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this park is ideal for:

  • Walking between attractions
  • Letting kids play in open lawns
  • Photo ops at the Olympic rings and Fountain of Rings

• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits, a 45-yard indoor field, and plenty of memorabilia. Especially appealing if you follow SEC or ACC football.

Most of these attractions are within a short walk of each other near Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW. Planning 1–2 full days just in this area is common for visitors.

2. Visit the Atlanta BeltLine and Ponce City Market

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the most popular things to do in the city.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

  • Paved multi-use path for walking, jogging, and biking
  • Lined with public art, murals, and access to parks
  • Connects several neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown

• Ponce City Market

  • Located at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Former Sears building converted into a food hall, shops, and offices
  • Rooftop amusement area (Skyline-style mini golf, games, and skyline views)

This area is ideal if you want to combine food, shopping, and outdoor activity in one outing.

3. Tour the World of Civil Rights and History

Atlanta plays a central role in American civil rights history, and several key sites are clustered in the Sweet Auburn and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Includes:

  • MLK Jr.’s childhood home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Visitor center with exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement
  • The King Center and reflecting pool

• General entry to most sites is typically free, making it a strong option for budget-conscious visitors.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Located near the Georgia Aquarium at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focuses on:
  • U.S. Civil Rights Movement
  • Global human rights struggles
• Known for interactive and immersive exhibits that are powerful but accessible to older children, teens, and adults.

These places are essential if you want to understand Atlanta’s role in history and its impact on the modern city.

Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

4. Enjoy Piedmont Park and Midtown Green Spaces

For locals and visitors alike, Piedmont Park is one of the city’s most used outdoor spaces.

• Located in Midtown, roughly bounded by 10th St NE and Monroe Dr NE
• Popular for:
  • Jogging and walking loops
  • Dog parks
  • Soccer and softball fields
  • Relaxing on the meadow with skyline views

Right next door is the Atlanta Botanical Garden (see below), making it easy to combine the two in one trip.

5. Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Located at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Features:
  • Seasonal flower displays
  • Canopy walk through the treetops
  • Children’s garden
  • Special light displays during certain holidays

This is a good option for a calmer, more structured outdoor experience than a typical public park, and can be paired with brunch or dinner in Midtown.

6. Hike and Get Near the Water

You don’t have to leave the metro area to find trails and river access.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Atlanta-area units):

• Several units along the Chattahoochee River, with popular spots near Powers Island, Cochran Shoals, and Island Ford
• Activities:
  • Walking and hiking on marked trails
  • Tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding (seasonal; often via outfitters)
  • Picnicking by the river

Stone Mountain Park (east of the city in Stone Mountain, GA):

• Known for:
  • Walk-up trail to the summit with city views on clear days
  • Lakes, playgrounds, and picnic areas
• Entrance and specific attractions typically have separate fees, so it’s best to check what’s operating if you’re planning a full day.

If you’re in Atlanta during warmer weather, these outdoor spots can be a welcome change from downtown crowds.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Atlanta

7. Immerse Yourself in Atlanta’s Arts Scene

High Museum of Art

• Located in Midtown at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Known for:
  • Rotating major exhibitions
  • Extensive permanent collection
  • Family-focused programs and themed days

Woodruff Arts Center complex around the High also includes performance venues, making it easy to tie visual art with live music or theater.

8. Experience Black Culture and History

Atlanta is a major center for Black culture, business, and arts.

Some important cultural spots and neighborhoods:

• Auburn Avenue / Sweet Auburn

  • Historically known as a center of Black business and culture
  • Includes civil rights sites, eateries, and murals

• Atlanta University Center (AUC)

  • Cluster of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs): Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University
  • The campus area gives a sense of Atlanta’s academic and cultural history

• West End

  • Older neighborhood with a mix of historic homes, cultural centers, and locally owned businesses
  • Gateway to the Westside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine

Walking or driving through these areas offers insight into how Atlanta’s Black history shapes the modern city.

9. Dive into Science and Family-Friendly Museums

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Located at 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights:
  • Dinosaur exhibits
  • Giant screen theater
  • Outdoor forest and nature trails (Fernbank Forest and WildWoods)

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Near Centennial Olympic Park at 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best suited for younger children, with hands-on exhibits and play zones

These are good rainy-day options and can easily be slotted into a half-day itinerary with other downtown or Druid Hills activities.

Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

10. Stroll Through Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points

These in-town neighborhoods give a more local, everyday Atlanta feel.

• Inman Park

  • Tree-lined streets with restored Victorian homes
  • Direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Cafés and restaurants scattered along Highland Ave and surrounding streets

• Virginia-Highland (Va-Hi)

  • Intersection of Virginia Ave NE and N Highland Ave NE
  • Known for small shops, bars, and restaurants
  • Walkable and lively in the evenings and on weekends

• Little Five Points

  • Centered around the junction of Moreland Ave NE and Euclid Ave NE
  • Alternative and artsy vibe
  • Thrift shops, music stores, street art, and casual food

These areas are great for people-watching, casual dining, and exploring local businesses.

11. See Historic and Upscale Residential Areas

If you like architecture and city design, consider driving or walking in:

• Grant Park

  • One of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, with Victorian homes and tree-lined streets
  • Home to Zoo Atlanta and Historic Oakland Cemetery

• Buckhead

  • Mix of high-rise condos, single-family homes, and major shopping districts
  • Gives a sense of Atlanta’s upscale business and residential side

• Ansley Park

  • Early 20th-century garden suburb near Midtown
  • Curving streets and large homes, often explored by residents out for a walk or jog

These neighborhoods show how different parts of Atlanta have grown over time.

Sports and Entertainment in Atlanta

12. Catch a Game or Show

If you’re in Atlanta during sports seasons or touring shows, consider these venues:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • Located at 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home to professional football and soccer
  • Also hosts concerts and large events

• State Farm Arena

  • At 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hosts professional basketball and major concerts

• Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

  • In nearby Cobb County (northwest of downtown)
  • Professional baseball stadium with surrounding dining and retail complex known as The Battery

Line up your visit with a game or concert if live events are a priority.

13. Enjoy Live Music and Theater

Atlanta regularly hosts:

• Touring Broadway shows in major performing arts venues
• Local theater companies with smaller productions
• Live music ranging from jazz and blues to hip-hop and rock in mid-sized venues and clubs

For a night out, you can often combine dinner in Midtown, Downtown, or Old Fourth Ward with a show or concert.

Food and Drink: Eating Your Way Through Atlanta

14. Try Classic and Modern Southern Food

Atlanta’s restaurant scene blends traditional Southern cooking with newer, more experimental spots.

Common experiences people seek out:

• Fried chicken, biscuits, and sides in casual or mid-range restaurants
• Barbecue with different regional styles
• Shrimp and grits, collard greens, mac and cheese, and other Southern staples

Neighborhoods with dense clusters of dining options include:

• Midtown
• Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward (especially along the BeltLine)
• West Midtown
• Buckhead

15. Explore International Food

Atlanta’s metro area is known for its diverse immigrant communities, especially along corridors like Buford Highway (northeast of the city).

On a typical food-focused day, people might:

• Head to Buford Highway for a mix of Latin American and Asian cuisines
• Return in-town for dessert or drinks along the BeltLine or in Midtown
• Visit a food hall (such as at Ponce City Market or other in-town developments) to sample several vendors at once

This mix makes it easy to plan food-centered tours of the city.

Budget-Friendly and Free Things To Do in Atlanta

Not every activity needs a ticket. Many of the best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia can be enjoyed with minimal spending.

Here is a quick overview:

For paid attractions, some visitors look for bundled passes or weekday pricing to control costs.

Seasonal and Event-Based Things To Do in Atlanta

16. Festivals and Annual Events

Atlanta hosts many seasonal festivals and events throughout the year. While specific dates and lineups change, common types include:

• Art festivals in neighborhoods like Inman Park and Virginia-Highland
• Food and drink festivals, including neighborhood-specific events
• Music festivals of various genres
• Holiday light displays at spots such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden or other large venues

If you’re planning a visit, checking the city’s event calendars for the month you’ll be in town can help you catch something special.

17. Seasonal Sports and Outdoor Fun

Seasonal options often include:

• Spring and fall outdoor markets in parks and along the BeltLine
• Summer outdoor concerts in parks or amphitheaters
• College football Saturdays in the fall, especially with multiple local and regional teams playing

Local Atlantan routines often revolve around these seasonal patterns, especially when the weather is mild.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

To make the most of your time in Atlanta:

• Plan by neighborhood: Many attractions cluster in specific areas (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, etc.). Grouping sites helps reduce travel time.
• Consider traffic and transit:
  • Peak driving times can be heavy on major interstates (I‑75/85, I‑285, GA‑400).
  • MARTA rail and bus service can be helpful for reaching Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport without driving.
• Check hours and reservations:
  • Popular attractions, major museums, and some restaurants may require or strongly recommend timed tickets or reservations, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Prepare for weather:
  • Summers can be hot and humid; plan indoor or water-adjacent activities for the hottest hours.
  • Winters are usually mild but can be rainy; having indoor museums as backup plans is useful.

If you’re looking for things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll find options ranging from major attractions and historic sites to neighborhood walks, food adventures, and outdoor escapes. Decide what matters most—history, food, sports, art, or just exploring—and build your days around the neighborhoods and venues that fit your interests.