The Best Things To Do in Atlanta: Local Activities for Every Kind of Day

Atlanta packs a lot into its neighborhoods, parks, museums, and food scene. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or are just trying to understand what Atlanta has to offer, there’s no shortage of activities in Atlanta for all ages, budgets, and interests.

Below is a practical guide organized by type of activity so you can quickly find ideas that fit your time, mood, and location.

Top Classic Atlanta Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

These are the signature Atlanta experiences many locals suggest to visitors—and that residents often revisit.

World of Coca‑Cola (Downtown)

A museum-style experience focused on the history and culture around one of the world’s most recognizable brands.

• What to expect: Exhibits, memorabilia, tasting room with flavors from around the world.
• Good for: Families, groups, indoor days, quick downtown outing.
• Nearby: Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, SkyView Atlanta ferris wheel.

Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)

One of the largest aquariums in the world and a major Atlanta attraction.

• What to expect: Dramatic viewing windows, aquatic shows, and large marine habitats.
• Good for: Families, animal lovers, bad-weather days.
• Tip: It can get busy—weekdays or early morning visits are typically calmer.

Atlanta BeltLine (Multiple Neighborhoods)

An urban trail and redevelopment project connecting intown neighborhoods with paths, parks, public art, and food stops.

• Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and into Midtown.
• What to do: Walk, jog, bike, or scooter; hop off for food halls, breweries, murals, and playgrounds.
• Good for: Locals and visitors looking for a mix of exercise, people‑watching, and quick bites.

Outdoor Activities and Parks in Atlanta

Even as a major metro area, Atlanta is known for its tree cover and green spaces. These options suit anything from a casual walk to a full outdoor day.

Piedmont Park (Midtown)

Often called “Atlanta’s Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a central hub for outdoor activities.

Popular activities:

• Walking and jogging trails
• Picnics with skyline views
• Dog parks
• Seasonal events and festivals
• Access to the nearby Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown)

Connected to Piedmont Park, this is one of the city’s most scenic spaces.

• What to expect: Themed gardens, canopy walks, seasonal light shows, and plant exhibits.
• Good for: Date nights, family visits, photography, quieter afternoons.

Chattahoochee River Recreation (North and Northwest Metro)

Along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, you’ll find multiple entry points near Atlanta.

Common activities include:

• Tubing and kayaking (in season)
• Fishing
• Riverside hikes and picnics

Check local access points like Palisades and Cochran Shoals for trails and river access.

Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)

A large park centered around Stone Mountain, a granite dome east of the city.

• Activities: Hikes, scenic views, lake activities, and seasonal attractions.
• Tip: Many visitors do the popular hike up the mountain for sunrise or sunset views—plan for changing weather and crowds at peak times.

Arts, Culture, and History in Atlanta

Atlanta has a deep civil rights history and a growing arts scene. These activities help you get to know the city beyond the skyline.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

A museum focused on the American civil rights movement and global human rights issues.

• What to expect: Powerful exhibits, multimedia presentations, and historic documents.
• Good for: Visitors trying to understand Atlanta’s role in civil rights; students; anyone interested in history and social issues.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Old Fourth Ward)

A collection of sites related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Key areas: His childhood home (tours often require planning), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center.
• Good for: Self-guided walking visits and learning about Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.

High Museum of Art (Midtown)

A major art museum in the Midtown Arts District.

• What to expect: Permanent collections, rotating exhibits, family programs, and evening events.
• Good for: Art lovers, date nights, solo afternoons.

Local Theaters and Performance Venues

Atlanta has several well-known performance spaces:

• Fox Theatre (Midtown): Historic venue for Broadway-style shows, concerts, and special events.
• Alliance Theatre (Midtown): Regional theater known for professional productions and new works.
• Atlanta Symphony Hall (Midtown): Home to Atlanta’s symphony orchestra.

Check individual box offices for current shows, but if you’re planning an evening out, these are core Atlanta venues.

Family-Friendly Activities in Atlanta

If you’re planning a day out with kids, these spots are consistently popular with local families and visitors.

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features animals from around the world.

• What to expect: Animal exhibits, educational programs, kid-friendly play areas.
• Good for: All-ages outings, especially on mild-weather days.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)

Hands-on exhibits geared for younger children.

• Activities: Interactive play zones, rotating exhibits, educational programs.
• Best for: Toddlers and elementary-aged children, especially on rainy or hot days.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Druid Hills)

A mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.

• Inside: Dinosaur exhibits, cultural displays, and rotating science exhibits.
• Outside: Fernbank Forest and WildWoods elevated walkways and nature trails.
• Good for: Families looking for a blend of museum time and outdoor exploring.

Neighborhood Exploring: Walkable Areas and Local Flavor

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own character. Exploring them is an activity in itself.

Midtown

Midtown is a dense, walkable area known for:

• Art and culture (High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre)
• Events at Piedmont Park
• Restaurants, cafes, and nightlife
• Direct access to the Midtown MARTA Station, making it a practical hub for visitors

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

A favorite for BeltLine access, historic homes, and local restaurants.

• Activities: BeltLine strolling, mural spotting, parks, neighborhood festivals.
• Good for: Weekend afternoons, casual dates, and trying local restaurants.

Little Five Points

Known for its eclectic, artsy vibe.

• Activities: Vintage and record shops, street art, small music venues, unique boutiques.
• Good for: People who enjoy alternative culture, browsing shops, and casual food spots.

Buckhead

A major commercial and residential district in north Atlanta.

• Activities: Shopping centers, upscale dining, rooftop bars, and some nightlife spots.
• Good for: Visitors wanting a more polished or luxury-focused experience; work trips based in north Atlanta.

Sports and Live Events

If you’re into sports or big events, Atlanta has multiple major teams and venues.

Professional Sports

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Downtown):
  • Home to Atlanta’s professional football and soccer teams.
  • Also hosts concerts and large events.
• State Farm Arena (Downtown):
  • Home to the professional basketball team.
  • Venue for concerts and touring shows.
• Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta (Cumberland area):
  • Home stadium for Atlanta’s professional baseball team.
  • Surrounding area (“The Battery”) has restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment.

Even if you don’t attend a game, The Battery Atlanta is often active with events, outdoor screens, and casual attractions.

College Sports and Campus Visits

Major area campuses include:

• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Emory University (Druid Hills)

Campus walks, college sports events, and public lectures can all be part of an Atlanta-based day out.

Food, Markets, and Nightlife

Atlanta’s food scene ranges from neighborhood staples to high-end dining, with plenty of casual options in between.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are practical for mixed groups and anyone wanting to try several local vendors in one place.

Common features:

• Multiple counters or stalls with different cuisines
• Shared seating areas
• Often located near BeltLine segments or walkable neighborhoods

These spots are popular for lunch, casual dinners, and quick snacks while exploring.

Farmers Markets

In and around Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Weekly neighborhood farmers markets (often seasonal)
• Larger, established markets that operate regularly

They’re good for:

• Fresh produce and baked goods
• Prepared foods and coffee
• Meeting local vendors and small businesses

Check neighborhood listings for markets in areas like Grant Park, East Atlanta, Decatur, and West Midtown.

Nightlife and Live Music

For nightlife and live music, Atlantans often look to:

• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward/Downtown edge): Bars and late-night spots.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV): Smaller venues, local bands, bars, and neighborhood hangouts.
• Midtown: Lounges, clubs, and hotel bars.
• Buckhead: Higher-end bars and late-night venues.

Music fans can look for shows at local venues across the city, including small clubs and neighborhood theaters.

Budget-Friendly and Free Activities in Atlanta

You don’t need a large budget to stay busy in Atlanta.

Common Free or Low-Cost Options

• Walk the Atlanta BeltLine: Explore public art, green spaces, and neighborhood access.
• Parks and green spaces: Piedmont Park, Grant Park, local neighborhood parks.
• Self-guided civil rights and history walks: Around Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown.
• Window-shopping and exploring districts: Midtown, Little Five Points, Inman Park, Decatur Square.
• Outdoor events and festivals: Many parks and neighborhoods host free or low-cost fairs, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year.

Quick Planning Guide: Matching Activities to Your Time and Interests

Practical Tips for Getting Around to Activities in Atlanta

• MARTA Rail and Bus: Useful for reaching Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport.
• Walking: Works best in dense areas like Midtown, parts of Downtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and around the BeltLine.
• Rideshare/Taxi: Often used for hopping between neighborhoods that aren’t well-connected on foot.
• Traffic Considerations: Rush-hour and event-related traffic can be heavy; build in extra time if you’re going to a game, concert, or major attraction.

With a mix of outdoor options, cultural experiences, family activities, and neighborhood exploring, activities in Atlanta can easily fill anything from a short visit to an entire season of weekends. Use the sections above to narrow down what fits your schedule, interests, and part of town, and build your own local-friendly Atlanta itinerary.