Planning an “Atlanta Ten Day”: How to Make the Most of 10 Days in Atlanta, Georgia

Spending about ten days in Atlanta gives you enough time to experience the city’s neighborhoods, food, history, and nearby getaways without rushing. Whether you live in metro Atlanta and want a “staycation” plan, or you’re visiting and trying to build a 10‑day Atlanta itinerary, this guide walks through realistic options tailored to how the city actually works.

Below, you’ll find:

• A sample 10‑day itinerary in Atlanta
• Ideas for locals vs. visitors
• Weather and packing tips based on Atlanta’s seasons
• How to use MARTA, rideshare, and driving over a ten‑day stay
• Suggestions for day trips and overnights outside the city

What Does “Ten Days in Atlanta” Really Feel Like?

Ten days in Atlanta is long enough to:

• Explore Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, and the Eastside
• Visit major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola without cramming them all into one day
• Mix in local neighborhoods such as Inman Park, Grant Park, and the Old Fourth Ward
• Take at least one day trip (or quick overnight) to places like Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, or Athens
• Build in rest days where you enjoy parks, local restaurants, and smaller museums instead of rushing from sight to sight

For locals, a ten‑day stretch is a great excuse to finally do the “tourist” things while still having normal life (work, kids, errands) in the mix. For visitors, it’s enough time to feel like you’ve actually lived in the city for a little while, not just checked off the big attractions.

Sample 10‑Day Atlanta Itinerary (Visitor-Friendly)

Use this as a starting point. You can swap days, combine stops, or stretch/rest more depending on your pace.

Day 1: Arrive and Get Oriented (Downtown / Centennial Park)

• Check in to your hotel, rental, or friend’s place
• Walk around Centennial Olympic Park to get a feel for Downtown
• If you have energy, visit SkyView Atlanta (the big Ferris wheel) for an overview of the skyline
• Grab dinner nearby in Downtown or head to Castleberry Hill for a more local feel

Tip: If you’re staying for ten days, it can be worth buying a Breeze Card for MARTA at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport on arrival.

Day 2: Big Attractions – Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca‑Cola

Base yourself around Centennial Olympic Park:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of Atlanta’s most popular attractions
• World of Coca‑Cola – Across the park, interactive exhibits on the Coca‑Cola brand
• Walk through Centennial Olympic Park between stops
• If you’re into sports, swing by State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for photos or a tour if available

Evening options:

• Dinner in Downtown or take MARTA or rideshare to Midtown for more restaurant choices

Day 3: Midtown Arts & Culture

Focus on Midtown, one of Atlanta’s most walkable and transit‑friendly areas:

• High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE)
• Woodruff Arts Center campus
• Stroll along Peachtree Street in Midtown
• Explore Piedmont Park, a central gathering spot for locals

If the timing works, visit:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (connected to Piedmont Park), especially nice in spring and during seasonal light displays

Evening:

• Dinner in Midtown or nearby Virginia‑Highland for a neighborhood restaurant feel

Day 4: Civil Rights History & Downtown Depth

Explore Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and Black history:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center grounds and exhibits

Walk, rideshare, or take the Atlanta Streetcar between Downtown and the MLK Jr. sites.

If you have time and interest:

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights near Centennial Olympic Park

This day gives a deeper understanding of Atlanta beyond the attractions.

Day 5: BeltLine & Neighborhoods (Eastside Focus)

Spend the day along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, which connects several intown neighborhoods:

• Start near Krog Street Market (for food stalls and snacks)
• Walk or bike the BeltLine through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and toward Ponce City Market
• Explore Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) – shops, food hall, rooftop attractions

You’ll find:

• Street art
• Local coffee shops
• Parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park

This is one of the best ways to see how locals use the city’s public spaces.

Day 6: Zoo, Grant Park, and East Atlanta

Shift slightly south and east:

• Visit Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park (800 Cherokee Ave SE)
• Walk through Grant Park’s historic homes and tree‑lined streets
• If you’re curious about nightlife and local bars, explore East Atlanta Village in the evening

This day mixes a family‑friendly attraction with real neighborhoods.

Day 7: Buckhead, Shopping, and Green Space

Take time in Buckhead, Atlanta’s upscale business and shopping district:

• Visit Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza for shopping and people‑watching
• Stroll around Chastain Park or Atlanta History Center (which includes Swan House and extensive grounds)

Evening options:

• Dinner in Buckhead
• Or return to Midtown/Eastside for a more laid‑back scene

Day 8: Day Trip – Stone Mountain or Nature Escape

Plan a day trip:

Option 1: Stone Mountain Park

• About 20–30 minutes east of the city by car
• Walking trails, a large granite mountain, and park attractions
• Ideal for families or people who want views and light hiking

Option 2: Nature / Lake Day

• Lake Lanier (northeast of Atlanta) for boating, paddling, or lakeside dining
• Or explore Sweetwater Creek State Park (west of Atlanta) with trails and creek views

Plan for a full day out, returning to Atlanta in the evening.

Day 9: Westside, Food, and Breweries

Explore West Midtown / Westside:

• Check out industrial‑style developments with restaurants and shops, such as the Westside Provisions District
• Try local breweries and food halls in the area (Westside is known for both)
• Visit smaller museums or galleries if open during your trip

This area gives a different feel from Downtown and Midtown—more design‑driven and converted warehouse spaces.

Day 10: Flex / Catch‑Up Day

Use the last day to:

• Return to a place you loved (BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Buckhead)
• Shop for souvenirs or local goods at places like Ponce City Market or neighborhood boutiques
• Relax at a café, get photos around town, or see anything you missed

If you’re flying out late, plan to be at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport at least 2 hours early for domestic flights, more for international.

Ten Days in Atlanta for Locals (Staycation Ideas)

If you live in Atlanta and have ten days off (or are mixing days off with work), you can approach things differently.

Break It Into Themes

Instead of packing multiple big attractions into one day:

• One “tourist” attraction per day (e.g., Georgia Aquarium on Monday, Zoo Atlanta on Wednesday)
• One neighborhood exploration per day (BeltLine Eastside, Westside, College Park, Decatur)
• Two or three days for pure relaxation in favorite local parks or at home

Try Neighborhoods You Rarely Visit

Many locals rarely get beyond their regular commute. Over ten days, intentionally hit:

• Eastside: Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey‑Highland
• Westside: West Midtown, Blandtown, Howell Mill corridor
• Southside: College Park, East Point, Hapeville (especially if you love murals and aviation history)
• Decatur (just east of Atlanta, technically its own city) for walkable streets and restaurants

Transportation for a Ten‑Day Stay in Atlanta

Over ten days, how you get around has a big impact on cost and stress.

MARTA (Trains & Buses)

MARTA covers the airport, parts of Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some surrounding areas.

• You can buy a Breeze Card at stations, including the airport
• Train lines connect key spots like Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, Five Points, Midtown, Arts Center, Lindbergh Center, and Buckhead stations

For a ten‑day visit, many people:

• Use MARTA heavily for airport transfers and Midtown/Downtown travel
• Combine MARTA with rideshare for neighborhoods not directly on the line

Driving and Parking

Driving in Atlanta gives flexibility, especially for:

• Stone Mountain
• Lake Lanier
• Suburban shopping areas or parks

Be prepared for:

• Traffic during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.)
• Paid parking in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near major attractions

If you’re renting a car for part of your stay, some visitors:

• Skip the car for the first few days in Midtown/Downtown
• Then rent a car for a 3–4 day stretch focused on day trips and outer neighborhoods

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare companies are widely used in Atlanta and can be very practical if you:

• Don’t want to deal with parking
• Plan to have drinks at breweries or bars
• Are staying near the BeltLine, where parking can be tight

Seasonal Tips: Ten Days in Atlanta by Time of Year

Atlanta’s weather shapes what you’ll realistically enjoy over ten days.

Spring (March–May)

• Often considered one of the best times to visit
• Pleasant temperatures, blooming trees, and flowers
• Great for Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, BeltLine walks, and outdoor dining

Pack:

• Light layers, a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes

Summer (June–August)

• Hot and humid, especially in July and August
• Afternoons can be intense, so plan indoor attractions mid‑day

Over ten days in summer, balance:

• Mornings/evenings outdoors (parks, BeltLine, Stone Mountain hikes)
• Mid‑day indoors (museums, Aquarium, shopping centers)

Pack:

• Breathable clothing, sunscreen, hat, refillable water bottle

Fall (September–November)

• Another popular time: generally warm early, mild later, with some fall color
• Good for festivals, outdoor events, and city walks

Ten days in fall can comfortably include:

• One or two hiking or state park days
• Multiple BeltLine days without extreme heat

Winter (December–February)

• Usually mild compared to northern cities, but can be chilly and wet
• Rare winter weather events can disrupt driving for a day or two

Over ten days in winter:

• Focus more on indoor attractions, museums, and dining
• Still enjoy walks in Piedmont Park and on the BeltLine on milder days

Pack:

• Layers, including a warm jacket and waterproof shoes if rain is expected

Budgeting and Planning Over Ten Days

A ten‑day Atlanta stay can be adjusted to a wide range of budgets.

Lodging Locations to Consider

• Downtown: Close to major attractions; convenient if you don’t want to drive
• Midtown: Good for MARTA access, arts venues, and walkability
• Buckhead: More upscale, with shopping and business hotels
• Eastside neighborhoods: Often rentals and boutique stays closer to the BeltLine and local restaurants

Ways to Stretch Your Budget

• Mix free or low‑cost days (parks, self‑guided walking, BeltLine) with ticketed attractions
• Buy combo tickets or city passes if you know you’ll hit several big attractions
• Use MARTA for airport transfers and major moves across town, and rideshare only when needed

Quick 10‑Day Atlanta Planning Snapshot

Practical Contacts and Wayfinding

For orientation and official info while you’re in Atlanta:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

  • Peachtree Center area, Downtown Atlanta
  • Offers visitor information, maps, and event details

• MARTA Customer Information

  • Main number: 404‑848‑5000
  • Breeze Card vending machines and info at airport and main stations

• City of Atlanta Government (for parks, events, and local services)

  • Atlanta City Hall area in Downtown
  • Parks information available through the Department of Parks and Recreation

These resources help you fine‑tune your ten‑day plan once you’re on the ground.

Spending ten days in Atlanta lets you go beyond the “quick trip” mindset. By mixing major attractions with neighborhoods, outdoor spaces, and at least one day trip, you’ll leave with a much clearer sense of how the city fits together and how locals actually live here.