What To Do in Atlanta This Weekend: A Local’s Guide to the City

Looking for what to do in Atlanta this weekend? Whether you live here, are in town for a couple of days, or are planning a future visit, Atlanta makes it easy to fill a weekend with food, culture, parks, sports, and neighborhoods that all feel different from each other.

Use this guide to build a weekend that fits your style—indoors or outdoors, family-friendly or nightlife-focused, budget or splurge—all tailored to Atlanta.

Quick-Glance Weekend Ideas in Atlanta

Hit the Big Downtown Attractions

If it’s your first time in Atlanta—or you just haven’t played tourist in your own city—Downtown is the most efficient place to spend a day.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature experiences, popular for its whale sharks, huge viewing windows, and interactive exhibits.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Families, couples, solo travelers
• Tip: Weekends can get crowded; going early in the morning usually means shorter lines.

World of Coca-Cola

Next door, the World of Coca-Cola walks through the brand’s history, marketing, and global reach with plenty of tasting opportunities.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Visitors, brand/history enthusiasts
• Tip: Many visitors pair it with the aquarium in a single day.

Centennial Olympic Park & SkyView Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park is a central green space with fountains, walking paths, and city views.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Do nearby:
  • Ride SkyView Atlanta, the large Ferris wheel across the street (great skyline photos).
  • Walk toward State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium if there’s a game or show.

Walk, Bike, and Eat Along the Atlanta BeltLine

One of the most popular ways to spend a weekend in Atlanta is on the Atlanta BeltLine, a growing network of multi-use trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, and food halls.

Eastside Trail Highlights

The Eastside Trail is the busiest stretch and great for a first visit.

Key stops:

• Ponce City Market
  • Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • What to do:
    • Explore the central food hall for local and regional food.
    • Shop small boutiques and national brands.
    • Head to the rooftop entertainment area (tickets usually required) for games and views.
• Krog Street Market
  • Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • What to do:
    • Try multiple vendors in a single visit—great for groups with different tastes.
    • Walk to nearby Krog Street Tunnel for constantly changing street art.

Tips for the BeltLine on weekends:

• 🚶‍♀️ It gets busy—walk on the right, pass on the left, and keep dogs close.
• 🚲 Bike rentals and scooters are commonly available near trail entrances.
• 🍺 Patio spots near the trail fill up; going earlier in the day can mean shorter waits.

Soak Up Green Space: Parks and Views

Atlanta is known as a “city in a forest,” and weekends are perfect for getting outside.

Piedmont Park & Midtown

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s classic intown park and a go-to weekend hangout.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• What to do:
  • Walk or run around the lake and open fields.
  • Picnic with a skyline view.
  • Visit the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden
    • Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
    • Known for seasonal exhibits and a canopy walk through the trees.

Westside Park & The Quarry View

Westside Park is one of Atlanta’s newer large parks.

• Location: 1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Why go:
  • Overlooks a massive former quarry turned reservoir.
  • More low-key than Piedmont Park, with walking trails and city views.

Iconic View: Jackson Street Bridge

For a classic skyline photo, the Jackson Street Bridge is a popular spot, especially around sunset.

• Location: Near Jackson St NE & Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Tip: There’s no large parking lot; many people park on nearby streets and walk up.

Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhoods

Each intown neighborhood has its own feel. A great weekend plan is to pick a couple and spend a few hours in each.

Midtown: Arts, Dining, and Nightlife

Midtown mixes arts institutions, restaurants, and bars with easy walkability.

• What to do:
  • Visit the High Museum of Art
    • Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Walk around the Midtown Mile on Peachtree Street for dining and people-watching.
  • End the night at a rooftop bar or lounge if you’re in a nightlife mood.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These neighborhoods blend historic homes, BeltLine access, and a big local food scene.

• Inman Park:
  • Tree-lined streets and Victorian homes.
  • Restaurants clustered near Euclid Ave NE and Elizabeth St NE.
• Old Fourth Ward:
  • Home to parts of the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
  • Close to Ponce City Market and Historic Fourth Ward Park, a great spot to sit and relax.

Virginia-Highland & Morningside

Virginia-Highland (VaHi) is a favorite for its walkable streets, independent shops, and casual restaurants.

• Centered around: North Highland Ave NE & Virginia Ave NE
• Weekend idea:
  • Grab brunch along North Highland.
  • Walk south toward Poncey-Highland or north toward Morningside for quieter, residential streets.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village

For an edgier, artsy vibe:

• Little Five Points (L5P)
  • Center: Around Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE
  • Known for record stores, vintage clothing, independent shops, and murals.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV)
  • Center: Around Flat Shoals Ave SE & Glenwood Ave SE
  • Popular for bars, live music, and late-night food.

Dive Into Atlanta’s History and Culture

Atlanta’s past and present are deeply tied to the civil rights movement, Southern history, and the arts.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This site in Sweet Auburn is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Atlanta.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Includes:
  • Visitor center exhibits
  • Dr. King’s birth home (tours are often timed and limited)
  • The King Center and reflecting pool
  • Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Tip: Weekends can be busy; going earlier in the day usually helps.

Atlanta History Center

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center covers local and regional history on a large campus.

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Highlights:
  • Indoor museum exhibits
  • Historic Swan House
  • Gardens and trails

The Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is an Atlanta landmark and a popular weekend destination if there’s a show, concert, or tour.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Tip: If you’re not seeing a performance, look into daytime tours, which often run on selected days.

Sports and Live Events

If you’re wondering what to do this weekend in Atlanta, there’s a good chance a game or major event is happening.

Pro Sports

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home to football and soccer, plus big concerts and events.
• State Farm Arena
  • Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Hosts basketball, concerts, and special events.

College Sports

Atlanta-area colleges often have games and campus events, especially in fall and spring:

• Georgia Tech (Midtown) – football, basketball, baseball
• Georgia State University (Downtown) – multiple sports

Checking schedules before the weekend can help you plan around traffic and choose events to attend.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend

If you have kids with you, Atlanta has plenty of weekend activities that work for different age groups.

Zoo Atlanta

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
• Highlights:
  • Animal exhibits including popular species like giant pandas (if present) and gorillas
  • Kid-friendly play areas and programs

Fernbank Museum & Fernbank Forest

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• What to expect:
  • Dinosaur displays
  • Science and natural history exhibits
  • Access to Fernbank Forest and outdoor nature areas

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best suited for:
  • Younger children who enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits

College Football Hall of Fame

• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for:
  • Families and sports fans who enjoy interactive exhibits and football history

Eat Your Way Around Atlanta

Weekends are perfect for exploring Atlanta’s food scene, from Southern comfort to international flavors.

Buford Highway: Global Food Corridor

Buford Highway (stretching through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville) is one of the region’s best-known corridors for international food.

• Easy landmark: Buford Hwy NE & Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329
• What you’ll find:
  • Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Central and South American, and more
  • Large markets like Buford Highway Farmers Market
• Tip: Plan extra time; traffic can be heavy and you may want to try multiple spots.

Intown Food Halls and Markets

• Ponce City Market – Trendy and popular, wide range of options.
• Krog Street Market – Cozier, great for sampling and sharing.
• Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market)
  • Location: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Mix of produce stands, butchers, and prepared food vendors.

Classic Southern and Soul Food

Across the city, you’ll find:

• Fried chicken, biscuits, and sides
• Barbecue with regional sauces and slow-smoked meats
• Soul food staples like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread

A weekend strategy that works well: one casual meal on Buford Highway, one food hall visit, and one sit-down Southern or soul food meal.

Nightlife and Live Music

If your weekend plans include staying out late, Atlanta’s nightlife covers bars, lounges, clubs, and live music venues.

Where to Go Out

• Midtown – Rooftop spots, lounges, and more polished nightlife options.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Bars and music venues with a more laid-back, eclectic feel.
• Buckhead – Mix of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, especially along Peachtree Rd and Roswell Rd.

Live Music Neighborhoods

• Little Five Points – Smaller venues and bars with bands and local acts.
• East Atlanta Village – Regular live music and late-night crowd.
• West Midtown – Larger venues and performance spaces.

Planning tip: Parking can be limited and rideshare prices may surge late at night, so factor that into your timing and budget.

Easy Day Trips and Nearby Nature

If you want to get out of the city for part of the weekend, there are several options within easy driving distance.

Stone Mountain Park

• Location: Approx. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• About 30–40 minutes from many intown areas (depending on traffic).
• What to do:
  • Hike to the top of Stone Mountain for skyline views.
  • Walk around the base trails.
• Tip: Check current park operations and any event schedules before you go.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Multiple access points along the Chattahoochee River north of the city (Sandy Springs, Roswell, and beyond).

• Popular areas:
  • Powers Island, near 5450 Interstate North Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  • Cochran Shoals and other marked units
• What to do:
  • Walk riverside trails
  • Kayak or tube (seasonal, weather-dependent)
• Tip: Parking lots can fill on pleasant weekend days, so going early helps.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta This Weekend

To make the most of your weekend in Atlanta:

• 🚗 Plan for traffic and parking.
  • Major event days around downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead can get congested.
  • Many attractions use parking decks or paid lots; some neighborhoods rely on street parking.
• 🚊 Use MARTA when it makes sense.
  • MARTA Rail serves the airport, downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some event venues.
  • Main hub stations include Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Arts Center.
• 🌡️ Consider the weather.
  • Summers can be hot and humid; plan indoor midday breaks.
  • Spring and fall weekends are popular for outdoor festivals and park days.
• 📅 Check event calendars.
  • Atlanta often has neighborhood festivals, markets, and pop-up events on weekends.
• ⏰ Reserve when needed.
  • For popular brunch spots, special dinners, and limited-entry attractions, reservations or timed tickets can save time.

Use these ideas as building blocks: combine a big attraction with a neighborhood walk, a BeltLine stop with a food hall visit, or a morning hike with an evening show. That’s usually how locals shape a satisfying Atlanta weekend.