Free Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia: Top Places You Can Visit Without Spending a Dime

Atlanta has a reputation for traffic and big-ticket attractions, but there are plenty of free places to visit if you know where to look. Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting on a budget, you can fill an entire weekend (or more) without paying for admission.

Below are some of the best free places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia, organized by type so you can plan your day easily.

Iconic Outdoor Spots and City Views

Centennial Olympic Park

Located in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces and is free to enter.

What you can do:

• Walk around the Fountain of Rings
• Enjoy open lawns and gardens
• Take photos with the Olympic rings and city skyline
• Relax between visits to nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Location:
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Tip: The park often hosts events and concerts; some are free, some are ticketed. Check schedules before you go.

Jackson Street Bridge (Classic Skyline View)

If you’ve seen a dramatic shot of the Atlanta skyline, it was probably taken from the Jackson Street Bridge.

Why visit:

• Completely free, open 24/7
• Popular at sunset and dusk for photos
• Offers an iconic view of downtown and the connector

Approximate access point:
Jackson St NE crossing over Freedom Parkway NE, near Old Fourth Ward.

Safety tip: There’s no large viewing platform, so stay out of the road and be mindful of traffic when taking photos.

Krog Street Tunnel & Street Art

The Krog Street Tunnel is a constantly changing canvas of murals and graffiti, connecting Cabbagetown and Inman Park.

What to expect:

• Rotating, colorful street art
• A short, interesting walk that pairs well with visiting the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Totally free and open at all hours

The tunnel itself is at Krog St NE where it passes under DeKalb Ave NE.

Parks, Trails, and Nature – Free Places to Get Outside

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “Central Park” and one of the best totally free destinations in the city.

Things to do for free:

• Walk or jog the paved paths
• Relax by Lake Clara Meer
• Enjoy dog parks, open fields, and playgrounds
• Picnic with a view of Midtown’s skyline

Location:
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Good to know: Parking can cost money, but walking, biking, or using MARTA to the nearby Midtown or Arts Center stations keeps it low-cost.

Atlanta BeltLine Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former rail lines. Several segments are open to the public for free year-round.

Popular free segments:

• Eastside Trail – Runs from roughly Midtown (near Piedmont Park) down through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and to Reynoldstown.
• Westside Trail – Passes through historic neighborhoods like West End, with access to public art and green spaces.

What you can do:

• Walk, jog, or bike
• View public art installations along the trail
• Stop at free parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park

The trails themselves are free. You only pay if you choose to eat, shop, or rent bikes along the way.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This national park site in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood is one of Atlanta’s most significant—and admission is free.

What’s included (at no cost):

• Visitor Center exhibits about the civil rights movement
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (historic sanctuary)
• King Center outdoor grounds, including the reflecting pool and tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
• Freedom Hall exhibits

Location (Visitor Center):
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Note: Tours of Dr. King’s birth home sometimes require timed tickets; these are typically free but may be limited in availability.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Select Access Points)

While some parking areas charge a fee, walking or biking in from nearby neighborhoods or parking areas can make parts of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area effectively free to visit.

Popular units near Atlanta include:

• Columns Drive area (Marietta/Sandy Springs side)
• Palisades (near Vinings)

Free or cheap ways to enjoy it:

• Walk riverside trails
• Sit on the riverbank
• Take photos of the cliffs and water

Check posted signs at each unit for parking fee details—admission to the park itself is not gated.

Local City Parks Worth a Free Visit

Atlanta is full of neighborhood parks that are completely free and often less crowded than the big-name spots. Some standouts:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Lake, splash pad (seasonal), and views of the BeltLine.

  • 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Grant Park – Large historic park that also surrounds the (ticketed) Zoo Atlanta, but the park itself is free.

  • 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• Freedom Park – Wide open greenway connecting multiple intown neighborhoods, great for biking and running.

  • Runs roughly between Moreland Ave NE, Ponce de Leon Ave NE, and Candler Park areas.

Free Museums, History, and Culture

Many museums in Atlanta charge admission, but there are a few always-free or regularly-free cultural spots that are worth a visit.

Atlanta Monetary Museum (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)

The Atlanta Monetary Museum offers a free look at how money works and the role of the Federal Reserve.

Free highlights:

• Exhibits about the history of U.S. currency
• Viewing area of part of the cash processing operations (when available)

Location:
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Security note: You’ll typically go through security screening; bring a government-issued photo ID for adults.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum

Operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this museum focuses on public health history and disease prevention. Admission is typically free.

What you can see:

• Exhibits on global health efforts
• Historic artifacts related to major disease outbreaks

Location:
1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

Important: Security procedures can change. Visitors usually need to show a government-issued photo ID, and you may have to go through a security check. It’s wise to confirm visiting hours before you go.

Governor’s Mansion (Tours – Often Free)

The Georgia Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead generally offers free public tours on certain days, especially during specific seasons.

What to expect:

• Guided or self-guided tours of the mansion’s public rooms
• Gardens and grounds exploration (in season)

Location:
391 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Note: Tours are subject to change and may require reservations. Check current tour days and security rules before visiting.

Historic Oakland Cemetery (Public Grounds)

Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and a historic cemetery with notable graves, sculptures, and city views. The grounds are free to enter.

You can:

• Walk the paths on your own
• View the historic architecture and monuments
• Visit the burial sites of famous Atlantans

Location:
248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

There are paid guided tours and special events, but casual entry to the cemetery grounds is free.

College and University Galleries (Often Free)

Several Atlanta-area colleges have free art galleries open to the public:

• Georgia State University Galleries (downtown campus) – Exhibitions of contemporary art from students and visiting artists.

  • Downtown campus near 33 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Clark Atlanta University Art Museum – Often focuses on African American art and culture; many exhibitions are free to enter.

  • 223 James P Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Check gallery hours before visiting, as they may follow academic calendars.

Free Arts, Murals, and Public Installations

BeltLine Public Art

The Atlanta BeltLine doubles as a massive outdoor gallery. Walking the trails, especially the Eastside Trail, you’ll see:

• Large mural walls
• Sculptures and installations in parks and along the path
• Rotating temporary art

All of this can be enjoyed for free just by walking or biking the trail.

Krog District & Cabbagetown Murals

Besides the Krog Street Tunnel itself, the nearby Cabbagetown neighborhood is filled with colorful murals and small-scale street art. Walking the area costs nothing and offers lots of photo opportunities.

Free Places for Families and Kids

Atlanta Public Library Branches

Many Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches offer free activities for children and teens, including:

• Storytime sessions
• Homework help or study spaces
• Craft or STEM events

You can also simply use the spaces for free reading or quiet time.

Central Library (Downtown):
1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303

Library cards are generally free to residents and often available at low or no cost to students and nearby county residents.

City of Atlanta Recreation Centers (Some Free Programs)

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation operates community centers throughout the city. While some programs and memberships cost money, many centers:

• Are free to enter
• Offer drop-in activities, gym spaces, or game rooms at little or no cost
• Host free community events, especially for youth and seniors

Examples of centers:

• MLK Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center

  • 110 Hilliard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• Adamsville Recreation Center

  • 3201 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

Availability and fees can vary by location, so it’s useful to call ahead.

Free Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Experiences

While specifics change year to year, Atlanta has a strong tradition of free public events and festivals, especially in spring and fall.

Common types of free events in Atlanta:

• Neighborhood festivals (often in Inman Park, Grant Park, Little Five Points, and other intown areas)
• Free concerts or movie nights in parks
• Holiday parades and celebrations

Many of these happen in:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Piedmont Park
• Neighborhood business districts (like Little Five Points or Midtown)

Because dates change, it’s smart to look up the current year’s festival calendars, but it’s reasonable to expect multiple free options most weekends in peak seasons.

Quick Planning Guide: Free Places to Visit in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview to help you choose based on your interests:

Tips for Enjoying Free Places in Atlanta

• Transportation: Many attractions are clustered downtown, in Midtown, and along the BeltLine. Using MARTA or rideshare can be cheaper and easier than parking multiple times.
• Parking: “Free place” doesn’t always mean free parking. Neighborhood street parking may be free but time-limited; always check signs.
• Weather planning: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and stormy in late afternoons. For outdoor spots, bring water and plan earlier or later in the day.
• Hours & security: Some free places (museums, government buildings, and parks) have set hours and security screening. Check current opening times before heading out, especially on weekends and holidays.

With a bit of planning, you can explore a large portion of Atlanta’s parks, art, history, and neighborhoods without spending anything on admission—making it easy to enjoy the city whether you live here or are just in town for a visit.