Fun Places to Visit in Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta packs a lot into its neighborhoods, from towering attractions and historic sites to quiet green spaces and late-night spots. Whether you live here or are planning a trip, this guide covers fun places to visit in Atlanta, GA for families, couples, solo explorers, and groups.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

Georgia Aquarium

One of Atlanta’s most famous attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is a go-to for first-time visitors and locals entertaining guests.

• What’s fun: Massive viewing windows, sharks, whale sharks, rays, sea lions, and interactive exhibits
• Great for: Families, date nights, rainy days, out-of-town visitors
• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Tip: It’s right next to Centennial Olympic Park and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, so you can easily plan a full downtown day.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door is the World of Coca‑Cola, focused on the history, branding, and worldwide reach of Atlanta’s most famous soft drink.

• What’s fun: Vintage ads, memorabilia, and sampling different Coke products from around the world
• Great for: Visitors curious about Atlanta history, brand lovers, families
• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Zoo Atlanta

If you prefer animals outdoors, Zoo Atlanta in historic Grant Park is a longtime city favorite.

• What’s fun: Gorillas, giant pandas, elephants, reptiles, kids’ play areas
• Great for: Kids, multi‑generation outings, relaxed afternoons
• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Tip: Explore nearby Grant Park’s neighborhood streets and local restaurants before or after your visit.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Fun

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine has become one of the city’s signature experiences. The Eastside Trail is especially popular.

• What’s fun: Walking, biking, people‑watching, public art, street murals
• Key access points:
  • Near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  • Krog Street Market area (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
• Great for: Casual exercise, bar/restaurant hopping, weekend strolls

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a huge green space with skyline views.

• What’s fun: Walking paths, dog park, sports fields, seasonal festivals, farmer’s markets
• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Tip: Bring a picnic and sit along the lake for classic Midtown views.

Stone Mountain Park (Just Outside the City)

Though not in city limits, Stone Mountain Park is a very common outing for Atlanta residents.

• What’s fun: Hikes (including the walk‑up trail to the summit), lake, seasonal events
• Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Great for: Half‑day or full‑day trips, families, active travelers

Neighborhoods That Are Fun Just to Explore

Midtown Atlanta

Midtown blends culture, food, nightlife, and walkability.

Highlights:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Colony Square – Restaurants, events, and outdoor hangouts
• Easy access to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine

Midtown is great if you like a mix of museums, casual shopping, and dinner/drinks without needing to drive between every stop.

Inman Park & Krog District

This area along the Eastside BeltLine is known for restored historic homes, tree‑lined streets, and lots of food and drink options.

Fun spots:

• Krog Street Market – Food hall with multiple eateries and bars
• Colorful street art around Krog Street Tunnel
• Easy walking along the BeltLine to/from Ponce City Market

Little Five Points

If you enjoy eclectic, artsy neighborhoods, Little Five Points is one of Atlanta’s most distinctive areas.

• What’s fun: Vintage and record shops, independent stores, murals, casual bars and eateries
• Location: Around the intersection of Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE
• Great for: Afternoon browsing, people‑watching, alternative culture

Museums, History, and Culture

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues.

• What’s fun/meaningful: Immersive exhibits on the U.S. civil rights movement and contemporary human rights struggles
• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Great for: Visitors wanting to understand Atlanta’s role in history, thoughtful half‑day visits

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

A deeply significant site in Atlanta, this area is managed by the National Park Service.

• Key places within the park:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (501 Auburn Ave NE)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (101 Jackson St NE)
  • The King Center and memorial sites (449 Auburn Ave NE)
• Great for: Locals and visitors who want to connect with Atlanta’s civil rights heritage

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier art museum.

• What’s fun: Permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions, modern and classic works
• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Great for: Art lovers, rainy days, date afternoons

Food Halls and Indoor Hangout Spots

Ponce City Market

Housed in a historic Sears building next to the BeltLine, Ponce City Market is one of the most popular places to visit in Atlanta.

• What’s fun:
  • Large food hall with a wide range of cuisines
  • Shopping and local vendors
  • Rooftop with games and skyline views (seasonal access, separate admission)
• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Krog Street Market

Smaller and more laid‑back than Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market offers food stalls, bars, and a neighborhood feel.

• Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Great for: Meeting friends, casual meals before/after BeltLine walks

Sports, Arenas, and Big Events

If your idea of fun includes sports or large events, downtown and surrounding areas have several major venues.

Major stadiums and arenas:

• Tip: The Battery Atlanta around Truist Park is a fun spot even on non‑game days, with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.

Family‑Friendly Fun Around the City

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Designed for younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers interactive, hands‑on exhibits.

• What’s fun: Play‑based learning areas, art and building stations
• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Located in Druid Hills, Fernbank is known for dinosaurs, natural history exhibits, and outdoor experiences.

• What’s fun:
  • Dinosaur displays and science exhibits
  • Fernbank Forest and outdoor trails
• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Great for: Families, school‑age kids, nature and science fans

Nightlife, Music, and Entertainment

Live Music and Performance Venues

Atlanta has a strong live music and performance scene across genres.

Some well‑known venues include:

• Fox Theatre – Historic theater for Broadway shows, concerts, and special events
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Tabernacle – Concert venue in a former church building
  • 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Check local event listings to see what’s playing while you’re in town.

Skyline Views and Rooftop Spots

If you enjoy a view with your evening:

• SkyView Atlanta – Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas offering downtown skyline views
  • 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Several hotels and mixed‑use buildings around Midtown and downtown also offer rooftop lounges and bars with city views. These can be good options for date nights or celebrations.

Quieter Spots and Hidden‑Feeling Gems

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Right next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is colorful and peaceful.

• What’s fun: Seasonal flower displays, canopy walk, tropical and desert greenhouses
• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Great for: Relaxed afternoons, photography, calm date days

Oakland Cemetery

Far from gloomy, Oakland Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery with impressive architecture and skyline views.

• What’s fun: Self‑guided walks past Victorian monuments, city history, seasonal tours and events
• Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Quick Planning Tips for Visiting Fun Places in Atlanta

• ✅ Plan around traffic: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday rush hours. Try to cluster activities by neighborhood (for example, a “Midtown day” or “Downtown day”).
• ✅ Use MARTA when possible: Many major attractions near downtown and Midtown are accessible via the MARTA rail system, especially from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• ✅ Check hours and tickets in advance: Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and major museums often use timed entry or peak pricing.
• ✅ Mind the weather: Summers are hot and humid. For outdoor places like the BeltLine and Piedmont Park, mornings and evenings are usually more comfortable.

Exploring fun places in Atlanta, GA, can mean high‑energy stadiums, quiet gardens, historic neighborhoods, or art‑filled trails. By focusing on a few key areas each day—Downtown, Midtown, BeltLine neighborhoods, and nearby parks—you can see a lot of what makes Atlanta an enjoyable city to visit and live in.