Great Places in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Best Spots

Atlanta is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, history, and rhythm. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are just trying to understand what makes the city special, knowing where to go is half the fun.

Below is a practical guide to great places in Atlanta—from walkable districts and green spaces to cultural landmarks and family-friendly favorites—organized so you can easily decide what fits your day.

Midtown, Downtown, and the Heart of the City

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Attractions (Downtown)

Centennial Olympic Park is a central gathering spot in Downtown Atlanta and a useful “home base” for exploring multiple major attractions on foot.

Why go:

  • Open green space and fountains in the middle of the city
  • Easy walking distance to:
    • Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
    • World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW)
    • National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW)
  • Often hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal events

Good for: Visitors with limited time, families, and anyone wanting a quick snapshot of “big-ticket” Atlanta attractions.

Midtown Arts & Culture Corridor

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most walkable areas, mixing arts, dining, parks, and high-rise living.

Key spots include:

The Woodruff Arts Center & High Museum of Art

  • High Museum of Art – A major art museum featuring classic and contemporary works
  • Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra are also located in the Woodruff Arts Center complex (1280 Peachtree St NE)

Why go:

  • Concentrated arts and culture in one block
  • Regular exhibitions, performances, and family programs

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

  • Piedmont Park (roughly between Piedmont Ave NE & 10th St NE)
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE), connected to the park

Piedmont Park highlights:

  • Walking and jogging paths
  • Dog parks, playgrounds, and sports fields
  • Views of the Midtown skyline

Atlanta Botanical Garden highlights:

  • Seasonal flower displays and plant collections
  • Canopy walk over a forested ravine
  • Children’s garden area and frequent special exhibits

Tip: 🌳 If you’re short on time, a simple loop around Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park gives a fast, scenic taste of the area.

Atlanta’s Historic & Cultural Landmarks

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn)

Located in the Sweet Auburn district near Downtown, this area preserves key places in Dr. King’s life.

Notable sites:

  • Visitor Center & Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (450 Auburn Ave NE)
  • Dr. King’s Birth Home (501 Auburn Ave NE; usually accessed via guided tours)
  • Reflecting pool and King Center grounds

Why go:

  • Deep insight into the Civil Rights Movement
  • Walkable corridor with powerful historic context

Good to know: Check hours ahead, as some buildings and guided tours may have specific schedules.

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

  • Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW)

This large campus includes:

  • Cyclorama: The Big Picture Civil War painting and exhibit
  • Historical homes, including the Swan House
  • Gardens and walking trails
  • Detailed exhibits on Atlanta’s past, from transportation to sports

Why go:

  • Strong overview of how Atlanta developed into a major city
  • Suitable for adults, students, and families interested in context beyond downtown attractions

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW)

Focuses both on:

  • The U.S. Civil Rights Movement, with a large collection of personal artifacts
  • Global human rights struggles

Why go:

  • Thoughtful, immersive exhibits
  • Located next to Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, making it easy to pair with other stops

Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

Virginia-Highland

Often called “Va-Hi,” this neighborhood blends early 20th-century homes with a lively commercial strip.

What makes it great:

  • Walkable streets with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques along Virginia Ave and Highland Ave
  • Close to the BeltLine Eastside Trail (via a short walk or quick ride)
  • Neighborhood feel without straying far from Midtown

Best for: Casual strolling, brunch, and an afternoon of low-key shopping.

Inman Park

Bordering the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Inman Park is known for its historic homes and leafy streets.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful residential architecture and tree-lined avenues
  • Easy BeltLine access for walking or biking
  • Short walk to Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE), a popular food hall

When to visit:

  • Any weekend afternoon works well
  • The annual Inman Park Festival typically showcases neighborhood tours, art, and parades (check current-year details before planning).

Old Fourth Ward

A rapidly developed district with strong historic roots, especially around civil rights and Black culture.

Key places:

  • Historic Fourth Ward Park – Lake, playgrounds, and green space just off the BeltLine near Ralph McGill Blvd NE
  • Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE) – Large mixed-use marketplace with food stalls, shops, and rooftop attractions

Why go:

  • Ideal if you want a mix of:
    • Urban park time
    • BeltLine walking or biking
    • Dining options in one central area

Little Five Points

A compact area with an alternative, artsy vibe.

Expect:

  • Vintage stores, record shops, and street art
  • Casual restaurants and bars clustered around the intersection of Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE
  • Occasional street performances and seasonal events

Best for: People-watching, unique shopping, and a different side of Atlanta culture.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former railroad corridors, connecting neighborhoods around the city. It’s one of the best ways to see how different parts of Atlanta fit together.

Popular segments:

  • Eastside Trail

    • Connects areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and Virginia-Highland
    • Very active, especially on weekends

  • Westside Trail

    • Runs through neighborhoods like Adair Park and West End
    • Typically less crowded but increasingly popular

Why it’s a great place:

  • Safe, car-free path for walking, running, and biking
  • Direct access to parks, restaurants, and public art

Tip: 🚲 Consider starting at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market for easy bike rentals and plenty of food options before or after your ride.

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Day Trip)

While not inside city limits, Stone Mountain Park (about 15–20 miles east of downtown) is a frequent outing for Atlanta residents and visitors.

Key features:

  • Hiking trail up Stone Mountain with panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days
  • Scenic railroad, lake activities, and seasonal attractions

Good for: Half- or full-day trips with families or groups wanting outdoor time just outside the city.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas (North Metro)

If you’re in north Atlanta or nearby suburbs, sections of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offer trails, river views, and picnic spots.

Main access points around the metro can be found off Powers Ferry Rd, Cochran Shoals, and around Sandy Springs and Roswell.

Why go:

  • Nature feel without a long drive
  • Popular for light hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding (with local outfitters in season)

Family-Friendly Favorites in Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium

  • Address: 225 Baker St NW
  • Known for large aquatic habitats, including whale sharks and manta rays

Why families like it:

  • Indoors and climate-controlled (useful in summer heat or bad weather)
  • Clearly marked zones, interactive displays, and shows tailored to different age groups

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

  • Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, in Grant Park neighborhood

Features:

  • Wide range of animals, including giant pandas
  • Shaded pathways and children’s play areas
  • Adjacent to Grant Park’s open fields and playgrounds

Tip: 🐼 If you’re combining with other stops, Grant Park is a short drive from Downtown and Old Fourth Ward, making it easy to fold into a multi-stop day.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

  • Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, near Centennial Olympic Park

Designed especially for younger children:

  • Hands-on exhibits focused on play, imagination, and simple science concepts
  • Easy to pair with the park and nearby attractions

Shopping, Dining, and Mixed-Use Destinations

Ponce City Market

  • Address: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE

Located in a former Sears building, Ponce City Market is a prime example of Atlanta’s adaptive reuse trend.

What you’ll find:

  • Food hall with a wide variety of local and international options
  • Shops and small retailers
  • Direct access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Rooftop with attractions and skyline views (separate admission)

Best for: Groups with mixed tastes, because everyone can grab something different but sit together.

Krog Street Market

  • Address: 99 Krog St NE, near Inman Park

Smaller than Ponce City Market but with a similar indoor food hall concept.

Why locals like it:

  • Casual environment with strong local food presence
  • Easy BeltLine access
  • Short walk to Krog Street Tunnel, known for street art

Atlantic Station

  • Address: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW area, just northwest of Midtown

An open-air mixed-use complex with:

  • National retail stores and a movie theater
  • Restaurants and seasonal events in the central lawn area

Good for: Shopping, a casual evening out, or pre- or post-event time if you’re attending a nearby game or concert.

Sports and Major Event Venues

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW

Home of:

  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  • Major concerts and events

Why it stands out:

  • Retractable-roof design
  • Located close to Downtown and the Vine City/MARTA stations, which makes transit access straightforward

State Farm Arena

  • Address: 1 State Farm Dr, next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park

Primary uses:

  • Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Concerts, shows, and other large events

Tip: 🚇 Both Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena are easily reached by MARTA rail, which helps avoid parking frustrations during big events.

College Campuses and Surrounding Areas

Georgia Tech (Midtown)

  • Main Campus: North Ave NW & Cherry St NW area

Reasons people visit:

  • Campus architecture and green spaces
  • Tech Square and nearby Midtown restaurants
  • Occasional public events, lectures, and athletic games

Georgia State University (Downtown)

  • Campus core: Around Decatur St SE and Courtland St SE

While very integrated into Downtown’s street grid, this area offers:

  • A higher-energy weekday atmosphere from students and office workers
  • Proximity to government buildings, courts, and public transit

Practical Tips for Exploring Great Places in Atlanta

To make the most of these Atlanta spots:

1. Use MARTA where it makes sense

  • MARTA rail can be especially helpful for:
    • Airport to Downtown/Midtown
    • Events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, Midtown, and Arts Center put you near many attractions.

2. Expect traffic during peak hours

  • Weekday mornings (roughly 7–9 a.m.) and evenings (4–7 p.m.) can be congested, especially on major interstates (I-75, I-85, I-285, GA-400).
  • If you’re driving to great places like Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, or Buckhead, planning around rush hours can save time.

3. Plan for weather

  • Summers are hot and humid; prioritize morning or evening for outdoor spots like the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Zoo Atlanta.
  • Many indoor attractions (Georgia Aquarium, museums, markets) are good backups if storms roll in.

4. Check hours and parking before you go

  • Larger attractions and public venues typically list hours and basic visitor info via their main phone lines or information desks.
  • Some popular areas (like Piedmont Park on event days or BeltLine-adjacent parking) may have limited spots; arriving early can help.

Atlanta’s best places stretch from historic streets in Sweet Auburn and Inman Park, to modern skylines in Midtown and Buckhead, to river trails and mountain hikes just outside the perimeter. Whether you’re planning a single afternoon or building a longer stay, focusing on a few of these neighborhoods and landmarks at a time will give you a clear, enjoyable experience of what Atlanta has to offer.