The Best Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Top Places and Experiences

Looking for places to go and things to do in Atlanta? Whether you live here, you’re planning a weekend visit, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, this guide walks you through the city’s must-see spots, local favorites, and practical details to help you plan your time.

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in the Heart of the City

Downtown is where many visitors start, and locals still come for major attractions and events.

Centennial Olympic Park & Nearby Attractions

Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This green space, originally built for the 1996 Olympics, is surrounded by some of Atlanta’s best-known attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, with massive tanks, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly shows.
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola – A museum-style experience focused on the Coca-Cola brand, history, and memorabilia.
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A powerful, immersive museum highlighting the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.
  100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

These are all within easy walking distance of each other, making downtown ideal for a one-day Atlanta highlights tour.

State Capitol and Government District

Georgia State Capitol
206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

You can explore the historic building, see exhibits about Georgia’s political history, and walk around the government district. It’s a good stop for those interested in civics, history, or architecture.

Midtown Atlanta: Art, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown blends skyscrapers with parks, theaters, and some of the city’s most important arts institutions.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “city backyard.” Locals come here to:

• Walk, run, or bike on paved trails
• Have picnics or play sports
• Enjoy skyline views from the park’s open lawns

Within the park’s northern edge is the Atlanta Botanical Garden:

Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

You’ll find themed gardens, seasonal displays, and a canopy walk. It’s a popular place for date nights, family outings, and photography.

High Museum of Art & Woodruff Arts Center

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

This is Atlanta’s major art museum, featuring:

• American and European paintings
• African art
• Modern and contemporary works
• Rotating special exhibitions

The High is part of the Woodruff Arts Center, which also includes performance spaces for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre, making Midtown a central hub for visual and performing arts.

Buckhead: Upscale Shopping and Dining

Buckhead is known for luxury shopping, restaurants, and high-rise living.

Shopping and Leisure

Popular Buckhead destinations include:

• Lenox Square
  3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza
  3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

These malls and the surrounding district offer:

• National and high-end retailers
• Sit-down restaurants and quick bites
• Seasonal displays and events

Buckhead is useful to know if you’re looking for major-brand shopping and a more upscale, commercial environment.

The BeltLine and Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward: Walkable, Trendy, and Local

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the most popular places to simply walk, bike, and explore neighborhoods.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

A former rail corridor turned multi-use trail, the Eastside section runs through several vibrant areas:

• Old Fourth Ward – Home to historic sites and modern developments
• Inman Park – Tree-lined streets, local restaurants, and historic homes
• Krog Street Market – An indoor food hall with multiple local vendors

Key nearby spot:

Historic Fourth Ward Park
680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

This park includes a lake, playground, and open lawns. The BeltLine area is ideal if you prefer casual walking, outdoor time, and local food over big-ticket attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr. Sites and Sweet Auburn

For those interested in civil rights history and Atlanta’s role in it, the Sweet Auburn area is essential.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Visitor Center Address
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

The area typically includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (exterior viewing area)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King once preached
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s legacy

Nearby Sweet Auburn offers further context on Atlanta’s historically Black business and cultural corridor.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta: Alternative and Artsy Vibes

If you’re looking for something more offbeat, these neighborhoods are known for their independent shops and street culture.

Little Five Points

Centered around the intersection of Moreland Ave NE and Euclid Ave NE, Little Five Points features:

• Vintage and record shops
• Street art and murals
• Casual restaurants and bars

You’ll encounter a very walkable, creative atmosphere often different from more polished parts of the city.

East Atlanta Village

Located around the junction of Flat Shoals Ave SE and Glenwood Ave SE, East Atlanta Village is known for:

• Nightlife and live music venues
• Local eateries
• Community events and festivals

These areas are popular for evenings out, live music, and local culture.

Westside & Castleberry Hill: Design, Food, and Historic Lofts

Atlanta’s Westside and nearby Castleberry Hill have grown into creative hubs.

West Midtown / Westside Provisions Area

Generally around Howell Mill Rd NW and nearby cross streets, this area includes:

• Converted industrial spaces
• Interior design shops and boutiques
• Well-known local restaurants and cafes

The Westside tends to appeal to people seeking design-forward spaces and food experiences.

Castleberry Hill Historic District

Just southwest of downtown, near Peters St SW and Walker St SW, Castleberry Hill features:

• Historic warehouse buildings converted to lofts
• Art galleries and creative studios
• Occasional neighborhood art strolls and events

It’s a good spot for urban photography, gallery visits, and exploring a historic warehouse district.

Family-Friendly Places To Go in Atlanta

Many Atlanta attractions work especially well for families with children.

Zoo and Kid-Focused Attractions

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta offers:

• Animal exhibits
• Keeper talks and educational programs
• A walkable layout that pairs well with time in Grant Park itself

Other family-friendly options include:

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Fernbank includes natural history exhibits and access to Fernbank Forest for short woodland walks.

Outdoor Places To Go Around Atlanta

If you want to get outside without leaving the metro area completely, Atlanta offers accessible nature spots.

Chattahoochee River & Nearby Parks

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Cochran Shoals Unit
1956 Eugene Gunby Dr, Marietta, GA 30067 (just north of the city)

Common activities here:

• Walking and running trails along the river
• Kayaking and paddle sports (using local outfitters)
• Bird-watching and photography

Although just outside city limits, it’s one of the most popular outdoor getaways for Atlanta residents.

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta Area)

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Highlights:

• Trails up and around Stone Mountain
• Lake views and outdoor recreation areas

This is a frequent choice for day trips from Atlanta, especially for hiking and panoramic views of the skyline from a distance.

Sports, Arenas, and Major Event Venues

Atlanta has multiple major sports teams and venues clustered in or near downtown.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

  • Home to professional football and soccer
  • Hosts major concerts and large events

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

  • Home to professional basketball
  • Frequent concerts and shows

For many visitors and locals, an evening game or show at one of these venues is a key Atlanta experience, often paired with nearby dining downtown or in the Gulch area.

Quick Snapshot: Types of Places To Go in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Enjoying Places in Atlanta

• Plan around traffic: Atlanta’s traffic is well known; aim for off-peak travel times or use MARTA where practical, especially for downtown and Midtown.
• Check parking options: Many attractions have on-site decks or nearby paid lots. Parking can be limited around BeltLine and intown neighborhoods.
• Mind the weather: Summers are hot and humid. For outdoor places like Piedmont Park or the BeltLine, mornings and evenings are usually more comfortable.
• Group attractions by area: Downtown in one day, BeltLine and Inman Park another, Midtown arts and Piedmont Park on a different day—this minimizes extra travel.

By focusing on the neighborhoods and destinations that match your interests—whether that’s art, history, food, nature, or family activities—you can build an Atlanta itinerary that feels both manageable and memorable.