The Best Free Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

Looking for free things to do in Atlanta that are actually fun and worth your time? Whether you live here or you’re planning a visit, you can see a lot of the city without spending a dollar on admission. From parks and BeltLine strolls to museums, historic sites, and neighborhood festivals, there’s a lot you can tap into year-round.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to free activities, attractions, and experiences, plus tips on when to go and how to make the most of them.

Free Outdoor Activities in Atlanta

Explore Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s version of a central city backyard.

• Location: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Best for: Walking, jogging, picnics, people-watching, free events

What you can do for free:

• Walk or jog the trails and loops around the park
• Enjoy free views of the Midtown skyline, especially from Oak Hill
• Relax by Lake Clara Meer
• Check out free community events and festivals that sometimes offer no-cost entry (food and vendors are extra)

🛈 Tip: Parking near the park can add up, so if possible, use MARTA (Midtown or Arts Center stations) or rideshare and walk over.

Walk or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside & Westside Trails)

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular free things to do in Atlanta.

• Eastside Trail: Runs from Piedmont Park/Virginia-Highland down through Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward
• Westside Trail: Runs through Atlanta’s historic West End and surrounding neighborhoods

Free ways to enjoy the BeltLine:

• Walk, jog, or bike the paved trails
• See public art installations and colorful murals along the way
• Window-shop or people-watch near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Lee + White (you can browse for free even if you don’t buy anything)
• Catch free performances or pop-up events, especially on weekends

🛈 Tip: Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded on the Eastside Trail.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park anchors downtown’s tourism district.

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

Free features:

• Walk the Fountain of Rings plaza
• Relax on the lawns with views of downtown landmarks
• Enjoy free seasonal events, like some holiday light displays and concerts (note that some big events may be ticketed)

This is an easy stop if you’re already downtown visiting other attractions.

The King Historic District & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

You can experience major civil rights history for free.

• Visitor Center & Historic Sites: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

What’s free:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park:
  • Exhibits in the main visitor center
  • The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Heritage Sanctuary)
  • Outdoor exhibits and monuments
• The King Center (The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change):
  • Outdoor tomb and reflecting pool
  • Freedom Hall exhibits

🛈 Tip: Tickets for the MLK Birth Home tours are free but limited and often distributed on a same-day, first-come basis at the visitor center. Check hours before you go, as schedules can vary.

Oakland Cemetery (Historic Oakland Cemetery)

This is a historic garden cemetery that also serves as a public park.

• Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Admission: Free to walk around on your own

What you can see:

• Resting place of many notable Atlantans
• Distinct sections reflecting different eras and communities
• Beautiful Victorian gardens and city-skyline views

There are paid guided tours, but self-guided visits to the grounds are free.

Local Neighborhood Parks & Nature Spots

In addition to the big names, Atlanta has many free parks and green spaces:

• Freedom Park – Multi-use trails connecting Little Five Points, Inman Park, and the Carter Center area
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Pond, amphitheater, and green space just off the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Grant Park – Oldest city park, shady walking paths, and playgrounds (the Zoo is paid, but the park itself is free)
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (selected spots) – Some river access points may charge for parking, but walking the trails themselves is free once you’re there

🛈 Tip: Many of these parks have free street parking in surrounding neighborhoods. Always read signs carefully to avoid tickets.

Free Museums, History & Culture

Atlanta Monetary Museum (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta)

If you’re interested in money and the economy, this is a free stop in Midtown.

• Location: 1000 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Admission: Free

What you’ll find:

• Exhibits on the history of money and banking
• Views into the cash-processing operations behind glass (hours and visibility vary)
• Information on how the Federal Reserve works

Visitors must go through basic security screening. Check current hours before you go.

Governor’s Mansion Tours (When Offered)

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

• Location: 391 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Admission: Free public tours when scheduled

What you’ll see:

• The historic mansion, decorated with American antiques
• Grounds and gardens, depending on access at the time of your visit

🛈 Tip: Tour days and times change, and ID/security requirements may apply, so always check current visitor information before heading over.

College Campus Art Galleries

Several Atlanta-area colleges have free or low-cost art galleries and exhibits that are typically open to the public:

• Georgia State University (Downtown) – Various galleries on campus
• Georgia Tech – Rotating exhibits in campus galleries and public art around campus
• Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center) – Some galleries or exhibits open to visitors during designated hours

Campus galleries are usually free to enter, but parking may be paid or limited.

Free City Views, Architecture & Self-Guided Walks

Stroll Through Downtown & Midtown

You can create your own self-guided architectural tour for free:

• Walk down Peachtree Street in Midtown for a mix of historic and modern skyscrapers
• Explore the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District downtown with its early 20th-century buildings
• Check out Woodruff Park and surrounding streets

You’ll see:

• Atlanta’s historic theaters from the outside (like the Fox Theatre on Peachtree St NE)
• Public sculptures and plaques that highlight the city’s history

Public Art & Murals

Atlanta has a thriving mural and street art scene, much of it free to view:

• Krog Street Tunnel (Inman Park/Cabbagetown) – Constantly changing graffiti and mural work
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Large-scale murals and installations
• Walls in Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Castleberry Hill, and more

🛈 Tip: Daylight hours are best for seeing detail and taking photos. Be mindful of traffic and private property.

Free Festivals & Events (Often Seasonal)

Atlanta has many festivals where entry is free, though you’ll pay for food, drinks, or special activities.

Common free-entry festivals (locations vary by year, but often in major parks or neighborhoods):

• Neighborhood festivals in places like Inman Park, Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points
• Cultural festivals celebrating music, food, and traditions from different communities
• Free concerts or movie nights in city parks during warmer months

Most of these events:

• Are free to walk into
• Offer live music, art vendors, and food trucks
• Take place on weekends

🛈 Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle, small cash for vendors who may not take cards, and be prepared for paid parking or crowds on nearby streets.

Free Things To Do With Kids in Atlanta

Local Libraries (Fulton County Library System)

Public libraries are one of the best free, kid-friendly resources in Atlanta.

• Central Library (Downtown): 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Multiple branches across the city

What’s free:

• Story times and children’s programs (on scheduled days)
• Access to books, movies, and study spaces
• Some branches offer teen spaces, makerspaces, or tutoring sessions

Check each branch’s calendar for events; some programs require free registration.

Public Playgrounds & Splash Pads

Many city parks have free playgrounds, and some offer splash pads in warmer months:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Playground and water feature
• Piedmont Park – Several playground areas
• Neighborhood parks across the city

Always check posted rules and seasonal hours for splash pads.

Self-Guided History Walks

You can walk through Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods for free educational fun:

• Sweet Auburn – Learn about civil rights history and Black entrepreneurship
• Inman Park – Victorian homes and markers describing the area’s history
• West End – Historic homes and connections to Atlanta’s cultural heritage

Many areas have historic plaques that make it easy to turn a walk into a learning opportunity.

Free or Budget-Friendly Transportation Tips

Getting around cheaply can make free attractions truly affordable.

• MARTA Rail & Bus: Not free, but often cheaper than parking in heavy-traffic areas like downtown and Midtown.
• Streetcar (Downtown Atlanta Streetcar): Connects spots like Centennial Olympic Park and the King Historic District; may have low fares and occasional free-ride promotions.
• Walking & Biking: For areas like Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine, walking or biking can be the easiest way to see multiple free attractions in one trip.

🛈 Tip: If you plan to drive, look for free or low-cost parking just outside the busiest districts and then walk or use MARTA for the final stretch.

Quick Reference: Popular Free Things To Do in Atlanta

How to Plan a Free Day in Atlanta

If you want to build a no-admission-cost itinerary, here are a few sample combinations:

• Midtown + BeltLine Day

  • Morning: Walk Piedmont Park
  • Late morning: Visit the Atlanta Monetary Museum
  • Afternoon: Walk the BeltLine Eastside Trail and explore street art

• Downtown + History Day

  • Morning: Stroll Centennial Olympic Park
  • Midday: Walk through Fairlie-Poplar and Woodruff Park
  • Afternoon: Take the streetcar or walk to the King Historic District and visit the MLK sites and King Center

• Neighborhood & Park Day

  • Morning: Explore Grant Park and nearby streets
  • Midday: Visit Oakland Cemetery
  • Afternoon: Head to the BeltLine or a nearby neighborhood festival if one is happening

With a bit of planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy full days in Atlanta without paying for admission tickets, focusing on parks, public art, free museums, and historic sites that show off the city’s character and history.