The Essential Guide to Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta offers far more than traffic and airports. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re considering a longer stay, there are countless things to do in Atlanta that fit every interest and budget. From major attractions and historic landmarks to local parks, neighborhoods, and festivals, this guide walks you through the most useful, Atlanta-specific options.

Top Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

These are the big, must-see things to do in Atlanta, especially if you’re visiting or hosting out-of-town guests.

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Attractions (Downtown)

Downtown Atlanta’s tourist core is centered around Centennial Olympic Park, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

Within a short walk, you’ll find:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, popular with families and school groups.
• World of Coca-Cola – A brand museum and experience focused on Coca-Cola’s history and global impact.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits that appeal to sports fans.
• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel offering skyline views, especially striking at night.
• CNN Center area – While tours have changed over time, the area still serves as a downtown landmark and event space zone.

This cluster is ideal if you only have one day in Atlanta and want to maximize your time: park once, then walk between attractions.

Atlanta BeltLine: Walking, Biking, and Neighborhood-Hopping

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former railroad corridors circling the city’s core. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Atlanta for both locals and visitors.

The most visited segments include:

• Eastside Trail – Connects neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland. Packed with public art, restaurants, and patios.
• Westside Trail – Runs through neighborhoods like West End, connecting to parks and historic districts.

Common BeltLine activities:

• Walking or jogging the trails
• Renting a scooter or bike
• Stopping for coffee, ice cream, or outdoor dining
• Viewing murals and public art installations

If you’re trying to experience everyday Atlanta, the BeltLine gives you a good mix of locals, visitors, and city views.

History, Culture, and Civil Rights in Atlanta

Atlanta has a central place in U.S. civil rights history, and several sites help you understand that legacy.

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

One of the most meaningful things to do in Atlanta is visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center, featuring exhibits on his life and work
• Dr. King’s tomb and reflecting pool

Location:
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

You can walk between the different buildings and spend a few hours exploring. It’s a powerful stop for families, students, and anyone wanting to understand Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights story with global human rights issues.

Highlights include:

• Interactive exhibits about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement
• Rotating exhibits featuring modern human rights concerns
• A collection related to Dr. King’s writings and speeches

This is a strong choice if you’re planning a civil rights–focused day downtown along with the King Historic District.

The Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

The Atlanta History Center offers a broad view of the region’s history, from early settlement through the present.

The campus includes:

• Main history museum (city and regional history, including Civil War and transportation)
• Swan House, a historic mansion used in films and TV
• Smith Family Farm, showing 19th-century rural life
• Extensive gardens and walking paths

Location:
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

This is ideal if you prefer a single site with indoor and outdoor options, especially on a day with mixed weather.

Sports and Live Events in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major sports city, and catching a game or event is one of the most popular things to do.

Professional Sports

• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Play at Truist Park in Cobb County, part of the Battery Atlanta entertainment complex. Great for dining and pre/post-game activities.
• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium near downtown, known for its modern design and fan-friendly concessions.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a strong local fan base and lively match-day atmosphere.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Play at State Farm Arena next to Centennial Olympic Park.

If you live in Atlanta, these venues also host:

• Concerts
• Special events
• Family shows

Tip: 🚗 Plan parking and transit ahead. Many locals use MARTA rail to reach downtown and arena events to avoid traffic and parking challenges.

Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta’s nickname as the “City in a Forest” is rooted in its canopy of trees and urban green spaces.

Piedmont Park & Midtown Skyline

Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s best-known intown park and a hub for outdoor activity.

Common things to do:

• Walk or jog along the paved loops and gravel paths
• Picnic with city skyline views
• Visit the dog parks (there are separate large and small dog areas)
• Attend festivals and food events hosted throughout the year
• Access the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the park’s northern edge

Location (main entrance):
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Connected to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers:

• Seasonal flower displays
• A treetop canopy walk
• A children’s garden
• Special evening events and light displays during certain times of year

This is a good option if you’re looking for a slower-paced, scenic outing within the city.

Chattahoochee River & “Shooting the Hooch”

North and northwest of intown Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers:

• Tubing (“shooting the Hooch”)
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Riverside trails and picnic spots

Popular access points near the metro area include Powers Island, Cochran Shoals, and Island Ford. Conditions vary with weather and water levels, so many residents check local outfitters or the National Park Service for up-to-date information before going.

Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)

Just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park is a large outdoor destination with:

• Hiking trails, including the famous walk-up Summit Trail
• Scenic railroad and other family attractions
• Lakes, picnic areas, and seasonal light or laser shows

Location:
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(Some street names and park features have been evolving over time, so visitors may want to confirm current details before visiting.)

Arts, Museums, and Indoor Activities

When the weather doesn’t cooperate—or you want culture and air conditioning—Atlanta has a strong lineup of indoor things to do.

High Museum of Art (Midtown)

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier art museum, known for:

• American, European, African, and folk art collections
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family programs and evening events

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The museum is part of the Woodruff Arts Center, which also houses:

• Alliance Theatre
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

This makes Midtown a major destination for arts and performance.

Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts combines:

• A puppetry museum, including a large Jim Henson and Muppets collection
• Live puppet shows for different age groups
• Educational workshops

Location:
1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

It’s a distinctive Atlanta activity, especially popular with families and school field trips.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Located downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on interactive and educational play for younger children, making it a good pick for families with toddlers and elementary-age kids.

Location:
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Food, Neighborhoods, and Markets

A big part of things to do in Atlanta is simply exploring neighborhoods through food and local hangouts.

Popular Neighborhoods to Explore

• Midtown – High-rise living, arts institutions, Piedmont Park, and a walkable restaurant and bar scene.
• Virginia-Highland (Va-Hi) – Classic bungalows, sidewalk dining, and local boutiques.
• Inman Park – Historic homes, BeltLine access, and a strong dining cluster.
• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – Mix of historic and new development, BeltLine Eastside access, and popular food spots.
• West Midtown – Trendy restaurants, galleries, converted industrial spaces.
• Grant Park – Tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and Zoo Atlanta within Grant Park itself.
• Little Five Points – Known for its alternative shops, street art, and music venues.

You can build an entire day around walking, eating, and people-watching in any of these neighborhoods.

Food Halls and Markets

Atlanta’s food halls make it easy to sample multiple local and regional cuisines in one stop.

Well-known options include:

• Ponce City Market – On the BeltLine Eastside Trail; housed in a former Sears building with a food hall, shops, and rooftop attractions.
• Krog Street Market – Near Inman Park and the BeltLine; smaller and cozy, with a mix of restaurants and stalls.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (Municipal Market of Atlanta) – Historic indoor market near the King Historic District with produce, meats, and prepared foods.

These spots are especially useful if you’re:

• Hosting out-of-town guests and want variety
• Unsure what everyone wants to eat
• Looking for a rain-friendly activity that still feels local

Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is packed with family activities across age ranges.

Animal and Nature Attractions

• Zoo Atlanta – Located in Grant Park, home to a wide range of animals and educational programs.
  Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

• Georgia Aquarium – Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park; features whale sharks, dolphins, and hands-on touch pools.

Both are common stops for school field trips, so weekdays during the school year can be busier earlier in the day.

Hands-On Learning and Indoor Play

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Ideal for younger children.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Features dinosaurs, natural history exhibits, an immersive forest area, and a giant screen theater.
  Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Fernbank Science Center – Separate from the museum, this facility offers a planetarium and educational programs, typically oriented toward students and families.
  Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307

These options work especially well on very hot, rainy, or cold days when outdoor time is limited.

Nightlife, Music, and Entertainment

When the sun goes down, there are many things to do in Atlanta at night.

Live Music and Concert Venues

Popular music and performance venues include:

• Tabernacle (downtown)
• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points)
• The Eastern (Reynoldstown area)
• Coca-Cola Roxy (The Battery Atlanta, near Truist Park)
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium for major touring acts

Genres range from hip hop to rock, R&B, EDM, and more, often on the same weekend.

Theaters and Comedy

• Fox Theatre – Historic venue on Peachtree Street, known for Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Alliance Theatre – Professional theater company at the Woodruff Arts Center (Midtown).
• Multiple comedy clubs and smaller theaters spread across intown neighborhoods.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s common to plan a dinner + show evening in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or West Midtown.

Seasonal and Annual Atlanta Events

Throughout the year, there are recurring events that many residents plan around.

Examples include:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival (Piedmont Park, typically spring) – Arts, food, and live performances.
• Atlanta Jazz Festival (often Memorial Day weekend) – Free performances in Piedmont Park.
• Peachtree Road Race (July 4) – Major 10K road race down Peachtree Street.
• Dragon Con (Labor Day weekend, downtown) – Large sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture convention.
• Music Midtown (when held) – Multi-day music festival historically based in Piedmont Park.
• Various neighborhood festivals (Inman Park, Grant Park, Little Five Points, and others).

If you’re visiting, it’s worth checking what’s scheduled during your dates; if you live here, these can become annual traditions.

Quick Reference: Things To Do in Atlanta by Interest

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Activities

• Transportation:
  • MARTA rail is useful for reaching Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, and some stadiums.
  • Rideshare services are widely used, especially at night or when parking is limited.
• Traffic & Timing:
  • Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can be congested, particularly on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85).
  • Many locals time their visits to popular attractions outside of rush hour and major event start/end times.
• Weather:
  • Summers are hot and humid; plan indoor activities or shaded walks during midday.
  • Sudden storms are common, so flexible plans help.
• Tickets & Reservations:
  • For high-demand attractions and events (major games, concerts, big museum exhibitions), advanced tickets or timed entry reservations are often recommended.

With this overview, you can mix and match Atlanta things to do based on your interests, the season, and how much time you have—whether you’re exploring your own city or getting to know Atlanta for the first time.