Cool Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern culture, and a huge variety of neighborhoods. Whether you live here or are in town for a weekend, there are lots of cool things to do in Atlanta that go far beyond the basics.

Below is a practical guide organized by interest: history, food, arts, sports, outdoors, family fun, and nightlife—all with an Atlanta focus.

Classic “Only in Atlanta” Experiences

These are the must-do Atlanta experiences that show off the city’s personality.

Explore Downtown Landmarks

Centennial Olympic Park Area (Downtown)
The area around Centennial Olympic Park is packed with big-name attractions within walking distance:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Fountains, lawns, and city views; great for a casual walk or picnic.
• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW) – One of the largest in the world; popular for whale sharks and interactive exhibits.
• World of Coca‑Cola (121 Baker St NW) – History of the brand, memorabilia, and beverage samples.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW) – Powerful exhibits on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights.

These spots work well for half-day or full-day itineraries, especially for first-time visitors.

Walk Through Atlanta’s Civil Rights History

Atlanta played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. For meaningful, uniquely local experiences:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Includes Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.
  • Located around 449 Auburn Ave NE, near the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
• Sweet Auburn Historic District
  • Once called “the richest Negro street in the world,” it’s home to historic churches, businesses, and community spaces.

These sites give important context to Atlanta beyond the skyline and sports teams.

Cool Neighborhoods to Explore

Midtown: Arts, Parks, and Skyline Views

Midtown is walkable, busy, and full of culture.

Highlights:

• Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE) – Atlanta’s “Central Park”: trails, dog parks, sports fields, and skyline photo spots.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden (adjacent to Piedmont Park) – Seasonal plant displays, canopy walk, and special light shows during the holidays.
• Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE) – Historic theater offering Broadway tours, concerts, and shows.
• Midtown Mile (Peachtree St NE corridor) – Restaurants, bars, and shops with a city feel.

Midtown is ideal for a full day: start at Piedmont Park, walk the BeltLine Eastside Trail, then head to dinner and a show at the Fox.

Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward & the BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the coolest modern features of the city: a multi-use path through in-town neighborhoods, lined with street art, food, and green spaces.

Key spots along or near the Eastside Trail:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE)
  • Former Sears building turned food hall, shops, and offices. The rooftop (Skyline Park) typically features games, views, and seasonal events.
• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE)
  • Food hall with local vendors; great for sampling multiple cuisines.
• Krog Street Tunnel
  • Constantly changing graffiti tunnel—popular for photos and street art lovers.
• Inman Park
  • Historic neighborhood with Victorian homes, shade trees, and popular porches.

Walking or biking this area is a quintessential “cool Atlanta” afternoon.

Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village

For a more alternative, artsy vibe:

• Little Five Points
  • Known for record shops, vintage clothing stores, street murals, and quirky bars.
• East Atlanta Village (EAV)
  • Nightlife, live music, and local restaurants; a favorite hangout for many locals.

These areas are best for casual wandering, bar-hopping, and people-watching.

Arts, Music, and Culture

Museums and Galleries

Atlanta has a range of cultural options beyond the headline attractions:

• High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE) – Major art museum with permanent collections and rotating exhibits; located in Midtown.
• SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film (1600 Peachtree St NW) – Focused on fashion, costumes, and design.
• Atlanta Contemporary (535 Means St NW) – Free contemporary art center with rotating exhibitions.

For smaller galleries, check out areas like Castleberry Hill, Westside, and Inman Park, where you’ll find local artists and regular art walks.

Live Music and Performance

Atlanta has a deep music history—from hip-hop to R&B, gospel, and rock.

Popular live performance venues include:

• Tabernacle (152 Luckie St NW) – Historic church turned music hall; diverse lineups.
• Variety Playhouse (1099 Euclid Ave NE) – Located in Little Five Points; hosts indie, rock, and more.
• Center Stage / Vinyl / The Loft (1374 W Peachtree St NW) – Three-venue complex in Midtown.
• Alliance Theatre (1280 Peachtree St NE) – Professional theatre company connected to the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Atlanta Symphony Hall (1280 Peachtree St NE) – Home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

For jazz and smaller shows, look around Midtown, Buckhead, and Old Fourth Ward—locals often find performances through venue calendars.

Sports, Stadiums, and Big Events

Atlanta is a major sports city with modern stadiums and year-round games.

Pro Sports

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW)
  • Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
  • Known for its retractable roof and fan-friendly concession pricing.
• Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Cumberland area)
  • Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB).
  • Surrounded by The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use area with restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.
• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr)
  • Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and concerts throughout the year.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, catching a game at one of these venues is a very “Atlanta” way to spend an evening.

College Sports and Events

Metro Atlanta also hosts:

• Georgia Tech games (football at Bobby Dodd Stadium near Midtown, basketball at McCamish Pavilion).
• Neutral-site college football games and large events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium throughout the year.

Outdoor and Nature-Focused Activities

You don’t have to leave Metro Atlanta to find greenery, trails, and water.

In-Town Green Spaces

• Piedmont Park – Central for jogging, dog-walking, sports, and festivals.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St NE) – Near Ponce City Market; playground, water features, and skyline views.
• Grant Park (840 Cherokee Ave SE) – One of Atlanta’s oldest parks; home to Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE).

The Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is a standout way to get outside:

• Eastside Trail – Runs through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland.
• Westside Trail – Expanding; connects West End and nearby neighborhoods, with breweries, parks, and food spots along the path.

Walking, biking, or scootering the BeltLine is one of the coolest local-style activities you can do.

Just Outside the Core

If you’re willing to drive a bit:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  • Several access points in Metro Atlanta (e.g., Powers Island, Cochran Shoals). Kayaking, tubing, hiking, and riverside picnics.
• Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)
  • Popular for hiking to the top of Stone Mountain, scenic views, and outdoor attractions.
  • Best visited on clear days for the city skyline view.

Food, Markets, and Cool Places to Eat

Atlanta’s food scene is diverse and constantly evolving.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are ideal if you want to sample multiple vendors in one spot:

• Ponce City Market – Upscale food choices, local spots, desserts, and casual seating.
• Krog Street Market – Smaller and more laid-back, but with high-quality dining options.
• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (209 Edgewood Ave SE) – Historic market with produce, meats, and prepared foods.

These locations work especially well if your group has mixed tastes or dietary preferences.

Neighborhood Dining Areas

Interesting areas to explore for food and drinks:

• Buford Highway (north of the city) – Known for international food, especially Asian and Latin American cuisines.
• West Midtown / Westside Provisions District – Trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots.
• Virginia‑Highland – Bungalows, patios, and longtime local favorites; good for brunch and evening drinks.
• Decatur Square (City of Decatur) – Walkable hub with restaurants, bars, and a relaxed small-town feel just east of Atlanta.

Wherever you eat, you’ll find Southern dishes, soul food, barbecue, and global cuisine side by side.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Focused Activities

Atlanta is popular for families because many attractions are close together and easy to plan around.

Downtown & Grant Park

• Georgia Aquarium – A staple for children; features touch pools, shows, and large viewing windows.
• World of Coca‑Cola – Bright, interactive exhibits that appeal to a wide age range.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW) – Hands-on learning exhibits, especially for younger kids.
• Zoo Atlanta – Pandas, reptiles, African savanna animals, and kid-friendly play areas in Grant Park.

Science, Play, and Learning

• Fernbank Museum (767 Clifton Rd)
  • Natural history museum with dinosaur exhibits and outdoor nature paths (Fernbank Forest).
• Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Dr)
  • Planetarium shows and educational displays.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Rd NE)
  • Indoor attraction focused on LEGO building and play, located in Buckhead.

If you’re planning a weekend with kids, a mix of downtown attractions and Fernbank or Zoo Atlanta usually fills two days easily.

Nightlife, Rooftops, and Date-Night Ideas

Rooftops and City Views

For skyline views and a more “grown-up” night out:

• Rooftop venues at Ponce City Market (Skyline Park area)
• Rooftop bars and lounges across Midtown, Buckhead, and Old Fourth Ward

These are popular choices for date nights, group outings, or visitors who want to see the city lit up.

Speakeasies and Cocktail Bars

Several in-town neighborhoods (like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Buckhead) feature:

• Craft cocktail bars with creative menus
• Speakeasy-style spots behind unmarked doors or within other businesses
• Wine bars and small music venues

Locals often rely on neighborhood recommendations and venue calendars to find current events and specials.

Seasonal and Event-Based Cool Things To Do

Atlanta’s calendar is packed year-round, and many of the coolest experiences happen through events and festivals.

Festivals and Annual Events

While exact dates change each year, common Atlanta traditions include:

• Music festivals in Piedmont Park and across the city.
• Food and drink festivals highlighting local restaurants and breweries.
• Film festivals and cultural celebrations focused on local and international communities.
• Neighborhood home tours and street festivals in areas like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, and Grant Park.

Checking neighborhood and citywide event calendars before your trip (or at the start of each season if you live here) is helpful for catching these.

Holiday and Seasonal Activities

• Spring:
  • Dogwood blooms, outdoor festivals, and patios full of people.
• Summer:
  • BeltLine evenings, river activities on the Chattahoochee, baseball at Truist Park.
• Fall:
  • College and pro football, cooler weather hikes, fall festivals.
• Winter:
  • Holiday light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Stone Mountain, and other venues.

Quick Planning Cheat Sheet

Here is a simple overview of cool things to do in Atlanta based on interest:

Exploring a mix of downtown landmarks, BeltLine neighborhoods, parks, and local food will give you a well-rounded sense of what makes Atlanta unique. Whether you’re here for a day, a week, or you call the city home, there’s always another cool corner to discover.