Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Getting Outside

Atlanta is known for its skyline and traffic, but locals know the city is also full of parks, trails, rivers, and outdoor spaces. Whether you live here or are visiting, there are plenty of outdoor things to do in Atlanta that fit every pace—from quiet walks to high-energy adventures.

Below is a practical guide to the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in and around Atlanta, with a focus on what’s realistic, nearby, and actually helpful for planning your time.

Top Outdoor Experiences in Atlanta at a Glance

1. Explore Atlanta’s Signature Parks

Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s Central Backyard

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is often the first stop for anyone asking about outdoor things to do in Atlanta. It sits just northeast of Midtown and offers:

• Wide open lawns for picnics and frisbee
• Walking and running paths with skyline views
• Playgrounds and dog parks
• Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

You can jog a loop, set up a picnic blanket under the trees, or just people‑watch near the lake. It’s also a common spot for festivals and weekend gatherings, so it can feel lively on nice days.

Grant Park: Historic Neighborhood Green Space

Location: 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

One of the city’s oldest parks, Grant Park is shaded, quieter than Piedmont, and surrounded by historic homes. Here you’ll find:

• Tree‑lined walking paths
• Open spaces for casual sports
• Access to Zoo Atlanta (more on that below)

It’s a good option if you want a more relaxed neighborhood park feel without leaving the city.

Centennial Olympic Park: Downtown Outdoor Landmark

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

Built for the 1996 Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is in the heart of downtown. It’s ideal if you’re visiting nearby attractions and want some outdoor time between indoor stops.

You’ll see:

• The Fountain of Rings
• Open lawns for a quick rest
• Views of SkyView Atlanta and nearby museums

This park is more about sightseeing and strolling than long nature walks, but it’s a classic outdoor Atlanta landmark.

2. Walk, Run, or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of multi-use trails built on old rail corridors encircling the city. It’s one of the best ways to experience outdoor Atlanta without needing a car for every stop.

Eastside Trail: The Most Popular Stretch

Common access near: 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Historic Fourth Ward Park entrance area)

The Eastside Trail is usually the busiest segment and offers:

• A paved path for walking, running, and biking
• Direct access to Ponce City Market, restaurants, and murals
• Public art installations and frequent street activity

This is a great choice if you want an active walk with plenty of people and places to stop for food and coffee along the way.

Westside & Southside Trails: More Space, Fewer Crowds

The expanding Westside and Southside trails offer:

• More spacious paths and generally lighter crowds
• Access to neighborhoods like Adair Park, West End, and others
• A mix of industrial views, new developments, and greenspaces

If you prefer a quieter outing or a longer run without heavy foot traffic, these sections can be a better fit.

3. Get Out on the Water: The Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River runs just north of the city and offers a cooler, more wooded escape from urban Atlanta.

Major access point (park headquarters nearby):
1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Common outdoor activities here include:

• Tubing and rafting in warmer months
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Fishing from the banks or small boats
• Hiking short riverside trails

You’ll find multiple units of the National Recreation Area along the river (like Palisades, Cochran Shoals, Island Ford). Each has its own parking and trail options. If you’re new to the area, Cochran Shoals and Island Ford are well-known starting points.

💡 Tip: River conditions can change with weather. Check posted notices at entrances and plan footwear that can get wet and muddy.

4. Scenic Hiking and Nature Escape Near Atlanta

If you want more than a neighborhood walk, there are several hike-friendly spots within a short drive of the city.

Stone Mountain Park

Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain is known for:

• The Walk-Up Trail to the top of the granite mountain
• Shorter nature trails around the base
• Wide views over the metro area from the summit

This is a popular weekend hike for locals. The climb up is steep but short; expect bare rock and limited shade near the top, so plan accordingly on hot days.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Main nature center address:
3350 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038

Arabia Mountain offers:

• Smooth granite outcrops with unique plant life
• Multiple hiking trails and bike paths
• A more peaceful alternative to Stone Mountain

It’s a good fit if you enjoy open rock, interesting landscapes, and quiet trails without going hours into the mountains.

Local Nature Preserves and Green Spaces

Within or close to the metro area, you can also explore:

• Morningside Nature Preserve – in-town trails and a popular dog‑friendly river spot
• Fernbank Forest & WildWoods (adjacent to the museum) – old‑growth forest and elevated walkways
• Sweetwater Creek State Park (east of the city) – wooded trails and historic mill ruins

These are convenient for half‑day trips when you don’t want a long drive.

5. Family-Friendly Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (in Grant Park)

Zoo Atlanta combines outdoor walking with animal exhibits, playground areas, and educational displays. It’s mostly outdoors, making it a good option for families who want fresh air but also structured activities for kids.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (next to Piedmont Park)

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a more curated outdoor space, featuring:

• The Canopy Walk through the treetops
• Seasonal flower displays and plant collections
• Special gardens designed for children and families

If you want a calmer outing with shaded paths and carefully maintained landscapes, this is a strong choice.

Playgrounds and Neighborhood Parks

Beyond the big destinations, Atlanta has many smaller city parks with:

• Playgrounds
• Basketball or tennis courts
• Open fields for casual games

Neighborhood parks like Candler Park, Perkerson Park, and Washington Park are used by locals for after‑school play, weekend meetups, and pick‑up sports.

6. Outdoor History and Culture on Foot

Atlanta’s history is visible in several outdoor-friendly areas where you can learn while walking.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Visitor center area: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This area includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (exterior viewing)
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (partly indoors, but in a walkable district)
• Memorial sites and outdoor interpretive areas

Much of the experience involves walking between buildings and along Auburn Avenue, so it counts as both cultural and outdoor time.

Oakland Cemetery

Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Oakland Cemetery is a large, historic cemetery that functions as:

• A quiet urban greenspace
• An outdoor history site with notable graves and monuments
• A place for self-guided walking tours

It’s popular for photography, peaceful walks, and those interested in Atlanta’s past.

7. Outdoor Sports, Fitness, and Recreation

City Parks for Everyday Exercise

Across Atlanta, larger parks such as:

• Piedmont Park
• Grant Park
• Candler Park
• Perkerson Park

offer space for:

• Running and walking loops
• Soccer, frisbee, and casual games
• Tennis and basketball courts (at select parks)

These are practical options for regular outdoor exercise without leaving the city.

Golf Courses and Driving Ranges

For those who enjoy golf, Atlanta has public and private courses throughout the metro, as well as driving ranges that accommodate casual and more serious players. Many locals use these for both recreation and socializing outdoors.

Outdoor Fitness Along the BeltLine

Certain segments of the Atlanta BeltLine and nearby parks include:

• Outdoor workout stations
• Marked loops for timed running or walking
• Gentle slopes and bridges for varied intensity

If you’re staying near Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or the West End, you can often step right out onto a path and get in a workout with skyline views.

8. Seasonal and Evening Outdoor Activities

Spring and Fall: Peak Outdoor Seasons

During Atlanta’s milder months, you’ll see:

• Outdoor festivals and markets in parks and along streets
• Increased use of patios and rooftops for dining and socializing
• More crowded trails at popular spots like Piedmont Park and Stone Mountain

These seasons are ideal for longer hikes and river activities without extreme heat.

Summer: Early Mornings, Shade, and Water

In summer, locals often:

• Plan activities early in the morning or near sunset
• Choose shaded parks, river spots, or pools
• Limit mid‑day exertion on exposed trails

The Chattahoochee, shady in‑town parks, and neighborhood splash pads or pools become especially popular.

Winter: Mild Days and Clear Views

Atlanta winters are typically moderate compared to many northern cities. Outdoor options still include:

• Hiking local trails (fewer bugs, clearer visibility)
• Walking tours of historic neighborhoods
• Visiting parks when they’re less crowded

Some residents use winter to tackle hikes like Stone Mountain or Arabia Mountain when temperatures are more comfortable for climbing.

9. Practical Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors in Atlanta

• Plan around traffic and parking. Reaching trails and parks like Stone Mountain or the Chattahoochee can take extra time during rush hours. Build that into your schedule.
• Check hours and access points. Some parks close at dusk, and certain entrances or lots may have limited availability.
• Stay aware of weather. Atlanta can be humid and storm‑prone in warm months. Sudden showers and thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon.
• Bring water and sun protection. Many popular outdoor spots have stretches with little shade.
• Respect local rules. Pay attention to signs about dogs, river safety, parking, and trail use to avoid tickets or unsafe situations.

By focusing on parks, trails, rivers, and historic districts, you can fill your time in Atlanta with outdoor activities that match your energy level and interests—from a casual stroll on the BeltLine to a full day of hiking and river time just outside the city.