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

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city energy, historic neighborhoods, green spaces, and world-class attractions. Whether you live in the metro area or are planning a visit, there’s always something new to explore.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to popular things to do in the city, organized so you can quickly find ideas that match your interests, time, and budget.

Must‑See Atlanta Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a popular choice for families, couples, and group outings.

• Why go: Massive viewing windows, whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive touch pools.
• Good for: Rainy days, kids, out-of-town guests, or a first-time Atlanta visit.
• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Tip: Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends or holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola showcases the history of one of Atlanta’s most recognizable brands.

• Highlights: Vintage advertising, memorabilia, a walkthrough of the bottling process, and a tasting room with drinks from around the world.
• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best for: Visitors interested in pop culture, branding, and family-friendly activities.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a popular outdoor choice.

• Features: Gorillas, elephants, reptiles, and extensive children’s areas.
• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Tip: Summer afternoons can be hot and humid; many locals go early in the morning.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum combines science exhibits with access to Fernbank Forest, a large urban old-growth forest.

• At the museum: Dinosaur exhibits, natural history galleries, and rotating special exhibitions.
• Outdoors: Elevated walkways, nature trails, and seasonal events.
• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Atlanta’s Top Neighborhoods to Explore

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

If you’re short on time and want to see several attractions close together, the Centennial Olympic Park area is efficient.

Popular things to do:

• Walk around Centennial Olympic Park and the Fountain of Rings.
• Visit Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola.
• Check out the College Football Hall of Fame nearby if you’re a sports fan.

This area is walkable and well-served by MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations).

Midtown

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most vibrant districts, mixing arts, nightlife, and green space.

Key highlights:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s “Central Park” with walking paths, dog parks, and skyline views.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Next to Piedmont Park, known for seasonal displays and a canopy walk.
  • Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  • Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Midtown is also popular for dining, bars, and festivals throughout the year.

Buckhead

Known as a major shopping and dining district, Buckhead is popular with locals and visitors looking for upscale experiences.

Popular things to do:

• Shop or window-shop at large malls and nearby boutiques.
• Enjoy rooftop bars and chef-driven restaurants.
• Explore nearby residential streets with historic and modern homes.

Buckhead is easily reached via MARTA’s Red Line (Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations).

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

For a more walkable, creative, local-feeling experience:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – A paved multi-use trail lined with restaurants, public art, and parks.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – A popular green space close to the BeltLine.
• Inman Park – Tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and a neighborhood feel.

This area is especially popular on weekends and during festivals.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This site offers a deep look at civil rights history in Atlanta.

• What you can see:
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (guided tours may require advance planning)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (original and modern sanctuaries)
  • Visitor center exhibits
• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Close to Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with global human rights issues.

• Highlights: Immersive exhibits, personal stories, and a focus on both history and ongoing issues.
• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta History Center

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center offers a broad view of the city’s past.

• Features:
  • Museum galleries on Atlanta’s development and regional history
  • Historic houses and gardens on the grounds
• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is one of the best all-around free things to do in Atlanta.

You can:

• Walk, jog, or bike the paved paths
• Relax by Lake Clara Meer
• Use playgrounds and sports fields
• Attend seasonal festivals and events

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail network connecting neighborhoods, parks, and public art.

Popular segments:

• Eastside Trail: From near Piedmont Park through Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, with many restaurants and bars.
• Westside Trail: Expanding access to neighborhoods on the city’s west side, with breweries, food halls, and green spaces.

Good for:

• Walking or biking
• Outdoor dining
• Street art and people-watching

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Day Trip)

Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a common day trip.

• Activities: Hiking (including the walk-up trail), gondola rides, and lake areas.
• Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Note: While outside the City of Atlanta, it’s a frequent choice for locals and visitors staying in Atlanta.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Popular options for kids and families include:

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Interactive exhibits for younger children.
  • Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta – Indoor attraction inside Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, especially for LEGO fans.
  • Location: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Fernbank Museum & Forest – Indoor and outdoor exploration.
• Zoo Atlanta – Animals, keeper talks, and play areas.
• Piedmont Park & local splash pads – Affordable outdoor fun when the weather is warm.

Many families combine Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park into a single day.

Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Performing Arts

Atlanta has a robust performing arts scene, especially in Midtown and Downtown.

• Fox Theatre – Broadway shows, concerts, comedy.
• Alliance Theatre – Regional theater in the Woodruff Arts Center complex.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Also at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Check show calendars in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Museums and Galleries

Beyond the big-name attractions:

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with classic and modern works.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Smaller galleries in Castleberry Hill, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward showcase local artists and rotating exhibits.

Nightlife and Live Music

Popular nightlife and music areas include:

• Midtown: Bars, lounges, and dance clubs with a wide mix of crowds and music.
• East Atlanta Village: Neighborhood bars, live music, and a more laid-back, local scene.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward): Lively bars and clubs, especially on weekends.

For live music, residents often look at venues across the city, from larger concert halls to smaller clubs hosting local bands and touring artists.

Food & Drink: What Atlanta Is Known For

Atlanta’s food scene blends Southern comfort, international flavors, and modern takes on classics.

Common things people seek out:

• Southern and soul food – Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and more, found across the city.
• Barbecue – Various spots inside the city and in nearby suburbs.
• Global cuisine – Particularly in Buford Highway areas just outside central Atlanta, known for a wide range of authentic international restaurants.
• Food halls – Multi-vendor markets with many local options in one place, often close to BeltLine or popular corridors.

🍽 Tip: Atlanta traffic can be heavy. Many locals plan meals around what part of town they’ll already be in for attractions or work.

Sports and Major Events

Atlanta is a major sports city, and attending a game is a popular thing to do year-round.

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).
  • Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a frequent concert venue.
  • Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Truist Park – Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), located in the Cumberland area northwest of the city.
  • Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

Big events, concerts, and festivals are spread throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall when the weather is typically more comfortable.

Free and Low‑Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

If you’re budgeting or just want simple options, there are many inexpensive or free activities:

• Walk or bike the BeltLine
• Relax in Piedmont Park or other neighborhood parks
• Explore street art in Cabbagetown, Krog Street Tunnel, and along the BeltLine
• Visit public spaces around Centennial Olympic Park
• Attend free or low-cost community events hosted by the City of Atlanta and neighborhood organizations (farmers markets, small festivals, outdoor concerts)

Many museums also offer discount days or evenings; checking ahead can help reduce costs.

Getting Around to Enjoy Atlanta

Understanding local transportation can make it easier to reach all these activities.

MARTA Transit

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) provides rail and bus service across key areas of Atlanta and nearby communities.

• Rail lines connect Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of the suburbs.
• Popular stations for visitors: Airport, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Arts Center, Midtown, Buckhead, Lenox, North Avenue.

MARTA Headquarters:
2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone (general customer service, typically listed): 404-848-5000
(Always verify updated hours or line info before traveling.)

Driving and Parking

• Traffic: Rush hours on weekdays (morning and late afternoon) can be congested, especially on interstates and major surface streets.
• Parking:
  • Downtown/Midtown: Garages and paid lots are common near major attractions.
  • Neighborhoods: Some residential areas have limited or permit-based street parking.

Planning parking in advance, especially for events or big venues, helps avoid last-minute delays.

Quick Planning Guide: Popular Areas vs. What You Can Do

Use this as a starting point to match your plans with where you want to be in the city on a given day.

Atlanta offers world-class attractions, historic sites, neighborhoods with distinct personalities, and plenty of outdoor and family-friendly options. Whether you’re planning a weekend itinerary or looking for new ideas as a local, the city’s mix of culture, food, parks, and events provides something to do in almost every corner of Atlanta.