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

Atlanta offers a mix of Southern history, world-class attractions, local neighborhoods, food, arts, and outdoor spaces. Whether you live in the city or are planning a visit, there’s always something new to do.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan your time in the city and explore beyond the usual tourist stops.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Should See At Least Once

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a popular pick for families, couples, and solo visitors.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of marine animals; interactive exhibits; regular shows and talks.
• Tips:
  • Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
  • Consider pairing your visit with other nearby attractions in Centennial Olympic Park.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola focuses on the history, branding, and global reach of the Coca‑Cola Company.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on Coca‑Cola’s history in Atlanta
  • Tasting room with sodas from around the world
  • Memorabilia and interactive displays
• Best for: Visitors curious about the city’s corporate history and families looking for a fun, indoor activity.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a central green space surrounded by many of Atlanta’s major attractions.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do:
  • Walk the grounds and see the Fountain of Rings
  • Relax on the lawns between museum or aquarium visits
  • Enjoy periodic festivals and events
• Ideal as a home base for a downtown day: aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame are all nearby.

Culture, History, and Museums

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects Atlanta’s deep civil rights history with ongoing human rights issues worldwide.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus:
  • American Civil Rights Movement
  • Global human rights struggles
• Experience: Immersive exhibits, powerful audio-visual installations, and artifacts connected to leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This is one of the most important historic sites in Atlanta and a must-visit for understanding the city’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

• Main areas include:
  • Dr. King’s birth home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
  • The King Center, where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest
• Location (Visitor Center): 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Plan for: A few hours if you want to walk through the church, the historic home area, and exhibits at the Visitor Center.

Atlanta History Center

Located in Buckhead, this large campus covers centuries of regional history.

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• What you’ll find:
  • Atlanta and Civil War exhibits
  • Historic houses, including the Swan House
  • Extensive gardens and walking paths
• Good for: People who want a bigger picture of Atlanta’s growth, from rail hub to modern city.

Outdoor Activities, Parks, and Green Spaces

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a central gathering place for locals.

• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (main entrance near the park’s north side)
• Things to do:
  • Walk or jog around Lake Clara Meer
  • Picnic with skyline views
  • Visit the nearby Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Popular times: Weekend mornings and evenings when the weather is nice.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails, parks, and future transit along former rail corridors circling the city.

• Popular segments:
  • Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and into Midtown; lined with public art, restaurants, and shops.
  • Westside Trail: More residential feel, with breweries, parks, and growing food options.
• What to do:
  • Walk, bike, or scooter along the trail
  • Explore local murals and public art
  • Stop into BeltLine-adjacent food halls and markets

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Connected to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers indoor and outdoor curated plant collections.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • Canopy walk through the trees
  • Seasonal flower and light displays
  • Specialized gardens (orchids, edible garden, etc.)
• Good pick for: A quieter, scenic outing, date days, or family visits.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own personality. Exploring them is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city beyond major attractions.

Midtown

Midtown balances office towers, arts institutions, and residential streets.

• What to do:
  • Visit Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Explore the High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  • Walk Peachtree Street for shops, restaurants, and theaters

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These adjoining neighborhoods offer historic homes, trendy dining, and easy BeltLine access.

• Inman Park:
  • Known for Victorian houses and tree-lined streets
  • Great for brunch and coffee
• Old Fourth Ward:
  • Close to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Direct access to the Eastside Trail
  • Home to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), a large food hall and shopping destination

Virginia‑Highland

Often shortened to “Va‑Hi,” this neighborhood mixes residential streets and small business districts.

• What you’ll find:
  • Independent restaurants and bars
  • Boutique shopping
  • Walkable streets close to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine

Westside & West Midtown

Former industrial areas that now house restaurants, design shops, and creative spaces.

• Activities:
  • Explore Westside Provisions District for dining and shopping
  • Check out local breweries and coffee shops
  • Walk or bike parts of the Westside BeltLine Trail

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s main family attractions.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Notable features:
  • A variety of animals from around the world
  • Children’s play areas and educational programming
• Combine with: A walk around Grant Park or a visit to nearby neighborhoods like Summerhill for food options.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum combines natural history exhibits, giant dinosaur displays, and outdoor spaces.

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• What to expect:
  • Indoor exhibits on natural history and science
  • Giant screen theater
  • Outdoor adventure areas and forest trails at Fernbank Forest
• Good for: Rainy-day activities and kids interested in science and nature.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Especially suitable for younger children, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is filled with interactive exhibits designed for play and learning.

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Often paired with: A stop at Centennial Olympic Park or a short walk to the Georgia Aquarium.

Arts, Music, and Nightlife

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Features:
  • Permanent and rotating collections of American, European, African, and folk art
  • Special exhibits throughout the year
  • Family-focused programs on certain days

Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre in Midtown is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings and performance venues.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• What to see:
  • Touring Broadway shows
  • Concerts, comedy, and special events
• Tip: The building itself is a major draw—if you can’t catch a show, look for opportunities to join a theater tour.

Live Music and Local Venues

Atlanta has an active music scene ranging from small clubs to larger venues.

Common types of places to check:

• Mid-size venues in Midtown and Downtown for touring acts
• Smaller clubs in East Atlanta, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward for local bands and DJs
• Outdoor concerts in warm months at amphitheaters and parks

Checking current show calendars before your visit is the best way to see what’s happening while you’re in town.

Shopping, Markets, and Local Food Halls

Ponce City Market

Located in a historic Sears building, Ponce City Market is a major mixed-use development with a food hall, shops, and rooftop entertainment.

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why visit:
  • Indoor food hall with a wide range of cuisines
  • Access to the Eastside BeltLine Trail
  • Retail shops and seasonal events

Krog Street Market

A smaller, more intimate food hall in Inman Park, just off the BeltLine.

• Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Best for:
  • Sampling different local restaurants in one place
  • Starting or ending a walk or bike ride on the BeltLine
  • Exploring nearby Krog Street Tunnel for street art

Local Neighborhood Shopping Streets

If you’re looking for independent boutiques, gifts, or galleries, walkable corridors include:

• Virginia‑Highland commercial nodes along N Highland Ave NE
• Little Five Points (Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE) for music shops, vintage clothing, and alternative fashion
• Parts of Westside and Inman Park for design-forward shops and specialty stores

Sports and Big Events

Atlanta is a major sports city, and attending a game is one of the most energetic things to do in town.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Activities:
  • Attend a football or soccer game
  • Check for concerts and large special events
• The stadium is walkable from MARTA rail stations, which many visitors use to avoid downtown traffic.

State Farm Arena

This arena hosts professional basketball and major concerts.

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Home to: Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Also used for: Major touring music acts and large events throughout the year.

College Football Hall of Fame

For college football fans, this attraction near Centennial Olympic Park offers interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• A convenient stop if you’re already spending time downtown.

Quick Planning Guide: What To Do in Atlanta by Interest

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

• Getting around:
  • MARTA rail and buses serve many major attractions, especially Downtown, Midtown, and the airport area.
  • Rideshare and taxis are widely used for trips between neighborhoods not directly connected by rail.
• Traffic awareness:
  • Rush hours on weekdays (morning and late afternoon) can be heavy, especially on interstates like I‑75/85 and I‑285.
  • Leave extra time if you have ticketed events or reservations.
• Weather considerations:
  • Summers can be hot and humid, so indoor attractions or evening activities may be more comfortable.
  • Spring and fall are popular seasons for walking the BeltLine and visiting parks.
• Parking:
  • Most major attractions offer parking decks or lots, typically with a fee.
  • In busy areas like Midtown, Downtown, and along the BeltLine, consider parking once and walking or using transit.

Exploring Atlanta is often about combining a few big attractions with time in neighborhoods, parks, and local food spots. With the options above, you can build an itinerary that fits whether you’re here for a weekend visit, a family trip, or you’re a local looking for new ideas close to home.