Things To Do in Atlantic Station Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the Neighborhood

Atlantic Station is one of Atlanta’s most walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods — part outdoor mall, part dining district, part residential hub. Whether you live nearby, are staying in Midtown, or are just looking for a day out, there are plenty of things to do in Atlantic Station without ever moving your car.

Below is a practical guide to what to see, eat, shop, and experience in Atlantic Station, and how to make the most of your time there.

Getting Oriented: Where Atlantic Station Is and How It Works

Atlantic Station sits on Atlanta’s Westside, just off I-75/85 and 17th Street, a few minutes from Midtown.

Key basics:

• Main area: Around 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
• Parking: Large underground and deck parking throughout the district (usually free for a limited time with paid options after)
• Getting there without driving:
  • MARTA Arts Center Station + free Atlantic Station shuttle (often called “the Red shuttle”)
  • Rideshare drop-offs along 17th Street and Market Street
• Layout: Central outdoor streets with shops and restaurants, a movie theater, grocery store, residential buildings, and office towers around the edges

Once you park or arrive by shuttle, you can walk to everything you’ll likely want to do.

Shopping in Atlantic Station

Shopping is one of the main draws for Atlantic Station, especially if you want a walkable alternative to a traditional indoor mall.

Popular Types of Stores

You’ll typically find:

• Clothing and fashion – national brands, casual wear, athleisure, denim, and accessories
• Shoes and sneakers – from athletic sneakers to dress shoes
• Home and lifestyle – decor, small home goods, candles, and gifts
• Beauty and personal care – cosmetics, skincare, and grooming products
• Electronics and entertainment – often a mix of tech retailers and gaming-related shops

Because the retail mix can change over time, it’s smart to check the Atlantic Station directory before you go if you’re looking for a very specific brand. But for general browsing and outfit shopping, the core streets around Atlantic Drive NW and District Avenue usually have a solid lineup.

Tips for Shoppers

• 🅿️ Parking validation: Many retailers and restaurants validate parking; ask at checkout.
• 🕒 Best times: Weekday afternoons are typically less crowded. Weekend evenings can be busy, especially when there are events or concerts nearby.
• 💸 Budget-friendly browsing: Window-shopping and people-watching are genuinely part of the experience here; you don’t have to buy to enjoy the streetscape.

Dining and Drinks: From Quick Bites to Date Nights

Atlantic Station has a concentrated mix of restaurants, so it’s easy to plan a meal that fits your plans — from a fast lunch to a more relaxed dinner before a movie.

What You’ll Find

You can expect:

• Casual sit-down restaurants – American, Southern-inspired, burgers, tacos, pasta, and more
• Global cuisine – including Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, and fusion spots, depending on current tenants
• Fast-casual and quick service – sandwich shops, pizza, salads, and made-to-order bowls
• Coffee and dessert – coffee shops, sweet treat spots, and ice cream or frozen desserts
• Bars and lounges – sports-friendly spots, patios with cocktails, and restaurants with full bars

Many restaurants line the main streets near the Central Park-style green space, so you can eat and then walk directly into shops or events.

Local Dining Tips

• 🌤️ Patio season: When the weather’s nice, patio seating fills up fast. Arrive a little early for prime outdoor tables, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• 🎟️ Pre-movie planning: If you’re catching a movie at the theater, aim to sit down for dinner at least 1.5 hours before showtime to avoid rushing.
• 🥡 Takeout-friendly: A lot of places are set up well for takeout; this is handy if you’re staying in a nearby hotel or short-term rental.

Entertainment: Movies, Events, and Seasonal Fun

One of the biggest advantages of Atlantic Station is how it combines shopping and dining with built-in entertainment options.

Catch a Movie

Atlantic Station features a multi-screen movie theater that regularly shows major new releases, and sometimes specialty or limited-run films. It’s a good choice if you’re:

• Looking for something to do after dinner
• Wanting a climate-controlled activity on extremely hot or cold Atlanta days
• Planning a casual date night without driving across town

Most seats are reserved, and online ticket booking is common, especially on weekends.

Seasonal Ice Skating and Holiday Activities

During the winter holiday season, Atlantic Station often transforms part of its outdoor space into:

• A seasonal ice skating rink, typically open daily while the holiday programming is active
• Festive lighting and decorations throughout the main streets
• Additional seasonal pop-ups or small attractions (such as holiday markets or themed events)

If you’re in Atlanta between late fall and early January, Atlantic Station is one of the city’s more popular holiday outing spots, especially for families and friend groups.

Outdoor Events and Community Activities

Throughout the year, you may find:

• Live music or DJ sets on select evenings
• Outdoor fitness classes or wellness events
• Pop-up markets, craft fairs, or maker markets
• Game-day viewing events for major sports, especially Atlanta teams

Event calendars can change month-to-month, so it’s helpful to check the Atlantic Station events schedule before visiting if you want to plan around something specific.

Everyday Essentials: Groceries, Services, and Errands

Atlantic Station isn’t just for visitors — it’s also a hub for nearby residents and office workers.

Groceries and Essentials

There is typically a large grocery store in or adjacent to the development, where you can grab:

• Full grocery runs
• Prepared meals and hot bar items
• Snacks and drinks before heading to a movie or back to your hotel

You may also find:

• Pharmacy options and convenience items (depending on current tenants)
• Banking and ATMs
• Dry cleaning and basic services

This makes Atlantic Station a convenient stop if you’re staying in Midtown/Westside and want to stock up without driving far.

Walking, People-Watching, and Public Art

Even if you’re not planning a big shopping or entertainment day, Atlantic Station is a nice place to simply walk around.

Strolling the Streets

The main streets are:

• Pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks
• Lined with benches, planters, and occasional seating areas
• Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and apartments that create a busy urban feel

You can easily spend an hour or two:

• Walking loops around the central blocks
• Grabbing a coffee and sitting in one of the open seating areas
• Exploring side streets just beyond the main retail corridor

Public Art and Murals

Atlantic Station and the surrounding West Midtown area frequently feature:

• Murals on walls, underpasses, or near parking areas
• Installations or sculptures in plazas and green spaces

These can make for interesting photo spots or quick detours if you like urban art. Because pieces can change, it’s worth keeping an eye out as you walk rather than hunting for one specific installation.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlantic Station

If you’re visiting with kids, Atlantic Station can be a smoother option than some busier parts of the city.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Common family-friendly choices include:

• Going to the movies – an easy, familiar option for most age groups
• Seasonal ice skating – often a hit with older kids and teens
• Grabbing ice cream or treats and exploring the main plaza
• Casual restaurants – many are used to families and have flexible seating

Parents often appreciate:

• Walkable layout (you can park once and walk)
• Enclosed feel compared to busier city streets
• Plenty of visibility in open-air areas, which can make supervising easier

If you’re visiting on a weekend, aim to come earlier in the day if you prefer a more relaxed, kid-focused atmosphere. Late evenings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, can skew more toward adult nightlife and date nights.

Nightlife and Evening Vibes

While Atlantic Station is not Atlanta’s main nightlife district, it does offer low-key evening options that work well if you’re already in the area.

What Evenings Feel Like

On many evenings you’ll find:

• People arriving for dinner and drinks
• Moviegoers heading to later showtimes
• Groups walking around with dessert or coffee
• Occasional outdoor music or events depending on the season

Bars and restaurants with later hours give the area a more lively feel without it tipping into a full club district. It’s a good choice if you want:

• A laid-back date night
• A group dinner with drinks where you can still walk around afterward
• A place to end a Midtown/Westside day without driving to a different part of the city

Quick-Glance Guide: Top Things To Do in Atlantic Station

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlantic Station

To make your visit smoother, keep these local-style tips in mind:

• 🚗 Driving and parking:

  • Access from 17th Street NW just off I-75/85
  • Look for signs to underground and deck parking
  • Watch for validation options at shops and restaurants

• 🚌 Taking MARTA:

  • Go to Arts Center Station (N5)
  • Exit to the free Atlantic Station shuttle, which usually runs on a frequent loop
  • The shuttle drops you near the central retail/dining area

• 🌦️ Weather planning:

  • Hot summers: Many people plan visits late afternoon into evening for cooler temps.
  • Rainy days: You can still enjoy the movie theater, indoor dining, and some covered walkways, but bring an umbrella for getting between spots.

• 📅 Checking events:

  • Before visiting on weekends or holidays, it’s smart to check Atlantic Station’s event and parking notices so you’re not surprised by road closures, large festivals, or special programming.

Is Atlantic Station Worth a Visit?

For someone in Atlanta, Atlantic Station is most useful as:

• A convenient one-stop destination for shopping, movies, and meals
• A walkable outdoor alternative to traditional malls
• A seasonal hub for holiday ice skating and events
• A practical errand and grocery stop if you live or stay nearby

You won’t find historic sites or major museums inside Atlantic Station itself, but as a modern, mixed-use neighborhood, it’s a reliable place to spend a few hours — whether you’re a local running errands, a visitor staying in Midtown, or a group looking for simple, central things to do in Atlanta.