Fun, Food, and Culture: The Best Things To Do in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta offers a little bit of everything: big-city energy, deep history, green spaces, and a serious food scene. Whether you live here, just moved to town, or are planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta for every budget and interest.

Below you’ll find a practical guide to top attractions, local-only favorites, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood ideas that actually make sense on the ground in Atlanta.

Classic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Skip

These are the “only in Atlanta” experiences most people try to see at least once.

World of Coca‑Cola

Located at 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, the World of Coca‑Cola walks you through the history of the brand with interactive exhibits and a tasting room featuring drinks from around the world. It’s especially popular with families and first-time visitors.

Good to know:

• Right next to Centennial Olympic Park and Georgia Aquarium
• Indoors and air-conditioned (useful in Atlanta summers)
• Allow about 1.5–2 hours

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 is one of the city’s biggest draws. You’ll see whale sharks, manta rays, sea lions, and more in large, walk-through viewing galleries.

Tips:

• Early morning and late afternoon are often less crowded
• It’s easy to pair with World of Coca‑Cola or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights nearby
• Great rainy-day option

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Inside Piedmont Park at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers seasonal displays, an elevated canopy walk, and an orchid center. Locals often go for events like seasonal light displays and outdoor concerts.

Best for: Relaxed strolling, date nights, families, and photography.

Zoo Atlanta

Found in Historic Grant Park at 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Zoo Atlanta is known for its gorillas and giant pandas (check current exhibits before you go). The zoo is walkable and shaded in many areas.

Nearby: Grant Park’s residential streets are nice for a short drive or walk, and the Oakland Cemetery (also nearby) is one of the city’s most interesting historic sites.

Atlanta’s Historic & Cultural Landmarks

Atlanta’s history is central to the Civil Rights Movement, Southern culture, and modern Black history. Many of the city’s most meaningful things to do are connected to that story.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This multi-site area in Sweet Auburn includes:

• MLK’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and reflecting pool
• Visitor center with exhibits

The main visitor center is at 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

What to expect:

• A mix of indoor exhibits and outdoor walking
• Ranger-led tours are sometimes available for the birth home
• Free admission to many components, but check hours before going

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located downtown at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, this museum connects the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to broader global human rights issues.

Plan about 2–3 hours to move through the exhibits thoughtfully. It pairs well with a day at Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions.

Atlanta History Center

In Buckhead, at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, the Atlanta History Center features:

• Civil War and regional history exhibits
• The Swan House mansion
• Extensive gardens and historic structures

It’s a good option if you want a deeper understanding of how Atlanta developed from railroad junction to modern city.

Outdoor Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is often called a “city in a forest,” and locals make good use of its green spaces.

Piedmont Park

Bordering Midtown, Piedmont Park at 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 is Atlanta’s central gathering park.

You can:

• Walk or jog around the loop
• Use playgrounds, dog parks, and sports fields
• Enjoy skyline views from the meadow
• Access the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail nearby

The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails and future transit built on old railroad corridors.

Popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland, connecting to Ponce City Market.
• Westside Trail: Connects neighborhoods like West End and Adair Park and showcases public art.

People use the BeltLine for walking, biking, running, and bar-hopping. Weekends can be busy, so keep that in mind if you’re biking with kids.

Stone Mountain Park

Just east of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, GA (1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083), Stone Mountain Park offers:

• Hiking up the mountain (moderate but short)
• A cable car to the top
• Lakes, picnic areas, and seasonal attractions

If you go, plan at least half a day. Weather can change quickly at the summit, so bring water and sun protection.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

To the north of the city, the Chattahoochee River offers:

• Kayaking and tubing (especially popular in warm weather)
• Riverside hiking trails like East Palisades and West Palisades
• Picnic spots and fishing areas

Entry points near Atlanta include spots in Sandy Springs and Vinings. Many locals set aside a weekend morning for a hike, then head to nearby restaurants.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Exploring Atlanta by neighborhood helps you understand the city’s layout and personality.

Downtown Atlanta

Best for: First-time visitors and major attractions.

Highlights:

• Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Georgia World Congress Center
• State Farm Arena (for concerts and basketball)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC)

Downtown is built around these big venues and convention spaces, so it’s busiest during events and game days.

Midtown

Midtown is Atlanta’s “arts and culture” district.

Things to do:

• Visit the High Museum of Art at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Catch a show at Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Walk to Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Explore restaurants and bars on Peachtree and nearby side streets

It’s also one of the more walkable parts of the city.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods are popular with locals.

Old Fourth Ward:

• Home to parts of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Close to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Combines historic homes, new development, and public art

Inman Park:

• Atlanta’s first planned suburb, now full of restored Victorian homes
• Walkable, with independent restaurants and coffee shops
• Hosts the annual Inman Park Festival in the spring

Virginia‑Highland & Poncey‑Highland

These connected neighborhoods are known for:

• Bungalow-style homes
• Boutique shops and local dining
• Easy access to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market

They’re good areas for a casual afternoon of walking, snacking, and people-watching.

Westside & West Midtown

On the city’s west side, around Howell Mill Rd and Marietta St, you’ll find:

• Converted industrial buildings with restaurants and retail
• Art galleries and event spaces
• Breweries and rooftop venues

This area continues to change quickly, so it’s a favorite for people who like exploring new spots.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is generally very family-oriented, with plenty of kid-focused attractions.

Top Kid-Friendly Spots

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)
• Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  (Dinosaur exhibits, giant screen theater, and outdoor forest areas)

Simple Family Itinerary Ideas

1-Day Family Visit Example:

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch: Nearby downtown restaurant or food at the aquarium
• Afternoon: World of Coca‑Cola or Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Evening: Relax at Centennial Olympic Park and head back to your hotel or home

Weekend With Kids:

• Day 1: Zoo Atlanta + playground time in Grant Park
• Day 2: Fernbank Museum + walk or short hike in one of the nearby parks

Arts, Music, and Entertainment

Atlanta’s creative scene runs from historic theaters to neighborhood music venues.

Performing Arts & Major Venues

• Fox Theatre – Historic theater with touring Broadway shows, concerts, and special events
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Alliance Theatre – Professional theater company connected to the Woodruff Arts Center
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• State Farm Arena – Major concerts and NBA games
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – NFL, MLS, and large concerts
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Museums and Galleries

• High Museum of Art – Leading art museum in Midtown
• Smaller galleries in Castleberry Hill, West Midtown, and along the BeltLine showcase local artists.

For a low-key art outing, many locals walk or bike the BeltLine to see the rotating public art installations and murals.

Food & Drink: Eating Your Way Around Atlanta

Food is one of the best things to do in Atlanta, whether you’re into classic Southern dishes or global flavors.

What Atlanta Is Known For

You’ll commonly find:

• Southern comfort food – fried chicken, biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens
• BBQ – pork, brisket, ribs, and smoked wings
• Soul food – meat-and-three style meals, often in long-standing neighborhood spots
• International cuisine – especially around Buford Highway, with a wide range of Asian, Latin American, and African restaurants

Areas With Dense Dining Options

• Buford Highway (Doraville/Chamblee area): Long stretch of international eateries
• Westside/West Midtown: Trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, and some higher-end dining
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward: Walkable dining near the BeltLine
• Midtown: Mix of casual and upscale spots, plus late-night options

A practical approach is to pick a neighborhood—like Inman Park or West Midtown—and explore within a few blocks.

Sports and Game-Day Experiences

Atlanta is a major sports city, and catching a game is a popular way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Professional Teams

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (technically in Cobb County, just northwest of city limits)

The area around Truist Park, known as The Battery Atlanta, includes dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it a full-day or half-day outing.

Nightlife and Evening Activities

For nightlife, Atlanta offers everything from casual spots to high-energy clubs.

Common Nightlife Areas

• Midtown: Bars, lounges, and clubs within walking distance of each other
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward): Lively bar scene with a more laid-back vibe
• Buckhead: Upscale bars and lounges
• West Midtown: Breweries, cocktail bars, rooftop spots

If you prefer lower-key evenings, look for:

• Rooftop bars with city views
• Evening BeltLine strolls
• Late shows at local theaters or comedy clubs

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend much to enjoy the city.

Free or Inexpensive Options

• Walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine
• Relaxing in Piedmont Park or Grant Park
• Exploring the Krog Street Tunnel murals
• Visiting historic neighborhoods like Inman Park and Virginia‑Highland
• Checking out Centennial Olympic Park and its fountains
• Exploring the grounds (not always the exhibits) of places like the Atlanta History Center

Some museums and attractions occasionally offer discount days, so it’s worth checking current schedules before you go.

Sample “Things To Do in Atlanta” Plans

Here’s a quick comparison of how you might spend different kinds of days in the city:

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

A few basics can make your time in Atlanta smoother:

• Transportation:
  • MARTA (rail and bus) connects the airport, Downtown, Midtown, and parts of Buckhead.
  • Many attractions are clustered; you can group them to minimize driving.
• Traffic:
  • Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can be slow, especially on I‑75/85 and GA‑400. Plan around them when possible.
• Weather:
  • Summers are hot and humid—indoor and evening activities are popular then.
  • Spring and fall are prime times for outdoor festivals, BeltLine walks, and park days.
• Parking:
  • Most major attractions have paid parking lots or decks.
  • Intown neighborhoods often use street parking; pay attention to signs and time limits.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve lived in Atlanta for years, mixing big-name attractions with neighborhood exploring, parks, and local food will give you a well-rounded feel for the city. Use the ideas above as a menu: pick a couple of neighborhoods, an outdoor spot, and one or two key attractions, and you’ll have plenty of things to do in Atlanta that fit your interests and schedule.