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

Atlanta combines Southern charm, big-city energy, and a deep sense of history. Whether you live here, you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re planning a longer stay, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Atlanta.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Atlanta at a Glance: Quick Ideas by Interest

Explore Atlanta’s Civil Rights History

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this park is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Atlanta.

Highlights include:

• Dr. King’s birth home on Auburn Avenue
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center, with exhibits on Dr. King’s life and nonviolent movement
• His and Coretta Scott King’s tomb and reflecting pool

Expect some walking between sites; many visitors park once and explore the area on foot. Entry to the main park sites is typically free, but check current hours before you go.

Address:
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

In downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park area, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy to global human rights issues.

You’ll find:

• An immersive American civil rights movement exhibit
• A powerful gallery dedicated to Dr. King’s papers
• Interactive exhibits on modern human rights challenges

It’s a strong pairing with a visit to the MLK National Historical Park if you want a full day focused on civil rights in Atlanta.

Address:
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Iconic Atlanta Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s most visited attractions and a must-do for many families and first-time visitors.

What to expect:

• Massive tanks featuring whale sharks and manta rays
• Interactive exhibits and touch pools
• Daily shows and animal presentations

It’s located in the Centennial Park area, convenient to several other major attractions.

Address:
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is a company museum focused on the Atlanta-born soft drink.

You can:

• Learn about the history of Coca‑Cola in Atlanta
• See memorabilia and vintage advertising
• Visit the popular tasting room with sodas from around the world

This is a good stop if you’re already in the Centennial Park area and want something light and fun.

Address:
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

College Football Hall of Fame

Also at Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame is ideal for sports fans.

Inside you’ll find:

• Interactive exhibits and games
• Historical artifacts and uniforms
• Touchscreen displays featuring colleges from across the country

Address:
250 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Enjoy Atlanta’s Green Spaces and Outdoors

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park sits in Midtown and is a favorite for locals year‑round.

Things to do:

• Walk or jog the paved trails
• Relax on the meadow with skyline views
• Visit the dog parks
• Attend seasonal festivals and farmers markets

The Atlanta Botanical Garden borders the park on the north side.

Main entrance:
400 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape right in Midtown, with changing displays throughout the year.

Highlights:

• The Canopy Walk, a path through the treetops
• The Fuqua Conservatory, with tropical and desert plants
• Seasonal events, like evening light displays and cocktail nights

Address:
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail system encircling the city, built along old rail corridors. It’s one of the best ways to experience in-town neighborhoods.

Popular sections:

• Eastside Trail: Runs by Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Old Fourth Ward
• Westside Trail: Connects West End and Southwest Atlanta neighborhoods

What to do:

• Walk, run, or bike
• Explore murals and public art
• Stop at restaurants, bars, and breweries steps off the trail

Tip: The Eastside Trail can get crowded on weekends; visit earlier in the day if you prefer a calmer stroll.

Stone Mountain Park

About 20–30 minutes east of Atlanta (traffic depending), Stone Mountain Park offers outdoor recreation around a large granite mountain.

Activities include:

• Hiking to the summit for skyline views
• Walking around the base on the loop trail
• Family attractions and seasonal events inside the park

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

Family-Friendly Things To Do

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a solid choice for families and animal lovers.

At the zoo you can:

• See pandas, gorillas, and a wide range of species
• Enjoy kids’ play areas and educational programs
• Combine your trip with a picnic or walk in Grant Park

Address:
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is focused on younger kids, with hands-on exhibits and play areas.

It’s best for:

• Toddlers through elementary-aged children
• A rainy-day activity or indoor break from the heat

Address:
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum combines science exhibits with outdoor nature experiences.

Highlights:

• Dinosaur displays and natural history exhibits
• Giant screen theater
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor adventure areas with elevated walkways

Address:
767 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307

Dive into Atlanta’s Arts and Culture

High Museum of Art

In Midtown’s arts district, the High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s leading art museum.

You’ll find:

• American and European paintings and sculptures
• Contemporary art and photography
• Rotating special exhibitions

It’s located near the Arts Center MARTA Station, alongside other cultural venues like the Woodruff Arts Center.

Address:
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks.

You can:

• See Broadway touring shows, concerts, and special events
• Take a guided tour to learn about its ornate architecture and history

Check the event schedule in advance if there’s a specific show you want to see.

Address:
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

Street Art and Murals

Atlanta is known for vibrant street art, especially along:

• Krog Street Tunnel (Cabbagetown/Inman Park)
• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Neighborhoods like Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward, and Castleberry Hill

Many locals enjoy self-guided walks or bike rides to discover murals, graffiti, and public installations.

Food Halls, Markets, and Neighborhood Flavor

Ponce City Market

Housed in a former Sears building along the BeltLine, Ponce City Market is both a food hall and shopping destination.

You can:

• Sample food from multiple local and regional vendors
• Shop boutiques and small retailers
• Visit the Rooftop area (Skyline Park) for games and skyline views

Address:
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

Krog Street Market

A short BeltLine walk away, Krog Street Market in Inman Park offers a more compact food hall experience.

Expect:

• A mix of food counters, bars, and specialty shops
• Easy access to the BeltLine and Krog Street Tunnel murals

Address:
99 Krog St NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Buford Highway

If you’re interested in global cuisine, Buford Highway (inside and just outside the city) is known for its diverse restaurants, especially Asian and Latin American.

You’ll find:

• Authentic Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, and Central American spots
• Markets and bakeries with specialty items

Buford Highway is more spread out and car-oriented, so plan on driving and exploring a few stops rather than walking the entire corridor.

Sports, Events, and Big Venues

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a major anchor of the city’s sports and event scene.

You can:

• Attend football or soccer games
• Catch concerts and large special events
• Take a stadium tour on select days

Address:
1 AMB Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

State Farm Arena

Across from CNN Center and near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena hosts:

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) home games
• Concerts, comedy tours, and special events

Address:
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Located in Cobb County, just north of city limits, Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves.

Next door is The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use district with:

• Restaurants and bars
• Shops
• Game-day and off-day entertainment

Address (stadium):
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Midtown

Midtown is walkable and packed with things to do:

• Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden
• High Museum of Art and arts venues
• A range of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops

It’s convenient if you prefer using MARTA and less driving.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

Near the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park offer:

• Access to Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market
• Historic homes and tree-lined streets
• Proximity to civil rights landmarks in Sweet Auburn

This area is especially popular with locals on weekends.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for:

• High-end shopping centers
• Upscale restaurants and hotels
• A growing number of art galleries and office towers

It’s more car-focused but still reachable by MARTA at certain stops.

West End & Westside

The West End and nearby areas along the Westside BeltLine are seeing rapid growth.

You’ll find:

• Access to the BeltLine’s Westside Trail
• Breweries, food halls, and adaptive reuse developments
• Easy driving distance to attractions like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Performing Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Live Music and Theaters

Atlanta has a strong music scene, with venues ranging from intimate clubs to large theaters.

Notable options include:

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – major tours and events
• Smaller venues spread across Little Five Points, Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward, and East Atlanta Village

Genres range from hip‑hop and R&B to rock, jazz, and indie.

Nightlife Districts

For bars, lounges, and late-night spots, locals often head to:

• Edgewood Avenue – laid-back bars and music
• Midtown – mix of lounges, dance spots, and LGBTQ+ friendly venues
• Buckhead – more upscale nightlife options

Parking, rideshare, and MARTA are all commonly used; plan transportation in advance, especially on weekends.

Seasonal and Special Events

Atlanta’s calendar is packed with annual festivals and seasonal activities. Some common types of events include:

• Spring: Arts festivals in Piedmont Park, food and wine events, neighborhood tours
• Summer: Outdoor concerts, baseball games at Truist Park, BeltLine and park activities
• Fall: College and pro football, neighborhood festivals, Halloween attractions
• Winter: Holiday light displays at places like the Botanical Garden, ice skating rinks, indoor attractions

Event specifics change year to year, so it helps to check local listings when you’re planning your visit or stay.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

• Transportation:
  • MARTA rail is useful for getting to Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, the airport, and some major venues.
  • Many attractions, especially in-town, are a short rideshare or taxi ride from MARTA stations.
• Traffic and Timing:
  • Rush hours on weekdays can be heavy, especially on I‑75/85 and I‑285. Plan extra time when crossing town.
• Weather:
  • Summers are hot and humid; indoor attractions or early morning outdoor activities are more comfortable.
  • Spring and fall are generally the best seasons for walking the BeltLine and exploring parks.

If you focus on a mix of history, outdoor spaces, food halls, and neighborhood exploration, you’ll get a clear sense of what makes Atlanta unique and how locals actually enjoy the city day to day.