73 Best Things to Do in Atlanta (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Museums & Culture | Free Things | Cool & Unusual Things | Local Treasures | Outdoors | Family-Friendly | Food & Drink | Bars & Nightlife

As a cityscape and street photographer who has called Atlanta home for more than 20 years, I know this city inside and out.

In this guide, I cover the best museums and attractions, parks and green spaces, and things for families, foodies, and sports fans. I also give you insider info from a local perspective — those cool, hidden spots where you can really immerse yourself in the city. You’ll discover more of the culture, arts, nightlife, and cuisine that make Atlanta unique. 

Before we dive in, though, be sure to save my guide to where to stay in Atlanta. Now, get ready to discover it all, on a tour of Atlanta through a local lens…

Best Things to Do in Atlanta

Jackson Street Bridge

No trip to Atlanta would be complete without the obligatory selfie or stunning sunset captured from this iconic location made famous by the TV series, The Walking Dead. 

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

This is THE hotspot in Atlanta where you will snap all the selfies and sunset pics you can. You never know what you will find on the bridge, from impromptu music videos, graduation, prom, bridal shoots, and everything in between. 

The best (and most popular) time to come is, of course, sunset. So, expect some company on the bridge around that time. If you’re an early riser, there is hardly ever a soul at sunrise, and you will see a totally different skyline, as the buildings will be illuminated from the rising sun (during sunset, the sun sets behind the city, so it’s backlit, with a dark silhouette). 

The bridge overlooks Freedom Parkway and is nestled between Downtown and Old Fourth Ward, just around the corner from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. The Atlanta Streetcar stop at King Historic District is a short 7-minute walk, or the MARTA King Memorial Station is about a 20-minute walk.

👉 Local Tip: Street parking nearby is limited, and it gets a bit crazy at times, so be mindful of oncoming traffic and stick to the sidewalk. 

Atlanta Beltline

22 miles of old train tracks, reimagined… 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour

The Atlanta Beltline is a former railway that’s been transformed into a green space that connects 45 neighborhoods. It’s all woven together by art, activities, attractions, restaurants, and retail.

Most visitors will likely head to the Eastside Trail, which is closest to the city center. It’s the perfect way to experience what life in Atlanta looks like as you snake through neighborhoods either on foot, by bike, scooter, or skates. 

You will find restaurants, bars and breweries, parks and green spaces, and museums and attractions. A good place to start would be Krog Street Tunnel at Dekalb Ave & Krog Street, famous for street art, murals, and graffiti. 

Then, head north along the Beltline towards Krog Market, and onward to Old Fourth Ward Skate Park and Ponce City Market, eventually landing at Piedmont Park. 

This stretch is roughly 2.5 miles, but it could easily take you the entire day to soak it all in, stopping here and there for food, drinks, and fun. There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day in Atlanta. 

Midtown Mile

This short section of Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street in Midtown is lined with museums, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Although Atlanta is not known for being the most pedestrian-friendly city, this section of Peachtree Street from North Ave to 15th Street is one of the most enjoyable and walkable streets in the city. Sidewalks are generously lined with shops, museums, restaurants, bars, and cafes, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere with something for everyone. 

Start the day by enjoying the arts at the High Museum or MODA and then take a food and shopping tour along Peachtree Street. Cafe Intermezzo and STK are both standouts. 

Continue into the evening with a show at Laughing Skull Lounge or the Fabulous Fox Theatre. End with drinks at one of the many nearby bars. 

Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s most scenic park offers stunning views of the city, nestled in the heart of Midtown among some of the best bars, shops, restaurants, and museums. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 875-7275 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Piedmont Park is by far the most popular and picturesque park in Atlanta. It’s located in the heart of Midtown and has access to the Atlanta Beltline and Botanical Gardens. It’s just a short walk from nearby Virginia Highlands as well. 

The park itself is well-appointed with picnic areas, tennis courts, softball and soccer fields, a kids’ playground, a dog park, and a public swimming pool. There are lots of scenic paths to stroll alongside the lake, where you can capture the perfect selfie or stunning sunset photo.

Many popular events are hosted here throughout the year, as well as tours, workshops, yoga, and a seasonal local farmers market every Saturday. So, check the events calendar and plan accordingly. 

There are also plenty of restaurants along the park’s perimeter. There’s Park Tavern, Flying Biscuit, Caribou Coffee, Shake Shack, Willy’s Mexicana Grill, and Campagnola — just to name a few. 

Living Walls & Street Art

Discover beautiful murals and street art everywhere you look, by artists from all over the world.

🌐 Website | Entrance: Free

Atlanta has many wonderful museums and art galleries. But you don’t have to travel far or spend any money to enjoy some of the city’s best art. It lives and breathes on the walls of buildings, bridges, and public spaces all around the city. 

A huge part of this is curated by Living Walls, The City Speaks, which is a nonprofit that seeks to promote education and empower communities through public art that supports diversity and inclusion. 

Whether you are seeking it out on a scavenger hunt to find your favorite artist’s mural or discovering it organically, art is everywhere you look in Atlanta. 

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

Experience 360º panoramic views of the city from 700 ft, where you can see every corner of Atlanta from Kennesaw to Stone Mountain.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 589-7506 | Website | The View Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $10 adults, $5 children (Observation Deck)

Without a doubt, the most expansive view of Atlanta is on the 72nd & 73rd floors of the Westin Peachtree Plaza, where you will arrive via a thrilling 85-second ride in one of two glass elevators. If you have a weak stomach, don’t stand too close to the glass.

If you are just looking to take in the view, the observation deck is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm and costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

For those seeking a unique, upscale dining experience with stunning city views, Sun Dial at the Westin is pretty hard to beat. The restaurant offers seasonal contemporary American cuisine with one entree minimum per person, and the bar offers shareable plates and cocktails. Business casual dress code, reservations are recommended for dinner. 

The restaurant & bar hours vary a bit, so check the website for specific days, directions, parking, and valet information.

Sites & Attractions in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

One of Atlanta’s most memorable and highly recommended attractions is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. near Downtown Atlanta.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 331-1401 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

Just east of Downtown in the Sweet Auburn district of Old Fourth Ward, you can visit the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was a pastor. You can listen to his sermons and speeches, see his birth home, and walk the streets where he grew up. 

See personal artifacts and learn about his life and legacy as you move through the various exhibits at the Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Then, pay your respects at the Reflecting Pool and Eternal Flame, where Dr. King and his wife, Coretta, are both laid to rest. 

It’s easy to get here from other major attractions downtown. The Atlanta Streetcar stop is nearby at Auburn Ave & Jackson St, which runs on a loop from Centennial Olympic Park about every 15 minutes. Alternatively, King Memorial MARTA Station is about a 15-minute walk. There is also a free parking lot on Irwin St, between Jackson St and Boulevard.

As of May 2025, the Birth Home is unfortunately closed for renovations. It’s expected to reopen in the fall of 2025. 

👉 Local Tip: The most famous view of Atlanta on Jackson Street Bridge is a 7-minute walk from Ebenezer (even closer from the parking lot on Irwin), so plan extra time to walk over and get your postcard-view pictures of the skyline (and of course some selfies, too).

Georgia Aquarium

Swim with whale sharks at the largest Aquarium in the U.S. with over 11 million gallons of water and more than 500 species.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 581-4000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Starting at $67.99 adults & children, Free under 2 | 👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets

The Georgia Aquarium is located in Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta. This family-friendly attraction has a lot to offer, including interactive, close-up experiences. 

Through their Animal Encounters, Tours, and Experiences, you can mingle with penguins and sea otters or swim with whale sharks and manta rays. Celebrate your birthday at the Aquarium with FREE entry or go big and book a Sleepover Under the Sea! Visit the website for more details and pricing. 

The Georgia Aquarium is included in the Atlanta CityPASS!

👉 Local Tip: Be sure to look for the Tiny Doors ATL installation located in the Ocean Voyager section of the Atrium, where the whale sharks are.

SkyView Atlanta

Float in a climate-controlled gondola, soaring 20 stories high, to get views of the city in a unique way. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (678) 949-9023 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Sun-Thu; 10 am – 11 pm Fri-Sat | Entrance: $19.50, adults 13+, $17.50, Seniors, Military, Students, $14.50 under 13, Free, Children under 2

Who doesn’t love a good Ferris wheel ride? Especially when it looms large over a bustling city below? Well, apart from those afraid of heights, SkyView at the edge of Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown is bona fide fun for thrill-seekers of all ages. 

There is even a VIP experience with Ferrari-style seating, glass floors, and an extended ride time. There usually isn’t a long wait time at the Ferris wheel. And since you’re already in Centennial Park, you have tons of options for where to go next. 

If all the elevation makes you hungry, Margaritaville and Waffle House are obvious and familiar choices just across the street in opposite directions. If you are looking for a more local joint, Slice, Park Bar, and Hudson Grille are solid choices for casual fare. Or, head over to Ted’s Montana Grille or Thrive Restaurant & Bar for more upscale offerings.

Fox Theatre

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is one of the most beautiful and beloved landmarks in Atlanta.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 881-2100 | Website | Hours vary | Entrance: Prices vary 

Don’t miss your favorite artist, comedian, film screening, or touring Broadway show at the Fox Theatre. This stunningly beautiful, historic venue even features a starry sky canopy that feels like you’re inside a fairy tale. 

The Fox Theatre offers public and private tours throughout the year if you just want to enjoy the atmosphere and learn about the history. Fun fact: the Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most haunted places! Seasonal ghost tours are offered for a limited time in the fall.

You can upgrade your experience at Fox Theatre with Lexus Marquee Club tickets or an annual membership. This includes early entry with access to three levels of luxury spaces: their rooftop bar overlooking Peachtree Street and access to private bars and restrooms, so you skip the line and the crowds. 

In addition to the theatre events, there are multiple ballrooms and event venues available for private and corporate events, weddings, etc. 

👉 Local Tip: Don’t forget to look for the Tiny Doors ATL installation front-and-center outside the box office kiosk.

Centennial Olympic Park

This expansive 22-acre park in Downtown serves as the hub of Atlanta’s largest entertainment and tourism district.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 223-4000 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Centennial Olympic Park is the glue that binds together a myriad of museums, attractions, and events in Downtown Atlanta. Explore the many tributes, monuments, and gardens as you zigzag through the park, searching for familiar names among the bricks (see if you can find mine!). 

Cool off in the fountains after taking selfies by the Olympic Rings, as you ponder which major attraction to hit first.

Ponce City Market

Atlanta’s largest food hall is located in the Old Fourth Ward off the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. It’s a standout destination for food, shopping, and fun with a local flair. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 900-7900 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 8 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free

There is so much to see and do at Ponce City Market (PCM), you may have to come back a few times to take it all in. It offers a hugely diverse range of food vendors mixed in with big-name and local retailers, multiple levels of shopping and dining, a rooftop carnival, and a miniature golf course with stunning city views. You would be extremely ambitious to do it all in just one visit. 

Be prepared for crowds and lines, as this is one of Atlanta’s most popular spots for tourists and locals alike. You will see why as you wander through the impeccably renovated Sears & Roebuck building that’s been artfully modernized and repurposed. Today, it’s a massively beautiful space that will leave you in awe. 

You can enter PCM from the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail on foot, or pay to park in the main lot or the deck below, which can be kind of crazy. I recommend taking an Uber/Lyft over trying to battle the parking, especially if you plan to enjoy cocktails at one of the many restaurants and bars inside. 

Peachtree Street

Atlanta’s most famous address connects Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, and is home to many attractions. 

📍 Google Maps 

There are over 70 streets in Atlanta that include the name “Peachtree.” But none are as famous as this main corridor that carries you from Downtown through Midtown and into Buckhead (where it becomes Peachtree Road). 

The street itself is considered a destination as many of the city’s most desirable landmarks, businesses, restaurants, shops, museums, and attractions are on this very street. 

Depending on the time of day, a drive up or down Peachtree Street can be a great way to experience the city and get your bearings. If you are up for the drive, I recommend steering clear of rush hour traffic, but you can usually coast easily from about 10 am – 2 pm. 

Most evenings after about 6:30 pm or 7 pm are fine, too, with the exception of Friday & Saturday or some big event at one of the many entertainment venues along the route. The good news is, if you find yourself in traffic, there is always something interesting to stop for and take a break!

Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Be transported to The Hunger Games as you gaze upward in awe of the glorious atrium designed by John Portman, featured in Mockingjay Part 2 and Catching Fire films.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 521-0000 | Website | Entrance: Free

Atlanta Marriott Marquis is an architectural masterpiece and has one of the most beautiful interiors of any building in the city. It’s also a great place to escape to if you’re walking around Downtown on a hot day. 

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to wander the lobby, appreciate the atrium, ride the elevator, or access the pedestrian tunnels that will take you to other adjoining hotels. 

There are several bars and restaurants within the hotel. Most convenient are Starbucks in the main lobby and Pulse Bar, where you can hang out, order drinks, and have access to clean public restrooms. Plus, you can enjoy the best views of the atrium in the air conditioning. 

Welcome to HOTlanta (also, don’t say HOTlanta, LOL). 

🎥 Are you a movie buff? Check out this Y’allywood 3-Hour Private Movie and TV Locations Tour.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

These two world-class entertainment venues, located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, host the best sporting and live music events in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Mercedes-Benz Stadium Phone: (470) 341-5000 | Website | Prices vary | State Farm Arena Phone: (404) 878-3000 | Website | Entrance: Prices vary

Many travel to Atlanta for major sporting and entertainment events. A majority are held at one of these two iconic arenas that define the Atlanta Downtown skyline: 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer) teams. It’s a world-class, state-of-the-art facility with incredible skyline views from inside. It even has a retractable roof that can be opened or closed, depending on the event and weather conditions. 

The State Farm Arena, on the other hand, has been a defining city landmark for over 20 years with its iconic architectural steel frame spelling out ‘ATLANTA’ illuminated by LED lights. It’s home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. 

Both venues host a range of concerts and events, and are located in the heart of Downtown, near GA World Congress Center and accessible via the GWCC/CNN MARTA Station. 

If you are staying in Downtown, you can easily walk to both venues from many hotels. Or, you can take the Atlanta Streetcar to Centennial Olympic Park and walk from there. 

If traveling by car, I highly recommend purchasing parking in advance through the venue. Decks can fill up, and traffic and high prices can be a stressful experience, especially if you don’t know the area. Just save yourself the headache and hop in an Uber/Lyft. 

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

Many of Atlanta’s most historically significant buildings are concentrated right here in the central business district, known as Fairlie-Poplar. 

📍 Google Maps 

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District is a neighborhood in the heart of Downtown. It’s the perfect place for an architectural or photo walk since it’s home to many landmarks and historic structures, as well as the only still-existing cobblestone streets you will find in Atlanta. 

The very first Flatiron Building was built here at Luckie & Peachtree Streets, 5 years prior to the more famous structure in New York City. You can find a lively lunch crowd on Broad Street during the week, or seek out local favorites like Sidebar and Slice on Poplar for casual drinks or pizza. 

Take in a concert or show at Tabernacle, Theatrical Outfit, or Rialto Theatre. Then hop on SkyView, the Ferris wheel overlooking Centennial Olympic Park. Grab a Bison burger at Ted’s Montana Grill or get spooked over cocktails at the Ellis Hotel, one of Atlanta’s most haunted buildings. [Source]

Phipps Plaza

This luxury shopping center in the heart of Buckhead features brands like Gucci, DIOR, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Versace, and others.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 262-0992 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Monday – Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday

Looking to shop luxury? Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is where you will want to spend your money. You can find luxury brands here like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, TOM FORD, Tiffany, and so many more.

There are also many dining options at Phipps, including Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Nobu Atlanta, Ecco Buckhead, Alon’s Bakery & Market, and lots of other options at Phipps Food Hall. There is also an AMC Theatre, and the LEGO Discovery Center is inside the mall.

Rainbow Crosswalk

This crosswalk is appropriately placed at the intersection of 10th St & Piedmont Ave, which has long been recognized as the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Atlanta. 

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Atlanta’s Rainbow Crosswalk is an attraction that holds significant meaning to those in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s awe-inspiring to see people of all walks of life interacting with and honoring this public space, which began as a temporary installation during Pride festivities in 2012 & 2013. 

Widespread support and pressure from the community prevailed, and after much red tape and politics, it became permanent in 2015. This is probably the busiest intersection in Midtown. Anyone visiting Piedmont Park will likely have to cross these streets, which are lined today with popular bars, shops, and restaurants that welcome and cater to all.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself in 30 acres of lush, beautiful gardens at the edge of Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 876-5859 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: Prices vary

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens are not to be missed if you enjoy a tranquil stroll among perfectly manicured gardens. Highlights include the Fuqua Orchid Center, a 25-foot-tall Earth Goddess sculpture covered in 17,000 plants, and various Chihuly glass sculptures prominently featured throughout the Gardens. 

There is also a Children’s Garden and three food venues on-site. Check the calendar for special events. If you plan to visit during the winter, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is a wildly popular exhibit, well worth planning a special trip to see.

Pullman Yards

This former industrial complex turned entertainment venue is host to some of the city’s most sought-after exhibits.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Pullman Yards is one of the more unique venues in Atlanta. This premier entertainment and event space is located in Kirkwood on Atlanta’s eastside. 

Some of the most sought-after exhibits in recent years have been hosted at Pullman Yards, such as The Stranger Things Experience, Jurassic World Exhibit, Imagine Picasso, and Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. 

There are on-site restaurants and weekly events year-round, including a local Chef’s Market, Open Mic Comedy Night, Skate Night, and more. Check the calendar for current and upcoming events. 

Pullman Yards is located about 1.1 miles from the Edgewood-Candler Park MARTA Station. It’s about a 25-minute walk, or you may just want to arrive by car. Two parking lots are available, one is $20 per day and the other charges $6 – $7 per hour, depending on the day.

Illuminarium

An immersive, virtual reality experience for all ages conveniently located along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail in Old Fourth Ward. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 341-1000 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Sat; 12 pm – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: Prices vary

Illuminarium is an exciting attraction that offers an immersive virtual experience via a massive 360º screen with stunning visuals and audio that transport you to another world. You can choose the standard experience or upgrade to the Sensory Experience, which includes scents to further enhance your journey. 

Experiences are always changing, so check the website for what’s on the calendar during your visit. Some notable recent experiences have included visiting the Pyramids of Egypt or embarking on an African Safari.

Porsche Experience Center

A luxury driving experience for those wanting to get behind the wheel of the Porsche of their dreams.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 204-7474 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Monday – Tuesday | Prices vary: $50 – $3,500+ | 21+ must present valid driver’s license, minors must be accompanied by an adult (Reservations Required)

For those who love driving and want to experience the power and performance of Porsche, there are varying levels of experiences at the Porsche Experience Center. 

You can choose a simulator experience starting at $50, ride along with an experienced Porsche Drive Coach on a Demonstration Lap starting at $100, or level up and get behind the wheel yourself starting at $500. 

Choose from 75 different models for a 90-minute ride or book up to 4 hours on the track of your choice. You will be paired with a Porsche Drive Coach who will provide private instruction, answer questions, and help navigate the course. You’ll get familiar with the car and be guided for the ultimate driving experience.

The Porsche Experience Center is located near the airport, so you will experience the thrill of driving while airplanes fly overhead. The Kimpton Overland Hotel next door is an excellent choice for overnight travelers or just grabbing dinner and/or drinks before or after your experience. 

Important to note, there is a zero tolerance policy, so be sure to arrive stone sober if you plan to drive. Reservations are also required, and there is gated private entry with security.

Truist Park & The Battery – Atlanta Braves

A thriving hotspot for dining, shopping, and entertainment for sports fans and families every day of the year, not just on game days!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 577-9100 | Website

Truist Park is not only the home of the Atlanta Braves. But combined with The Battery Atlanta, it’s a massive entertainment compound with shopping, dining, concerts & events, and nightlife. 

You can find local favorites like Fox Bros BBQ, Goldberg’s Bagels, and Antico Pizza, among others. Shop a range of retailers from DressUp boutique to the Harley-Davidson store, or check out live performances at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre.

You will likely need to drive or take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft to reach this place. It’s about 10 miles from the city center. There are paid parking decks if you are traveling by car. Public transportation options include various buses and shuttles, depending on where you are coming from. Check the website for more details.

Atlanta Museums & Culture

High Museum of Art

Atlanta’s premier fine arts museum has over 20,000 works of art and features special exhibits, events, classes, and tours throughout the year.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 733-4400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $23.50 adults and children 6+, Free, children under 5

The High Museum of Art is located in the heart of Midtown. The building alone is a masterful work of art with its expansive interiors and winding staircases. Meanwhile, permanent collections include a diverse range of works from America, Europe, and Africa, contemporary works, photography, and folk art. 

Check the calendar for exhibits and events. Expect to check your bag upon entry, and children under 5 are admitted free.

👉 Local Tip: Friday Night Jazz on the third Friday of every month is a fun way to spend an evening for those who enjoy live music and drinks, as you enjoy the art.

World of Coca-Cola

Atlanta is famously the birthplace of the world’s most consumed soft drink — discover its origins and taste over 100 flavors from around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 676-5151 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday-Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm Friday-Sunday | Entrance: Prices vary | 👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets

The World of Coca-Cola is probably one of the most fun museums in Atlanta for families and kids. It showcases the drink’s iconic history and massive global influence through advertising. 

Expect engaging experiences like selfies with the iconic Polar Bear, interactive displays transporting you back in time, and the highly anticipated tasting room, which, of course, is the last exhibit before exiting through the gift shop. 

This attraction is included in the Atlanta CityPASS discounted tickets bundle!

👉 Local Tip: Plan extra time for your visit to explore Centennial Olympic Park and cool off in the Fountain of Rings on a hot summer day – especially if your party includes children!

MODA – Museum of Design Atlanta

Discover the only museum dedicated to the art of design in the entire Southeast region of the United States. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 979-6455 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday – Tuesday | Entrance: Prices vary

The Museum of Design Atlanta, or “MODA,” is unique in that they do not house a permanent collection. Instead, they rotate exhibits so every visit is a new experience. 

Some notable exhibits in the recent past include exhibits on the design of pasta, chairs, expresso, typography, wearable tech, 3D printing, and more. They offer group rates, private tours, and extensive offerings for youth and teens, including various workshops and a Summer Design Camp. 

MODA is centrally located along Peachtree Street’s Midtown Mile, just across the street from the High Museum and a short walk from Colony Square. There is much to do before and after visiting MODA.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

A moving experience that intertwines Atlanta’s important roots in civil and human rights with the present struggle to maintain hope for a better future. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (678) 999-8990 | Website | 👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is one of the most impactful museums in Atlanta. It’s an unforgettable journey through the painful struggles of the past and hope for a better future. 

There are three main exhibits, including civil rights, human rights, and a special section highlighting Dr. Martin Luther King. I recommend experiencing the interactive exhibits, like sitting at the lunch counter as a Freedom Rider in the early 1960s or standing on the balcony of the Loraine Hotel where Dr. King was assassinated. These are moving highlights of the experience you will not soon forget. 

This attraction is included in the Atlanta CityPASS. 

Margaret Mitchell House and Museum

The famous author once shared an apartment with her husband in this home during much of the time she spent writing her controversial novel, Gone With the Wind. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 249-7015 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $18.50, adults, $14.50 youth, Free, children 0 – 3

The Margaret Mitchell House and Museum acts as the Midtown campus for Atlanta’s History Center. The museum exhibit focuses on the home’s history and its most famous resident. 

Margaret Mitchell was an American writer, most famous for her first and only novel, Gone With the Wind, for which she received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. The book and film adaptation from 1939 is a controversial tale of romance, war, the deep South, and slavery. Examine the novel’s historical inaccuracies and origins by looking back at the author’s research and sources for inspiration at the time of the book’s writing. 

The house and museum are centrally located at Peachtree Street & 10th Street in Midtown. Piedmont Park and the Rainbow Crosswalk are nearby, along with many shops and restaurants. High Museum, Woodruff Arts Center, and MODA are a short distance away, too, so there is much to do in the area.

College Football Hall of Fame

Sports fans will love the immersive experience and state-of-the-art tech designed to put you at the center of the action. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 880-4800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $38, adults 13+, $27 children 3 – 12, Free, children 0 – 3, $33, seniors & students, Free, Military | 👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets

Explore three levels of interactive game play at the College Football Hall of Fame. This includes a 45-yard football field as well as interactive, high-tech experiences designed to make you feel like you’re right in the action with your favorite team. 

This attraction is located on Marietta Street across from Centennial Olympic Park. It’s easy to get to and is close to all of Downtown Atlanta’s most exciting attractions. 

STATS Brewpub is a huge sports bar just next door with TVs all around and plenty of space, including a rooftop patio overlooking Marietta Street in Downtown. Park Bar is also nearby, and closer to the Ferris wheel for a cosier, more laid-back vibe.

This attraction is included in the Atlanta CityPASS.

Trap Music Museum

Atlanta rap artist T.I. opened the world’s first Hip-Hop museum on Atlanta’s Westside, which includes an escape room and is next door to Trap City Cafe.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Friday, 12 pm – 8 pm Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday, Closed Monday – Thursday | Entrance: $33.30 All ages, 18+ after 8 pm

Although you can no longer find 2 Chainz’ notorious original Pink Trap House on Howell Mill Road on Atlanta’s Westside (it’s been demolished). You can find the next best thing — an homage to its cultural influence at Trap Music Museum. 

You will find a mock convenience store, a jail cell, grandma’s living room, and a replica of T.I.’s gun closet. The Museum is technically only “open” on weekends, but the Escape Room experience is available 7 days a week and includes access to the museum itself. So, if you get Escape Room tickets, you can visit the museum regardless of what day it is.

Minors are permitted with parental supervision before 8 pm. After that, it’s an 18+ only entry. Trap City Cafe next door is also open daily from 1 pm – 2 am, serving a creative menu of Trap-inspired cuisine and cocktails. 

ABV Gallery

Artist & designer Greg Mike’s Contemporary Arts Gallery in East Atlanta Village represents over 500 artists from around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 390-3932 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday – Wednesday, 10 am – 7 pm Thursday – Friday, 11 am – 7 pm Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm Sunday | Entrance: Prices vary

American artist Greg Mike’s 8,500 sq ft historic church-turned-art-gallery is located in the heart of East Atlanta Village. It hosts rotating exhibitions that feature work by artists from around the world, along with many notable Atlanta-based artists. 

You can check the website for the current exhibit, but honestly, just pop over and check it out if you find yourself in East Atlanta Village (which is a destination in its own right). 

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect souvenir that’s a bit more unique than the usual shot glasses, magnets, and postcards, ABV’s gift shop carries a wide selection of fine art prints, including by notable Atlanta artists like Catlanta, Nick Turbo Benson, YoYo Ferro, and Tiny Doors ATL.

Free Things to Do in Atlanta

Tiny Doors ATL

Go on a unique scavenger hunt to find over 30 Tiny Doors hiding in plain sight in neighborhoods all over Atlanta. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

What started as one Tiny Door at Krog Street Tunnel in 2014 by artist Karen Anderson Singer out of creative curiosity has turned into an internationally recognized public arts endeavor. It has sparked wonder and adoration from locals and tourists alike. 

You will find these Tiny Doors in just about every corner of the city. Many are in public outdoor spaces, like along the Atlanta Beltline or the Jackson Street Bridge. A few are inside major attractions, which may be harder to find, such as Fernbank or the Georgia Aquarium. 

Check out the map on the website and embark on your own tiny adventure to discover as many of the 30+ Tiny Doors as you can. 

Check out my personal favorite, Tiny Doors outside the fabulous Fox Theatre in Midtown, and the iconic “ATLANTA” sign outside State Farm Arena in Downtown. 

Oakland Cemetery

A historic landmark and popular tourist attraction, Oakland Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and beloved public parks in Atlanta.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 549-8932 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Just east of Downtown at the edge of Grant Park lies the most widely known and visited cemetery in Atlanta: Oakland Cemetery. Here, many prominent residents, public figures, and politicians are laid to rest among the over 70,000 souls that reside at Oakland Cemetery [source].

There are six sections, each with its own riveting history. You can learn all about it on one of the many tours offered, which can be found on the website. 

After you’ve paid your respects, it’s an Atlanta tradition to head across the street to the pub, Six Feet Under, on Memorial Drive for seafood and drinks.

Krog Street Tunnel

The tunnel connecting Inman Park to Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown has become an iconic attraction along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Krog Street Tunnel is a popular hotspot located along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. It’s probably second only to the Jackson Street Bridge as a premier destination for snapping photos. It’s also a popular urban canvas for emerging street and graffiti artists. 

Just outside the tunnel, you will find the Forward Warrior! This is a series of wall murals that run along Wylie Street through Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown. A visit to the tunnel can easily turn into a full-on art expedition. 

Street parking in the area is limited and easier to find during the week. Since it’s along the Atlanta Beltline, you can walk or ride a rental bike or scooter and see where the day takes you. 

👉 Local Tip: Nearby spots for food & drinks include 97 Estoria just across from the tunnel, Breaker Breaker in Reynoldstown, and Jen Chan’s, Carol Street Cafe, and others on Carol Street in Cabbagetown. On the Inman Park side, options are plentiful, including Krog Street Market and countless places along Edgewood Ave and the Beltline. 

Peachtree Center

A Downtown Atlanta mega-complex home to hotels, restaurants, offices, and more, all connected by tunnels and skybridges. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 524-3787 | Entrance: Free

Peachtree Center is an underground/overground mega complex with office buildings and hotels connected by sky bridges and tunnels. It was designed by architect John Portman. 

The complex is situated above the Peachtree Center MARTA Station, along with The Hub, containing 50 restaurants and shops. Many of the restaurants cater more to the lunch crowd during business hours, but The Hub is technically open 7 days. 

If you find yourself here at a time when not much is open down below, you can always head to the street level and check out Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Ray’s in the City, or Hard Rock Cafe.

West Midtown

This historically industrial area has undergone change and renovation, making it a go-to destination for arts, shopping, dining, and recreation. 

📍 Google Maps 

West Midtown is an area close to the main attractions in Midtown and Downtown. But it’s become a vibrant community of its own, with major shopping, retail, restaurants, and a flourishing arts community. 

Westside Provisions District is one of the most popular places here for shopping and dining. You’ll find Michelin-recommended restaurants like Little Sparrow and Marcel. Plus, upscale vintage decor at Brick + Mortar or The Commodore, which is an old-school barbershop with modern flair. 

King Plow Arts Center is a longtime pioneer in the area, home to Terminal West, a popular concert venue. Other notable attractions include Westside Park and the Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail. 

There’s also The Goat Farm, which is an arts community that’s been used as the filming location for movies and shows like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Walking Dead.

Little 5 Points

Explore Atlanta’s most eclectic and bohemian neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Not to be confused with Five Points in Downtown, Little 5 Points is about 2.7 miles to the east, and it’s a world of difference. This small community is home to over 100 local businesses and shops offering everything from vintage clothing and vinyl to body art, healing crystals, and cannabis.

Shops like Junkman’s Daughter, Abbabadda’s, Clothing Warehouse, and Psycho Sisters are just pure fun, whether you are window shopping or for-real shopping. 

For food options, Savage Pizza, Arden’s Garden, and The Vortex are iconic staples. But that’s not even scratching the surface of the places you will stumble upon here. Variety Playhouse and 7 Stages Theatre are some of the best local venues for live music and local theatre. 

Get pierced at Kolo, then get inked up a few doors down at Southern Star Tattoo, before heading over to Criminal Records and Wax N’ Facts to scoop up all the vinyl you can carry. 

Don’t forget to hit Star Community Bar and kneel at the altar of their infamous shrine to Elvis. Before you pass out from overstimulation, grab your caffeine fix at Aurora and get ready for round two, because I haven’t even mentioned some of my favorites in this wonderful little gem we affectionately call “L5P.”

East Atlanta Village

East Atlanta Village keeps the party going just down Moreland Ave from L5P with its own edgy-urban-hipster flair.

📍 Google Maps 

East Atlanta Village is one of Atlanta’s most popular local neighborhoods, just off I-20 and Moreland Ave. This area is incredibly diverse with a laid-back vibe that’s more community-oriented and pedestrian-friendly. 

It’s home to some of the best bars, locally owned restaurants, and shops. The Earl is a longtime favorite for quality bar food and live music. Argosy, Banshee, and Holy Taco are all standouts for dinner and drinks. 

Be sure to check out Joe’s Coffeehouse EAV and Emerald City Bagels as well. East Atlanta Comics is another local gem. And stop by Hippin Hops, an African-American-owned brewery, as well as We Suki Suki – the tiniest food hall with the biggest flavors. 

Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Atlanta

Dragon Con

A gaming, science-fiction, and pop culture convention held every Labor Day weekend.

🌐 Website | Phone: (404) 669-0773 | Entrance: Prices vary 

Dragon Con is an annual convention held every Labor Day weekend in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, hosted across 5 different hotels. Fans start purchasing tickets and booking their stays a year in advance, as prices steadily increase as the date draws near. 

This massive 4-day convention is packed with celebrity panels, signings, gaming events, vendors, and even its own awards event. If you find yourself in Atlanta without tickets to Dragon Con, just show up Downtown for the biggest street party. You’ll experience the best people watching you can find anywhere. 

Oh, and make sure you don’t miss the parade Saturday morning at 10 am, which is one of the event’s highlights and is totally free to the public. 

👉 Local Tip: Public transportation is strongly recommended. This event completely takes over Downtown, and the streets are an absolute mess. But it’s a beautiful mess that locals and fans from all over flock to see in record numbers every year. 

The Frisky Whisker – Sound Gallery, Art Space, Cat Lounge

A creatively inspired, club-like, cat-lover’s oasis awaits you at the edge of Underground Atlanta in Downtown. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 1:11 pm – 3 am Thursday – Friday, 11:11 pm – 3 am Saturday, 11:11 pm – 12 am Sunday, Closed Monday, Private bookings only, Tuesday – Wednesday | Entrance: Free, $10 Donation 

The Frisky Whisker is probably the most unique bar in Atlanta. This cozy, zen-like, hypnotic listening lounge is where DJs spin otherworldly beats. Enjoy the stylish, dimly-lit space with comfy couches and chairs for sinking into the sound waves.

A small menu of vegetarian snacks is available at the bar, along with wine, cocktails, coffee, tea, and kombucha. But let’s be honest, the 20+ therapy cats are what you come for. So, snuggle up in a cozy nook amongst the psychedelic cat art as you sip coffee or wine in a room full of like-minded strangers.

For a small donation of only $10 (which supports rescue cats, of course), you can enter this dream-like world of literal rainbows and kittens. What are you waiting for? Why are you even still reading this? Go – now!

Note that after 10 pm, it’s 21+ adults only. However, all ages are welcome before 10 pm. 

Gurl Mobb Museum

Gather your besties and head to this adorable selfie museum for the picture-perfect birthday or bachelorette party.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (470) 781-3529 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Wednesday – Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm Sunday, Closed Monday – Tuesday | Entrance: $35, hourly per person

Gurl Mobb Museum is exactly what you are looking for if you’re an influencer, content creator, or just looking for an epic way to level up your social game or memorialize a milestone (like your first trip to ATL). 

There are 20+ set designs with different themes, colors, furnishings, and props that are all meticulously detailed and picture-perfect. All you have to do is show up with your phone or camera and snap away. 

Professional photography is available for $200/hour. See the website for additional packages and add-ons. No pets, food, or drinks are permitted.

By the way, this place is kind of tucked away in a narrow strip of retail shops that look more like apartments than businesses. So just be on the lookout and trust that you are in the right place!

Junkman’s Daughter

One of Atlanta’s more unique shopping experiences is this eclectic boutique with an alternative edge in Little 5 Points.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 577-3188 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm Wed-Thu & Sun; 12 pm – 8 pm Fri- Sat; Closed Mon & Tue

Junkman’s Daughter is one of the best places in Atlanta to find cool and unusual gifts, books, and decor. There’s also eclectic clothing, shoes, and accessories. 

This place is huge. You can easily spend hours here and still not see everything. Whether you’re just window shopping or seeking the most uniquely weird gift, you’ll want to make a stop here. 

Once you’re done shopping, grab a bite at Savage Pizza or The Vortex. Both are nearby. Then, continue to explore the wonder and weirdness that is Little 5 Points.

👉 Local Tip: Parking is free at Junkman’s Daughter (and the businesses that share the lot). But if you leave the area to go deeper into Little 5 Points, you will need to move your car. Just save yourself the trouble and take an Uber/Lyft instead. 

Local Treasures in Atlanta

The Vortex 

This locally loved bar & grill is revered for its creative menu served with a side of sarcasm and its iconic “Laughing Skull” entryway. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 688-1828 | Website | Hours: Varies by location

The Vortex is a local and tourist favorite bar & grill that’s well worth the visit. They’ve served over-the-top, award-winning burgers in Atlanta since 1992. 

Food-coma-inducing burgers are what make this Atlanta icon such a treasure. Try the “Fat Elvis” slathered in peanut butter and bacon. Or, “Hell’s Fury” with their Atomic Death Sauce. Then there’s the Walking Dead-inspired “Zombie Apocalypse” burger. 

They also have their own beer, Laughing Skull, which bears their famous logo, and the bottle can be a fun keepsake to remember your experience. 

I love the Little 5 Points location. The second location on Peachtree Street in Midtown doesn’t have a skull entryway, but does have an adjoining comedy club called Laughing Skull Lounge where you can catch live comedians nightly.

You must be 21+ years to enter, but selfies at the front door are available to all.

Plaza Theatre

This beloved landmark on Ponce de Leon Ave is the longest operating independent theatre in Atlanta. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (470) 410-1939 | Website | Hours vary, check showtimes | Entrance: Ticket prices vary

Plaza Theatre is the best local theatre for that vintage vibe. Here, you’ll find a good mix of indie films, cult classics, and various film festivals. And don’t miss their long-running Friday night ritual of Rocky Horror Picture Show! It includes a live reenactment, including props and make, performed by the local nonprofit, LDOD. 

For a truly authentic Atlanta experience, grab a drink next door at the Righteous Room.

Clermont Lounge at Hotel Clermont

A time capsule of Atlanta’s tawdry past, this dive bar/strip club has drawn crowds and controversy for decades.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 874-4783 | Website | Hours: 8 pm – 3 am Monday – Wednesday, 3 pm – 3 am Thursday – Saturday, Closed Sundays | Entrance: $10 – $25, 21+ adults only

Hotel Clermont is the area’s go-to bougie boutique hotel. You’ll find a Michelin-rated restaurant, Tiny Lou’s, on the ground floor, and a swanky bar on the rooftop with stunning city views. 

But around back is a time capsule of Atlanta’s tawdry past. Clermont Lounge is a dive bar/strip club that has drawn crowds and controversy for decades. You’ll find cheap beer and adult entertainment that comes in all shapes and sizes. Most notable is resident entertainer and local legend, Blondie, who is known for her signature way of crushing patrons’ beer cans.

The Hotel Clermont has seen major renovation in recent years, but the notorious Clermont Lounge in the basement remains unchanged after all these years. 

Absolutely no photography is permitted inside. Tip generously and mind your manners, or be escorted out. Adults 21+ only. 

Eddie’s Attic

Tucked away in a modest brick building in Downtown Decatur is a world-renowned listening room that artists and music fans alike will love. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 2 am Sat-Wed; 10:30 am – 12 am Thu-Fri | Entrance: Ticket prices vary 

Eddie’s Attic is an internationally known listening room. It’s a musician’s dream as it’s strongly enforced that patrons respect the performance, silence their phones, and keep conversation to a minimum. 

Eddie’s has been a launching pad for artists like Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mullins, Ani DiFranco, India Arie, Sugarland, and so many others. The acoustics in this room are superb — you’ll want to hear every note and whisper from the stage (they will kindly ask you to relocate to the back patio if needed). 

Every Monday night is open mic, and artists travel from all over the world to play this small stage and hope to win the evening’s top prize, a headlining gig. 

King of Pops

What started with two brothers and a tiny pushcart of frozen popsicles has exploded into a successful franchise that ships nationwide. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (470) 536-8229 | Website 

Atlanta is home to some pretty cool local brands, but King of Pops (KOP) is the figurative and literal coolest. They offer the best way to stay cool in the blazing heat of HOTlanta (again, don’t say HOTlanta, LOL). 

These pops are handcrafted with unique flavor combinations that change all the time. So, whether you come across them in a retail store or out on the street, you never know what you will find. Of course, there are staple flavors they continue to make (I mean, chocolate, duh?). But it’s anyone’s guess what’s cooking (or cooling) at the King of Pops Headquarters this week.

The best place to find King of Pops is at one of three mainstay locations at Ponce City Market. The best one being their “Pop Bar” inside, where you can get regular pops or boozy “poptail” concoctions that are delightfully enjoyable. 

You can also find King of Pops all over the city, at parks, festivals, retail stores, and even restaurants. So be on the lookout for them as you explore Atlanta!

By the way, the KOP Headquarters in Old Fourth Ward does host events and sometimes offers pops and poptails. However, the schedule is hit or miss. Trust me, I walk my pugs by KOP on the regular. Instead, just walk across the street to O4W Market and get your King of Pops fix from another great local business right next door.

Slutty Vegan

This creative vegan burger concept started out small in Atlanta and has grown like wildfire with multiple locations around Georgia, New York, and beyond.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Varies by location

Slutty Vegan has to be the best success story in Atlanta. Pinky Cole is the entrepreneur behind Slutty Vegan. And as a local, Black, female, small business owner, this grassroots vegan restaurant has skyrocketed from borrowed kitchens to a $100 million dollar national burger brand. Even meat eaters line up around the block to try it. 

It’s not just that the burgers are delicious, it’s the entire experience. From the second you walk in the door, the staff scream a thunderous greeting to every “slut.” Meanwhile, music blares and vibrant graphics advertise the slut-inspired, creatively named menu items. 

Creations like One Night Stand, Menage a Trois, Heaux Boy, and Hollywood Hooker all come with a side of Slutty Fries seasoned with Slut Dust (which is available for purchase as well as T-shirts and other swag). 

Know that the lines can get pretty long during peak times. Although I’ve found that the lunch hour on weekdays is not too bad at the Edgewood location, I generally get in and out pretty quickly. The later it gets in the day, though, the longer the wait is going to be. If it’s the weekend, expect to wait even longer. 

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & Coffee

Krispy Kreme and its iconic “Hot” sign on Ponce de Leon Avenue is a beloved Atlanta landmark, and it’s been an iconic local fixture since 1965. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 876-7307 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6 am – 11 pm Friday-Saturday | “Hot Now” Hours: 7 am – 9 am and 5 pm – 7 pm daily

Although Krispy Kreme isn’t technically an Atlanta brand, it does reign supreme among donut lovers in the ATL. Dunkin’ may rule the nation by sheer volume, but Krispy Kreme’s light and airy, melt-in-your-mouth, fresh, “HOT NOW,” signature glazed donut is undeniably superior in every way. 

The famous location on Ponce de Leon Ave has a storied history. It’s presently owned by Shaquille O’Neal, who has brought it back to life from not one but TWO devastating fires since taking ownership in 2016. Newly renovated and reopened for business, it’s a local treasure that’s well worth a visit (preferably when the “HOT NOW” sign is lit!). 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Atlanta has many wonderful locally owned doughnut shops as well. I highly recommend Sublime Doughnuts and Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee as two of the best locally owned doughnut shops in the city.

Atlanta Outdoor Attractions

Westside Reservoir Park

The largest greenspace in Atlanta was once a rock quarry and popular site for various movies and television shows, including Stranger Things and The Walking Dead.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 546-6813 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Westside Park may be just what you are looking for if you’re a nature lover looking to escape the city without having to travel too far. 

The park is 280 acres of walking and biking trails, with a 350-foot deep reservoir that holds 2.4 billion gallons of emergency water reserves. There are areas for exercise and playgrounds, grassy meadows, restrooms, and 5 miles of paved trails that feel mostly secluded (with a few openings where you can see actual civilization). The viewing platform where you can see the city skyline is on the yellow loop.

Bobby Jones Golf Course

This beautiful golf course with city views is centrally located and connects to the Atlanta Beltline Northside Trail.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 355-1009 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6 pm Weekdays, 7 am – 6 pm Saturday – Sunday | Entrance: Prices vary

Head to Bobby Jones Golf Course if you’re looking for a great place to golf in the city while visiting Atlanta. It features an innovative 9-hole reversible course designed to maximize the land to achieve 18 holes in a smaller space. It also has multiple tee and pin combinations, so you can play a different game each time around the course. 

Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark

Atlanta’s premier skate park, located along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, is designed for skaters of every skill level.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 590-7275 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free, open to all ages/levels

Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park is built to impress, whether you come to skate or spectate. It was a collaboration with the local skateboarding community and professional skating legend Tony Hawk, who helped fund the project and attended its grand opening in 2011. 

The park is located along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail with views of the city in the distance. Skaters, young and old, of all levels, put on a show for passersby. 

There is a camaraderie on display as some of the more experienced tricksters get cheers from the crowd. Meanwhile, if others wipe out on the pavement, someone always rushes to their aid. 

If you plan to skate, wear protective gear. Parking is limited in the area, so walking or biking via the Atlanta Beltline or taking an Uber/Lyft is recommended. 

Fetch Park

A unique off-leash dog park where you can relax and hang out with friends over drinks while friendly pups play and run free.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm Wednesday – Saturday, 8 am – 9 pm Sunday – Tuesday | Entrance: $15/day per dog, $35/month per dog (Free for humans)

Dog lovers traveling with or without your canine companions — you don’t actually have to have a dog to enter one of the four locations of Fetch Park! (Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, and Alpharetta). 

Entry is free for humans, and charges apply per dog. If you are planning a trip to Atlanta with your dog(s), there are some things you will need to plan ahead to make sure you are not denied entry.

All dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations the park requires, and proof must be presented for entry of each dog. Dogs older than 8 months must be spayed or neutered, and all dogs must be friendly and well-socialized. 

If you just love dogs and want to hang out at Fetch Park and watch other people’s dogs play, that is totally fine; just respect boundaries and be sure to ask before initiating contact with someone else’s dog.

Atlanta Streets Alive

Join the best, free community party in the streets on select Sundays during the spring and fall.

🌐 Website | Entrance: Free 

Atlanta Streets Alive happens on select Sundays each month during the spring and fall. Attending is one of the most fun and unique ways to experience the city. 

The mission of this event, curated by the Atlanta Bike Coalition, is to encourage people to get off the sofa or out of their cars and move their bodies! You will find all kinds of activities along the route, from hopscotch or jump rope to dance stations and obstacle courses. Plus, the streets are closed off to cars. 

This is not to be missed if you find yourself in Atlanta during the best, free public party in the streets.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta 

This zoo, nestled in Grant Park at the edge of Downtown, is home to over 1,000 animals across 200 species from all over the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 624-5600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily (last admission 3:30 pm) | Entrance: $26.70 – $34.95, adults 12+, $21.20 – $26.95 children, 3 – 11, $24.70 – $31.95, seniors and students |👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets

Zoo Atlanta, in gorgeous Grant Park just outside of Downtown Atlanta, is fun for the whole family. It has an emphasis on education and conservation, plus a diverse mix of species in thoughtfully designed enclosures. 

Kids will love the petting zoo and range of interactive activities and special events like Summer Safari Camp. Adults will enjoy seasonal favorites like Brew at the Zoo over Memorial Day weekend, and moms enjoy free entry on Mother’s Day. 

Entry is limited to 2 hours prior to closing, so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information and arrive early enough to get in. 

Food options are limited, so pack some snacks or visit a local restaurant in Grant Park before or after your visit. Ria’s Bluebird Cafe on Memorial Drive is one of Atlanta’s most treasured breakfast spots, serving up the best huevos rancheros, country fried tempeh, and buttermilk pancakes. Six Feet Under, Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar, and Grant Central Pizza & Pasta are longtime favorites among locals.

This attraction is included in the Atlanta CityPASS discounted tickets bundle!

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

See the largest dinosaurs to walk the earth, along with many other natural history exhibits and a 3D theatre. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 929-6300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25.95 – $27.95, adults 12 – 64, $23.95 – $25.95 children 3 – 12, $24.95 – $26.95, seniors 65+ | 👉 CityPASS Discount Tickets 

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a popular attraction for families, nature lovers, and dinosaur enthusiasts in Druid Hills near Emory University. Not only will you find the world’s largest dinosaurs on display inside, you will also discover fossils from the Jurassic period, a giant saltwater aquarium, and tour the Okefenokee Swamp and Appalachian Mountains.

Kids will enjoy interactive discovery rooms and exploring regional ecosystems, including live animals, at Nature Quest. Larger-than-life educational films in the giant 3D theatre are not to be missed. 

There is food available in the cafe, or you can pack a lunch and eat in their picnic areas. No food is permitted in the exhibits. You will most likely want to arrive by car, as public transportation is limited to bus service in the area.

This attraction is included in the Atlanta CityPASS discounted tickets bundle.

Center for Puppetry Arts

One of Atlanta’s most fun and unique attractions captures the wonder and whimsy of puppet theatre.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 873-3391 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 12 pm – 5 pm Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $16.50, adults 13+, $12.50 children 2 – 12, $14.50, seniors 65+

While it’s perfect for families, anyone will enjoy feeling like a kid again at the Center for Puppetry Arts. They host puppet shows, workshops, and special events, and there is also a hands-on puppet museum where you can experience the art of puppeteering for yourself. 

A rarity in Midtown, they actually have free parking if you are traveling by car, and there is a small playground outside for kids, which is nice if the line for entry is longer than normal.

Sloomoo Institute

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of slime at Sloomoo Institute in Buckhead. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7:30 pm Friday, 9 am – 7:30 pm Saturday, 10 am – 6:30 pm Sunday, | Entrance: Prices vary, $17.99 – $29.99

If you haven’t yet heard, slime is a sensation that is sweeping the nation among nine-year-olds. And Sloomoo Institute in Buckhead is where the slime-slinging party is at. Conveniently located near both Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, you can easily pop over for your kiddos’ slime-fix and get back to the mall in no time. 

LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta

Located inside Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, LEGO Discovery Center is designed to let your imagination run wild among a diverse range of themed experiences.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 848-9252 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri; 10 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun | Entrance: $24.99 – $49.99

LEGO Discovery Center includes rides, immersive virtual experiences, a pirate adventure, a 4D cinema, and meet-and-greets with your favorite LEGO characters. You can even build your own spaceship and launch it into digital space. There are endless activities that LEGO-lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy. For your own protection, shoes must be worn at all times.

Atlanta Food & Drink

Michelin Restaurants

Atlanta’s food scene has been thriving for years, and it’s finally being recognized globally with a whole list of Michelin-rated and recommended restaurants.

Atlanta has always had an incredible food scene with big flavors and famous chefs, but it has taken a while for the rest of the world to catch on. 

Based on the recent Michelin list, there are three main areas of Atlanta that offer multiple options in close proximity. These are: Old Fourth Ward/Inman Park, Midtown/Westside, and Buckhead. I would suggest focusing on one (or more) of these neighborhoods if you’re visiting for the first time. 

In Old Fourth Ward, there are many Michelin-recommended restaurants. Tiny Lou’s at Hotel Clermont is a must. Delbar, Bomb Biscuit Co., Staplehouse, and BoccaLupo in Inman Park are all within a short radius of each other. 

In that same area, Krog Street Market includes Superica, Ticonderoga Club, and Fred’s Meat Market. Many of these you won’t need reservations, but for the few that do, you can always show up early and try to grab a seat at the bar before it gets too busy.

In Midtown, you will find two great choices in Lyla Lila and Lazy Betty. Both require reservations. In West Midtown at Little Italia, Antico Pizza Napoletana may be busy, but you won’t need reservations. 

Others on the Westside that may require a reservation are Miller Union, Little Sparrow, Hayakawa, Bacchanalia, Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours, Mujō, and Marcel. 

Buckhead has several restaurants you can try and get into as well, all will require a reservation. Omakase Table, Storico Fresco Alimentari, Atlas, and O by Brush.

Local Coffee Shops

For your daily caffeine fix, Atlanta has many wonderful local coffee shops in neighborhoods across the city.

There is no shortage of great local coffee shops in Atlanta. 

Dancing Goats is a local favorite with locations in Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, and Emory. 

Aurora Coffee in Little 5 Points and San Francisco Coffee in Virginia Highlands have been around for ages, although they have both dwindled to just 1 or 2 stores. Chrome Yellow and Condessa in Old Fourth Ward are superb. 

In Downtown, you can find great coffee at Café Lucia, Goat & Bean Coffee, and Spiller Park. 

Breweries

Local craft brews, exotic imports, and crazy flavors are found in breweries all over Atlanta.

It seems like everywhere you go these days, breweries are a big deal. Atlanta is no exception. 

From Sweetwater Brewing Co and its outdoor oasis and signature 420 brew, to hotspots like New Realm Brewing on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, or Georgia Beer Garden on Edgewood Ave — no matter where you are in Atlanta, you are sure to stumble on a brewery (or five) that you simply must try.

Food Halls

There is no better way to satisfy everyone at the table than to have the freedom of choice, and the many food halls around Atlanta deliver just that.

Some of Atlanta’s best restaurants are packed into small kitchens in food halls in every corner of the city. 

Krog Street Market, as an example, has three Michelin restaurants, and it’s on the small side as far as food halls go! Of course Ponce City Market is the biggest in Atlanta, and there is quite a lot to be enjoyed there. 

But my personal favorite is the O.G. Municipal Market in Sweet Auburn on Edgewood Ave. It’s accessible from Downtown Atlanta via the Atlanta Streetcar, and it has a mix of produce, meat, and specialty vendors as well as a handful of great restaurants. 

Other notable markets and food halls include Politan Row at Colony Square in Midtown, Chattahoochee Food Works on the Westside, Southern Feed Store in East Atlanta, and Ph’east, which focuses on authentic Asian street food from six vendors at The Battery at Truist Park in Cumberland.

Buford Highway

Experience a diverse variety of international cuisine along this multicultural corridor.

Many of Atlanta’s best restaurants can be found along Buford Hwy. This is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the U.S., consisting of over 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses that include more than 100 restaurants. 

You can find everything from Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Ethiopian, Indian, and more. Grab Korean BBQ at Hae Woon Dae or Vietnamese Pho at Michelin-recommended Nam Phuong for dinner. Then indulge in dessert at Sweet Hut Bakery or bubble tea at TE’AMO Boba Bar. 

Whatever you’re craving, they have it on Buford Hwy. And it’s probably better (and cheaper) than what you’ll find elsewhere.

BBQ

In Atlanta’s own melting pot fashion, we like a wide variety of flavors and styles when it comes to barbeque. 

Don’t be fooled by the bright city lights; this is the South, and barbecue is very much a thing. 

Fox Bros BBQ is a local and critics’ favorite with multiple locations around the city. Maybe you want to go for something different? Try Sweet Auburn Barbecue, where they do traditional Southern-style BBQ with an Asian flair. 

Or you might just have to check out the “hole in the wall” featured on Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate: Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt on Memorial Drive near Downtown and see what the fuss is all about.

Vegetarian & Vegan Food

There is no shortage of absolutely wonderful vegetarian and vegan options in Atlanta.

Traveling can be hard if you’re a vegetarian, and even harder as a vegan. I would love to help you find the best places to eat in Atlanta! 

I have to start by giving recognition to the local gems who have been serving vegetarian/vegan food for decades. Cafe Sunflower on Peachtree Street has long been a vegan staple beyond just your average veggie burger or boring salad and pasta. 

Just down the street, R. Thomas offers a health-conscious menu that just happens to have many vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside other items. They are also open quite late Wednesday – Saturday. So if you feel hungry at 3 am after the club, now you know where to go (you’re welcome). 

Soul Vegetarian on N. Highland Ave was the first vegan restaurant to open in Atlanta, serving Southern soul food since 1979.

Moving on to more recent additions, Slutty Vegan has taken off like wildfire across Atlanta (and beyond) serving vegan burgers that even meat eaters crave. 

My top two picks for best vegan in Atlanta right now are Planta in Krog Street Market and La Semilla in Reynoldstown. Other notable places are Cooks & Soldiers, Upbeet, and Local Green on the Westside. Then there’s JenChan’s in Cabbagetown, Stir House Atlanta in Downtown, and True Food Kitchen and Aviva by Kameel in Buckhead.

Atlanta Bars & Nightlife

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium

A shamelessly blasphemous, tongue-in-cheek neighborhood bar (and yes, ping pong venue) where the owner’s artwork adorns every corner with religious-themed mockery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 522-8275 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 3 am Monday – Saturday, 5 pm – 12 am Sunday | Entrance: Free

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium is a wildly popular fixture on Edgewood Ave in the Old Fourth Ward. 

This place screams at you from the street in bold painted letters, “CHURCH… IT’S A BAR.” This is juxtaposed with bright neon signs that taunt phrases like “XXX” and “Come on in precious,” so you know what you are walking into isn’t a sacred house of prayer. 

The artwork that adorns the walls is that of owner Grant Henry, who paints funny or sarcastic phrases over religious images and paintings. If you’re easily offended, this may not be the bar for you. But for those with a sense of humor and a hankering for ping pong with beer and sangria or church organ karaoke, you’ll feel right at home. So, come on in, precious! 

Note that Uber/Lyft is highly recommended, as street parking is extremely limited and you will likely drink more than a sip of sacramental wine. Entry is 21+ only.

V12 Restaurant & Sports Bar

One of Atlanta’s swankiest new hotspots sits on top of a gas station and is backed by a famous rap artist. Only in Atlanta.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 808-2067 | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 2 am Tuesday – Friday, 5 pm – 2:30 am Saturday, 1 pm – 12 am Sunday, Closed Mondays 

Rap artist Quavo and partners Kelan and Vinny Watson launched their luxury restaurant & bar atop a BP gas station in Midtown in the summer of 2024. Since then, it’s become a hotspot for celebrity sightings and VIP events. 

Expect long lines at the pumps and the valet on Friday & Saturday nights. But you can always try your luck and shoot for an early dinner during the week and see what happens! Note that the restaurant serves anyone until 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday, and until 5 pm on Sundays. But outside of those hours, entry is 21+ only.

Underground Atlanta Arts & Entertainment District

This is the go-to destination for nightlife in Downtown, and home to some of the city’s best dance clubs.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 2 am Tuesday – Saturday, 6 pm – 12 am Sunday, Closed Mondays | Entrance: $10

Underground Atlanta has seen many transformations over the years. At present, it’s home to a thriving club scene complete with a late-night pizza joint that really hits the spot after a long night of dancing, drinking, and debauchery. 

MJQ has long been recognized as one of Atlanta’s best dance clubs. Masquerade is one of the city’s most unique live music venues, featuring artists across every genre in Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and Altar. 

Future is an LGBTQ+ dance club with drag shows. Daiquiriville serves frozen cocktails and Colombian tapas with live DJs and Karaoke on Thursdays. There are also underground art galleries, a barber shop, a jewelry store, and by far my favorite: a cat therapy lounge.

Enjoy the Local Music Scene

Atlanta is a great city for live music, and there are some incredible venues all over town to see local and touring artists every night of the week.

From neighborhood dive bars to larger stages, there are so many great local venues in Atlanta for live music. It’s hard to name them all, but here is a rundown of some of the highlights, focusing on local bars and smaller venues:

Star Community Bar in Little 5 Points and Smith’s Ole Bar in Ansley Park are great options for a neighborhood bar feel featuring local and touring artists. The Earl and 529 in East Atlanta are great places to see live music from underground rap and alternative to metal, goth, punk, and beyond. 

Aisle 5 in Little 5 Points has a diverse mix of different genres. On the Westside, Northside Tavern is a local favorite for jazz and blues. On the east side, check out Blind Willie’s in Virginia Highlands. 

You can also find live jazz, blues, and R&B in Downtown at Apache Cafe or Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, the latter also has an airport location. In Midtown, Center Stage has two smaller venues, The Loft and Vinyl, that host live music of all genres. 

Johnny’s Hideaway

Be transported back to the 80s at this longtime popular bar on Roswell Road in Buckhead, which is like stepping into a time warp. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 233-8026 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 am Mon-Thu; 12 pm – 3 am Fri-Sat; 12 pm – 12 am Sun | Entrance: $10

Johnny’s hideaway is a mainstay in the club scene in the upper-class neighborhood of Buckhead. Here, it feels like stepping into a time warp, back to the 80s. From the music to the decor and the line that wraps around the parking lot, not much has changed at this Atlanta institution. 

Dress to impress as they have a dress code, so keep it classy. They are also a restaurant that takes reservations and is open daily, so you can skip the long lines by going during less peak times. Every Monday night, they host Trivia, and Wednesday is Ladies Night with drink specials.

Take an Uber/Lyft if you plan to come on the weekend; the parking lot is small, and the valet line is insane. Also, Johnny’s Hideaway is 21+ only. 

Joystick Gamebar

This old-school video game dive bar on Edgewood Ave offers nostalgia, great bar food, and occasional live performances and karaoke

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (404) 525-3002 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 2:30 am Mon-Fri; 12 pm – 2:30 am Sat; 12 pm – 12 am Sunday | Entrance: Free 

Joystick Gamebar on Edgewood Ave is one of the most fun bars in Atlanta. Coming here will take you back to the 80s in a good way with games like Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, Mortal Kombat, Tetris, Frogger, and all your favorites in the main room. 

There is a side room, more of a living room-style setup with couches, tables, and chairs, and a bunch of board games. The drinks are strong and the food is always good. 

Parking is tricky, but they have all the details on their website. Accessible via the Atlanta Streetcar, Edgewood Ave stop. Uber/Lyft is encouraged, especially if you’re drinking. Joystick Gamebar is 21+ only. 

LGBTQ+ Bars & Clubs

Atlanta has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with a diverse mix of options for clubs and nightlife. 

If you are looking for the best LGBTQ+ bars and nightlife in Atlanta, you might want to check out Mary’s in East Atlanta Village, which was named one of the best gay bars in the world by Logo Channel and Out Magazine. 

Blake’s on the Park is a mainstay in Midtown just steps from the Rainbow Crosswalk. It features some of the best DJs, dancing, and drag shows in the city. 

My Sister’s Room (MSR) in Midtown is a national treasure. It’s one of the few remaining lesbian bars in the nation, and it features DJs, drag, burlesque, comedy, and karaoke. There is always something going down at MSR. 

Other notable favorites include the notorious, gay-owned Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium on Edgewood Ave. Then there’s Friends on Ponce de Leon Ave, Bulldogs in Midtown, The Heretic on Cheshire Bridge Road, and the newest to the party, FUTURE in Underground Atlanta.

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Atlanta is a fun, diverse, and vibrant city with incredible restaurants, luxury shopping, a thriving music and arts community, unique historical landmarks, world-class entertainment, and top-notch attractions. I hope you found some interesting things on this list to check out on your trip to Atlanta! 

And don’t forget to see my guide to the best areas & hotels in Atlanta, if you haven’t already.