40 Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta, a city forged in history and thriving as a modern Southern hub, offers visitors a compelling mix of experiences. From exploring pivotal Civil Rights landmarks to discovering vibrant neighborhoods and searching for exciting family activities in Atlanta, there’s something for everyone, including many fantastic free things to do in Atlanta that make exploring affordable. This city balances its historical weight with a dynamic contemporary culture.

Navigating Atlanta’s diverse attractions, from world-class museums to sprawling green spaces and a renowned culinary scene, can seem daunting. This guide presents 40 distinct activities, blending iconic sites with local favorites. Use it to craft your itinerary and dive into the unique energy of Georgia’s capital.

History and Civil Rights Landmarks

Explore the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, a profoundly moving area including his birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and final resting place. Visiting these sites offers a deep connection to the Civil Rights Movement leader’s life and legacy.

Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, connecting the American Civil Rights Movement to global human rights challenges. Its powerful interactive exhibits provide thought-provoking insights into struggles for equality.

Discover regional history at the Atlanta History Center, featuring exhibits on the Civil War, Southern folk life, and Atlanta’s evolution. Explore historic houses and beautiful gardens on its expansive campus.

Wander through Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place for many notable figures, including Margaret Mitchell. Its Victorian garden cemetery design makes for a fascinating stroll.

Explore the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, documenting the life and career of the 39th U.S. President. Exhibits cover his presidency and ongoing work with The Carter Center on human rights.

Admire the Swan House, an elegant 1928 mansion located at the Atlanta History Center. Tour the historically preserved rooms to see the luxurious lifestyle of the Inman family who built it.

Visit The Margaret Mitchell House, where the author wrote most of her famous novel, Gone With the Wind. Take a guided tour to learn about Mitchell’s life and the book’s creation.

Attend a service or simply visit Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary, where Martin Luther King, Jr. served as co-pastor. Feel the history within the walls of this significant spiritual home of the Civil Rights Movement.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Admire art collections at the High Museum of Art in Midtown, showcasing European paintings, American art, decorative arts, and photography. Its diverse holdings make it the leading art museum in the Southeast.

Experience the story behind the world’s most famous beverage at the World of Coca-Cola. Sample different Coca-Cola products from around the globe and see memorabilia spanning decades.

See dinosaur skeletons and explore natural history exhibits at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Walk through outdoor trails in the adjacent Fernbank Forest for a dose of nature.

Celebrate gridiron greats at the College Football Hall of Fame. Interactive exhibits allow you to test your skills and learn about legendary players and coaches.

Immerse yourself in Southern hip-hop culture at the Trap Music Museum. This unique spot celebrates Atlanta’s influential music genre with art installations and exhibits (check age restrictions).

Discover ancient art and artifacts at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the Emory University campus. Its collections include significant pieces from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Americas.

Explore design creativity at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). It’s the only museum in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design.

Enjoy imaginative performances at the Center for Puppetry Arts, the largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to puppetry. See intricate puppets from around the world and catch a live show.

Parks, Gardens, and Outdoor Fun

Relax or play in Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s premier urban green space offering walking paths, sports fields, and beautiful city skyline views. It hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Wander through the stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden adjacent to Piedmont Park. Explore themed gardens, the Orchid Center, and the Canopy Walk through the Storza Woods.

Visit Centennial Olympic Park, the legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, located downtown near several major attractions. Enjoy the Fountain of Rings water show and the park’s open spaces.

Walk, bike, or skate along sections of the Atlanta BeltLine, a network of multi-use trails transforming old railway corridors. Discover parks, public art installations, and restaurants along the way.

Explore Stone Mountain Park, featuring a massive quartz monzonite dome mountain just east of Atlanta. Hike to the top, enjoy family attractions, or see the seasonal laser show.

Enjoy nature along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, offering miles of trails for hiking and spots for fishing or paddling. It provides a scenic escape just outside the city bustle.

Hike to scenic ruins and waterfalls at Sweetwater Creek State Park, west of Atlanta. Explore wooded trails and see the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company mill.

Visit Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest city park, home to Zoo Atlanta and known for its Victorian architecture nearby. Enjoy the playgrounds, green space, and the popular Grant Park Farmers Market.

Food, Drink, and Markets

Explore the diverse culinary options at Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall, housed in a massive historic Sears building. Find everything from gourmet burgers and ramen to Southern Tastes and craft cocktails.

Sample global flavors at Krog Street Market, another popular food hall set in a restored 1920s warehouse along the BeltLine. Enjoy artisan goods, casual eateries, and a lively atmosphere.

Taste authentic international cuisine along the Buford Highway corridor. This stretch is famous for its incredible diversity of restaurants, particularly Asian and Latin American fare.

Take an Atlanta Food Walk tour through neighborhoods like Grant Park or Inman Park. Discover local history while sampling food from several distinct eateries.

Visit a local brewery like SweetWater Brewing Company or one of the many craft breweries popping up around the city. Enjoy brewery tours and tastings of locally made beers.

Indulge in a classic Southern meal featuring favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Find traditional soul food restaurants scattered throughout the city.

Experience a retro Atlanta institution at The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. Order a chili dog, onion rings, and a Frosted Orange for a taste of fast-food history.

Shop for fresh produce and local goods at a neighborhood farmers market, like the Saturday morning market in Grant Park. It’s a great way to experience local life and find tasty treats.

Entertainment and Unique Experiences

Marvel at marine life from around the world at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums globally. See whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and thousands of other aquatic creatures.

Catch a show at the historic Fox Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and films. Its opulent Moorish design is an attraction in itself.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel downtown. Enjoy climate-controlled gondolas offering panoramic views of Centennial Olympic Park and the skyline.

See animals from around the globe at Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park, particularly known for its primate collection and giant pandas. It’s an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Cheer on a local team by attending an Atlanta Braves (baseball), Falcons (football), or Hawks (basketball) game. Experiencing the passion of local sports fans is always exciting.

Explore the eclectic Little Five Points neighborhood, known for its alternative vibe, vintage clothing stores, record shops, and unique street style. It’s a hub for counter-culture and people-watching.

Catch a movie under the stars at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre, one of the few remaining drive-ins in the area. Enjoy a nostalgic double feature from the comfort of your car.

Go on a hunt for Tiny Doors ATL, small artist-created doors installed throughout the city in unexpected places. Finding these whimsical installations is a fun and free way to explore different neighborhoods.