46 Best Things to Do in Atlanta, GA

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Atlanta offers an unbeatable blend of captivating history, culture, culinary delights, film locations, family fun, and scenic green spaces. To help you plan your trip, here’s a handpicked selection of 46 top things to do in this vibrant Southern city. From iconic museums and lush gardens to bustling markets and unique venues, Atlanta delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler profile.

Discover Urban Gardens

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Step into 30 acres of serene landscapes, highlighted by seasonal flower displays, elegant sculptures, a standout Children’s Garden, and a forested Canopy Walk through Storza Woods. Visit the Edible Garden for a peek at innovative, delicious gardening—and check out the events calendar for art shows, classes, seasonal festivals, and chef demonstrations.

• Explore outdoor and indoor gardens, from rose and orchid houses to winter light displays.
• Kids love the whimsical splash fountains and treehouse playground.
• Don’t miss holiday special events and rotating art installations.

Family-Friendly Fun

World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Explore the fizzy past and present of America’s favorite soda in an interactive museum. Meet the iconic Coca-Cola polar bear, browse historical memorabilia, and sample over 100 soft drinks from around the globe at the tasting stations. This beloved attraction brings together kids, pop culture fans, and the young at heart.

• Learn about Coca-Cola’s origins and its global journey.
• Enjoy hands-on exhibits and multimedia experiences.
• Snap photos with larger-than-life displays—and, of course, sip unique sodas you won’t find elsewhere.

Zoo Atlanta

Home to more than 1,000 animals, including gorillas, pandas, reptiles, and birds, Zoo Atlanta is a favorite with families and animal lovers. Educational programs and interactive exhibits are offered year-round.

Six Flags Over Georgia

Located just outside Atlanta, this beloved amusement park features thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and kid-friendly attractions, making for a full day of family adventure.

Feed Your Curiosity: Museums & More

Atlanta History Center & Swan House

Explore Atlanta’s past through immersive exhibits and period homes in this expansive 33-acre complex. The Swan House—a stately mansion—featured as President Snow’s home in “The Hunger Games” films, is a major highlight.

• Tour lush gardens, Civil War displays, and folk art exhibits.
• Visit historic farmsteads and interactive educational areas for kids.
• Enjoy guided tours covering different eras in Atlanta’s evolving story.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Trace the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader at a moving national park comprising his childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. Exhibits document the movement and MLK’s enduring influence on American life.

• Tour the family home (reservations recommended).
• Pay respects at the memorial tomb and reflection pool.
• Engage with interactive exhibits and preserved historical spaces.

The Wren’s Nest

Visit the preserved Victorian home of Joel Chandler Harris, best remembered for collecting Br’er Rabbit tales. Attend live storytelling events or house tours; admission is modest, and the stories bring Southern folklore to life.

College Football Hall of Fame

A dreamland for football fans, boasting an immersive three-story wall of more than 700 helmets. Use your personalized pass for an interactive experience, including simulators, memorabilia, and a turf-covered indoor field for a hands-on touchdown!

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Delve into the history of civil rights and contemporary human rights movements at this deeply impactful museum. Exhibits include multimedia installations, powerful artifacts, and educational resources relevant for all ages.

High Museum of Art

Atlanta’s premier art institution houses collections spanning American, European, African, decorative, and modern art, as well as family activities, special exhibitions, and community events.

Outdoors & Adventure

Piedmont Park

Atlanta’s central green heart offers expansive lawns, a large pond, idyllic skyline views, and a winding network of trails. It’s the stage for music festivals, weekend picnics, local markets, and year-round walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Atlanta Botanical Garden joins the park’s northern edges for a perfect day outdoors.

The Atlanta BeltLine

This ambitious development transforms old rail lines into a 22-mile loop of parks, trails, and public art. Jog, bike, rent a scooter, or stroll—and experience Atlanta’s neighborhoods coming together in one of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces.

• Find murals and sculptures along the Eastside and Westside Trails.
• Explore outdoor cafes, breweries, and playgrounds right off the trail.

Stone Mountain Park

Venture just outside the city for hiking and spectacular panoramic vistas atop Stone Mountain. Outdoor festivals, historic attractions, and seasonal light shows draw families year-round.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Escape to nature with walking and biking trails, picnic areas, wildlife spotting, and options for kayaking and paddle boarding in the river.

Shop, Dine, and Play

Krog Street Market

Set in a 1920s warehouse, Krog Street Market is now a trendy food hall and shopping destination with a creative, bustling vibe. Browse food stalls—ranging from southern fried chicken and global bites to vegan bakeries and craft beer stops. Indoor communal tables and al fresco patios make it an easy favorite for groups and foodies.

• Sample from chef-driven kitchens and locally made goods.
• Check the directory for specialty groceries and pop-up shops.

Ponce City Market

This vibrant mixed-use complex combines shops, dining, offices, entertainment, and rooftop amusements under one historic roof. Formerly the Sears warehouse, it’s a feast for every sense: shop handcrafted goods, grab gourmet bites at the expansive food hall, and enjoy rooftop games and skyline views.

• Pick up gifts from local makers and artisans.
• Savor bites from Atlanta’s hottest chefs.
• Visit “Skyline Park” for old-school carnival fun high above the city.

Municipal Market (“Sweet Auburn Curb Market”)

Known for its diverse blend of vendors, this beloved market is a fixture for fresh produce, prepared foods, bakeries, butchers, and global flavors—all in a casual indoor setting. Don’t miss the soul food counters or the legendary peach cobbler.

Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza

These neighboring Buckhead shopping centers offer classic mall vibes (Lenox Square: flagship brands, energetic crowds, regional stores) and luxury shopping (Phipps Plaza: designer boutiques, elegant ambiance, premium entertainment) for a full day’s retail therapy.

Starlight Drive-In Theatre & Flea Market

Address: 2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Revel in a nostalgia-infused night out: Catch a double-feature on the outdoor screen, then hunt for treasures at the adjacent flea market during the day. It’s one of few remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, making it a retro-fun must.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Fox Theatre

This grand 1929 movie palace is now Atlanta’s top destination for Broadway tours, ballets, concerts, and family shows. The lavish Moorish revival architecture and starry sky ceiling create a magical backdrop for every performance.

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

Experience a cozy, immersive night out with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s classic productions in a replica British pub setting. Grab a cottage pie and a pint before the curtain rises.

Live Music Performances

Catch local and big-name acts across the city, from legendary venues like the Tabernacle to smaller clubs and jazz lounges. Atlanta’s music scene boasts diverse genres, energetic crowds, and history-making performances.

Famous Film & TV Locations

Atlanta’s Hollywood Moment

Recognized as the “Hollywood of the South,” Atlanta’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and mansions have provided backdrops for blockbusters and top TV series including:

• The Walking Dead—see sites from the show’s harrowing journeys
• Stranger Things—tour Sleepy Hollow Farm, where you’ll find Hopper’s cabin, and try an immersive escape room experience
• The Hunger Games—visit the Swan House, the basis for President Snow’s mansion in “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay”

‘Stranger Things’-Themed Escape Room

At Sleepy Hollow Farm, fans can channel their inner hero with Escape Woods’ themed adventure inside Hopper’s Cabin. Be sure to book a dedicated cabin tour for the full experience—and keep an eye out for show-inspired props and clues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the best activities for families in Atlanta?

A: The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, and Six Flags Over Georgia all offer engaging experiences perfect for kids and multigenerational groups.

Q: Where can I visit filming locations from famous movies or TV shows?

A: Fans of The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and The Hunger Games can tour relevant sites including Sleepy Hollow Farm, The Swan House, and scenic Atlanta neighborhoods regularly featured on screen.

Q: Which neighborhoods are best for exploring on foot?

A: Midtown (home to Piedmont Park and cultural institutions), the BeltLine corridor, and the Poncey-Highland/Inman Park areas are picturesque and easily walkable.

Q: What unique shopping experiences does Atlanta offer?

A: Shop for everything from high fashion to handmade art at Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market).

Q: When is the best time to visit Atlanta?

A: Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and packed event calendars, but Atlanta shines with festivals, outdoor fun, and arts year-round.

Final Tips for Visiting Atlanta

• Plan to mix indoor and outdoor sights for a varied experience.
• Check attraction hours—some venues require advance reservations, especially for special tours or performances.
• Use Atlanta’s MARTA transit or rideshares for easy city access, as parking can be limited in busy neighborhoods.
• Leave extra time to explore the city’s neighborhoods for hidden gems and local favorites.

Atlanta’s ever-changing blend of history, cuisine, entertainment, and green spaces ensures every visit is bold, lively, and distinctively Southern. Dive in and enjoy!