Things to Do in Atlanta
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Atlanta

50 curated spots from Atlanta itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

High Museum of Art
Do
morning

High Museum of Art

World-class collection with family tours and interactive spaces.

2h 30m · $23.50/adult
Piedmont Park
Do
morning

Piedmont Park

Hike Lake Trail and Piedmont Active Greenway; catch 7:30 AM golden hour at the canopy viewpoint for skyline photos.

2h · Free
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Do
afternoon

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Street art murals, Krog Street Tunnel; photo ops and people-watching.

1h 30m · Free
Centennial Olympic Park
Do
afternoon

Centennial Olympic Park

Fountain of Rings splash pad, gardens; kid-friendly play.

1h 30m · Free
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Do
morning

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Free tours of birth home, church, and exhibits; reflective walks. (MARTA 5 min from Downtown)

2h · Free
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Do
morning

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Explore orchid center and canopy walk; photography: Fuqua Conservatory and Japanese garden at dawn.

2h · $26
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Do
morning/early afternoon

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Protected river corridor with hiking trails, nature observation, and outdoor photography opportunities; pristine natural setting minutes from urban center

2h 30m · Free
SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel
Do
evening

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

20-min VIP ride for 360° views; golden hour photography from enclosed gondola.

1h · $22
Zoo Atlanta
Do
morning

Zoo Atlanta

Focus on giant pandas and safari exhibits; early 8:30 AM entry for quiet wildlife photos (no flash indoors).

2h 30m · $35
Georgia Aquarium
Do
morning

Georgia Aquarium

Explore whale sharks, dolphins, and touch pools; family photo ops abound.

3h · $40/adult, $32/child
Krog Street Market
Do
evening

Krog Street Market

Browse stalls, samples; vibrant hall.

1h 30m · Free
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Walk
Do
late_morning

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Walk

Start near Ponce City Market and walk the flat, paved trail for murals, skyline views, and street performers; pause on benches or in small parks.

2h 30m · Free
Atlanta Botanical Garden (Free Days)
Do
afternoon

Atlanta Botanical Garden (Free Days)

Plant sculptures, kids' garden; check free admission Tuesdays.

2h · Free (select days)
Atlanta Botanical Garden Canopy Walk
Do
afternoon

Atlanta Botanical Garden Canopy Walk

600-ft suspension bridge through treetops; adjacent to park, weather-dependent (backup: park picnic).

1h 30m · $20
Auburn Avenue Historic District Stroll
Do
early_evening

Auburn Avenue Historic District Stroll

Walk along Auburn Ave to see historic churches, murals, and the exterior of MLK Jr.-related sites; explore the street art and small local shops nearby.

1h 30m · Free
Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Landmarks Walk
Do
afternoon

Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Landmarks Walk

Stroll the park, check out the Olympic rings and fountain, then wander by the CNN Center exterior and World of Coca-Cola plaza for photos.

2h · Free
Dekalb Farmers Market
Do
morning

Dekalb Farmers Market

Global **street market** with produce, spices, ready foods.

1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Fernbank Forest Trails
Do
morning

Fernbank Forest Trails

75-acre woods hike; birdwatching family fun.

2h · Free
Free Time in Grant Park
Do
afternoon

Free Time in Grant Park

Stroll historic streets, local shops, photos.

1h 30m · Free
Georgia Aquarium Exterior & Plaza
Do
afternoon

Georgia Aquarium Exterior & Plaza

Fountain views, street art; free outdoor.

1h 30m · Free
High Museum of Art (Free Hours)
Do
evening

High Museum of Art (Free Hours)

Modern exhibits, family tours; free first Sat monthly.

1h 30m · Free (select times)
Inman Park Neighborhood Walk & Photography
Do
afternoon/evening

Inman Park Neighborhood Walk & Photography

Historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, local galleries, and boutique shops; quintessential Atlanta neighborhood with authentic character perfect for leisurely exploration and photography

2h · Free
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Do
afternoon

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library

Exhibits on presidency, peace efforts, and gardens for photos.

1h 30m · $10/adult, free under 16
Krog Street Market & Nearby Street Art
Do
afternoon

Krog Street Market & Nearby Street Art

Walk the BeltLine or DeKalb Ave sidewalk to Krog Street Market, then wander the market and nearby Krog Street Tunnel to see colorful graffiti.

2h · Free (food extra)
Lakewood Amphitheater Area Park
Do
afternoon

Lakewood Amphitheater Area Park

Green spaces, paths mimicking **beach** relaxation; free.

1h 30m · Free
Lenox Square
Do
afternoon

Lenox Square

Premier **shopping** mall with brands and dining.

2h · Varies
Little Five Points
Do
afternoon

Little Five Points

**Shopping** vintage stores, street art, murals for photos.

2h · Varies
Little Five Points Shopping
Do
morning

Little Five Points Shopping

Vintage shops, street art; window shop free.

2h · Free
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Do
morning

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Visitor center exhibits, MLK birth home tour, church; reflective walks.

2h · Free
Midtown Atlanta Nightlife District
Do
evening/night

Midtown Atlanta Nightlife District

Energetic bar scene with live music venues, craft cocktail bars, and social atmosphere; multiple options within 2-3 block radius for spontaneous hopping

3h · $12–20 per drink

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Ponce City Market
Eat
afternoon

Ponce City Market

Vibrant street market with local vendors; try Southern tacos or empanadas from stalls like Botiwalla.

1h · $10-18 per person
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Eat
afternoon

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Historic market stalls with fried chicken, BBQ, and local Southern specialties.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Breakfast Club
Eat
morning

The Breakfast Club

Hearty Southern plates like chicken & waffles or shrimp & grits.

1h · $15-25 per person
Home Grown GA
Eat
evening

Home Grown GA

Biscuits and gravy $10; Southern comfort.

1h · $9-13 per person
Ponce City Market Food Hall
Eat
afternoon

Ponce City Market Food Hall

Diverse stalls from tacos to pizza; rooftop views optional.

1h · $15-25 per person
The Optimist
Eat
evening

The Optimist

Nautical-chic seafood; order oysters and lowcountry boil.

1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Marcel
Eat
evening

Marcel

French-inspired cuisine with elegant plating, thoughtful wine pairings, and sophisticated ambiance; refined dining celebrating local ingredients

2h · $40–55 per person
Mary Mac's Tea Room
Eat
evening

Mary Mac's Tea Room

Iconic Southern comfort like fried chicken and collards.

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Murphy's
Eat
morning

Murphy's

Southern brunch like biscuits, eggs Benedict, and fresh salads.

1h · $15-25 per person
Paschal's Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Paschal's Restaurant

Soul food like fried chicken, collards, and peach cobbler.

1h · $20-30 per person
The Colonnade
Eat
morning

The Colonnade

Classic Southern spot; order biscuits and gravy or peach pancakes.

1h · $15-25 per person
Waffle House
Eat
morning

Waffle House

Classic waffles and hashbrowns; iconic ATL diner experience.

45m · $10-15 per person
Alon's Bakery
Eat
afternoon

Alon's Bakery

Sandwiches and salads in park vicinity.

45m · $15-25 per person
Ann's Snack Bar
Eat
evening

Ann's Snack Bar

Legendary chili dogs and burgers; no-frills local legend. (MARTA 10 min from Midtown)

50m · $10-15 per person
Atlanta Breakfast Club
Eat
afternoon

Atlanta Breakfast Club

Casual Southern breakfast-and-lunch spot; try the chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits and split a plate if you’re on a tight budget.

1h · $12-15 per person
Brick Store Pub
Eat
evening

Brick Store Pub

Pub fare with local beers (soda options).

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Cabbagetown Pizza Co.
Eat
afternoon

Cabbagetown Pizza Co.

Slices $4; family share.

1h · $6-10 per person
Canoe
Eat
morning

Canoe

Riverside restaurant with farm-fresh breakfast, scenic Chattahoochee River views, and natural light; elegant casual setting perfect for morning photography

1h · $20–32 per person
Centennial Park Food Vendors
Eat
morning

Centennial Park Food Vendors

Grab Southern biscuits and coffee from park carts near Fountain of Rings.

45m · $10-15 per person
Chama Gaucha
Eat
evening

Chama Gaucha

Brazilian steaks, salad bar for variety.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person

More on Atlanta

BUILD YOUR ATLANTA PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning