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23 Fun Things To Do in Atlanta (from a local)

by Tee George
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Post Summary – Exciting things to do in Atlanta

Welcome to Atlanta (“where the players play” lol iykyk). No seriously, if you landed here, you’re either visiting and trying to find some of the best things to do in Atlanta so you make the most of your time, or you’re living here and trying to do something outside of the typical club and bar hopping that Atlanta is known for.

Many people sleep on the fact that Atlanta is filled with many fun and unique things to do! But you also want to make sure you hit some of the main attractions when you’re here, too.

Well, I’ve put together a list of 23 fun things to do in Atlanta that I feel like everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Map of Things To Do in Atlanta

1. Take a Food Tour

If there’s one thing about Atlanta that you have to experience, it’s the food scene. You don’t want to miss Atlanta’s diverse selection of great food. I’m talking about some of the best fine dining, quick bites, healthy foods, ethnic cuisine, and most importantly… the wings!

What better way to be shown some of the best spots than to be taken on a tour by a local? Here are a few tour recommendations you should check out:

  • 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art, and History Tour
    • This tour is based in Inman Park, which is home to one of Bon Appetit’s top 50 dining destinations, Krog Street Market, and the Internationally acclaimed Atlanta Beltline. All the restaurants on the tour are locally owned and operated, serving you the best locally sourced, fresh ingredients at each tasting stop!
      • 5-6 Locally Owned Restaurants
      • One cocktail tasting is included
      • Duration: 2.5 hrs
      • Walk: 1 mile
      • Departure Point: Krog Street Market
      • Price: $95
      • Allergy Friendly: With notice, they can accommodate GF, DF, Veg, Vegan, and Nut-free.
  • Ponce City Market
    • Ponce City Market is one of Atlanta’s most renowned food halls. With choices from savory to sweet, there are many great food options here. The best way to experience it all is to take a food and history tour!
      • Locally Owned Restaurants: 5-6
      • One Craft Beer Tasting Included
      • Duration: 2 hrs
      • Walk: 0.5 mile
      • Departure Point: Ponce City Market
      • Price: $95
      • Allergy Friendly: With notice, can accommodate GF, DF, Veg, Vegan, Nut Free
  • Beltline Cocktails and Bites
    • Another thing Atlanta is well known for is its bars, so of course, you have to have an option to try out some cocktails! This Cocktail Tour satisfies your taste buds and takes you on a delightful journey along the iconic Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. 
      • Locally Owned Cocktail Stops: 3
      • Three Full Craft Cocktails & Small Bites Included
      • Duration: 2 hrs
      • Walk: 1 mile
      • Departure Point: Bazati
      • Price: $120
      • Mocktail Option, No food substitutions

2. Visit a Farmer’s Market

food truck at farmers market
municipal market

Whether you love finding local gems, stocking up on pantry essentials, or seeking inspiration for that next amazing dish, you have to add one of Atlanta’s farmers markets to your list. I love getting fresh peaches or tomatoes and fresh-made food whenever I go.

Here are a few locations that I have enjoyed so far:

  • East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
    • When: The regular market is open Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. March through November (Winter Mini-Market is open on Thursdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. January through March.)
    • Where: 572 Stokeswood Ave SE
  • Freedom Farmers Market
    • When: Open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., year-round
    • Where: 453 Freedom Parkway NE
  • Grant Park Farmers Market
    • When: Open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round
    • Where: 1040 Grant St SE
  • Dekalb Farmers Market
    • When: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
    • Where: 3000 East Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA

3. Go on a Hike

east palisades bamboo forest

Obviously, one of my favorite things to do in Atlanta is getting outdoors! If there’s one thing that is slept on about Atlanta, it’s that the outdoor scene here is absolutely incredible! There are a variety of trails throughout the city and surrounding areas, including the infamous bamboo forest less than 20 minutes from downtown.

From beginner-friendly paths like the Chattahoochee River Trail to more challenging routes like the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, there’s a trail suited for every hiking preference! Here are a few that I recommend:

READ MORE: 10 Bucket List Hikes Near Atlanta

4. Go to a Comedy Club

Atlanta definitely has a strong presence when it comes to the comedy realm. Many big-name comedians are actually from the Atlanta (or surrounding) areas, like Chris Tucker, Tyler Perry, and Kenan Thompson, to name a few. That’s why it’s high on the list of things to do in Atlanta!

Whether you prefer observational humor, witty satire, or improvisational comedy, there’s a club and a show to suit every comedic taste. A few well-known ones to add to your list are:

  • Dad’s Garage Theatre
    • Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage is an award-winning non-profit theatre company on Ezzard Street in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward
  • Laughing Skull Lounge
    • Laughing Skull Lounge has been serving up laughs in Atlanta since 2010. Its signature event, “Best of Atlanta Showcase,” features 8 comedians doing their best 10 minutes every Thursday through Sunday.
  • Atlanta Magic Theatre
    • Known for its clean comedy, close-up and stage magic, and tons of audience involvement, this location is great for all! It’s perfect for a family night out, date nights, company parties, or groups of friends!
  • Dynamic El Dorado
    • Home to improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy. If you’re looking for some up-and-coming talent, you’ll definitely want to check this place out

5. Enjoy a Night Out on a Roof Top Bar 

Atlanta’s skyline comes alive at night, and what better way to experience its glittering beauty than from one of the city’s rooftop bars? Whether you’re looking for some delicious craft cocktails with friends or enjoying a romantic date night, Atlanta’s rooftop bars offer an unforgettable blend of ambiance, views, and vibrant nightlife. 

If this is up your ally of things to do in Atlanta, then you’ll definitely want to check these spots out:

6. Go to a Braves Baseball Game

Now, one of the most well-known things to do in Atlanta has to be to go to a Braves game! At Truist Park, there is so much excitement both inside and outside the field. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor, attending a Braves game is an iconic Atlanta experience that promises thrills, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

7. Shoot the Hooch

Isn’t it crazy to think that a major river runs right through Atlanta? The Chattahoochee River is perfect for escaping city life and enjoying nature! And what better way to experience a river than to float down it?

“Shooting the Hooch” means taking a tube and floating down the Chattahoochee. This is super fun to do with friends or family, and it’s super accessible whether you own your own tube or not!

Renting is a great option for visitors or first-time floaters. Nearby rental companies provide many options, including tubes, kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, and more! They also offer convenient shuttles to take you back to your car at the end of the trip.

  • Nantahala Outdoor Center—NOC is a popular location for renting tubes. They rent tubes at Johnson Ferry and Powers Island. Each tube accommodates one person and is offered in small or large sizes. With your tube rental, you can also access the shuttle and a personal flotation device (PFD).

8. Experience a Festival

If you come to Atlanta during the warm months, you can pretty much guarantee that there will be some festival in town on the weekend! This is high on the list of things to do in Atlanta because most visitors are usually here for at least one of the festivals going on.

The festivals range from food festivals, like the Seafood Festival, or music festivals, like One Music Fest, and even cultural festivals, like the Piedmont Park Arts Festival.

A few other notable festivals (yes, I know there’s a ton not listed here, lol)

  • Shaky Knees Music Festival
    • A springtime indie music fest held annually in Atlanta, in Central Park.
    • Location: 400 Merritts Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
    • Time: Usually, the first weekend in May
  • Atlanta Jazz Festival
    • Showcases a diverse mix of jazz legends and up-and-coming performers
    • Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA
    • Time: Late May
  • Atlanta Dogwood Festival
    • You’ll find the country’s best painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers, and glass blowers, as well as live performance art exhibitions, interactive music workshops, and a food festival.
    • Location: Piedmont Park
    • Time: Mid-April
  • Atlanta Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park
    • Enjoy tons of ice cream and family fun at this food festival.
    • Location: Piedmont Park
    • Time: Late July
  • Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival at Adams Park
    • This festival features two days of non-stop music, good eats, cold beer, and interactive family fun with a Kid Zone full of inflatables.
    • Location: Adams Park
    • Time: Mid-August
  • Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
    • Costume contests, puppet parades, a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, storytelling, pie-eating contests, and more!
    • Location: Stone Mountain Park
    • Time: Every weekend in October

9. Walk around Piedmont Park

It’s the perfect green space for a busy city like Atlanta. Many locals (and visitors!) come here to relax, recharge, and appreciate the beauty of Atlanta’s natural surroundings.

I love Piedmont because it’s great for getting outside and changing scenery. There are plenty of walking paths, a playground, fitness fields, basketball courts, a pond, and more! It’s also home to many of the festivals that go on in Atlanta, so there’s a good chance that there will be food trucks there when you visit.

If you really want to experience this like a local, bring a blanket, pack a lunch, and have a picnic right in the middle of the park!

10. Scoot Down the Beltline 

Another one of Atlanta’s most iconic things to do is head to Midtown and get on the Beltline. It’s a must-do! The Beltline is a 22-mile loop with trails and parks that connect 45 different neighborhoods. It’s lined with artistic murals, delicious restaurants and bars, local businesses, and vibrant energy that literally draws you to the area.

Now most people will take one of the Bird or Lyft scooters and ride along the Beltline, however many choose to walk along the sidewalk. The path also connects Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market, which generally, when I go, I’ll visit those locations!

11. Take a Dip in a Swimming Hole

Most people who have wanted to get outdoors and experience the beauty of nature know about this gem near Atlanta. Vickery Creek at Roswell Mill is high on the list of outdoorsy things to do in Atlanta. If you want to get outside while in Atlanta, I highly recommend heading here!

There’s a beautiful waterfall near the parking lot, a bridge over the creek, and plenty of walking trails! Many people like to get in the water at the base of the falls, which is the perfect cooling spot on a hot Georgia day.

UPDATE: Due to the mistreatment of the area, the path down to the falls may be closed, but you can still hike to see the falls

SEE ALSO: 5 Swimming Holes In Georgia

12. Brewery-Hop Around Avondale Estates

If you’re a fan of beers, then this will be a perfect thing to do in Atlanta! There are several really good breweries in Atlanta, especially in the Avondale Estates area. It may be a small area in size, but the brewery presence in this area is unmatched!

I recommend going to these breweries:

13. Walk Around Little Five Points

Little Five Points is a popular area in Atlanta, especially for younger crowds and those who like to be in touch with their “hippie” side. It’s a unique area filled with many fun things to do!

There are tattoo and piercing shops, vintage thrift stores, cute date-night spots (like a candlemaking shop), record stores… the list goes on! Not to mention, there are plenty of food spots and coffee shops, and it’s right beside Freedom Park so that you can enjoy some time outside here, too!

I’ll link a few of my favorite things to do here:

14. Stargaze at the Jon Wood Astronomy Field

Whenever we go camping or find ourselves outside away from the city at night, we are always baffled by the beauty of the night sky! We are amazed at how many stars are in the sky and how breathtaking it truly is.

If you are looking for a place near Atlanta to experience some stargazing like this, then I can’t recommend going to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and stargazing at the Jon Wood Astronomy Field enough! Please check out the website for details on observing at the Jon Wood Astronomy Field.

Pro Tip: They often have events for stargazing throughout the month, so be sure to watch for the next one!

15. Bike Around the Silver Comet Trail

As much as we love the Atlanta Beltline, it can get a little crowded, especially on the weekends. So, if you still want to get outside on a paved walkway to bike, rollerblade/skate, walk, run, or whatever, then I have the perfect alternative for you!

The Silver Comet Trail, located in Smyrna, is a 61.5-mile paved trail that leads all the way to Alabama! If biking is your thing, but you don’t own a bike or just don’t feel like packing yours, be sure to go to Comet Trail Cycles and rent one from them.

16. See a Theater Performance

Do you love seeing live-acting performances? Atlanta has plenty of performance arts theaters where you can enjoy such experiences. If you’re looking for something to do in Atlanta that is outside of the usual hustle and bustle, this is a great option!

The most well-known venue is the Fox Theatre. It hosts many Broadway shows, musicals, plays, and more, and its schedule is pretty consistent. Some other popular venues are Buckhead Theater, The Loft, and Variety Playhouse.

Pro Tip: You can also check out Alliance Theatre to find upcoming shows!

17. Take an Adventure on one of REI’s Outdoor Classes

Have you wanted to go on more outdoor adventures but aren’t sure where to start or what equipment you need? Then, you have to check out REI’s Atlanta outdoor classes. With free and paid courses, you can learn about hiking, backpacking, and stargazing.

You can also schedule a free virtual outfitting session to help further you find the right gear.

18. Visit the Infamous Georgia Aquarium

Most people will consider this the most sought-after thing to do when visiting Atlanta. The Georgia Aquarium is a must-see adventure that’ll make you feel like you’ve just dipped your toes into the ocean—minus the sand in your shoes!

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and was the largest in the world when it opened in 2005. You’ll be face-to-face with whale sharks, beluga whales, and playful otters that might steal your heart (or at least a few laughs). It’s the perfect spot to let your inner kid run wild while exploring the wonders of the deep.

The aquarium features a 4D theater where guests can experience immersive films that combine 3D visuals with special effects like wind and water. The Ocean Voyager exhibit also has a 100-foot-long underwater tunnel, offering a unique perspective as sea creatures swim overhead.

And if there’s anything you have to do when visiting the aquarium, you HAVE to attend one of their dolphin shows! It’s truly the highlight of the day, in my opinion.

19. Pick Some of Georgia’s Local Fruit

When you’re in Atlanta, one of the sweetest experiences (literally) you can have is heading out to a local farm for some good old-fashioned fruit picking. I know Georgia is well-known for its peaches and pecans, but you can find a lot more fruit here, like strawberries, blueberries, or apples.

Not to mention, the farms often have other goodies like homemade jams, local honey, and delicious snacks like fried pies or fresh baked goods (or, my favorite, boiled peanuts!). A few farms I recommend are:

SEE ALSO: Weekend Trips from Atlanta

20. Catch a Sunrise or Sunset at Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain has a special place in my heart because it was the first place where I truly experienced the outdoors and fell in love with nature! Needless to say, this is one of my favorite things to do in Atlanta.

Only a short 30-minute drive from downtown, this is a popular spot for locals who want to get a good workout with a view! The hike is all uphill to the top, but it is pretty gradual until you get to the final 100 yards, which is the steepest part.

If you can catch a sunrise or sunset on a clear day, omg, you are in for a treat! From the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and other surrounding city skylines (like Buckhead and Smyrna).

Pro Tip: Parking is $20 per vehicle, but if you want to avoid that fee, some surrounding neighborhoods have free street parking! So try these first before heading straight to the park, and you might get lucky!

READ MORE: 15 Mountain Hikes in Georgia

21. Take a Stroll around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking for a perfect photo op in the heart of Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is where you need to be. The garden is like a living, breathing canvas that changes with the seasons, so whether you’re catching the spring blooms or the glowing lights of the holiday season, there’s always something spectacular to see.

If you’re visiting with kids, the Children’s Garden is a wonderland of interactive fun, with splash fountains, a treehouse, and plenty of spots to explore. You can also walk through the Kendeda Canopy Walk in the treetops, learn about new plants in the Sheffield Botanical Library, and even taste some of the seasonal edibles in the Edible Garden.

For more info on the Botanical Gardens:

  • Hours:
    • Tuesday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    • Mondays: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Members only)
  • Location:
    • 1345 Piedmont Avenue Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Website: 

22. Explore Ponce City Market

ponce city market
ponce city market

Ponce City Market is probably one of the most well-known things to do in Atlanta. It’s one of those places with a little something for everyone.

It has boutique shops, delicious restaurants, irresistible dessert shops, clothing stores, and more! To top all of that, if you head to the rooftop, there are arcade/carnival-type games like mini-golf and skeeball, a restaurant, and amazing views of Midtown and Atlanta.

On the weekends, there are usually small business vendors lined outside beside where the Beltline connects to Ponce City Market. You’ll be able to find some authentic local gems if you find yourself here on a weekend!

23. Check out the Art at the High Museum

Whether you like art or have never really had an eye for it, you must add the High Museum to your bucket list of things to do in Atlanta! The High Museum strives to make each visit unique so you don’t feel like you can’t come back after your first visit because you’ve “seen it all.”

What makes this place so cool? Well, it has interactive exhibits that let you become part of the artwork, live performances that bring the galleries to life, and special events that many locals attend, like Friday Night events and different Studio Sessions where you can channel your inner artist.

You can easily spend hours getting lost in the galleries, grabbing a snack at the café, or just soaking in the vibes in the outdoor courtyard. This is the perfect way to experience Atlanta’s rich artistic talent!

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