Atlanta is a metropolis with cultural and ethnic diversity, so there are always things to do in Atlanta to cater to your interests and preferences. In addition to its historical and cultural richness, Atlanta is a major business center, a hub of entertainment and adventure, and a destination for those seeking warmth and romance. Whether you seek excitement, cultural exploration, family-oriented activities, or nature experiences, you will undoubtedly find things to do in Atlanta Georgia that suit your preferences. There are also free things, providing opportunities for budget-conscious individuals to experience the city’s offerings without spending a penny. This blog offers a comprehensive list of things to do in Atlanta GA, that caters to students, locals, and tourists alike, so don’t miss out!
Things to Do in Atlanta - Overview
- Fun things to do in Atlanta: Check out some unusual attractions, go barhopping, try adrenaline-boosting activities, and catch comedy shows.
- Free things to do in Atlanta: Take museum tours, enjoy free swimming, visit the park, tour the university campus, and see the sights.
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Couple things to do in Atlanta: Plan a romantic date night at a nice restaurant, take dance lessons for your wedding, and sign up for a couples cooking class.
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Kid–friendly things to do in Atlanta: Visit kid-friendly museums, take a zoo tour, plan family picnic events, and play in Six Flags Over Georgia.
Things to Do in Atlanta: Fun Activities
Visit Unusual Attractions
#1 Doll's Head Trail in Constitution Lakes Park 📍1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Constitution Lakes Park is a nature reserve. It boasts a trail decorated with all kinds of unusual artwork. The trail is decorated with artwork created by visitors, made mostly from discarded doll parts and other waste materials. Creating your artwork here would be one of the Atlanta things to do. It’s a great example of how to reuse waste, and it gives visitors the chance to get creative while helping to look after the nature reserve.
#2 Alpaca Treehouse 📍1152 Fayetteville Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Like a slice of paradise, this treehouse is situated in a bamboo forest and serves as a refuge for rescued llamas and alpacas. Paying a visit to Alpaca Treehouse is a stuff to do in Atlanta. You can interact with these animals here and support their care by participating in a tour, yoga class with camels, or an overnight stay at the treehouse.
Neighborhoods for Barhopping
When it comes to what to do in Atlanta, partying the night away at different bars is definitely fun. Atlanta has lots of vibrant neighborhoods with distinctive nightlife scenes. If you’re looking for some great places to bar hop, we’ve got you covered.
- East Atlanta: The Midway Pub, Trophy Room, TEN ATL, Mary’s, The Basement, Octopus Bar, etc.
- Decatur: Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House, S.0.S Tiki Bar, Trackside Tavern, Brick Store, etc.
- Old Fourth Ward: Ping Pong Emporium, Noni’s, Joystick Gamebar, The Sound Table, etc.
- Little Five Points: The Porter Beer Bar, Yacht Club, El Myr, Brewhouse, Star Bar, Variety Playhouse, etc.
- Inman Park: Watchman’s, Ticonderoga Club, Bar Mercado, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Victory Sandwich Bar, The Albert, etc.
Adrenaline-Boosting Activities
#1 Porsche Experience Center 📍One Porsche Dr, Atlanta, GA 30354
Taking pleasure in the speed and excitement at the 1.6-mile test track near Porsche’s North American headquarters is one of the Atlanta Georgia things to do. You can operate a Porsche and experience the excitement of speed as you navigate the winding roads. You can also sit in the passenger seat and allow a professional driver to take you on a 197-mph ride.
#2 Skydive Atlanta 📍2333 Delray Rd, Thomaston, GA 30286
Skydive Atlanta is the only skydiving center in Georgia certified by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Experiencing the sensation of freefall is one of the activities to do in Atlanta. You can choose either the tandem skydiving option with an experienced skydiver or the Accelerated Freefall Training Program, which lets you safely skydive solo.
Comedy Shows
Atlanta is home to many well-known and up-and-coming comedy acts that perform in a top-notch setting. Enjoying improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy is one of the activities in Atlanta. You can catch a show at venues like The Fox Theatre (📍660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center (📍2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339), and Buckhead Theatre (📍3110 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305). There are also lots of smaller venues in Atlanta:
- Village Theatre 📍349 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Dad’s Garage 📍569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Whole World Improv Theatre 📍1216 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Dynamic El Dorado 📍572 Edgewood Ave SE #116, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Atlanta Comedy Theater 📍4650 Jimmy Carter Blvd #114b, Norcross, GA 30093
- The Punchline Comedy Club 📍3652 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342
- A-List Comedy at Role Call Theater 📍349 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Laughing Skull Lounge 📍878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Fifth Place Comedy 📍427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Sketchworks Comedy 📍349 Decatur St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Things to Do in Atlanta: Free Activities
Museums Tours
#1 Atlanta Contemporary Art Center 📍535 Means St. NW Atlanta, GA
As a valuable museum, visiting the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is one of the best things to do in Atlanta, and it will be a feast for the eyes. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center was founded in 1973 as a non-profit organization. It was the hub for many “grassroots” artists at the time. Today, it is one of the most recognized contemporary art institutions in the southeastern United States, hosting artists worldwide and serving as an essential showcase for artwork. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center hosts six to ten exhibitions from several outstanding nationally acclaimed artists per season on various themes. It has no permanent collection, and new exhibitions are held every three months.
#2 Atlanta Monetary Museum 📍1000 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia
A visit to the Atlanta Monetary Museum is a worthwhile activities in Atlanta, and free. The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of money, from barter systems to modern currencies, providing a historical perspective that is both educational and engaging. Visitors can learn about the Federal Reserve’s role in the U.S. economy, such as its monetary policy, bank regulation, and payment system services, and how they affect people’s daily lives. The most anticipated part of the tour is seeing the cash handling operations where millions of dollars are counted, sorted or shredded daily. After visiting this one of the most worthwhile Atlanta Georgia places to go, you can acquire plenty of useful knowledge about money.
3 Fernbank Science Center 📍156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA
With a rich legacy of fostering scientific curiosity, Fernbank Science Center is dedicated to inspiring a passion for learning among visitors of all ages. You will find state-of-the-art exhibits and immersive educational programs highlighting the wonders of our natural world and beyond. In the Fernbank Science Center, admission is free to all pavilions except the planetarium. Weather permitting, the observatory is open for free public observation on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. In this one of the top things to do in Atlanta, you will gain an valuable educational experience and see the world through the lens of wonder. It’s definitely a worthwhile Atlanta georgia stuff to do.
4 High Museum of Art 📍1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Bank of America has offered the cardholders free general admission—during the first full weekend of every month. So, the High Museum of Art offers free admission to all visitors on the second Sunday of every month from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with special programs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children under the age of 6 are free every day. Visiting this museum has become one of the most famous atlanta GA things to do since the incentive. You can bring your family to enjoy the free art-making activities, performances and exciting exhibitions. Advance online booking is recommended. You can sign up for a free guided tour to make your visit even more impressive.
5 Center for Puppetry Arts 📍1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA
A visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the best activities in Atlanta, where you can watch live shows, visit workshops, appreciate exhibitions, and participate in events. Residents in Georgia with a library card can request four free tickets to the Center for Puppetry Arts at any public library and a 25 percent discount on all-inclusive admission, including the Family Series of shows, puppet-making workshops, and museums.
Swimming for Free
For those who love being in the water, going for a free swim is definitely one of the best things to do in Atlanta Georgia. You can add these free swimming destinations to your list.
#1 Candler Park Pool 📍1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA
Candler Park Pool is free daily from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., except Wednesdays and Thursdays. It is at the Candler Park.
#2 Reverend James Orange Park 📍1305 Oakland Dr SW, Atlanta
Reverend James Orange Park is located at Oakland City. The pool is at most four feet deep and is open daily from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., except Mondays and Tuesdays.
#3 Maddox Park Pool 📍1115 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA
Maddox Park Pool is free daily from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., except Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Strolling Around in the Park
#1 Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park 📍450 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta GA
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is Atlanta’s most important historic park, making it one of the famous places to go in Atlanta Georgia. The historic site covers 35 acres (0.14 square kilometers). The Visitor Center houses a museum of the African American Civil Rights Movement and a gift store converted from a firehouse. The International World Peace Rose Garden was also constructed to commemorate the courageous pioneer who worked for social justice. Paying a visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is one of the top things to do in Atlanta Georgia.
#2 Piedmont Park 📍1071 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta GA
Piedmont Park is the largest park in Atlanta, with more than 200 acres of green areas. It is finely equipped with multiple beautiful trails, dog park, sports fields, swimming pools, and Lake Clara Meer. Piedmont Park also hosts a variety of great events regularly, such as the Dogwood Festival, the Pride Parade, and the Midtown Music Festival. As one of the most popular attractions in Atlanta GA, it’s well worth to pay a few-hour visit to stroll around this park of nature.
University Campus Tours
When it comes to what to do in Atlanta GA, visits to Atlanta’s leading educational institutions provide valuable opportunities to experience different cultures and ideas, expand horizons, and enhance life experience.
For students not yet enrolled in a university, these visits can encourage hard work to achieve academic and career goals and enhance self-confidence. If you are among the select few who are admitted to one of these prestigious institutions and are embarking on a new journey in this unfamiliar city, we are always here to ensure that you find a welcoming and supportive home. You can contact us to find your perfect student housing in Atlanta.
#1 Emory University
Emory University, founded in 1836, is one of the world’s top private research universities. Emory University is located in Georgia, the largest city in the south of the United States. The campus has an extensive coverage of forests. The buildings on the campus are all in the Italian classical style, built with expensive marble. The style reflects Emory’s elegant and prestigious temperament. Walking in Emory is like you are in beautiful southern Europe. For people who don’t have the chance to study here, it is a precious opportunity to take an immersive tour of this university. This would be one of the most impressive and unforgettable things to see in Atlanta Georgia.
#2 Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is located in the Midtown of Atlanta. The campus has an outstanding natural setting and a strong academic atmosphere. Checking out this well-regarded campus is one of the best things to do in Atlanta GA, as it’s considered one of the top three polytechnic campuses in the US, along with MIT and Caltech. It’s also known as the Little Ivy League. GT is vast, with buildings that are mostly modern in design. There’s also a notable sculpture showcasing a contemporary style. The interior decoration of the buildings is modern, stylish, and atmospheric, while the roads are wide and straight. Of particular interest is the Einstein sculpture, which is a prominent landmark. Additionally, the buildings adhere to a Greek conformity style, with over 160 structures spanning Gothic Revival and post-modern architectural styles.
#3 Georgia State University
Georgia State University is also one of Atlanta’s most esteemed academic institutions. Recently, GSU has been working on transforming its downtown Atlanta campus into a vibrant “college town” with a more collegiate atmosphere. The transformation is eagerly awaited, visiting here is an exciting thing to do in Atlantic City. The transformation will include expanding and renovating several campus buildings, adding new green space, and the optimization of campus roadways and pedestrian pathways.
Sightseeing
#1 The Roof 📍675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
The Roof offers panoramic views of Atlanta. A special elevator can take you quickly to the Nine Mile Station, a beer garden on the Roof. Though it is not free, holding a little party here with your friends while enjoying the stunning views can also be a must-do in Atlanta. In addition to the beer garden, another surprise on the Rooftop is Skyline Park, which offers guests a variety of carnival rides and a miniature golf course. There are two ways to get to the Roof: paying $10 for a Skyline Park ticket or making a reservation at the Nine Mile Station restaurant. The reservation has a $20 fee, but that $20 is credited against your purchase. The Roof is one of the best places to go in Atlanta.
#2 Arabia Mountain
The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area and Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve are just 20 miles east of downtown Atlanta. If you’re into hiking, exploring this area is one of the best things to do in Atlanta. You can explore over 2,000 acres of mountains, farmland, lakes, hiking trails, and nature preserves.
Things to Do in Atlanta: Couples Activities
Date Night Restaurants
As one of the top things to do in Atlanta GA, a romantic night out with your partner at the city’s best restaurants is all about candle flicker, soft music, and sharing a meal with your loved one. Atlanta has a lot to offer in terms of new and noteworthy cuisines. There are lots of well-known restaurants and plenty of affordable date night options. Here are the top spots for a romantic night out.
#1 Bones Restaurant 📍3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
The highlight of a candlelit dinner is the steak. Bones Restaurant offers a refined steakhouse experience with a menu featuring premium steaks and a diverse seafood selection, complemented by an exceptional ambiance. A romantic dining experience with your partner here is one of the romantic things to do in Atlanta.
#2 Canoe 📍4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a meal with a view, then the Canoe Restaurant is the perfect spot. It boasts a fantastic view of the Chattahoochee River, making dining at Canoe Restaurant one of the romantic things to do in Atlanta, GA. For a romantic dinner, you can enjoy classic dishes like jumbo crab cakes or unique options like kangaroo pork with pepper jam.
#3 Poor Calvin's 📍510 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Are you and your partner into Asian food? Poor Calvin’s offers a fresh take on top-notch Asian fusion dishes bursting with flavor. They’ve got creative options like deviled eggs with chorizo, caviar, lavender red wine jelly, lobster crawfish wontons, a caramel, and dark chocolate Fuji apple.
Romantic Activities
#1 Wedding Dance Lessons
For couples, close dancing is one of the most romantic things to do in Atlanta, Georgia. Some classic dances are great for couples who want to take their relationship to the next level. Some of the best dance lessons vendors in Atlanta, GA are:
- Mary Me Wedding Dances
- Dance With Me Buckhead
- Danse L’Amour
- International Dance Studios
- Get Up and Dance
#2 Couples Cooking Class
Are there more romantic things to do in Atlanta than allowing your partner to enjoy a meal you prepared? The kitchen is not the wife’s domain; husbands can also show affection through food. Attending a food class with your partner can contribute to a more fulfilling life. Here are some of the most popular food classes in Atlanta:
- The Espresso Martini Experience: A Cocktail Making Class 📍Babylon Cafe-2257 Lenox Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30324
- RollerKids Class 📍RollerFit LLC-1874 Piedmont Ave Suite 441-D Atlanta, GA 30324
- Calling All Busy Parents-Cooking for Your Family Questionnaire (Online)
- Trap Master Cook: Infused Cooking Classes 📍Atlanta-644 Elinor Place atlanta, GA 30318
- Healthy Plant-Based Fare – Cooking Class by Cozymeal™ (Location provided after booking)
Things to Do in Atlanta: Kids & Family Activities
Kid-friendly Things to Do in Atlanta
#1 Kid-friendly Museums
Are you looking for top things to do in Atlanta GA to let your child burn off some steam while learning something new? There are plenty of things to do in Atlanta for kids to play and explore while learning about different things. Atlanta’s many kid-friendly museums are a great place to start. From interactive experiences that spark creativity to hands-on exhibits that bring science to life, learning can be a fun adventure. Here are some of Atlanta’s kid-friendly museums:
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta 📍275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Fernbank Science Center 📍156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307
- College Football Hall of Fame 📍250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- High Museum of Art 📍1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History 📍767 Clifton Rd N E, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Tellus Science Museum 📍100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
#2 Zoo Atlanta Tour 📍800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
One of the best things to do in Atlantic City with kids is visiting Zoo Atlanta. In the zoo, they’ll use all their senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and maybe even taste. This is how kids learn about the world they live in. Zoos offer a great opportunity for kids to learn about different animals, habitats, and nature, which helps them build a strong vocabulary and understanding. Zoos also help kids make connections to the wider world around them.
Zoo Atlanta has a substantial African savannah where kids can see many different animals. There are giraffes, zebras, and Msholo the elephant, who moved here in July 2019 after leaving the San Diego Zoo. Plus, there’s the Scaly Slimy Spectacular exhibit, which has more than 70 weird-shaped reptiles and amphibians. It’s one of the great places to go in Atlanta for kids to learn and have fun.
Family-friendly Things to Do in Atlanta
#1 Family Picnic Spots
Going on a picnic is one of the most family-friendly things in Atlanta. Grab a blanket and some food; head out to a scenic location with your family to enjoy quality time together. You can also play fun picnic games with your family, such as hide and seek, three-legged race, red light green light, scavenger hunt, etc. Here are some of the best attractions in Atlanta, Georgia, for family picnic spots:
- Brook Run Park
- Chastain Park
- Piedmont Park
- The BeltLine
- Riverside Park
- Stone Mountain
- Swift-Cantrell Park
#2 Six Flags Over Georgia 📍275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
Six Flags Over Georgia offers all activities in Atlanta Georgia for families to do. It is a one-stop shop for all the thrills, dining, shopping, entertainment, and attractions you could possibly want. As the biggest regional theme park in the Southeast, Six Flags Over Georgia has more than 40 rides, including 12 roller coasters, three water rides, and thrill rides. There is something to do here all year long:
- Summer activities: Take your kids to Paradise Island for water play in the summer.
- Halloween events: Six Flags Over Georgia opens its horror theme park, Fright Fest, every October. Fright Fest includes Halloween shows, roaming zombies, and scary ride makeovers.
- Christmas events: Holiday in the Park events are held in November and December. The park is decorated with Christmas trees and over a million holiday lights that add to the magical atmosphere of the park.
- Entertainment and dining: Six Flags Amusement Park offers live entertainment throughout the park. Food options are available for all tastes and budgets.
- Souvenirs: The park also offers a variety of souvenirs for visitors to purchase.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for excitement, culture, romance, or family fun, you can always find things to do in Atlanta. If you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlanta, such as unusual attractions, exciting activities, and entertainment like bar tours and comedy shows. If you’re on a budget, you can find tons of free things to do in Atlanta, including museum tours, free swimming, park tours, college campus visits, and city tours. Couples can enjoy romantic dinners, wedding dance lessons, and couples cooking classes in the city. For families, Atlanta offers kid-friendly museums, zoo tours, family picnic activities, and rides at Six Flags Over Georgia. Whether alone, with a partner, or as a family, you can find things to do in Atlanta and gain an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
What are things to do in Atlanta, GA for adults?
There are many fun things to do in Atlanta for young adults. Here are a few suggestions you won’t want to miss: check out Joystick Gamebar, the Atlanta Beer Bus Tour, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, the Stranger Things Tour, Escape Room, etc.
What is the most famous thing about Atlanta?
Atlanta is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. At the forefront of this movement was Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy is enshrined in the city’s heart through significant landmarks such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Is Atlanta a cheap city?
While Atlanta offers more affordable housing than other major cities like New York or San Francisco, costs can vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood. Atlanta provides a relatively cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing the amenities and vibrancy expected from a thriving metropolitan area.
