As one of the fastest growing cities in America, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Atlanta!
Since its founding in 1837, Atlanta has evolved into a global transportation hub. From its humble beginnings along the Atlantic Railroad to today’s massive international airport, Atlanta is one of the most accessible cities on Earth. The result? A bustling metropolis with something for everyone!
Foodies can indulge in delicious southern flavors while nature lovers enjoy greenspaces and history buffs explore sights from the Civil Rights Movement. There’s also plenty of family-friendly activities including indoor skydiving, the Georgia Aquarium, the iconic World of Coca-Cola, and more!
Not sure where to start? Whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore the city, we’ve rounded up 35 unique activities that you absolutely should not miss!
TASTY THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA
Foodies rejoice! From southern favorites to juicy burgers, discover Atlanta's best bites.
1. ENJOY A FRESH GEORGIA PEACH
You can’t visit the Peach State without enjoying a fresh peach! Atlanta’s peach season happens every summer from May to September and local farms sell these sweet treats by the crate full. If you’re interested in peach-picking, don’t miss Jaemor Farms. This charming farm may be a bit out of the way, but their homemade peach ice cream makes it all worthwhile!
2. SAMPLE SOUTHERN FLAVORS IN GRANT PARK
Dive into the future of Southern flavors on this fully-guided Grant Park food tour! Visit 3 locally owned restaurants and sample a variety of delicious dishes. Along the way, you’ll uncover the neighborhood’s rich history and step inside the Oakland Cemetery, a restored historical cemetery dating back to 1850!
3. EXPLORE THE PONCE CITY MARKET
Located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, the Ponce City Market is a hub for local vendors. Shop art galleries, handmade crafts, or grab a bite to eat! From creamy gelato to Indian street food (and everything in between,) there’s something for every palate. Not sure where to start? Discover the market's yummiest flavors on this guided food and art tour!
4. COOL OFF WITH AN ICE POP
Those humid summer days can be tough. Lucky for you, Atlanta is home to several ice pop stands! For a refreshing and gourmet treat, the King of Pops food cart is a must. Enjoy classic flavors such as strawberry and cookies ‘n cream, or try something more inventive like salted lemonade, coconut chocolate sea salt, or banana pudding!
5. TASTE (AND SIP) YOUR WAY THROUGH MIDTOWN
From innovative flavors to creative cocktails, this Midtown Atlanta Food Tour will dazzle your taste buds! You’ll feel like a VIP as you skip the line at Midtown’s hottest food spots and sample 8 to 10 unique dishes. In between bites, you’ll see the neighborhood’s top landmarks including the Margaret Mitchell House and Saint Mark United Methodist Church!
6. GRAB A BURGER AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
Located on North Avenue, The Varsity has been serving up American classics since 1928. Simply drive in, park, and wait for a friendly employee to ask, “What’ll ya have?” Bite into a legendary chili dog, giant triple stack bacon cheeseburger, or sip on a perfectly creamy Frosted Orange milkshake!
7. CRACK OPEN A COLD ONE
Beyond the world of food, Atlanta is also home to some of America’s best craft breweries! Whether you prefer pale ales or hoppy IPAs, this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s best brews. Over the course of 5 hours, you’ll visit 3 different breweries including Atlanta’s oldest and its most popular. Discover local flavors and learn all about the brewing process along the way!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA
From aquariums and zoos to interactive scavenger hunts, Atlanta is chock full of activities perfect for the whole family!
8. GO INDOOR SKYDIVING
At iFly Atlanta, flyers as young as 3 years old can experience the thrill of indoor skydiving! Simply slip into a flight suit, strap on your helmet, and get ready to soar. With the help of an expert instructor, you’ll fly and float in a high-powered wind tunnel. It’s just like real skydiving – no parachute or plane required!
9. VISIT THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM
‘Seas’ the day at the Georgia Aquarium! Featuring over 150 animal species and 11 million gallons of water, this is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Come face-to-fins with Beluga Whales, Puffer Fish, seahorses, and more! For the grand finale, you’ll watch giant whale sharks and manta rays swim gracefully through the water.
10. SIP SODA AT THE WORLD OF COCA-COLA
Did you know that Coca-Cola was originally invented in Atlanta? Celebrate this refreshing beverage and uncover its history at the World of Coca-Cola! During your visit, you’ll meet the world-famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear, see the Vault of the Secret Formula, and even taste unique flavors from around the globe.
11. EMBARK ON A PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT
Let’s face it, not all kids enjoy wandering around cities. Make your day in Atlanta more exciting for the whole family with a Photo Scavenger Hunt! Using your smartphone, you’ll receive a list of items to find around town. Search for each item, complete riddles, and snap photos to earn points!
12. MEET THE PANDAS AT ZOO ATLANTA
Not only can you see Giant Pandas at Zoo Atlanta, but you can meet them as well! Go behind the scenes with a professional zoo educator and experience these iconic bears up close. You’ll learn what makes pandas unique and even get to feed them their favorite treats! Can’t make it to the zoo? Watch the bears in real time on the Zoo Atlanta Panda Cam!
13. EXPLORE STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
From outdoor adventures to fun attractions, Stone Mountain Park is perfect for the whole family. Discover the history of Stone Mountain, ride in a historic train, visit a 4D Theater, and more! For an unforgettable, prehistoric adventure, don’t miss Dinosaur Explore. You’re in for a roaring-good day as you meet 20 different and lifelike animatronic dinos!
THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Create unforgettable memories with these fun and exciting Atlanta activities – perfect for a day out with friends!
14. SNAP PHOTOS IN THE ORIGINAL SELFIE MUSEUM
Discover photo opps around every corner at Atlanta’s Original Selfie Museum! You and your friends will have a blast striking poses in front of angel wings, a life-size coloring book, and colorful backdrops. Of course, the museum features professional ring lights, tripods, and phone holders. So, you can snap the perfect photo with ease!
15. CONQUER AN ESCAPE ROOM
Assemble your team of detectives and see if you have what it takes to escape! Take your pick from five different escape room challenges and immerse yourself in an exciting storyline. Once the door locks, you’ll have just 60 minutes to escape. Search the room for clues, solve puzzles, and unravel riddles…before it’s too late!
16. ENJOY AN EVENING OF WHODUNNIT
During this Murder Mystery Dinner Show, everyone is a suspect…even you! While enjoying a delicious, 4-course meal, you’ll solve a mysterious murder. The show's official detectives will help you uncover clues, follow leads, and interrogate fellow guests. Do you have what it takes to catch the culprit?
17. SIP COCKTAILS IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND BAR
Sit back, relax, and enjoy refreshing cocktails inside one of Atlanta’s unique bars! Our top pick? The Garden Room! Located in Buckhead, this botanical bar is known for its enchanting floral displays and huge, glass roof. If you’re looking for something a bit more secretive, the Red Phone Booth is one of the city’s hottest speakeasies.
18. ROLL THROUGH ATLANTA ON SEGWAYS
What could be more fun than spending a day outside with friends? A day on Segways, of course! On this Midtown Tour, you’ll roll past some of the neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks. See Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and so much more.
19. SEE THE BEST IN DRAG
Get ready for a fun and totally fabulous evening with this Drag Queen Show! Watch the city’s best drag queens perform hilarious (and spot on) impersonations of your favorite female celebs including Nicki Minaj, Dolly Parton, Sia, and more. They’ll sing, they’ll dance, and they’ll keep you smiling all night long!
BUCKET LIST THINGS TO DO IN ATLANTA
Go big or go home with these bucket-list-worthy adventures in Atlanta!
20. RIDE IN AN OPEN-COCKPIT BIPLANE
There’s nothing more adventurous than soaring across the sky in a historic biplane! Prepare for takeoff with a FAA Certified Pilot and feel a wave of excitement as you race down the runway. Choose to soar over Downtown Atlanta or get a bird’s eye view of the iconic Stone Mountain.
21. TRY YOUR HAND AT STUNT DRIVING
Ever wondered what it would feel like to be a part of a Hollywood chase scene? Well, now you can! With this Stunt Driving Experience, you’ll learn how to drive through a stunt course like a pro. Spin into a perfect 180, race around tight corners, and put the pedal to the metal. This is one Atlanta experience that you won’t soon forget!
22. TAKE A ROAD TRIP IN A SPORTS CAR
Sure, road trips are fun, but have you done one in a Lamborghini? With these Supercar Road Trips, you’ll travel along scenic back roads in your choice of Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 488 GTB, or Porsche 911 GT3. If you’re a little short on time, you can opt for a 1-hour or 2.5-hour driving tour instead!
23. RACE A STOCK CAR (OR INDY CAR!)
Make all of your racing dreams come true with this Drive a NASCAR experience at the Atlanta Motor Speedway! After a short classroom session, you’ll hop inside a full-size, Sprint Cup stock car and get ready for the drive of your life. For a different, but no less adrenalizing experience, don’t miss out on this Indy Car racing adventure!
24. SOAR OVER ATLANTA IN A HELICOPTER
Secure your headset and zip across the sky on Atlanta’s premier helicopter tour! Feel the propellers begin to spin before lifting effortlessly into the air. Bring your camera and capture jaw-dropping views of Downtown, the Chattahoochee River, the King and Queen buildings, Truist Park, and more.
25. LEARN HOW TO SCUBA DIVE
A magical, underwater world is waiting for you. The only thing standing in your way? Your Scuba certification! With this introductory 2-hour course, you’ll learn the basics of scuba diving from a PADI Certified Instructor. Discover the thrilling feeling of breathing underwater while playing games and mastering different techniques. Plus, if you fall in love, you’ll receive a $50 credit to be used towards the Open Water Certification Course!
BEST SIGHTSEEING IN ATLANTA
Whether you’re a bit of a history buff or culture vulture, these sightseeing adventures will take you to Atlanta’s most iconic places!
26. FOLLOW IN DR. KING’S FOOTSTEPS
In the early 1960s, Atlanta was the backdrop for the American Civil Rights Movement. Take a journey through time and uncover the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on this enlightening tour! Stand where MLK stood and visit iconic landmarks including the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and more.
27. SEE A SHOW AT THE FABULOUS FOX THEATRE
From live music to stand-up comedy, the Fox Theatre is the best place to catch a show. Admire the theatre’s Egyptian-inspired architecture and see “Mighty Mo,” the largest working Moller theatre organ in the world. Did we mention that the theatre is haunted? Legend has it that the theatre is home to many spirits. Could you be the next person to see one?
28. EXPLORE ATLANTA FROM THE SEAT OF A TROLLEY
Add a fun twist to the traditional Atlanta sightseeing tour with this classic trolley adventure! Hear how Atlanta transformed from a small town to a bustling city while cruising past its most iconic places. See Centennial Olympic Park, the Margaret Mitchell House, the Fox Theatre, and so much more.
29. VISIT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
In 1996, Atlanta hosted the summer Olympic Games. One of the last remaining legacies of those iconic games is Centennial Olympic Park. This massive, 21-acre park offers gorgeous green spaces, gardens, playgrounds, and sculptures commemorating the 1996 games. After exploring the park, cool off at the Fountain of Rings, a fun splash park shaped like the Olympic rings!
30. DISCOVER THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JIMMY CARTER
Step into an exact replica of the Oval Office, see a Nobel Peace Prize, and so much more at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum! Born and raised in Georgia, Jimmy Carter is known for his presidency and humanitarian efforts. After enjoying the museum’s interactive exhibits, stroll through the property’s beautiful gardens!
31. CRUISE THE STREETS IN AN ELECTRIC CAR
In just 90 minutes, you can zip past 15 miles of Atlanta hotspots on this Guided Electric Car Tour! Hop aboard a fun and colorful GEM Electric Cart and see the best of Atlanta including Inman Park, Midtown, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, and Centennial Olympic Park. The best part? This electric vehicle is super quiet. Experience the sights and sounds of Atlanta without the roar of a bus engine!
32. STROLL ACROSS THE RAINBOW CROSSWALK
Snap a colorful selfie or simply walk across Atlanta’s famous rainbow crosswalks! Located at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 10th Street, the Rainbow Crosswalks are a symbol of tolerance and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The colorful stripes were originally painted during an annual Pride Festival and made permanent in 2016.
ATLANTA FOR NATURE LOVERS
Atlanta is a lot more than just skyscrapers! Discover the “City in a Forest” while exploring lush botanical gardens, green spaces, and so much more.
33. SEE A 25-FOOT-TALL EARTH GODDESS SCULPTURE
From tropical vines to colorful flowers, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a sight to behold! Wander through 30 acres of stunning gardens or find a peaceful place to sit. No matter where you end up, don’t miss the garden’s iconic Earth Goddess Sculpture. At 25-feet tall, the goddess features flowing, leafy locks and an outstretched hand. During the holiday season, she is transformed into the Ice Goddess with thousands of illuminated mini lights.
34. TAKE A DIP IN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
Located just 10 miles from Downtown Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River is the perfect place to cool off and soak up some Vitamin D. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, ride a tube downstream, or see if you can catch a record-breaking catfish. For a truly exhilarating experience, we dare you to take a leap off the famous Diving Rock!
35. BIKE DOWN THE ATLANTA BELTLINE
Ever wonder why Atlanta is known as the “City in a Forest?” Find out on the Atlanta BeltLine! This 22-mile trail loops the city and passes through a variety of gorgeous greenspaces. What are you waiting for? Hop on a bike, cycle under the trees, and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. For one of the most picturesque rides, don’t miss the Northside Trail!
After reading this list of 35 Unique Activities, we hope you feel excited and inspired to visit Atlanta! Want to explore even more incredible Atlanta experiences? Click here to discover your next grand adventure in The Big Peach!
