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Visiting Atlanta? Here it the ultimate bucket list to help you plan your trip.
The vision for Local Adventurer first came when we moved away from Atlanta in 2013. Jacob was born and raised in ATL, and I had lived here since high school. It’s a place we both call home, but we realized while living there we had both gotten so comfortable that we had only explored a small fraction of what the city had to offer.
The month before we left, we decided toplay tourist in our own hometownand see as many of the spots we had taken for granted.
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (2) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (2)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/things-to-do-in-atlanta-bucket-list.jpg)
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Last Updated: November 4, 2023
- Tourist Attractions
- Museums + Memorials + Monuments
- Outdoors + Urban Parks
- Spectate: Shows + Events
- Shopping or Food Experiences
- Day Trips
- Seasonal or Special Events
- 101 Things to do in Atlanta Map
- Essential Tips
- Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
- Planning Checklist
The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (101 Things to Do in Atlanta)
We created the ultimate bucket list forLA,Vegas,San Diego,Portland, andNYC, but we’re finally getting our act together to write one out for Atlanta. I have a running list in my head, but it’s always nice to get it down on paper (or in this caseon the interwebs :P). Plus, if you’re headed to Atlanta, I hope you find this helpful during your trip! You can click on the links to find full posts.
Tourist Attractions
- 1.
Atlanta Beltline
22 miles of unused railroad tracks turned bike trails and walkways that circle the core of the city’s in-town neighborhoods.
- 2.
Atlanta Botanical Garden →
Amazing flora and permanent Chihuly collection on display.
- 3.
Callaway Gardens
Don’t miss the Butterfly Center!
- 4.
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the Olympic Games as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- 5.
CNN Center Studio Tour →
Ride the longest freestanding escalator in the world to the entrance of the studio.
- 6.
Georgia Aquarium →
Dive or snorkel with Whale Sharks.Get tickets here.
- 7.
Georgian Terrace Hotel
Grab a drink or stay the night.
- 8.
Korg Street Tunnel
Known for its street art that is constantly changing. The tunnel links the Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, and Inman Park neighborhoods.
- 9.
Center for Puppetry Arts →
Learn to make a puppet here!
- 10.
Legoland Discovery Center →
Adults must be accompanied by a child, with the exception of Adult Night events.
- 11.
peachtree Dekalb Airport
Great for kids to play and watch airplanes.
- 12.
Porsche Experience Center
Drive a Porsche on a world renown race track and also see the space that serves as the Avengers HQ in Marvel films.
- 13.
Skyview Atlanta
20-story Ferris wheel w/ scenic views of downtown Atlanta.
- 14.
iFly Atlanta
Indoor skydiving inside a 175 mph vertical wind tunnel.
- 15.
Jackson Street Bridge
You’ll recognize this view as the opening scene in The Walking Dead.
- 16.
World of Coca-Cola →
We just call it the co*ke museum, and every time we go, we overdo it and feel sick from trying every co*ke-brand soft drink around the world.Get tickets here.
- 17.
Zoo Atlanta →
One of the only zoos in the United States that hosts giant pandas from China.Get tickets here.
- 18.
Six Flags over Georgia
Our favorite rollercoaster is Batman: The Ride.
- 19.
Be an Extra
Tons of movies are being shot in Atlanta now. Or justtour filming locations.
See More: 25 Best Instagram Spots in Atlanta
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (3) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (3)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/coca-cola-museum.jpg)
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (4) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (4)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/what-is-the-beltline-in-atlanta.jpg)
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (5) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (5)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/8433564311_4de6a4e73f_o.jpeg)
Museums + Memorials + Monuments
- 20.
At&t Telephone Museum
(Midtown) Reservations only. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a tour.
- 21.
Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple
Traditional Hindu temple that will transport you to India.
- 22.
Scad Fash Museum of Fashion & Film
Various exhibits of Hollywood gowns and other designer garments made for the cinema.
- 23.
National Center for Civil and Human RIghts
Dedicated to the achievements of both the civil rights movement in the US and the broader worldwide human rights movement.
- 24.
College Football Hall of Fame →
Senior, students, and military tickets are only available at the box office.
- 25.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Exhibits designed for and geared toward children under the age of nine.
- 26.
Delta Flight Museum
All visitors ages 18+ need to present photo identification at the Security gate to check in.
- 27.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
(National Park Unit) MLK’s church.
- 28.
Fernbank Museum →
Martinis & IMAX or salsa / swing nights.
- 29.
High Museum of Art →
Free admission every second Sunday of the month.
- 30.
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Library, and Museum
(National Park Unit) Learn about the 39th president of the United States. Free admission for kids under 16.
- 31.
The King Center
(National Park Unit) MLK related photos & artifacts, plus rooms on Gandhi & Rosa Parks.
- 32.
Apex Museum
Museum of history presented from the black perspective.
- 33.
Margaret Mitchell House
(National Park Unit) The structure was home toGone With The Windauthor.
- 34.
MLK’s Home
Visit early in the day on weekdays. Long waits on the weekend.
- 35.
Museum of Design Atlanta
(Buckhead) Only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to all things design.
- 36.
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Check out the Mummy Exhibit.
- 37.See AlsoTRUIST BANK VS RORY L SHORE, 23CV008099-910, 9762353 (North Carolina St., Wake Co., District Ct. Apr. 10, 2023)Best Banks in America - Banks with the Best Benefits8 Best Mortgage Refinance Companies of June 202450 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta, GA - Discover Atlanta
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Final resting place for Bobby Jones and other famous Atlanta residents.
- 38.
Swan House + Atlanta History Center
You might recognize this from the movie,The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
- 39.
Trap House Museum and Escape Room
Hybrid art gallery and exhibits that celebrate trap museum, which originated from Atlanta.
- 40.
CDC Museum
Admission and parking are free.
- 41.
Georgia State Capitol
A National Historic Landmark, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 42.
The Wren’s Nest
Storytelling every Saturday 1pm.
See More: Top Free Things to Do in Atlanta
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (6) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (6)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fernbank-museum-of-natural-history-atlanta.jpg)
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (7) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (7)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/swan-house-atlanta.jpg)
Outdoors + Urban Parks
- 43.
It’s considered one of the best climbing gyms in the US by Climbing Magazine, and their newest bouldering location just opened up in Midtown Nov 2017!
- 44.
Arabia Mountain Hike
Don’t forget to look from all the vantage points along the way, great views of the area.
- 45.
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
Prices include bicycle, helmet, bottled water, and snacks.
- 46.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Check out their butterfly garden.
- 47.
Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park
First public skate park in Atlanta.
- 48.
Be sure to check out the Japanese maple garden, especially in the autumn season.
- 49.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Tons of shady trails, waterfalls, and streams, perfect for picnics.
- 50.
Lake Lanier
For all the water sports.
- 51.
Lullwater Park
Explore ruins of a 1920’s powerhouse/ water mill.
- 52.
Piedmont Park
Tons of outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year. Conveniently attached to the Beltline.
- 53.
(National Park Unit) Learn cultural history of Civil War where over 67,000 soldiers died in Atlanta.
- 54.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
(National Park Unit)Shooting the Hooch is a popular summertime activity.
- 55.
Stone Mountain
Hike to the top or take the skyride.
- 56.
Sweetwater Creek State Park →
Kayak through the set of Mockingjay
- 57.
Westside REservoir Park / Quarry
Opening late summer 2021 – Massive green space and quarry made famous in movies and shows such asThe Hunger Games,The Walking Dead, andStranger Things.
See More: How to Shoot the Hooch
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Spectate: Shows + Events
- 58.
Alliance THeatre or True Colors Theatre
See a show before it goes to Broadway.
- 59.
Threee venues that feature musical acts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances.
- 60.
Go see an Atlanta Braves games.
- 61.
Watch anAtlanta Hawks Game.
- 62.
For an Atlanta Falcons Game or Atlanta United Game.
- 63.
Atlanta’s oldest outdoor music venue.
- 64.
Catch original plays and improv shows.
- 65.
Watch a show. We saw wicked here for the first time.
- 66.
For select performances, student tickets are available for $10, plus a $2 box office fee, by showing your student ID.
- 67.
Inman Park Festival
Parade, live music, and tour some of the old Victorian homes in the neighborhood.
- 68.
Starlight Six Drive-In Theater
BYO food and a cool flea market on the weekends.
- 69.
To see up and coming music talent. We saw Muse here before they got huge.
- 70.
Watch up-and-coming talent(John Mayer was discovered here).
- 71.
Northside Tavern
Great spot for blues.
Shopping or Food Experiences
- 72.
Dekalb Farmer’s Market
Spacious grocery store, cheap, organic produce and specialty foods from around the world.
- 73.
Krog Street Market
Free parking at Lake Avenue & Krog Street and on the corner of Irwin Street and Krog Street.
- 74.
Ponce City Market →
Built in the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, which dates back to 1926. You can doa food tour here.
- 75.
The SHops Buckhead Atlanta
World-renowned luxury brands along with today’s contemporary designer labels.
- 76.
Atlantic Station
Open air mall with several dining options and seasonal festivals.
- 77.
Bacchanalia →
The quintessential special occasion dinner spot.
- 78.
Brick store Pub →
(Decatur Square) Great beer selection and pub food.
- 79.
Chick-fil-a Dwarf House →
The original location.
- 80.
Authentic German cuisine prepared in true German tradition and over a dozen draft beers.
- 81.
Very popular southern BBQ with Asian flare. Standing room only.
- 82.
The best burgers in Atlanta.
- 83.
Multiple locations, handmade popsicles. Inman Park walk up window serves doggy ice cream.
- 84.
Chic spot serving single-origin coffee drinks, craft beer & wine.
- 85.
Southern fried enthusiasts in Atlanta voted their fried chicken as the best in the city.
- 86.
Won the James Beard award for Best Chef SE 2017.
- 87.
Tours with tasting start at $15 per adult. Make reservations, it gets busy.
- 88.
Craft beers, pub fare, bocce, shuffleboard, darts, and pool tables.
- 89.
Drinks, lawn games, views of the Atlanta skyline.
- 90.
(Old Fourth Ward)Bon Appetit’s best new restaurant in 2016.
- 91.
Super touristy, but the views are nice. You can skip dinner and opt for drinks.
- 92.
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Historic artisinal market circa 1918.
- 93.
Brewery Tour
Tasting atMonday Night Brewing,Scofflaw Brewing, &Sweetwater Brewery.
- 94.
Cider made in-house for an orchard to glass experience.
- 95.
Varsity →
Not the best fast food but very iconic.
- 96.
Waffle House →
Opened 24/7/365. We recommend All Star Special.
See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Atlanta GA
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (11) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (11)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ponce-de-leon-market.jpg)
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (12) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (12)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/king-of-pops-atlanta-bucket-list.jpg)
Day Trips
- 97.
Dahlonega
(65 mi / 1 hr 30 min away) Famous for the discovery of gold in 1828.
- 98.
Amicalola Falls State Park
(71 mi / 1 hr 30 min away) 729-foot waterfall that is the highest in Georgia.
- 99.
Callaway Gardens
(80 mi / 1 hr 20 min away) Be sure to check out their butterfly garden.
- 100.
Toccoa Falls
(93 mi / 1 hr 40 min away) Easy hike, magnificent waterfall.
- 101.
Tallulah Falls Hike
(96 mi away) Pets are not allowed on the gorge floor, sliding rock trail, and Hurricane Falls staircase to the suspension bridge. Leashed pets are welcome on rim trails.
See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Atlanta
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (13) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (13)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/amicalola-falls-hike.jpg)
Seasonal or Special Events
Atlanta Film Festival
(late April/ early May) USA Today’s top ten film festivals 2020.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
(mid April) Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography in Piedmont Park.
Sweetwater 420 Fest
(late April) Live performances, local brews, all in Centennial Olympic Park.
Inman Park Festival
(late April) Arts & crafts, street market, and more.
Decatur Arts Festival
(late May) Kids activities, artist market, live music.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
(late May) Weekend of jazz culture and performances in Piedmont Park.
Atlanta Food & Wine
(mid Fall) Celebrate food & beverage traditions of the South and other regions.
(early June) Artisan craft market, local foods, and more.
Atlanta Summer Beef Fest
(mid June) 200+ beers, live music in Historic 4th Ward Park
Peachtree Road Race
(July 4th) The largest 10k in the world.
(late July) Beat the heat with dozens of ice cream vendors and fun activities.
Dragon Con
(late Aug – early Sep) Largest multi-genre and pop culture convention in the South.
Music Midtown
(mid Sep) Weekend of great music and well known headliners in Piedmont Park.
One Musicfest
(early Sep) Southeast’s largest 2-day, urban progressive music festival.
Taste of Atlanta
(Oct) 3-day food festival with local cuisine and drinks.
101 Things to Do in Atlanta City Map
Essential Tips for First Time Visitors to Atlanta
- How to Save on Atlanta Attractions– If you’re planning on going to a few of Atlanta’s popular attractions, don’t forget topick up a CityPASS. We did it before we moved and saved a lot of money.
- Best Way to Get Around-Atlanta is a sprawling city, and public transportation is not convenient, so a car is a must. If you’re looking for aRental Car, check here.
Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
See More: 15 Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Atlanta hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Georgia travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with CityPASS.
Anything else I’m missing? Have you been to Atlanta? How many of these have you been to? What’s next on your list?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
![101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (19) 101 Things to Do in Atlanta GA - The Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List (19)](https://i0.wp.com/localadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/EJ01.png)
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
Tags: Bucket List Ideas, City Bucket List, City Guides, Kayaking Near Me, Local Adventures, Soft Adventure, Travel Bucket List
This Post Has 17 Comments
Alex 31 Mar 2018 Reply
Love this list and love Atlanta (born and raised, although sadly I don’t live there anymore). My two adds would be:
1) Atlanta Falcons game! You have Hawks and Braves, but the Falcons have that beautiful new stadium and are amazing to watch.
2) Little Bangkok – best Thai restaurant and in my personal top 5 of all time favorite restaurants. Honestly, Cheshire Bridge Rd. has some pretty amazing restaurants in general.Glad to see such great experiences and places on the list! Keep up the good work.
Local Adventurer 13 Aug 2018 Reply
Thanks, Alex! We’ll be updating this list soon, especially with Atlanta growing at such a rapid rate!
Not kimyung kim 17 Jan 2018 Reply
Great stuff, I’m gonna knock some of these out in 2018!
Esther JuLee 17 Jan 2018 Reply
Thanks, Kimyung! Hope 2018 is a great year for you! :)
hookrooms.com 23 Dec 2017 Reply
Wonderful blog… Can’t think of a better way to explore Atlanta…
Esther JuLee 2 Jan 2018 Reply
Thank you! :)
C Thrash 15 Nov 2017 Reply
Forgot TopGolf! That’s awesome
Esther JuLee 15 Nov 2017 Reply
Will check it out next time we’re back! I’m not much of a golfer but I’m sure Jacob will enjoy it. And I’ll be fine as long as there are food and drinks :P haha
Zach 5 Nov 2017 Reply
I love how you two seem to be willing to try everything, it inspires me to try the places that I’ve always brushed off in my city as “Eh, not interested.”
I’m also glad to see you including battlefields into your travels, the history there is truly amazing.
Sophia 24 Oct 2017 Reply
It’s a huge list of places to explore!! Should spend more than 2 days in Atlanta i think
Esther JuLee 24 Oct 2017 Reply
Haha yep! And so much in Atlanta is spread out so it takes time getting from place to place.
Dhara 21 Sep 2017 Reply
We lived in Atlanta for a couple of years. One of my all-time favorite US cities! Loved the Farmers’ Market and Callaway Gardens!!!
Esther JuLee 24 Oct 2017 Reply
It’s a great place to live :) Which farmers’ market did you frequent?
Esther 21 Aug 2017 Reply
Wow!! Such a great travel blog!
My name is also Esther and my travel blog is in German :) There is so much I can learn from you!
When I was in Highschool I lived in Atlanta for a couple of months to practice my English – it’s asome to see how much stuff there is left to see and do! I wish you all the best!
Greetings from Cologne, Germany
EstherEsther JuLee 25 Aug 2017 Reply
Thank you, Esther. And how funny! I actually lived in Germany for a few months as well (near Dresden). I didn’t get much better at speaking German though. haha
Whitney 14 May 2017 Reply
What a great list. I live in Atlanta in a great home and have a good job, but recently I realized that I haven’t really experienced Atlanta at all. so I am grateful for my home I found online and now I am using the trusty Internet to find things to do here and this is exactly what I wanted. thanks so much.
Esther JuLee 21 May 2017 Reply
Thanks Whitney! :) Happy exploring!
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