As temperatures rise and the sun casts its golden glow, Atlanta, Georgia comes alive with summer adventures. This dynamic city offers a wealth of activities that cater to every taste. You can find music, art, serene green spaces, history, night life, and everything in-between. Whether you’re a local seeking new thrills or a visitor exploring the city for the first time, Atlanta promises a summer to remember.
The Great Outdoors
Atlanta is a city with amazing greenery and home to some fantastic urban parks and trail systems just waiting to be explored.
Atlanta Beltline – This 22 miles of paved paths welcomes runners, walkers, bikers, skateboarders and spectators. It is one of the most extensive urban renewal efforts in the United States. The beltline connects parks, trails and circles the core of the city’s intown neighborhoods. Along the way there are many restaurants, bars and shopping for anyone who needs a break.
Piedmont Park – 200 acres of beautiful greenspace located in the heart of Midtown that can be accessed from the Atlanta Beltline. This park has many amenities to entertain everyone:
- Fishing – The Clara Meer Lake inside the park is stocked with Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, Bream and Catfish
- Biking, walking, jogging – miles of paved paths throughout the park.
- Pool & Splash pads – Opens Memorial weekend through Labor day.
- Atlanta Jazz Fest – Free annual concert at Piedmont Park
- Botanical Gardens – Explore the plant collections, art exhibits, events and more.
- Tennis Courts
- Softball Fields
Historic Fourth Ward Park – A 17 acre urban park that connects to the Atlanta Beltline with a splash pad, skate park, playground, and a two acre lake.
Grant Park – One of the oldest parks in Atlanta, this 131-acre green space is home to Zoo Atlanta, a weekly seasonal farmer’s market, and other annual events. There is a large playground and picnic pavilions as well as walking trails.
Zoo Atlanta – Located inside of Grant Park and open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The zoo offers visitors a memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world.
Centennial Olympic Park– The park was originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games and was a centerpiece of the festivities; now, it’s one of the most visited areas of the city. The 22-acre parcel features lush sections of grass, artwork, pools and fountains. A popular exhibit is the Fountain of Rings, which is made up of 251 water jets. Four water shows each day are choreographed to various songs.
Six Flags White Water Park – Looking for hydro-powered thrills? Six Flags White Water is a 69 acre water park located northwest of Atlanta. Just a 25 minute drive from downtown Atlanta.
Too Hot? Raining? Atlanta Has Plenty of Indoor Activities
History lovers will enjoy visiting Atlanta with its long, colorful history that includes surviving the Civil War and producing the African American leader who was the driving force behind Civil Rights. Add a few of these historical highlights to your list for your next visit.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – Covers 35 historic acres in the center of the city. Includes many historic buildings and the World Peace Rose Garden. Tour MLK’s birth home and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he became a minister. Visit The King Center where Dr. King is buried.
- Atlanta History Center – Several museums rolled into one, covers just about all of it: folk art, sports, Coca-Cola, Native Americans, the Civil War, and much more.
- Margaret Mitchell House – Author of “Gone with the Wind” her Midtown Atlanta home is now a museum where visitors from around the world come and visit.
The Georgia Aquarium – The largest Aquarium in the United States and the second largest in the world. The total volume in the facility exceeds 10 million gallons and both fresh and salt water.
World of Coca-Cola – A specialty museum only in Atlanta, that showcases the history of the Coca-Cola Company. Discover world-class art, memorabilia and taste 100 beverages from around the world.
High Museum of Art – Featuring American, European and African art, as well as decorative art and photography, the High Museum boasts a permanent collection of over 11,000 pieces, many of which can be viewed from different levels of the four-story, glass atrium.
Fernbank Museum- Explore dinosaurs, live animals, fossils, cultures and the different exhibits. Enjoy outdoor exhibits, giant screen movies, after-hours events and more at this world of wow.
Explore Atlanta’s Nightlife
Nightlife in Atlanta can be epic, whatever your scene. Whether you lean towards hopping around the city’s best bars, sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, dancing all night, listening to music, or playing games with your friends, there’s a spot for you.
Roof Top Bars with Skyline Views – Glenn Hotel’s Sky Lounge, RT60 Rooftop Lounge, Hyatt Regency in Polaris’rotating retro ’60s’ lounge and the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View, all in downtown Atlanta.
District Atlanta – Atlanta’s hot nightclub with a most unique visual experience .
Eddies Attic – Live music
The Independent – Pool tables, darts, and board games!
Sports Enthusiasts’ Haven
Sports fans can catch a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC. If baseball is your passion, head to Truist Park to cheer on the Atlanta Braves. You can also visit the College Football Hall of Fame to delve into the history of American collegiate football.
Atlanta’s charm lies not only in its attractions but also in its warm hospitality and diverse community. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, indulging in culinary delights, or soaking in the vibrant arts scene, Atlanta promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the magic of Georgia’s capital city!