15 of the BEST Things to do in Atlanta

There are so many incredible things to do in Atlanta GA, and this summer is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore.  Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, and thus a bustling and busy metropolitan area.  But it's so much more than that, too!

Atlanta is a city known for its beautiful skyline, lush trees, soulful southern cuisine, and warm and welcoming people.  It's also played an integral role in our nation's history, including being a prominent part of the Civil War Movement in the 1960s.  Whether you're coming to explore Atlanta's historic roots and black culture, or you're looking to enjoy the city's extensive outdoor parks, we have little doubt you'll find plenty of great things to do in Atlanta GA.  

There are plenty of great places to stay in Atlanta, too, but there are only two choices that offer you the branded confidence that Select Registry brings to the table.  With so many incredible things to do in Atlanta GA, don't you think it'd be helpful to have a local expert readily available to help you plan and enjoy the best this city has to offer?

That's exactly what you'll find at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts.  Unparalleled hospitality and a level of personalized service unheard of at hotel chains. Browse our collection of Georgia Bed and Breakfasts, and book your summer adventures today!

15 of the Best Things to Do in Atlanta, GA

There are so many things to do in Atlanta GA, that you could spend days here and still not see or do it all - but that just means you'll have to come back for a second or third trip to this incredible city. 

As you start planning your trip, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  We're here to help, with our 15 top picks for the best things to do in Atlanta GA this summer!

1. Atlanta's black heritage is a deeply important part of the city's identity. Get to know this part of Atlanta's history by visiting the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement, visit historic churches, popular Black-owned restaurants, art galleries, and businesses, and so much more.  Two top destinations that immediately spring to mind are the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
2. Eat, eat, eat!  Nowhere else will you find such an incredible range of southern soul food classics and other inspired cuisines.  Atlanta's culinary scene is incredible! You should try to pair some of these eats with Atlanta's craft beer, too.  You won't regret it!
3. Sip your way through a wide variety of flavors and history at the World of Coca Cola - certainly one of the more unique things to do in Atlant GA!
4. Atlanta's nickname is "City in the Forest" for good reason, and nowhere can you see a better display of Atlanta's natural beauty than at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Earth Goddess sculpture here is particularly beautiful, and part of what makes this one of the top things to do in Atlanta GA. 
5. Want to get outside for a walk or bike ride?  There's nowhere better to do that in the city than the Beltline. Atlanta's Beltline is a 22-mile loop of trails and parks interspersed with housing, restaurants, and art installations. You'll leave wondering why your home city doesn't have something similar. 
6. On its face, visiting a massive rock might not sound cool, but we promise you, it's one of the top things to do in Atlanta GA for a reason!  Definitely take the time to enjoy the scenery and have some fun at Stone Mountain Park.
7. Explore Atlanta's local melting pot along Buford Highway, where you'll find plenty of delicious global cuisine and immigrant-owned businesses. It's one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the entire country! The Buford Farmer's Market is fun to browse, especially if you're short on time. 
8. History buffs won't want to miss their chance to visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, which of course includes a variety of includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter era.
9. Get in a little shopping at the Ponce City Market, located in the former Sears Catalogue building in Atlanta.  More than great shopping, the city market is a vibrant community hub.  
10. Once it's safe to gather in crowds again, you won't want to miss catching a performance at Atlanta's Fox Theatre. It's one of the city's most iconic landmarks, so find the time to either enjoy a show or take a tour!
11. Are you a sports enthusiast?  Then you'll want to head to the College Football Hall of Fame and/or the nearby Centennial Olympic Park. 
12. Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery is the city's oldest public park and is well worth the visit.  It's not the spooky, dark cemetery of your imagination either, and is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most popular things to do in Atlanta GA. Walk on miles of walking trails, while admiring the headstones, decorative sculptures, and mausoleums.
13. Visit the Atlanta History Center, one of the many wonderful museums located in this incredible city. 
14. Speaking of great museums, art lovers won't want to miss the High Museum of Art. It's an architectural marvel in and of itself, but it's also home to a permanent collection of 17,000+ works of art. 
15. Need to get out of the city on a hot summer day?  Look no further than the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The lush surroundings of this beautiful river will make you feel worlds away from the city, and rafting down the river is one of the top things to do in Atlanta GA on a hot day.  

More Ways to Explore Georgia

We could spend just as many days talking about the great things to do in Atlanta GA as you could spend actually seeing them!  However, as great as Atlanta is, it's really only a smart part of the incredible state of Georgia.  If you're up for extending you're trip a bit further, we have a couple of fun road trip ideas for you!

We recently wrote a blog about the Golden Isles of Georgia and included ideas for how to explore Georgia's coast from Savannah down south to Jacksonville, Florida.  The coast is magical, beautiful, and the perfect place to spend a few days this summer.  To make the trip even better, we included all of the Select Registry properties you can stay at while you travel. 

Alternatively, you could head north and explore Georgia's wine tasting region, which is predominantly located in the mountains. You could even end up in our neighboring state of Tennessee in the vibrant town of Chattanooga (there's a Select Registry Member located in Lookout Mountain Georgia, just across the border from Chattanooga). 

Whichever direction you choose to head, know that the comfort and quality of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts will be waiting for you.  Our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts range from private island cottages and mountain top lodges to antebellum mansions and restored, historic estates. There's something for everyone - all you have to do is choose your adventure!

Select Registry Properties Near Atlanta GA

Stonehurst Place Luxury Inn & Carriage House

Stonehurst Place is a premier, luxury inn located in the center of Atlanta in a cozy 1896 mansion house and carriage house. Stonehurst Place offers an authentic local Atlanta experience. Perched high upon the largest residential lot in Historic Midtown, Stonehurst Place is within walking distance of Atlanta's most important attractions.

Famous for gourmet breakfasts, sumptuous guest rooms, extensive amenities,  personal service guests rave about, and stunning, eco-friendly bathrooms, nothing here disappoints.

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Pleasanton Courtyard Bed and Breakfast

Pleasanton Courtyard Bed and Breakfast offers 6,000 square feet of elegance in an updated Victorian-style house, with grand crown molding, chandeliers, and granite throughout. It is nestled upon 19.8 acres of sprawling green lawns and wooded areas.  To unwind, there is an indoor Hot-Tub, Sauna, and Exercise Room. 

The accommodations are peaceful, beautifully decorated, immaculate, and inviting, and the property comes equipped with extensive amenities to make your stay everything you hope it will be. 

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