Atlanta is a large city that is continually expanding, which means there are so many activities or things to do in and around the city.
Here’s my [always growing] Atlanta bucket list.
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Go to the Aquarium
Did you know that Atlanta is home to the countries largest aquarium? There are small fish, large fish and even some animals that aren’t fish. You can also see a show or two during your visit. It’s great for kids and adults.
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Bike the Beltline
The Beltline is basically a cement path larger than a normal sidewalk that connects different neighborhoods of the city together. My favorite thing to do is to start at Piedmont Park and make my way up to Krog Street Market, after stopping at Ponce City Market and a few others, of course. The Beltline is still growing and continuing to connect Atlanta.
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Go OTP
There are some great areas right outside of Atlanta that you have to check out. Avalon, Canton Street in Roswell, Downtown Alpharetta, and Woodstock are a few places with cute boutiques and great restaurants.
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Buford Highway food
Buford Highway is full of different cuisines and restaurants that will make you feel like you’re not in the USA anymore. It’s fun to drive up and down grabbing a bite at more than one place.
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Saturday/Sunday Farmers Markets
Watermelon Shaved Ice – Grant Park Farmers Market Most of the neighborhoods in Atlanta have their own farmers market on the weekend. This is one of my favorite ways to start the day on a Saturday or Sunday. I usually grab some vegetables and maybe a couple other treats.
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Have a “poptail” at King of Pops in Ponce City Market
Poptails King of Pops is based in Atlanta and is a local favorite year long, but especially in the summer. Their flavors are inspired by the season and are made from real ingredients. You can find King of Pops by looking for a brightly colored umbrella all over the city, but I love grabbing a poptail at their PCM location. You can get a cocktail with a Popsicle whose flavor matches your drink perfectly.
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Spend a Saturday afternoon day-drinking at Ladybird Grove and Messhall
This is one of my favorite spots to stop and hangout for a bit while on the Beltline. It’s alongside it so you can people watch on the patio while drinking a local beer. If it’s nice outside, this is the place to be.
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Climb up Stone Mountain
You can ride to the top on a gondola or hike. I’ve done both, but the hike is worth it! It gets a little steep at the end, but it’s a beautiful hike and makes the view even better. Stone Mountain has plenty of activities year round whether they’re active or not.
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Go to a beer fest…or two
Summer Beer Fest Atlanta Beer Festivals are some of the most fun Saturdays I’ve had. The venue can be the park or even the Braves stadium depending on the festival. You buy a ticket in advance and then taste all of the beer you want. This is a great way to try local beers. Be sure to check out their site for dates.
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Visit the World of Coke
Coca Cola headquarters are in Atlanta, which means it’s hard to find Pepsi anywhere in Georgia and that is something I’m okay with. World of Coke is right next to the Aquarium so you can go to both in one day if you want (there are combo tickets). Even if you’re not a big soda drinker, The World of Coke is really fun to check out. There are exhibits to showcase its history and you can even sample different flavors of their products.
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Drink beer at all the local breweries
The craft brewing scene in and around Atlanta has been growing a lot in the past few years and will continue to grow. There are quite a few breweries inside the perimeter that are worth checking out. With the new law that passed in 2017, it’s easy to now brewery hop and check out more than a few in one day. One of my favorites is Monday Night Brewing, which is steps away from the first Cidery in Atlanta, Urban Tree. There are a few companies in Atlanta that do tours so you don’t have to worry about driving or grab a Lyft/Uber to take you from one to another.
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Krog Street Tunnel
Atlanta has a large art scene, but one of the most interesting places to see some of it is this tunnel. Walk from Krog Street Market and check out local artists interpretation of all things happening in the city and around the world by their art.
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Tiny Door Tour
There are tiny doors hidden all over the city. It’s fun to see how many you can find while exploring the city. Hint: you’ll see a couple at places listed in this bucket list.
Tiny Door -
Pop-Up Christmas Bars
Miracle on Monroe Pop-up bars have become incredibly popular over the past few years. These bars are a way to celebrate a time of year, a show or other fun things happening. Miracle on Monroe or Miracle Two are the best places to get some special Christmas cheer before the actual holiday. The location of these bars could change each year as well as their hours so be sure to check their website. The lines also start forming before they open so be prepared to wait.
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Local Coffee Shops
If you like coffee or even if you’d rather have tea, there are so many coffee joints to check out. I go to work, meet friends or when I need some caffeine or a pastry.
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Go to Halloween Horror Nights at Six Flags
This is one of those things you have to do at least once. It’s super fun to be scared at every corner by random people and you can ride everything well into the night. My friends and I had a blast when we went.
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Hike at Sweetwater Creek
One of the things I love about Atlanta is the proximity to nature. There are parks in the city and close by. Sweetwater Creek Park is one of my favorites because it’s not very far from the downtown area, but is far enough to make you feel like you’re somewhere else.
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Shoot the Hooch
During the summer, you can rent a float or bring your own and float down the Chattahoochee River. You can also kayak or paddle board if that sounds more of your speed.
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Brunch
There are so many incredible restaurants in the city to grab brunch so get moving! This is a great way to explore the different neighborhoods that make up Atlanta.
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Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is not only an incredibly beautiful piece of architecture, but also home to some truly great exhibits. Their exhibits can change so be sure to check out the site if you’re interested in something in particular. Each gallery is engaging and serves a purpose.
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Eat all the tomatoes you possible can at the Killer Tomato Festival.
This annual festival is one of my favorites. The proceeds go towards Georgia Organics, which benefits more than one local farmer. This festival gathers chefs and mixologists from more than 20 restaurants and gives each the opportunity to showcase their restaurant or home base while also showing their skills. Each item you eat or drink has tomatoes in it whether it is obvious or not. So come prepared to eat and drink. There’s also live music and an auction. Tickets are sold in advance and tend to sell out.
ceviche -Killer Tomato Festival -
Sports
Go see a game or two at Mercedes Benz Stadium and grab some of the cheapest stadium food you’ll ever find. Or go see a game next door at Philips Arena. If you want to make a day of it, go to The Battery before a game at SunTrust Park.
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See a show at the Fox
The Fox Theater is an iconic place in Atlanta to see a show whether it’s a musical, band or something else entirely. I’ve seen The Nutcracker there countless times along with other plays and bands. It’s a beautiful venue and makes for a truly special evening.
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Spend a Sunday having a picnic at Piedmont Park.
Piedmont Park is huge. There’s a dog park, play sets, volleyball courts and more spread out all over the park. It’s also the perfect spot to have a picnic with friends, family or even if you’re trying to relax alone. Don’t forget your frisbee!
