Are you seeking outdoor things to do in Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you’re eager for adventure or looking for leisure, Atlanta offers a wide array of outdoor attractions. Immerse yourself in the city’s natural landscape and rich history through a selection of excursions you should add to your Atlanta trip itinerary.
What Types of Outdoor Activities Can You Find in Atlanta?
Atlanta boasts a captivating range of daytime outdoor activities, guaranteeing a dynamic experience for everyone. You can catch live music at various venues across town, explore different parks and hiking trails, and take a walk throughout the city to see numerous landmarks.
Activities to consider include:
- Hiking: Explore the many hiking trails and nature preserves at Chattahoochee River, Saltwater Creek State Park, and Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.
- Biking: Ride your bike along the Atlanta BeltLine, which provides trails that wind through the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and historic sites.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a leisurely day at one of Atlanta’s many parks and green spaces, like Piedmont Park or Centennial Olympic Park.
- Sightseeing: Take a ride on the iconic SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel, located downtown, for panoramic views of the city and skyline.
- Eating: Visit local farmers’ markets, food truck festivals, and artisanal markets around town for a taste of Atlanta’s vast culinary scene. Whether you want to fish, hike, bike, or simply explore the landscape of Atlanta on foot, there are many fun things to do outside in Atlanta.
Our 6 Favorite Atlanta Outdoor Activities for All Ages
Step away from the screen and unplug to soak up some of the beauty and wonder that Atlanta outdoor activities offer. We narrowed down our top six quintessential outdoor experiences in the city.
Enjoy Green Spaces at Piedmont Park
Nestled in Midtown, Piedmont Park offers pools, splash pads, playgrounds, and ample biking and walking paths. This public park has something fun in store for everyone in the family. Picnic tables and greenery provide nice resting spots when you need a break. Piedmont Park also hosts festivals and other events.
Discover Fernbank's Museum Outdoor Experiences
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History unfurls across 75 acres of natural green space. Explore interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and a large screen theater amidst scenic trails. The museum is open year-round for you to experience nature’s seasonal changes, as well as the attractions listed below.
Dinosaur Plaza
Dinosaur Plaza is home to three bronze statues paying homage to the Lophorhothon atopus dinosaur that once walked the Earth, specifically in Georgia. At this outdoor exhibit, you'll be enlightened about dinosaurs, their habitats, and their way of life.
WildWoods
Connecting the museum to the forest is the WildWoods exhibit. You'll find an enticing realm of interpretive trails, playgrounds, and elevated walkways with trees and flowers. Dive into interactive exhibits like Nature Stories — a kid-friendly adventure.
Fernbank Forest
Step into Fernbank Forest for an enchanting world of fauna and animal wildlife. Walk through its many paths, follow the babbling creek, and relish in various types of natural sounds and sights.
Uncover Amazing Hiking Trails
Atlanta has captivating trails that are a fusion of mountains and coastal plains. Many tourists and locals alike explore by hiking some of the fantastic trails in the area.
Consider the East Palisades Trail, a three-mile path located at the Chattahoochee River where you can immerse yourself in a bamboo forest with towering bamboo trees. You can also walk or ride a bike around the beautiful Chattahoochee River.
Another great trail to discover is the Indian Seats Trail. Based on the Shawnee Mountain, Indian Seats Trail has breathtaking panoramic views of Georgia as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Another beautiful, lush trail to visit is the Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill. There, you have the opportunity to see a waterfall and historic Civil War sites.
Explore Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta, located in Grant Park, is home to over 1,000 animals. Wander through its Asian Forest section to meet pandas, tigers, and orangutans. Its African Savanna is home to giraffes and lions. The largest population of gorillas in North America can also be found at Zoo Atlanta.
During your visit, don’t forget to catch one of Zoo Atlanta’s exciting wildlife presentations to learn more about the animals.
Bike Your Way Through Atlanta BeltLine
Embark on a walking or biking adventure along the Atlanta BeltLine — a transformed, miles-long path that used to be a railway corridor. Its network of trails wind through various neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.
Create your own route or join a guided bike tour through historic Atlanta neighborhoods while learning about iconic landmarks during your excursion. Art installations along the way — including sculptures, murals, and interactive setups — give a glimpse of the local culture.
Have a Picnic at Centennial Olympic Park
Bask in Centennial Olympic Park, a downtown haven for picnics, leisure, and local entertainment. Centennial Olympic Park is a great place to marvel at the Atlanta skyline and catch local entertainment.
Venture further to see the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. If you want to find more places to visit, stop by the visitor’s center where locals can suggest more outdoor recreation options.
Make the Most Out of Your Visit to Atlanta With CityPASS®
Now that you know about Atlanta's most captivating outdoor adventures, you can plan your next trip to the city. To enhance your Atlanta experience, purchase CityPASS® tickets for access to Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and other Atlanta attractions at a discounted price.
Lodging in Atlanta
To get the most out of your stay in Atlanta, we recommend finding lodging near Atlanta's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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