Embrace Spring: 30 Exciting Activities to Experience in Atlanta

As the days grow longer and the flowers begin to bloom, spring brings a sense of renewal and excitement to Atlanta. With its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and picturesque parks, the city offers a plethora of activities to enjoy during this delightful season. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here are 30 fantastic ways to embrace spring in Atlanta

1. Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden: Spanning 30 acres in Midtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a botanical oasis featuring a stunning array of plants from around the world. Visitors can explore themed gardens such as the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Tropical Rotunda, as well as seasonal exhibits like the Orchid Daze and the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Atlanta BeltLine: The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformative urban development project that has created a network of multi-use trails, parks, and transit options along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor encircling the city. Along the BeltLine, you’ll find vibrant street art, scenic overlooks, and access to some of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions.
3. Picnic in Piedmont Park: Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s premier urban green space, offering 189 acres of lush lawns, wooded trails, and recreational facilities. Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the park, surrounded by beautiful views of the Atlanta skyline and the serene waters of Lake Clara Meer.
4. Visit the Georgia Aquarium: Located in downtown Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, housing tens of thousands of marine animals across hundreds of species. Highlights include the Ocean Voyager exhibit, home to whale sharks and manta rays, as well as the interactive touch pools and daily dolphin and sea lion shows.
5. Attend a Braves Game at Truist Park: Experience the excitement of Major League Baseball by catching a game at Truist Park, the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves. Enjoy traditional ballpark fare, cheer on the home team, and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Battery Atlanta entertainment district surrounding the stadium.
6. Indulge in Springtime Treats at the Atlanta Food Truck Park: Foodies rejoice at the Atlanta Food Truck Park, a gathering place for some of the city’s best food trucks offering a diverse range of cuisines. From gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to Korean barbecue tacos, there’s something to satisfy every craving at this culinary hotspot.
7. Go on a Brewery Tour: Atlanta boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and brewpubs scattered throughout the city. Take a brewery tour to sample local brews, learn about the brewing process, and discover new favorite beers from Atlanta’s talented brewers.
8. Experience the Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Held annually in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a beloved springtime tradition celebrating the city’s natural beauty and artistic talent. Highlights include an artist market showcasing the work of over 200 artists, live music performances, and a variety of food vendors offering delicious fare.
9. Take a Day Trip to Stone Mountain Park: Just a short drive from Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Hike to the top of Stone Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, explore the Geyser Towers adventure course, or take a scenic train ride around the base of the mountain.
10. Attend a Spring Festival: Atlanta hosts a plethora of spring festivals celebrating everything from music and art to food and culture. Whether you’re attending the Inman Park Festival, the SweetWater 420 Fest, or the Atlanta Jazz Festival, you’re sure to find plenty of entertainment and fun.
11. Go Shopping at Ponce City Market: Housed in a historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, Ponce City Market is a vibrant mixed-use development featuring boutique shops, artisanal food stalls, and entertainment venues. Spend an afternoon browsing the eclectic selection of stores, sampling gourmet treats, and taking in panoramic views of the city from the rooftop.
12. Explore the Atlanta History Center: Dive into Atlanta’s rich history at the Atlanta History Center, a sprawling complex comprising museums, historic homes, gardens, and battlefields. Highlights include the Atlanta History Museum, the Swan House mansion, and the Smith Family Farm, offering a glimpse into life in the antebellum South.
13. Take a Scenic Drive to Chattahoochee National Forest: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a scenic drive to Chattahoochee National Forest, located just a short distance north of Atlanta. Explore miles of hiking trails, take a scenic drive along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, or enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the natural beauty of the forest.
14. Attend a Concert at Chastain Park Amphitheatre: Chastain Park Amphitheatre is Atlanta’s premier outdoor concert venue, hosting a diverse lineup of musical acts throughout the spring and summer months. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy an evening of live music under the stars in this idyllic setting.
15. Go Birdwatching at Cochran Shoals Trail: Located along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Cochran Shoals Trail is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the trail, keeping an eye out for a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys.
16. Attend a Braves Tailgate Party: Before heading into Truist Park to watch the Braves play, join fellow fans for a lively tailgate party in the Battery Atlanta parking lot. Fire up the grill, crack open a cold beverage, and get pumped up for the game surrounded by the excitement of Braves Country.
17. Take a Cooking Class: Atlanta offers a wide range of cooking classes and culinary workshops for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re interested in learning the basics of knife skills, mastering the art of Southern cuisine, or exploring international flavors, there’s a cooking class in Atlanta to suit your tastes.
18. Go on a Street Art Tour: Atlanta is home to a vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti art adorning buildings and walls throughout the city. Take a guided street art tour to discover hidden gems, learn about the artists behind the murals, and gain insight into Atlanta’s thriving arts community.
19. Visit the High Museum of Art: Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the Southeast, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world. Explore galleries showcasing works by renowned artists such as Monet, Picasso, and O’Keeffe, as well as contemporary art installations and special exhibitions.
20. Go Kayaking on the Chattahoochee River: Get out on the water and enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Chattahoochee River, one of Atlanta’s most scenic natural landmarks. Rent a kayak or canoe from one of the local outfitters, and spend the day exploring the river’s calm waters and lush riverside scenery.
21. Attend a Braves Fan Fest: Braves Fan Fest events offer fans the opportunity to meet players, get autographs, and enjoy family-friendly activities and entertainment. Held at Truist Park throughout the spring and summer, these festive events are a must-attend for die-hard Braves fans of all ages.
22. Take a Yoga Class in the Park: Find your zen amidst nature by taking a yoga class in one of Atlanta’s picturesque parks. From sunrise yoga sessions in Piedmont Park to sunset yoga on the rooftop of Ponce City Market, there are plenty of opportunities to practice yoga al fresco in Atlanta.
23. Go on a Ghost Tour: Atlanta’s rich history is filled with tales of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity. Embark on a guided ghost tour to explore the city’s haunted sites and hear spooky stories about its most infamous residents, from Civil War soldiers to Prohibition-era gangsters.
24. Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights: Gain insight into the struggle for civil rights at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, an immersive museum dedicated to promoting understanding and dialogue about human rights issues past and present. Explore powerful exhibits on topics such as segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and global human rights struggles, and be inspired to take action for positive change.
25. Go Horseback Riding at Atlanta’s Equestrian Centers: Saddle up and hit the trails at one of Atlanta’s equestrian centers, where you can enjoy horseback riding lessons, guided trail rides, and other equestrian activities. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of nature than from the back of a horse.
26. Take a Garden Tour at Oakland Cemetery: Oakland Cemetery is one of Atlanta’s most historic and beautiful green spaces, featuring lush gardens, ornate mausoleums, and towering oak trees. Take a guided garden tour to learn about the cemetery’s rich history, explore its stunning landscapes, and discover the stories of the people buried here, including famous Atlantans such as Margaret Mitchell and Bobby Jones.
27. Go on a Food Tour of Buford Highway: Buford Highway is a melting pot of international cuisine, with a diverse array of restaurants and eateries representing cultures from around the world. Take a guided food tour of Buford Highway to sample authentic dishes from countries such as Vietnam, Mexico, Korea, and Ethiopia, and discover why this vibrant corridor is a foodie paradise.
28. Attend a Film Screening at the Fox Theatre: Step back in time at the historic Fox Theatre, a beloved Atlanta landmark known for its lavish Moorish architecture and opulent interiors. Catch a classic film screening or live performance in this stunning venue, and marvel at the beauty and grandeur of one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions.
29. Take a Helicopter Tour of Atlanta: See the city from a whole new perspective with a thrilling helicopter tour that offers bird’s-eye views of Atlanta’s skyline, landmarks, and natural beauty. Take off from downtown Atlanta and soar above the city’s skyscrapers, flying past attractions such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia Aquarium.
30. Experience Big Escape Rooms: Big Escape Rooms offers an immersive and exhilarating escape room experience unlike any other. Choose from a variety of themed rooms, each with its own unique storyline, puzzles, and challenges, and work together with your team to solve the mystery and escape before time runs out. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for a fun and memorable outing with friends or family, Big Escape Rooms promises an unforgettable adventure that will test your wits, creativity, and teamwork skills.

With so many exciting activities to choose from, Atlanta is the perfect destination to welcome the arrival of spring. Whether you’re exploring the city’s parks and green spaces, indulging in delicious food and drink, or embarking on thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic and vibrant Southern city. So get out there and make the most of the season with these fantastic springtime activities in Atlanta!