7 Amazing Reasons To Visit Atlanta

Being from Florida, Atlanta is always one of my favorite spur of the moment trips. It’s one of those cities where you don’t need to have anything really planned and you can still have a fantastic time just exploring the city from the second you leave the airport. I had the opportunity to spend just over 24 hours in this great city and here’s all the fun things I did, including reasons to visit Atlanta.

In this post, you will find a lot of fun activities to make your time in Atlanta worth the visit.

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A day in Atlanta – 7 reasons to visit Atlanta!

1- Paint at The Studio W.I.P

You can show off your creative side at The Studio W.I.P. This workshop is an interactive BYOB spray-painting class. The instructors teach you some basics (and a few advanced techniques, if your creative juices are really flowing!). There’s a variety of stencils and color options available to create your masterpiece.

If you’re unsure of what to create, don’t worry! They have samples laid out around the studio and the instructors are more than happy to provide suggestions/color combos. 

2- Eat at Ponce City Market – 9 Mile Station Restaurant

While you work up an appetite Window Shopping at Ponce City Market, 9 Mile Station is a go-to place for a quick meal. It has amazing seating, especially on their  rooftop deck. It has some beautiful views of Atlanta. While I was there, the deck was covered and had plenty of fans, so it was nice and cool.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, the BLT with a side of fries is a great quick and easy meal. The bacon had just a hint of sweetness which gave the BLT a nice unique taste. The service was wonderful! Definitely, take some time to take some selfies on their open-air deck with Atlanta as your backdrop. 

3- Check out The James Room

If you’re looking for a fun place to dine, the James Room is great for pre-dinner/nightcap cocktails. It is also one of the best reasons to visit Atlanta. It is a very small and intimate speakeasy located on the Beltline in ATLs Old Fourth Ward. During the day it’s a café and at night it turns into a fabulous speakeasy.

The lounge is dimly lit and makes you forget you’re in Atlanta. The vibe is very cozy with great music being played. Bar seating and table seating is available. Reservations are recommended as walk-ins are on a first come first serve basis and there may be a wait as the lounge is quite small. While the food menu is limited, they do have very tasty options. Recommended is their charcuterie board.

4- Go on Food Tours

I booked this tour through AirBnB experiences. It is a combination walking/food tour that takes you through about 6 different restaurant tastings (you will leave FULL and probably have leftovers). My favorite part of the tour, to not give too much away, was the gelato.

The tour guide takes you through Atlanta’s beautiful and historic Iman Park, one of Atlanta’s first suburbs. You will learn a lot about the history, homes and families that once lived there. You will also walk along some of the Beltline. The tour starts and ends at Kroger Street Market. The full tour is about 3 hours long and is at a very relaxing pace. Tour guides are ready and willing to answer any questions and suggest other restaurants and things to do in the area. 

5- Have A Picnic in Piedmont Park

Located just north of downtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park is one of the best reasons to visit Atlanta. It takes you out of the city to enjoy being surrounded by greenery. Depending on the time of year you go, there will be small gardens to admire planted with different small fruits or beautiful flowers.

There is a grand lake for relaxing and people (or duck) watching. Bring your favorite blanket, snacks, and wine if you’re a drinker and just enjoy the serenity. During the springtime, the park is always full of people enjoying the weather. Either playing sports, walking around, working out, or just enjoying a picnic.

6- Georgia Aquarium

Visiting this aquarium is a very touristy thing to do, however, it truly lives up to the hype. It is the largest aquarium in the United States, and you can truly spend a full day there. It’s not a place for just kids to enjoy either. Whether you’re on a solo trip, date or with family, it will be a guaranteed great time.

The aquarium is split into several themed areas. One area is called the “Cold Water Quest”, which takes you to cooler climates to admire the sea life there. There’s also a “Tropical Diver” area (one of my favorites), which displays beautiful corals and anemones. One of the must see area is the Ocean Voyager exhibit. This is a walk-through tunnel that will allow you to see the aquatic life above you, a very unique experience.  

7- Wander along the Atlanta BeltLine

22 miles might seem daunting, but you don’t need to walk/bike all 22 to get a great feel, and truly enjoy the Atlanta BeltLine. It will take you through various neighborhoods. It is well maintained and the most scenic route through Atlanta. A great starting point is Ponce City Market. Enjoy some window shopping and lunch before you start your leisurely trek.

If you are into street art murals, the Eastside Trail is well known for this. There are tons of creative expressions and beautiful artwork. Several companies offer a tour of the BeltLine, which is very recommended. There’s a lot of unseen history behind the neighborhoods and the BeltLine itself.

Wrap-up: A day in Atlanta – 7 fun things to do!

No matter how many times I come to Atlanta, I always find new and exciting things to do. This city is truly endless when it comes to new adventures. From nature walks/hikes, to shopping, and just wanting to be a foodie, Atlanta is truly the place to be for just a quick fun trip. I hope you enjoyed this list of all the reasons to visit Atlanta.

If you’re looking for a longer list, 77 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Atlanta will give you an even wider selection of things to do while in Atlanta.

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