Visiting Atlanta on a budget? Here are fun and free things to do!
ATL has plenty of activities to offer, but for those of you looking to have fun on a budget, we’ve put together a list of fun free things to do in Atlanta GA.
Even though we’ve been moving from city to city, Atlanta is and will always be home to us. We love the community and miss Southern hospitality (if you’ve never experienced it, you must visit the South!)
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Last Updated: August 11, 2023
Free Things to Do in Atlanta
1. Walk Along the Atlanta Beltline
Go for a walk along one of the best urban spaces in America. There are events throughout the year, and it’s a great place to spend the afternoon soaking in the sun.
Of all the free attractions in Atlanta, we highly recommend this one to first-time visitors. If you’ve ever been to the High Line in NYC, this is Atlanta’s version.
2. See the Skyline from Jackson Street Bridge
33.760227, -84.374314, map
This is one of the most iconic views of Atlanta that you can enjoy during the day or night. Photographers love coming here to take long exposure shots with the traffic.
See More: 25 Most Instagrammable Places in Atlanta
3. Go on a Self-Guided Walking Dead Tour →
The Walking Dead uses many of Atlanta’s iconic spots for filming locations. We put together a guide where you can visit them on your own. You can also check out Stranger Things filming locations via the link below.
See More: 11 Best Stranger Things Filming Locations
4. Shoot the Hooch (Summer) →
You’ll need to buy a float (we have this one), but once you have your own, you can hop in the Chattahoochee and float along the calm waters anytime. Renting floaties and kayaks will cost you way more.
Local Tip: Having two cars and parking one at the exit will make it way easier. Parking is free.
See More: How to Shoot the Hooch – Everything You Need to Know
5. Hike Stone Mountain
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, 30083, map
If you don’t buy special passes to ride the Skyride or see the laser show, you can simply pay for parking and hike up the mountain. At the top, it has pretty views of the city and all the greenery in Georgia (you’ll miss it if you ever move to the desert).
6. Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr. NE, 30306, map
This vast park has endless possibilities. Run, walk, rollerblade, picnic, play in the playgrounds, take your dog for a walk, and more! It’s a spot that locals enjoy on a nice day. Also, quite a few movies have been shot here, so see if you recognize any of the scenes.
Jacob also proposed to me here.
7. Martin LUTHER King Jr. National Historic Site
450 Auburn Ave NE, 30312, map
Atlanta has a rich civil rights history. Head to the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and tour Martin Luther King Jr’s birth home, the 35-acre district, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
See More: Your Complete List of 400+ National Park Destinations in the US
8. Hike Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield State Park
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, 30152, map
This state park has 17 miles of trails, monuments, and a museum that tells you more about the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. Parking is free.
9. Georgian Terrace Hotel
659 Peachtree St NE, 30308, map
This iconic hotel in Atlanta has been the background of many movies. The classic architecture makes it a popular photo spot (we’ve shot several weddings and portraits here).
See More: 15 Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
10. Take a Stroll in the Oakland Cemetery
248 Oakland Ave SE, 30312, map
This historic cemetery is a beautiful place to visit and home to some of Atlanta’s most famous deceased people. It’s also a popular spot for photographers (our photography club at Georgia Tech went here on an excursion).
11. Cool Off at Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, 30313, map
The Fountain of Rings is a popular spot to cool off during the summer. There is also free live music and events throughout the year. If you’re visiting the Coke Museum or Georgia Aquarium, it’s a short walk from there.
12. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
830 Willoughby Way NE, 30312, map
This is Atlanta’s first public skatepark. If you don’t sk8, you can watch and admire everyone else’s skills.
13. Check out the Carter Center
453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, 30307, map
Visit the Circle of Flags, rose garden, Japanese garden, and koi pond.
14. Admire the Graffiti at Krog Tunnel
1 Krog St NE, 30307, map
This is one of Atlanta’s favorite photography spots because of the graffiti that covers the area. It’s a fun art stroll even if you aren’t a photographer. Also, less than a 10-minute walk away is the Krog Street Market, a repurposed industrial space full of eclectic shops and vendors.
15. Ponce City Market →
675 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, map
Once a Sears, Roebuck & Co building, Ponce City Market has taken a historic site and created an amazing community of food, shops, flats, and offices.
See More: 15 Things to Do at Ponce City Market
16. Run, Walk, or Bike the Silver Comet Trail
The Silver Comet Trail is 61 miles of running, walking, or biking trails. You can extend it an additional 33 miles with Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail.
17. Dekalb Farmer’s Market
3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, 30030, map
Take in all the new smells and foods that you definitely don’t see at Kroger, Publix, or your regular grocery store.
Bonus: Take a Day Trip to Amicalola Falls State Park
This is not in Greater Atlanta, but it’s one of the most popular day trips from Atlanta. It has beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in the southeast. You can climb to the top via starts and pathways. Parking is $5 (or $50 for an Annual Park Pass).
See More: 15 Best Day Trips from Atlanta GA
Map of Atlanta’s Free Attractions
More Free Museums in Atlanta
- Atlanta Monetary Museum
- Babyland General Hospital
- Center for Puppetry Arts (first Saturday every month) – great for the whole family
- Childrens Museum of Atlanta (second Tuesday)
- David J. Sencer CDC Museum
- The Federal Reserve Bank Money Museum
- Fernbank Science Center (not Fernbank Museum of Natural History)
- Georgia Aquarium (on your birthday)
- Georgia Capitol Museum
- Kennesaw Mountain Museum
- Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough
- High Museum of Art (second Sunday each month)
- Historic Oakland Cemetery
- Marietta Fire Museum
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
- Michael C. Carlos Museum (free with Georgia Public Libraries Family Pass)
- Museum of History and Holocaust Education
- Roswell Fire Museum
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Atlanta
TIPS FOR PARKING IN ATLANTA – Unless specified otherwise, there’s a 50/50 chance you will have to pay for parking in the perimeter (ITP), but it’s generally free outside the perimeter (OTP).
If you’re looking for even more options, check out our Ultimate Atlanta Bucket List.
Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
See More: 15 Best Places to Stay in Atlanta
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Atlanta hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Georgia travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with CityPass.
How many of these have you done? Any other free things to do in Atlanta?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.