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There are no two ways about it: Atlanta (ATL) is an incredible city. As the capital of Georgia, it’s home to some of the state’s best cultural sites, biggest parks, and most exciting food and drink venues.
If you’re planning a visit, you’ll have no trouble filling your days with well-known activities and touristy things to do. But once you look past the most popular attractions, you’ll discover a whole other world of hip neighborhoods, tranquil green spaces, and fascinating museums.
If you’re looking for things to do that aren’t in other guidebooks, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 14 can’t miss hidden gems in Atlanta.
1. Krog Street Tunnel
Photo Credit: red7255
- Address: 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 24 hours
The Atlanta Beltline is a popular place to check out some of the city’s best murals and street art, but Krog Street Tunnel is a great alternative. The tunnel links the Inman Park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods and is an ever-changing canvas of colorful artwork without the crowds of the Beltline.
2. Museums
Atlanta is home to some of the best museums in the southern US, and these four unique spots are often skipped in favor of the better-known options.
Michael C. Carlos Museum
- Website: carlos.emory.edu
- Address: 571 South Kilgo Cir NE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Saturday / 12.00 pm – 5.00 pm Sunday / Closed Monday
Once you’ve been to the highly popular High Museum of Art, head here to explore the largest collection of ancient art in Southeast America. There are an astounding 17,000 artifacts on display from North Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The Trap Music Museum
- Website: trapmusicmuseum.com
- Address: 630 Travis St NW, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm Thursday & Friday / 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm Saturday / 12.00 pm – 6.00 pm Sunday
The Trap Museum is the world’s first hip-hop museum and has been described as one of “the best musical landmarks in the Deep South.” With themed rooms and actors portraying characters from the trap music scene, you’ll be fully immersed during your visit.
Atlanta Federal Monetary Museum
- Website: atlantafed.org/education/visit/atlanta
- Address: 1000 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
- Opening hours: 9.00 am – 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday
This often-overlooked Midtown museum tells the fascinating story of money. You’ll learn about the history of American banking and see rare coins and currencies. You can even catch a glimpse of the bank’s automated vault.
The Waffle House Museum
- Website: wafflehouse.com/museum
- Address: 2719 E College Ave, Decatur, GA
- Opening hours: The museum is open by appointment only on Wednesdays at 11 am or 1 pm.
If you’re planning to visit the World of Coca-Cola, why not work up a thirst by visiting the Waffle House Museum first? This fun museum is located on the site of the original restaurant which first opened its doors on Labor Day weekend back in 1955.
3. Historic Oakland Cemetery
Photo Credit: Rob Hainer
- Website: oaklandcemetery.com
- Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: dawn till dusk daily
If you’ve already been to Piedmont Park, check out Historic Oakland Cemetary next. This is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of the city’s most famous citizens. There are 48 acres to explore that include an expansive green space, an art gallery, and plenty of shaded spots for picnics and relaxing days in the sun.
4. Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
- Website: cascadespringsnature.org
- Address: 2852 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 8.00 am – 11.00 pm
If you’re a hiking and/or history enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem of a nature preserve. From Civil War battle sites to dramatic waterfalls, there’s plenty to discover in this sprawling forest. Keep your eye out for the trenches that can still be seen here, plus an outdoor auditorium and the remains of a pump house.
5. Grant Park Neighborhood
- Website: gpconservancy.org
- Address: Cherokee Ave, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 6.00 am – 11.00 pm daily
You’re probably familiar with the 131-acre greenspace of Grant Park, but you may not be aware of the charming neighborhood by the same name. Located a couple of miles from Downtown Atlanta, a visit will reward you with impressive Victorian architecture and delicious food options.
6. Sweet Auburn
Photo Credit: Conchi Martinez
Sweet Auburn is the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and the location of his birth home and resting place. The area has historically been viewed as an African American neighborhood, and several streets are now recognized as historic sites that keep the memory of the Civil Rights movement alive.
There’s more to discover here than first meets the eye — don’t miss three hidden gems to check out while exploring the neighborhood.
The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
- Website: fulcolibrary.org/auburn-avenue-research-library
- Address: 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm Monday & Tuesday / 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Wednesday to Saturday
This is the first public library in the southeast of the USA that houses archival collections dedicated to researching African American culture and the history of people of African descent. The library has regular events, so check the website to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
APEX Museum
- Website: apexmuseum.org
- Address: 135 Auburn Ave NE SE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Tuesday to Saturday
The APEX Museum is the city’s only museum dedicated to the story of people in the African Diaspora. Expect to see exhibits on topics including African women in S.T.E.M., Atlanta’s African American politicians, and the slave trade.
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
- Website: municipalmarketatl.com
- Address: 209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday
Although not as famous as Ponce City Market, Sweet Auburn is the oldest market in the city and the perfect place to shop and grab a bite while in the neighborhood. Founded in 1918, it’s now home to more than 30 businesses with a wide selection of food and drinks on offer.
7. Margaret Mitchell House
Photo Credit: Michael Gordon
- Website: atlantahistorycenter.com
- Address: Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: Atlanta History Center is open 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday / the historic houses open at 11.00 am.
Atlanta local Margaret Mitchell wrote just one novel that was published during her lifetime — the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Gone with the Wind.” The book was written in an apartment in a turn-of-the-century mansion, which is now a museum on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a tour to learn about the author’s life and the story behind the book itself.
8. Doll’s Head Trail
Photo Credit: Marcus E Jones
- Website: atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/dolls-head-trail-constitution-lakes-park
- Address: 1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 24 hours
If you’re looking for a unique art walk, this is it! The Doll’s Head Trail is a trail marked with dolls’ heads and other body parts. To discover the creepy trail for yourself, start at Constitution Lakes Park and go deep into the woods — you’ll know you’ve found it when you spot your first doll’s head.
9. Savannah
Savannah is a charming historic city located 250 miles from Atlanta. Here, you’ll find historic sites, beautiful beaches, a thriving food scene, and plenty of that all-important Southern hospitality. It can be visited as a day trip, but consider an overnight stay to see as much as possible.
10. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- Address: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA
- Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
The Chattahoochee River Recreational Area is the perfect hidden gem for when you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can go tubing or hiking, enjoy a picturesque picnic on the riverbank, or try your luck at fishing.
More than 20 miles of the river run through Sandy Springs — an affluent suburb of Atlanta and a hidden gem in its own right — so consider stopping off here for a bite to eat before heading back to the city.
11. The Carter Center Gardens
Photo Credit: Scott Lowe via Flickr CC 2.0
- Website: cartercenter.org
- Address: One Copenhill, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 6.00 am – 9.00 pm April To October / 7.00 am – 7.00 pm November to March
The Carter Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights causes. It’s named in honor of President Jimmy Carter, who hails from Georgia, and the center’s gardens make a great alternative to the busy Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The pretty rose garden features over 40 varietals (including one named for President Carter’s late wife), plus a tranquil Japanese garden.
12. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
- Website: yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com/visit
- Address: 4525 US-78, Lilburn, GA
- Opening hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday / 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Saturday & Sunday
If you’ve already visited Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium, head to the lesser-known Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary next. Located 40 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, you can see a whole host of animals here, including American black bears, two-toed sloths, bison, and lemurs. Yellow River is a great day out for families, and every visit supports the vital work that the sanctuary is doing to protect Georgia’s wildlife.
13. East Atlanta Village
- Website: eastatlantavillage.com
- Location: Three miles east of Peachtree Street down Memorial Drive
East Atlanta Village is one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods and it has lots to offer both day and night. During daylight hours, do some thrifting at one of the area’s many boutiques and second-hand stores, or refuel with coffee and vegan pastries at Dulce. Once night falls, it’s time to head to The Earl to catch a live show, grab a beer at Midway Pub, or head to Mary’s — a popular gay bar with drag shows and karaoke.
14. Buford Highway
- Address: Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA
- Opening hours: 24 hours / various hours for restaurants
Foodies shouldn’t miss a trip to Buford Highway — one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the US and home to over 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses. You’ll have no trouble finding cuisine from all over the world here — from Chinese bakeries and Vietnamese noodle bars to Spanish tapas and Mexican tacos.
If you’re looking for fresh produce rather than prepared meals, head to Buford Farmers Market instead, where you’ll find interesting ingredients from around the globe.
Uncover Atlanta’s Best Hidden Gems
ATL is an eclectic, vibrant city with lots of popular tourist attractions for visitors of all ages. But once you scratch the surface, you’ll be thrilled to discover the many hidden gems in Atlanta just waiting to be uncovered. Which activity from our list will you do first?
