Things to Do

MAKE IT A TRIP TO REMEMBER.

Whether you’re visiting the ATL Airport District for business or pleasure, it’s always a pleasure to explore. 

We’ve got so much cool stuff to check out. With good times stretching out from the heart of the District through downtown Atlanta and into the greater metro area, you’ll find it’s all just a few minutes’ ride from your District home base. Our attractions and activities span history and pop culture, recreation and professional sports, R&R and shopping—so you’ll never be at a loss for something to text home about. And that’s before you venture out into the big city.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy right here, no matter what time of year you visit. With temperate weather year-round, North Georgia doesn’t have much of an off-season. The District is always alive with seasonal festivals and events, including several Spin the District cycling events (which double as block parties), monthly classic car shows, neighborhood food festivals, farmers markets, music events and holiday celebrations throughout the year, and so much more. Check out our events schedule to see what’s coming up. You’re bound to discover something great.

Then there are all the “anytime” activities. Right here in the ATL Airport District, we’ve got one-of-a-kind attractions like the Delta Flight Museum, the Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour, the Porsche Experience Center, and the Hapeville Depot Museum. Take a tour, meet a cow, fly a plane—for the low price of admission, the District is your ticket to unique experiences.

When it comes to history and culture, the District is overflowing. What can’t be constrained by our many arts centers spills out onto our mural-lined streets. More than just unique Insta opportunities, our public art embodies the stories of our community and gives a voice to local artists. Our galleries, studios and workshops are often open to the public, where you can join in or watch as professional artists, dancers, and actors hone their craft. Catch an exhibit, a show or a stand-up set, or just walk along our streets, taking in history old and new. The District is full of antebellum landmarks that share space with important moments in hip-hop history and recognizable filming locations from popular movies and TV shows. No matter what, you’ll go home with something to think about.

Sports have found a home here as well. While the District is just a few minutes’ drive from all of Atlanta’s major sports teams (the Falcons, Braves and Hawks say hi), you can also get a solid sports fix without ever leaving the neighborhood. The 5,000-seat Gateway Center Arena, right across the street from the airport, is home to the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and the College Park Skyhawks (G-League). During basketball season, be sure to score some tix. 

For those who like to keep moving, there are recreation opportunities galore here on the Southside. We have dozens of parks, trails, rec centers, sports facilities and more—even a golf course. Even a skate park. Even a velodrome, a fencing club, and some of the best bike trails in the country. It’s all right here.

Did we mention all the shopping? Sure, plenty of places around Metro Atlanta are known for world-class shopping (especially Buckhead, yes, we know), but that doesn’t mean the District can’t hold its own. Stop by Camp Creek Marketplace and get your retail therapy session from dozens of nationwide stores or for those flying in or out, enjoy the airport's shopping & dining experience. There’s over 230,000 square feet of retail space right inside, and if you take the free ATL SkyTrain from Gateway Center, you can shop ‘till you drop even if you’re not catching a flight—all without the puzzle of airport parking.

Peruse our library of complete itineraries for every taste to help you hit the highlights while you’re here. Each can be fully customized with our Trip Builder. Or if you’re the DIY type, build your own trip from scratch by browsing and searching our comprehensive listings of ATL Airport District and Greater Atlanta hotspots:
 

Shopping

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Sports

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Outdoors

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Historical

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