There’s so much to do, see, eat and drink in College Park, Hapeville, and Union City – the cities that make up the ATL Airport District – but many of our gems are hidden to the uninformed visitor. Fear not, because we have 20 travel tips and local-approved recommendations that are guaranteed to make your visit to the District smooth, exciting and fun!

Unparalleled Connectivity

Getting to the ATL Airport District is a cinch whether landing gear is involved in your journey or you’re motoring in.

1. If you’re landing in the District via the world’s most traveled airport, follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain from baggage claim for a free, 2-minute ride to the walkable Gateway Center Campus - home to the Georgia International Convention Center, Gateway Center Arena and six hotels that defy the “airport hotel” stereotype. The SkyTrain also stops at the rental car center for those in need of four wheels during their stay.

2. Or, from the terminal, follow signs to MARTA, Atlanta’s rail and bus system, take a short ride to the first stop and – voila – you’re in downtown College Park in prime position to start exploring.

3. Pro-Tip: The ATL SkyTrain not only connects the airport terminal to the Gateway Center Campus but also connects the airport's MARTA station. Let's say you have ticket's to the WNBA's Atlanta Dream game at the Gateway Center Arena - from metro Atlanta, simply ride MARTA to the end of the line, take a quick walk across the street to the free ATL SkyTrain, enjoy a quick ride to campus and mosey over to the arena on foot. Reverse that path to get from campus to anywhere MARTA can take you in Atlanta!

4. The Atlanta’s interstate highways have a – ahem – reputation for the “T” word. But the fact is, those highways are a tiny bit crowded because they lead to great places! I-75/85, I-285 and I-20 all lead to the District.

Elevated Accommodations

With over 7,000 rooms available within a 3-mile radius, the ATL Airport District offers a diverse range of lodging options to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. And if a less-than-rosy image comes to mind when you think “airport hotel,” you’re in for a pleasant surprise!

5. Our robust selection of full-service hotels are priced about 30% lower than what you’ll find downtown, meaning more money in your pocket to make the most of your visit.

6. The six hotels on Gateway Center Campus – meaning they’re all connected to the airport via the free ATL SkyTrain - are all within walking distance to the GICC and Gateway Center Arena. So if you’re coming into town to attend a conference, sporting event or show at either venue, one of the following is the perfect home base: Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway, SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway, AC Hotel Atlanta Airport Gateway, Tru by Hilton Atlanta Airport College Park & Home 2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Airport College Park

Sip and Savor

The District is full of eclectic dining and drinking options that span the spectrum, from local mom-and-pops to familiar chains, traditional to creative, international to down-home, and even private (and semi-private) event spaces available for groups.

7. Start the day with a caffeine fix and nosh at JPresso, a funky coffee shop in Hapeville, or try a flavorful cold brew at Coffee Man. If you're feeling a European vibe, sit and sip your morning elixir at Café Belli. On the go? Hit up the double drive-thru at College Park's Drip-Thru Coffee. 

8. For an impeccably crafted cocktail, our top recommendations are the aforementioned Café Belli, which transforms into a cozy cocktail lounge in the evening; The Rooftop at the Overland, located on the 8th floor of the Kimpton Overland Hotel, where cocktails pair perfectly with views of the airport's runways and the tracks at neighboring Porsche Experience Center Atlanta; Paper Plane for their extensive bourbon selection; and Aye Tea Elle for cocktails with a wow factor.

9. Hankering for something hoppy? We've got you covered with a guide to the best brews in the District. 

10. Some of the most exceptional Black-owned eateries in Atlanta are found in Historic Downtown College Park. Indulge in Gullah-Geechee soul food at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, all-day brunch at The Breakfast Boys or Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles, and Cajun-inspired American classics at The Corner Grille, and so much more!

11. A variety of dining experiences can be found in Hapeville’s artful downtown, ranging from upscale to laid-back fare. Restaurant 356 at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta provides the ultimate fine dining experience with amazing views of the test tracks. Volare Bistro offers a casual fine dining experience with fresh, seasonal menus. For a truly casual meal, grab a pint and play a round of pool at Hapeville's Corner Tavern or enjoy the retro vibes at Junior's Pizza.

12. For a true Southern feast, head to The Green Manor in Union City. Once a grand farm home of the late 19th century, the Green Manor is now a Southern food destination and event space known for its crispy fried chicken and Sunday buffet lunches. And for those intrigued by the supernatural, it's rumored to be haunted!

So Much To Do

You’re likely familiar with all that Downtown Atlanta has to offer, but did you know that there are plenty of exciting things to do right here in the District?

13. Planes, trains, and automobiles! The District is a transportation history buff's paradise with aviation covered at the impressive Delta Flight Museum, a chance to explore the railway's impact on the area at the revamped Hapeville Depot Museum, and the history of Porsche on display (and opportunities to hit the test tracks!) at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta.

14. Gateway Center Arena is the home court to the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and the Atlanta Hawks G-League team, the College Park Skyhawks. It's also host to a variety of shows and concerts throughout the year!

15. Get an exclusive look into the inner workings of America’s favorite chicken restaurant at Chick-fil-A’s headquarters in College Park by taking the Chick-fil-A Backstage Tour.

16. Speaking of Chick-fil-A, did you know that the Hapeville Dwarf House is the original home of the original chicken sandwich? The restaurant underwent an impressive renovation in 2021, but the counter from the original Dwarf House diner side of the restaurant remains, along with the full menu that is only available at Dwarf Houses.

17. The Historic College Park Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole course with a driving range that's perfect for a quick round in the great outdoors with stunning airplane views.

18. There's a ton of art to explore in the District, from Instagram-able murals, rotating art exhibits at the Hapeville Depot Museum and Atlanta Printmakers Studio, live performances at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville or PushPush Arts in College Park, and annual arts-focused events.

19. There's a sizable cycling community on the Southside (which we proudly support with our annual cycling race series, Spin the District). If you don't have your own set of wheels, rent a set from Hapeville's Outback Bikes and see the District at a slightly slower pace.

20. Plane-watching is easily accomplished on just about any District patio, but there are a few prime locations for glimpsing the best views of the landing and taking-off action at ATL. The Rooftop at the Overland and the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta both enjoy views of planes AND fast cars. True enthusiasts should book a room at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel where they offer rooms with runway views. Or simply grab a bite and drink at their bar to enjoy the action.

Believe it or not, we have even more tips, but 20 is a nice number for a single blog post. Wanna know more? Subscribe to The Holler for posts sent to your inbox and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to stay in the know about the exciting things happening in the District!