The heat and humidity have moved in, but we're staying chill here in the ATL Airport District! With a range of indoor and outdoor attractions and activities, you can stay cool as a cucumber while having fun and making memories. Read on to discover some of our favorite ways to beat the heat on the Southside during the sweltering summer months.
✈️ Flying in to the District this summer? Take the free 24/7 ATL SkyTrain straight from Hartsfield-Jackson and check-in to one of our amazing hotels (30% cheaper than staying in downtown Atlanta, 100% worth the value).
Cool Treats 🍦
Chick-fil-A Hapeville Dwarf House
461 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Seeking a slice of history á la mode? The District is the birthplace of the famous original chicken sandwich! You can enjoy all of your usual Chick-fil-A favorites at the recently renovated Hapeville Dwarf House, plus the diner menu that is unique to Dwarf Houses (there are only five other Dwarf House locations in the country - all in Georgia!). Chill out with the classic Icedream - perfect atop a peach fried pie - or try a cool slice of their homemade lemon, chocolate and coconut pie.
Fuse Frozen Co
925 Virginia Ave Suite A1, Hapeville, GA 30354
Fuse Frozen Co features yummy soft-serve gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt for a guilt-free cool-down. Always available are Va Va Vanilla, Mucho Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, and Taro. Rotating flavors, special ingredients, and fun toppings are always in the mix and vary by season. Stop in to see which summer flavors will melt in your mouth!
Gabby's Paletería y Taquería
415 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at Gabby's Paletería y Taquería en Hapeville. Treat yourself to a paleta, which is basically a popsicle, but way better. These frozen delights are made with whole pieces of real fruit and spices, or come in rich creamy flavors. Also on the menu is their popular frozen Chamoyada Raspados, a drink that combines shaved ice, chamoy, tajín, and fresh mango purée - think sweet, salty, spicy all in one delicious sip.
Jake's Ice Cream
755 Virginia Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
There's no more perfect dessert on a hot summer day than ice cream! With over 200 rotating flavors, Jake's Ice Cream has something for everyone - and if they don't, they'll make it for you! Several of their most popular items have been inspired by customer suggestions. In a cup or in a cone, and made with all natural ingredients and hormone-free dairy (or non-dairy!), you can sample flavors made with fruits, nuts, coffee, mint, cakes, pies, and spices. (You could even celebrate a different kind of happy hour with something boozy!)
Jolie's Sweets & Treats
4230 Stonewall Tell Rd Atlanta, GA 30349
This charming shop in South Fulton serves up plenty of chilly treats, but the most unique might be their rolled ice cream. Stop by Jolie's Sweets & Treats on Wednesdays for their $5 rolled ice cream specials and get a cup or cone filled with something creamy, dreamy, and delicious. They also have candies and popcorn (because who doesn't love a little salty with their sweet) and a mobile food truck so you can grab this goodness on the go!
Kula Bowls by Icey Chicks
615 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Enjoy a refreshing selection of healthy fresh-made açai bowls, smoothies, pressed juices, and more at Kula Bowls by Icey Chicks! Stop in at their downtown Hapeville location inside Chapman Drugs and order one of their specialized bowls or build your own. You can add drizzles of honey, spread on some almond butter, sprinkle crunchy chia seeds, or mix-in some extra plant-based protein powder. These colorful combinations are a thing of beauty.
Simply Fresh Creations
4731 Jonesboro Rd #230, Union City, GA 30291
The food at Simply Fresh Creations in Union City is served the way nature intended. Their bowls, salads, sandwiches, and wraps are light, yet bursting with flavor. Most meals are customizable, and they even have a family-friendly kids menu. If you're in the mood for a beverage, pair your meal with a fresh squeezed juice, lemonade, or smoothie.
Refreshing Drinks 🍹
Coffee Man
601 N Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30354
For a flavorful caffeinated pick-me-up on ice, check out Coffee Man in downtown Hapeville. The funky, casual shop is great for sitting and sipping the afternoon away, either in their cozy lounge or back patio admidst the murals in Arts Alley. Their sustainable practices, focus on community, and coffee expertise ensure that the perfect speciality drink can be made for any taste - it's coffee for all, y'all.
The Juicee Details Juice Bar
3273 Dogwood Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354
Made with real, clean ingredients like organic fruits and vegetables, the drinks at The Juicee Details Juice Bar are handcrafted to get you fueled for the whole day. They open early, so you can try mixing and matching their Turbo shots or Wellness Shot to kickstart your morning. Stayed nourished with one of their meal replacement smoothies, available with plant-based protein, or take home a 100% fresh-pressed raw juice with refreshing ingredients like mint, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, cucumber, and more.
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
1419 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30337
For a taste of summer in every sip, make your way to La Fiesta in College Park for delicious margaritas. Whether you prefer yours frozen or on the rocks, celebrate the season with the refreshing flavors of strawberry, mango, or watermelon - available by the pitcher! Not in the mood for something fruity? They have plenty of imported and domestic beers on tap to enjoy with your complimentary chips and salsa.
The Rooftop at the Kimpton Overland Hotel
2 Porsche Dr, Hapeville, GA 30354
Take advantage of the longer days of summer and head to the 8th floor of the Kimpton Overland Hotel to enjoy stunning views and refreshing cocktails on the covered rooftop lounge. With a chilled drink in hand, you'll have the best plane spotting views in the District with airplanes taking off and land at neighboring Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Rooftop is open daily at 4 PM with live music or a DJ spinning beats Thursday - Saturday. Get there early to catch the action on the test tracks of the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, located right next door.
Indoor Attractions with A/C ❄️
Academy Theatre
599 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Step into the world of art, music, and culture at the Academy Theatre in Hapeville. As Georgia’s longest-running professional theatre, this historic gem has captivated audiences with classic and modern theatrical performances since 1956. Check out their calendar to find musicals, improv shows, short play festivals, and more.
Delta Flight Museum
1060 Delta Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30354
Dive into the thrilling world of aviation at the Delta Flight Museum. Enjoy the incredible exhibits, tour the only Delta passenger Douglass DC-3 plane in existence, and catch a showing of the 45-minute documentary film, A Century in Flight, in the American Express theatre. Check out their website to stay updated on the unique events taking place at the museum this summer, including an immersive VR experience, or Flight Simulator.
Hapeville Depot Museum
620 S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
Step back in time an explore the railway's impact on the city of Hapeville with a free visit to the Hapeville Depot Museum. Check out the newest permanent exhibit that highlights the struggle for civil rights and workers rights at Hapeville's former Atlanta Assembly Plant and take in the local art on display in the historic waiting room turned gallery.
Southside Theatre Guild
20 W Campbellton St, Fairburn, GA 30213
Operating for over 50 years, Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn is a community theatre run entirely by it's faithful volunteers. This is a place anyone can come to enjoy a show or be a part of their local artistic community. Need a fun indoor activity for you or your kids this summer? Sign up to volunteer, or step into the limelight yourself by auditioning for one of their upcoming performances!
Southwest Arts Center
915 New Hope Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30331
The City of South Fulton is home to the Southwest Arts Center, which is not just a beautiful facility that hosts celebrated professional mainstage productions, it's also a place where anyone from any background can come to express themselves. With regularly scheduled classes in dance, visual arts, theatre, and technology, there are plenty of ways to get creative. They even host Youth (5-12) and Teen (13-17) summer camps! Patrons of the visual arts can enjoy their studio gallery year-round, and be sure to look out for special events like Chalk the Block (hosted outside, but still close to the comfy air conditioned building).
Water Fun 🏖️
Summer Splash Pads
Enjoy a splash-tastic experience at the Hapeville Splash Pad or the Charles Phillips Park Splash Pad in College Park! These interactive spray grounds check all the boxes for a cool and fun-filled summer afternoon for the whole fam. The Hapeville Splash Pad is open for the season starting on May 25th, and the College Park Splash Pad opens on June 1st. Sandals or swim shoes are recommended!
Welcome All Natatorioum
4255 Will Lee Rd, Atlanta, GA 30349
Dip, dive, or cannonball into the indoor pools at Welcome All Natatorium in South Fulton. This aquatic center is set up with everything you need for a fun, safe swim. Complete with lifeguards and lifejackets, plus foam noodles and a giant slide, this is the ultimate place to beat the heat. Get athletic in the lanes of the lap pool or simply float around the splash pool, after taking a few trips down the slide, of course. Classes are also available to help develop more confident swimmers. Pool hours vary, and there is a small fee for amenities like locker rooms, so check the website before you visit.
Stay cool out there as you enjoy soaking up the summer fun on the Southside! Show us where you go by sharing your #ATLDistrict pics here.
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