5 Best Hidden Gems in Atlanta
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Updated March 20, 2024.
Before moving to D.C., I lived almost my entire life in Georgia. Most recently Atlanta. And as a former Atlantan, I am here to tell you that the city is way more than just the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke. Although those are great places and I highly recommend you visit them, don’t miss out on some off-the-beaten-path destinations too. So keep reading for my top 5 best hidden gems in Atlanta.
1. Historic Oakland Cemetery
~Location: East of downtown, in Cabbagetown
~Cost: Free
~Parking: Small parking lot or street parking
~Highlights: Burial sites of famous Atlantans, extensive grounds, lovely architecture
Historic Oakland Cemetery is my favorite under-the-radar location in Atlanta for both history and outdoor enjoyment. You may be wondering what’s wrong with me for wanting to hang out in a cemetery, but trust me. This is not your normal cemetery!
Its 48 acres are made up of not only grave sites, but also gardens, sculptures, and architecture. It’s more of a common green space than just a cemetery to residents of Atlanta. On any given day, you’ll see just as many picnickers and runners as those on tours or interested in the graves. Famous Atlantans include Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, golfer Bobby Jones, and Maynard Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta.
2. Atlanta History Center
~Location: In Buckhead, north of downtown Atlanta
~Cost: $24 for adult ticket
~Parking: Ample parking
~Highlights: Swan House, Rotating historical exhibits, Margaret Mitchell House (separate location)
The Atlanta History Center is such a hidden gem that I actually didn’t discover it until a few years ago. Other cultural centers like the High Museum and the King Center usually get first mention, with good reason. But the Atlanta History Center shouldn’t be missed either. It is most famous for being a filming sight for Hunger Games: Catching Fire. One of the attractions, the Swan House, was used as the mansion where President Snow held his opulent ball. The Atlanta History Center even has Hunger Games tours to learn more.
The Swan House is not to be missed, but the other exhibits are wonderful as well. The exhibits cover a wide variety of Atlanta history, from Coca-Cola to the 1996 Olympics to Jim Crow. If you’re a history lover like me, add them to your list.
3. Any Market other than Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is super fun and new and hip, but there are actually two other markets in Atlanta that came before it. While smaller, these 2 markets are where you’ll find locals and a more authentic feel for Atlanta.
Krog Street Market
~Location: east of downtown, in Inman Park
~Parking: Small parking lot or street parking
~Highlights: eclectic mix of dining and retail options in a open plan warehouse
Krog Street Market was the hip new market in town before Ponce came along. Like Ponce City Market, Krog Street is located just off of the popular Beltline Trail, a biking and walking trail that surrounds the entire perimeter of Atlanta. Some of my favorite spots here are Superica, The Little Tart Bakeshop, and Jeni’s Ice Cream.
Sweet Auburn Market/The Municipal Market
~Location: the heart of downtown Atlanta
~Parking: very limited street parking
~Highlights: 30 local businesses, including fresh produce, seafood, a butcher and full service bakery
The original Atlanta market, Sweet Auburn Market was created in 1918 and is still thriving today. This market differs from the other two mentioned in that it is less modern and flashy. This means no AC or heat, smaller, and older. But in my opinion this makes it more authentic. People actually come here to pick up their meat or fresh seafood or veggies while catching up with neighbors or friends. My favorite vendors here are Sweet Auburn BBQ and Arepa Mia.
4. Big Trees Forest Preserve
~Location: 20 miles north of downtown in Roswell
~Parking: large parking lot connected to the Fulton County tax office parking
~Highlights: nature trail, creek for wading, oasis from the city
Y’all know I love my hiking, and I actually fell in love with hiking while living in Atlanta. While there are some great hiking trails near the city, none are quite as close as this one. Located only a short drive from downtown, Big Trees Nature Preserve feels like it should be way out in the middle of nowhere. This can be deceiving, as the parking lot is right off a busy road. But once you start on the trail, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from city life.
It’s also never really crowded, which I appreciated. Big Trees has multiple trail options, and all are relatively easy and flat. There is a creek that runs through the preserve, which dogs and kids both love. There are also numerous benches for relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors.
5. St. Julep
~Location: Buckhead, rooftop at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel
~Parking: parking garage across the street
~Highlights: killer rooftop views, funky cocktails, boozy soft serve
A fun hidden gem in Atlanta is St. Julep, the rooftop lounge at the Sylvan Hotel, which opened in March 2021. I visited with my sister when it first opened, and this place meets all my rooftop bar needs, including an amazing view, great decor, and fun food and drinks. Plus, the menus have an Atlanta crossword puzzle on the back which wins you a free drink if you complete successfully (PS-it’s super hard).
For a hidden gem that many Atlantans don’t even know about yet, definitely visit St. Julep for happy hour, a date night, girls’s night, or even a random Wednesday, like me!
Bonus: Donuts!
~Location: 2 locations near Atlanta, in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta
~Parking: Varies based on location
~Best flavors: cannoli, cinnamon roll, fruity pebbles
I couldn’t have a hidden gems post about Atlanta and not include my favorite snack place. Although other donut places like Sublime and Revolution usually get more hype, my favorite is Da Vinci’s Donuts. Y’all know I am obsessed with donuts, as evidenced by an entire post about the best spots in D.C.
I love Da Vinci’s donuts because they make all their donuts fresh throughout the day and have a toppings bar so you can create your own flavors. They also have flavor combinations you can choose from for easy ordering if a toppings bar is too overwhelming. Also, they’re mini! So I can have way more flavor varieties and try tons of options without feeling overly full. Is anyone else craving some donuts now?!
If you’re in Atlanta, whether for the first time or you’re a resident, I hope these hidden gems intrigue you. Check some of them out and let me know what you think. Also, if you have other hidden gems, let me know!
47 Comments
Charlene Hartley
I don’t think it’s weird at all that you like to hang out in cemetaries. I love walking through and checking out the old stones.
Jordan
Hi Charlene,
Glad to meet another cemetery-enthusiast! They are always so interesting and peaceful.
Cindy
These are wonderful places to visit! I’ve passed through Atlanta many times. I need to plan a trip TO Atlanta and explore these sites.
Jordan
Hi Cindy,
Yes Atlanta is a great place to visit. I hope you get to soon!
Alice
I love history so this sounds like an ideal place to add to my list of “must see” places.
Jordan
Hi Alice,
Nice to meet another history nerd! I hope you get to visit and check out all the great history in Atlanta soon.
Santana
All of these options sound amazing! I love less touristy places to visit when we travel!
Jordan
Hi Santana,
Me too! They just seem to give a more authentic feel to a destination.
Sandi
Great list. I lived in Atlanta years ago. It might be time for a visit.
Jordan
Hi Sandi,
Nice to meet another former Atlantan. I hope you get to visit again soon!
Jane
What a great guide especially if you have limited amount of time. Would love to visit the markets (every time I travel, this is always on my itinerary) and the forests.
Jordan
Hi Jane,
Thank you! I hope you get to check out one of the markets soon.
Liz
We took our bikes to Atlanta last year for a fun trip to the city. We stuck to the Beltline mostly, but it was full of lime scooters! These tips will definitely be useful for our next trip up there!
Jordan
Hi Liz,
The Beltline is perfect for that, but hopefully, all the scooters will be limited soon. I hope you get to explore some of these hidden gems on your next trip!
Kendra
These look like great finds! I would love the forest!