46 Unique Things to Do, Taste & Experience in Atlanta

Atlanta is a city bursting with hidden gems, offbeat attractions, and experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Atlanta has something uniquely unforgettable for you.

Step off the beaten path and explore the city’s lesser-known treasures.

Alternative & Underground Experiences in Atlanta

For those who love the strange, the quirky, and the offbeat, these spots are worth the detour.

1. Doll’s Head Trail

An eerie yet fascinating art trail in Constitution Lakes Park, Doll’s Head Trail is filled with folk art installations made from discarded items found in the area. It’s a one-of-a-kind, ever-evolving outdoor gallery where creativity meets nature.

2. Junkman’s Daughter

A legendary alternative store in Little Five Points, Junkman’s Daughter is a treasure trove of bizarre fashion, eclectic decor, and pop culture oddities. Whether you’re searching for a unique souvenir or just want to soak in the wild atmosphere, this place is a must-visit.

3. For Keeps Bookstore

A hidden gem for true book lovers, For Keeps Bookstore specializes in rare and out-of-print Black literature. The cozy space and carefully curated collection make it a haven for those looking to discover overlooked literary gems. Alternatively, you can browse through their merch section to find a unique gift for friends back home.

4. The Krog Street Tunnel

The Krog Street Tunnel is less a landmark and more a living canvas. Layers of graffiti, some intricate, others spontaneous, cover every inch of its walls.

The art shifts constantly, with new tags and murals replacing the old. Each walk-through brings something different.

5. The Goat Farm Arts Center

Once a textile mill, the Goat Farm Arts Center now pulses with creative energy. Ivy climbs its weathered brick walls, and rusted steel frames a space where contemporary artists stage everything from site-specific dance to experimental theater.

It’s less polished, more visceral, and that’s exactly the point. This is where Atlanta’s art scene takes risks.

6. Skyline Park

Skyline Park sits on the rooftop of Ponce City Market, where old-school carnival games meet skyline views.

You can try your hand at ring toss, ride the Heege Tower if you’re feeling brave, or challenge a friend to mini-golf with the city lit up behind you.

Most nights, you’ll hear laughter echo across the roof before you even step off the elevator.

The Krog Street Tunnel

Seasonal and Year-Round Adventures in Atlanta

When planning your Atlanta visit, make sure to consider these unique events in your itinerary!

 7. Renaissance Festival (April-June)

The Renaissance Festival will host its 40th anniversary season, so step into a medieval world with jousting tournaments, costumed performers, and mead tastings.

8. Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade (October)

Join the Little Five Points Halloween Festival every October where the streets come alive with elaborate costumes, eccentric performers, and a wild parade.

9. Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp Chili Cook-Off (November)

A neighborhood fundraising festival featuring bluegrass music, notorious cabbage games, and a massive chili competition, is held every November.

10. Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade (May)

Every May, the BeltLine transforms into a glowing spectacle of handmade lanterns, marching bands, and revelers.

Presented by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade brings together thousands of people for a night of magic and creativity.

11. Trap Sushi Pop-Up (Year-Round)

Trap Sushi is a fusion of Atlanta’s diverse culture and Japanese pop. With a live sushi chef, DJs, local vendors, and live performances, this event promises a unique underground pop-up experience with rotating locations.

12. Atlanta Preservation Center’s Phoenix Flies Festival (March)

Each March, the Atlanta Preservation Center opens doors usually closed to the public through its Phoenix Flies festival.

The month-long event includes free tours of historic homes, theaters, and civic buildings. Many are led by local experts who know the stories behind each space.

Back in Time: Vaults and Time Capsules

Always wanted to know the secret recipe of Coca-Cola? Search no more. Atlanta holds secrets beneath its surface—literally. These time capsules and vaults store history in the most fascinating ways.

13. Crypt of Civilization

Hidden within Oglethorpe University is one of the most intriguing time capsules in the world: the Crypt of Civilization.

Sealed in 1940 and not to be opened until 8113 AD, this underground vault holds artifacts ranging from phonograph records to everyday items, all meant to tell the story of human civilization to the distant future.

14. The Elvis Shrine Vault

A quirky and mysterious tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, this vault houses memorabilia and artifacts celebrating Elvis Presley. You can find the shrine in the Star Community Bar, which hosts live music events – a perfect place to reminisce about Mr. Presley and enjoy a tribute band.

15. Coca-Cola Secret Formula Vault

Atlanta is the birthplace of Coca-Cola, and its most closely guarded secret—the original formula—is kept in a high-security vault at the

World of Coca-Cola museum. The interactive exhibit offers a fun peek into the world’s most famous soda while adding a layer of mystery to your visit.

Nature’s Retreat and Unique Outdoor Adventures

Tired after all the events? Relax at one of the following serene and one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences suitable for all kinds of travelers. Alternatively, pick a great trail for a breath-taking hike and enjoy Atlanta’s beautiful nature.

16. Lake Claire Community Land Trust

This whimsical, community-driven space features sculptures, a fire pit, and even a friendly neighborhood emu!

A true grassroots treasure, it offers a glimpse into Atlanta’s artistic and communal spirit while providing the perfect place to unwind.

17. Constitution Lakes Park

This quiet corner of southeast Atlanta offers boardwalk trails through wetlands and woods, far from the traffic and buzz of the city.

You might spot herons or turtles as you walk, with only the sounds of rustling leaves and water nearby.

18. Sope Creek Trail

Stone ruins from a Civil War-era paper mill sit quietly beside the creek, surrounded by forest and massive boulders.

The trail is shaded, calm, and close enough to the city for a quick afternoon escape.

19. Lullwater Preserve

Tucked behind the campus at Emory, Lullwater Preserve offers wooded trails, a small waterfall, and the ruins of an old mill along the creek.

It’s one of those rare city spots where you can hear birdsong instead of traffic.

20. Cochran Shoals Trail

This wide riverside path winds through quiet woods just outside the city.

Runners, cyclists, and dog walkers frequent the trail for its flat terrain and constant view of the Chattahoochee.

21. Hidden Treasures of the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Although the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a well-known attraction, the lesser-traveled areas within it hold surprises for those willing to explore. Walk through the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot sky-high trail through the treetops, or experience the mesmerizing scents of the Edible Garden.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Unique Dining Experiences in Atlanta

Atlanta’s food scene is as diverse as its culture, offering culinary experiences that are anything but ordinary.

22. Trader Vic’s

Tiki culture is alive and well at Trader Vic’s, an iconic Polynesian-themed restaurant located in the Hilton Atlanta.

Sip on a world-famous Mai Tai while surrounded by bamboo decor, tropical lighting, and an ambiance that transports you to a faraway island.

23. The Consulate

For an ever-changing fine dining experience, The Consulate is a must-visit. This international restaurant changes its menu every three months to focus on a different country’s cuisine.

The James Bond-themed decor, craft cocktails, and unique flavors ensure that no two visits are the same.

24. Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party

A whimsical café straight out of a storybook, Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party offers an Alice in Wonderland-inspired escape.

Inside, handwritten menus and mismatched teacups sit beside stacks of books and pastel-colored pastries.

Guests order chai, pick out a novel, and settle into the warm glow of the reading lamps.

25. Gunshow

At Gunshow, chefs walk each dish to the table themselves, offering a quick intro before you dig in.

The menu changes often, shaped by seasonal ingredients and the kitchen’s current obsessions. One night might feature Blue Ridge rabbit with fig and pecan. Another could bring something completely unexpected.

From fine dining to comfort food, try something surprisingly different in Atlanta

26. BoccaLupo

BoccaLupo keeps a low profile in Inman Park, but its hand-rolled pasta draws a loyal crowd.

The black spaghetti with hot pepper and shrimp is the standout, though the menu shifts with the season. Inside, the lights stay low and the flavors stay bold.

27. Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours offers a modern take on soul food, infusing traditional Southern comfort dishes with global influences.

The Southern Marinated Fried Chicken is a standout, served with three-cheese macaroni, a collard green roll soaked in pot liquor, and a sweet potato apple chutney that ties it all together.

28. Eats

On Ponce de Leon Avenue, Eats has been serving bold, affordable plates since the ’90s. The jerk chicken, spicy, smoky, and deeply satisfying, remains the go-to order for locals.

It’s a counter-service spot with zero pretense and all the flavor.

29. Piedmont Park Green Market (March-December)

Each Saturday from March through December, the Piedmont Park Green Market brings farmers, bakers, and makers to the park’s southeast lawn.

You’ll find crates of just-picked produce, small-batch cheeses, and fresh-baked bread alongside handmade goods.

Live music and open green space give it the feel of a neighborhood picnic that just happens to have incredible shopping.

Non-Mainstream Museums in Atlanta

If you love museums but want to explore something beyond the typical, these fascinating spots will surprise you.

30. Madame CJ Walker Museum and Radio WERD

Located in the historic Auburn Avenue district, this museum pays tribute to Madame CJ Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire, and celebrates the legacy of Radio WERD, the first Black-owned radio station.

31. Margaret Mitchell House

Step into the world of “Gone With the Wind” at the Margaret Mitchell House, where the famous author wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

This small but captivating museum offers a peek into Atlanta’s literary past.

32. Trap Music Museum

Founded by rapper T.I., the Trap Music Museum is an immersive celebration of Atlanta’s hip-hop culture. With exhibits featuring rap legends, a recreated trap house, and interactive installations, this museum is a must-visit for music lovers.

The museum also features a bar with special drinks and even an escape room!

33. The Wren’s Nest

Step into the preserved home of author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris, the author of the Uncle Remus tales. Located in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, this Queen Anne Victorian house offers guided storytelling sessions that bring Southern folklore to life.

Every Saturday, the museum hosts live storytelling sessions, where skilled narrators bring African American folklore to life, preserving the oral traditions that inspired Harris.

34. David J. Sencer CDC Museum

Explore the fascinating world of epidemiology at this museum inside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This museum features award-winning permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover topics such as the eradication of smallpox, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the science behind disease outbreaks.

Learn about pandemics, public health breakthroughs, and the science behind global disease prevention.

35. William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum

The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum offers a powerful look into Atlanta’s Jewish history.

Its core exhibit, Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, shares the voices and belongings of survivors who rebuilt their lives in the city through photographs, letters, and firsthand accounts that stay with you long after you leave.

36. The Patch Works Art & History Center

In Cabbagetown, The Patch Works tells the story of a neighborhood that grew from textile mill housing into one of Atlanta’s most creative corners.

Exhibits mix historic photos, recorded interviews, and personal items from longtime residents, capturing the grit and evolution of the community.

37. The Herndon Home Museum

Alonzo Herndon was born into slavery and went on to found one of the country’s most successful Black-owned businesses.

His former home, still filled with original furnishings and family keepsakes, now offers a window into his life, legacy, and the era that shaped both.

38. The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

At the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, performances unfold just feet from the audience, with period costumes, live music, and candlelit tables adding to the old-world feel.

The in-house pub serves shepherd’s pie, pasties, and ale so you can eat like it’s 1599 and still catch every line.

Speakeasies and Nightlife in Atlanta

Atlanta’s after-hours scene is full of surprises, from hidden lounges behind phone booths to rooftop bars glowing with neon. You’ll find strong drinks, big energy, and plenty of reasons to stay out late.

39. Red Phone Booth

Hidden behind a working British phone booth, this downtown lounge channels the spirit of Prohibition with dim lighting, leather armchairs, and stiff drinks.

You’ll need a code to get in, but that’s part of the fun.

40. Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium

This offbeat Edgewood bar swaps stained glass for thrift-store paintings, each reworked with cheeky captions.

Upstairs, there’s a ping-pong table, neon lighting, and plenty of drinks with names you won’t repeat to your parents.

41. Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge

Step into Jojo’s and you’re instantly surrounded by velvet booths, vintage glassware, and the glow of a disco ball.

Drinks like the Velvet Elvis and Harvey Wallbanger keep the ’70s vibe alive without feeling kitschy.

42. The Painted Duck

The Painted Duck puts a grown-up spin on game night, with duckpin bowling, bocce courts, and craft cocktails served under moody lights. It’s part bar, part lounge, part playground and always buzzing.

43. The Clermont Lounge

In the basement of the historic Clermont Hotel, this legendary dive bar and strip club is pure Atlanta.

Its low-lit room, jukebox soundtrack, and longtime performers, including the iconic Blondie, have made it a rite of passage for locals and late-night visitors alike.

End Your Day on Nostalgia Avenue

Not ready to call it a night? These vintage Atlanta spots deliver retro charm, low lighting, and a healthy dose of popcorn.

44. The Plaza Theatre

Atlanta’s longest-running cinema has been screening films since 1939, and the atmosphere hasn’t lost its charm one bit.

A glowing marquee draws you in, velvet curtains line the walls, and the schedule blends cult favorites with late-night indie gems.

45. Starlight Drive-In

At Starlight, moviegoers trade stadium seats for car hoods and rolled-down windows. Neon signs light up the night, and the snack bar still serves popcorn in wax paper bags.

On weekends, the lot turns into a giant flea market, open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

46. Kudzu Antiques + Modern

Winner of the 2023 Best of Atlanta, Kudzu Antiques + Modern is a massive warehouse full of antique furniture, retro finds, and hidden gems for vintage lovers. Importing unique antiques and furniture from all over the world, Kudzu is definitely a go-to place for those looking to revamp their homes!

Plan Your Unique Atlanta Trip With Sonesta

Discover some of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets with Sonesta.

Whether you prefer boutique charm or modern luxury, Sonesta hotels offer the perfect home base for your Atlanta adventure.