Free Things to Do in Atlanta: Complete Guide (2025)
Atlanta offers an incredible array of free activities, attractions, and experiences that rival any major city in America. From world-class parks and historic sites to festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural experiences, you can explore Atlanta’s best without spending a dime.
This comprehensive guide covers the best free things to do in Atlanta, organized by category and neighborhood. Whether you’re a budget-conscious visitor, a new resident exploring the city, or a local looking for free weekend activities, this guide will help you discover Atlanta’s hidden gems and popular attractions—all completely free.
Free Outdoor Activities and Parks
Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, parks, and public art connecting 45 neighborhoods around the city. Walking, running, or biking the BeltLine is completely free and offers one of the best ways to experience Atlanta’s neighborhoods, street art, and community vibe.
Eastside Trail: The most popular section runs from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown, passing through Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park. Street art, murals, and public installations line the entire route.
Westside Trail: Connects West End to Westview, offering views of downtown Atlanta and access to emerging neighborhoods.
Northside Trail: Runs through Buckhead and connects to several parks and neighborhoods.
Best For: Walking, running, biking, people-watching, photography, and exploring multiple neighborhoods in one trip.
Pro Tip: Start at Ponce City Market (free to enter) and walk south on the Eastside Trail to see the best street art and neighborhood diversity.
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s premier urban park offers 200+ acres of green space, walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and stunning skyline views. The park hosts free festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Free Activities: Walking trails, dog parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, lake views, picnic areas, and Midtown skyline photography.
Free Events: Screen on the Green (summer movies), Music Midtown (some free areas), Pride Festival (October), and various seasonal festivals.
Best For: Picnics, jogging, dog walking, skyline photography, and outdoor relaxation in the heart of Midtown.
Stone Mountain Park (Free Parking on Weekdays)
While some Stone Mountain attractions charge admission, the park offers free entry and parking on weekdays (Monday-Thursday). You can hike to the summit for free any day of the week.
Free Activities: Hiking to the summit (1-mile trail), walking trails around the base, picnicking, and viewing the massive Confederate carving (controversial historical site).
Best For: Hiking, outdoor exercise, and panoramic views of Atlanta from the summit.
Note: Weekend parking fees apply. The hike to the summit is moderately challenging but family-friendly.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Chattahoochee River offers 48 miles of protected riverfront with hiking trails, river access, and natural beauty just minutes from downtown Atlanta.
Free Activities: Hiking (multiple trail systems), fishing (with Georgia license), picnicking, wildlife watching, and river views.
Popular Free Sections: Cochran Shoals (easy trails), Island Ford (river access), and Vickery Creek (waterfalls and mill ruins).
Best For: Nature escapes, hiking, trail running, and getting out of the city without leaving the metro area.
Note: Some parking areas charge $3-5 daily fees, but many access points are free.
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympics, this 22-acre downtown park offers fountains, green space, and free events throughout the year.
Free Activities: Fountain of Rings (kids love playing in the water during summer), walking paths, Olympic history displays, and seasonal events.
Free Summer Concerts: Wednesday WindDown concert series (summer evenings) features live music and food vendors.
Best For: Downtown exploration, cooling off in the fountains (summer), and free outdoor concerts.
Grant Park
Atlanta’s oldest city park (established 1883) offers 131 acres of green space, walking trails, and historic charm in the Grant Park neighborhood.
Free Activities: Walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, historic Oakland Cemetery views, and neighborhood exploration.
Best For: Neighborhood walks, picnics, and combining with a free Oakland Cemetery tour.
Free Museums and Cultural Attractions
High Museum of Art (Free Second Sundays)
The Southeast’s leading art museum offers free admission on the second Sunday of every month, featuring American, European, African, and contemporary art collections.
What to See: Permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, photography galleries, and decorative arts.
Best For: Art lovers, families, and anyone seeking world-class art without admission fees.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on Free Second Sundays—it gets crowded by midday.
Center for Civil and Human Rights (Free First Monday of Each Month)
This powerful museum explores the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
What to See: Civil Rights Movement galleries, Martin Luther King Jr. papers, lunch counter sit-in simulation, and global human rights exhibits.
Best For: History enthusiasts, educational visits, and understanding Atlanta’s civil rights legacy.
Note: Free admission on the first Monday of each month only.
Atlanta History Center (Free for Fulton County Residents)
Fulton County residents receive free admission year-round to explore Atlanta’s history through exhibits, historic homes, and 33 acres of gardens.
What to See: Civil War exhibits, Swan House (1928 mansion), Smith Family Farm, Centennial Olympic Games Museum, and extensive gardens.
Best For: Local residents, history buffs, and families seeking educational free activities.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (Free Museum Grounds)
While museum admission charges a fee, the grounds, Japanese garden, and Carter’s gravesite (when he passes) are free to explore.
Free Areas: Japanese garden, walking paths, reflecting pool, and views of the Atlanta skyline.
Best For: Peaceful walks, photography, and exploring presidential history grounds.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
This free National Park Service site preserves Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center, honoring the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
What to See: Dr. King’s birth home (free guided tours, reserve in advance), Ebenezer Baptist Church, King Center, reflecting pool, and Freedom Hall.
Best For: Civil rights history, educational visits, and understanding Atlanta’s role in the movement.
Pro Tip: Reserve birth home tours online in advance—they fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Oakland Cemetery
Atlanta’s oldest cemetery (established 1850) is a beautiful Victorian garden cemetery with stunning monuments, historic graves, and free self-guided tours.
What to See: Margaret Mitchell’s grave, Bobby Jones’ grave, Civil War soldiers’ graves, Victorian architecture, and peaceful gardens.
Free Activities: Self-guided walking tours (download free map), photography, and exploring Atlanta’s history through its notable residents.
Best For: History enthusiasts, photographers, and peaceful walks through beautiful grounds.
Krog Street Tunnel
This graffiti-covered tunnel under the railroad tracks connects Inman Park to Reynoldstown and serves as an ever-changing outdoor art gallery.
What to See: Street art, murals, and graffiti that changes constantly as artists paint over previous work.
Best For: Photography, street art appreciation, and Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Pro Tip: Visit during daylight hours for safety and best lighting for photos.
Free Festivals and Events
Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April)
One of Atlanta’s largest free festivals celebrates spring with artists, live music, food vendors, and activities in Piedmont Park.
What to Expect: 250+ artists, live music stages, kids’ activities, and food trucks. Completely free admission.
Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes (April)
Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood festival features a parade, artists market, live music, and food. The Tour of Homes charges admission, but the festival itself is free.
Free Activities: Street festival, parade, live music, artists market, and neighborhood exploration.
Atlanta Pride Festival (October)
One of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast takes over Piedmont Park with free admission, live entertainment, and community celebration.
What to Expect: Pride parade (free to watch), festival in Piedmont Park (free admission), live performances, and community vendors.
Little Five Points Halloween Festival (October)
Atlanta’s alternative neighborhood hosts a massive Halloween street festival with costume contests, live music, and quirky celebrations.
What to Expect: Costume parade, live music, street performers, and thousands of costumed attendees. Completely free.
Atlanta Jazz Festival (Memorial Day Weekend)
The largest free jazz festival in the Southeast features world-class jazz musicians performing in Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend.
What to Expect: Free concerts, multiple stages, jazz legends, and emerging artists. Bring blankets and picnic supplies.
Screen on the Green (Summer)
Free outdoor movies in Piedmont Park during summer evenings. Bring blankets, chairs, and picnic supplies for family-friendly movie nights under the stars.
Wednesday WindDown (Summer)
Free concert series in Centennial Olympic Park featuring local and regional bands every Wednesday evening during summer.
Free Neighborhood Exploration
Virginia Highland
Walking Virginia Highland’s tree-lined streets, browsing boutiques (window shopping is free), and exploring the neighborhood’s bungalow architecture costs nothing.
Free Activities: Window shopping on North Highland Avenue, admiring historic homes, people-watching at sidewalk cafes, and exploring neighborhood parks.
Little Five Points
Atlanta’s bohemian neighborhood offers free entertainment just by walking around. Street performers, vintage shops, quirky murals, and alternative culture create a unique atmosphere.
Free Activities: People-watching, browsing vintage shops, admiring street art, and soaking up the counterculture vibe.
Ponce City Market
While shopping and dining cost money, exploring Ponce City Market’s historic building, rooftop views (small fee for games, but rooftop access is free), and central food hall is free.
Free Activities: Exploring the building, window shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere of Atlanta’s most popular mixed-use development.
Krog Street Market
Similar to Ponce City Market, browsing Krog Street Market’s shops, admiring the industrial architecture, and exploring the surrounding Inman Park neighborhood is completely free.
Free Art and Culture
Atlanta BeltLine Art
The BeltLine features rotating public art installations, murals, and sculptures along the entire trail system. It’s one of the largest outdoor art galleries in the country.
What to See: Murals, sculptures, installations, and street art that changes seasonally.
Best Sections for Art: Eastside Trail (Ponce City Market to Inman Park) and Westside Trail.
Living Walls Street Art
Atlanta’s street art scene has exploded in recent years. Explore neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, and Reynoldstown for impressive murals and street art.
Best Neighborhoods for Street Art: Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, and along the BeltLine.
Georgia State Capitol Building
Free guided tours of Georgia’s State Capitol building showcase the gold-domed landmark, legislative chambers, and Georgia history exhibits.
What to See: Gold dome, legislative chambers, Georgia Hall of Fame, and historic architecture.
Best For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and educational visits.
CNN Center (Lobby Only)
While CNN Studio Tours charge admission, exploring the CNN Center lobby, food court, and viewing the giant news screens is free.
Free Activities: Watching live news broadcasts on giant screens, exploring the lobby, and grabbing affordable food court meals.
Free Views and Photography Spots
Jackson Street Bridge
The most iconic Atlanta skyline view is completely free. This pedestrian bridge over the Downtown Connector offers the classic Atlanta skyline shot seen in movies and TV shows (The Walking Dead opening credits).
Best For: Skyline photography, sunset views, and iconic Atlanta backdrops.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunset or blue hour for the best lighting. Be cautious of traffic and stay on the pedestrian walkway.
Piedmont Park Skyline Views
Multiple spots in Piedmont Park offer stunning Midtown skyline views, especially from the Active Oval and Lake Clara Meer.
Best For: Skyline photography, picnics with a view, and combining park activities with city views.
Stone Mountain Summit
The hike to Stone Mountain’s summit is free and offers 360-degree views of Atlanta and the surrounding region from 1,686 feet elevation.
Best For: Panoramic views, hiking, and seeing Atlanta from above.
Free Activities for Kids and Families
Splash Pads and Playgrounds
Atlanta’s parks offer numerous free splash pads (summer) and playgrounds throughout the city.
Best Free Splash Pads: Centennial Olympic Park (Fountain of Rings), Piedmont Park, and various neighborhood parks.
Fernbank Science Center Planetarium (Free Shows)
Fernbank Science Center offers free planetarium shows on Thursday and Friday evenings. Check the schedule online for show times and topics.
Best For: Families, astronomy enthusiasts, and free educational entertainment.
Public Library Programs
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System offers free programs, storytimes, movie screenings, and activities for all ages at branches throughout the city.
Free Activities: Storytimes, movie screenings, book clubs, computer classes, and children’s programs.
Free Fitness and Recreation
Free Yoga in the Park
Various organizations offer free yoga classes in Atlanta parks during warmer months. Check Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and neighborhood parks for schedules.
Running and Cycling
Atlanta’s BeltLine, Silver Comet Trail (starts in Smyrna), and Chattahoochee River trails offer miles of free running and cycling routes.
Outdoor Basketball and Tennis Courts
Public parks throughout Atlanta offer free basketball and tennis courts. Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and neighborhood parks have well-maintained courts.
Free Seasonal Activities
Spring
Cherry Blossom Viewing: While not as famous as Washington DC, Atlanta has beautiful cherry blossoms in Piedmont Park and around the city in late March/early April.
Dogwood Festival: Free festival celebrating Atlanta’s official tree with art, music, and activities.
Summer
Outdoor Movies: Screen on the Green and other free movie series in parks citywide.
Free Concerts: Wednesday WindDown, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and neighborhood concert series.
Splash Pads: Cool off at free splash pads throughout the city.
Fall
Fall Foliage: Stone Mountain, Chattahoochee River trails, and Atlanta parks offer beautiful fall colors (late October/early November).
Halloween Festivals: Little Five Points Halloween Festival and neighborhood trick-or-treating events.
Pride Festival: Atlanta Pride in Piedmont Park (October).
Winter
Holiday Lights: Various neighborhoods and parks offer free holiday light displays (check specific locations for dates).
Garden Lights at the Botanical Garden: While admission is charged, viewing from outside Piedmont Park offers glimpses of the display.
Money-Saving Tips for Atlanta Attractions
Free Museum Days
Many Atlanta museums offer free admission days monthly:
High Museum: Free second Sunday of each month
Center for Civil and Human Rights: Free first Monday of each month
Atlanta History Center: Free for Fulton County residents year-round
Library Cards
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library cards are free for residents and provide access to free museum passes, digital resources, and programs.
Free Parking
Many Atlanta attractions offer free parking or are accessible via MARTA (public transit):
Free Parking Areas: Piedmont Park (limited street parking), Oakland Cemetery, MLK National Historical Park, and various neighborhood street parking.
Best Free Day Itineraries
Free Atlanta History Day
Morning: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (birth home tour, Ebenezer Baptist Church)
Lunch: Picnic in Piedmont Park (bring your own)
Afternoon: Oakland Cemetery self-guided tour
Evening: Jackson Street Bridge for skyline sunset photos
Free Outdoor Adventure Day
Morning: Hike Stone Mountain summit
Afternoon: Walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Evening: Explore Ponce City Market (window shopping) and rooftop views
Free Art and Culture Day
Morning: High Museum (second Sunday)
Lunch: Picnic in Piedmont Park
Afternoon: BeltLine street art walk (Eastside Trail)
Evening: Krog Street Tunnel photography and Inman Park neighborhood exploration
Final Thoughts: Experiencing Atlanta for Free
Atlanta offers an incredible range of free activities that showcase the city’s history, culture, natural beauty, and vibrant neighborhoods. From world-class museums on free admission days to miles of hiking trails, from historic sites to outdoor festivals, you can experience Atlanta’s best without spending a dime.
The key to maximizing free Atlanta experiences is planning around free museum days, taking advantage of the city’s extensive park system, and exploring neighborhoods on foot. The BeltLine alone offers endless free entertainment through public art, neighborhood exploration, and people-watching.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, a new resident getting to know the city, or a local looking for free weekend activities, Atlanta’s free attractions rival those of much larger, more expensive cities. So grab comfortable walking shoes, pack a picnic, and start exploring—Atlanta’s best experiences don’t require opening your wallet.
For more free activities and hidden gems in specific neighborhoods, explore our neighborhood guides: Virginia Highland, Midtown, Inman Park, Buckhead, Little Five Points, and West End.
