Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time to get outside, finally! I’ve been waiting for months for the chance to break out my bikini. My big summer goal is to basically be a potato by the pool. (my idea of paradise (summer romance who?) But just in case any of us happen to need a very short pool break, I’ve put together a list of the best outdoor activities in Atlanta for the summer.
If you’re looking for a full day of really cool, urban exploration the beltline is the place for you. It’s one of the largest sustainable urban redevelopment programs in the united states and it’s transforming the city for the better. Built on abandoned railways that once circled Atlanta, the grand plan is that it will be repurposed to eventually connect 45 in town neighborhoods with 33 miles of trails, street cars, and parks.
With all of the food, activities, and interesting events that are offered year-round, the beltline has become a super popular place to be, boasting crowds of an estimated 22 million visitors each year. It’s pet friendly and a great place to meet new people while you’re spending time in the sun. Whether you want to get some truly next-level Instagram selfies, to explore the green space, or just to see the new hot scene in Atlanta, the Beltline is the place to do it all. Check out the events page to learn more!
If you are a nature lover and you want to spend the day in serenity, Gibbs Gardens is the perfect destination. When most people think of Atlanta, they think of skyscrapers and rap artists—which is accurate—but the ATL is also one of the greenest cities in America, and that is very apparent at Gibbs. This gorgeous park has over 200 acres of flowers, trees, ponds, waterfalls, and garden art to explore—all divided by theme. With so much to see, it’s definitely not boring.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. (ages 3-17) The gardens get busy during the summer, so I would recommend purchasing tickets online to avoid the rush and guarantee availability, because the garden is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays June 1st-December 8th.
Check out the events page for more info!
By the power vested in me by literally no one, I dub little five points the indie hot spot of Atlanta. Founded in the 1920s, this neighborhood has lasted so long because of its underground appeal. From vintage clothing, to locally-owned bookstores, to indie music concerts, to uh-may-zing food around every corner—LFP has everything you didn’t even know you were looking for. While not everything is located outside, walking around the place is an experience you shouldn’t miss. You should definitely plan to check it out this summer.
Iconic Atlanta—what more is there to say? Piedmont Park is the Central Park of Atlanta. City-dwellers and tourists alike are all welcome here. You could grab a blanket and lay in the sun, or participate in an unplanned flag-football game with total strangers (because we’re friendly down south), or swim in the community pool. (or all three, in whatever order you want) With different events and entertainment offered almost every day, you could spend all summer in the park finding new things to do. Check out the events calendar to learn more!
If you want great city skyline views of Atlanta while simultaneously living your best life at an old-timey carnival, Skyline Park is the place for you. Located on the roof of Ponce City Market, this unique destination is jam-packed full of fun things to do and see. Offering delicious food, a skyline slide, mini golf, and (of course) the traditional carnival games, you will not run out of things to keep you busy. Prices vary depending on what you choose to do. I recommend checking out their website to learn more about events and tickets.
For those of you who are fitness lovers, Arabia Mountain is a great choice for a day trip. Located south of Interstate 20 in Lithonia, this nature park offers the option between a wandering path trail or a straight-up hike on two granite outcrops. The rock formation took 400 million years to form, and lucky for us, it formed really close to the Atlanta skyline. On a clear day you can get a great view of the city. If you are into photography, it’s a great place to take pictures.
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