Atlanta is a large and diverse city, but many people only explore downtown Atlanta when they visit. Wondering what other parts of Atlanta are best to visit? Spice up your next trip to The Big Peach with these top areas of metro Atlanta, offering everything from festivals and filming locations to outdoor activities and museums.
1. CONYERS
Conyers is just east of Atlanta, and is home to over 15,000 people. Conyers is home to The Georgia International Horse Park, which was the site of the Equestrian Games during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park is still a popular destination with locals and tourists alike for mountain biking and horseback riding near Atlanta. The city’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each March at The Georgia International Horse Park – Conyers is a great place to see cherry blossoms near Atlanta.
2. DOUGLASVILLE
West of Atlanta is Douglasville, home to over 34,000 residents. Plan a visit to Douglasville to grab dinner in their charming downtown area, nationally designated a Main Street City, and then see what O’Neal Plaza has to offer. In addition to shops, restaurants, markets, and galleries, you’ll find a filming location for Netflix Original Stranger Things: an old coin laundry on Church Street was transformed into the arcade frequented by the kids in season two.
3. DULUTH
Voted by NewsMax Magazine as a top ten city for ‘Best American Values’, Duluth is a suburban dream. The downtown area is home to only local businesses, which helps to evoke classic Southern charm. Visit Duluth for small town charm with big city perks like live music venues, museums, and more things to do near Atlanta.
4. GAINESVILLE
Another popular place to stay in metro Atlanta, Gainesville is located in a prime spot at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier is a stunning waterway, the site of the rowing and kayaking events during the 1996 Olympic Summer Games, and is still popular for watersports like kayaking and boating. Gainesville also boasts a vibrant and bustling downtown area, home to some of the best hidden gems near Atlanta like Southern Baked Pie Company on Broad Street.
5. JOHNS CREEK
Johns Creek is one of the largest metro areas in Atlanta. Outdoor enthusiasts love getting out on the Chattahoochee River, which is famous for incredible trout fishing, and exploring the multiple protected outdoor recreational areas in this suburb near Atlanta. Looking for winter festivals near Atlanta? Johns Creek hosts a Founder’s Day festival each December, a week-long celebration of the city’s recent founding (it was only officially incorporated in 2006!)
6. KENNESAW
Kennesaw is named for Kennesaw Mountain, the highest point in Atlanta. The area was originally developed as a railroad town, and you can learn about its evolution at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Kennesaw State University’s students keep the vibe of this metro Atlanta area young and fun, with plenty of breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and unique activities to fill your schedule.
7. NORCROSS
Norcross is a quiet suburban utopia near Atlanta, easily reached by all major highways. Downtown Norcross boasts a small town feel with many quaint shops and cafes to explore – the perfect place to visit when you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Atlanta.
8. PEACHTREE CITY
While Peachtree City served as the backdrop for many scenes on AMC’s The Walking Dead, the city has a relaxed, resort lifestyle feel off set. Peachtree City is famous for having miles of golf cart paths as collectively, the city’s residents own over 9,000 golf carts. Most of the area’s lakes, parks, shops and restaurants are easily accessible via golf cart paths, giving visitors to this area the feel of visiting a giant, all-inclusive resort.
9. ROSWELL
While Roswell is a part of the Atlanta Metro Area, it is also the state’s 8th largest city in its own right. Stop by the Archibald Smith Plantation Home and admire the gorgeous architecture, or follow Vickery Creek Trail to the stunning Roswell Mill and Falls for some of the best scenic views near Atlanta. Many of Roswell’s historic mansions are reported to be haunted and can be toured on nightly ghost walks. If you enjoy cycling, you’ll be happy to know that Roswell is the first bicycle friendly city in Georgia! The area has miles of safe biking trails to explore.
10. SANDY SPRINGS
Sandy Springs is the second largest city in the metro area, home to almost 110,000 residents. If you’re in town, be sure to visit the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, which explores the rich history of the local area, and spend some time in City Springs. City Springs is a walkable city center, home to restaurants, shopping, live music, and more.
Weekly Rate Hotels in Atlanta
Atlanta is a large and diverse city, but many people only explore downtown Atlanta when they visit. Wondering what other parts of Atlanta are best to visit? Spice up your next trip to The Big Peach with these top areas of metro Atlanta, offering everything from festivals and filming locations to outdoor activities and museums.
1. CONYERS
Conyers is just east of Atlanta, and is home to over 15,000 people. Conyers is home to
The Georgia International Horse Park, which was the site of the Equestrian Games during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park is still a popular destination with locals and tourists alike for mountain biking and horseback riding near Atlanta. The city’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each March at The Georgia International Horse Park – Conyers is a great place to see cherry blossoms near Atlanta.
2. DOUGLASVILLE
West of Atlanta is Douglasville, home to over 34,000 residents. Plan a visit to Douglasville to grab dinner in their charming downtown area, nationally designated a Main Street City, and then see what
O’Neal Plaza has to offer. In addition to shops, restaurants, markets, and galleries, you’ll find a filming location for Netflix Original Stranger Things: an old coin laundry on Church Street was transformed into the arcade frequented by the kids in season two.
3. DULUTH
Voted by NewsMax Magazine as a top ten city for ‘Best American Values’, Duluth is a suburban dream. The downtown area is home to only local businesses, which helps to evoke classic Southern charm.
Visit Duluth for small town charm with big city perks like live music venues, museums, and more things to do near Atlanta.
4. GAINESVILLE
Another popular place to stay in metro Atlanta,
Gainesville is located in a prime spot at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on Lake Lanier. Lake Lanier is a stunning waterway, the site of the rowing and kayaking events during the 1996 Olympic Summer Games, and is still popular for watersports like kayaking and boating. Gainesville also boasts a vibrant and bustling downtown area, home to some of the best hidden gems near Atlanta like
Southern Baked Pie Company on Broad Street.
5. JOHNS CREEK
Johns Creek is one of the largest metro areas in Atlanta. Outdoor enthusiasts love getting out on the Chattahoochee River, which is famous for incredible trout fishing, and exploring the multiple protected outdoor recreational areas in this suburb near Atlanta. Looking for winter festivals near Atlanta? Johns Creek hosts a Founder’s Day festival each December, a week-long celebration of the city's recent founding (it was only officially incorporated in 2006!)
6. KENNESAW
Kennesaw is named for Kennesaw Mountain, the highest point in Atlanta. The area was originally developed as a railroad town, and you can learn about its evolution at the
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Kennesaw State University’s students keep the vibe of this metro Atlanta area young and fun, with plenty of breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and unique activities to fill your schedule.
7. NORCROSS
Norcross is a quiet suburban utopia near Atlanta, easily reached by all major highways.
Downtown Norcross boasts a small town feel with many quaint shops and cafes to explore – the perfect place to visit when you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Atlanta.
8. PEACHTREE CITY
While
Peachtree City served as the backdrop for many scenes on AMC’s The Walking Dead, the city has a relaxed, resort lifestyle feel off set. Peachtree City is famous for having miles of golf cart paths as collectively, the city’s residents own over 9,000 golf carts. Most of the area’s lakes, parks, shops and restaurants are easily accessible via golf cart paths, giving visitors to this area the feel of visiting a giant, all-inclusive resort.
9. ROSWELL
While Roswell is a part of the Atlanta Metro Area, it is also the state’s 8th largest city in its own right. Stop by the
Archibald Smith Plantation Home and admire the gorgeous architecture, or follow Vickery Creek Trail to the stunning Roswell Mill and Falls for some of the best scenic views near Atlanta. Many of Roswell’s historic mansions are reported to be haunted and can be toured on nightly ghost walks. If you enjoy cycling, you’ll be happy to know that Roswell is the first bicycle friendly city in Georgia! The area has miles of safe biking trails to explore.
10. SANDY SPRINGS
Sandy Springs is the second largest city in the metro area, home to almost 110,000 residents. If you’re in town, be sure to visit the
Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, which explores the rich history of the local area, and spend some time in City Springs. City Springs is a walkable city center, home to restaurants, shopping, live music, and more.
