Top Things to Do on Atlanta’s Eastside

Fun and funky, Atlanta’s Eastside combines the culture and creativity that the city is known for. The Eastside offers a unique blend of neighborhoods, from upscale shopping and dining in Virginia Highland to the gritty energy of East Atlanta Village and the surging street life that defines Little Five Points. Here are just some of the top things to do while exploring the Eastside.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is a food hall unlike any other. Housed in an old Sears & Roebuck building, this fully renovated space is full of retail, office space and dining options. Choose from Georgia and Carolinas-caught seafood, go with a classic burger or treat yourself to house-made pasta. No need to skip on dessert with ice cream, cookies and other sweet treats available. 

Skyline Park sits atop Ponce City Market featuring boardwalk-style games, an 18-hole mini-golf course and classic carnival fare fit for kids and adults.

Eastside Beltline Trail

Next up, we’ve got to talk about the Eastside Beltline Trail, accessible right outside Ponce City Market. This portion is the most established area on the 22-mile loop around the city with restaurants and bars galore. The street art along the trail is topnotch.

Grab a beer at New Realm, shop for your newest plant baby at The Victorian, hang out on a patio at BrewDog or knock out some shopping at The Krog District. Trust us, that short list doesn’t even begin to cover all the action on the Eastside Trail.

Krog Street Market

The Krog District is a mixed-used space with stores, restaurants and bars, and it’s where you’ll find the food hall Krog Street Market. Enjoy a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant when you grab a bite to eat at Fred’s Meat & Bread. You’ll thank us later. Or enjoy an assortment of dips from Dips Kitchen. Hop City Beer & Wine has it’s own shop if you want to grab some beer for later or grab a drink inside and pair it with a bite to eat with endless options.

Old Fourth Ward Skatepark

Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, along the Eastside Trail, is so gnarly its grand opening celebration was attended by none other than famed skateboarder Tony Hawk. Skaters of all skill levels were heavily involved in the one-of-a kind design. Surrounding the park, you’ll find large multi-use athletic fields and a playground for kids. It’s the perfect family-friendly spot to hang loose on a sunny day.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is filled with interactive displays and fascinating exhibits that the entire family will enjoy. Step into the replica Oval Office to start your term. While in charge, observe important information from the Camp David meetings. See the world through the eyes of the 39th U.S. president with an interactive map table where you can monitor elections and fight diseases. Check out Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize while you’re there.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is located on 12-acres of sculptured lawns and formal gardens. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the center offers arts education programs and special events for all ages. Once the home of Charles Howard Candler of the Coca-Cola Candlers, this art haven now buzzes with creativity.

Plaza Theatre

Ease on down Ponce De Leon Avenue to catch a flick at Atlanta’s oldest operating cinema. The Plaza Theatre specializes in special screenings of obscure fan favorites and mini-themed movie runs. You’ll find indie movies and blockbusters, depending on the week. The Atlanta Film Festival happens here every spring, showcasing films from all across the country, Q&As with the cast and crew, and celebrity meet-and-greets.

The Earl

The EARL (East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge) is one of Atlanta’s most-popular alternative music venues. Since it opened in 1999, the EARL has hosted local up-and-coming performers and quite a few nationally established acts.

Criminal Records

Slide into Criminal Records for a retro records shop experience. This shop is known for events like Free Comic Book Day, a dedicated staff and its offbeat, rare and frankly enviable collection of vinyl, CD, comic books and DVDs. It’s a landmark in Atlanta’s most artistically eclectic neighborhood, Little Five Points. Whether you end up buying something or not, being in this indie heaven is an experience worth a return trip.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Encompassing nearly 35 acres, the fun, family-friendly and free Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is made up of landmarks, modern-day monuments and historically important buildings. Take a journey through the underlying historical struggles of the South as well as the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Find the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden here, along with The King Center, established by Coretta Scott King.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

It’s safe to say that a visit to Fernbank Museum of Natural History should start with a photo op in front of the giant dinosaur sculptures. This science and nature museum takes you back in time to learn about dinosaurs, ancient fossils, prehistoric cultures and more. On a nice day, head out back to WildWoods and Fernbank Forest which continuously bring new exhibits to explore. While this is a fan favorite for the kids, come back during after-hour events such as Fernbank After Dark, for adults only

Pullman Yards

Head over to the Kirkwood neighborhood to explore this historic multi-use space that blends history, dining and fun. From art fairs, skate nights, open mic comedy shows and food trucks, there’s always something new going on. Pullman Yards has also been used for many TV and movie productions, including “Hunger Games,” “Fast and Furious” and “Baby Driver.”

Michael C. Carlos Museum

Located on Emory University’s campus, The Carlos enables you to explore historic collections from all around the world. Galleries feature ancient Egyptian and Nubian Art, Asian Art, The Charles S. Ackerman Galleries of African Art and more. You’ll find Egyptian archaeology and artifacts, along with mummies in the permanent Egyptian art exhibit. Be sure to stop by the bookstore.

Don’t end your exploring just quite yet. Explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods and all they have to offer.