Complete Guide to Adult Traveling in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Published August 17, 2023

Atlanta is hot and we don’t just mean the weather in summertime. There is always something fun and exciting to do, whether you’re looking to visit Atlanta with friends, plan a date night or celebrate a special occasion. This complete guide to adult traveling in Atlanta is full of ideas to help you plan your next visit.

Discover Atlanta Nightlife

Much like Atlanta’s vast selection of restaurants, there is no shortage of nightlife either. You can check our ultimate guide to the best nightlife spots in Atlanta for some great suggestions. Want a spectacular view? Visit one of the top patios and rooftops in Downtown and in Buckhead. Not drinking on your trip? Check out which Atlanta restaurants serve must-try mocktails.

Festivals: Art, Music, Food and Culture

Atlanta loves to celebrate with festivals throughout the year. Before your visit, be sure to check out our guide to festivals and annual events. Honor holidays, celebrate a new season, hear your favorite musicians, shop from local artisans, try new foods and so much more. Here are a few must-do Atlanta festivals.

• Spring– Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Shaky Knees Music Festival
• Summer– Flying Colors Butterfly Festival, Atlanta Summer Beer Fest, Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, BronzeLens Film Festival
• Fall– Dragon Con, Yellow Daisy Festival, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Music Midtown, Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade, Taste of Atlanta
• Winter– Atlanta Christkindl Market, HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest & Battle of the Bands, Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

Play Like Kids

Plan a night of fun and games. These Atlanta locations offer a combination of cocktails, food and interactive entertainment like bowling, golf, arcade games and more.

• Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. Ride go karts, test your rock wall climbing skills, play arcade games and more.
• Puttshack. An upscale, indoor, high-tech mini-golf course accompanied by cocktails and upscale bar food.
• The Painted Pin & The Painted Duck. Play duck-pin bowling, darts, shuffleboard, Ping-Pong and a host of other games while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and small plates.
• The Roof at PCM. Whimsical and fun with dining, vintage carnival games and rides, cocktails and an unparalleled view.
• Your 3rd Spot. A unique Atlanta location for interactive games, shareable plates and craft cocktails.

Take a Tour

Explore Atlanta like you have never seen it before with one of these Atlanta tours. Whether you want adventure, to try new foods or to see one of Atlanta’s attractions from behind the scenes, there is an Atlanta tour for you.

Unique Experiences at Atlanta Attractions

Atlanta attractions aren’t just for kids. Many offer unique experiences geared specifically toward grown-ups.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden. Cocktails in the Garden is a great event for mixing and mingling in Atlanta. The event takes place Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m., May through September. Visit the garden website for more seasonal and holiday events geared toward adults in Atlanta.
• Atlanta History Center. In addition to enjoying the exhibits, plan to eat lunch in a beautiful setting at the Swan Coach House. (Also a great location to host a shower or girls’ luncheon.)
• Georgia Aquarium. Visit the aquarium for Sips Under the Sea, a unique cocktail party hosted after hours with cocktails, DJ and dining options.
• High Museum of Art. The High offers a variety of fun Friday night events including live Jazz each third Friday and High Frequency Fridays, which feature popular DJs and cocktails among the artwork. Visit the museum’s calendar for lots of great pop-ups and other unique events.

Where to Eat

Atlanta is for foodies and the proof is in the variety of fare available here. There is truly something for everyone. You’ll want to visit our dining guide for a complete list of restaurants by taste and neighborhood. Exciting news: The MICHELIN Guide arrives in Atlanta this year. Here are a few new Atlanta restaurants to try.

• B.O.T (Bar of Thailand) is bringing quality Thai food to Midtown.
• Carmel features food and drinks taking inspiration from the coastal communities of California and the Yucatan Peninsula.
• La Panarda is an upscale Italian restaurant by Atlanta chef Deborah VanTrece.
• Marcus Bar & Grille from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson has a menu built around Southern comfort food. 

We’ve compiled everything you need to plan your visit to Atlanta, including where to stay, how to get around and all the best things to do. Be sure to check out our calendar for more upcoming events.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.