Things to Do Near Atlanta University Center

By Aubree Dumas

Published October 14, 2022
Last Updated June 12, 2024

One of the great things about being a student at one of the four Atlanta University Center (AUC) schools is that your school — Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine or Spelman College — is located near so many of Atlanta’s top attractions. Of course, many of them are beyond your starving-college-student budget. But, take heart, there are free things to do nearby and MARTA can get you close to many others. And, hey, for the pricier venues, keep your grades up and maybe your parents will reward you with a bonus every now and then.

Explore the Outdoors

Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail

Discover how the city’s historic Westside neighborhoods are connected through the Westside Trail. You’ll stumble upon several food and drink options to grab a bite as you overlook BeltLine.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine is an Atlanta treasure. Walk it. Bike it. Breathe in fresh air and renew your spirit. There are plenty of delicious bites and beverages to energize you along the way.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy from the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, is a magnet for runners, walkers or people who want to sit and chat with friends in a beautiful setting.

Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park, Downtown, even has an outdoor reading room. And check the website for the dates of free yoga in the park.

Rodney Cook Sr. Park

Adjacent to the Mercedez Benz Stadium, this historic park named after politician Rodney Mims Cook Sr., is a newly converted park great for walking, relaxing and taking in beautiful scenery.

Shop & Dine

44th & 3rd Bookseller

This Atlanta gem is a Black, family-owned bookstore perfect for discovering Black expression by authors of the Black diaspora. You can also attend curated events, author readings while connected with members of the local West End community.

Lee + White

As one of Atlanta’s new and exciting mixed-use destinations, Lee + White is the perfect destination for indulging in several different dining options. Cool out on the outdoor patio of one of the breweries or walk the BeltLine and discover street art along the way.

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is filled with unique shops and restaurants to tempt your pocketbook, but it’s such a bustling place that it is invigorating just to walk through and not spend a dime.

The Interlock

Spend an evening at one of the Westside’s newest destinations, The Interlock, for an all-in-one experience. You can save some coins and just walk around or play a game at Puttshack after enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants.

Westside Provisions District

Westside Provisions District is just a short walk down the block from The Interlock. You can enjoy unique retail shops, beautiful views and dining. Of course, spending is not necessary to have a good time, but you might just be tempted.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

You can spend hours at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Park, and it is extremely inspirational. Even better, it’s a unit of the National Park Service, so all the attractions are absolutely free.

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium offers a deal you might be able to use. If you are a Georgia resident (and that doesn’t mean if you are from out of state and live in Georgia because you are a student), bring your ID that shows that you, in fact, reside in Georgia and get free admission on your birthday.

Atlanta Monetary Museum

The Atlanta Monetary Museum, located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, features a display on the history of money and interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve’s role in the economy, and a view of the bank’s automated vault and cash processing areas.

Westside Park

Westside Park, is a new — and the largest — green space in the city. Among the 280 acres, take in scenic surroundings or relax with a picnic.

The Home Depot Backyard

The Home Depot Backyard is worth a visit, or several. Relax in the open green space while gazing at the beautiful mural. You can even attend a free fitness class during spring and summer. The Backyard offers a variety of activities including fitness classes and one-of-a-kind events.

Spiritual Sanctuaries

Central Presbyterian Church

Central Presbyterian Church is right across the street from the state capitol. Make mom and dad proud and attend a service or two. Sunday service is at 11 a.m.

Big Bethel AME

Big Bethel AME sits on Atlanta’s famous Auburn Avenue. Big Bethel offer several options for Sunday morning worship.

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Ebenezer Baptist Church is the home of lots of Atlanta history. You can attend Sunday services at the newer Ebenezer Baptist Church, and you also can visit the historic church where Martin Luther King Jr., his father and grandfather were pastors. Find both churches in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

For the Thespian in You

Fox Theatre

If you love Broadway shows, then keep your eye on the Fox Theatre because the theater often offers discount tickets to college students when Broadway comes to Atlanta.

Dad’s Garage Theatre Company

Volunteer at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company In exchange for non-paying work, you get free snacks, family-priced (aka cheap) drinks, quarterly volunteer events and quality time with the staff and performers.

Not Too Pricey

Hammonds House Museum

As the former residence of the late passionate arts patron and well-known Atlanta physician, Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, the Hammonds House Museum is a historical treasure. Explore the legacy of artists of African descent in a collection of over 450 works from the mid-19th century with different visual art exhibitions throughout the year.

High Museum of Art

Half-price off the admission price (meaning you pay $12.50) gets you into Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art. Go, and meet new friends.

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is only $10 with your valid student ID. Not only that, it’s wise to check the website from time to time because some events are free.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is ultra-inspirational. You will leave hoping you can help make the world a better place. Tickets are $19.99.

Alliance Theatre

The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta’s Tony Award-winning regional theater, depending on availability, offers student ticket for $10, including all taxes and fees. Student rush tickets require your student ID to be presented and must be purchased in person at the Woodruff Arts Center box office on the day of the performance. Call the box office at 404-733-4600 in advance to check availability.

Splurge

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is home to musical performances and Atlanta’s NBA Atlanta Hawks. Tickets, no doubt, are way outside your budget. However, if your favorite artist is coming to Atlanta, chances are he or she will perform here. Now is the time to beg your parents.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the other big arena in town and another place where you might want to beg your parents for a ticket to see your favorite music group, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons or the MLS’ Atlanta United FC.

To find out what’s going on in Atlanta anytime, check our calendar of events.

Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.