The Perfect Three-Day Weekend Itinerary in Atlanta

Home to professional sports leagues, the world’s largest aquarium, delicious Southern food and tons of outdoor activities, Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the best places to spend a 3-day weekend. As the capital of Georgia and one of the most prominent and fastest-growing metros in the South, Atlanta promises a unique mix of fine dining, fun attractions, tranquil parks, eclectic art and music festivals and more. There is so much to do in this area during any season, but if we have to put together our dream itinerary for three days, this would be it for our weekend in Atlanta. Check it out!

How to Spend a Weekend in Atlanta

Day 1: Morning

The Georgia Aquarium is an absolute must-see, home to over 100,000 sea creatures as the largest aquarium in the world. Especially if the weather is warm, you’ll love strolling through the cool and tranquil jellyfish areas or gazing up at the gigantic Ocean Voyager tank, home to manta rays and whale sharks in 6.3 million gallons of water. Plus, don't forget your AAA membership gets you discounts on tickets and attractions!

After the aquarium, you might want to hop on a quick 90-minute narrated sightseeing trolley for a unique view of the Atlanta streets. Plus, it'll give you an all-encompassing excursion into areas you might have overlooked as it takes you by the must-sees of Atlanta.

Day 1: Afternoon

You can easily work up an appetite walking through the Georgia Aquarium, so grab a bite at The Colonnade, famous for good family food. Walk off your lunch at the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park before heading to another Atlanta must-see, the World of Coca-Cola. Enjoy some samples before visiting The Georgia Capital for a guided tour to learn all about the history of the state and city. If you’re craving some downtime after your busy afternoon, relax at Mary Mac’s Tea Room with delicious afternoon tea and sandwiches.

Day 1: Evening

The world is your oyster in Atlanta in the evening; start with dinner at Fox Bros Bar-B-Q for family comfort food, or 10 Degrees South for a unique Southern African dining experience if it’s during baseball season, head to the huge Truist Park for an Atlanta Braves game, which offers tons of fun activities for the whole family like a zipline, rockwall and carnival games. Visit the state-of-the-art Illuminarium Atlanta for a nighttime cinematic experience. Journey into an African safari or relax on the Moon in this unique interactive projection with 360 audio, vibrations and event scent systems. Plus, 21+ experiences are available where you can enjoy a full bar.

Day 2: Morning

Plan to explore some of the surrounding areas today, like Midtown’s High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In an area known for its unique art and culture, window shop, browse some art galleries, or enjoy one of the many garden areas. AG is a highly-rated brunch option in the area with beautiful al fresco dining. The Varsity is also popular for an early lunch, serving hot dogs and the infamous "Frosted Orange" drink.

Day 2: Afternoon

Grab lunch at Osteria 832, a casual Italian eatery perfect for a quick bite. Stroll through the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, famous for its walkable streets filled with cute bungalows and fun shops with anything from artisan paper to handmade candles to rare antique books. After heading back to one of the best hotels in Atlanta, you might have some time to catch a massage in the spa or relax at an outdoor pool. Atlanta is home to multiple Five-Diamond and Four-Diamond hotels like the St. Regis Atlanta or The Four Seasons, so if you're looking to splurge, these are historic, beautiful spots to check into.

Day 2: Evening

Start your elegant evening off with dinner at Gunshow. With this fun dining experience, guests can say “yes” or “no” to food brought to their table, before catching a performance of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Woodruff Arts Center. Aria is a fun spot for after-dinner cocktails, or head to Nikolai's Roof on the top of the Hilton Atlanta for a taste of their house-flavored vodka. Afterward, head to late-night bowling at Midtown Bowl or The Painted Pin to try to hit a strike.

Day 3: Morning

After spending two days in the heart of the city, you might be craving some nature and outdoor adventures. Stone Mountain Park is a 3,200-acre park only about 18 miles outside of the city where you can enjoy dozens of historic sites. There are attractions like Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car and walking and hiking trails. Take the whole family on a short 1.3-mile hike to the park’s namesake mountain, a bowl-shaped granite dome soaring 1,683 feet into the air. Once you’re at the top, you’ll love the panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline and surrounding nature.

If you're not up for exploring solo, embark on the Atlanta Historical Homes tour through Buckhead, Midtown and Ansley Park to view the living quarters of renowned writers, governors, golf legends and more. For animal lovers, check out the Zoo Atlanta, one of the largest zoos in the world and home to the country's largest population of apes. Spot giant pandas, elephants, giraffes, snakes and so much more as you adventure through their five distinct areas.

Day 3: Afternoon

If you did decide to try Stone Mountain Park on your own, pack a picnic lunch and spend most of your afternoon there, as there is simply so much to do and see. Catch a glimpse of the bas-relief of Confederate leaders such as Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson carved right into the mountain. Tour Memorial Hall provides background on the park and details on the engineering feats like the fact that sculptors had to work 33 stories in the air while hard winds blew. Take kids on the Nature Garden trail, an easy hike not even a mile long, or the Stone Mountain Cherokee Loop if you want something a little more challenging.

As the sun goes down, say “goodbye!” to the luscious green forest, beautiful lakes and stunning scenery; time to head back to the city for dinner and nightlife!

Day 3: Evening

For the final night of your weekend in Atlanta, if you have the energy, catch a show at Chastain Park, one of the most popular venues for outdoor summer concerts, or if you want to stay indoors, visit Fox Theatre for anything from Broadway shows to ballet performances to comedy appearances. Enjoy a later dinner at the winner of “best local Mexican food” awards for three decades, Nuevo Laredo Cantina, for authentic Mexican food, or splurge at Bones Restaurant, one of Atlanta’s top steakhouses. Bacchanalia is an excellent option if you’re looking for healthier fare and after dinner, maybe head to Topgolf or simply take in the downtown area. Atlanta is also home to multiple fun escape rooms as well, so try a late-night excursion to High Noon in the Old West and race against the clock.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Atlanta today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.