From its thriving art community and unparalleled music scene to its rich legacy in civil rights, Atlanta has become a top destination to visit. Centennial Olympic Park, The Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola are all at the top of the must-see list. But locals have a few places they want to keep all to themselves. From large water reservoirs and unique parks to small music venues and local watering holes, here are 15 places locals don’t want you to know about.
Nestled in the heart of historic Old Fourth Ward sits a beautiful, 17-acre area locals want all to themselves. Officially opened in 2011, the park’s centerpiece is a two-acre stormwater retention pond. Old Fourth Ward Park is off Atlanta Beltline, a former railway converted to a urban trailway and features a skate park, waterfalls, a playground and splash pad.
A hip cafe serving American fare during the week and an even more hip music venue on the weekends, 8 Arm is where locals go to sip on rosé and listen to music. This hidden gem sits across from Ponce City Market and features a patio with a walk-up bar created out of a converted shipping container. Starting in April, the patio opens for its weekly weekend dance parties.
710 Ponce De Leon Ave, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 470 875 5856
Founded in 1992 by Eddie Owen, Eddie’s Attic is a local live music venue where many successful musicians have launched their career. Located in Decatur, the venue’s famous lineup has included Shawn Mullins, Sugarland, John Mayer and Justin Bieber.
515 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA +1 404 377 4976
On the patio of a local Vietnamese restaurant, So Ba, sits a graffiti-walled ultra hip spot that boasts late night bites and cocktails such as the Hemingway Collins. The Octopus Bar doesn’t open until 10:30 pm, but the eclectic menu features Spanish octopus, oysters and lobster rolls.
560 Gresham Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 627 9911
Named after the founder of the Coca-Cola Company and former Atlanta Mayor, Asa Griggs Candler, Candler Park is a destination where Atlanta residents escape the touristy crowds. The 55-acre park features a nine-hole golf course, a swimming pool, a football, soccer field, a basketball and tennis courts. The greenspace boasts trails that wind past outdoor art installations and is adjacent to Freedom Park.
Located in the Castleberry Hill area of Atlanta, Elliott Street Pub is a neighborhood spot the locals want to keep secret as long as possible. Opened over 12 years ago, the neighborhood watering hole is a music venue and is known for having the “best sandwiches in the city.”
51 Elliott St SW, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 523 2174
Located in the hip East Atlanta Village, The Earl acts as both restaurant and an alternative music venue. Opened in 1999, the eclectic bar has been a local favorite for years. Their menu is Irish bar fare with a twist and their musical lineup features local stars including Mastodon.
488 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 522-3950
As old as Atlanta itself, the historic Castleberry Hill district in Atlanta was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Originally an industrial transportation hub full of warehouses, the area is now thriving with retail shops, restaurants, lofts and condos. Known for its trendy art strolls, locals love the neighborhood feel of the district.
Minutes from Atlanta, sits a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls and creeks in a park known as Sweetwater Creek State Park. The 215-acre reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a peaceful setting for feeding ducks and picnicking.
1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA, USA
Priding itself on a unpretentious barbecue joint, Fat Matt’s is where the locals go for beer, BBQ and live blues music. Located in Piedmont Heights, the no frills rib shack is always crowded so be prepared to stand in line.
1811 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 607-1622
A local dive bar that blasts alternative music and serves baked wings, Jack’s Pizza and Wings sits in historic Old Fourth Ward. The walls are covered in graffiti, the crowd is diverse and drinks are strong and cheap.
676 Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 525 4444
A paved path through a wooded forest will lead you to Rottenwood Creek. Popular with locals because of its close proximity to the city, the creek features a cascading waterfall, a hiking trail and wildlife.
Located in the trendy downtown Kirkwoord, Le Petit Marche brings French flair to Atlanta. Opened in 2008, the market boasts a wide array of fresh breads, cheeses, pestos, unique sandwiches, soups and salads. The name translates to “a little market,” but Le Petit Marche reminds the locals of home.
1984 Hosea L Williams Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 371 9888
The locals’ favorite Mexican restaurant located in the hip Little Five Points area is Elymr. Not your typical Mexican restaurant, the divey cantina boasts creative takes on classic Mexican fare with a hip atmosphere and strong drinks.
1091 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, USA +1 404 588 0250