The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Druid Hills, Atlanta

The Georgia Aquarium is an excellent place to visit because it provides an entertaining and educational experience for guests of all ages. This attraction promotes a fun and enjoyable experience while instilling in its guests a new appreciation for the world’s aquatic biodiversity. The aquarium supports, conducts and leads research on environmental and conservation issues. It also hosts a variety of unique programs and activities including shows, animal interactions and behind-the-seas tours.

Price: Mid-range

Opening hours: 9am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Watch out for: the dining options

The planetarium at Fernbank Science Center is a celestial theater that utilizes the Zeiss Mark V planetarium projector and a new full-dome digital projection system. These technologies create a stunning immersive environment to guide visitors through the universe. The planetarium is 70 ft in diameter, making it one of the largest in the United States. This is a must-see attraction that is perfect for the whole family.

Price: Budget

Opening hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sat)

Watch out for: the Fernbank Science Center observatory Fernbank | © MFer Photography/Flickr

The Olmsted Linear Park Alliance is a public-private partnership founded in 1997 that raised more than $9.5 million for the restoration and preservation of the park. The six segments – Oak Grove, Shadyside, Virgilee, Dellwood, Springdale, and Deepdene – have been rehabilitated for everyone to enjoy, whether they’re taking a leisurely stroll, talking with neighbors, or just embracing the beauty of the park. Its pathways allow visitors to explore the most scenic routes.

Price: Budget

Watch out for: the Plein Air paint competition

Callanwolde is a busy, non-profit community arts center that offers classes and workshops for all ages in visual, literary, and performing arts. Special performances, gallery exhibits, outreach programs and fundraising galas are presented throughout the year. Callanwolde was built by Charles Howard Candler, President of The Coca-Cola Company, and is a magnificent Tudor Revival-style mansion sitting on a 12.5-acre estate. Take a tour of this beautifully landscaped attraction, which is the ideal setting for weddings, business meetings, or other special occasions. Callanwolde is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its combination of history, architecture and art education makes it one of the most unique art centers in the country.

Price: Budget

Opening hours: 11am – 4pm (Mon – Fri)

Watch out for: the coffee shop and giftshop

The Painted Pinis an upscale boutique bar, bowling and entertainment venue located in an industrial warehouse space. There are 20 full service lanes, each featuring chesterfield couches and personalized staff to deliver balls and shoes for your convenience. The pub and ‘upscale alley’ food includes wood-fired pizzas, tacos, sliders, salads and small plates. Its distinct beverage program offers signature and classic cocktails, craft and local beers, and artisan wines by the glass. In addition to bowling you can try interactive games such as indoor bocce ball, table shuffleboard, ping pong, skee-ball, darts, and southern skittles.

Price: Mid-range

Opening hours: 5pm – 12am (Mon – Thu), 5pm – 2am (Fri), 11am – 2am (Sat), 12pm – 12am (Sun)

Watch out for: the semi-private event space Cosmic Bowling | © Steve Hard/Flickr

The Lullwater Conservation Garden is a six-and-a-half acre tract of land that has been maintained by the Lullwater Garden Club since 1931. It’s located in the historic Druid Hills and the property originally belonged to the Dan Johnson family and later to the Candler estate. In 1964, the Lullwater Garden Club bought the garden from Emory University. This garden is visited by many guests who come to enjoy the peace and quiet, where native trees, plants and wildlife flourish.

Price: Budget

Watch out for: the bird watching Fujifilm Summer | © Scott Wylie/Flickr

Atlanta Helicopter Tours provide a great day out, whether you’re alone or with family and friends. On the tours you’ll get a great view of Atlanta from the air and get a taste of what it is like to be a pilot. In addition to discovery flights, Atlanta Helicopter Tours provides a variety of airport tours. The tours also make a great gift for anyone, whether they’re interested in aviation or just looking for a little fun.

Price: Mid-range

Opening hours: 9am – 7pm (Mon – Sun)

Watch out for: the flight training Kauai Helicopter Tour | © fredsharples/Flickr

Cameli’s is a family-owned gourmet pizza joint. It only uses fresh herbs and vegetables in all their meals, and the dough and bread is made fresh daily because the family is dedicated to offering guests the highest quality food possible. This lively restaurant provides a vibrant and casual setting, and is a great place to grab a meal any day of the week. Cameli’s, in addition to great pizzas, offers DJs, karaoke and more activities.

Price: Mid-range

Opening hours: 11:30am -1am (Mon – Wed), 11:30am – 2:30m (Thu -Fri) 12pm – 2:30am (Sat), 12pm – 12am (Sun)

Watch out for: the bar, open 7 days a week

Slingshot Entertainment is the first of its kind. It’s the largest indoor entertainment facility in Georgia, and it features an interactive bowling lounge, 100% electric high-speed go-karting, a tri-level kids mega play arena, and the largest indoor ninja obstacle course in the United States. Outside of these attractions, it offers a full service bar and restaurant, state-of-the-art event rooms and party spaces.

Price: Mid-range

Opening hours: 11am – 12am (Sun – Thu), 11am – 2am (Fri – Sat)

Watch out for: the party packages Gokarting | © Andy Rogers/Flickr

The SkyView ferris wheel towers nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park and features 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding area. The views are spectacular both day and night. Guests looking for an even more enhanced experience can enjoy the VIP gondolas with Ferrari leather seats, glass floors, and longer flight time. SkyView Atlanta is also conveniently located steps away from many of Atlanta’s most popular attractions.

Price: Budget

Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm (Sun – Thu), 12pm – 12am (Fri), 10am – 12am (Sat)

Watch out for: the event packages Centenial Park at dusk | © MFer Photography/Flickr