There’s nothing quite like summer in Atlanta! We’ve got tons of things to do this summer, from amazing events and exhibits to mellow days by the pool! So get out your summer bucket lists, and start checking things off! Keep scrolling to see all the amazing things you’ve gotta do this sunny summer season!
1. Check out Atlanta’s best rooftop bars and restaurants!
Craving a fancy cocktail? We know just the place–er, places! You’ve gotta sip on something refreshing while gazing off at the Atlanta skyline at LEAST once this summer! Grab your girls, S.O., family, or friends, and head out to one of these iconic rooftop bars in the ATL! Find our list of recommendations for all your rooftop bar needs here!
2. Cool off at one of Atlanta’s swimming pools
There’s nothing quite like swimming at the pool in the summer! Whether you’re taking the kids to a public pool for some fun splashing around, or you’re relaxing beside a rooftop pool with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other… the quintessential summertime activity is definitely to be poolside!
Check out our roundup of the best pools in the ATL for all your splashing summertime needs!3. Go roller skating on this 3,000 square foot rooftop roller rink
The Ponce City Market rooftop is opening up a summer roller rink, and it’s the perfect way to spend your summer days! Perched above Ponce City Market, SK8 THE ROOF is an 80s nostalgic vibe, complete with amazing views, delicious treats, and of course, a massive skating rink to enjoy all summer long!
Get all the details here!4. Get your group together for brunch in the ATL
There’s nothing Atlantans love more than a good brunch, and something about brunch in the summer hits even harder! So gather your pals and get those plans out of the group chat! Whether you want some boozy bottomless mimosas, or a hearty American-style breakfast, Atlanta has all your brunch needs!
Check out our list of the best brunches in town here!5. Step into a painting at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time and step right into the world of Vincent Van Gogh? Well, now you can! With state-of-the-art projectors and tons of interactive art, you’ll be able to see the famous Dutch painter’s works up close and personal, like you never have before! Treat yourself to something completely different this summer!
Get your tickets for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience here!6. Celebrate Fourth of July in the ATL
There’s not holiday quite as summer-lovin’ as the Fourth of July! Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, ice cream, drinks, and family-friendly activities! You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into your favorite cookout at some of these amazing Fourth of July events!
See the full roundup here!7. Check out one of Atlanta’s amazing Candlelight Concerts
For the ultimate romantic experience this summer, you’ve got to check out Candlelight Concerts: a series of your favorite music, played live, all while surrounded by thousands of flickering LED candles! You’ll be dazzled to say the very least.
See all your amazing choices for Candlelight Concerts here!8. Enjoy a thrilling ride on Georgia’s first and only Alpine Coaster
Thrill seekers this one is for you! Get ready for the ride of your life on the one and only Alpine Coaster in Helen, GA! You’ll sail through the air and enjoy the breathtaking thrill of a lifetime! And Helen has a little something for everyone, so make sure you check out all the fun things to do in town while you’re there! (Some other things in Helen are on this list, so keep scrolling!)
9. Crack a cold one with the boys (or anyone!) at one of these amazing breweries in ATL
There’s nothing better than a crisp, cold beer on a hot summer’s day. Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of incredible beer gardens in the ATL. We’ve got some amazing choices for you to check out here! And check out our recommendations for outdoor patios here!
10. Go peach picking!
We get our peaches out in Georgia! It’s time to celebrate, because it’s officially peach season in the peach state! U-pick experience have started opening up across Georgia, so make sure you treat yourself to some peach treats this season. See some of our recommendations below:
- Southern Belle Farm, McDonough
- Jaemor Farms, Alto
- Fitzgerald Fruit Farm, Woodbury
- Sugar Hill Berry Farm, Murrayville
And check out the full list of great peach-picking options in and around the ATL here!!
11. Shoot the ‘Hooch this summer!
Is it really summer in Georgia if you don’t go tubing at least once? We told you Helen would come back up on this list! The adorable little Alpine town has access to the Chattahoochee river, a great place for a nice, relaxing river float! Take a dip and cool off in the naturally beautiful Chattahoochee, and connect with nature!
Get all the details on how to shoot the ‘Hooch here!12. Georgia’s first-ever waterslide coaster is just about an hour from the city!
A waterslide coaster? Yup, you read that right! Lake Lanier has opened up their massive new ride: the 418-foot-long waterslide-coaster. You’ll get a real adrenaline rush going down this amazing slide! And while you’re at Lake Lanier’s Fins Up water park, make sure you soak up the sun on all their other waterslides! Get all the details for the new waterslide coaster here!
13. Take a day trip to #1 boating location in the state!
Take a nice little day trip away from the city and rent a boat for a full day of fun on the lake! Georgia’s number 1 boating location is just half an hour from the city, and promises a wonderful time! You can catch some rays and swim in the water–and zip around on your rental boat!
14. Enjoy a free outdoor movie!
Atlanta is packed with tons of green spaces hosting free outdoor movies this summer, and you definitely don’t want to miss out! Grab your pals and some snacks, and head to one of these amazing free outdoor movie screenings for FREE! You can see which movies are playing and where on our full roundup of all the free outdoor movies in the city, here! Get your popcorn ready, Atlanta!
15. Take a trip to the best beach in the south, right here in Georgia
If you’re looking for the perfect beach getaway this summer, you’re in luck! Georgia actually has the #1 best beach in the entire south (and yes, that includes Florida!) right here on the coast! You can learn all about Georgia’s own St. Simon’s Island, right here!
16. Check out one of Atlanta’s iconic museums
Want to spend some time out of the sun this summer? Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do indoors too! This summer, take your friends or family to see some of the coolest museums in the Southeast. Atlanta is really lucky to be home to some of the biggest museums around. So whether you want to see some art at the High or you want to check out the first ever Waffle House (yes, there’s a museum for that… it’s Atlanta, duh!), there’s a museum for you!
See all our iconic museums here!17. Surround yourself with thousands of beautiful hydrangeas
Wander though one of the most beautiful gardens, lush with tons of flowers, including the seasonal hydrangeas, in bloom all summer long! Whether you’re just going to appreciate the beauty of our world or you want to stage a stunning photoshoot, Gibbs Garden is the perfect place for you! They’ve got a little somethin’ going on for each season, but this summer, their hydrangeas are simply outstanding. Go see for yourself! Get all the details for Gibbs Gardens’ hydrangea fields here!
18. Stay at this iconic Alpaca Treehouse In East Atlanta
Want to take a nice lil staycation in Atlanta this summer? Perfect! You can stay in a truly unique place, right here in town. Nestled on a rescue farm full of llamas, alpacas, chickens, cats and dogs is a sweet escape from reality: the Alpaca Treehouse hidden in the bamboo forest. You’ll feel truly at peace and connected with nature here! And don’t just take our word for it–the Alpaca Treehouse is a national favorite, with Netflix appearances on ‘Love is Blind,’ ‘World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,’ and ‘Treehouse Masters!’ Get all the details here!
19. Celebrate Pride Month
June is Pride Month, and there’s SO much to celebrate! Of course, here in Atlanta, we celebrate Pride in October as well, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty to celebrate this summer! From supporting queer-owned businesses to donating to one of these LGBTQ+ organizations!
And for all things Pride, keep up with Atlanta Pride on their website here!
20. Check out ‘We call it Cabaret: Dracula Dance Show in the Moonlight‘
Get ready for a sensual cabaret show right here in the ATL! We call it Cabaret: Dracula Dance Show in the Moonlight is the ultimate guilty pleasure; a delightful blend of sultry performances, spectacular costumes, and supernatural fantasy. You’ll enjoy this spine-tingling retelling of Bram Stoker’s gothic tale like no other, as a charismatic cast lures you into Dracula’s dark and dangerous world! Come for a cabaret show that, just like its star, will leave you thirsty for more!
Get your tickets and all the details here!
21. Take a hike!
Seriously, take a hike! You can get in touch with nature, get some great exercise, and enjoy the warm weather all in one on one of these amazing hikes in and around the city! Whether you’re looking for a little nature walk, a hike with an awesome waterfall at the end, or a difficult trek with a rewarding view, you’ll love all the amazing hikes Atlanta has to offer! See our full roundup of amazing hikes that are worth the trek here!
22. Check out Atlanta’s largest green space!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to gather for a picnic, go for a nice jog, enjoy nature, or get some sun, Westside Park is the spot for you! The largest green space in Atlanta is just a short drive from the city, and you’ll have views of a gorgeous quarry that holds 2.4 billion gallons of cool water. Get all the details about this lovely park here!
23. Go classic and get some delicious ice cream
Our summer roundup simply wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the delicious ice cream shops in the ATL! Grab yourself a scoop (or two) to beat the heat this summer in the ATL! Whether you’re keeping it classic with chocolate and vanilla or you want to try something completely new (ever heard of a lavender matcha ice cream??), there’s something for everyone on our list of the best ice cream parlors in Atlanta!