Guide to Metro Atlanta & North Georgia

Top Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia

From skyline views and world-class museums to tree-lined trails and lake days, the Atlanta area offers something for every mood. Whether you’re exploring Midtown, catching a show downtown, or heading north toward the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s always somewhere new to discover.

Convenient to it all, Cresswind at Spring Haven in Newnan and Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes in Hoschton offer active adult living with easy access to Metro Atlanta’s favorite destinations.

City Parks & Skyline Views

Explore Midtown, Piedmont Park & the Atlanta BeltLine

Midtown is Atlanta’s “in-the-city” backyard, filled with green space, skyline views, and easy ways to spend a full afternoon on foot or by bike.

• Piedmont Park – A 200+-acre urban park with walking paths, dog parks, open lawns, and skyline vistas, often hosting markets and seasonal events.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – An urban oasis next to Piedmont Park, known for seasonal displays, special exhibitions, and its canopy walk through the treetops.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – A multi-use trail connecting parks, murals, and neighborhoods, perfect for biking or strolling between coffee shops and restaurants.
• Ponce City Market – A historic warehouse turned food hall, retail, and rooftop destination, easily accessed from the BeltLine.

Museums, History & Performance

Arts & Culture Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s art and history scene ranges from contemporary galleries to powerful civil rights exhibits and historic homes.

• High Museum of Art – The Southeast’s leading art museum, featuring a permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions and special programs.
• Atlanta History Center – A 33-acre campus with exhibitions, historic homes, and gardens that tell the story of Atlanta and the region.
• Fox Theatre – A beloved historic theatre hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events in an ornate, movie-palace setting.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – An immersive museum connecting the American Civil Rights Movement with ongoing global human rights stories.

Family Favorites & Must-See Stops

Aquarium, Zoos & Interactive Museums

Downtown Atlanta is home to some of the region’s most popular attractions, ideal for visiting family, grandkids, or day trips with friends.

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring whale sharks, manta rays, interactive galleries, and special events.
• World of Coca-Cola – A playful museum exploring the history of Coca-Cola, with exhibits, memorabilia, and global beverage samples.
• Zoo Atlanta – A long-time favorite with gorillas, elephants, reptiles, and special conservation-focused experiences.
• Fernbank Museum – Natural history exhibits, giant dinosaurs, and forest trails that make science feel hands-on and fun.

Mountains, Water & Trails

Outdoor Adventures Near Atlanta

Within an easy drive of the city, you’ll find lake views, forest hikes, and scenic overlooks that showcase North Georgia’s natural beauty.

• Stone Mountain Park – A 3,200-acre park with walking trails, seasonal events, and wide-open views from the mountaintop.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Protected riverfront areas with trails, picnic spots, and opportunities for paddling and fishing along the “Hooch.”
• Lake Lanier – One of the Southeast’s most popular lakes, ideal for boating, fishing, lakeside dining, and summer beach days.
• Lanier Islands & Margaritaville – A resort area offering marinas, a waterpark, golf, trails, and seasonal events right on the lake.

Food Halls, Markets & Game Day Fun

Dining, Neighborhoods & Local Flavor

Atlanta’s neighborhoods are full of local restaurants, breweries, and gathering places. Many are walkable districts that are easy to pair with a show or a game.

• The Krog District – A walkable area along the BeltLine with Krog Street Market’s food hall, local shops, and nearby murals.
• Krog Street Market – A historic warehouse turned culinary hub with food stalls, craft drinks, and casual seating.
• The Battery Atlanta – Dining, shopping, and entertainment surrounding Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
• Buford Highway – A stretch of metro Atlanta known for its incredible diversity of global cuisine, from dumplings and tacos to bakeries and bistros.

North of Atlanta

Close-to-Home Favorites Near Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes

Living at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes in Hoschton puts you near Braselton, Lake Lanier, and charming small-town streets, all within reach of Atlanta’s big-city amenities.

• Château Élan Winery & Resort – A nearby destination for wine tastings, spa days, golf, and special events in a beautiful vineyard setting.
• Historic Downtown Braselton – Walkable streets, boutiques, local restaurants, and seasonal festivals in the foothills of North Georgia.
• Lake Lanier – Go boating, fishing, or simply enjoy dinner with a waterfront view just a short drive from Twin Lakes.
• Local Parks & Trails – Enjoy neighborhood paths, nearby parks, and scenic drives through rolling countryside.

South of Atlanta

Close-to-Home Favorites Near Cresswind at Spring Haven

At Cresswind at Spring Haven in Newnan, you’re close to historic streets, shopping, and riverfront trails, all about a 40–50 minute drive from downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic.

• Downtown Newnan – Beautiful historic architecture, local shops, and regular community events around the town square.
• Ashley Park – An open-air shopping and dining destination with restaurants, retail, and year-round happenings.
• Chattahoochee Bend State Park – One of Georgia’s largest state parks, with hiking trails, river views, and picnic spots just west of Newnan.
• Local Parks & Trails – Explore nearby greenways, neighborhood parks, and scenic backroads throughout Coweta County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta, GA

What is Atlanta known for?

Atlanta is known for its skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, leading cultural institutions, and important role in civil rights history. Visitors and residents enjoy destinations like the High Museum of Art, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta BeltLine, and lively food halls and markets throughout the city.

How far are Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes and Cresswind at Spring Haven from downtown Atlanta?

Drive times vary with traffic, but Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes in Hoschton and Cresswind at Spring Haven in Newnan are each generally within about 40–60 minutes of downtown Atlanta. That makes it easy to plan day trips for museums, shows, and ballgames while enjoying a quieter home base outside the city core.

What are the best outdoor activities near Atlanta?

Popular options include strolling Piedmont Park, biking or walking the Atlanta BeltLine, hiking at Stone Mountain Park, exploring the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and enjoying boating, fishing, and lakeside dining at Lake Lanier. North and South of the city, state parks and local trails add even more ways to get outside.

Is Atlanta a good place for arts and culture?

Yes. Atlanta is home to the High Museum of Art, Atlanta History Center, Fox Theatre, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, along with numerous galleries, theaters, live-music venues, and festivals. From visual arts to performance and historic exhibits, there’s always something new on the cultural calendar.

What are some popular things to do near Braselton and Newnan?

Near Braselton and Hoschton, residents enjoy Château Élan Winery & Resort, Lake Lanier, and events in Historic Downtown Braselton. Around Newnan, favorites include strolling Downtown Newnan’s historic square, shopping and dining at Ashley Park, and hiking or picnicking at Chattahoochee Bend State Park.