Best Staycation Ideas in Atlanta

Do you have a couple of days to burn, but you’d rather not spend them on an airplane or driving for hours? Try a staycation in our fun and beautiful city. Check out our itinerary for the best weekend in Atlanta.

Day 1 Staycation in Atlanta

Explore Midtown Atlanta, a vibrant arts and culture hub where you and your kids can enjoy shows, art, and outdoor fun. Walk to Piedmont Park and play at the one-of-a-kind Noguchi Playscape, next to the park’s 12th Street gate. A giant, winding slide and other features familiarize children with shapes, colors and textures. On Saturdays during most of the year, stroll through the dozens of vendors, live music, and more at the Piedmont Park Green Market. During the summer months, take a dip at the beautiful Piedmont Park Pool. Then, walk along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail next to Piedmont Park.

Grab easy food at Flying Biscuit Café or Willy’s near the entrance closest to Naguchi Playspace at Piedmont Park. Take in a show at Alliance Theatre or Atlanta Symphony. Both venues have programs for the little ones and older kids. Enjoy an exhibit that suits your fancy at the High Museum of Art, and explore current outside exhibits for free.

Day 2 Staycation in Atlanta

After a day in Midtown, spend the following day in Downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park.  Walk to Joy Cafe for breakfast in Midtown. Then, hop on Marta at the Midtown Station to the Civic Center Station or take Marta to the Five Points Station and enjoy playground time at nearby Woodruff Park. We started at the Georgia Aquarium, a 15 minute walk from the Civic Center Station. On weekends, consider a trip to the aquarium as soon as it opens.  Next, experience the World of Coke. The 3D theater, the soda sampling, plus the free coke at the beginning was a hit with the kids.

For football lovers, the Chick-fil-A Fan College Football Hall of Fame has it all. Find your college helmet on the big wall, test your football skills, and relive those raucous moments rooting for your favorite college football team. Afterwards, bring swimsuits for the kids to play in the Centennial Olympic Park rings fountain. 

Use Transit

Something as simple as taking Marta into town can make the staycation feel like an adventure for the kids, and you’ll save on hotel parking fees –a win-win. Marta is a convenient and easy way to travel between Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. While downtown, the Atlanta Streetcar is easy and cheap. You can also venture to the Five Points Station and the East-West Marta line to explore the Westside Atlanta BeltLine Trail, Inman Park, and Decatur. 

Treat Yourself at a Luxury Hotel

The Four Seasons in Midtown Atlanta is a perfect home base for a special staycation. From the Four Seasons, walk to Piedmont Park, the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum, Alliance Theater, Atlanta Symphony, and the Center for Puppetry Arts. The Four Seasons Atlanta is off the touristy beat of Downtown Atlanta, has an indoor pool for year-round swimming, and newly renovated rooms. 

Get a CityPass

If you plan on visiting more than a couple of attractions in Atlanta, buy an Atlanta CityPASS, a packaged selection of attractions at a savings with perks to go with them. Save money and check out museums you may not go to otherwise.