Looking for a getaway but don’t want the hassle of traveling? An Atlanta staycation is the perfect answer. Whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, arts and culture, or a sports-centric escape, you’ll find a vibrant mix of activities for every kind of explorer – right here in the city!
At Unexpected Atlanta, we pride ourselves on curating unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of the city. From history-packed tours to immersive food walks, we’re here to help you rediscover Atlanta in ways you’ve never imagined.
In this post, you’ll find weekend itineraries for every interest. Choose the one that excites you most – or mix and match to create your very own dream Atlanta staycation!
Your Dream Atlanta Staycation Starts Here!
Romantic Staycation: Atlanta Itinerary
Reignite the spark with a weekend of indulgence and intimacy. Atlanta’s romantic side offers everything from scenic strolls to candlelit dinners.
Pro tip: Planning a romantic Atlanta trip for Valentine’s Day? Check out our guide to the best Valentine’s activities in Atlanta!
Friday Evening
Check In:
For a luxurious weekend, book a suite at the Waldorf Astori Atlanta Buckhead. This spot is known for its serene ambiance, picturesque English gardens, and luxurious spa. Your stay includes a personal concierge to make sure everything is just right!
Settle In:
Book a relaxing couples massage at the Waldorf Astoria spa to unwind and set the tone for the weekend.
Dinner:
Head to Aria in Buckhead to enjoy fine dining just a mile from your hotel. This cozy yet upscale restaurant was recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as one of the best wine restaurants in America! Their seasonal menu rotates nightly; reservations are encouraged.
Saturday
Morning:
Indulge in breakfast in bed with room service. Or, head to a nearby brunch restaurant. Local favorites include Buttermilk Kitchen (get the pancakes!) and South City Kitchen Buckhead.
Lunch & Afternoon:
Venture to Midtown to walk hand-in-hand along the scenic trails of Lake Clara Meer (pictured above) at Piedmont Park. Bring takeout from Alon’s Bakery & Market and a blanket to create a romantic lakeside picnic.
Or, get tickets to explore the nearby Atlanta Botanical Garden. Here, pathways wind through lush greenery, seasonal blooms, and whimsical installations. The garden’s on-site Longleaf Restaurant offers a beautiful backdrop for elevated bites. You can also enjoy casual foods at the Longleaf Grab ‘n’ Go Café or the outdoor Snack Bar.
Evening:
Cap off your day with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Atlanta! The Prohibition Progressive Dinner is your all-inclusive ticket to the ultimate Atlanta foodie date. Get a peek at the real Coca-Cola vault, see stunning skyline views from a rotating rooftop, and try 9 hearty tastings and 4 full-size cocktails from some of the city’s best chefs. It’s a 3-hour romantic gourmet experience you’ll never forget! 
“This tour was so much fun and incredibly informative. Jen H was a wonderful tour guide…The restaurants that were chosen were amazing and the food and drink were incredible! This was am amazing experience and to end up at the Polaris Restaurant at the top of the Hyatt Regency was the absolute best! We would definitely recommend this unique and incredibly fun tour, or should I say adventure? Yes!!”
– Wanda H., TripAdvisor Review, November 2024
Sunday
Brunch:
Step into a whimsical escape at The Garden Room! This dreamy, on-trend Buckhead spot is dripping with flowers, romantic décor, and TikTok-worthy backdrops. Or, put your phones away and enjoy the ambiance.
Afternoon:
Stroll through 30+ acres of gardens, plus thought-provoking exhibits at the Atlanta History Center. Together, you’ll enjoy a meaningful afternoon that’s sure to spark conversation and connection. After your museum visit, head home reconnected and recharged, ready for the week ahead!
An Adventure-Filled ATL Weekend
For adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to feed your adventurous spirit!
Friday Evening
Check In:
Start your staycation at the fun and funky Hotel Clermont in Atlanta’s intown Poncey-Highlands neighborhood. Set atop the city’s oldest adult entertainment lounge, this chic hotel is filled with fun surprises that ooze character and excitement.
Settle In:
Once you check in, head to the Hotel Clermont rooftop for stunning views of the city. As a bonus, the rooftop is heated and tented for comfort during winter! You can also stroll down Ponce de Leon Ave (locals just call it “Ponce,” with one syllable) to browse local shops. You can also catch a movie at the nearby Plaza Theatre, Atlanta’s oldest operating independent cinema!
Dinner:
Feeling elegant? Try dinner at the hotel’s on-site Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, Tiny Lou’s! Or, go casual and grab a slice from Fellini’s Pizza a few doors down.
Saturday
Morning & Lunch:
Grab a light breakfast at Java Jive on Ponce, across the street from your hotel. Heads up: this retro-style diner is cash only. Don’t fill up! That’s because you’ll eat your fill on the Grant Park Food and Cemetery Tour with Unexpected Atlanta! Watch the short video below to learn more about this top-rated Atlanta experience.
Book your tickets ahead for the Grant Park Food Tour! This late-morning experience combines outdoor walking, culinary adventure, and fascinating history with a focus on what makes our city so special. Along the way, try 8 classic and modern Southern food tastings from 3 favorite local restaurants: Six Feet Under, Firepit Pizza Tavern, and The Little Tart Bakeshop. Plus, stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery to learn about the changemakers who shaped Atlanta into the destination it is today.
Afternoon:
Rest, relax, and explore shops and restaurants at Ponce City Market. Or, continue your thrills with a zip-lining experience at Treetop Quest Dunwoody, where obstacle courses and ziplines weave through lush tree canopies. For another adventurous option, head to Central Rock Gym (previously Stone Summit) for a heart-pumping bouldering or rock climbing session! Central Rock Gym has locations in Midtown (the closest to Hotel Clermont) as well as Doraville and Kennesaw.
Evening:
Keep the excitement going with dinner at Gunshow, a high-energy dining experience from acclaimed Atlanta chef Kevin Gillespie. Here, chefs present their dishes directly to your table. Choose to order it on-the-spot, or pass!
At Gunshow, you truly do get a show as bartenders prepare your cocktails on a rolling tableside cart while chatting about your drink and food choices. Additionally, the minimal kitchen walls mean that you can watch many dishes being prepared from your table.
Sunday
Morning:
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboardand explore the Chattahoochee River. Here, you can soak in peaceful yet exhilarating views as you glide along the river’s currents surrounded by lush scenery, walking trails, and the occasional wildlife sighting.
Lunch:
Dry off (if needed!) and head to Chattahoochee Food Works for lunch. Here, you’ll find a vibrant food hall atmosphere with dishes from around the world – perfect for different palates, or those who want to try it all!
Other favorite spots in the area: Nuevo Laredo Cantina and Heirloom Market BBQ. Order your favorite meal and beverage, and toast to a weekend filled with fun, adventure, and new memories!
Arts and Culture Atlanta Itinerary
Calling all creatives and culture seekers! Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene is a feast for the senses, with museums, galleries, and performances to inspire every artistic soul.
Friday Evening
Check In:
Check into the Canopy by Atlanta Midtown hotel for modern amenities nestled in the middle of Atlanta’s Midtown arts district. Step outside your hotel and take a short walk to some of the city’s premiere museums and cultural attractions!
Dinner & Arts-Infused Night Out:
Begin your arts-themed staycation with dinner at Lazy Betty. This spot prides itself on an “unhurried” approach, taking time to infuse creativity into each dish. Their upscale tasting menu is designed to delight, and a vegetarian menu helps everyone partake!
After dinner, experience a world-class art collection at the High Museum of Art, pictured above. The High stays open late on the first and third Thursday of the month for special events that include guided tours, popular DJs, and more. Preregistration required!
Saturday
Morning & Lunch:
After breakfast at Flying Biscuit Midtown, choose your own museum adventure! Atlanta is home to countless cultural gems that make our city special. Explore one spot, or museum-hop to different destinations! In addition to the High Museum, popular museums in and around Midtown Atlanta include:
- SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film: This SCAD University museum celebrates all things fashion and film with stunning exhibitions and special events.
- The Millennium Gate Museum: With a focus on Georgia history, art, culture, and philanthropic heritage, this museum takes the form of a large, Classical-style arch in the heart of Midtown.
- Museum of Design Atlanta: From typography to pasta shapes, video games, and more – design is a critical component of our daily lives. Explore how design affects and improves our realities at this unique Midtown museum.
- Center for Puppetry Arts: Steps from your hotel, this spot delights all those who are young at heart. Head here to see their world-renowned collection featuring favorites from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Labyrinth, and more, alongside global puppets. Plus, catch a puppet show or a workshop!
- Atlanta Contemporary Art Center: Free to enter, ACAC is a vibrant and accessible space to see modern art exhibitions.
After your museum morning, refuel with a trip to Fox Bros. BBQ or Fat Matt’s, both local favorites, for a hearty helping of Atlanta BBQ!
Afternoon:
Become immersed in Atlanta’s bold street art with the Cabbagetown & Beltline Street Art Tour! Led by an expert local guide, this walking tour gives you fascinating insights into the stories, artists, and impact behind the city’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path works. Perfect for art lovers and curious adventurers alike, it’s a creative way to connect with Atlanta’s thriving arts community. Explore the Krog Street Tunnel (learn more in the short video above) and even design your own street art – beginners welcome!
Evening:
Catch a show at the Alliance Theatre, which stages everything from thought-provoking plays to lively musicals. Or, dress up for a live performance at the iconic Fox Theatre, an architectural masterpiece that makes any date night unforgettable. Both spots have plenty of restaurants nearby to grab dinner before or after your show.
Sunday
Morning:
Fuel up at one of Midtown’s popular brunch spots. Head to South City Kitchen Midtown for elevated Southern favorites alongside brunch cocktails and dessert (peach hand pie, anyone?). Or, opt for baked goods and treats at Sweet Hut Bakery & Café. Grab a donut, sweet bun, tart, coffee drink, boba, and more at this bustling spot!
Afternoon:
After soaking up Atlanta’s arts and culture, delve into our city’s history with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour. Named by Conde Nast as one of the best things to do in Atlanta, it’s a must for all locals and tourists! Watch the short video below and read on to learn more.
Follow in the footsteps of Dr. King and uncover inspiring stories behind the Civil Rights Movement. Along the way, you’ll visit Freedom Hall at the King Center, see Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (interior when open), Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and other historic sites. Close out your weekend with an unforgettable experience that will spark conversations and memories for years to come.
Sports Lovers’ Atlanta Staycation
For fans of the game, Atlanta’s sports scene offers nonstop excitement, with options to play, watch, and celebrate the city’s love of competition.
Friday Evening
Check In:
Stay at the Omni Atlanta Centennial Park, perfectly located for a Downtown Atlanta sports-centric weekend. You’ll also be just steps away from Atlanta’s top attractions, MARTA public transit, and the Atlanta streetcar!
Afternoon & Evening:
In the afternoon, explore interactive exhibits at the College Football Hall of Fame nearby! Here, you can relive iconic moments and test your skills at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Skills Zone. For the ultimate fan experience, book a VIP guided tour!
Saturday
Morning:
Champions know how to fuel up on game day! Start your morning with a mouthwatering experience: the Atlanta Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class. In just two hours, you’ll try 9 delicious tastings from 5 vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market: the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. This indoor experience includes a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to perfect your own fluffy Southern biscuits! Taste your creations alongside local jam and new friends. Watch the short video below to take a peek and learn more!
Afternoon:
After you eat your way through the food market, head out for the big game! Depending on the season, Atlanta offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping match-ups.
On home-game Saturdays and Sundays, cheer the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Cobb County – or venture to Duluth to watch the Atlanta Gladiators play hockey at Gas South Arena! You can also root for the Atlanta Dream (women’s basketball) at Gateway Center Arena in College Park and the Atlanta Hawks (men’s basketball) at State Farm Arena, Downtown.
Fans of collegiate sports can browse a lineup of major Atlanta college games from the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Evening:
After a Braves game, wind down at The Battery Atlanta, an entertainment district with dining, shopping, residences, and post-game celebrations. Or, head back to Downtown Atlanta for more fun nearby your hotel. Find ideas with our guide to the best things to do in Downtown Atlanta! A few favorites: see a concert at The Tabernacle, get some local BBQ at Daddy D’z, or try Soul food with a history at Paschal’s.
Sunday
Morning:
Gear up for game day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium! Whether you’re hoping the Atlanta Falcons score a touchdown or you’re a soccer fan headed to see Atlanta United FC, there’s no better way to see a game than with thousands of local fans united in team spirit!
Afternoon:
Finish your weekend with a celebratory meal at Slutty Vegan, a local favorite for athletes and fans alike. This plant-based spot is anything but boring, serving up burgers and fries designed to delight even carnivores!
Or, go for a classic Atlanta sports experience with a meal at The Varsity. Don’t forget to order a Frosted Orange!
