Last Updated on May 16, 2026
Just 30 minutes from bustling Atlanta, Marietta is a charming city filled with history, family-friendly attractions, scenic nature trails, and a lively food scene. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for an easy day trip from Atlanta, Marietta has plenty to keep you entertained.
From strolling around the historic Marietta Square to racing go-karts and hiking through beautiful parks, here are some of the best things to do in Marietta, Georgia. Enjoy!
Table of contents
- 1. Eat your way through Marietta
- 2. Visit local markets and seasonal events
- 3. Discover local history
- 4. Hike at Kennesaw Mountain
- 5. Explore Marietta Square
- 6. Walk or bike the Mountain-to-River Trail
- 7. Explore A.L. Burruss Nature Park
- 8. Visit the Gone With the Wind Museum
- 9. Cool off at Six Flags White Water
- 10. Race at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
- Conclusion
- Save for later!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
1. Eat your way through Marietta
My favorite activity! Eating… Marietta’s food scene is surprisingly diverse. Around the square, you’ll find everything from classic Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Choose from Italian, Asian, Mexican, French, and Colombian restaurants nearby. Don’t forget to visit Marietta Diner (location) for the ultimate Marietta experience.
Foodies visiting during weekends should also check whether any food festivals or local markets are happening during their stay.
2. Visit local markets and seasonal events
One of the best ways to experience Marietta is by attending a local event or market.
Depending on the season, you might find farmers markets, holiday festivals, outdoor concerts, food truck events, or art fairs happening around Marietta Square. These events give visitors a chance to experience the city’s friendly community atmosphere and support local businesses.
If you’re visiting during Christmas, the square becomes especially magical with lights, decorations, and festive activities.
3. Discover local history
History enthusiasts will love exploring the Marietta Museum of History (location). Located near the square, the museum showcases exhibits about Marietta’s past, local industries, military history, and notable residents.
4. Hike at Kennesaw Mountain
Outdoor lovers should definitely spend some time at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (location). The park offers hiking trails with beautiful views over the surrounding area. The mountain trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Besides nature, the area is also historically significant because of the Civil War battles fought here.
5. Explore Marietta Square
The heart of Marietta is the lively and historic Marietta Square (location). Surrounded by charming buildings, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, it’s the perfect place to begin exploring the city.
I recommend to spend time browsing local stores, relaxing by the fountain, and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the year, the square also hosts concerts, art festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events.
6. Walk or bike the Mountain-to-River Trail
The Mountain-to-River Trail connects several parts of Marietta and is perfect for walking, running, or biking. The paved trail passes parks, neighborhoods, and scenic green spaces, offering a relaxing way to explore the city while staying active. It’s especially beautiful during spring and fall when temperatures are mild.
Tip: make sure to bring some water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes if you plan to spend a few hours outdoors.
7. Explore A.L. Burruss Nature Park
Looking for a quieter outdoor experience? Visit A.L. Burruss Nature Park (location). The park features wooded trails ideal for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger parks nearby and offers a peaceful escape into nature.
Travel insurance
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8. Visit the Gone With the Wind Museum
Movie lovers shouldn’t miss the Gone With the Wind Museum (location). The museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia from the iconic film, including costumes, props, artwork, and rare collectibles.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the movie, it’s an interesting stop that offers a glimpse into Hollywood history and the cultural impact of the classic film.
9. Cool off at Six Flags White Water
Georgia summers can get hot, which makes Six Flags White Water the perfect place to cool down. The park features thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger kids. Whether you love adrenaline-filled rides or simply floating in the water, it’s a fun day out for the whole family. Check the official Six Flags White Water website for more information.
After a long day of fun, you’ll look forward to sinking into a comfortable bed. Before you make hotel reservations, remember that it’s important to choose the right hotel in a convenient area for you. You’ll find a nice selection of hotels near these top two Marietta attractions.
10. Race at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Families who are ready for fun can also spend the day at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Because there are three different tracks that cater to age and skill level, no one will feel left out. After racing, there’s a lot more fun waiting for your family. The venue offers laser tag, bowling, video games, and a full restaurant and bar.
Conclusion
Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, shopping, or family fun, I think Marietta has something for everyone. Its location near Atlanta also makes it an easy day trip or weekend getaway while exploring Georgia. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Save for later!
Planning a trip to Marietta? Save this guide to Pinterest so you can easily find these fun activities, restaurants, and travel tips later when planning your Georgia adventure!
Responses
This seems like such a fun place that has something for everyone. I am sure my little girl would love it here when she is a little bit older. Especially the go-karting. Thanks for the tips!
Love thrill rides, so the options in Marietta sound tempting – Typhoon Twister and Gulf Coast Screamer. When you say there is a battlefield park and battlefield grounds, which battle are we talking about and between who? Would be cool to explore the history!
So many fun things to do in Georgia! I need to revisit. I would love to go bike riding on the family-friendly trails. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a bike ride with beautiful scenery. I’ll make sure to bring my helmet 🙂
Hopefully you can revisit soon! Enjoy!