Discovering the Best of Atlanta: Your Ultimate Staycation Guide
I love a good vacation to a different state, thousands of miles away from my home. But sometimes you just need a good staycation, a getaway in your own state or even city. There’s often so much to explore close to us that we overlook! This was definitely the case for me— I live less than 30 minutes from Atlanta but have spent so little time exploring. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you need to travel far for an adventure, but sometimes the best experiences are just a short drive away.
Atlanta has a way of surprising you— even after living so close to it, there are always new corners to discover. So if you’re like me and haven’t explored your own city in a while, take a weekend to enjoy the local treasures. You might just find your next favorite spot without ever leaving home.
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Where to Stay in Atlanta
You definitely don’t have to rent an Airbnb or a hotel for a staycation. I choose to because it makes it feel just a little bit more like a getaway when you do. There’s something special about checking into a new place, even if it’s just a few miles away from home.
We knew we wanted to stay at a nice hotel in downtown Atlanta with a beautiful view of the city, without breaking the bank. After some research, we decided on The Starling. It offered the perfect balance of comfort and affordability, and we loved that it was centrally located, with plenty to do nearby.
We were greeted with champagne upon check in and then headed up to our room on the 26th floor. The weather was very overcast/foggy when we arrived but the views were still gorgeous- and honestly I was into the moody weather.
The Hotel also has a pool, spa, and restaurant/bar on site.
Tip: if you want a room with a good view make sure to request a room on a high level when booking. You might have to call ahead and ask if there’s no space for a special request on the website.
Colony Square
The Starling is conveniently connected to Colony Square, making it easy to grab dinner and drinks without leaving the area. We chose to dine at Serena Pastificio and had an incredible experience. The food was absolutely delicious! We shared two pasta dishes, and the stuffed pasta was hands-down our favorite!
If Italian isn’t what you’re craving, don’t worry, Colony Square offers plenty of other dining options. You also can’t go wrong with Rumi’s Kitchen, a popular Mediterranean restaurant.
What to Do in Atlanta
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market features dozens of restaurants and food stalls, along with over 40 shops offering everything from clothing and jewelry to home goods and unique gifts. It’s also home to a rooftop carnival-style park with mini golf, vintage arcade games, a giant slide, and a beer garden—all with sweeping views of the Atlanta skyline.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont park is the perfect place to walk around and enjoy some fresh air. They usually have something fun going on during the weekends, you can check their calendar to see what’s happening that week.
In the summer they have a four lane pool , lazy river, and a splash pad. In the winter there’s an indoor ice skating ring at Park Tavern. The park is the perfect place for a picnic in the spring or to bike around the 3 mile path.
Krog Street
Piedmont park connects to the beltline so you could easily rent an electric scooter (or walk) the belt line over to Krog Street. Krog While you’re there you can stop at Krog Street Market for lunch. Or head to Ponce City Market for good food, shopping and carnival games on the roof.
High Museum of Art
If you haven’t been before, I definitely recommend visiting. The High has over 15,000 permeant pieces and exhibits that change throughout the year.
Tourist Things
If you want to feel more like a tourist during your staycation, check out popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta, the College Football Hall of Fame, and Zoo Atlanta.
I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can, as these spots tend to be less crowded. Personally, I’d probably skip the zoo—I’ve heard it’s a bit small and underwhelming compared to others.
Atlanta Staycation
Overall, there is so much to do, see and eat in Atlanta, making it the perfect spot for a staycation. If you’ve explored Atlanta before, comment your favorite things to do below!
