5 Fun Outdoor Activities in Atlanta
As we all know, Atlanta is a city buzzing with entertainment offerings both night and day for you to get stuck into. The Big Peach also offers some really fun outdoor activities within the city itself including some settings that feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of urban life. From fishing to walking trails to driving fast cars, there’s something for everyone as we explore five fun outdoor activities in Atlanta.
Fish In Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park may sit in a huge urban center but you can forget that for a while if you head to one of the three main Lake Clara Meer fishing spots. Fishing is a great way to relax and forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life. There are three fishing piers: a dock, bridge, and gazebo, which visitors have permission to fish in. The Department of Natural Resources regularly restocks the lake with large-mouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, but be aware a valid State of Georgia fishing license is needed to fish in Piedmont Park.
Walk the South Peachtree Creek Trail
This 3.3-mile trail takes you through cultivated forests via wooden boardwalks and bridges, past lakes, creeks, and wetlands. It can be walked or cycled and is a lovely way to connect with nature without having to leave the city limits. In summer the trees are dense enough to provide shelter from the sun throughout much of the trail while in winter they are bare enough that you can appreciate the vistas of the wetlands that surround it. Just be careful on the boardwalks when wet as they tend to get a bit slippery. Fauna on the trail includes non-venomous snakes and stunning great blue herons, keep an eye out for various other critters and creatures too.
Hike the Doll’s Head Trail
This is somewhat of a hidden gem in Atlanta, nestled in the foliage of Constitution Lakes Park are many different doll’s heads and your task is to find them. This part of the trail is the brainchild of a local carpenter called Joel Slaton who envisaged that an art project should be created on the redeveloped site in 2003 made up of discarded trash including dolls parts. People were then encouraged to add to the collection and the site has grown from there. On the full hike of the park, you will find flora and fauna that isn’t typically seen in a city such as Atlanta especially in the marshes and wetlands.
Test Drive at the Porsche HQ, Atlanta
If you want something different from park walks and trails then this thrilling fast car experience in Atlanta may just be the ticket for you. The center is open all year round and offers visitors a chance of an adrenaline rush they won’t forget anytime soon. The Porsche driving experiences include a personalized driving coach who will offer you in-depth instruction as you take on Porsche’s specially designed track. The price of your 90-minute driving experience will depend on the type of Porsche you choose: the famous 911 series proving the most expensive option at $975, but at almost a third of that price you can still get your blood pumping with an exhilarating drive in a 718 Boxster. Be advised this experience is only available to driving license holders over the age of 21. However, there are options at the center for younger ones too including demonstration laps (12 years old+) and driving simulators (There is not an age limit, however, there is a minimum height requirement of 5:0″ /152.4cm)
Explore Cabbagetown Street Art
If you appreciate painted murals in an authentic urban landscape setting then a walk around Cabbagetown is an absolute must. The Atlanta street art scene has become one of the most creative and colorful in the country in recent years with Cabbagetown the standout for many. Located on the east side of the city, it is a place often cited in film, literature, and song as well as being on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the murals here really capture the life and culture of the city. Be sure to reach Krog Tunnel, the graffiti mecca of Cabbagetown with a huge array of messages in both word and picture. You can even add your own ideas to the mix, it is totally legal to paint, just be respectful to the works of others!
Check local listings for live street art shows and festivals in the area. If you enjoy your visit there then there are other popular street art locations dotted around Atlanta for you to explore