Location: Clarkston
Top Things to do in Clarkston
The 10 Best Things to Do in Clarkston, United States
Clarkston is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 7,554 as of the 2010 census. The city is home to a campus of Georgia State University's Perimeter College.
Restaurants in Clarkston
1. Stone Mountain Carving
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 923 reviews
A huge carving of three Confederate heroes, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, on the face of the mountain.
Reviewed By Ayla M - Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
This is an amazing mural. This was a treat on our trip. If you are a history buff it’s a must see. Love it!!
2. Georgia Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Georgia Aquarium is the world's most magical aquarium. Situated near Centennial Olympic Park and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta,Georgia, Georgia Aquarium offers its guests an experience like no other. Across six separate galleries, with more than 70 amazing habitats, 10 million gallons of water and thousands of species of marine animals, guests will marvel at, learn about and come to better understand such majestic aquatic animals as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins and thousands of species of exotic fish and other animals. The spectacular AT&T Dolphin Tales show combines incredible natural animal behaviors with dynamic theatrics, a Broadway-inspired musical score and a compelling story, which together underscore the connection between humans and the animal world. The animated "Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow," for all ages, tells an entertaining but important story about conserving and protecting animals and their natural environment. Cafe Aquaria offers delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta and delectable desserts. Two gift shops give visitors the chance to take home a treasured collectible. Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Guests can even swim or dive with whale sharks and manta rays in the world's largest aquarium habitat (at 6.3 Million gallons), Ocean Voyager built by the Home Depot. And an onsite parking deck immediately adjacent to the aquarium means quick, easy-to-find and affordable parking.
Reviewed By Fran1336 - Pascagoula, Mississippi
We went during spring break week, so it might not always be like this. But the place was so crowded we didn't really get to enjoy any of the exhibits for being jostled along. I had always heard it was a fabulous aquarium, but I will never visit it again, nor do I recommend anyone try during a typically "busy" week. I bought tickets in advance, because I had heard the number of attendees was regulated. That number should be lowered. I had driven 5 hours with my grandchildren for this attraction and we left after an hour because it was PURE chaos.
3. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Open to one and all, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated in August of 2007 after only 17 months of construction time utilizing 1.3 Million volunteer hours. The Mandir is comprised of 3 types of stone (Turkish Limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone). More than 34,000 individual pieces were carved by hand in India, shipped to the USA and assembled in Lilburn like a giant 3-D puzzle.
Reviewed By Nicki K - Atlanta, Georgia
I recently got to visit the gorgeous, elegant Hindu temple again. It's that wonderful not to show visitors, especially those into Bollywood. We wanted to wear sarees, start striking a pose, and take pictures.
I've been going since it first opened in 2007. I got to see just land in Lilburn behind Walgreens, across the street from Publix turn it into one of the most gorgeous temples ever. Many volunteers made this possible.
A lot of people do not realize that you do *not* have to be Indian or even Hindu to enter. Just visit, with an open heart and mind. Yes, it's gated but the guard will just ask for your name and let you through. Simple as that. You would think something so gorgeous, you would have to pay a fee. Every now and then, when the temple host a 5k, they will ask for a donation but you don't have to give but I donate during that time.
Another thing, during Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights), usually in late October to early November, there's a huge Diwali festival with fireworks. It's jam packed with police officers directing traffic. Many visitors will park as far as Bryson Park to catch the charter bus to attend this festival. If you haven't passed the temple at night, you will miss all the different colors that flashes, you'll see the temple turn red to blue to purple to yellow, you name it. Just so gorgeous. Makes me want a DSLR just to capture these moments. My regular digi and phone don't do justice.
You can go inside the Mandir! Yes, there's more to the exterior beauty, you see the inner beauty. Before going in, you must take off your shoes. There are slotted shelves for you to store away your shoes. There's even a sink to wash your hands. In the summertime, if you're dress in skimpy outfits (really short shorts, cleavage, lots of skin), you will be asked to cover up. No worries, a blanket or cloth will be provided. Yes, I was one of those :/
Do visit when sacred shrines are open! You get to see what really goes on, When you don't, the shrines are closed and locked. You won't see the prayers, especially with some of the men doing a certain prayer bow (looks almost like a form of exercise). There are donation boxes at each of the shrines if you want to donate. I've donated a few times to Rama & Shiva (popular & famous couple of Hinduism), Ganesh (elephant god), & Hanuman (monkey god), only cause I've seen them in Bollywood movies. Don't judge.
The only downfall is that you cannot take pictures inside the temple. There is a point where you cannot step beyond to take pictures too. Even though I sadly wish I could, I respect and understand.
There's a gift shop where you can visit. Indian snacks are also available for sale. If you are really hungry, go across the temple, still in the gated area, to Baps Shayona to grab some appetizers. I love their samosas and pistachio ice cream.
Another tidbit I learn about the temple is that it's Gujarati. If you're not into the Indian culture like I am, it probably doesn't mean anything to you but to me, it did. There are also classes to learn how to speak and write Gujarati.
Yeh Mere India. I love this place. I feel so serene when I come here and always take visitors and never have anyone been disappointed.
BTW, it's FREE. No admission prices. If you would like, you can donate inside the temple.
4. Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Reviewed By Brittany D
They don't always have a consistent inventory, but it's worth getting the bulk of your meats and produce here. Love how most of their foods are natural or organic and all the produce says exactly where it's imported from. To me it's important to know where your food comes from and this market is very transparent. They have a large fish and meat section with their poultry being all natural. Their high turn over of products due to the constant masses of people shopping their keeps things coming in fresh. Well worth checking it out!
5. Buford Highway Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By Mike_W_Stock - Atlanta
Walk down any isle and be amazed. An enormous meat department with cuts that you don't see in regular stores, I thing wholesale purchasing is available. A great Eastern European section and a cheese are almost as large as Dekalb Farmers Market. And (the best) you can have a meal there, try any of the steam-table dishes from a variety of cuisines and a good price. We go often and leave with a full grocery basket.
6. Room Escape Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Room Escape Atlanta is a leading provider of interactive reality escape productions. Participants must use their wit, sleuthing skills, team work and sheer determination to find clues, solve puzzles and unlock the ultimate door which will unleash them to freedom all within 60 minutes.
Reviewed By Jpazdzior - West Yellowstone, Montana
Had an early release day from school and brought my middle school Girl Scout troop down for the Zombie Room Escape. It was the ONLY thing that they had all agreed they really wanted to do. As leaders we were hesitant because it was an hour drive and fairly expensive for a GS activity ($28) but so glad we did it. We had 12 girls who wanted to go and needed 2 adults in the room as well, so we broke them into 2 groups of 6 girls + 2 adults. Glad we didn't have 12 people in the room or someone would have been crushed. By the last 5-10 minutes the zombie can reach the whole room so you have to run around the whole time (and scream if you are a 12 yr old girl) so it was crazy!
The clues were hard and we needed lots of hints, so its very hard to get out in the hour with the added pressure of the zombie. But its not dark or really even scary, but somehow everyone gets caught up in the fear of getting out if the zombie touches you and your adrenaline is sky high.
The zombie and lab assistant were terrific and very accommodating of our group. Even let us meet together in the lobby to share cupcakes with the second group before they went in.
I would not have felt comfortable leaving there in the dark with young girls, but the 4:00 or 5:45 times were great. I'm sure the girls won't forget it!
7. Avondale Towne Cinema
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Want to take a trip back into the 50's-70's when everything was carefree, groovy, and peaceful? Come take a visit to our lounge- you'll feel right at home with a full bar and events held Monday through Saturday.
Reviewed By Shannon E - Atlanta, Georgia
My kiddo's elementary school has their Battle of the Bands fundraiser here every year. Great little venue, lots of character. The only downside is the lack of parking.
8. Decatur's Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By Linda T - Atlanta, GA
Decatur Square is not, in itself, a destination, but a good central location to enjoy music from the nearby gazebo, gain access to the Marta train, and stroll to the many local restaurants and pubs. Eddie's Attic, a local sports and acoustic music venue, is a local favorite-- reserve a table early! It's an open air plaza where people occasionally get warmed up by the music and spontaneously dance. Pedestrian friendly and stress-free.
9. Stone Mountain Park SkyLift Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Hspringer1
My family really enjoyed the skylift! They loved getting to walk out and enjoy the view from so high up. Their are snacks and a gift shop at the top too!
10. Stone Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most visited attraction, drawing nearly 4 million guests each year. With over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the Park is a unique and fun destination where families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. It's home to the worlds largest LaserShow Spectacular, tons of attractions, two championship golf courses, a campground and two Mariott hotels.
Reviewed By Hurricanesclan - Selma, North Carolina
We enjoyed it. It was a very clean park with enough activities to keep the kids busy all day. Food inside was expensive so you may want to pack your own.
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