What to do and see in Decatur, United States: The Best Places and Tips

February 23, 2018 Tonie Szymanski

Decatur is a city in, and the county seat of, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States and is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. With a population of 20,148 in the 2013 census, the municipality is sometimes assumed to be larger since multiple zip codes in unincorporated DeKalb County bear the Decatur name. The city is served by three MARTA rail stations. The city is located approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and shares its western border with Atlanta.
Restaurants in Decatur

1. Your Dekalb Farmers Market

3000 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030-2219 +1 404-377-6400
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 578 reviews

Your Dekalb Farmers Market

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!

2. Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker St, Atlanta, GA 30313-1809 +1 404-581-4000
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Georgia Aquarium

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. Decatur's Square

101 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030-2544 +1 404-371-8386
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

Decatur's Square

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.

4. World of Coca-Cola

121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313-1807 +1 404-676-5151
Excellent
43%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 11 reviews

World of Coca-Cola

Immerse yourself in World of Coca-Cola, the one and only place you can explore the story of the world's most popular beverage brand. It's a place where anyone can experience moments of happiness and wonder. At World of Coca-Cola, inspiration is around every corner - from the vault where we secure our secret formula, to world-class art and memorabilia to more than 100 beverages to taste from around the world. With opportunities to meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, take a VIP Guided Tour - and more - it's no wonder that the World of Coke is a must-see among the top things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviewed By Montrese W

My daughter and her friend loved it! I was surprised at all the information I was able to take away from the visit. We will probably go again on an off season day to really slow down and enjoy the day.

5. Decatur Historical Courthouse

101 E Court Sq, Decatur, GA 30030-2544 +1 404-373-1088
Excellent
60%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

Decatur Historical Courthouse

The DeKalb History Center collects, preserves and shares the history of DeKalb County, Georgia. Our Archives and Museum are located inside the historic courthouse in downtown Decatur, just a few miles from metro Atlanta. Open to the public, you can research many local history topics including genealogy and family history, cemeteries and historic homes. We also have many resources for teachers and host children’s programs throughout the year. The Courthouse is available for rent and serves as a popular event facility for facility for weddings, corporate functions and parties.

Reviewed By McFamGo - Cornelia, Georgia

The wedding I attended was coordinated perfectly within the historic courthouse. The pre-wedding cocktail hour was in the main lobby, the actual ceremony was upstairs in the courtroom, and the dinner + reception was downstairs. Each activity had a completely different feel to it, and gave the guests circulation and movement between each phase of the evening. When the bride and groom were ready for their send-off, the sweeping stairs out to the courtyard made for a perfect exit. There's a feeling of elegance and grandeur to the entire locale.

6. HomeGrown Decatur

412 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030-3333 +1 404-373-1147
Excellent
72%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

HomeGrown Decatur

Reviewed By Bijoux404 - Atlanta

Nicely run and stocked shop filled with local art and jewelry. Everything from their RLand logo and art to the funky earrings and Rep your Hood T's make great gift choices. The artist staff is knowledegable, helpful and nice.

7. Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3366 +1 404-876-5859
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Step into a world of magic and serenity at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where features like the Fuqua Orchid Center treat visitors to a rare collection of high-elevation orchids never before grown in the southeast. General Admission: $21.95 Children Admission: $15.95 (free for children 3 or younger)

Reviewed By arockefellerview - Atlanta, Georgia

Caught the last few days of the Orchids in Bloom Spring exhibit with friends & family from out of town to share one of our cultural gems, and point out the extensive collection of species being curated and cultivated under the garden canopy, easily dismissed or unnoticed. An education and visual experience for anyone who enjoys nature, woodlands or landscaping. Flowers abound each season. Trees shine with their Spring display. There are formal gardens and an indoor Conservatory. Extensive artworks are displayed outdoors seasonally and within the public spaces.
Beautiful gift shop and elegantly casual Longleaf Restaurant on site, offer excellent selections.
Located adjacent to historic Piedmont Park.

On site, Garage parking.
Handicap accessible
Family friendly

8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312-1504 +1 404-331-5190
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.

Reviewed By june252000 - Bermuda

We visited the MLK Center on the day after the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. As such there was a fresh wreath at the grave site and there existed various other memorabilia specific to that fateful day in 1968. Our 6 year old wasn’t as interested as we (her parents) were though the outdoor playground was a huge hit! I’ve heard people complain about the Center’s upkeep but I was suitably impressed by it. What I did not see and perhaps I just missed it, was an actual statue of Dr. King. I did however see a statue of Ghandi but I didn’t go there to see or learn about him, great as he was. In my humble view, the Center should focus on Dr. King alone. His story will never grow old. I almost forgot to mention that Rev Dr. Berniece King was there and she was available for a few pictures. The MLK Center is a must see while in the city.

9. Oakland Cemetery

248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312-2292 +1 404-688-2107
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Oakland Cemetery

Step back in time in Atlanta's most tangible link to the past, Oakland Cemetery. This historical park is the final resting place for many Civil War soldiers, golfing legend Bobby Jones, and "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell.

Reviewed By courtney w - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Through my travels I've learned to love local history in all of its forms, but I'm particularly drawn to the stories and beauty of cemeteries; Oakland is another favorite chapter in my travel-story and I'm so glad I stopped by during a weekend in Atlanta.

The grounds are fairly large and easily accessible; I walked from the MLK birth home, about 20 minutes, and grabbed lunch at a coffee shop / bakery across the street (a newly gentrified neighborhood--it seemed--with some fun little spots for lunch / dinner). I took the 90 minute overview tour, and my only regret is that I wasn't there for the specialty tours, too (check out the schedule online, there are some fun themes!). Hans kept a good pace on the tour, which ended around 2 hours rather than 90 minutes, and he did a nice job of mixing Atlanta history with symbolisms, stories, and personal details.

We covered a lot of ground in two hours, but of course there was so much more to see while I wandered around myself after the tour ended. Wear good walking shoes and sunscreen, and bring your camera.

Highly recommend.

10. Kudzu Antiques

2928 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030-2216 +1 404-373-6498
Excellent
48%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Kudzu Antiques

Voted 'Best of Atlanta', Kudzu's 24,000 sq.ft. offers a unique mix of new and old items, including great selections of antiques, vintage, midcentury, industrial, lighting, accessories, sofas and gifts. Not your traditional antique store! There's something for everyone, a great way to spend some time with friends. Airconditioned, clean, safe on-site parking, open every day 11-7.

Reviewed By Westgalady - Decatur, Georgia

I purchased a mid-century modern home a couple of years ago and have used Kudzu Antiques several times when looking for accessories for the house. I bought a 1951 wood storage unit in pristine condition for a great price, and have always enjoyed a stroll through the space whenever I am in the area.

If you see something you like grab it right then, as their inventory has a quick turnover.

Parking is in a private lot and they do accept credit cards.

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