Top 15 Must-See Attractions in East Point, GA

East Point, Georgia, is a suburban city situated southwest of Atlanta, less than 7.5 miles away.

Founded by several families near a railway terminus in 1870, the city experienced rapid growth.

The railway and favorable climate made it a sought-after summer retreat for residents of downtown Atlanta, despite its proximity.

The railway remains in operation, surrounded by a host of historical attractions that position East Point as an excellent destination for visitors, as well as a suitable base for exploring Atlanta.

Here are the top attractions in and around East Point, Georgia.

1. East Point Historic Civic Block

The Historic Civic Block of East Point comprises three significant historical buildings alongside Victory Park.

This park is complemented by City Hall, the City Auditorium, and the New Deal Library, all dating from the 1920s and 1930s.

City Hall and the City Auditorium exhibit a blend of Colonial Revival and traditional southern antebellum architecture.

Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s initiatives to alleviate the economic struggles of the Great Depression, the New Deal Library features distinctive regional detailing.

Victory Park serves as a memorial for those who perished while serving in the military, incorporating historical weaponry within the memorials and landscaping.

2. The Delowe Loft

While its exterior may appear unassuming, The Loft serves as an art gallery and a vibrant community space for various art initiatives.

Throughout the year, it features ‘traditional’ art exhibitions by both local and emerging artists from the broader Atlanta metropolitan area.

Moreover, it hosts a variety of classes and regular evening events, ranging from painting sessions to rap battles.

The Loft provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in art and culture, as well as for those wishing to engage with local East Point residents.

3. Delta Flight Museum

The Delta Flight Museum showcases the history of Delta Airlines, headquartered in nearby Atlanta.

Exhibits feature posters, photographs, and artifacts from over 40 airlines that are historically connected to Delta.

Large artifacts include one of the airline’s earliest aircraft, a Travel Air 6000 from 1931, a silver DC-3 propeller aircraft, and the company’s inaugural Boeing 767.

Known as The Spirit of Delta, this aircraft was repurchased for the airline through contributions from former employees.

The museum is situated in two hangars from the 1940s, located at the northern edge of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, approximately ten minutes from downtown East Point.

4. Constitution Lakes

Located a few miles east of East Point, Constitution Lakes was previously a clay quarry for the brick-making industry for several years.

Now transformed into a nature preserve, its flooded pits have attracted various plant and animal species, including birds and fish.

This area serves as an excellent venue for birdwatchers looking to identify multiple native bird species of Georgia and is also a popular fishing location.

The 50-hectare site features a paved walkway connecting the parking area to the lakeshore, along with a boardwalk allowing visitors to explore one bank of the lakes.

5. Starlight Drive-In Theatre and Flea Market

A short distance from Constitution Lakes lies the Starlight Drive-In Theatre and Flea Market.

This drive-in cinema maintains its original art deco design and features four screens with modern digital projection capabilities.

Visitors can enjoy a double feature; however, it is important to arrive in your own vehicle.

The Starlight also has a traditional snack bar offering classic American fare, including hot dogs, and hosts a flea market on the same premises.

The market offers a varied selection of household goods and unique finds, in addition to a wide array of food stalls.

6. East Point Farmers Market

While the Starlight’s flea market may host a selection of food vendors, it cannot rival the wide variety of produce available directly from growers at the East Point Farmers Market.

Although the vegetables may not attract those on a brief visit, many find the colorful stalls and the friendly atmosphere irresistible.

Famous Georgia peaches and a myriad of other fruits are abundant during their respective seasons, with additional stalls offering freshly baked goods, jellies, and jams.

Moreover, the market frequently features chef demonstrations and engaging activities for children.

7. Zoo Atlanta

Due to East Point’s close proximity to Atlanta, it would be remiss not to explore this larger neighboring city while visiting the area.

As the capital of Georgia and host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, Atlanta offers a wealth of attractions.

One highlight for animal enthusiasts is Zoo Atlanta, which first opened its doors in 1889. This 16-hectare facility houses around 1,500 animals representing 200 different species, many of which are endangered in their natural environments.

A successful breeding program for western lowland gorillas has been in effect since the late 1980s at the Ford African Rain Forest, which also features lemurs and colobus monkeys.

Visitors can encounter giant pandas, orangutans in the Asian Forest section, and explore a diverse range of 450 reptile species.

8. Skyview Atlanta

Another essential landmark in Atlanta is Skyview Atlanta, located in the downtown area, approximately 15 minutes north of East Point.

Overlooking Olympic Centennial Park from its eastern edge, Skyview Atlanta is a Ferris wheel that rises to the height of a 20-story building at its peak.

Offering breathtaking views over the city, the wheel serves as an excellent introduction to this southern metropolis known for its connection to both “Gone with the Wind” and the American Civil Rights Movement.

To enhance your experience, consider visiting during twilight, when the city lights illuminate the surroundings.

9. Dick Lane Velodrome

Inspired by the facilities used during the 1972 Munich Olympics, the Dick Lane Velodrome was initially established in 1974.

Located in East Point’s Sumner Park, it features a concrete track with a 36° banking, extending a total length of 300 meters in an amphitheater-style layout.

The open-air velodrome regularly hosts race meets. Attendees often comment on the exhilarating atmosphere as cyclists race on the track at speeds exceeding 60 km/h, competing without brakes and employing a single gear!

10. College Park Golf Course

Continuing the theme of sports, albeit in a more serene setting, is the College Park Golf Course, located about 2 miles south of East Point.

Established in the early 1900s, this nine-hole course is a regulation length of 2,987 yards (2,731 meters) with a par of 36.

Despite its limited number of holes, the undulating fairways and elevated greens contribute to its reputation as one of the more challenging courses in the Atlanta region.

In addition to the golf course, College Park features a multi-level driving range and a log cabin clubhouse that is perfect for post-game discussions.

11. Apex Museum

Located in the historically significant Sweet Auburn area of downtown Atlanta, the Apex Museum offers a perspective on history through the lens of African-Americans, while remaining relevant to visitors of all backgrounds.

A part of the US Civil Rights Trail, the ‘African-American Panoramic Experience’ begins with a concise overview of Africa’s history and its hidden contributions to contemporary civilization.

The experience progresses with exhibits highlighting key African-American figures in Atlanta’s history and addresses the enduring consequences of racial segregation, which persisted until 1964.

12. Truly Living Well Center

Truly Living Well is an initiative focused on reconnecting individuals and their communities with the land and, consequently, the food they consume.

Guided tours of their urban farm in East Point demystify the process of growing fruits and vegetables.

While Truly Living Well serves as an educational resource, it also stands as an appealing eco-friendly attraction within walking distance from central East Point.

13. Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

Like The Loft at Delowe, the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve may not seem an obvious choice for a tourist destination.

However, upon entering this 50-hectare area, visitors can easily forget that Georgia’s state capital lies merely a few miles away.

The sound of rushing water beckons visitors toward moss-covered rocks, dampened by the spray of a scenic waterfall.

Nearby, the historic springhouse marks the source of the spring, along with earthworks that were part of the defenses during the American Civil War.

Located northwest of East Point, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve offers a respite from urban life.

14. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Approximately 20 minutes from East Point, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History welcomes visitors with dinosaurs positioned in the gardens at its entrance, hinting at the exhibitions to come.

The museum showcases the largest dinosaur ever classified, a 37-meter long Argentinosaurus.

The main area is devoted to telling the story of Earth through the lens of Georgia, while a glass atrium provides views of the adjacent Fernbank Forest.

This forest, representing an important area of old-growth Piedmont plateau woodland, has been made accessible to the public via walkways and informative signage offered by the museum.

15. Oakland Cemetery

Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery is not only a burial ground but also a beloved picnic destination and community park.

Decorated with mausoleums, obelisks, and a variety of sculptural memorials, the cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures from Atlanta, including Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone with the Wind.”

If you find this somewhat somber, nearby lies the vibrant street art hub of Krog Street Tunnel, along with the bustling Krog Street food market.

All three locations are situated roughly 12 km from East Point.