Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Newnan, GA

The city of Newnan, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Atlanta, Georgia’s capital, is a part of the broader metropolitan area.

Despite its close proximity to Atlanta, Newnan possesses a unique atmosphere and historical significance. Established in 1828 amidst the first wave of European-American colonization in the southeastern United States, Newnan developed its character so distinctively.

Historically reliant on enslaved labor to fuel the prosperous cotton industry, Newnan notably remained largely unaffected by the American Civil War, preserving an impressive array of antebellum architecture.

Moreover, Newnan boasts an abundance of cultural and natural attractions, while the vibrant allure of Atlanta remains within easy reach.

Here are the premier activities to experience in Newnan, Georgia.

1. Downtown Newnan

The downtown area of Newnan spans nine square blocks, faithfully adhering to the urban plan conceived at the city’s inception in 1828.

Its spacious thoroughfares encompass the magnificent Coweta County Courthouse.

Constructed in 1904 from reddish-brown brick in the Greek Revival style, it features a tower with a clock that was historically wound manually.

This district is also home to Georgia’s first Carnegie library and an array of historically significant religious structures.

Additionally, East Broad Road hosts an intriguing collection of shops, reflecting the period’s residual impact of racial segregation on Newnan’s commerce.

2. McRitchie-Hollis Museum

Housed within an exquisitely restored red-brick Greek Revival building constructed in 1937, the McRitchie-Hollis Museum serves as a portal to life in the American South during the 1920s and 1930s Great Depression, followed by World War II.

The museum features original furnishings from the Hollis family, who once inhabited the building, and provides insights into domestic life from a century ago.

A stunning curving staircase ascends to the second floor, offering visitors a view of the expansive lawns and mature landscaping outside.

3. Brown’s Mill Battlefield Site

While Newnan’s structures emerged from the Civil War with minimal damage, the city nonetheless felt the conflict’s repercussions.

The Brown’s Mill Battlefield Site is an expansive public park covering over 80 hectares, commemorating a battle where Union cavalry suffered a defeat against Confederate forces.

Maintained largely in its natural state, the site features walking and cycling trails that meander around the landscape and its tranquil lake.

Interpretative signage provides additional context for those interested in the 1864 battle.

4. Senoia Area Historical Society Museum

Situated in Senoia, approximately 30 minutes east of Newnan, the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum comprises an atrium and five rooms adorned with antique hardwood furniture and display cabinets filled with relics of Senoia’s past.

This space features original plaster decorations, and its dedicated History Room showcases the teller windows from the Farmers and Merchants Bank, dating back to 1874.

The museum also highlights a section dedicated to the torch relay of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, encapsulating the region’s extensive history.

5. Oak Hill Cemetery

The Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan spans a historic site encompassing around 12,000 graves, established in 1833, a mere five years post the city’s founding, and contains many significant burial sites.

Its extensive grounds, covering 25 hectares, are dotted with remarkable stone monuments, including the graves of two governors of Georgia.

Additionally, it serves as the final resting place for soldiers from the American War of Independence and 270 Confederate troops who perished during the Civil War.

Many of these individuals succumbed to injuries or illness away from battlefields near Atlanta, with Newnan recognized for its role as a hospital city during that era.

With graves extending into the Vietnam War era, Oak Hill Cemetery stands as a pivotal landmark for both Newnan and the broader United States.

6. Dunaway Gardens

Located roughly 5 miles north of Newnan on the route to Roscoe, Dunaway Gardens, though smaller than Oak Hill Cemetery, should not be overlooked on any exploration of Newnan’s attractions.

This botanical garden, which has been revitalized after years of abandonment, cascades down a hillside across five terraces.

These terraces are filled with sculptures, viewpoints, waterfalls, and ponds, in addition to a notable granite formation known as Little Stone Mountain.

7. Chattahoochee Bend State Park

If you head west instead of north, you will find Chattahoochee Bend State Park.

Situated on the southern banks of the Chattahoochee River, the park showcases stunning natural landscapes.

As one of Georgia’s most expansive state parks, it offers nearly 10 miles of hiking trails alongside designated mountain biking paths.

Even if recreational activities are not your main interest, the park’s remarkable examples of Georgia’s wilderness make it worthwhile to visit—perhaps followed by a refreshing ice cream from the gift shop.

8. Coweta County African American Heritage Museum and Research Center

Though modest in size, the Coweta County African American Heritage Museum warrants a visit for its meaningful displays.

Also referred to as Caswell House, this museum preserves artifacts pertaining to African-American history within a shotgun-style home typical of the American South from the Civil War through the 1920s.

Adjacent to the museum lies the Farmers Street Cemetery, believed by many researchers to be one of the largest burial sites for enslaved individuals across the Southern states.

Caswell House holds a mystique, reputedly haunted by the figure of Ruby, its former owner, who is said to engage playfully with the children who visit.

9. Abide Brewing Company

As the first brewery established in Newnan, Abide Brewing Company represents a part of the burgeoning craft beer movement, offering a selection of unique and artisanal beers.

Termed a nano-brewery, the venture was founded by three local residents pursuing their passion for brewing. While their products can be sampled in several local bars, a visit to the brewery itself provides a unique experience.

Regular tours of the facility are conducted, where patrons can explore the brewing process while enjoying a diverse offering of beers, including lagers and European-style brews.

10. The Little White House

Located approximately 20 miles south of Newnan in Warm Springs, the Little White House was a favored retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.

Constructed on Pine Mountain long before his presidency, when Roosevelt served as governor of New York, this location held great significance for him.

It was at this retreat where Roosevelt passed away on April 12, 1945, mere months after securing his fourth presidential term in the White House.

Preserved in the state it was on the day of Roosevelt’s death, the museum houses many of his personal belongings, including his beloved chair and an unfinished presidential portrait.

11. Greenville Street Park

This compact central park, situated moments from Newnan’s historic downtown, has served as a significant gathering place for the community for many years.

Featuring a grand entrance with 25 Greek-style columns, the park leads to a fountain and a terraced lawn, making it ideal for picnics, along with various pathways that meander through the area.

It also showcases two compelling sculptures: “Flight Lesson” and “Lady of the House,” the latter depicting a joyful woman holding above her head a piece of clapboard, symbolizing the city’s distinct character, as no two pieces of clapboard are identical.

12. Barbie Beach

Ideal for those who appreciate the quirky and unconventional, Barbie Beach is located approximately 7 miles from Newnan, along the route to Senoia.

This whimsical roadside attraction features a beach adorned exclusively with nude Barbie dolls, which caught the attention of the producers of the popular TV series The Walking Dead, leading to their donation of zombie dolls to the setting.

The beach’s activities are frequently updated, promising visitors a unique experience each time, often mirroring current events, including major sports competitions.

13. Historic Banning Mills

While the Historic Banning Mills may initially sound like a traditional museum, visitors are in for an unexpected surprise.

Historic Banning Mills operates as an adventure resort, showcasing activities such as ziplining and climbing walls.

Set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring natural landscapes, the resort also offers opportunities for horseback riding and kayaking through its scenic trails and streams.

Simultaneously, guests can unwind at the spa, enjoying the renowned southern hospitality distinctive to this region.

Located 10 miles northwest of Newnan, this resort is certainly an exhilarating destination.

14. Delta Flight Museum

Located approximately twice the distance from Newnan as Historic Banning Mills, the Delta Flight Museum can be found in the southern suburbs of Atlanta.

Devoted to the first century of Delta Airlines, the museum is housed within two historic hangars dating back to the 1940s, situated near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Its collection of exhibits spans an even greater timeline, featuring a 1931 six-seater as Delta’s inaugural passenger aircraft.

In contrast, the museum also displays the Spirit of Delta, a 767-200 that served as the airline’s flagship until 2004.

15. Georgia Aquarium

While in the Atlanta vicinity, a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in the heart of the state capital is highly recommended.

As one of the largest aquariums globally, it is among the few facilities that can showcase a tank dedicated to whale sharks.

Other popular exhibits include playful California sea lions, striking beluga whales, and the impressive manta rays.

Overall, the aquarium encompasses representations of all major oceanic environments, ranging from vibrant coral-filled tropical waters to the planet’s coldest seas.