Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Johns Creek, GA

Located in Fulton County, Georgia, Johns Creek is a suburb situated approximately 25 miles northeast of Atlanta, the state’s capital. Recognized as one of the premier cities in which to reside by USA Today, Johns Creek’s history as a city (as opposed to merely a tributary of the Chattahoochee River) is relatively brief, having evolved into a settlement only in 1981 and formally incorporated in 2006.

This area, once part of Cherokee land, has transformed into a hub for numerous prominent corporations, cultivating an environment of prosperity alongside a variety of attractions and experiences.

1. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center

This heritage center derives its name from the remnants of an ancient grist mill, which originally generated its water power from a dam.

Set amidst several hectares of woodland marked by filtered sunlight, wetlands, and the gentle flow of Sal’s Creek, the center features a three-kilometer boardwalk meandering through this serene landscape.

Among its native flora is the exquisite Pink Lady’s Slipper orchid, alongside nearly 30 tree species and over 100 identified wildlife species.

The site also hosts various historical structures, including Summerour House, a Victorian farmhouse constructed in the 1880s, as well as a visitor center from the 1860s and a farm museum.

2. Newtown Park

Another favored outdoor venue for residents of Johns Creek and the neighboring areas is Newtown Park.

This delightful location is an excellent spot to observe the community in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with facilities including a picnic area, children’s playground, and various sports fields and courts.

Moreover, Newtown Park encompasses 18 hectares featuring a small lake and the Veterans Memorial Walk, a tribute to veterans from each of the United States’ foreign wars since World War I. This includes a replica of the 75-meter Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, DC.

3. Johns Creek Arts Center

As the principal art gallery in Johns Creek, the Johns Creek Arts Center serves as a vibrant Family-friendly arts space central to the community.

Its gallery showcases works by some of the region’s emerging talents, exploring diverse themes, while a regular series of classes teaches techniques across various mediums, from watercolors to photography.

A thoughtful selection of unique gifts is also available in the gift shop, perfect for visitors seeking mementos from their time in Johns Creek.

4. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum

Situated in nearby Sandy Springs, approximately 19 miles southwest of Johns Creek, this historical museum is dedicated to the region’s rich history, making it a worthwhile excursion.

The Heritage Green site preserves the original spring that has named Sandy Springs, while the museum is housed within the historic Williams-Payne House.

Exhibits feature artifacts from the American Civil War era, highlighting significant events that impacted the lives of individuals in this part of Georgia.

5. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Administered by the US National Parks Service, this recreational area follows the Chattahoochee River’s winding path for approximately 46 miles.

It traverses through Johns Creek as the river flows toward downtown Atlanta, with Johns Creek boasting five distinct sections of the recreation area.

Besides opportunities for nature walks amidst the native flora and fauna, the area invites visitors to engage in fishing or partake in rafting, canoeing, or tubing along the river’s stretches.

6. Downtown Alpharetta Historic District

Neighboring Alpharetta features a downtown historic district situated where Main Street intersects with Milton Avenue and Academy Street.

The area is adorned with several buildings dating back to the 1800s, meticulously restored to illustrate the early days of this city.

Amongst these notable structures is the charming Mansell House, which, despite being constructed only in 1912, showcases elegant Queen Anne architecture reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Visiting on weekends grants the opportunity to explore vibrant stalls at the farmers market, offering fresh local produce, flowers, and preserves.

Alpharetta is located less than 10 miles northwest of Johns Creek.

7. Masterpiece Mixers Johns Creek

If your visit to Johns Creek Arts Center has sparked your artistic spirit, an evening at Masterpiece Mixers Johns Creek may be an ideal choice.

This center offers approachable and enjoyable art sessions designed for participants of all skill levels, providing all necessary materials to create personal masterpieces.

This unique approach to exploring a new city may lead to the discovery of newfound passions.

8. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Despite its modest size of 12 hectares, the Atlanta Botanical Garden remains a worthwhile destination for visitors from Johns Creek.

Established in 1976 as a result of public demand, the garden currently features several specific attractions, including the Children’s Garden, Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, and Fuqua Orchid House, which collectively showcase an array of tropical plant species.

The green-roofed visitor center leads to another captivating attraction within the garden, the 180-meter Kendeda Canopy Walk, allowing guests to explore the treetops of one of the region’s few remaining urban woodlands, reaching heights of up to 12 meters.

Traveling from Johns Creek to Atlanta is convenient, typically taking around 30 minutes by car.

9. Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra

Formed approximately a decade ago, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra comprises some of the finest musicians from across the region, representing metropolitan Atlanta’s sole fully professional orchestra.

Consequently, there is no better venue for experiencing exceptional music, as the orchestra hosts three diverse concert seasons each year.

Drawing on their extensive experiences from orchestras across the United States, as well as prominent cities like London, Vienna, and Salzburg, these performers showcase remarkable talent.

10. Golf at Atlanta Athletic Club

For golf enthusiasts, Johns Creek presents ample opportunities with six courses, including two championship-grade offerings at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

Highly regarded, the club has hosted prestigious events, including the 2011 PGA Championships and the 2014 US Amateur Championships, utilizing its Highland and Riverside courses.

The facility’s instruction center is staffed by PGA professionals, offering expert guidance to enhance your game, along with a well-equipped golf shop on site.

11. North Atlanta Dance Theatre

Since its inception in the late 1990s, the North Atlanta Dance Theatre has flourished impressively.

The theater regularly captivates audiences with performances spanning a wide array of dance styles, from classical to contemporary.

It has expanded its scope beyond merely serving as a training ground for students of the North Atlanta Dance Academy, so be sure to look out for upcoming performances during your stay in Johns Creek.

12. Lake Lanier

Located approximately 20 miles north of Johns Creek, Lake Sydney Lanier is part of a series of lakes encircling the greater Atlanta area.

Serving as a watershed for Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lanier boasts a remarkable 680 miles of shoreline.

Created by a damming initiative in the 1950s, this multi-purpose reservoir attracts about 7.5 million visitors each year.

The largest lake in Georgia, it appeals greatly to fishing enthusiasts and famously hosted the canoe sprints during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

13. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Though it features landscapes reminiscent of remote Georgia wilderness, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Johns Creek via Interstate 20.

The 400-million-year-old granite outcrops are encircled by expansive woodlands, providing visitors with around 31 miles of paved pathways suitable for mountain biking, along with numerous trails ideal for hiking.

This heritage area bears historical significance, containing remnants of its past as a stone quarry, where rock used in the construction of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge was often cut by hand.

14. Atlanta BeltLine

Once a bustling rail corridor that later fell into neglect, the Atlanta BeltLine has gradually been transformed into a multi-use trail that interlinks numerous neighborhoods within the metropolitan area.

Originating from a master’s degree project by a Georgia Tech student, the BeltLine extends 22 miles and connects various green spaces, including Piedmont Park and Inman Park on the Eastside Trail, alongside Mozley Park and Adair Park on the Westside.

This innovative trail not only facilitates transportation and physical activity for residents but also serves as a canvas for public sculptures and outstanding street art.

15. Atlanta Monetary Museum

Located in Atlanta, the Monetary Museum combines historic artifacts with interactive exhibits that narrate the evolution of currency from the era of bartering to the establishment of the US Federal Reserve and beyond.

The museum proudly displays a variety of rare and distinctive coins, offering visitors an insight into the Reserve’s inner workings, where robotic systems manage the sorting, counting, and destruction of millions of dollars.

Conveniently situated a short walk from the Midtown metro station.