Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Decatur, Georgia

Decatur, Georgia serves as the county seat for DeKalb County. However, located merely eight kilometers west of downtown Atlanta, it can easily be perceived as an extension of the Georgia state capital.

Decatur has transformed into a vibrant and progressive city, retaining a small-town ambiance despite its close proximity to Atlanta. Originally not served by the Atlanta metro, the area has evolved significantly over the years.

Two centuries ago, this location was an untouched forest before being chosen as the site for the county courthouse in 1822. Hence, visitors can discover a wealth of historical structures, as Decatur boasts five distinct historic districts.

Its strategic location offers a myriad of activities. Below are the 15 top attractions in and around Decatur, Georgia.

1. DeKalb History Center

Serving as the heart of Decatur since the city’s inception, the DeKalb History Center is situated within the neoclassical grandeur of the County Courthouse on Decatur Square.

The existing structure, dating back to 1898, functioned for judicial proceedings until 1967. It was inaugurated as a museum in 1983 and regularly hosts exhibitions designed to illuminate lesser-known aspects of the region’s history and culture.

The courthouse also served as a battleground during the American Civil War’s Battle of Atlanta, with Confederate cavalry attacking a supply wagon for Union forces, as described on a plaque outside.

2. Woodlands Garden

The Woodlands Garden in Decatur comprises a 3.2-hectare public park that constitutes a vital urban sanctuary for the community.

The largely forested area is home to over 30 species of trees and a diverse range of indigenous plants.

Conceived by Chet and Gene Morse, the site was bequeathed to the city in the early 2000s to protect it from development.

Their vision in donating these gardens ensures that a portion of the Georgia Piedmont ecosystem thrives at the city’s core.

3. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Throughout the calendar year, the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center showcases a range of art exhibitions within its gallery space. Additionally, it offers classes and workshops for individuals of all ages across various artistic disciplines.

Constructed in 1917, the structure’s Late Gothic or Mock Tudor architectural style is equally impressive. It was built as the residence of Charles Howard Candler, the President of the Coca-Cola Company in the 1920s and son of the beverage’s inventor.

This venue has served as a filming location for several Hollywood productions and recently hosted notable figures, including Prince Albert of Monaco and famed operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

4. Eddie’s Attic

Music and the essence of Decatur are inextricably linked. Recognized as the birthplace of REM frontman Michael Stipe, the city has attracted a wealth of musical talent, particularly through the establishment of Eddie’s Attic, a bar and performance venue.

Featuring live music almost every evening, Eddie’s Attic is a venue where enjoyable experiences are almost assured.

The stage is welcoming to local artists but has also hosted now-famous names who later rose to prominence, including Justin Bieber, Michelle Malone, and Tyler Childers.

5. Decatur Ghost Tours

An intriguing method to experience Decatur’s offerings after dusk is by participating in a Decatur Ghost Tour. Beginning with spectral narratives about the supernatural in Decatur Square, participants will soon view the city from a new perspective.

Exploring eerie side streets, you’ll visit the historic passenger railway depot, where anguished cries of Civil War soldiers wounded in battle have been reported.

Other notable stops include one of the city’s oldest two-story homes, reputed to have roaming spirits, as well as the historic cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for numerous generations of Decatur’s residents.

6. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Located just outside the Decatur city limits in Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History makes a compelling visit.

From the outset, the museum’s front flowerbeds are dominated by models of long-extinct creatures. Inside, you will find dinosaur fossils, including a 37-meter-long Argentinosaurus skeleton, recognized as one of the largest dinosaur species ever uncovered.

Moreover, the museum’s glass atrium leads visitors toward Fernbank Forest. Nestled in the foothills of the Piedmont mountains, this vital remnant of ancient woodland can be explored via numerous interpretive trails.

The museum is a mere ten-minute drive from Decatur Square.

7. Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park

Proceeding further towards downtown Atlanta from the Fernbank Museum, visitors will soon arrive at one of the United States’ newest national historic parks.

Although it may seem misleading in its designation, this park encompasses a cluster of buildings rich in history that narrate the civil rights struggle led by Martin Luther King Jr.

These include his childhood residence and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized and where his father served as a minister.

The park features a visitor center with a museum dedicated to educating visitors about King and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Additionally, it houses the burial site where King’s remains were interred after his assassination in 1968 at the age of 39.

8. Decatur Historic Districts

Decatur is endowed with a number of historic structures and districts that have achieved recognition on the National Register of Historic Places due to their national significance.

One such area is the Clairemont Historic District, located just north of Decatur Square, distinguished for its several architecturally notable church buildings.

Nearby, the MAK Historic District encompasses the areas around McDonough, Adams, and Kings Highway, recognized for its collection of early 20th-century American Craftsman-style homes.

This extends eastward into the South Chandler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District and then into the Winnona Park Historic District, illustrating the rich historical tapestry awaiting exploration in Decatur.

9. Stone Mountain

Located twenty kilometers to the east is Stone Mountain. Rising dramatically from the surrounding Georgian woodland, it has become a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Within and around the park, visitors can explore approximately 25 kilometers of hiking trails, some of which are well-suited for novices while others present more challenging routes.

The Cherokee Trail encircles the base of the mountain for roughly eight kilometers, winding through oak forests and streams. Simultaneously, the walk-up trail leads to the summit, where panoramic views of Atlanta and the Appalachian Mountains await.

For those who may not have their hiking boots, a Skyride cable car provides an alternative route to the summit.

10. Michael C Carlos Museum

Approximately five kilometers northwest of Decatur in Emory Village lies the Michael C Carlos Museum.

While it may not be a widely recognized name, the museum ranks among the most significant cultural institutions in the southeastern United States.

Its permanent collection boasts artifacts from various ancient civilizations across the globe, serving as a crucial destination for those interested in the marvels of ancient Egypt, Rome, or Greece.

Additionally, the collection extends to include Renaissance-era sketches and artifacts from both Asian and African cultures.

11. Three Taverns Brewery

This region of northern Georgia has experienced a surge in the establishment of craft breweries, with Three Taverns Brewery emerging as a notable choice.

The taproom, or ‘tasting parlor’, features a beautiful combination of urban and rural aesthetics, characterized by exposed brick and impressive hardwood furniture.

A short tour provides insight into the state-of-the-art brewing facilities, which create a broad array of excellent beers in varying styles.

The brewery frequently updates its beer selection, which encompasses Belgian-style IPAs, German pilsners, and wheat beers.

12. Briarcliff Mansion

The story of Briarcliff Mansion is a captivating narrative illustrating the fluctuations of fortune. Completed in 1922, the mansion was constructed without regard to cost, intended as the home for one of the sons of Asa Griggs Candler, a co-founder of Coca-Cola.

Its façade reflects a Georgian Revival style, while the interior features various lavish spaces, including a paneled library, Tudor hall, ballroom, and solarium. The grounds were once home to animals, which included a Bengal tiger and six elephants, one of which was named Coca.

Ultimately sold, the estate later served as the Briarcliff campus for Emory University, but the mansion itself currently remains abandoned and attracts urban explorers.

13. Zoo Atlanta

Many of the animals originally owned by Chandler found a new home at Grant Park Zoo, currently identified as Zoo Atlanta.

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, it is also acknowledged as one of the premier facilities in the nation for endangered species conservation and animal healthcare.

The zoo houses approximately 1,500 individual animals representing 220 different species.

Distinctive among its inhabitants are two giant pandas, a family of gorillas, and Malaysian sun bears. Furthermore, the Outback Station showcases Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and cassowaries, while the World of Reptiles features over 450 reptiles, both venomous and non-venomous.

14. Farmers Markets

Among the attractions that Decatur’s residents take pride in is the local farmers market, which fosters connections with small, independent producers.

With ample seating available on the front lawn of the church along Clairmont Avenue, it creates an ideal setting for families, while food enthusiasts are also well catered to.

The market exudes a relaxed atmosphere, featuring an assortment of artisan products alongside fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.

For a different experience, visitors may also explore Your DeKalb Farmers Market, a considerably larger indoor food center.

15. Hampton-Beecher Nature Preserve

Traveling west along the metro line from downtown Atlanta will soon lead visitors to the Hampton-Beecher Nature Preserve.

This green space offers multiple hiking trails, enticing visitors to explore its hidden areas. Additionally, it is noted for its remnants from the Civil War.

The preserve is home to defensive ditches and fortifications constructed by Union troops during the Battles of Ezra Church and Utoy Creek, part of the Atlanta campaign.

The northern section of the preserve features Lionel Hampton Park, named in honor of a local jazz musician, while its lower section shares its name with the Beecher Hills area in which it is located.