Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Marietta, Georgia

Located in northern Georgia, Marietta is a city that is one of Atlanta’s primary suburbs. Although the state capital is a mere 20 miles to the southeast, Marietta is itself rich in history and culture, particularly regarding the state’s antebellum and Civil War eras.

Expanding from a historic main square and courthouse dating back to the 1830s, Marietta experienced rapid growth, even after the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s central hub was relocated to nearby Atlanta. Surviving several fires and the turmoil of war, the city features six historic districts filled with heritage buildings and an impressive array of museums, while Kennesaw Mountain is conveniently situated nearby.

Let’s explore the 15 premier activities available in and around Marietta, Georgia.

1. Ghosts of Marietta Tour

A commendable way to familiarize yourself with Marietta and uncover its numerous landmarks is by participating in the Ghosts of Marietta Tour. By traversing the city’s most historic streets and burial sites, your guide will narrate the stories behind some of the city’s ghosts, including civil war soldiers and nineteen-century residents.

Occurring after nightfall, these tours are rich in atmosphere and may either be conducted on foot, guided by a lantern or aboard a historic trolley bus, allowing for greater exploration of this esteemed city.

Even if you are skeptical about supernatural tales, these tours provide an exceptional introduction to all that Marietta has to offer.

2. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art

Established in the 1990s, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is housed within an impressive Greek Revival-style structure that was formerly the city’s main post office. Having served as the backdrop for courthouse scenes in the film “Selma,” released in 2014, the museum’s gallery space exudes a warm and inviting ambiance.

This museum is distinctive as it is the only one in the greater Atlanta area dedicated exclusively to American artworks, with a permanent collection that spans from the early days of the United States in the 18th century to modern paintings and sculptures.

3. Marietta Confederate Cemetery

Even if you have previously visited the Confederate Cemetery during the Ghosts of Marietta Tour, spending additional time at this almost sacred location in Georgia’s history may be worthwhile. Adjacent to the City Cemetery, the Confederate Cemetery is the largest of its kind for hundreds of miles.

This site serves as the final resting place for approximately 3,000 soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War—those states that seceded from the Union. Divided into sections according to state, the cemetery also includes a six-pound (3 kg) field gun utilized during the war, which was captured by Union forces in Savannah, Georgia.

4. Oakton House

As the oldest continuously inhabited residence in Marietta, Oakton House was constructed in 1838, coinciding with the city’s inception. It was utilized by the Confederacy as a headquarters during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864, which ultimately failed to halt Union forces led by General Sherman from advancing on Atlanta.

The expansive gardens include a formal garden outlined with box hedging, and the property retains its original barn, smokehouse, well, and milk house.

5. Marietta Museum of History

Also known as Kennesaw House, the building that now houses the Marietta Museum of History was constructed of red brick in 1845 and served as a cotton warehouse. The museum occupies the upper two floors, displaying a diverse and extensive collection that encompasses a wide array of themes spanning the city’s first two centuries.

While the Civil War period is prominently featured, the museum also showcases exhibits detailing the lives of the region’s Native Americans before their displacement, as well as Georgia’s gold rush. Highlighted items include a rare Bible translated into the Cherokee language, alongside military artifacts from the Civil War up to more recent conflicts.

6. Kennesaw Mountain

Reaching a maximum elevation of just over 500 meters, Kennesaw Mountain falls short of Denali (Mount McKinley), which stands at 6,900 meters and is the tallest peak in the United States. However, it represents the highest point in the Atlanta urban area, offering splendid vistas across the region.

It serves as a great destination for those seeking to explore various hiking trails around the lush slopes of Little Kennesaw Mountain. Being part of the Appalachian Mountains, this mountain played a significant role during the Civil War, as it is within a battlefield park that preserves the site of associated battles and artillery positions.

The mountain and park are located approximately 20 minutes northeast of Marietta by car.

7. The Big Chicken

A notable landmark embodying Southern charm and humor, the Big Chicken is a colossal 17-meter tall replica of a chicken that has advertised a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant since 1956. Spending any time in Marietta, one often hears street directions referencing the Big Chicken. Surprisingly, it is said that pilots also utilize the structure as a landmark when approaching Atlanta’s international airport.

The Big Chicken has gained such fame that it boasts a gift shop offering merchandise, including board games and T-shirts.

8. Gone With the Wind Museum

Housed within Brumby Hall, a building erected in 1851, the Gone With the Wind Museum originated from a private collection of memorabilia associated with the literary work by Atlanta-born Margaret Mitchell and the resulting 1939 film featuring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.

Exhibits include the elegant cream and black Bengaline honeymoon outfit worn by Leigh in the film, as well as the author’s personal copies of the book. Displays also narrate the experiences of the film’s Black cast members, including Hattie McDaniel, who was the first African American to receive an Oscar for her role as Mammy, albeit unable to attend the film premiere or the Oscars due to segregation.

9. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Situated in Kennesaw, approximately 6 miles from Marietta, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History necessitates elaboration concerning its exhibits. Visitors will not miss the significant collection of Civil War artifacts, most notably the “General,” a steam locomotive utilized during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862.

This historical chase involved Unionists causing destruction along the railways leading to Tennessee while being pursued by Confederate soldiers operating another locomotive named “Texas.” Additionally, visitors can view the French “Merci” boxcar, which arrived in 1949 filled with gifts from France as a token of gratitude to Americans for their contributions during World War II.

10. Farmers Market

Operating year-round on Saturday mornings, Marietta’s farmers market features approximately 50 diverse stalls each week. Beyond a wide selection of locally-grown vegetables primarily provided by small-scale producers, shoppers can enjoy freshly-baked breads, indulge in freshly-squeezed lemonade, and acquire artisanal soaps, honeys, and preserves.

The market is conveniently located in a traffic-free area of a parking lot on Mill Street, right at the heart of Marietta.

11. William Root House Museum and Garden

Among several structures that claim the title of the oldest in Marietta, the William Root House Museum and Garden is often regarded as the oldest residence in downtown Marietta. Meticulously restored to its original 1845 appearance, this museum portrays the life and era of the Root family, including the enslaved individuals who served in their household.

The interior resembles a space as if the occupants have just stepped out, adorned with authentic regional furniture from the time period. Outside, the original cookhouse has been recreated, equipped with an era-appropriate stove. The garden is cultivated with vegetables for the table, alongside medicinal herbs that served William Root in his practice as a pharmacist.

12. Strand Theatre

Located in downtown Marietta, the Strand Theatre, built in 1935, is a notable survivor from the city’s art deco era. Originally a cinema complex, the building now serves as a multi-function venue with a bustling schedule of events. It screens classic films—”Gone With the Wind” among them—offers concerts, comedy nights, and live theater performances. Additionally, the Brew with a View bar can be found on the fourth floor.

13. Marietta Square Food Tour

If you’re interested in exploring Marietta but are uncertain about the Ghosts of Marietta Tour, consider participating in this culinary tour instead. Centered around Marietta Square, the historic core of the city, this tour visits seven distinct eateries.

The objective is to showcase the extraordinary culinary offerings available at locally-owned and operated restaurants, bakeries, and food shops, far removed from the Big Chicken experience.

Lasting roughly three hours, each stop is infused with insights known only to locals, providing further understanding of the city’s gastronomic culture. Dishes offered during the tour include traditional southern cuisine as well as Colombian specialties.

14. Six Flags White Water

Six Flags White Water is a family-friendly water park accommodating visitors of all ages. Facilities for toddlers include suitable pools, while older children and adults can enjoy a variety of exhilarating slides designed to generate adrenaline rushes. Encompassing a total of 280,000 square meters, this water park ranks among the largest in the United States.

In addition to numerous slide attractions, Six Flags features a wave pool named Atlanta Ocean and a lazy river dubbed Little Hooch, referencing the Chattahoochee River. The park is situated on the western side of Marietta, approximately five minutes by car from the downtown area.

15. Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River serves as a vital green space for both humans and native species, an attraction that should not be overlooked when planning a visit to Marietta. Flowing through metropolitan Atlanta, visitors to Marietta can conveniently access the river at Johnson Ferry.

Here, individuals may choose from about two miles of walking trails, utilize a covered pavilion ideal for picnics, or opt for a boat launch to explore the river from the water.