Marietta Activities: Fun Things to Do North of Atlanta
In the small town of Marietta, located 30 minutes north of Atlanta, Georgia, visitors have access to quiet escapes and adventure. This city also has a rich history and family-friendly attractions suitable for all ages. This all leads to fun, entertainment and many reasons to visit. To plan a memorable vacation, here are the top Marietta activities.
Fun Marietta Activities for a Memorable Trip to Georgia
Visit Lanier Lake
Located about an hour northeast of Marietta sits Lanier Lake. This scenic resort area provides a place for boating, fishing, paddling, golf, and relaxing on the sand. Other things to do at Lanier Lake include biking, hiking and horseback riding. The area also has an Olympic venue.
Hike Trails in Kennesaw Mountain Park
Measuring more than 2,960 acres, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park doubles as a historic and recreational site. While the area is best known as a Civil War Battlefield, the park once served as home to Cherokee Native Americans.
Today, the park offers a place to hike and learn. More than 20 miles of trails meander through the mountains, providing hikers great views and outdoor recreation. For a short option, try the Environmental Trail, a 1.35-mile loop great for families. The Kennesaw Mountain Trail measures 2.1 miles and is one of the most popular. Those looking for longer options enjoy 24 Gun Trail, Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm Loop, and Battlefield Trail.
Play at Six Flags White Water
Six Flags White Water ranks among the top Marietta activities for action-packed rides. This water park welcomes all ages and has attractions for the whole family. The wave pool features 700,000 gallons of water and has space for everyone. Then explore the water slides, body flumes, a lazy river and interactive playgrounds. Water slides cater to various age groups as well.
In nearby Austell, located 40 minutes south of Marietta, visitors will find Six Flags Over Georgia. This park has roller coasters, family rides, kids rides, swings, water rides, live shows, dining and shopping.
Explore Some Museums
Ranked among the top Marietta activities is visiting museums. Many travelers don’t know the city has a rich arts and culture scene that includes museums showcasing different topics. For example, Gone With the Wind Museum is dedicated to the historic novel and film. For fine art, visit Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art.
Other noteworthy museums include Marietta Fire Museum, Marietta Museum of History, William Root House Museum and Garden, and Aviation History and Technology Center.
Shop Local Boutiques and Farmers Market
For a memorable local shopping experience, head to Marietta Square. Known as the jewel of downtown, the square has locally owned retailers and restaurants. While shopping, visitors also have access to a farmers market on weekends.
To browse big brands, Town Center at Cobb, a.k.a. Town Center Mall, is a good place to start. Then try The Avenues at East and West Cobb and Paper Mill Village.
Explore a Historic Theater
The Strand Theatre was once a major motion picture house dating from 1935. Today, it serves as a historical site and theater where guests watch movies and interact with each other. Previous events have included Sing Along With Grease, The Music of the Eagles, Ghost and The Princess Bride.
Take a Tour
Tours of Marietta offers ghost and food tours. These activities provide a fun way for visitors to learn about the area while sampling local culture.
During Ghosts of Marietta tours, visitors participate in a 90-minute walk through downtown Marietta. A local guide navigates groups via lantern and shares stories about the area’s famous ghosts. In addition, guests can book a haunted trolley tour or pub crawl.
Food tours include Marietta Square and occur in the afternoon or during dinnertime. Each last about three hours and feature local favorites. Restaurants showcase international cuisine, local brews and homemade treats.
Take a Day Trip to Atlanta
Due to its location, those vacationing in Marietta have easy access to Atlanta. This thriving metro has dozens of museums, one of the largest aquariums in the U.S., professional sports, film locations, Southern food and more reasons to love this city. Guests can drive into Atlanta, plan some fun things to do, and experience everything the area offers.
Want to find more things to do? Learn about Marietta’s Southern charm and plan a vacation to Georgia.