Best Atlanta Staycation Spots: Where To Eat, Drink, Relax & More

Sure, you can plan a fabulous vacation that requires shelling out tons of cash and traveling hours on end only to deal with delays, schlepping heavy luggage and jet lag. Or you can have a holiday right here in Atlanta.

Atlanta is home to luxurious hotels, historical landmarks beaming with rich culture and some of the best cuisine in the Deep South, making it the optimal choice for some treasured time off.

If that doesn’t sell you, ask yourself this: How often do you unwind with a relaxing massage at a deluxe resort like Reméde Spa or book a romantic stay at a bed and breakfast like Stonehurst Place? And when was the last time you explored the Georgia Aquarium with the kids or saw a musical production at The Fox Theater?

It’s most likely been a while, and we think you deserve to treat yourself. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the most enticing attractions and destinations that are sure to make your Atlanta staycation a success. Some might be new to you, while others might be old favorites that you need a little reminder about.

From the most delicious local restaurants and bars to the best spas and shopping venues, here are all the spots to add to your staycation checklist in Atlanta.

Enjoy Some Delectable Dining

If chowing down on mouthwatering meals isn’t a top priority during your staycation, you’re probably doing it wrong. Luckily, there’s no shortage when it comes to first-rate cuisine around Atlanta. Whether you’re hoping to experience some fine dining at an elegant steakhouse like Marcel or indulge in a sweet treat from Jeni’s, we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Umi — a sophisticated, contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Buckhead serving sushi and other Asian fare, as well as an array of handmade cocktails and craft saké.

JCT Kitchen & Bar — a hip space located in the Westside Provisions District serving Southern fare and more, complete with an upstairs bar boasting skyline views.

Marcel — cozy, upscale American steakhouse located in the Westside Provisions District with a ritzy bar serving classic dishes and cocktails.

BoccaLupo — casual Inman Park neighborhood restaurant serving homestyle Italian cooking and unique cocktails.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams — chain ice cream shop, scooping creative flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt made from local ingredients in Westside Provisions District.

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Indulge In Crafty Cocktails

Staycations are all about letting loose — and what better way to unwind than with a cocktail or two? From classy haunts offering sophisticated beverages like Bar Margot’s Strawberry Basil Margarita to the charming neighborhood spot Ticonderoga Club serving up old-timey libations, there’s a watering hole for every type in Atlanta.

Ticonderoga Club — Colonial era–inspired tavern serving minimal ingredient cocktails at Krog Street Market.

Bar Margot — hotel bar boasting sophisticated drinks and American fare located in the Four Season Hotel Atlanta.

Kimball House — eatery and raw oyster bar serving farm-to-table fare and elegant, absinthe-based cocktails, located in Decatur.

Barcelona Wine Bar — Spanish and Mediterranean-style tapas bar with over 400 different wines served, located in Inman Park.

Wrecking Bar Brew Pub — 20th-century Victorian-style home with a basement gastropub offering rotating taps, specialty beers and craft pub food, located in Little Five Points.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Treating yourself is a must during your staycation — so it only makes sense to indulge in a little retail therapy. And with a plethora of shops, boutiques and marketplaces in Atlanta, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect place to suit your individual style.

Ponce City Market — vibrant, urban shopping center housing a Central Food Hall, restaurants, various retail shops, office space and residential flats.

Westside Provisions District — outdoor shopping destination with trendy restaurants, eateries and boutiques.

Krog Street Market — authentic 1920s warehouse located along the Atlanta BeltLine, with market stalls to sell produce, goods and prepared food, as well as southern-grown restaurants and retailers.

The Buford Highway Farmer’s Market — spacious market with a focus on international foods, as well as fresh produce, meats and seafood.

Little Five Points — hip Atlanta neighborhood filled with quirky stores, dive bars, a live music venue, vegan eateries and other eccentric shops and restaurants.

Explore The Wonders Of Atlanta

If you’re an Atlantan, you know that there’s plenty to keep you busy around the city. So why not play tourist for the weekend? The city is filled to the brim with rich culture, exciting entertainment and breathtaking landscapes. Catch a captivating theatrical production at The Fox Theater or explore the luxurious Swan House and soak in all the history. Regardless of what you choose, there will not be a dull moment during your staycation.

The Fox Theater — performing arts and live entertainment venue located in Midtown with productions ranging from Broadway to rock, comedies and movies.

The High Museum of Art — leading art museum in the Southeast with over 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection, as well as a recently expanded Greene Family Learning Gallery, located in Midtown.

Georgia Aquarium — public aquarium home to tens of thousands of animals, located in Downtown Atlanta.

Piedmont Park — urban park located in Downtown Atlanta that inspires sightseeing, fitness and exercise, dog parks, Green Market and more.

The Swan House — historic house museum and gardens in Buckhead built for Edward and Emily Inman in 1928, holding tours everyday, as well as private events.

Luxuriate In Relaxation

There are plenty of places to get primped and pampered in Atlanta. And whether you’re looking for a day of traditional relaxation at a spa or a more holistic treatment like infrared sauna therapy from FLO2S, Atlanta has you covered.

Reméde Spa — sophisticated hotel spa offering facials, body treatments, massages, waxing and nail services in Buckhead.

Treat Your Feet — ultimate relaxation center offering body massages, foot massages and more, located in the heart of Buckhead.

FLO2S — spa-alternative located in Little Five Points focusing on healing, health and beauty, offering flotation therapy, infrared sauna therapy and massages.

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Treat Yourself To A 5-Star Stay

A charming hotel isn’t crucial to planning your next staycation, but it will make your well-deserved break a little more luxurious. And let’s face it: Everyone can use a little Southern hospitality from time to time. From the sophisticated St. Regis Hotel to the luxurious boutique inn Stonehurst Place, you can’t go wrong with any of these Atlanta picks that are brimming with luxury and comfort.