As Georgia’s biggest city, Atlanta has a whole lot to offer during any visit, including a rich cultural history that’s still very much on display, and some of America’s most iconic new street murals. A trip here certainly won’t disappoint, but with such a lot of focus on great things to do in the day, you might be wondering – what exactly is there to enjoy in Atlanta at night?

In reality, there’s plenty to do in this state capital when the sun sets. As well as Michelin-level dining across the city’s top restaurants, booking up in a luxury hotel in Atlanta is sure to see your nights passing comfortably. You could also go crazy with some more unique Atlanta  night excursions during your trip, across a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the city offers, and which we’ll be considering here. 

Night at the Museum

We’ve all seen the film, but a well-timed trip to Atlanta could see you enjoying a real-life night at the museum thanks to Fernbank After Dark. These events, which happen on the second Friday of each month, are for attendees ages 21+ and include full museum access as well as a full bar, live music, tapas menu, and access to unique adult activities including crafts and experiments.

Termed by their founders as ‘Adult Science Nights’, these iconic events are unlike anything you will have attended before, and they’re sure to set the fire under your stay in Atlanta. 

Cocktails at Botanical Gardens

Atlanta’s botanical gardens are one of the city’s best-known destinations, famed for iconic sights like the ‘Earth Goddess’ sculpture, and are an absolute must-see for natural park lovers. Thanks to late evening opening hours between 5-9 pm from May to September, they could also form a stunning backdrop to your night-time Atlanta adventures.

During these hours, it’s possible to stroll the grounds, visit strikingly lit gardens, and enjoy cocktails from an onsite bar. There’s also typically live music on offer from around 5.30 pm, making a trip here feel a lot like a scene from your favorite Atlanta-based movie. 

Sleep Under the Sea

If you really want to close off your Atlanta days with a bang, it’s worth booking ‘Sleep Under the Sea’, a scheme from Georgia Aquarium that sees you enjoying a sleepover with the thousands of aquatic creatures on display.

Visitors can arrive from 6.45 pm on the day of their sleepover, and admission also pays for a full day at the aquarium the next day, as well as a bedtime snack and a complimentary breakfast. While a night here might not quite offer the comfort of your luxury hotel, visitors can sleep directly in front of the exhibits, creating an otherworldly night that the whole family can cherish. 

Atlanta has a whole lot to offer, and those offerings certainly don’t end after dark. If you’re looking for a twist on normal city nightlife, then you won’t be disappointed when you choose one of these top nighttime activities to top off your Atlanta stay.