Things to do at night in Atlanta to experience the city like a local
The sweltering weather you associate with Atlanta becomes much more comfortable after the sun sets. The city is big, but generally quite navigable even at night. The diverse communities that make up Georgia's largest city also provide a cultural landscape that excites and surprises even locals. All these factors make Atlanta an intriguing place for a trip.
Between the city’s burgeoning craft beer industry, the Atlanta Film Festival from late April to early May, and the famously rowdy club scene, basically, anyone can tailor a night out to their taste. At the same time, Atlanta’s collection of world-class major attractions provides families with plenty of options, even at night.
Suppose you’re visiting Atlanta and need a place to store the bags while you head out for the evening. In that case, Bounce has plenty of prime luggage storage facilities throughout downtown Atlanta and other neighborhoods.
What to do in Atlanta at night if you’re looking for…
A wholesome night out
Atlanta is filled with dozens of family-friendly attractions and fun activities worthy of a night out with the kids or a loved one. Here are a few ideas for when you don't want to hit the club or bar:
Happy hour at Atlanta Botanical Garden
One of the most popular daytime attractions in the city doesn't exactly shut down when the sun sets. In fact, the best place to grab a cocktail after hours might be the Atlanta Botanical Garden as their summertime hours are extended through the evening for sunset sipping and live music. The views of the Midtown skyline are spectacular, and you can stroll through the garden’s many gorgeous avenues. Bag policies are strict so it's best to use the Bounce mobile app to find the nearest location and book your luggage storage reservation if you still have the bags.
Dine and shop at Atlantic Station
North of Midtown and away from many of the crowded areas of Atlanta, you'll find the Atlantic Station neighborhood. The main attraction here is Atlantic Station Mall, where you can browse the shops and grab a meal. It stays open until 9 PM, so it's ideal for an early night.
Pro tip: There's more to conventional shopping and dining here. The mall runs events every month that range from skating to creator's markets to live entertainment for New Year's Eve.
SkyView Atlanta
If you want the best views of Atlanta, head to this Ferris wheel for a beautiful panorama of the skyline and city lights. Space is limited and there aren't lockers onsite, so finding a place to store your bags is advisable.
Pro tip: If you're trying to impress a loved one, you can splurge on VIP treatments that'll make your Ferris wheel ride even better.
You can sleep at the Georgia Aquarium
Truly one of the best aquariums in the world, Atlanta’s aquarium is revered for its spectacular collection of marine wildlife and conservation programs. While the peak visiting hours during the day are great (if a little crowded), the Georgia Aquarium extends its hours to become one of the most intriguing places to hang out at night. You can book a reservation for you and the kids to actually sleep over at the aquarium and access specific exhibits with fewer crowds. If you're planning on staying a night at the aquarium and have excess baggage, you can stop at a nearby Bounce luggage storage location to stash your extra belongings for the night.
Take a spooky tour of Oakland Cemetery
One of the best places to learn about Atlanta’s natural history is this historic cemetery just east of downtown. The final resting place of Atlanta’s most famous residents is also a sightseeing destination as it features wonderfully manicured gardens and hauntingly (see what we did there?) beautiful landscapes worth checking out. While it's a joy to visit during the day, there are many nighttime tours that leverage the naturally spooky setting!
A not-so-wholesome night out
One of the epicenters of hip hop, Atlanta is one of the country's most interesting live music destinations, and its inimitable nightlife scene makes it a popular setting for bachelor or bachelorette parties. There are dozens of nightclubs within walking distance of Midtown, along with half a dozen amazing neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward and Buckhead.
Hit Edgewood Avenue
You won’t be short of options when it comes to nightlife in Atlanta, but the sure bet for your introduction to the city is Edgewood Avenue. Some of the top bars and music venues in the city are situated on this stretch of the Old Fourth Ward. If you're planning a pub crawl along Edgewood Avenue, it's a good idea to find a convenient luggage storage location on the route to store the bags while you hit the bar.
Pro tip: Joystick Gamebar, The Sound Table, Georgia Beer Garden, and Dad’s Garage are the Edgewood favorites that are especially popular with locals.
Visit the infamous Clermont Lounge
Ask anyone (especially locals) about what makes Atlanta so unique, and some of them are bound to mention the city’s especially vibrant culture surrounding strip clubs. The oldest and most storied establishment of this sort is situated along Ponce De Leon Avenue, in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, and boasts a vibe dive bar and a boutique hotel above it. Disclaimer: This is absolutely not a family-friendly activity. There is understandably strict security so you will want to leave your bags at a nearby Bounce luggage storage location.
Attend Atlanda’s top drag show
The city is home to one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in the south, and the epicenter of the culture is the popular Lips Atlanta bar where you’ll find the most popular drag show in the city.
Pro tip: Try to head here for brunch as it's the most coveted time. But, if you can't, Lips’ themed drag performances are scheduled throughout the week.
A night out with clients
Atlanta’s corporate profile has grown considerably in the past few decades, making it one of the business capitals of the south. With dozens of corporations headquartered right in downtown Atlanta, there’s a prominent industry catering to business travel. With private event spaces along with luxurious bars and restaurants throughout downtown and Midtown, you'll have plenty of options for planning a night out after meetings or conventions. Plus, there's always the possibility of an Atlanta Braves game during baseball season!
SkyLounge
This is no ordinary rooftop bar. Set atop the luxurious Glenn Hotel, SkyLounge is the premier place in Atlanta to enjoy cocktails with a view of the skyline and Centennial Park. The setting is sleek and sexy (but professional), and its proximity to the business district makes for the perfect post-meeting night out. In order to make your evening run more smoothly, you may want to stash your briefcase or computer bag with Bounce before heading out. All of these valuables will be covered by our bag protection, so you won't have to worry.
Sample the city at Ponce City Market
Can’t decide on where to eat? This trendy hotspot offers dozens of options, showcasing the diverse restaurant scene of Atlanta. You'll find everything from quintessentially Atlanta lemon-pepper chicken wings to ramen in a hip former-industrial space. There are also private rooms and meeting spaces if you want to put together an event for your clients or team.
Pro tip: Ponce Market is also located in the Old Fourth Ward along the Atlanta Beltline Trail, so you have ample options for exploring with your clients after dinner.
All within the span of a decade, Atlanta has become one of the truly great American travel hotspots. From cutting-edge culture to its historical roots, Atlanta remains one of the most unique and appealing places to explore. And at night, the city truly comes alive. You'll have to see it for yourself!