Things to Do Near Atlanta University Center
Published October 14, 2022
Last Updated October 29, 2024
One of the great things about being a student at one of the four Atlanta University Center schools is that your school — Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine or Spelman College — is located near so many of Atlanta’s popular things to do.
Grab a Breath of Fresh Air
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a walking, biking, roller skating or scootering trail that circles through 45 neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll find artwork, restaurants and shops. Mostly, you’ll enjoy the chance to get out and enjoy nature.
Where: There is access to the Beltline at various places throughout the city.
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Games, a legacy from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, is in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Take a walk, plan a picnic. Relax.
Where: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW
Rodney Cook Sr. Park
Adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this historic park is just the spot for walking, relaxing and taking in beautiful scenery.
Where: Vine Street NW
Woodruff Park
Woodruff Park, Downtown, even has an outdoor reading room. Check the website for special events in the park.
Where: 91 Peachtree St.
Shop, Dine, Take a Break
44th & 3rd Bookseller
This Atlanta gem is a Black, family-owned bookstore perfect for discovering Black expression by authors of the African diaspora. You can also attend curated events and author readings.
Where: 451 Lee St. SW
The Interlock
Spend an evening on the Westside at The Interlock for an all-in-one experience. You can save some coins and just walk around or play a game at Puttshack after enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants.
Where: 1115 Howell Mill Road
Lee + White
One of Atlanta mixed-use destinations, Lee + White is the perfect destination for indulging in several different dining options. Chill out on the outdoor patio of one of the breweries or walk the Beltline and discover street art along the way.
Where: 929 Lee St. SW
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is filled with unique shops and restaurants to tempt your pocketbook, but it’s such a bustling place that it is invigorating just to walk through and not spend a dime.
Where: 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE
Give Thanks
Big Bethel AME
Big Bethel AME sits on Atlanta’s famous Auburn Avenue. Big Bethel offers several options for Sunday morning worship.
Where: 220 Auburn Ave. NE
Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church is right across the street from the state capitol. Make mom and dad proud and attend a service or two. Sunday service is at 11 a.m.
Where: 201 Washington St. SW
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church is the home of lots of Atlanta history. You can attend Sunday services at the newer Ebenezer Baptist Church, and you also can visit the historic church where Martin Luther King Jr., his father and grandfather were pastors. Find both churches in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Where: Jackson Street NE
See a Performance
Alliance Theatre
College students can attend performances of most Alliance Theatre productions for $15. Use promo code COLLEGE15 to access the college student ticket price during check-out. A maximum of two tickets per order may be purchased with this discount, and tickets must be picked up from will-call at the box office with a valid student ID. At Pay-What-You-Can performances, you can pick any available seat in the house and decide what you would like to pay. Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available within one month prior to the performance date.
Where: 1280 Peachtree St. NE
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company
Volunteer at Dad’s Garage Theatre Company. In exchange for non-paying work, you get free snacks, family-priced (aka cheap) drinks, quarterly volunteer events and quality time with the staff and performers.
Where: 569 Ezzard St. SE
Fox Theatre
If you love Broadway shows, then keep your eye on the Fox Theatre because the theater often offers discount tickets to college students when Broadway comes to Atlanta.
Where: 660 Peachtree St. NE
Tour a Museum
Hammonds House Museum
As the former residence of the late passionate arts patron and well-known Atlanta physician, Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, the Hammonds House Museum is a historical treasure. Explore the legacy of artists of African descent in a collection of more than 450 works from the mid-19th century and see art exhibitions throughout the year.
Where: 503 Peeples St. SW
High Museum of Art
Head to Midtown to enjoy the High Museum of Art. Experience monthly events such as High Frequency Friday and Friday jazz. The High Museum of Art’s internship program is offered for eight weeks each summer to rising college juniors and seniors and graduating seniors.
Where: 1280 Peachtree St. NE
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is only $10 with your valid student ID. Not only that, it’s wise to check the website from time to time because some events are free.
Where: 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
You can spend hours at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. It’s a unit of the National Park Service so all the attractions are absolutely free.
Where: 450 Auburn Ave. NE
To find out what’s going on in Atlanta anytime, check our calendar of events.
Aubree is a content creator with a passion for all things food and travel. You can find her around Atlanta tasting some of the most iconic bites or burning it all off on the dance floor.
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