Are you planning a trip to Marietta, Georgia? It would be easy to think this city of just over 60,000 people is a quiet, sleepy suburb of its more famous neighbour, Atlanta. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! With its rich history, dozens of historical sites, acres of parks and trails, unique attractions, and plenty of shopping and dining options, Marietta is well worth a visit.
Here, we’ll explore all of the remarkable things to do in Marietta, Georgia. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
15 Best Things to Do in Marietta (GA)
| Activity/Attraction | Location | Opening & Closing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovering Marietta’s Rich History | Marietta Square | Self-guided walking tour, open 24/7 | Free |
| Ghosts of Marietta Tour | Marietta Square | Varies by season, see website for details | $18 per person |
| Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art | Marietta Square | Wed-Sat: 11am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm | $10 per person |
| Marietta Confederate Cemetery | 510 Powder Springs St SE, Marietta, GA 30064 | Open daily during daylight hours | Free |
| Oakton House | 4336 Oakton Dr, Marietta, GA 30062 | Open for tours on select dates, see website for details | $5 per person |
| Marietta Museum of History | 1 Depot St #200, Marietta, GA 30060 | Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm | $7 per person |
| Kennesaw Mountain | 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152 | Open daily during daylight hours | Free |
| Historic Marietta Trolley Co. | Marietta Square | Varies by season, see website for details | $10 per person |
| The Lemonade Stand | 107 Church St NE, Marietta, GA 30060 | Mon-Sat: 11am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm | Prices vary |
| Lane Street Park | 50 N. Fairground St. SE, Marietta, GA 30060 | Open daily during daylight hours | Free |
| The Flying Monkey | 869 Pickens Industrial Dr. Marietta, GA 30062 | Mon-Fri: 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-8pm | Prices vary |
| Visit Six Flags White Water | 250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062 | Hours vary by season, see website for details | Prices vary |
| Marietta Theater Company | 11 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30064 | Varies by show, see website for details | Prices vary |
| Novelis Skatepark | 3636 S. Cobb Dr. Smyrna, GA 30080 | Open daily during daylight hours | Free |
| Mountasia Family Fun Center | 175 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Marietta, GA 30066 | Sun-Thu: 12pm-9pm, Fri: 12pm-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm | Prices vary |
Discovering Marietta’s Rich History
Marietta was founded in 1834 and named after Marie Antoinette in the same year. It grew rapidly, even after the Western and Atlantic Railroad’s main hub was shifted to nearby Atlanta. In 2020, the city boasts six historic districts dotted with heritage buildings and a varied array of museums. As such, it is a great place to discover the history of the state of Georgia, including the Civil War period.
Ghosts of Marietta Tour
If you are looking to orientate yourself with Marietta and uncover its multitude of landmarks, why not join the Ghosts of Marietta Tour? Through tales of ghosts, civil war soldiers, and nineteenth-century residents, these tours provide an excellent introduction into all Marietta has to offer. Led by lantern on foot or aboard a historic trolley bus, a Ghosts of Marietta Tour is full of atmosphere.
Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
Opened in the 1990s, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is located inside a grand Greek Revival style building that once acted as the city’s main post office. Its unique gallery space exhibits American artworks from the earliest days of the United States (eighteenth century) to modern paintings and sculptures. The museum was also used for the courthouse scenes of the 2014 film Selma.
Marietta Confederate Cemetery
The Marietta Confederate Cemetery is the largest for several hundred miles, housing around 3,000 soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Divided into sections by state, the cemetery also features a field gun captured during the war. While it may be part of the Ghosts of Marietta Tour, visiting this cemetery deserves a dedicated amount of time.
Oakton House
The oldest house to be continually lived in Marietta, Oakton House was constructed in 1838 at the very beginning of the city’s existence. It served as the headquarters building for the Confederacy during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864. Visitors will marvel at the sprawling gardens, original barn, smokehouse, well, and milk house.
Marietta Museum of History
Also known as Kennesaw House, the structure that houses the Marietta Museum of History was built of red brick in 1845. The expansive collection includes displays detailing Native American life, the Civil War period, and Georgia’s gold rush. Exhibits include a rare Bible written in the Cherokee language and militaria displays from multiple decades.
Kennesaw Mountain
Rising to just over 500 meters, Kennesaw Mountain is the highest point in the greater Atlanta area. It is part of the Appalachian Mountains and is part of a battlefield park. Visitors can tackle any one of the mountain’s many hiking trails, or explore the myriad of historical sites.
Culinary and Shopping Options
Head to Marietta’s lively downtown square, where the central square anchors local restaurants, bars, boutiques, and independent theaters. Sample the delights of the city’s cuisine, including Southern comfort food, Latin American fare, steakhouse classics, vegan options, and much more. Here, shoppers will also find clothing stores, jewelry shops, toy stores, art galleries and more.
Historic Marietta Trolley Co.
Grab an adventure-filled ride through Marietta and Cobb County on the Historic Marietta Trolley Co. The company provides plenty to see, including various landmarks, but they are most famed for their Ghosts of Marietta Tour. The trolley has a 24-passenger seating capacity, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
The Lemonade Stand
The Lemonade Stand is a family-friendly restaurant and entertainment center offering family-oriented amusement games, indoor play areas and a full-service restaurant. All the meals on the menu are made fresh using only the finest ingredients. The Lemonade Stand also offers catering services and throw birthday party packages.
Public Parks and Gardens
Marietta boasts numerous parks and gardens, such as the Marietta National Cemetery, East Cobb Park, Sun Valley Beach Park, Bicentennial Park and many others. These parks provide endless outdoor recreational activities for visitors of all ages, such as running, biking, fishing, picnics, playgrounds and more.
Lane Street Park
Located deep in the heart of Marietta, Lane Street Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. With two ponds, walking paths and majestic trees, this park is the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the outdoors. It is also a great spot to appreciate the diverse wildlife.
The Flying Monkey
The Flying Monkey is an outdoor laser tag arena located in Marietta city where visitors can engage in a wide range of activities such as rock climbing, tree-top zip lining, aerial obstacle courses and more. You must bring your own equipment, unless you wish to rent or buy the necessary gear on site.
Visit Six Flags White Water
Six Flags White Water is an amusement water park located a short drive outside Marietta, featuring dozens of attractions such as water slides, a lazy river, surfable waves and splash zone areas. Visitors of all ages will find something exciting to do here.
Marietta Theater Company
The Marietta Theater Company is a professional theater that produces musical theater and live performances, such as plays and musicals. They also host community theater events and classes. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as these shows often sell out.
Novelis Skatepark
The largest skatepark in the state of Georgia, Novelis Skatepark is a premier destination for skaters from around the world. It features over 16,000 square feet of concrete terrain with features for every skill level. The park includes bowl, mini ramp and street elements, as well as a pro shop and snack bar.
Mountasia Family Fun Center
Mountasia Family Fun Center is a great way to spend the afternoon with family or friends. It has something for everyone, including go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, batting cages, an arcade and more. There are plenty of tasty treats and icy drinks too.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – 15 of the best places to explore in Marietta, Georgia. Whether you’re looking to learn about the city’s history, take a stroll in nature, or just have some fun, this Southern city has it all!
With so many unique and exciting things to do in Marietta, Georgia, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible city. From history and culture to outdoor adventure and entertainment, Marietta has something for everyone. So grab your bags and head to Marietta – you won’t regret it!