Marietta GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marietta, Georgia.
1. Marietta Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Marietta Square serves as the vibrant heart of the city with colorful gardens and a park that's perfect for picnic lunches in the summer. Visitors can explore the area's charming shops, restaurants, and frequent community events held throughout the year. The square features a beautiful central fountain and gazebo that serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
2. Six Flags White Water
THRILLING WATER PARK
Six Flags White Water is a water-themed amusement center featuring slides, a lazy river, and play areas for children. The park spans over 69 acres and includes 20 unique attractions, making it one of the most popular water parks in North America. Open from May through September, popular attractions include Little Hooch, Lizard's Tail, and Black River Falls.
3. Gone With the Wind Museum at Historic Brumby Hall
FILM HISTORY COLLECTION
The Gone With the Wind Museum at Historic Brumby Hall houses many interesting artifacts and facts about Margaret Mitchell and the iconic film. Located in the historic Brumby Hall, this specialty museum offers visitors a glimpse into the creation and impact of one of America's most beloved classics. The collection includes original memorabilia, costumes, and rare items related to both the book and film adaptation.
4. Sope Creek Trail
SCENIC NATURE HIKE
Sope Creek Trail offers visitors a chance to explore historic ruins alongside a beautiful creek setting. The trail combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a popular destination for hikers and history buffs alike. Visitors particularly enjoy the peaceful creek views and the remnants of an old paper mill that add character to this outdoor adventure.
5. Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is a beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Marietta that hosts films, live performances, and special events. Originally opened in 1935, this art deco gem underwent extensive renovation to preserve its vintage charm while offering modern amenities. The theater contributes significantly to Marietta's cultural scene with its diverse programming that appeals to audiences of all ages.
6. Marietta History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Marietta History Center showcases the rich heritage and development of Marietta through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Housed in the historic Kennesaw House, the museum offers insights into the Civil War era, local industries, and the people who shaped the region. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibits that bring the past to life through interactive displays and preserved historical items.
7. Brumby Hall and Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE GROUNDS
Brumby Hall and Gardens is a beautifully preserved historic estate featuring elegant architecture and meticulously maintained gardens. The property showcases the grandeur of 19th-century Southern living with its period furnishings and decorative arts. Visitors can tour the mansion and stroll through the picturesque gardens that create a peaceful retreat in the heart of Marietta.
8. Marietta Square Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Marietta Square Farmers Market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown. Operating year-round, this popular market allows visitors to connect directly with farmers and makers while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Marietta Square. The market emphasizes sustainable, locally-grown products that showcase the agricultural bounty of the region.
9. Marietta Fire Museum
FIREFIGHTING HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Marietta Fire Museum celebrates the history and evolution of firefighting in the region through its collection of vintage equipment and memorabilia. Visitors can see historic fire engines, tools, and uniforms that tell the story of how fire protection has developed over the decades. The museum offers an educational experience that honors the bravery and innovation of firefighters past and present.
10. Marietta Confederate Cemetery
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Marietta Confederate Cemetery serves as the final resting place for approximately 3,000 Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. The historic cemetery features rows of simple headstones arranged by state, telling a poignant story of the conflict that divided the nation. Visitors can walk the peaceful grounds while learning about this significant period in American history through interpretive markers and memorials.
11. Marietta National Cemetery
MILITARY BURIAL GROUNDS
Marietta National Cemetery honors countless military service members who sacrificed for their country with its solemn beauty and historical significance. Established in 1866, the cemetery contains the remains of Union soldiers from the Civil War as well as veterans from subsequent conflicts. The meticulously maintained grounds feature uniform white headstones, monuments, and landscaped areas that create a dignified tribute to American military service.
12. The Big Chicken
ICONIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Big Chicken is a quirky, 56-foot-tall steel chicken structure that has become one of Marietta's most recognizable landmarks since its construction in 1963. Originally built to advertise a restaurant, this beloved roadside attraction features a moving beak and eyes that delight visitors of all ages. The Big Chicken now houses a KFC restaurant and serves as a popular navigational reference point for locals giving directions.
13. Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
FINE ARTS COLLECTION
The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art showcases fine art collections in a beautifully repurposed historic post office building near Marietta Square. The museum features rotating exhibitions of American and regional artists alongside its permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Visitors can appreciate both contemporary and traditional works while enjoying the unique architectural elements of this cultural institution.
14. Red Hare Brewing Company
LOCAL CRAFT BREWERY
Red Hare Brewing Company offers visitors a chance to sample locally crafted beers in their taproom while learning about the brewing process. As one of Marietta's premier craft breweries, they produce a variety of year-round and seasonal beers using quality ingredients and innovative techniques. The brewery hosts regular tours, tasting events, and food truck gatherings that have made it a popular social destination for both locals and tourists.
15. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a Civil War battleground site where a significant 1864 campaign took place during the Atlanta Campaign. The 2,965-acre park offers more than 22 miles of interpretive hiking trails that wind through historic earthworks, cannon emplacements, and forested terrain. Visitors can explore the museum, climb to the mountain's summit for panoramic views, and gain insights into this pivotal moment in American history through ranger-led programs and exhibits.