7 Things to Do Outdoors in Sandy Springs

Warm weather is here! Flowers are blooming, and Earth Day is just around the corner.

It's a great time to head outside and explore nature in Sandy Springs, where you can picnic, hike, paddle, bird watch, fish, and more. Not the most outdoorsy person? That’s okay! We have suggestions for all comfort levels. Check out our list of seven things you can do outdoors this spring & summer.

Picnic in One of Sandy Springs’ Beautiful Parks

Picnics and parks go together like Yogi Bear and Boo Boo. Luckily, Sandy Springs is home to over 20 beautiful parks that are perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch. Pack a feast and head to Morgan Falls Overlook Park for amazing views and fun activities, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a picnic at Lost Corner Preserve, or spend some time in the heart of Sandy Springs while you dine at Heritage Sandy Springs. There are many great grab-and-go restaurants like Strive Foods, Henri’s Café and Bakery, and Breadwinner Cafe that serve up delicious and time-saving picnic meals. Try out Charcuterie Chick for a perfectly-crafted Charcuterie board, and then head over to Beer and Wine Craft to buy (or even make) the perfect wine to pair with your meal.

Some of our top Sandy Springs picnic spots: Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Lost Corner Preserve, and Heritage Sandy Springs

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert

This year's dates and lineup for City Green Live and Concerts by the Springs have been announced, and there's a lot to be excited about!

City Green Live:

  • April 26 - Shovels & Rope
  • May 24 - Queen Nation
  • June 21 - Dazz Band
  • July 26 - Marc Broussard
  • August 30 - TBD

City Green Live will take place at City Green at City Springs.They're free to attend, with the option to reserve a table for $60-$90. Lawn seating is first-come, first-serve, so make sure to get there early!

Concerts by the Springs:

  • May 5 - Her Majesty's Request
  • June 2 - Savannah Jack
  • July 14 - Clef and the Playlist
  • August 4 - Harvest Moon
  • September 8 - Grains of Sand​

Concerts by the Springs takes place at Heritage Amphitheatre (6110 Bluestone Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328). Concerts are free to attend, with the option to reserve a table for $135-$155. Lawn seating is first-come, first-serve, so make sure to get there early!

Go Birding Along The Chattahoochee River

Sandy Springs has several wildlife sanctuaries and bird-watching opportunities. Much of this is thanks to its three units of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, along with its many city parks. The Chattahoochee River, and the canopy surrounding it, provide habitats for a variety of bird species. Blue Heron, Osprey, and hundreds of other species, can be spotted in and around the area. Take a trip to a CRNRA unit or local park, and see how many types of birds you can spot. Birding enthusiasts can find popular Sandy Springs bird-watching hotspots on the website ebird.org. The City of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department also occasionally offers a bird-watching program that residents and visitors can enjoy.

Some of our top bird-watching spots in Sandy Springs: Morgan Falls Overlook Park, CRNRA- Island Ford Unit, CRNRA- East Palisades, John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve

Take a Hike (Or a Leisurely Stroll)

The wonderful parks and green spaces in Sandy Springs provide many hiking opportunities for nature lovers of all skill levels. The flat, paved path at Abernathy Greenway is great for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone who needs a more level surface.

For an easy to moderate hike, visit the Powers Island Unit of the CRNRA. It's 2.6 miles, mostly flat, and often less crowded than other local trails.

More experienced hikers will enjoy a visit to the East Palisades Unit of the CRNRA. East Palisades stretches along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and it's one of the most scenic parks in metro Atlanta. The 3.4-mile trail leads visitors past several high overlooks of the river below, along with the ruins of an old mill, and a bamboo forest.

Some of our top hiking and walking spots in Sandy Springs: CRNRA- East Palisades, Powers Island and Island Ford Units, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, John Ripley Big Trees Forest Preserve, Lost Corner Preserve, and Abernathy Greenway.

Dine Al Fresco On a Patio at a Delicious Restaurant

One of the best things about Georgia is that patio weather can be enjoyed for the majority of the year. Late spring and early summer are particularly pleasant times to dine al fresco in Sandy Springs. Many of the city’s restaurants have patios where you can relax, dine, and soak in some sunshine. Those looking for a lively night out will love the waterside patio at Mojave, a Latin American restaurant known for its large menu, handcrafted cocktails, and live entertainment. If you’re looking for a refreshing and laidback dining experience, head to Flower Child to enjoy healthy bowls, grains, greens, and wraps on their sunny patio. And if you are looking for an elegant meal for a special occasion, dine at Ray’s On The River, and take in views of the Chattahoochee River while you enjoy fresh seafood, prime steaks, and fine wine.

Some of our top patio spots in Sandy Springs: Flower Child, Mojave, Ray’s On The River, Southern Bistro, Hammocks Trading Company, and Mandolin Kitchen.

Hit The Water

If you are looking for something a little more adventurous to do to help celebrate the warmer weather, then look no further than the Chattahoochee River. You can drop your kayak in at Powers Island, enjoy some paddle boarding on Bull Sluice Lake at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, or go fishing at Island Ford. Don’t have your own gear? Outfitters and guides will soon be opening for the season for rentals and guided trips.

Our top spots for getting on the water in Sandy Springs: CRNRA-Island Ford Unit, CRNRA- Powers Island, and Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

Enjoy Art in The Sculpture Garden at City Springs

You can have a picnic, drink, or dine on a patio, and take a relaxing walk all in one place at City Springs. City Springs has a large green space called City Green where guests love to relax, socialize, and enjoy outdoor events. It’s surrounded by beautiful and unique sculptures that are part of an art contest sponsored by the City of Sandy Springs. There are also fountains, a splash pad for kids, swings, Wi-Fi, and a variety of seating options around City Springs that help give it a relaxing vibe.

There’s only one City Springs. Here’s a pro tip: Head to City Springs bright and early on a Saturday morning, grab a cup of coffee and a pastry from Café Vendome, check out the Art Walk and then head to the Sandy Springs Farmers Market coming back this month!

Ready for a getaway? Check out all of the hotel offerings we have here in Sandy Springs! Explore 900 acres of parks, trails, river shoreline, the local dining scene, and even popular Atlanta attractions like Zoo Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. You can find all of this and more when you stay in Sandy Springs!

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