A new season has arrived. Flowers are blooming, and Earth Day is just around the corner, so it’s a great time to explore nature in Sandy Springs. You can picnic, hike, paddle, bird watch, fish, and more all inside the City of Sandy Springs. Not the most outdoorsy person? That’s okay! We have suggestions for all comfort levels. Check out our list of six things you can do outdoors to celebrate spring this April:
Enjoy a 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 a dozen 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’s a large variety of grocery stores in the area to grab supplies, and 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. Visitors can also find small businesses throughout metro Atlanta that create cheese boards and curated picnic experiences.
Some of our top Sandy Springs picnic spots: Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Lost Corner Preserve, and Heritage Sandy Springs
Go birding along the Chattahoochee River
With three units of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and over a dozen city parks, Sandy Springs has several wildlife sanctuaries and bird-watching opportunities. The Chattahoochee River provides a variety of habitats for birds right inside the city. Take a trip to a 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 Just 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, or anyone that needs a more even surface. For an easy to moderate hike, visit the Powers Island Unit of the CRNRA which is 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 is one of the most scenic parks in metro Atlanta. The 3.4-mile trail leads visitors past several high overlooks, the ruins of an old mill, and through 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!
Ready for a spring getaway? A stay in Sandy Springs lets you explore 900 acres of parks, trails, and river shoreline, and also puts you a short drive away from popular Atlanta attractions like Zoo Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.