In a place as diverse and urban as the Greater Atlanta area, it’s sometimes hard to find a balanced blend of dynamic city living and outdoor escapism. Sandy Springs marries everything you love about Atlanta with a hometown warmth and charm. Whether you’re an out-of-towner or an Atlanta native, it’s the perfect getaway for a long weekend all year round. Here are the five things in Sandy Springs you can’t miss when you visit our favorite part of Metro Atlanta.
1. Restaurants Galore
Sandy Springs is home to over 150 dining options to match the mood of your weekend no matter the meal and cuisine you crave. For breakfast and brunch options, Sandy Springs Diner, Southern Bistro, and Flying Biscuit each offer a variety of old-fashioned favorites as well as new takes on breakfast classics. You can easily fold lunch into your weekend plans, whether that means grabbing a bite and beer near the river at Pontoon Brewing and its rotating mix of food trucks or at Flower Child at City Springs for flavorful vegan and vegetarian options. For dinner, level up at gamer bar and restaurant Battle & Brew to add some extra entertainment to your meal. If you’re looking for something more upscale, try Ray’s on the River for a romantic dinner for two or il Giallo Osteria & Bar if you’re craving Italian. Food Network thinks their pasta is deliziosa, and you will too!
2. Outdoor Adventures in the Parks
Sandy Springs is teeming with outdoor activities for hikers, nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and more. With 950 acres of parks, water, and recreational areas spread out across the city, you will never run out of places to explore. Sandy Springs offers many walking, running, and hiking options, with trails at parks like John Ripley Forbes Big Tree Forest Preserve. For art lovers and families, the playable sculptures at Abernathy Greenway Park are a must.
A hometown favorite, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) consists of 48 miles of river across three different land units (Island Ford, Powers Island, and East Palisades) and 22 miles of river shoreline. Operated by the National Park Service, the CRNRA is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. It’s a great setting for a leisurely riverbank picnic, a hike along the trails, or a day on the water paddling or fishing. You can also enjoy the river at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, located above Morgan Falls Dam. Beginning in the spring, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks at Nantahala Outdoor Center or High Country Outfitters.
The Sandy Springs “Take It to the River” Lantern Parade, one of the community’s favorite events, is held in late spring to celebrate the city and the Chattahoochee River. The parade highlights culturally-significant aspects of the city and allows participants to showcase their creativity by making their own lanterns. Free to all, the parade’s only cost is the supplies you use to construct a lantern straight out of your imagination. Stay tuned for more information about the 2023 Lantern Parade coming up in April!
3. City Springs: The Heart of Sandy Springs
You can’t visit Sandy Springs without spending time at City Springs. The vibrant heartbeat to the area, City Springs is home to the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, outdoor concerts and events on City Green, and restaurants that serve a wide range of cuisines. Drop by The Select for a signature cocktail or enjoy a quick bite and beverage at CityBar before heading to a performance. From April to November, the Sandy Springs Farmers Market runs from 8:30AM to noon every Saturday. It’s an easy way to support local vendors, craftsmen, and small businesses while sipping your artisan coffee and relaxing on City Green. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the sculptures surrounding City Green, and families can bring the kids to enjoy the splash pad.
4. The Growing Craft Beer Scene
Sandy Springs is home to a number of excellent breweries with local brews and welcoming atmospheres. Mutation Brewing takes their inspiration from Peru while Pontoon Brewing is all about the taste of classic Southern leisure. Porter Pizza and Brewery, The Chapter Room at Taco Mac, and The Springs Cinema & Taphouse offer fabulous meals to compliment your drinks. To maximize your craft beer tour while you’re in Atlanta, consider taking advantage of the Topside Tap Trail to share the love of local beer. You can get your trail passport stamped at each of the seven participating brewing locations across Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
5. Everything is at Your Fingertips
One of the best parts about staying in Sandy Springs is its proximity to so many different events, attractions, and activities around Atlanta. With three MARTA rail stations and direct access to SR-400 and I-285, you can easily travel around the Atlanta area. Almost every hotel in Sandy Springs is within five miles of a MARTA station, and some hotels are even within walking distance of a station.
Those looking for some of Greater Atlanta’s best shopping should head east of Sandy Springs to Perimeter Mall or north to the Avalon. If you drive down SR-400, you can experience the diverse collections at the Atlanta High Museum of Art or continue south into downtown to experience the capital city’s top attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca Cola.
Atlanta is no stranger to exciting sporting events. Even those who consider themselves “not a sports person” can’t help but get swept up in the proud hometown spirit. Truist Park, home of the 2021 World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves, is located 10 miles west of Sandy Springs. Adjacent to the park is The Battery Atlanta, a complex packed with events, delicious eats, and carefully-curated shopping to help you pass the time before the game. While the Braves’ don't have their first home game until April 6th, the Battery is open year-round and has established itself as a city favorite. If you can’t wait until April, February 25 kicks off the opening of the Atlanta United soccer season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. From Sandy Springs, you can hop on MARTA or head straight down SR-400 to get a taste of the electric Atlanta United spirit.
Your Home Away From Home
Wherever you go in Sandy Springs, you’ll find warmth, hospitality, and close-knit community that makes the big city of Atlanta feel small. Sandy Springs’ variety of opportunities, restaurants, and events allows its visitors to plan a getaway that encapsulates the urban experience and joins it with the peaceful solitude found only in nature. No matter what time of year you visit, our city is ready to welcome you with all it has to offer. Book a stay in one of our many wonderful hotels today, and we’ll see you soon!