A short drive north of Atlanta, Alpharetta is the suburb that has it all. From 750 acres of green spaces and parks to a newly revamped downtown, there's never been a better time to visit Alpharetta. It has hundreds of restaurants and bustling attractions, which means there's something for everyone here. You'll find that families are just as comfortable exploring this town as, say, couples on a romantic getaway or friends looking for a fun weekend trip. When it comes to hotels, there's the recently opened Hamilton, a 119-room hotel located in downtown Alpharetta within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the amphitheater. Or there's the Hotel at Avalon, located in a popular mixed-use development and crowned with a rooftop pool. Whether you're popping in for the day or looking to stay awhile, here are 17 things you can't miss while in Alpharetta.
Embark On An Outdoor Adventure
A path that winds along Big Creek for about nine miles feels much further from the city than it actually is. Go for a stroll or ride your bike down the concrete path that runs parallel to North Point Parkway. When you reach the end of the path, you'll hit a mulch trail that circles around a wetland—keep your eyes open for blue herons, deer, and ducks.
Alpharetta is filled with arts and cultural experiences as well as outdoor adventure, and the Alpharetta Arts Walking Tour combines the two. The walk features may pieces of public art and sculpture that you can see with the help of this handy map, which offers information on each of the pieces.
If you're looking for room to roam, you'll find it at Wills Park. Wills Park & Arboretum has a walking trail, baseball fields, a playground, tennis courts, swimming pool, dog park, and much more. It's a great place to take the family for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
Do Some Shopping
You could seriously spend a whole day at Avalon (and not regret any of it). There's a stadium-seat movie theater if you're looking to catch a flick (good to know on rainy days) and there are green spaces where children can stretch their legs. Start at one end and work your way down with stops at shops like Williams-Sonoma and Bonobos. When you get hungry, grab a bite at a restaurant like Superica, Ford Fry's Tex-Mex joint, or maybe something sweet at Cafe Intermezzo.
Support local farmers and makers by shopping the city's downtown farmer's market on Saturdays. Located on the Town Green in front of Alpharetta City Hall, you'll find plenty of fresh produce, plus flowers, baked goods, and items like soap and jelly. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from April 6 to November 23.
Downtown Alpharetta is the heart of the city with so much to discover. In the warmer months, there's a splash pad to cool off in and a field to stretch out on. If you're looking to treat yourself, there are chic clothing boutiques like Southern Local and the day spa Natural Body. If you want to enjoy a great meal, take your pick from casual cafe fare at Never Enough Thyme or opt for something more upscale like elevated American fare at Coalition.
Souvenir t-shirt? Snooze. Souvenir vinyl record? That's the ticket. Comeback Vinyl is located in downtown Alpharetta and has a wide selection of records. Buy yourself (or someone else) to one. Keep an eye out for their sidewalk sales.
Eat And Drink In Alpharetta
Open fire and Spanish cuisine are at the heart of this new dinner spot spearheaded by chef and restaurateur Julio Delgado, who also owns Minnie Olivia pizzeria nearby. Inspired by his grandfather who was a butcher in Puerto Rico, Fogón and Lions pays homage to Delgado's family roots with a menu that showcases Spanish, South and Central American, and Caribbean flavors. Dinner dishes range from Churrasco-style skirt steak to seafood paella to rotisserie chicken, all cooked on a 14-foot hearth.
Jekyll Island feels a bit closer when you visit Jekyll Brewing. There are two locations in Alpharetta to choose from—Marconi, not far from the Big Creek Greenway, and Alpharetta City Center. Both have refreshing beers like the Pineapple Habanero Hot Dang Diggity IPA. If you want a snack to go with that beer, there are nibbles like black bean quinoa falafel balls and heartier items such as burgers. Catch live music on the weekends.
You won't be able to resist the aroma of just-out-of-the-oven treats at this charming bakery and cafe. Hanh Nguyen realized a decades-long dream when she opened July Moon Bakery & Café at the Maxwell in Alpharetta in 2022. The bakery and café, named in honor of Nguyen’s daughters, offers Vietnamese iced coffees, boba teas, bánh mìs, specialty toasts, and classic desserts with an Asian twist. Try the Pandan Cinnamon Roll or Ube Chocolate Chip Cookie for a tasty and unexpected treat.
If you'd like to explore Alpharetta's cuisine options, catch the Food Truck Alley event, which lines up the area's best food trucks for a night of delicious eats. More than 10 food trucks are on hand each month for the family-friendly night, which takes place once a month on Old Roswell Street. Check the website for dates and times.
According to the Alpharetta travel bureau, "Nestled in downtown, Roaring Social transcends the typical speakeasy experience by curating a lineup of talented performers who grace the stage with diverse genres and captivating melodies." Depending on the night, you might hear jazz, pop, or rock, but you can be certain you'll have a memorable night of live music at this 20s-style speakeasy.
Valor is the total package. Amazing aesthetics thanks to a colorful espresso machine and disco ball hanging from the ceiling. Yes. Delicious coffee roasted in small batches? Yes. There's also a cute outdoor seating area and a snack menu if you get hungry.
Experience all the throwback joys of an old-fashioned soda counter and Andy's Frozen Custard. While you can order a float, shake, or sundae, Andy's specializes in Concretes and Jackhammers, a thick mixture of custard and custom mix-ins, like candy, cookies, and fruit.
Take In Alpharetta's Arts And Culture
Outdoor music performances are so of-the-moment and this amphitheater is a great place to enjoy them. Buy a ticket for a seat or plan on sitting on the grassy hill; either way, you can't go wrong. Every genre swings through so there's something for everyone.
If a night of classical music is what you're after, spend an evening with the Alpharetta Symphony, the city's resident orchestra. Their schedule of concerts spans classical and popular tunes, so check their calendar, and see what performances strike your fancy.
You don't have to be a jazz aficionado to appreciate the Velvet Note. With a beautifully designed listening room, it is obvious careful attention was paid to every detail within its confines from the seating arrangements to the type of plates used (the food is served on palm leaf plates to minimize the noise while serving and eating food). Dress sharply, order a martini, and take in the finest of tunes.