Marietta had a way of wrapping history, heart, and hometown charm all into one. Just northwest of Atlanta, it felt like a softer landing—less hustle, more soul. There was a story around every corner, from Civil War artifacts to old brick theaters, and I remember thinking, “This town doesn’t perform for you—it invites you to sit down and listen.” Whether I was watching a show, walking through a garden, or just enjoying sweet tea under a shady tree, Marietta offered the kind of presence that stays with you.
Best Things to Do in Marietta, GA
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
The lights dimmed, the curtains parted, and the magic began. The Strand Theatre was more than just a venue—it was a time capsule. With its art deco charm and glittering marquee, it felt like the kind of place that still believes in glamour. I remember thinking, “They don’t make nights out like this anymore.”
What I Loved Most: Watching a classic film from the balcony, with a cocktail in hand and the gentle hum of nostalgia all around.
My highlights? A live jazz night that turned the whole space into a glowing, golden memory. Everyone clapped like they knew each other.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~25 minutes north
- Vibe: Vintage, classy, atmospheric
- Highlights: Films, concerts, rooftop events
- Best Time to Visit: Weekend evenings for live shows or screenings
- Cost: $10–30 depending on event
- Hours: Box office hours vary; evening shows typical
- Address: 117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Six Flags White Water - Atlanta
Hot Georgia sun, swirling water slides, and the kind of laughter that bubbles up from deep inside—Six Flags White Water brought out the carefree version of me. It was splashy, loud, and totally joyful. I remember floating along the lazy river thinking, “Why don’t I do this more often?”
What I Loved Most: The perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation—from heart-racing slides to shaded hammocks.
My highlights? The Tornado water slide and a post-ride churro eaten barefoot with dripping hair and a big smile.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Marietta Square: ~10 minutes
- Vibe: Playful, loud, sun-soaked
- Highlights: Wave pools, thrill slides, lazy river
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer to avoid crowds
- Cost: ~$40–50 per person
- Hours: Typically 11am–6pm (seasonal)
- Address: 250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062
Marietta Museum of History
This wasn’t a museum that shouted—it spoke gently, with worn uniforms, black-and-white photos, and quiet corners filled with memory. Tucked above the old train depot, it was like wandering through a well-told story. I remember thinking, “History feels different when it’s this close.”
What I Loved Most: The sense of place—everything felt rooted in the lives of real people who shaped this town.
My highlights? Exploring the homefront WWII exhibit and learning about how Marietta’s residents experienced the war years.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Atlanta: ~25 minutes
- Vibe: Thoughtful, local, reflective
- Highlights: Civil War exhibits, regional artifacts, rotating displays
- Best Time to Visit: Midweek afternoons for quiet exploration
- Cost: ~$7 adults
- Hours: Tues–Sat, 10am–4pm
- Address: 1 Depot St NE, Marietta, GA 30060
Marietta Fire Museum
This little gem felt like a love letter to first responders. Compact but packed with pride, the Marietta Fire Museum had everything from antique fire trucks to decades-old helmets and gear. I remember thinking, “Every town should preserve stories like this.”
What I Loved Most: Hearing the evolution of firefighting in Marietta—how it all started with bucket brigades and grew into a modern force.
My highlights? Standing beside a beautifully restored 1921 American LaFrance fire engine and imagining the streets it once roared through.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from the Museum of History: ~5 minutes
- Vibe: Patriotic, informative, family-friendly
- Highlights: Antique fire engines, department memorabilia
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm
- Address: 112 Haynes St, Marietta, GA 30060
Marietta National Cemetery
Some places invite you to be still. Marietta National Cemetery was one of those. The rows of white headstones, stretching in careful symmetry, held a silence that said more than words could. I remember walking through the gates and thinking, “This is hallowed ground.”
What I Loved Most: The sheer reverence of it—every path felt like an echo of respect.
My highlights? Reading the inscriptions and imagining the lives behind them, each a thread in the fabric of American history.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Downtown Marietta: ~5 minutes
- Vibe: Solemn, peaceful, historic
- Highlights: Civil War burials, veterans' memorials
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or golden hour for light and reflection
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
- Address: 500 Washington Ave NE, Marietta, GA 30060
William Root House Museum and Garden
The William Root House was small but full of stories. One of the oldest homes in Marietta, it gave me a window into 1850s life—and how much has changed. I remember standing in the parlor thinking, “If these walls could talk.”
What I Loved Most: The immersive nature—touchscreens, guided rooms, and heirloom plants growing out back.
My highlights? Strolling the garden and smelling the same herbs that would have flavored meals here nearly two centuries ago.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Marietta Square: ~2 minutes
- Vibe: Historic, intimate, interactive
- Highlights: Period rooms, digital exhibits, heritage garden
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall when the garden is in bloom
- Cost: ~$7 adults
- Hours: Wed–Sat, 10am–4pm
- Address: 80 N Marietta Pkwy NW, Marietta, GA 30060
Closing Thoughts
Marietta isn’t trying to be trendy—it’s trying to tell the truth. Through its museums, memorials, theaters, and even thrill rides, it shares its past while making space for memory-making in the present. I came for the history, but I left with warmth—and that stays longer than any souvenir.