Ready for family fun, outdoor adventure, and Georgia history? Head to Stone Mountain! Hike up the granite dome, catch a laser light show, and ride scenic trains all in one day. Just outside Atlanta, Stone Mountain mixes nature, thrills, and Southern charm for an unforgettable getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Stone Mountain is during spring and fall, when temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities and seasonal festivals are in full swing. Summers can be hot but offer extended park hours and nightly events.
How to Get There
- By Car: Stone Mountain is about 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta via I-285 and US-78.
- By Air: Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), then rent a car or take a rideshare service.
- By Transit: Take MARTA to the Indian Creek station, then a short Uber/Lyft ride to the park entrance.
Where to Stay
- Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort – Inside the park with lake views, golf, and easy access to attractions.
- Stone Mountain Inn – Charming, colonial-style inn right across from the park's main entrance.
- Nearby Hotels in Decatur – Plenty of convenient lodging options just a short drive from the mountain.
Top Attractions
1. Explore Stone Mountain Park, Georgia's most popular attraction
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Just 15 miles east of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: History buffs, nature lovers, families, and outdoor adventure seekers
What I Love: ♥ “An awe-inspiring granite monolith paired with thrilling outdoor adventures and panoramic views!”
- Explore the stunning 3,200-acre park filled with forests, trails, and lakefront beauty.
- Marvel at Stone Mountain, the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, rising over 1,686 feet.
- Ride the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that offers breathtaking views of the Confederate Memorial Carving and the Atlanta skyline.
- Visit engaging attractions like the Stone Mountain Museum, Geyser Towers, SkyHike, and Great Locomotive Chase Golf.
- Discover historical exhibits and hike scenic trails with views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Cost: Admission varies by activity; parking is generally $20 per vehicle. Adventure Passes available for attraction access.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking and outdoor events. Visit during seasonal festivals for special experiences.
Local tips: Arrive early to beat crowds, wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and bring a camera for panoramic summit views. Don’t miss the evening laser show and fireworks on select nights.
How to Get to Stone Mountain Park: Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Atlanta, follow I-285 to Exit 39B (US-78 E) and look for Exit 8Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-498-5690
2. Check out the carvings on Stone Mountain
Location: Just outside Atlanta in DeKalb County, Georgia
Recommended For: Geology enthusiasts, hikers, photographers, and panoramic view seekers
What I Love: ♥ “An ancient granite giant with breathtaking summit views and rich geological intrigue.”
- Marvel at Stone Mountain, a dome monadnock of quartz monzonite formed over 350 million years ago.
- Learn about the massive Confederate Memorial Carving featuring Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson.
- Climb the west side trail to the summit or take the Skyride aerial tram for an easy, scenic ascent.
- Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the summit—see Kennesaw Mountain, Atlanta's skyline, and even the Appalachians on a clear day.
- Explore the summit’s bare rock landscape dotted with freshwater pools and rare flora.
Cost: Parking $20 per vehicle; free to hike. Skyride tickets available at additional cost.
Best time to visit: Fall and spring for cooler temperatures and crisp views from the summit.
Local tips: Wear proper hiking shoes for the 1-mile uphill trail, bring water, and start early to avoid crowds. The Skyride is great for non-hikers or families with kids.
How to Get to Stone Mountain: About 30 minutes east of Atlanta; take US-78 East and exit at Stone Mountain Park.
Address: Stone Mountain, GA 30083
3. Walk across the historic Washington W. King Bridge (Stone Mountain Covered Bridge)
Location: Inside Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: History lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and park explorers
What I Love: ♥ “A beautifully preserved 19th-century covered bridge linking Georgia's past with natural serenity.”
- Admire the Washington W. King Bridge, built in 1891 by renowned bridge builder Washington W. King.
- Learn its history as a vital connector over the Oconee River in Athens, Georgia.
- See this rare structure—one of only four surviving King family bridges—now gracefully spanning Stone Mountain Lake.
- Walk through the bridge to reach a peaceful island surrounded by forest and lake views.
- Photograph the bridge’s rustic charm, wooden trusses, and picturesque setting in every season.
Cost: Included with Stone Mountain Park admission or parking fee
Best time to visit: Fall for vibrant foliage or early morning for peaceful photos and misty lake views
Local tips: The bridge is pedestrian-only. Bring a camera and picnic—this is one of the park’s quietest and most scenic spots.
How to Get to the Bridge: Inside Stone Mountain Park. From the park entrance, follow signs toward Covered Bridge Lane and parking near the walking trail.
4. Enjoy a live performance at Art Station
Location: Historic Stone Mountain Village, Georgia
Recommended For: Theater lovers, art enthusiasts, families, and local culture seekers
What I Love: ♥ “A vibrant arts hub in a restored trolley station, celebrating creativity and community spirit.”
- Discover the Art Station, a local treasure offering live theater, art exhibits, and creative workshops.
- Visit the beautifully restored Old Trolley Station, once a vital connection between Atlanta and Stone Mountain.
- Attend live performances in an intimate setting featuring regional talent and thought-provoking productions.
- Explore rotating art gallery exhibitions and hands-on classes in painting, crafts, and more.
- Engage with lectures, artist talks, and seasonal special events celebrating local and national talent.
Cost: Varies by performance or class; many gallery events are free or low-cost
Best time to visit: Evenings for shows or weekends during seasonal exhibits and events
Local tips: Check the online calendar for upcoming theater productions and classes. Parking is free and plentiful in the nearby historic district.
How to Get There: Located just off Main Street in Stone Mountain Village, easily accessible via US-78 and a short walk from nearby shops and eateries.
Address: 5384 Manor Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-469-1105
5. Order a sandwich at Weeyums Philly Style
Location: Historic Downtown Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: Foodies, sandwich lovers, casual diners, and fans of authentic Philly fare
What I Love: ♥ “This no-frills eatery delivers bold flavors and true Philadelphia cheesesteaks in the heart of Georgia.”
- Taste authentic cheesesteaks and Philly-style hoagies made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Order from a menu stacked with burgers, fries, salads, and specialty chicken dishes.
- Enjoy hearty subs and sandwiches crafted with care in a casual, counter-serve setting.
- Experience the local favorite that’s earned its reputation through consistent quality and unbeatable flavor.
- Drop in for a quick bite after exploring Stone Mountain Village or before hiking the trails nearby.
Cost: $5–$15 per entrée
Best time to visit: Lunchtime or early dinner for fresh sandwiches and fewer crowds
Local tips: Order ahead for faster service. Locals love the "Weeyums Special" cheesesteak with peppers and provolone.
How to Get There: Located on Main Street in Stone Mountain, walkable from the Village and just minutes from the entrance to Stone Mountain Park.
Address: 900 Main St #3603, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 770-322-0000
6. Get a treat at Pi-bytes
Location: Historic Downtown Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: Casual diners, dessert lovers, families, and fans of pizza and sweet treats
What I Love: ♥ “Gourmet mini pies and hearty Italian dishes meet playful charm in this cozy café.”
- Try the savory side with Italian-style pizzas, calzones, and traditional lasagna made fresh to order.
- Delight in decadent, cupcake-sized gourmet pies in inventive flavors like Amaretto German Chocolate Cheesecake.
- Relax in a bright and welcoming café founded by a local ex-firefighter.
- Unwind with friends over a game of pool in the café’s cozy hangout space.
- Sip on a refreshing selection of non-alcoholic beverages to pair with your meal or dessert.
Cost: $3–$12 per item
Best time to visit: Afternoons or early evenings for light bites, sweet treats, and a laid-back atmosphere
Local tips: The gourmet mini pies make perfect gifts or take-home treats. Ask about seasonal or limited-edition flavors.
How to Get There: Conveniently located on Main Street, just a short stroll from the Art Station and other Stone Mountain Village attractions.
Address: 937 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 404-247-1895
7. Have fun with friends at Escape the Netherworld
Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: Puzzle lovers, thrill-seekers, groups of friends, families, and team-building events
What I Love: ♥ “Movie-quality sets, spine-tingling puzzles, and immersive storytelling make every escape unforgettable.”
- Challenge yourself in one of four themed rooms: Tiki Island, Haunted, Nosferatu, or Sasquatch.
- Work with up to eight players to solve puzzles and unravel the mystery within 60 minutes.
- Experience world-class set design and a highly immersive environment that’s been voted the best escape room in Atlanta.
- Enjoy a unique group activity that blends story-driven gameplay with teamwork and logic challenges.
- Visit from Wednesday to Sunday for your chance to beat the clock and escape!
Cost: $28–$35 per person depending on time and room
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends for the most thrilling group experiences; booking ahead is strongly recommended
Local tips: Wear comfortable clothing, arrive early for orientation, and check out the adjacent Netherworld Haunted House during its seasonal events for even more scares.
How to Get There: Escape the Netherworld is located just off US-78, minutes from downtown Stone Mountain and easily accessible by car.
Address: 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087, Phone: 404-999-3722
8. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center
Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia
Recommended For: Families, kids, groups of friends, birthday parties, and anyone seeking indoor entertainment
What I Love: ♥ “An all-in-one entertainment center offering VIP bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, and a fun-packed arcade for all ages.”
- Enjoy 12 upgraded VIP bowling lanes, each lane accommodating up to 6 players with shoe hire included.
- Experience thrilling bumper cars and exciting laser tag for active fun beyond bowling.
- Play in the arcade with unlimited games access for one hour on a single fee — perfect for kids.
- Host birthday parties and special events in a dedicated party room designed for celebrations.
- Book lanes and party packages conveniently online.
Cost: Bowling prices vary; arcade and laser tag fees apply separately; party packages available.
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends are popular; advance booking is recommended for larger groups and parties.
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to secure VIP lanes, and check the website for special offers and event schedules.
How to Get There: Located on Mountain Industry Blvd, easily accessible by car from Stone Mountain Park and surrounding areas.
Address: 1741 Mountain Industry Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Phone: 673-965-5707
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