20 Attractions to Explore Near Decatur Square

Woodlands Garden is a beautiful nature area created to honor and protect the wildlife that call it home. From lush trails filled with native plants like magnolia, wild azalea, and mountain laurel to the abundance of birds like cardinals, hummingbirds, and the rare prothonotary warbler, Woodlands Garden offers something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the scenic pathways leading to peaceful gazebos or stopping at one of the many benches throughout the park to take a break.

Fernbank Science Center provides a unique and interactive experience for all ages. One of the highlights is a 65-foot-tall observatory dome that features a state-of-the-art GOTO Chronos 18-inch Starmaster Telescope capable of viewing celestial bodies and deep space galaxies. visitors can take part in exciting educational programs designed to help students discover the wonders of science or explore the 38 acre nature preserve with a variety of eco-friendly trails and native wildlife.

Dearborn Park is a cherished and beloved park. Often referred to as the “jewel of DeKalb County”, Dearborn Park is a beautiful and serene place that nature enthusiasts of all types can come to appreciate. This sprawling forest offers plenty of picturesque trails for hikers and plenty of vegetation perfect for birdwatching. For those wanting to spend time closer to home, there are multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and a pavilion for family gatherings or photoshoots.

Deepdene Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends and family. With plenty of picnicking opportunities, you can have a wonderful meal with the people most important to you. There is a volleyball court where you can challenge your competitors to an intense match. Kids can explore their creative sides at the playgrounds or visit one of the trails for some nature appreciation.

Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre urban hardwood forest, provides visitors the perfect opportunity to take a step back and explore nature. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the area, such as bird watching, and self-guided educational trails that discuss local flora and fauna. At Fernbank Forest, one can experience a diverse range of habitats, including swamps, creeks, wetlands, bottomland hardwoods and tidal ponds that support a plethora of wildlife.

The DeKalb Farmers Market is a bustling mecca of simple delights. Every Saturday morning, you have the opportunity to experience a melting pot of locally-sourced vendors featuring a diverse array of fresh produce, baked goods, specialty products, and even ready-to-eat dishes. It's like taking a mini culinary journey through Georgia with every bite you take. The market also promotes sustainable practices by offering reusable bags and compostable packaging options for all its customers.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University is an incredible place to explore the past and be inspired by cultures from around the world. With collections spanning from Egypt to Greece, Rome to the Americas, and even Asia, there is something for everyone. Cultural artifacts such as pottery, stone carvings, jewelry and coins are just some of the items that visitors can admire while exploring this wonderful museum.

Druid Hills Golf Club, built in 1908 by Donald J. Ross using his unique design principles, the course is one of the oldest and most beautiful courses in the nation. With lush fairways and exquisitely manicured greens amid trees lined with Spanish moss, it's easy to see why players visit year after year. The club has hosted numerous tournaments over its long history, including the PGA tour event in 1947 and 1948, which was won by superstar golfers like Ben Hogan and Sam Snead.

Lullwater Preserve is an urban oasis and natural haven for outdoor adventurers featuring 200 acres of lush scenery, crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls. Visitors to the preserve are treated to rolling hills and creeks that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing. Actually, there’s something for everyone from picnic areas ideal for family gatherings to peaceful gardens perfect for leisurely strolling.

East Lake Golf Club, is an iconic destination for golf enthusiasts from all over the United States. Established in 1904 by Bobby Jones, East Lake Golf Club has been home to several tournaments and championships, including the TOUR Championship and the Walker Cup. Along with its history of excellence on the green, this top-tier golf club also hosts a variety of family-friendly activities such as demonstrations, clinics and special events.

Mason Mill Park, is an absolute gem. It offers a wide range of recreation activities including jogging trails, soccer fields, tennis courts and picnic grounds. For those who want to take a break from their everyday lives and stay in touch with nature there’s no shortage of things to do as it also boasts large wooded areas rich with wildlife that invite exploration. With its 3-acre lake complete with a small beach, visitors can cool off and enjoy an exciting game of paddleboat or sailboat races.

The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve features 165 acres of diverse land with a lake, ponds, and wetlands. This nature reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as birds, trees, and aquatic life. Additionally, the preserve offers hiking trails throughout the surrounding wooded area, as well as educational programs for those wishing to learn more about the ecology of the South. Covered pavilions are available for picnics or field trips during pleasant weather.

David J. Sencer CDC Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visitors can learn about technological tools used to fight outbreaks and explore the role of scientists in protecting public health. At this unique museum, you can wander through a simulated laboratory environment, view intriguing artifacts and informative displays, or explore physical science experiments.

This is a historical site with a fascinating past. Built in 1922 for Asa G. Candler Jr., President of the Coca-Cola Company, the mansion was modeled after an estate located in Birmingham, England. During World War II it was transferred to the Navy and used as a training facility before being purchased by Emory University and made into a Psychiatric Hospital afterward. After closing its doors in 1997, the mansion was left abandoned until being recently renovated into its original state.

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a place for anyone interested in the arts to explore and grow. The Center offers courses and programs covering the fine arts from pottery, painting and drawing to theatre, music and dance classes. As a frequent participant in the annual Irish Festival it also promotes culture by bringing that tradition to life with interactive exhibits. Callanwolde is home to artists-in-residence who offer weekly workshops free of charge.

Freedom Park is an exciting and unique way to explore the outdoors. Located on 570 acres of pristine lakeland, it offers visitors a chance to experience a wide range of recreational activities from camping and hunting to fishing, boating, swimming, birding and more! The park incorporates the natural beauty of its setting with modern amenities like an Olympic-sized pool, over four miles of biking trails and eight miles of hiking trails.

Little Five Points, is a vibrant and unique destination. Visitors are drawn to the eclectic blend of locally-owned businesses, including indie record stores and vintage boutiques. Music venues showcase local and international performers, while bars and eateries offer a selection of craft beer and ethnic cuisine. With a colorful outdoor market, movie theater and park all situated nearby, Little Five Points is the perfect place for an afternoon of shopping or a night out with friends.

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia houses U.S. President Jimmy Carter's papers and other material relating to the Carter administration and the Carter family's life. The library also hosts special exhibits, such as Carter's Nobel Peace Prize and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it was during the Carter Administration, including a reproduction of the Resolute desk.

This is a beautiful and historic church steeped in tradition. Established in the late 1920s to promote a sense of community for the area’s growing population of Greek immigrants, it is now home to worshippers from around the world who come together to celebrate their faith through its liturgical services, seminars and educational programs. The architecture of the building speaks to its significance; with ornate domes made from imported marble, Byzantine-inspired iconography.

Brownwood Park is a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a variety of amenities including a stocked lake with fishing opportunities, 4 pavilions, multiple walking paths, and a large playground area for kids to enjoy. Picnic tables are available throughout the park allowing visitors to take advantage of the surrounding nature. A large soccer field provides ample space for organized sports activities or open playtime.