20 Attractions to Explore Near Deepdene Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Decatur Square is DeKalb County's premier entertainment and dining destination. The Square, bustling with restaurants, bars and shops, is filled with people strolling its walkways, sampling some of the area’s best cuisines or checking out its latest boutique. It also has a multi-million dollar sculpture created by artist Gilbert Lebatard called “Gateway to Decatur Square” that stands proudly as a center piece for the area as well as many public food trucks to provide a variety of cuisine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Historic Fourth Ward Park is a park built on the site of the old Ponce de Leon amusement park, in the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta, just south of Ponce City Market and just west of the BeltLine trail. The park includes a pond with a path around it and has an aerator fountain to keep it from stagnating. An amphitheater, cushioned with bermudagrass, surrounds part of the pond.

Ponce City Market is a shopping and entertainment destination. Situated in an historic building, it was once the site of the old Sears Roebuck & Co. department store. Ponce City Market has been revitalized and now features over two hundred vendors offering diverse goods such as jewelry, clothing and home decor; specialty restaurants; indoor mini-golf; a movie theater outfitted with luxury recliners; rooftop entertainment options with views of downtown Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River.

The Krog Street Tunnel is an iconic local landmark. Located near Atlanta's historic Inman Park, the tunnel is a major public transportation route, as well as a pedestrian shortcut and popular photo opp. With its high arches and covered walls that are painted regularly by both professional and amateur muralists, it has also become an outdoor art gallery recognized worldwide.

The Krog Street Tunnel is an iconic destination known for its street art, vibrant energy, and eclectic vibe. Located in the Inman Park district near the Old Fourth Ward, the tunnel provides a cultural touchstone for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can explore many different murals that line nearly every inch of the tunnel – it's estimated that there are almost 150 works of public art, including 2D and 3D pieces from celebrated local artists.