Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alpharetta, about 26 miles north of downtown Atlanta, is the suburb people drive to for a night out. Avalon and the rebuilt downtown around City Center are full of restaurants and shops, the outdoor amphitheater books big-name concerts all summer, and the Big Creek Greenway gives you miles of shady trail through the middle of it all. Here are the best things to do in Alpharetta.
- From AtlantaAbout 26 miles, 35 minutes without traffic
- CountyFulton County
- Known forAvalon, downtown dining, the Big Creek Greenway, summer concerts
- Getting thereGA 400 north to Old Milton Parkway or Haynes Bridge Road
Top Things to Do in Alpharetta
1. Avalon
An outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district off Old Milton Parkway, with a movie theater, a central lawn and seasonal events, including an ice rink in winter.
2. Downtown Alpharetta and City Center
The old Main Street downtown has been rebuilt around a town green, with restaurants, breweries and shops in walkable blocks. Our Alpharetta historic walk covers the older buildings.
3. Big Creek Greenway
A 12-foot-wide paved and boardwalk trail that runs about 10 miles through Alpharetta’s woods and wetlands, from Big Creek Park in Roswell north to the Forsyth County line.
4. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
A big outdoor concert venue that books touring acts from spring through fall. Check the schedule and plan for traffic on show nights.
5. Mansell House and Gardens
A historic farmhouse with award-winning gardens, run by the Alpharetta Historical Society; the rose garden starts blooming in June.
6. Alpharetta arboretums
Arboretums at Wills Park, Cogburn Road Park and Webb Bridge Park, free to walk, with self-guided tour brochures at the Alpharetta Welcome Center.
7. North Point Mall
The area’s enclosed mall, off GA 400, if you need the big department stores.
Events and Seasons
Concert season at the amphitheater runs from spring into fall. Avalon and downtown host holiday events and outdoor movies, and Avalon’s seasonal ice rink is a winter favorite. The Greenway is shady enough to walk even in summer, but go early on weekends to find parking.
Nearby and Trip Planning
Alpharetta runs into Roswell to the south and Milton to the north. The Big Creek Greenway continues into Forsyth County. See our Alpharetta Historical Society page and things to do in Atlanta for more.
Make this trip yours
Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan around metro Atlanta, with a map, directions and stops you can swap.
Plan my tripCommon Questions
What is Alpharetta, GA known for?
Alpharetta is known for Avalon, its rebuilt downtown around City Center, the Big Creek Greenway and summer concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.
How far is Alpharetta from Atlanta?
Alpharetta is about 26 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 35 minutes by car without traffic, up GA 400.
How long is the Big Creek Greenway?
In Alpharetta it runs about 10 miles without a break, from Big Creek Park in Roswell north to Union Hill Park at the Forsyth County line, and Forsyth County’s section continues north from there.
Is Avalon free to visit?
Yes. There is no charge to walk around Avalon. You pay only for what you eat, buy or see.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, prices and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Awesome Alpharetta (Alpharetta CVB): Avalon, downtown, trails
- City of Alpharetta: Big Creek Greenway, parks
- Ameris Bank Amphitheatre: concert schedule
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.