Only a few miles north from the city of Atlanta, Georgia, Sandy Springs is a charming little suburb to put on your bucket list destination.
With its ideal location, you can stay near the hustle and bustle of the city that still maintains a unique and quiet charm.
You can explore nature and lush greenery in the form of parks.
Sandy Springs is also home to a few American brands like UPS, Inspire Brands, and Mercedes-Benz USA.
It’s worth a stop for the traveler looking for activities packed in a tiny but exciting city.
Ready for your trip to Sandy Springs?
Here are the best things to do in the city:
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Sandy Springs is such a gem of a destination with its abundance of nature and waters sprawled out within the city.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is another one of these beautiful destinations, giving both visitors and locals a taste of Georgia’s natural beauty.
Visitors who love the outdoors would not run out of things to do in the park.
You can take a scenic hike on the numerous trails sprawled out in the area, giving you a chance to see the local flora and fauna.
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You can bring your family and friends to spend a relaxing time in the great outdoors.
Lay out mats and tents for a fun picnic overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
The park also runs a volunteer program for those passionate about nature conservation.
Join the program to help keep the river clean for present and future generations.
Nature lovers would enjoy visiting the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs.
Do you want to know more about Sandy Springs?
The Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park is the perfect first stop on your tour of the city.
Through a partnership with the city government, the museum and park preserve remnants of the rich culture and history of Sandy Springs.
Find these artifacts on the four-acre grounds in the city’s heart.
The museum offers tours by request for those visitors who want detailed information on the rich history of Sandy Springs.
They are also welcome to go on self-guided visits to come and see the records and artifacts at their own pace.
Lush lawns surround the William-Payne House, which houses the museum.
These lawns also serve as a recreation area for visitors.
It’s an excellent place for people to relax in the beautiful greenery in the city’s heart.
Atlanta Magazine has labeled the Abernathy Greenway Park as a “Best of Atlanta” park.
This place is a unique and exciting destination in the city.
Located centrally in Sandy Springs, the park is known for its interactive art sprawled all over the grounds.
They are perfect centerpieces for visual aesthetics and playgrounds for interactive fun for little kids.
The playable art pieces even have different names and functions.
For example, you can try the Big Imagine, which are reinvented swings, or the Spider Walk, a unique take on the usual jungle gym.
Likewise, you can try the Twist and Shout, stainless steel tubes creating a space for children to climb or crawl underneath.
If you are looking after kids or you want to spend a relaxing day at the park, go to the shaded pavilions and tables for a quick picnic.
It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and art.
Located on the cusp of the Morgan Falls Reservoir is Morgan Falls Overlook Park, another of Sandy Springs’ natural destinations.
With its unique location along the water, visitors get great views of sprawling greenery alongside fresh, blue Georgia waters.
The Morgan Falls Overlook Park is great for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and boating.
Water-lovers can take a boat around the reservoir and explore the rivers surrounding the 30-acre park.
Those who want to stay on dry land can set up camp on the park’s grounds and start campfires in the different fire pits available.
There’s nothing like relaxing around a roaring fire with your family and friends while making s’mores.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park overall is the perfect destination to unwind and relax on a visit to Sandy Springs.
Spend some time with nature and take advantage of its natural beauty at John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve on Roswell Road Northeast.
This charming and unique 30-acre nature preserve keeps beautiful trees, plants, and wildlife.
Its old-growth trees, scenic nature trails, streams, and beautiful forested areas make it an oasis of nature right in the middle of a bustling city.
John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve was named for John Ripley Forbes, founder of the Natural Science for Youth Foundation.
Forbes founded a total of 24 centers and 15 trees, plants, and wildlife sanctuaries.
After getting around Sandy Springs and checking out its beautiful tourist attractions, take some time to unwind and have delicious craft beers at Pontoon Brewing Company.
Opened in 2017 in Sandy Springs, the brewery microbrews draft beers, which are available on tap with excellent varieties of flavors and sometimes bright in colors.
Choose from its experimental IPAs and barrel-aged stouts to French saisons, or sours with cereal and candy.
There are a lot of fun flavors to try at the brewery, which is a perfect spot to spark conversations and enjoy great company.
Pontoon Brewing Company is located at Dunwoody Place.
For history buffs and nature enthusiasts, you can soak in nature while learning fascinating history at Lost Corner Preserve on Brandon Mill Road Northwest.
The park features nice walking trails, where you can take strolls and appreciate its relaxing atmosphere and interesting history.
History says that this area was named Lost Corner by the owner Fred Miles as many people in the 1800s who tried to find this area were always lost.
His daughter Peggy Miles lived her entire life at the property and donated it to the City of Sandy Springs.
There are also picnic tables to use for lunch or snacks.
Enjoy a picnic closer to nature at Ridgeview Park, which features picnic pavilions with tables to use for lunch or snacks with your family and friends.
The park’s pavilions are on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to use as long as there are no advanced reservations made for other gatherings.
If you have little children, they can also play at the playground and enjoy making friends with other kids.
You’ll also love the lush walking trails that you can explore after sharing a delicious picnic with your loved ones.
You can find Ridgeview Park on South Trimble Road.
If you want to spend some time for another book to read, the best place in town is Sandy Springs Library.
With its great selection of books in different genres for all ages, you can trust that you’ll have a great time here for your reading sessions.
There are also study rooms available for use, as well as a computer lab for research and study.
From audiobooks, newspapers, e-books, and other useful resources, the library has a little bit of everything you need.
Sandy Springs Library is located off Mount Vernon Highway Northeast.
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Located along the Chattahoochee River is the Cochran Shoals Trail, a scenic trail perfect for outdoor lovers.
You can find it in Marietta, Georgia, 14 minutes from Sandy Springs.
It’s one of the most popular trails in the greater Atlanta area, providing great views of the Chattahoochee River and scenic woodlands and marshes.
It’s an ideal trail for beginners, with the elevation remaining relatively level.
It’s perfect for hiking, running, or biking along.
Go through the 5k trail, running along the different loops that sprawl throughout the expanse of the park.
Next to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the Cochran Shoals Trail should be a top destination for people looking to mix nature and an active lifestyle in one beautiful location.
Georgia native Melissa Rudd started Da Vinci’s Donuts as a unique take on the usual donut café.
The shop gives its customers unique combinations that are always flavorful and memorable.
With a few locations in the greater Atlanta area, including Sandy Springs, Da Vinci’s Donuts serves up works of art through their various donut flavors.
Order unique flavors such as Chocolate Orange Ginger, Raspberry Lemonade, Sweet and Salty, or Vanilla Fruity Pebbles.
Other unique ones include a French Toast flavor, Pina Colada, and a Maple Bacon donut.
If you want to stick to the tried-and-true flavors, they also have that on hand.
Order classic flavors such as chocolate, cinnamon sugar, and caramel.
You can even make your unique flavor combinations with their selection of drizzles, fillings, and toppings.
Pair your delicious donut with one of their refreshing beverages, from hot and iced coffee to spiced chais and warm teas.
Don’t forget to drop by and get yourself a box of a dozen at Da Vinci’s Donuts.
Located along Roswell Road, Persepolis Persian Cuisine is considered one of the oldest and most authentic Persian restaurants in the greater Atlanta area.
Those who love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors would love the selection at Persepolis.
Start your meal with appetizers like tahdig, hummus, or Persian pickles.
The show’s star is their kebabs, which are available in various proteins and prepared in multiple ways.
Enjoy juicy, flavorful cuts of beef kebab like the shish kebab or Soltani kebab, a crowd favorite.
Also, grab yourself an order of lamb kabobs, either the lamb shank or their house special lamb and loin.
You can also order chicken, seafood, and fish kabobs, all equally delicious and filling.
Persepolis also has a great vegetarian selection, with dishes packed full of spice and flavor.
Cap off your meal with a round of their delicious traditional desserts and a serving of Persian tea.
You’ll feel like you’re having a meal in Iran with the authentic food and great atmosphere.
They even put on traditional belly dancing shows.
The oldest neighborhood arts center in Fulton County is the Abernathy Arts Center.
It aims to enrich art education for locals and visitors in the area.
The gallery provides over 160 feet of display wall space and 1,200 square feet of space for three-dimensional works.
It is a great place to showcase local talent and artwork from both local and visiting artists.
The gallery also displays students’ and instructors’ works.
Some annual exhibits include Georgia Artists and the Youth Summer Art Week displays.
In operation for over 20 years, the gallery hosts over 500 artists and receives around 3,000 patrons annually.
You have to dig into some delicious Southern food on a visit to Georgia.
In Sandy Springs, you should go to Tupelo Honey.
They bring this comfort food and elevate it to a higher level.
Award-winning executive chef Eric Gabrynowicz brings to life the restaurant’s selection.
They use only the freshest local ingredients that bring out the best of seasonal meat and produce.
Get things started with an order of fried green tomatoes or creamy biscuits.
Uniquely enough, you’re helping out with every order of biscuits as proceeds go to a fund that aids Tupelo employees in need.
For the main course, order their famous bone-in fried chicken, brined for over 18 hours, and cooked to crispy perfection.
Pair the chicken with their original honey dust or sweet and spicy sauce for a little more kick.
They also offer selections of the classic chicken and waffles combo.
Likewise, you can try their elevated Southern comfort favorites such as shrimp and grits, smothered chicken, and blackened mahi-mahi.
Cap off your meal with an indulgent sweet treat such as their heavenly banana pudding or the brown butter pecan pie.
You’ll leave full and happy after a meal at Tupelo Honey.
The Center Ice Arena is a great place to spend the day cooling off in Sandy Springs.
It’s perfect for both professional skaters and those eager to learn how to skate and twirl on the ice.
Center Ice Arena also offers different types of classes, from the basics of skating to ice hockey summer clinics.
They have programs for both kids and adults.
The arena also hosts local skate and hockey competitions.
If you don’t want to get your feet wet, you can enjoy watching on the sidelines while the professionals do their thing on the ice.
Ray’s on the River is an Atlanta institution, which opened in 1964.
The restaurant offers some of the best and finest cuisine in the state.
It serves delicious food and a great ambiance, with a beautiful overlooking view of the Chattahoochee River.
With seafood flown in fresh daily and their selection of choice-cut, quality meats, a visit to Ray’s isn’t complete without digging into their wide selection of entrees.
Pick your choice cut of steak from a New York strip, a filet mignon, or a bone-in ribeye.
You also have an option of pairing your meat with cold water lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, and fresh Georges Bank Sea scallops.
For the seafood selection, order the chilled seafood tower.
The tower comprises Maine lobster, king crab legs, freshly shucked oysters, a shrimp cocktail, and a jumbo lump crab meat salad.
Don’t forget to pair these delicious plates with a selection of sides and salads.
Ray’s also has an excellent wine and liquor selection.
Their in-house connoisseurs can help you order the best pairing to bring out the dish’s flavors even more.
Complete your visit to Sandy Springs by reserving a table and having this wonderful five-star meal at Ray’s on the River today.
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Located in the heart of downtown, the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center is a great place to visit for those who love theater and performance art.
Its founders wanted to provide locals with a sort of town square space to gather.
Eventually, the place evolved into a venue where locals can enhance their quality of life through interaction with the arts.
The center comprises two venues: the Byers Theater and the Studio Theater.
The former is the main show space, seating over 1,000 viewers on three levels.
Meanwhile, the latter is a 5,000-square-foot space more appropriate for smaller performances.
It can also host events and meetings.
Visitors can tune in and buy tickets to the lineup of shows they have running throughout the year.
See the local production of West Side Story, and an adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights.
Located downtown along Roswell Boulevard, the Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop is the perfect place for a warm, sweet treat in Sandy Springs.
With multiple locations in the Southern United States, the pie shop offers delectable treats that are perfect accompaniments to the family meal.
Try their Southern Custard, a smooth, creamy pie with a buttermilk filling.
Likewise, try the Granny’s Apple, a classic apple pie recipe passed down from generation to generation.
Otherwise, order the Nanny’s Pecan, their take on the Southern favorite pecan pie.
You can also avail of the pies ala-mode style, serving their mini-pies with a refreshing scoop of ice cream.
Also, get a box of their delicious thumbprint cookies or delicious cloud cookies to bring home and enjoy with family and friends.
If you’re looking for a great place to shop in Sandy Springs, the Perimeter Mall is the perfect place to hit up.
Find the mall in Atlanta, Georgia, eight minutes from Sandy Springs.
It is the second largest shopping mall in the state, offering hundreds of classic American brands from apparel to footwear and household supplies.
It’s also a great place to go out and dine, with Perimeter Mall offering dozens of dining options from chain restaurants to local dining outlets.
This place is not only for dining and shopping, but it also houses vendors that offer relaxing experiences, from spas, massage parlors, and nail salons.
The Perimeter Mall is your one-stop shop for all your needs in Sandy Springs.
Are you looking for a unique experience when in Sandy Springs?
Take a paddleboard yoga class at SUP Yoga, located at the High Country Outfitters – Paddle Shack.
It’s a different experience for both yoga enthusiasts and beginners.
The class is a fusion of yoga and stand-up paddleboarding.
The instructor should teach you balance as you perform Vinyasa yoga poses on the water.
It’s a great way to combine fitness and nature exploration.
Relax and take in the beautiful views as you breathe in with every pose.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring your water bottle.
Don’t forget to load up on sunscreen before the class.
Sandy Springs is a unique destination that offers both beautiful nature and big city experiences with its proximity to the state capital, Atlanta.
It’s a worthy destination to experience everything it has to offer, from beautiful views, delicious food, unique experiences, and Southern hospitality.
Pack your bags and book a trip to Sandy Springs today!
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