Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Duluth, GA

  • Published 2022/09/07

Duluth is a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, in the county of Gwinnett.

The community has a suburban feel while close to Atlanta, with plenty of open green places for recreation.

Small-town charm abounds, despite its proximity to big-city attractions.

Now let’s look at the 21 best things to do in Duluth, Georgia.

Visit the Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River, which rises in the North Georgia Mountains and flows hundreds of miles to the state’s southern border, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re in Duluth, you may drive or take a boat to this river, which runs through Atlanta’s northern and western suburbs.

There are plenty of things that you can do when you’re already at the Chattahoochee River.

People in Chattahoochee River

BluIz60 / Shutterstock.com

Such as hikers may take advantage of miles of beautiful paths in Metro Atlanta’s northern suburbs.

There are 15 different places where you may visit to learn more about Chattahoochee’s history and appreciate the natural beauty.

The Chattahoochee River also offers year-round fishing for bass and catfish, as well as tubing, inflatable kayaks, and paddleboards for rent, while rafting for those who want to see the majesty of nature up close and personal.

Learn a New Skill When You Attend Red Clay Music Foundry

Located in the heart of the city, Eddie Owen’s Red Clay Music Foundry serves as a music venue, performance space, and music school all in one.

Red Clay is located at 3116 Main Street in Duluth, Georgia, a popular venue for local and visiting performers.

Guests who wish to see performances can do so during a Songwriters Open Mic held on the second and fourth Sundays of every month at the theater.

Each Open Mic winner participates in an Open Mic Shootout at the end of the year to decide the overall champion.

In cooperation with the Gwinnett School of Music, The Foundry offers music instruction to its patrons and visitors.

It doesn’t matter what your age is; everyone is invited to participate in the music instruction.

What’s Inside the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning

You might find a setting that radiates a relaxed elegance or one that has an artistic flair at Hudgens Center for Art & Learning.

Located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, Georgia, The Hudgens is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding or special event.

Celebrities flock to the award-winning Al Weeks Sculpture Garden for weddings and celebrations because of its serene location.

The Grand Hall, Classic Room, and Rowe Promenade have a combined 2,200 square feet of area, making them ideal for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or wedding reception.

In addition to the waterfalls and koi in the lily pond, this setting has garden seating and 2,800 square feet of covered, private outdoor area.

Guests will be surrounded by style thanks to the interior’s unique design and layout, which features magnificent art galleries.

Answer All Your Curiosity’s When You Visit Strickland House and Duluth Historical Society

The Duluth History Society, located at 3582 West Lawrenceville Street in Duluth, originally opened to the public in September 2000.

But in April 2009, the Historical Society relocated to the Strickland House.

From its original occupants, the Cherokee, through its founder Evan Howell, artifacts, displays, and photographs accessible from the museum chronicle Duluth’s history.

Duluth’s first female mayor Alice Strickland lived at the Historic Strickland House, built in 1898.

It has already been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

This museum, unlike all the others, is not free to enter.

The museum is open from 12 to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Adults pay $3, while children pay $1.

However, once you’ve experienced what it’s like to be in this museum, the price you paid will have been well spent.

Go Chilling With Your Friends at the Good Word Brewing and Public House

Be prepared to have your plate emptied as well as your glass replenished since the food at the Good Word Brewing & Public house is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Good Word Brewing & Public House is built on the foundation of a hamlet and the people who live there.

While enjoying the pub’s food, you may meet new people or reunite with old ones and discover what they’ve been up to recently.

Additionally, it’s a fantastic location for exchanging ideas and exchanging tales.

They provide exquisite food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and some of the most outstanding beer around.

They’re distinguished by their commitment to putting on top-notch shows for their customers.

What’s it Like When You Get to McDaniel Farm Park

Despite being chosen in the 1820 land lottery, this old cotton estate has remained primarily unaltered since then.

It was a prosperous farm with a significant population in the early 1900s.

Even though the farm is now a park, there are still several historic structures and pieces of machinery on display for visitors to admire.

A fully equipped farmhouse, a carriage house, a barn, and a blacksmith’s workshop are also available.

Guided farm trips are available from Tuesday to Saturday and will educate you about farming in the twentieth century.

Aside from the historical elements of the farm, the park offers a substantial outdoor leisure area with a picturesque 3-mile track for walking or running for people who wish to work out.

Picnic spaces, dog parks, and well-maintained restrooms round out the facilities are available as well.

Explore the World-Class Performances at Gas South Arena

Boxing match in Gas South Arena

JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have some free time and want to see all kinds of world-class performances, you should add this location to your bucket list and see them for yourself.

Even though Gas South Arena’s lakefront campus is only a short drive from Atlanta, it can host a wide range of different types of events, from concerts and performances to meetings.

I addition to the impressive 13,000-seat arena, the campus also has a 702-seat performing arts center, 23 flexible meeting rooms, and an exhibit hall measuring 50,000 square feet.

A grand ballroom measures 21,600 square feet.

The award-winning outdoor private garden, soaring atriums, and modern angles of the Gas South Arena make it an architecturally stunning location for any event.

Among the many notable events held on the Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau campus are the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, the world-class artists like Lady Gaga’s concerts, George Strait and Beyoncé performances, as well as performances by Justin Timberlake, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Justin Timberlake’s band, the Dave Matthews Band, Vicente Fernandez and Carrie Underwood.

The campus also hosts the FLW Forrest Wood Cup and Michael Bublé concerts.

The convention center is currently being renovated to provide more meeting space and a state-of-the-art Westin Hotel.

Sweating at Jeju Sauna

Bring your body, mind, and soul to Jeju Sauna, which has over 35,000 square feet of space and specializes in a Korean spa, a cleaning process for the body, mind, and spirit.

Enjoy traditional Korean kiln saunas, body washes, and massage treatments as if you’re in South Korea.

In addition to massages and body shampoos, the staff is available around the clock for pedicures, manicures, and other beauty services, such as a swim in the heated pool or a workout in the cardio fitness room.

After the therapeutic treatments, you can relax with a lunch at the traditional Korean restaurant, which also features a children’s arcade and a kids’ pool.

They also want each visit to be relaxing, refreshing, and memorable for their guests, so they encourage to check out the spa and sauna before or after the treatment to see what other services they can offer or can do for everyone.

Take a Ride at the Southeastern Railway Museum

View of Southeastern Railway Museum

Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

In Duluth, Georgia, a railroad museum will thrill everyone, whether rail enthusiasts or not.

The Southeastern Railway Museum has exhibits and tales to tell that will captivate everyone.

The museum has more than 90 pieces of railway equipment on exhibit to educate and entertain the public.

View of Southeastern Railway Museum

Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

Among the 35-acre property’s highlights are the original 1871 Duluth Train Station, which has been meticulously restored and is already open to the public for everyone to see, as well as other local historical landmarks.

The collection consists of about 17 passenger coaches, including sleeping coaches and dining/bar coaches, cabooses, and freight cars, among other things.

View of Southeastern Railway Museum

Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

President Warren G. Harding even had his train car, which he utilized from 1921 to 1923 during his tenure as president.

Additionally, they have a toy train ride and a model railroad exhibit for the children’s enjoyment in the group.

Spend Your Weekends Chilling at the W. P. Jones Park

W. P. Jones Park is a must-see destination for anybody looking to go for a walk, relax, or go trekking with friends or family.

Those who are experts in hiking will appreciate this riverside trail area.

There are residences, offices, and a public library in the surrounding area that guests can visit.

In addition, the park is divided in two by a small creek that flows from east to west.

The majority of the park’s amenities are located in the creek’s floodplain.

Then, via a parking area, the southern gate offers entrance to a modest tennis facility.

At the tennis complex, a restroom or a storage facility surrounds two sets of two tennis courts.

The community center, playground equipment, picnic shelter, bathrooms, and soft surface walkways are all located in the site’s northern section.

Get Lost in the Real World When You Try iSimu VR

In Georgia, iSimu VR is a premier virtual reality arcade for those looking for an exhilarating adventure.

There are more than 40 virtual reality games and experiences to choose from, so kids and adults alike will have a blast.

Incorporating the most advanced virtual reality technology, iSimu VR allows users to engage with virtual and real worlds.

Games like Pistol Whip, Fruit Ninja, and Google Earth VR provide guests with a fresh perspective on the world through virtual reality, among many others.

360-degree tracking allows players to move around a room physically and virtually with an accuracy of 2mm, or about the thickness of a nickel.

Consider how incredible it is to be a part of the game rather than just watching it.

Experience What It’s Like to Be in the Pirate’s Cove

Challenge yourself and have a good time at Pirates Cove, located at 3380 Venture Pkwy, Duluth, GA, and features 18 holes of original adventure golf.

Try putting your skills to the test in a fun-filled environment with natural wonders, lavish landscaping, and charming pirate themes.

Come see for yourself why this facility was named “Best in Atlanta” by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and “Best Miniature Golf Course” by the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce in two separate awards.

Get ready to sail away with your friends and immerse yourself in the lore of pirates from the 18th century – all against a backdrop of meandering streams, cascading waterfalls, and meticulously manicured landscaping!

Treat Yourself by Watching a Movie at the Studio Movie Grill

Where can you unwind while you watch a movie?

Studio Movie Grill offers everything you need, and all you have to do is watch the movie while they prepare and deliver the food you request.

Duluth, Georgia’s Studio Movie Grill, first opened for business in 2012 along Highway 103 and Steve Reynolds Boulevard.

There are ten auditoriums here, all of which are equipped with the latest digital projection technology.

There is also a full-service bar and lounge where visitors may gather before or after the movie for a nightcap.

There are a variety of 60 quality spirits available at the bar and house favorites and heart-healthy alternatives on the American Grill Menu that guests can select.

For an unparalleled cinema-dining experience, they are recognized for their courteous service available at the touch of a button.

Have Fun at Bunten Road Park

Bunten Road Park should be on your bucket list if you’re looking for a spot to perform leisure activities.

Bunten Road Park, located in the city’s southeast portion, with 45 acres of open space.

Baseball, soccer, tennis, playgrounds, walking trails, and a recreation center are just a few active and passive entertainment activities available at this park.

These activities are appropriate for individuals of all ages; therefore, there are no age limitations, and everyone may participate.

Guests pay a visit to the park because of the area’s various recreational choices and well-maintained amenities

that they can enjoy.

A single entry off Bunten Road connects to a circular park road if you want to know the park’s circulation.

Those coming by vehicle can take the road to the neighboring parking lots conveniently placed near the different amenities.

Pedestrians can move throughout the park thanks to the trails that loop through it.

The primary route in the park is a 10-foot-wide asphalt walkway that goes beside the park’s playing fields and into the forested portion.

The paths offer a range of alternatives for people who like walking or hiking.

Have Fun With K1 Speed

K1 Speed offers a thrilling, exhilarating activity for groups of friends, families, and colleagues to have a good time.

Fast electric go-karts, a professionally designed track, cutting-edge safety barriers, private meeting rooms, an arcade, and an onsite cafe are all available at each location.

Aside from that, K1 Speed is an excellent place for a fun date night, a family outing, a team-building exercise, a birthday party or a bachelor or bachelorette celebration, and many more because of their services people of all ages.

The address is 1625 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30518.

If you’re looking for a place where you can do just about anything, this should be at the top of your list.

Spend Hours Strolling and Shopping at Gwinnett Place Mall

Entrance of Gwinnett Place Mall

Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

Various businesses and retailers, including department stores and specialized shops, are housed at the Gwinnett Place Mall.

Gwinnett Place was the top shopping center in the area for the initial 16 years, luring customers from locations as far off as South Carolina.

Rich’s, Davison’s, and Sears were its primary anchors when it opened in early 1984.

Macy's at Gwinnett Place

Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

Mega Mart, a grocery shop, a sushi restaurant, and food service stations are all located in the mall.

The stores provide various goods, including apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry, books, gadgets, toys, housewares, home décor, and beauty supplies.

The mall served as the setting for the Starcourt Mall shoot in the famous Netflix series Stranger Things.

Mega Mart at Gwinnett Place Mall

Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

Prepare for an Exciting Game at St. Marlo Country Club

Playing at St. Marlo Country Club in Duluth, Georgia, will allow you to experience one of the top golf facilities in Metro Atlanta.

They have a stunning Denis Griffiths-designed 18-hole golf course.

Enjoy creative waterfalls, unique stonework, and lovely hardwoods crafted to mix with the land’s natural, undulating landscape.

You will receive courteous service at St. Marlo Country Club and a fair and fun game on the course.

This semi-private golf course provides its members with a ton of entertainment, including a wide range of activities, food choices, and fantastic golf tournaments and trips.

Their knowledgeable team will assist you in planning and coordinating every detail if you’re seeking the ideal location to hold your business excursion or charity event.

Get Hyped at Cypher Escape Experience

The Cypher Escape Experience situated in Duluth may make your next group excursion exciting.

The escape rooms offered by Cypher Escape Experience are complex, lifelike, and entertaining.

The ambient music, DMX lighting, engaging video fusion, and in-depth narrative make it a unique escape room adventure.

When participants arrive, the staff will guide them to the escape room they reserved, where they will see a quick orientation film before entering the room.

As the plot develops, you will have to solve several riddles and difficult tasks, with only have 1 hour to finish your goal.

Paint on Wine Glasses at Eye Candy Art Studio

According to Eye Candy Art Studio, having alternatives is essential for figuring out what inspires you.

There is no need for an appointment since it is a walk-in studio in the heart of old Duluth, Georgia.

You can discover inspiration in various places, such as pottery painting, elder and kid’s painting lessons, painting on wine glasses, and art camps.

The primary seating of their studio is a separate area where parties are hosted.

Every birthday celebration, bridal shower, and various events will provide a qualified party host to lead each participant through the artistic process in addition to their adorable studio.

Relax and Watch a Game at Marlow’s Tavern

Marlow’s Tavern is the ideal location for you and your company whether you’re searching for a fantastic venue for dinner, a quick meal stop, or an evening of cocktails with your pals!

In Duluth, Georgia, their restaurant is a terrific spot to have a high-quality, home-cooked dinner.

You’ll find pub specialties on the menu, including grilled Atlantic salmon, shrimp, and grits.

Antique bar furniture and a couple of flat screens are available at Marlow’s so you can watch the event game.

Additionally, there is a terrace to welcome customers to the outside eating area, where you may simultaneously enjoy handmade drinks and some sunshine.

Marlow’s Tavern promotes a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Experience the Fresh Air at Stone Mountain Park

View of Stone Mountain Park

Brett Barnhill / Shutterstock.com

Stone Mountain is a must-see destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone interested in the outdoors.

Year-round open, Georgia’s most popular tourist attraction, Stone Mountain Park, is a family-friendly vacation spot with 3,200 acres of outdoor fun.

Summit skyride in Stone Mountain Park

cendhika / Shutterstock.com

Visit places like the Stone Mountain Glass Shop, where you can see the artistry of glassblowing in action.

You can explore the 15 miles of hiking trails or the 1-mile walk-up trail to the top of the world’s most significant exposed granite piece for adventure.

View of Stone Mountain Park

G Allen Penton / Shutterstock.com

Fifteen miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Village has more than 50 unique shops and restaurants fit for a small town.

Three charming B&Bs can also be found here, all just outside the West Gate of Stone Mountain Park.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a community with all of the exciting activities you could ever want in a city, you should consider visiting Duluth, Georgia.

Theatres, parks, arcades, and outdoor activities and events are just a few of the options for entertainment in this city.

Aside from that, you won’t have to empty your wallet because numerous admission-free spots are taking place throughout the city that you can still take advantage of.

And you must visit Duluth if you only have time to visit one place in Georgia.

© All rights reserved.