Atlanta in 2 Days for Friends - Rooftop mini-golf at The Roof at Ponce City Market
A social, energetic 2-day plan for friends visiting Atlanta in spring: food halls, rooftop mini-golf, BeltLine street art, brewery vibes, history and garden blooms, plus an escape room and games lounge for groups. Packed but balanced with breaks and realistic travel times.
Highlights
- Rooftop mini-golf at The Roof at Ponce City Market
- Stroll the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and Krog Tunnel street art
- Spring blooms at Atlanta Botanical Garden
- SweetWater Brewing Company tour & tasting
- Group escape room at The Escape Game Atlanta
Itinerary
Day 1
Start in the lively Old Fourth Ward / Midtown corridor: food hall brunch, a BeltLine stroll with murals, rooftop games, then an easy park break before brewery tour and live music to close the night.
Brunch & Coffee — Ponce City Market Central Food Hall
Kick off with communal-style brunch from local vendors in Ponce City Market's Central Food Hall — lots of options to satisfy different tastes and share plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Order from different stalls (e.g., H&F Burger, Hop’s Chicken) and share to sample — most counters accept card and the central seating handles groups of 4–6.
- Street parking is limited; use the Ponce City Market parking deck or arrive via the Eastside Trail access near the market if biking or scootering.
- If you want a quieter table, aim to arrive by 09:00 on weekends before the late-brunch rush; keep phones on vibrate for easy group coordination.
Walk the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail to Krog Street Tunnel (street art & photos)
A relaxed walk along the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail from Ponce to the Krog Street Tunnel — lots of murals, pop-up vendors in spring, and photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Start at the Ponce City Market access point and head south—the murals get denser approaching Krog Tunnel; perfect for group photos and Instagram stories.
- Bring a light windbreaker for April — spring breezes are common on the trail; benches and picnic tables along the way make for easy snack/phone-check stops.
- If anyone prefers to skip walking, scooters and bikes are common; secure your bikes at the bike racks near Krog Street Market to dine or explore.
Lunch & Snacks — Krog Street Market
Indoor market with stalls and communal seating — great for groups who want choice without the long sit-down restaurant wait.
Tips from local experts:
- Order from different vendors (try tacos, seafood, and dessert) and split the bill — many stalls accept cards; bring cash if you want to tip individual vendors.
- Krog Street Market's long communal tables seat groups easily; ask staff for a section if you want to stick together during the lunch rush.
- If the market is full, the adjacent outdoor seating under the BeltLine is a lively alternative in April's mild temps.
Rooftop Games & Views — The Roof at Ponce City Market (mini golf + games)
Return to Ponce for The Roof: skyline views, carnival-style mini golf, shuffleboard and social arcade games — playful group activity with photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy mini-golf or attraction passes ahead online for your time slot — rooftop capacity fills fast on sunny spring afternoons.
- Bring light layers—the rooftop can be breezy in April evenings; grab a bench on the edges for group photos with the Midtown skyline.
- Food trucks and cocktail counters on the roof handle group orders; consider splitting a pitcher-style cocktail or shared snack platter.
Relax & People-Watch — Piedmont Park (short break)
A chill break to stretch legs and enjoy spring greenery — perfect to digest, play frisbee or take group photos next to azalea blooms.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk or Uber from Ponce down to the northern edge of Piedmont Park; the walk is scenic and takes about 15 mins depending on pace.
- Bring a lightweight picnic blanket—Piedmont has great grassy spots near the lake for a relaxed group hangout.
- If anyone needs a restroom or a quick coffee, the park has vendors near 10th Street; plan to regroup at the northeast fountain as a meeting point.
Brewery Tour & Tasting — SweetWater Brewing Company
Guided tour and tasting at Atlanta’s iconic craft brewery — social atmosphere and group-friendly flights.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a brewery tour or tasting slot in advance for groups (they have capacity limits); many tours include souvenir pint glasses you can split the cost on.
- If someone prefers non-alcoholic options, ask for tasters of seasonal low-ABV pours; the taproom often has food trucks or snacks on-site in spring.
- Street parking is available but limited—consider rideshare; the brewery is group-friendly with long communal tables and outdoor seating.
Live Music Night — Smith's Olde Bar
Catch a local or touring band at a lively 90s-era Atlanta live-music bar — energetic vibe, standing room and seating for groups who arrive early.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the venue’s schedule and buy tickets in advance for headline acts; for smaller shows, arrive early to grab a booth area for your group.
- Smith’s can get loud—if your group wants to chat, reserve a corner booth or rotate outdoor breaks between sets.
- There’s meter parking nearby and a few later-night food options on Ponce if you want a late bite after the show.
Day 2
Enjoy spring blooms and history by day, then test teamwork and unwind with games and light bites in the evening — a balanced mix of culture, active play and social nightlife.
Morning Wander — Atlanta Botanical Garden (spring blooms)
See seasonal displays, conservatories and outdoor plantings at the Botanical Garden — especially lovely in April when azaleas and spring collections are active.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance for the morning to beat crowds—spring displays are popular on weekends.
- Carry light layers and good walking shoes; the Fuqua Conservatory is climate-controlled if anyone needs a break from the sun.
- Great photo spots: the canopy walk and the Orchid Center; plan to meet at the main entrance sculpture if the group spreads out.
Lunch & Market Stalls — Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Historic indoor market with local vendors — perfect for sampling Southern bites and splitting plates across different stalls.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a mix of soul-food counters and bakery items to share—most stalls accept cards, but some specialty vendors prefer cash.
- The market has communal seating; for a group of 4–6 arrive together to nab a table, or grab a bench outside and rotate tasting runs.
- Sweet Auburn is walkable to the nearby MLK Historic District—plan a 10–15 minute stroll after lunch to stretch your legs.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Visit the birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center — culturally important and reflective experience appropriate for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve timed tours or plan around docent talks—groups should be mindful of the reflective nature of the site and keep volume respectful.
- The Visitor Center has accessible pathways and restrooms; place-of-worship spaces have specific visiting hours—check the schedule before you go.
- Pair this visit with a casual walk along Auburn Avenue to see local murals and small museums—great for thoughtful group conversations.
Group Challenge — The Escape Game Atlanta
A 60–90 minute immersive escape experience — choose a room that fits your group's size and play style (puzzle-heavy or immersive story).
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private escape-room slot for your group (most rooms accommodate 4–8 players) and pick a room difficulty that suits multi-experience groups.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to get the briefing and split into roles (navigator, puzzle solver, clue tracker) so everyone stays engaged.
- If you plan another evening activity, aim for the earlier afternoon slot—the adrenaline high lasts and makes for great post-game celebrations.
Games & Small Plates — The Painted Pin (bowling + games lounge)
An upscale, group-friendly games lounge with boutique bowling, bocce and sharable plates — perfect for lively group competition and casual dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve lanes or private game spaces in advance for groups of 4–6 so you don’t wait; painted-pin offers package deals that are easy to split.
- Order sharable boards (small plates and charcuterie) and pitchers to keep costs down and the energy high for group play.
- The venue is cashless and has accessible lanes—book any accessibility requirements ahead of time to ensure a smooth visit.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Outdoor, Experience, Break, Nightlife, Attraction, Culture |
