Key Takeaways
- Marietta is built for everyday life, not just weekends. Walkable streets, accessible parks, and recurring community events make it easy for residents to form routines and feel at home quickly.
- History and nature are integrated, not isolated. From the Square to Kennesaw Mountain and Sope Creek, cultural landmarks and outdoor spaces are woven into daily life rather than treated as standalone attractions.
- Consistency is Marietta’s strength. The city doesn’t rely on trends or constant reinvention—its appeal comes from familiar places, reliable rhythms, and a strong sense of continuity that keeps people coming back.
Marietta feels established without feeling stuck. Just northwest of Atlanta, the city balances history, green space, and everyday livability in a way that’s increasingly rare in fast-growing metros.
Life here unfolds around a walkable square, tree-lined neighborhoods, and outdoor spaces that invite regular use rather than occasional visits.
Here’s a guide from Keyrenter Marietta on some of the best things to do in Marietta if you’re thinking of renting out a house there.
1. Marietta Square
Marietta Square is the city’s social anchor. Locals meet here for coffee, lunch, concerts, and casual evenings that stretch longer than planned. Restaurants, bookstores, wine bars, and small shops ring the square, while the central green hosts events year-round.
What sets the Square apart is consistency. It’s busy without feeling chaotic and familiar without being predictable. Spend an afternoon here and you’ll see the same faces returning again and again, which says more than any travel guide could.
2. Glover Park
At the heart of the Square sits Glover Park, a simple green space that quietly does a lot of work. Families spread blankets, office workers eat lunch, and seasonal events bring the community together.
Concerts, art walks, and holiday gatherings rotate through the calendar, but even on ordinary days, the park feels active. It’s Marietta’s outdoor living room.
3. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Rising just west of downtown, Kennesaw Mountain offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a deep connection to Georgia’s history. The trails range from gentle walks to steep climbs, making the park accessible to all experience levels.
Locals use the mountain as part of their weekly routine, such as early morning hikes, weekend family walks, or sunset climbs. It’s one of Marietta’s defining features and a major reason residents value living nearby.
4. Marietta Museum of History
Housed in a historic building off the Square, the Marietta Museum of History traces the city’s evolution from Native American land through the Civil War and into modern suburban life.
The exhibits are approachable and thoughtfully curated. It’s a short visit, but one that adds context to everything you see around town.
5. Gone With the Wind Museum
The Gone With the Wind Museum draws visitors from far beyond Georgia, but it feels right at home in Marietta. Costumes, letters, and memorabilia offer insight into one of the most influential films in American history.
Even for those less interested in the movie itself, the museum highlights Marietta’s role in Southern cultural history and storytelling.
6. Earl Smith Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre brings classic charm to modern entertainment. Located directly on the Square, the restored theater hosts films, live music, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year.
Its vintage marquee lights up the evening, and attending a show here feels deliberate rather than routine, a small ritual that many locals cherish.
7. Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
Hidden along wooded trails near the Chattahoochee River, the Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins blend nature and history in a uniquely atmospheric way. Stone walls from the 19th-century mill stand among trees and streams, offering a quiet escape from the city.
Hikers and photographers explore the area year-round, often surprised by how close it is to suburban neighborhoods.
8. Marietta Square Farmers Market
On weekend mornings, the Marietta Square Farmers Market fills the Square with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and local crafts. It’s less about spectacle and more about routine.
Regulars greet vendors by name, children snack while parents shop, and the entire area feels momentarily slower. It’s one of the clearest expressions of Marietta’s community-first culture.
9. Six Flags White Water
During Georgia’s long, hot summers, Six Flags White Water becomes a seasonal favorite. Slides, wave pools, and shaded areas make it a go-to destination for families and groups.
Its location in Marietta adds another layer to the city’s appeal: entertainment that doesn’t require crossing into Atlanta traffic.
10. Historic Marietta Trolley Tours
The Historic Marietta Trolley offers a relaxed way to explore neighborhoods, landmarks, and Civil War sites. Guides share stories that bring the city’s past into focus while rolling through streets that still carry those layers. It’s especially popular with newcomers who want orientation without rushing.
11. Laurel Park
Laurel Park offers shaded walking trails, tennis courts, and open green space just minutes from downtown. It’s quieter than some larger parks, which is exactly why locals love it.
Morning walkers and evening joggers treat it as part of their routine rather than a destination, reinforcing Marietta’s everyday livability.
12. Brumby Hall & Gardens
Brumby Hall offers a quieter, more reflective look at Marietta’s past. The Greek Revival home and surrounding gardens sit just off the busier downtown routes, giving the space a calmer, more removed feel.
Visitors move through preserved rooms, shaded paths, and curated exhibits that explore local history beyond headline events, appreciating its understated sense of continuity.
13. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Johnson Ferry North
A short drive from central Marietta, the Johnson Ferry North area of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers riverside trails, picnic areas, and easy water access. It’s a space locals return to often, not just for scenery but for how seamlessly it fits into everyday routines.
Kayakers launch early, walkers follow shaded paths along the river, and families settle in near the water on weekends. The area reflects why Marietta resonates with residents who want outdoor access without sacrificing proximity to the metro.
Bottom Line
Marietta succeeds by staying rooted. It doesn’t chase reinvention; it refines what already works. Walkable spaces, accessible nature, cultural touchstones, and community rhythm.
People don’t just visit Marietta. They build routines here, return to the same cafés, walk the same trails, and gather in the same square week after week. That sense of continuity is the city’s real appeal.
If you own rental property in Marietta, professional management helps your rental stay consistent, well-maintained, and responsive to resident needs. Our property management team oversees marketing, tenant placement, maintenance, compliance, and daily operations so your property runs smoothly year after year. Contact Keyrenter Marietta today!