Ten Very Alpharetta Things to Do (That Aren’t Just Brunch and Boutiques)

Alpharetta looks polished, sure—but it’s not all pretty patios and planned developments. There’s a real mix of energy here, from backyard concerts to downtown speakeasies, and the city’s new “Bucket List” gives a solid starting point. Some picks are expected, but others might surprise you.

Here’s the rundown, with a little added context from someone who’s actually wandered through it all—iced coffee in hand.

1. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Let’s start big. Concerts under the stars? Classic. Ameris brings the big names—think nostalgic arena rock and new-school country—with surprisingly good acoustics for a lawn show. Bonus points if you pack a low-rise chair and make peace with the parking situation ahead of time.

2. Avalon
It’s the kind of shopping center that really wants to be called a “lifestyle destination,” and to be fair, it pulls it off. You’ve got chef-driven menus, outdoor movie nights, the occasional flash mob, and all the Lululemon leggings you could ever want. Pro tip: Antico Pizza on the green is the sweet spot—food that feels like a splurge without the wait.

3. Big Creek Greenway
Every city has a nature trail. Alpharetta’s actually feels like a retreat. Miles of shaded paths that wind through the trees, with just enough elevation to justify the post-walk beer. Cyclists, dog walkers, and very serious birdwatchers all somehow coexist peacefully here.

4. Downtown Alpharetta
This is the real heart of the city. Sidewalks with some actual personality, a mix of indie shops and Southern-meets-hipster food spots, and a streetscape that encourages lingering. You can start the day with a formal high tea at The Ginger Room and end it downstairs at Roaring Social with craft cocktails and someone covering Prince in a speakeasy ballroom. Somehow, it all makes sense.

5. Alpharetta Arts Center
If you’ve never visited, you’re not alone. But the rotating exhibits, performances, and low-pressure art classes make this a spot worth seeking out—especially when the weather’s too hot to pretend you’re outdoorsy.

6. Wills Park
It’s big, it’s grassy, and it covers all the family-friendly bases. Playgrounds, walking trails, even a horse arena if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s where locals go when they want fresh air without having to “plan” something.

7. Alpharetta Farmers Market
Saturdays downtown get a little extra spark with this one. You’ll find produce, flowers, baked goods, and just enough handmade soap stalls to make you consider becoming a lavender person. It’s low-key charming, and the regulars know it.

8. Alpharetta Arts Walking Tour
Murals, sculptures, and random pieces of public art that make you tilt your head and squint. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of experience, and it’s a good excuse to wander aimlessly with a latte in hand.

9. North Point Mall
Look, it’s not the North Point of 2005. But tucked in among the familiar mall fare are places like The Vegan Potionry, where you can buy plant-based bath bombs and feel extremely moisturized and morally superior. Sometimes that’s all you need.

10. Food Truck Alley
Thursday nights downtown, the vibe is casual chaos: trucks parked up and down the street, music drifting from the bandstand, and locals juggling tacos and toddlers. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s a weekly reminder that Alpharetta knows how to do summer evenings right.

So no, Alpharetta’s not trying to be gritty or edgy. But it’s not trying to be Atlanta, either. It’s perfectly content being its own slightly shiny, thoroughly walkable, sometimes delightfully weird self. And that’s worth a bucket list.