Things To Do
in Brookhaven
Brookhaven, Georgia is a leafy, family-friendly suburb just northeast of Atlanta known for its parks, diverse dining, and a growing village center of shops and restaurants. The city blends mid-century neighborhoods and new mixed-use development with easy access to Atlanta's cultural and business districts. Outdoor spaces like Murphey Candler Park and nearby portions of the Chattahoochee River provide recreational options from kayaking to running.
Brookhaven’s population is diverse and increasingly international, which shows up strongly in its food scene and community events.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful walk through the beautiful Brookhaven Nature Preserve, where you can enjoy the fresh air and observe local wildlife. The trails wind through lush greenery and around serene ponds, perfect for photography and birdwatching. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem.
Visit the Brookhaven Garden Club to explore their vibrant flower beds and beautifully maintained gardens. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the native plants and seasonal blooms that thrive in this region. Enjoy a leisurely picnic in the garden's shaded areas surrounded by colorful blossoms.
Head to a nearby café with outdoor seating to watch the sunset while savoring locally brewed coffee and pastries. Later, take a gentle stroll along the tree-lined streets of Brookhaven, soaking in the small-town charm and peaceful evening ambiance. End the evening with a quiet read or journal reflection on your day's discoveries.
Begin your day at the Brookhaven Historical Society Museum to uncover the rich history of the town through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Join a guided tour to hear fascinating stories about the founding families and the town’s development over the centuries. Take photos of the preserved architecture and unique memorabilia on display.
Explore the historic downtown area on foot, visiting well-preserved buildings and quaint shops that highlight Brookhaven’s heritage. Stop by the old train depot, now a cultural center, and learn about the impact of the railroad on the town’s growth. Enjoy lunch at a local bistro that serves traditional Southern cuisine.
Attend a community theater production or concert at the Brookhaven Performing Arts Center to experience local culture in a lively setting. After the show, dine at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients from nearby farms. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the town square, illuminated by charming street lamps.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short rideshare (few miles) | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
| 🚌Public transit fare (MARTA) | $2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Atlanta’s cultural, dining, and entertainment options
- Diverse and authentic international food scene (especially along Buford Highway)
- Pleasant parks, lakes, and easy access to outdoors within the metro area
- Family-friendly neighborhoods with growing walkable village center
- Car-dependent for many errands; limited late-night public transport
- Traffic congestion during commute hours on I-85 and I-285
- Hot, humid summers that can limit daytime outdoor plans
- Some areas have higher property-crime rates—exercise normal precautions
Places to Visit in Brookhaven
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic park with a small lake, walking paths, and mature trees—excellent for sunrise shots, family portraits, and autumn colors.
Historic campus architecture, ivy-covered buildings, and landscaped quads provide classic collegiate photo opportunities.
Riverside trails, rocky shoals, and paddlers on the water offer natural landscape and action photography, especially in golden hour light.
Granite outcrops, wide skies, and unique plant life make for dramatic landscape photos—good at sunrise or sunset.
Streets with cafes, shops, and seasonal decorations are ideal for street-style and urban lifestyle photos.
Food in Brookhaven
Brookhaven Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Southern fried chicken with flaky buttermilk biscuits; available at neighborhood diners and brunch spots throughout Brookhaven.
Must-Try!
Georgia-style smoked pork and brisket with sides like collard greens and mac ’n’ cheese—look for local barbecue houses in and around Brookhaven.
A Southern coastal favorite adapted at many local restaurants—creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp and savory sauces.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A corridor rather than a single market—home to many ethnic grocery stores, bakeries, and small eateries offering authentic Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other foods; great for inexpensive, flavorful meals and ingredients.
Seasonal weekend farmers markets (check local listings) selling produce, baked goods, and prepared foods from regional vendors—good for lunch or picnic supplies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Southern courtesy is common—people tend to be friendly and say hello in neighborhood settings; a polite greeting and please/thank you go a long way.
Respect personal space in public and private settings; loud or aggressive behavior is frowned upon in family-oriented neighborhoods.
Tipping is expected in most service interactions—be prepared to tip for restaurant service, personal services, and transport.
Safety
Tipping in Brookhaven
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., tip 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for valets and hotel staff, and 10–15% (or more) for good taxi or rideshare service; check receipts for automatic gratuities on large groups.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is common. Smaller vendors and some markets may prefer cash—carry small bills for tips and market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees make it an excellent time for outdoor activities; pollen can be high—bring allergy meds if you’re sensitive.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings, stay hydrated, and use sun protection.
Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity with pleasant foliage—one of the best times to visit for outdoor recreation and festivals.
Generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow—most outdoor attractions remain accessible, though layers are advised for chilly mornings.
Brookhaven at Night
Hiking in Brookhaven
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trailheads along the river offer scenic hikes, riverside views, and opportunities for birding and paddling; easy access for day trips.
Unique granite outcrops and well-maintained trails with boardwalks and overlooks—great for photography and short to moderate hikes.
Protected granite monadnock with trails, guided hikes, and a nature center—offers quieter hiking and good views of the surrounding area.
Historic park with longer trails and elevation gain, popular with hikers and those interested in Civil War history; about a 25–40 minute drive depending on traffic.
Airports
How to reach Brookhaven by plane.
The region’s major international airport located south of Atlanta; about 25–40 minutes by car from Brookhaven depending on traffic, with extensive domestic and international connections.
A smaller general aviation and regional airport north of Brookhaven (in Chamblee); convenient for private flights and some corporate aviation, about 10–20 minutes away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many middle- to upper-middle-class families and professionals live in Brookhaven, drawn by good schools and suburban amenities.
Significant immigrant and international populations—especially along Buford Highway—creating a multicultural community and a wide range of ethnic businesses and restaurants.
Proximity to Atlanta attracts young professionals who commute or work in nearby job centers, contributing to the village’s dining and nightlife scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is hugely popular—high school and college football draws local support, and many residents follow the Atlanta Falcons NFL team.
Major league baseball (Atlanta Braves) has a strong local following and is easily accessible for day trips to Atlanta’s stadium.
Youth and adult recreational soccer, softball, and running are common in city parks and community leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Brookhaven.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and many international restaurants (Indian, Korean, Thai); ask for vegetable-based versions of popular dishes and seek out dedicated vegetarian-friendly spots in nearby Atlanta if needed.
Most sit-down restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but always mention the restriction when ordering. Bakeries and certain ethnic foods may contain wheat—double-check ingredients.
Vegan choices are growing—look for plant-based dishes at modern American and ethnic restaurants. Farmers markets and specialty stores also sell vegan-friendly prepared items.