Atlanta’s summer heat calls for cool relief, and the city delivers with diverse water adventures. From riding waves at Terminus Wake Park to shooting rapids at the Chattahoochee’s Whitewater Express, A-town’s water scene offers refreshing escapes from the Georgia humidity.
Local favorites like Garden Hills Pool provide neighborhood charm, while the M.L. King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center offers modern amenities in the heart of downtown. The Hooch’s tubing culture draws crowds seeking laid-back summer vibes.
Dive into Atlanta’s coolest water spots below!
Featured Water Activities in Atlanta
- Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Chattahoochee River Tubing
- Whitewater Express
- Terminus Wake Park
- M.L. King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center
- Garden Hills Pool
- Rosel Fann Natatorium
- Mountain Park Aquatic Center (Stone Mountain)
- Lenora Park Pool (Snellville)
Swimming in Atlanta
Garden Hills Pool
What to Expect
Historic poolhouse and recreation center
Description
Garden Hills Pool offers a community-focused swimming experience with a historic poolhouse and adjacent recreation center. It features lap lanes, a diving board, and hosts swim and dive teams. The pool is part of a larger park area with playgrounds and sports fields, making it a hub for family recreation.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Garden Hills Pool
Lenora Park Pool (Snellville)
What to Expect
Outdoor leisure play pool
Description
Lenora Park Pool offers an outdoor leisure play pool, ideal for warm weather recreation. Located within Lenora Park, it provides a refreshing spot for families and individuals to enjoy water activities. The park itself features a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, baseball fields, and walking trails, making it a comprehensive recreational destination.
Where: Snellville | More Info: Lenora Park Pool
M.L. King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center
What to Expect
Zero-entry indoor pool
Description
The M.L. King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center features Atlanta's first zero-entry indoor pool with a family leisure zone and four 25-yard lap lanes. This 64,000 square foot facility includes a climbing wall, multi-purpose gymnasium, indoor track, fitness room, and senior center. It serves as a vibrant public gathering space with inspirational quotes and photos of Dr. King. The center is well-suited for water-based recreation with its unique pool design and comprehensive amenities.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: M.L. King, Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center
Mountain Park Aquatic Center (Stone Mountain)
What to Expect
Indoor competition pool with spectator area
Description
Mountain Park Aquatic Center offers a comprehensive water-based recreation experience with an indoor 25-yard by 25-meter competition/lap pool, an indoor instructional pool, and an outdoor leisure pool featuring two giant waterslides, a river channel, bubble bench, vortex, and water play structures. The facility also includes a 1-mile paved trail and an activity building for classes and rentals. It is well-suited for swimming and aquatic activities, providing a diverse range of options for both competitive and leisurely water enthusiasts. Features a 500-seat spectator area for events.
Where: Stone Mountain | More Info: Mountain Park Aquatic Center
Rosel Fann Natatorium
What to Expect
Olympic-sized swimming pool
Description
Rosel Fann Natatorium offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a dedicated aquatics area, providing a range of aquatic programs including swim lessons and water aerobics. It is well-suited for water-based recreation, offering facilities for various swimming activities.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Rosel Fann Natatorium
Water Sports in Atlanta
Terminus Wake Park
What to Expect
Exclusive wakeboarding features
Description
Terminus Wake Park is a premier water sports facility featuring three man-made lakes with cable systems for wakeboarding, wakeskating, and other towed water sports. It offers unique park features, including rails, sliders, and ramps, many of which are exclusive to the park. The facility caters to all skill levels, providing a beginner lake for newcomers and advanced lakes for experienced riders. It is particularly well-suited for water-based recreation, offering a comprehensive and accessible experience for enthusiasts. Features hands-on water sports training and equipment rentals.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Terminus Wake Park
Other Water Activities in Atlanta
Chattahoochee River Tubing
What to Expect
Scenic river float trips
Description
Chattahoochee River Tubing offers a relaxing float trip along a scenic stretch of the river, featuring lush greenery and gentle currents. Trips typically span 1.5 miles and take about 3-4 hours, making it an ideal activity for families and groups. Participants must meet specific age and weight requirements, and equipment rentals include tubes, shuttles, and personal flotation devices.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Chattahoochee River Tubing
Nantahala Outdoor Center
What to Expect
Multiple river access points
Description
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a variety of water-based activities along the Chattahoochee River, including tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, and inflatable kayaking. Located within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, it provides expert instruction and equipment rentals. Trips range from relaxing float trips to Class I-II whitewater adventures, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Whitewater Express
What to Expect
Longest urban whitewater course
Description
Whitewater Express offers rafting on the Chattahoochee River, featuring a 2.5-mile urban whitewater course with rapids reaching up to 13,000 cubic feet per second. This course includes class II-V rapids, making it one of the most exciting sections of whitewater in the US. It also provides ziplining options, including the dual-state Blue Heron zip line. The location is ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike, with nearby attractions like the RiverWalk and Uptown Columbus.
Where: Atlanta | More Info: Whitewater Express
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