Overview
Marietta is a city of 61,000 people (2019) in Metro Atlanta. It is the fourth largest city in the state. Dobbins Air Reserve Base on the south side of town and a Lockheed Martin manufacturing plant are among the major industries in the city.
4 sights · 2 things to do · 3 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marietta
The Big Chicken
This restaurant (now a KFC) at the city's biggest intersection features a 53-foot steel-sided chicken beak and neck rising from its roof, and has become a well known landmark in the area. In the old days it was referred …
Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum
Houses one of the world's most extensive collections of memorabilia related to both the book and the film.
The Kennesaw House
The Marietta History Center, located west of the town square, is housed in The Kennesaw House, one of only two buildings in Marietta not burned to the ground in Sherman's March to the Sea.
Marietta Square
Around Church Street (Marietta Parkway can also be used). Open all day, every day. Marietta Square is the center of old Marietta, with many shopping and historical attractions including a Gone with the Wind Museum, Histo…
Six Flags White Water
A large water park offering a variety of water rides, slides and waterfalls, including Tornado, the Ultimate Storm and Cliffhanger, one of the tallest free falls in the world.
Mountasia Marietta
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Mar. (climate data from nearby Metro Atlanta)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDK DeKalb Peachtree Airport, Atlanta — 15 mi away. Directions
- ATL Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta — 23 mi away (major hub). Directions
Travel north on Interstate 75 from Atlanta. Downtown Atlanta is 20 miles (32 km) to the southeast, and Cartersville is 24 miles (39 km) to the northwest.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Marietta Square, Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum
- Lunch Australian Bakery Cafe
- Afternoon Six Flags White Water
- Dinner Falafel Cafe
Day 2
- Morning The Big Chicken, Mountasia Marietta
- Lunch The Pub Restaurant
- Afternoon The Kennesaw House
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Travel north on Interstate 75 from Atlanta. Downtown Atlanta is 20 miles (32 km) to the southeast, and Cartersville is 24 miles (39 km) to the northwest.
Get around
CobbLinc (Marietta/Cobb County's Transit System) and Xpress GA Buses serve the city.
See
See Marietta Square
Around Church Street (Marietta Parkway can also be used). Open all day, every day. Marietta Square is the center of old Marietta, with many shopping and historical attractions including a Gone with the Wind Museum, History Museum, Theater, and a number of shops. There are also a number of events and attractions, including Art In The Park, a yearly art festival showing the local talent. Prices vary depending on attraction.
See The Big Chicken
This restaurant (now a KFC) at the city's biggest intersection features a 53-foot steel-sided chicken beak and neck rising from its roof, and has become a well known landmark in the area. In the old days it was referred to as the center of the Universe as when you gave directions you said, "Go to the Big Chicken and turn north".
Do
Buy
Shop Meeting Park
Is a mixed-use development just off the Marietta Square, featuring townhomes, condos, shops, restaurants, and office space.
Eat
Eat Australian Bakery Cafe
Located in Marietta Square, offers the usual bakery items as well as meat pies and other Australian cuisine. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Eat Falafel Cafe
Suite 100 (behind the Dive Shop), +1 770 419-8999. Open Tu-Su 11AM-9PM. Has the world's best rice, and some mighty tasty kebabs.
Eat The Pub Restaurant
Overlooks the Marietta Resort's championship golf course. Features a full liquor bar.
Drink
Cheerwine, a regional soda from North Carolina, can often be found in and around Marietta.
Sleep
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My experience
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