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The revitalized downtown Alpharetta is the star of the city. Now the 12th largest city in Georgia, Alpharetta is home to some of the best schools in the state and continues to attract high tech businesses. Alpharetta has many fun things to do, shopping and some of the best restaurants in metro Atlanta.
It wasn’t always like this. Before 1980, Alpharetta was mostly agrarian with only 3,000 residents. Today that number has grown to more than 65,000, with many more commuting into the area every day.
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Alpharetta Brief History
Alpharetta is located in North Fulton County.
The history of Alpharetta dates back to the 1830’s when the Cherokee people were forcibly relocated under the Indian Removal Act. A trading post located next to a natural spring has since blossomed into what is now downtown Alpharetta.
Alpharetta was incorporated in 1858. At that time, the local economy was focused and farming cotton and many supporting businesses opened in the surrounding area.
After suffering near bankruptcy during the great depression, many farmers turned to livestock due to plummeting prices of cotton. Luckily, a few large corporations moved into the area to help supply the population with steady work.
After opening GA 400 in the 70’s, reasonable home prices, excellent schools and many jobs contributed to the explosive population growth.
Alpharetta is only 26 miles to the north from Atlanta, making it a reasonable commute. With no traffic, it only takes about 30 minutes to get downtown. With traffic, travel times can double.
Alpharetta’s Name Origin
There are two rumor’s on the origin of Alpharetta’s name:
- It is a blend of greek works “alpha” meaning first and “retta” meaning city.
- There was a southern song dating called “The Blue Juniata” that references an Indian girl named Alfarata.
Alpharetta’s Nickname and What it is Known For
Alpharetta – “The Technology City of the South”
Alpharetta is home to hundreds of technology companies. According to Tech Alpharetta, we can give thanks to Ross Perot, who purchased and laid fiber optic cables in the North Point Parkway and surrounding areas.
Alpharetta Demographics
According to the census website, Alpharetta’s population has grown to 65,818 in 2021, from 57,551 in 2010.
The residents are above average on the income scale, with the mean household income of $113,802. This figure was measured in 2019.
Almost 70% of the residents have a college degree.
Map of the Best Things To Do In Alpharetta
Things To Do In Alpharetta
For the things to do section in these neighborhood guides, we don’t usually write up a top 10 best things to do. Instead, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.
Typically the guide is broken down into the following categories: Historic Sites and Landmarks, Attractions, Shopping, Food and Drink, Parks and Recreation.
Some neighborhoods have unique offerings and some neighborhoods may not have anything in a section, so it is omitted.
Attractions and Entertainment in Alpharetta
There are so many wonderful things to do in Alpharetta. If you love restaurants, live music, shopping and the outdoors, Alpharetta is a great place to call home or stay for an extended visit.
- AmerisBank Ampitheatre is an outdoor music venue with some sections that are covered to provide shelter if it rains. The lawn is fully exposed to the elements. Most summers they attract some of the biggest music stars of all genre’s.
- Top Golf located near the North Point Mall is a fun destination for the entire family, date night or meeting the guys for a night on the town.
- Main Event is located near the North Point Mall that has bowling, laser tag, an arcade, many pool tables and even shuffle board; you could easily spend hours being entertained.
- Fairway Social is a bar and restaurant near downtown Alpharetta. It is equipped with golfing and gaming simulators. Take the family and friends and rent a booth for a few hours. There is also a rooftop deck with cornhole and an outdoor mini golf course.
- The Cooler Athletics – offers teaches ice hockey and figure skating. They also have ice hockey leagues and adult roller hockey leagues. Public skating times are also available during scheduled times.
Alpharetta Shopping
Downtown Alpharetta Shops
Downtown Alpharetta was recently renovated. There are many local unique shops, some of the best restaurants in the area and if you show up on a Saturday in the summer you can enjoy the Alpharetta Farmers Market.
A few shops to check out:
- Mountain High Outfitters is your destination for outdoors apparel and gear.
- Dress Up Alpharetta is a women’s clothing and shoe store.
- Spirited Boutiques is a women’s apparel shop.
- The Ballog is a gift shop full of unique items.
There are many more shops to visit. Go ahead and ramble about through downtown Alpharetta.
Avalon in Alpharetta
The Avalon is more than just a shopping experience. There is the turf green space near the Avalon movie theatre, which becomes an ice skating rink in the winter. You can even find Santa for picture taking.
There are many events held through the year, like drive in live music. Or maybe you prefer joining the cornhole league.
The shopping is very high end. Most of the stores are premium label. Think Vineyard Vines or Peter Millar. You can even purchase a Tesla or stop at the Apple store.
North Point Mall
The North Point Mall is your standard mall of the past and is filled with restaurants, large big box retailers and furniture stores. They are in discussion to redevelop the mall into an outdoor shopping experience.
For now, it has many of the department stores and all of the large specialty retailers adjacent to the mall area.
Parks in Alpharetta
Wills Park
Wills Park is fantastic if you are looking for outdoor recreation. There is something for everyone at Wills Park. You can:
- Bring the dogs to one of the best dog park’s in Metro Atlanta
- Play basketball and join a league at the recreation center
- Take your kids to gymnastics or dance at the recreation center
- Dive into the recently renovated public swimming pool
- Coach your kids at the many baseball fields
- Enjoy 3 different playgrounds
- Compete at the equestrian center
- Walk or run on the pave walking trails. The outer loop is about 1.6 miles.
- Play disc golf.
Wills park is also home to to many special events. They have a rodeo, 4th of July fireworks and also our kids favorite, the Touch a Truck Event.
Big Creek Greenway
The Big Creek Greenway is paved trail that runs over eight miles from Windward parkway to Mansel Road. The trail is ideal for biking, roller blading, running or walking. It runs directly along the Big Creek. Sections of the trail will flood if there is a lot of rain. Along the trail are a few opportunities to bring your mountain bike.
North Park
North Park is a 97 acre park with baseball fields, football fields, soccer fields, two playgrounds, pavilions and many tennis courts. There is a walking trail the follows the road through the park. Some parts are paved and some run through the woods.
Cogburn Park
Cogburn Park is a small six acre park that has a large playground and greenspace. There is a circle trail, perfect for kids to bring their bikes or scooters.
Webb Bridge Park
Webb Bridge Park is a greenspace on the border of Alpharetta and John’s Creek that has a large walking trial and pavilions.
Mountain biking
Mt Adam’s Trail is a beginner level single track that is approximately 1.3 miles. It is accessible from the Greenway near the YMCA. Big Creek Park is at the very end of the Greenway and is technically in Roswell, but there are 7 miles of mountain biking with trails ranging from beginner to expert. If you are looking for more information on mountain biking, please see our full guide to mountain biking in the area.
Dining
Here are a few of the best restaurants in Alpharetta. This is by no means an all inclusive list, these are some of my favorites and is a great start for someone visiting or just moving to the area. If you don’t find something here, check out our neighborhood specific guides for the best downtown Alpharetta restaurants or the best restaurants in the Avalon, Alpharetta.
- Nahm Thai Cuisine on Windward Parkway is probably one of the best Thai style restaurants I ever visited. It was a favorite destination when I worked nearby.
- SmokeJack in downtown Alpharetta has really good BBQ and the smoked wings are to die for.
- Sushi Nami has an extensive Sushi and non-sushi menu. It is home to the best sushi in Alpharetta. The kids love it to. The tempura chicken is a hit.
- Coalition Food and Beverage is a trendy spot for American cuisine and cocktails
- Pure Taqueria is authentic mexican cuisine, has great margaritas and their tacos are top notch.
- Antico Pizza expanded into the Avalon. If you like wood fired pizza’s you will love theirs. Grab a pie and share it on the Avalon green.
- Rumi’s Kitchen is delicious Persian cuisine. The menu is primarily kabobs and rice dishes, but they are some of the best kabobs and rice I ever tasted.
- Flatlands is a Loiusiana inspired restaurant that is know for its creole style food.
- Cabernet is an upscale steakhouse on Windward.
- Lapeer is a seafood and steakhouse with coastal vibes in downtown Alpharetta.
- Crust Pasta & Pizzeria is a Italian restaurant with excellent pizza and handmade pastas
- Colleta is home to the best Italian food in the area. After moving South from the Philadelphia area, we craved delicious Italian food here in Alpharetta and Colleta became our spot.
- South Main Kitchen has delicious upscale southern cuisine and usually sources from local farms.
- Made Kitchen and Cocktails has Tapas and handcrafted cocktails.
- Citizen Soul has modern American pub food and great cocktails
- Maple Street Biscuit Company is a favorite destination for breakfast featuring many varieties of chicken and biscuits.
- Zika, The Taste is a new for Alpharetta Indian fast casual restaurant. This is their second location in metro Atlanta. The original is in Decatur.
- District III is a Vietnamese restaurant with traditional dishes and Pho.
- Campania has two locations around Alpharetta and is rivaling Antico for the best pizza in Alpharetta.
- Ceviche has great skinny margaritas and excellent taco’s as well
- Jinya Ramen Bar is a noodle restaurant and the top pick for my youngest child
- Oak Steakhouse is a small chain with great dry aged steaks.
- Ichiban Steak and Sushi is a great hibachi restaurant with a full menu and sushi.
Alpharetta Breweries and Brew Pubs
Alpharetta is home to three of the many great breweries in metro Atlanta. Two of them are in downtown Alpharetta, pictured below. The third is Jekyll Brewing’s original location on Marconi Drive, just off Windward parkway which is their main brewing location.
Currahee Brewery
The breweries main production is located in Franklin, NC. You don’t need to drive all the way there. The downtown Alpharetta location has many of the European inspired ales to sample.
Location: 25 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Jekyll Brewery City Center
The Jekyll Brewing City Center brewpub is located in the heart of downtown Alpharetta and features a full dining menu.
Location: 15 Academy St, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Bars in Alpharetta
You wouldn’t think of this once sleepy suburb transitioned to a hip nightlife destination, but downtown even Alpharetta has multiple rooftop bars.
Many of these bars you can order food, but the main story, are the drinks. Please tell me if you disagree!
Spots to Grab a Beer:
- Jekyll City Center is a brew pub and it also has a really nice rooftop bar.
- Up on the Roof is a rooftop bar with a view of downtown Alpharetta.
- Truck and Tap has a small rooftop bar and is a great spot to listen to live music from the rooftop.
- City Center Tavern is a sports bar that is located under the Jekyll brewery.
Cocktail Bars in Alpharetta:
- Mercantile Social has some of the best hand made cocktails in the area, with a focus on quality ingredients and presentation. This destination is open late and usually feature live music upstairs.
- Roaring Social is a speakeasy themed bar. Yes, there are sometimes lines to get in. There are bowling alleys, live music and some great cocktails.
- Taffer’s Tavern has a very large U shaped bar, perfect for socializing around and sipping handmade cocktails.
Wine Bars in Alpharetta:
- Fermented Wine Boutique is a wine shop and tasting room concept. Order a flight or share a bottle with friends.
- CRU Food and Wine Bar is located in Avalon is the perfect spot to relax after an afternoon shopping.
- The Painted Horse Tasting Room and Wine bar is the tasting room for Milton’s first winery.
Alpharetta Fun Events
While no means a comprehensive list, these are some of the events we enjoyed in the past.
- Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest – is an annual event where they close of the street and bring in some wonderful performances
- Taste Of Alpharetta – is an annual event where you can sample food from many of the great local restaurants
- Alpharetta Food Trucks – Once a month from April through October on the last Thursday of the month, Old Roswell Street and and adjacent parking lots are filled with a half dozen or so food trucks and many restaurants are serving drinks.
- Wood and Wire Music Festival – 30 or so music acts perform outdoors in October, when the weather cools down a bit.
What’s you favorite event? Leave a comment and we will check it out!
Planning Your Visit
Alpharetta is easily accessed from 400 (also known as Highway 19). From Atlanta, you would take 75/85, at the split, stay on 85. The entrance is just a mile from the 85 and 75 split.
Parking is generally free in Alpharetta. In downtown Alpharetta, there are multiple large parking decks and street parking available.
Alpharetta Hotels
There are many great hotels in Alpharetta. In fact, there is a new hotel in downtown Alpharetta, The Hamilton.
Other great options are:
- The Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta off of Windward Ave is a full service Marriott
- The Courtyard by Marriott in Alpharetta is convenient to Avalon and downtown Alpharetta
- the Hotel at Avalon is located directly in the Avalon and walkable to restaurants and bars.
Now that we’ve shared all of our favorite attractions and dining options near downtown Alpharetta, it is your turn to check it out! Have you found a place you love in Alpharetta, but it didn’t make it here? Please leave a comment and we will be sure to check it out.
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