Where to Eat, Shop and Explore Sustainably in Atlanta

Something we’ve learned since we opened our organic mattress store in Atlanta is that this city is full of surprises – especially for those who believe big cities and green living don't mix. 

Beyond its skyline and Southern charm, Atlanta is quietly cultivating a greener way of life. Community gardens thrive between high-rises, local markets celebrate seasonal harvests and public parks stretch wide across the city, inviting visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. The city is also making bold moves toward a more sustainable future, investing in public transportation, clean water initiatives and renewable energy programs that set a new standard for urban living.

For those looking to explore Atlanta through an eco-conscious lens, the city offers plenty of opportunities to eat well, shop thoughtfully and explore sustainably, all while supporting the local communities leading the charge. 

Planning a trip soon? Here’s a Naturepedic-approved guide to exploring the greener side of Atlanta.

Atlanta’s farmers markets and community food spaces offer some of the freshest, most sustainable eating in the South. Whether you're grabbing organic produce, connecting with local growers or exploring edible gardens, you’ll find plenty of ways to savor the city’s greener side.

One of the best ways to explore a city like a local? Visit its farmer’s markets. Atlanta's long-standing favorites include the Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, where many vendors offer certified organic produce and sustainably sourced goods. Seasonal markets like the Grant Park Farmers Market also spotlight small farms and artisan food makers from around the region.

For something truly unique, head to the Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill, the largest food forest of its kind in the United States. This 7-acre public space is home to fruit trees, native plants and fresh produce that’s free for the community to harvest, creating a living example of food equity and urban sustainable agriculture.

Another way to experience Atlanta’s food scene like a local is to look into a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Many of Atlanta’s organic and regenerative farms offer CSA boxes, allowing you to support small growers directly and enjoy the best of the season's harvests.

In a city known for its creativity and culture, thoughtful shopping isn’t hard to find. From farmers markets to nonprofit reuse centers to, of course, Naturepedic Atlanta, you’ll find creative ways to shop (and snooze) with both people and the planet in mind.

You’ll want a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring Atlanta (good for you and the planet, of course). Naturepedic Atlanta offers a curated selection of certified organic mattresses and bedding for the whole family (all in a relaxed, no-pressure environment). Plus, one percent of Natuepedic’s mattress sales goes to environmental organizations through 1% for the Planet®, so you won’t just be sleeping better – you’ll be doing good.

Organizations like Scraplanta Creative Reuse give new life to donated art supplies, fabrics and household goods (like mattreses and pillows), keeping usable materials out of landfills while fueling local creativity. It’s a treasure hunt that supports sustainability efforts and Atlanta’s thriving arts community.

Atlanta is home to a number of nonprofit grocery stores and cooperatives that focus on organic products, ethical sourcing and food justice. Shopping at spots like Sevananda Natural Foods Market helps fund education programs, community outreach and efforts to make healthy, sustainable food more accessible across the city.

Atlanta’s green spaces, urban trails and eco-initiatives offer countless ways to experience the city while staying rooted in nature and community. Whether you're on foot, bike or public transit, there’s no shortage of places to explore with sustainability in mind.

This former railway corridor turned multi-use trail is one of the city’s biggest sustainability success stories. Stretching through dozens of neighborhoods, the BeltLine encourages walking, biking and public art exploration, all while promoting greener transportation and connecting communities to parks and local businesses.

Atlanta’s largest green space was built around a reclaimed quarry and now serves as a major water reservoir and recreation area. With miles of trails, sweeping views of the city skyline and intentional environmental design, Westside Park highlights how conservation and urban development can go hand in hand.

Stretching along the Chattahoochee River, this protected area offers opportunities for hiking, paddling, birdwatching and learning about local ecosystems. It’s a natural oasis just outside the city, and a reminder of the critical role rivers play in Atlanta’s environmental health.

If you ask our stuffed animal pals Wade the Whale and Terry the Turtle, there’s one spot in Atlanta they can’t stop swimming about: the Georgia Aquarium! 

If you ask our organic stuffed animal pals Wade the Whale and Terry the Turtle, there’s one spot in Atlanta they can’t stop swimming about: the Georgia Aquarium! 

Atlanta is full of ways to explore, eat and shop more sustainably. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or rediscovering your own city, these experiences show that a greener future is already growing right here in Atlanta – and it’s one you can be part of.