Best Things to Do in Brookhaven, GA
Brookhaven, GA, a vibrant suburban gem just northeast of Atlanta, offers an ideal mix of historic charm, green spaces, eclectic dining, and community-focused experiences. Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor exploring metro Atlanta, Brookhaven delivers. From serene parks and buzzing food scenes to nearby hidden gems like Yaba’s Bagels, here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Brookhaven, Georgia.
Explore Brookhaven Parks
Brookhaven is one of the best locations in all of Georgia for their serene parks and outdoor spaces. With sprawling greens, family-friendly activities, and beautiful weather, Brookhaven is one of the top destinations for outdoor seekers of all ages. In addition, nature lovers in particular can get their fix at any of the following parks, all beautifully situated on acres of greenery and expansive in size.
Murphey Candler Park – Murphey Candler Park is a serene 135‑acre multi‑use green space nestled in northern DeKalb County’s Brookhaven area, just north of Atlanta. Anchored by a picturesque lake, the park features a roughly 1.5‑ to 2‑mile loop trail that weaves through forest, boardwalks, and marshland—offering scenic views and abundant wildlife such as ducks, geese, beavers, and over 180 bird species.
Blackburn Park – Blackburn Park is a vibrant 50‑acre community greenspace located in Brookhaven, DeKalb County, just off Ashford‑Dunwoody and Johnson Ferry roads . Anchored by the Blackburn Tennis Center—18 lighted courts complete with pro shop—the park also offers well-maintained soccer, baseball, and softball fields with lights, dugouts, bleachers, and nearby restrooms . Two engaging playgrounds serve different age groups: a large, wood‑styled climbing structure with net ropes and circle swings for older kids and a smaller toddler area near the ballfields.
Ashford Park – Ashford Park is a delightful and family-focused neighborhood gem in Brookhaven, spanning roughly three acres at 2980 Redding Road NE. The park boasts playgrounds designed for both younger (2–5) and older children (5–12), complete with swings, slides, climbing structures, and a charming sandbox dotted with donated ride-on toys—tricycles, toy trucks, and more—that add a personal, ever-changing touch of community spirit . A fenced-in splash pad, installed in summer 2021, offers safe summertime water play with rock‑wall seating for parents . Nearby, two lighted tennis courts overlook a grassy hillside where children love to ride toys down the slope .
Savor the Local Dining Scene
Brookhaven boasts a surprisingly rich and diverse culinary scene. While there are countless places to eat, a few standouts deserve extra attention. These restaurants have developed a cult-like following in both Brookhaven and the greater Atlanta-metro region. They are also extremely popular on both Google Reviews and Yelp, with patrons boasting of their affordable prices, ambiance, and hospitality.
Valenza – Valenza is a charming and upscale Italian restaurant located at 1441 Dresden Drive in Brookhaven. Named after the jewel-crafting town in Italy’s Piedmont region, it brings the warmth and sophistication of a European village café to life—with venetian-plastered walls, rustic wood accents, and antique candlelit chandeliers setting a cozy yet elegant tone.
Verde Taqueria – Verde Taqueria is a popular, casual taqueria nestled in Brookhaven at 1426 Dresden Drive NE, known for its creative Mexican-inspired fare and lively atmosphere . The menu features house-made tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, salads, and a full bar—with standout items like sweet chili shrimp, chimichurri steak, dirty bird, buffalo chicken, and vegan-friendly tacos, alongside queso, guac, and margaritas crafted with their own fresh‑squeezed sour mix. It’s a family- and pet-friendly spot with an outdoor patio, lighted TVs, and valet parking when it’s busy.
Arnette’s Chop Shop – Arnette’s Chop Shop is Brookhaven’s stylish take on the classic American steakhouse, set in a beautifully renovated two‑story warehouse at 2700 Apple Valley Road. The main level welcomes guests with wood‑burning hearths, an open kitchen, and custom wood‑and‑leather booths, highlighted by a striking longhorn mural by Carrie Penley. Upstairs, an upscale bar and terrace offer a relaxed “den‑style” ambiance accented by low ceilings and musical artwork.
Don’t Miss This Hidden Gem: Yaba’s Bagels
While not technically in Brookhaven, Yaba’s Bagels is located just a short drive away in Dunwoody—and it’s absolutely worth the trip.
📍 Address: 4780 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Why It’s Worth the Drive:
Yaba’s Bagels brings a bold new spin to the traditional bagel shop with their signature slogan: “We Bagel Different.” You’ll find hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels with a perfect crust, chewy interior, and a variety of unique spreads and sandwich creations.
Their offerings aren’t just limited to breakfast—think bagel sandwiches, classic bagel sandwiches, and loaded cream cheeses that keep people coming back all day long.
One more reason to love Yaba’s? Their community-first approach. If someone is in need and can’t afford a meal, Yaba’s invites them in for a free bagel with cream cheese—no questions asked. 🥯❤️
It’s that kind of place. Warm, welcoming, and absolutely delicious.
Shop & Stroll at Town Brookhaven
This mixed-use development is the beating heart of Brookhaven’s shopping scene. From boutique fitness studios and spas to charming shops and restaurants, Town Brookhaven is where locals gather for both errands and entertainment.
Don’t miss:
CinéBistro – Catch the latest films while dining in luxury
The Flying Biscuit Café – Great for a Southern-style brunch
Vestique – Trendy boutique shopping for women
Visit Oglethorpe University’s Museum of Art
Brookhaven is home to Oglethorpe University, a liberal arts college with stunning Gothic architecture. The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions from international and regional artists and makes for a peaceful, cultural afternoon. The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA) is a cultural jewel nestled on the third floor of Lowry Hall at 4484 Peachtree Road NE in Brookhaven. Spanning approximately 7,000 square feet, it houses three intimate exhibition spaces—the Shelley and Donald Rubin Gallery, Skylight Gallery, and Center Gallery—alongside satellite installations across campus. As the only small liberal‑arts university museum in the Southeast to regularly feature nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions, OUMA showcases a vibrant mix of international, representational, figurative, spiritual, and metaphysical art. Its permanent collection includes over 1,000 works spanning seven centuries—highlighting 19th‑ and 20th‑century French masters (Delacroix, Pissarro, Matisse) and Japanese porcelain from the 17th to 20th centuries
Final Thoughts: Why Brookhaven is Worth the Visit
Brookhaven, GA is more than just a suburb—it’s a growing cultural and culinary destination with something for everyone. From relaxing in its many parks to enjoying a full day of eating, shopping, and entertainment, it offers a taste of small-town warmth just minutes from the hustle of Atlanta. And if you do just one thing while you’re in the area. Make the short drive to Yaba’s Bagels. Because once you taste a bagel done their way, you’ll never go back.
