Holidays

17 Experience Gifts in Atlanta That Capture the City’s Energy in 2025

by: Alexandria Taylor

Last Updated on Oct 1st 2025

Atlanta doesn’t do anything halfway — not its food, its festivals, or its sense of community. It’s a city that thrives on experiences, not just things. Maybe that’s why everyone keeps finding new ways to explore this remarkable southern city.

According to Discover Atlanta, the city’s creative spirit has turned it into “the cultural capital of the South,” where every neighborhood offers a mix of art, music and flavor you can feel. That energy makes it the perfect setting for experience gifts in Atlanta — moments that connect people not just to each other, but to the spirit of the city.

From rooftop tastings to hands-on workshops, every experience here feels like part of Atlanta’s story — one that’s best shared, savored and remembered.

Foodie Experience Gifts in Atlanta

1. Make Something Tasty During Cooking Classes

cooking classes experience gift Atlanta — *Atlanta’s flavor, made by you (via Classpop!)*

Atlanta’s food scene tells its story through flavor — bold, diverse, and full of personality. Cooking classes in Atlanta tap right into that, taught by expert chefs from the city's culinary scene. You’ll learn the recipes for dishes inspired by world cuisine and the techniques to create them in your own kitchen.

You’ll pick up new techniques, taste fresh ingredients and share something you created together. It’s one of those experience gifts in Atlanta that makes connection feel effortless — a night of trying new flavors and exploring ways to get creative with Atlanta food.

If you're unsure which class they want to take, get them a cooking class gift card so that they can choose.

2. Winery Tours

Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard — *Sip through Georgia’s wine country (via Chateau Meichtry)*

Head north of the city and you’ll find rolling vineyards tucked into Georgia’s foothills. A winery tour is more than a tasting — it’s a slow afternoon surrounded by good company and great wine. Whether it’s Chateau Meichtry or Ott Farms and Vineyard, you’ll sip, stroll and take in views that feel a world away from Peachtree Street.

Visit one winery or make a day of it be visiting multiple wineries. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to celebrate life’s big (and small) milestones.

3. Murder Mystery Dinner

What is a good experience gift for a family? A murder mystery dinner is a fun, family-friendly option that they’ll never forget. You’ll enjoy a multi-course meal while actors weave a story full of clues and dramatic reveals. It’s equal parts dinner and show — and one of those unique experience gifts in Atlanta that turns a regular evening into a shared memory.

These murder mystery dinners also make fun team building activities in Atlanta and interesting birthday dinners in Atlanta.

Artistic Experience Gifts in Atlanta

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4. Embrace Creativity With Art Classes

new classpop branded group of female friends making candles — *Creative energy meets southern charm (via Classpop!)*

Allow your creativity to flow with art classes in Atlanta. Taught by expert artist instructors, you can explore a variety of artistic mediums, from watercolor to charcoal. You can also try your hand with something a little unexpected like perfume-making or candle-making classes in Atlanta.

You don’t need experience — just curiosity. It’s a gift for crafters or crafters at heart that fits any age or skill level, and one that reminds people how satisfying it is to make something with their own hands.

5. Paint and Sip

woman drinking wine and painting canvas — *Experience gifts in Atlanta with art and wine (via Classpop!)*

Explore your creative side with paint and sip in Atlanta. These fun classes are taught by expert instructors, who will provide easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to recreate a one-of-a-kind piece of art while sipping your favorite drink.

Paint and sip classes are ideal for artists of all skill levels and make fun gifts for artists. You’ll learn techniques that can improve your artistic practice or just be a fun way to spend an evening with friends or a date.

Unique Experience Gifts in Atlanta

6. State Park Memberships

Tallulah Gorge — *The great outdoors, all year round (via Canva)*

Georgia has some beautiful scenery, which makes state park memberships the perfect choice for experience gifts in Atlanta. A pass gives you access to Georgia's 60+ parks and historic sites, from mountains to the coast. That means plenty of hiking, camping and ziplining through forests, waterfalls and hidden paths — a year of exploring wrapped into one simple gift.

7. Glass Blowing Classes

glassblowing experience gifts pittsburgh — *Hot glass, cool art, and plenty of wow-worthy experience gifts in Atlanta (via Canva)*

For anyone curious to try a new artistic medium, glassblowing classes offer a one-of-a-kind creative experience. You’ll work with molten glass to shape vases, bowls, or small sculptures — each one unique to your hands.

As an experience gift in Atlanta, it’s both memorable and meaningful. Atlanta Glassblowing is a great spot for beginners and returning artists alike, turning heat and color into something lasting.

8. Whitewater Rafting

Ocoee white water rafting — *Atlanta’s wild side, one rapid at a time (via Ocoee Rafting)*

A short drive from Atlanta brings you to the Ocoee River — ten miles of rushing water and teamwork. Whitewater rafting isn’t just about the thrill; it’s about the shared rhythm that comes with every paddle stroke. For adventurous couples or families, whitewater rafting makes for fun summer gifts that tick off the adrenaline box.

Luxury Experience Gifts in Atlanta

9. Hot Air Balloon Ride

hot air balloon experience gift Atlanta — *Rise above the skyline with a view worth sharing (via Canva)*

Looking for unique birthday experiences in Atlanta? A ride with Balloon Atlanta lets you drift above the city and North Georgia’s rolling hills for a view few ever see.

It’s the kind of bucket-list idea that feels exhilarating — a moment suspended between sky and skyline. Toast the view with a glass of Champagne or a simple picnic in the clouds for a luxury experience that feels truly unforgettable.

10. Helicopter Tour

Atlanta luxury experiences aren’t hard to find if you know where to look. A helicopter tour of the city can be a great anniversary or date idea in Atlanta that they’ll never forget.

Fly miles above the city and view all your favorite spots from above. Charter a private helicopter and you’ll have one of the best experience gifts in Atlanta. Pair it with other luxury experiences, like dinner, for the ultimate experience.

11. Glamping Stay

*Nature meets comfort just outside the city (via Glamp Blue Ridge)*

A high-end glamping trip is one of the most luxurious Atlanta experiences you can get. There are plenty of glamorous campsites just outside of Atlanta, such as Glamp Blue Ridge, Winston, Villa Rica and Jackson that offer an elevated camping experience.

These glamping stays can be a great gift for friend groups and anniversaries to get away and enjoy each other’s company in the beauty of nature.

Best Experience Gifts in Atlanta for Him

12. Golf Getaway

*Relaxation, greens and Georgia sunshine (via Chateau Elan Winery and Resort golf)*

If you’re looking for experience gifts in Atlanta for him, a golf getaway is a great place to start. Book a stay at a golf resort so they can get away for a few days while enjoying a few links.

Head to Callaway Resort & Gardens, Chateau Elan Winery and Resort or Reynolds Lake Oconee for a relaxing golf getaway. Book this as a unique birthday experience in Atlanta or as a fun trip with his friends.

13. Fly Fishing

man fly fishing in river — *Quiet waters make for great experience gifts in Atlanta (via Canva)*

Book him a fly fishing trip for a quiet escape in nature — one of the most unique experience gifts in Atlanta for him. Time slows down on the water, where patience pays off and the noise of the world fades into the sound of the current.

It’s the kind of getaway that brings calm and focus, whether he goes solo to recharge or gathers a few friends for a laid-back weekend together.

14. NASCAR Experience

If he’s ever dreamed of hitting the track, a NASCAR experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway lets him take the wheel for real. It’s fast, loud and unforgettable — easily one of the most thrilling experience gifts in Atlanta for him.

From the first roar of the engine to the rush of wind on the straightaway, he’ll get to live out every racing fan’s fantasy. A perfect pick for car lovers and adrenaline junkies who want more than just a spectator seat.

Best Experience Gifts in Atlanta for Her

15. Island Getaway

Tybee Island — *Soft sand, slow days, total reset (via Canva)*

A wonderful birthday experience in Atlanta can actually start just outside the city. Book her an island getaway to one of Georgia’s stunning coastal spots — Tybee Island, Hutchinson Island or Sea Island — where she can relax and recharge. Whether it’s a solo retreat, an anniversary surprise or a weekend with friends, it’s a thoughtful way to give her a real escape.

16. Boudoir Photos

An experience gift in Atlanta for her that she’s sure to never forget is a boudoir photography session. You can book this with a photographer who specializes in taking these types of photos. Or surprise her by taking photography classes in Atlanta and doing the photoshoot yourself. They’ll have fun moving around the set and trying new poses.

Many women who try boudoir photo sessions leave feeling more confident in their appearance and themselves. With this unique experience gift in Atlanta, they’ll get photos that will help them remember the day.

17. Spa Day

Everyone deserves a little time to recharge. A spa day makes a relaxing indoor activity in Atlanta, complete with facials, massages and soothing body wraps. It’s a thoughtful treat she can enjoy solo or something you can do together — the perfect way to unwind, reconnect and leave feeling refreshed.

Atlanta has a way of turning ordinary days into something memorable — maybe it’s the mix of Southern charm, creativity and adventure at every turn. The best experience gifts in Atlanta do the same. They give people something to look forward to, something to remember and something that feels a little more personal than anything you could wrap.

Whether it’s shared laughter, a new skill or just a fresh way to see the city, these gifts remind us why moments always matter more than things.

For even more fun experience gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!