Looking for things to do in Monroe GA?
Monroe, Georgia sits between Atlanta and Athens and packs a lot into a small town: a walkable historic downtown, antique shopping, parks, local restaurants, a brewery taproom, and a steady calendar of community events. Whether you are visiting for the day, planning a weekend, or looking for something new close to home, this guide covers the best things to do in Monroe GA, with links to the places themselves.
In This Article..

Top Things to Do in Monroe GA
Short on time? Start with these:
- Walk historic downtown with the Downtown Monroe GA guide
- Catch a concert or let the kids run through the splash pad at Monroe Town Green
- Hunt for finds in Monroe’s antique malls
- Take a shaded walk at Childers Park
- See local art at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts
- Have a craft beer at Elixir Brew Co.
- Browse the boutiques and bookstores on Broad Street
- Eat your way through the restaurants in Monroe GA
Explore Historic Downtown Monroe
One of the best things to do in Monroe GA is simply to explore its historic downtown. Centered on Broad Street and the courthouse square, the district has preserved architecture, locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee, and Town Green, all within a few walkable blocks. Park once and you can spend an afternoon browsing, eating, and catching whatever event is on.
Explore the Antiques Capital of Georgia
Monroe is known as part of the “Antiques Capital of Georgia,” with multiple antique stores and large antique malls located throughout the downtown area and nearby corridors. Visitors can spend hours exploring booths filled with vintage furniture, collectibles, décor, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Many of these antique shops are within walking distance of downtown, making it easy to combine antique hunting with lunch and a stroll down Broad Street.
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Activities
Monroe has several parks and outdoor spaces for a quiet walk, a picnic, or a place for kids to play.
Childers Park
A small, wooded park minutes from downtown with short trails, shade, and room for kids and leashed dogs.
Mathews Park
One of Monroe’s larger parks, with a playground, open fields for a ball game, and space to spread out.
Monroe Town Green
The downtown lawn and stage that hosts concerts and festivals, with a splash pad in the warmer months.
Felker Park and Club Park add more neighborhood green space, and for a bigger outdoor day, Hard Labor Creek State Park is a short drive away.
Local Restaurants and Dining
Monroe’s food scene keeps growing. Here is where to start, depending on the time of day.
Coffee and Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner
- Pizza and Italian: Amici Monroe, Your Pie, Monroe Pizza & Tavern
- Mexican: Porfirio’s, La Fiesta Grille, San Andres
- BBQ and burgers: When Pigs Fly BBQ, LR Burger
- Thai and sushi: Moringa Thai & Sushi, Thai Won On
- Dinner out: The Brown Fig, Catch 22 Gastropub
Shopping and Local Businesses
Downtown Monroe is built around locally owned shops rather than chains. A few to start with:
- Monroe Mercantile for a quick tour of local retail in one stop
- The Story Shop and The Armory Bookstore for books
- Southern Roots Outfitter, Peachy Keen, and Epiphany for clothing
- Rinse Bath & Body Co., Rekindle Candle Co., and Gifted Monroe for gifts
- Nerd Street Games for games and collectibles, and Active Soles Running Company for running gear
Family-Friendly Activities
Monroe is an easy town to do with kids, and most of it costs little or nothing.
- Cool off at the splash pad at Monroe Town Green in the warmer months
- Hit the playground and open fields at Mathews Park
- Walk the shaded paths at Childers Park
- Pick out a book at The Story Shop, a children’s bookstore downtown
- Browse the games at Nerd Street Games
- Finish with ice cream at Scoops Monroe or butter’dudder
Arts, Museums and Historic Sites
The Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts is the hub for creativity in the community, with rotating exhibits, classes, and locally made artwork. Throughout the year, Monroe also hosts performances, art shows, and cultural events.
For local history, the Monroe Museum and Visitors Center gives insight into the area’s past, while the McDaniel-Tichenor House offers a look at 19th-century life in Walton County.
Unique and Adventure Activities
For something a little different, Monroe offers experiences you might not expect in a small town. The local airport is home to a skydiving operation that attracts visitors from across the region, while nearby golf courses like Providence Club and Bear Creek Golf Club provide additional recreation options.
Events and Festivals in Monroe
Monroe hosts events throughout the year, especially in spring, summer, and fall: First Friday concerts, local markets, car shows, and holiday festivals. Most take place downtown or at Monroe Town Green, with food vendors, music, and shops open late.
Looking for things to do in Monroe GA this weekend? The city keeps the current schedule on its events calendar.
Wedding and Event Venues
Monroe has venues for weddings, receptions, and private events, from historic buildings like The Engine Room to the event space at Elixir Brew Co. Local vendors such as JL Designs handle flowers and event design.
Where to Stay in Monroe GA
To stay within walking distance of everything downtown, The Wayfarer Hotel is a boutique hotel in a historic building on North Broad Street, connected to the Elixir Brew Co. taproom. See all hotels and lodging in Monroe.
How to Spend a Day in Monroe GA
- Morning: coffee at Coffee Camper Co. or crepes at Le Gabrielle
- Midday: antique shops, Monroe Mercantile, and the boutiques on Broad Street, then lunch at Amici Monroe
- Afternoon: Childers Park, the arts center, or Town Green
- Evening: dinner at The Brown Fig or Catch 22 Gastropub, then a beer at Elixir Brew Co.
Monroe GA FAQ
What is Monroe, GA known for?
Monroe is best known for its historic downtown and its antique shopping. It is the county seat of Walton County.
What is there to do in Monroe GA for free?
Parks, Town Green, the splash pad, and a walk through historic downtown all cost nothing. See free things to do in Monroe GA.
Is downtown Monroe GA walkable?
Yes. Shops, restaurants, coffee, and Town Green are within a few blocks of each other, so you can park once and walk.
Where can I find events in Monroe GA this weekend?
Check the Downtown Monroe events calendar for current dates.