Things to do in College Park
and Hapeville.

College Park and Hapeville are two of the most dynamic cities on Atlanta's southside. Located adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, these historic communities have developed an entertainment and attractions scene that punches well above their weight. From WNBA basketball at the Gateway Center Arena to the Delta Flight Museum, from the Porsche Experience Center to the newly renovated Academy Theatre, the 30354 area is a destination in its own right.

The two cities are distinct but connected. College Park has the Arena, the Convention Center, and the historic downtown. Hapeville has the aviation museums, the historic theatre, and the charming downtown district with its vintage storefronts and brick sidewalks. Together they form the cultural and entertainment heart of Atlanta's southside airport district.

Gateway Center Arena: Pro Sports and Events

The Gateway Center Arena at 2330 Convention Center Concourse in College Park is the premier entertainment venue on Atlanta's southside. The arena is home to the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA and the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League. It hosts basketball games, concerts, family shows, and community events throughout the year.

The arena is part of the larger Georgia International Convention Center complex, which includes meeting spaces, hotels, and dining options. The venue has brought significant energy and visibility to College Park, drawing visitors from across the metro area and beyond. 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park · gatewaycenterarena.com

Aviation History: The Delta Flight Museum

The Delta Flight Museum at 1220 Woolman Place in Hapeville is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of flight. Housed in two historic hangars that date back to Delta's early days, the museum features a stunning collection of aircraft, interactive exhibits, and a flight simulator that lets you experience what it is like to fly a commercial jet.

The museum's collection includes the iconic Delta Air Lines fleet from the 1920s to the present day, including the Boeing 747, the 767, and the Spirit of Delta -- the first 767 acquired by the airline through employee contributions. The museum is a celebration of the aviation industry that has made the southside Atlanta area an economic powerhouse. 1220 Woolman Pl, Hapeville · deltamuseum.org

The Porsche Experience Center

The Porsche Experience Center Atlanta at 1 Porsche Drive in Hapeville is one of only a handful of Porsche Experience Centers in the world. This state-of-the-art facility includes a 1.6-mile driver development track, a restaurant, a museum showcasing Porsche's racing heritage, and a retail shop.

Visitors can book driving experiences that let them test Porsche's latest models on the track, including the 911, the Cayman, and the Taycan electric sports car. Even if you are not driving, the facility is worth visiting for the restaurant and the showroom, which features some of the most beautiful cars ever built. 1 Porsche Dr, Hapeville · porschedriving.com

The Academy Theatre: Historic Performing Arts

The Academy Theatre at 190 Main Street in Hapeville is a newly renovated historic theatre that has been a fixture of the community for generations. The theatre hosts live performances, concerts, film screenings, and creative workshops. The renovation has restored the theatre to its original glory while adding modern amenities, making it a cultural anchor for Hapeville's downtown.

The theatre's calendar is packed with events throughout the year, from local theatre productions to touring musicians. It is the kind of venue that gives a community its soul. 190 Main St, Hapeville · academytheatre.org

Historic Downtowns: Shopping and Culture

Both College Park and Hapeville have historic downtown districts that are worth exploring.

Historic Downtown College Park is centered on Main Street and features a mix of restaurants, shops, and services. The Paper Plane Gallery is a new art gallery that has brought creative energy to the district. The city's historic commercial buildings have been well-preserved, and the downtown is walkable and pleasant.

Historic Downtown Hapeville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features brick sidewalks, vintage storefronts, and a charming small-town atmosphere. The Hapeville Depot Museum and Visitor Center at 600 N Central Avenue is housed in an 1890 train depot and tells the story of the city's history, including its aviation, railroad, and automobile heritage. The Hapeville Arts Alley is a public art space that adds color and creativity to the downtown.

Wolf Creek Amphitheater and Outdoor Events

Wolf Creek Amphitheater at 3025 Merk Road in College Park is an outdoor concert venue that hosts a summer concert series featuring R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and jazz. The amphitheater has a lawn seating area that makes for a relaxed, picnic-friendly concert experience. It is a popular venue for the southside community.

Both College Park and Hapeville host regular community events throughout the year, including farmers markets, holiday celebrations, and cultural festivals. The Spin the District cycling event and outdoor movie nights are popular annual events in College Park.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

College Park has several well-maintained parks, including Barrett Park, Charles Phillips Park, and Richard D. Zupp Park, each offering playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Phoenix Trail is a walking and biking trail that connects parts of the city. Old National Park provides additional green space.

Hapeville has several neighborhood parks and is close to the larger parks in the airport district. Both cities benefit from their proximity to the expansive green spaces of the southside, including the trails and parks along the Atlanta BeltLine's future southside corridor.

Why This Matters for Investors

College Park and Hapeville offer a unique combination of assets that make them compelling for real estate investors. The entertainment and attractions infrastructure -- the Gateway Center Arena, the Delta Flight Museum, the Porsche Experience Center, the Academy Theatre -- is world-class and draws visitors from across the region. The historic downtowns, the MARTA rail access, and the proximity to the world's busiest airport create a powerful foundation for continued growth.

For investors, the key insight is that College Park and Hapeville are not just bedroom communities for airport workers. They are destinations in their own right, with a quality of life and an entertainment scene that make them attractive to a broad range of residents and visitors. Properties near the historic downtowns, the MARTA stations, and the major entertainment venues are well-positioned to benefit from the area's continued momentum.

The 30354 area is one of the most accessible entry points into the Atlanta metro area's real estate market, with prices that are significantly lower than intown neighborhoods. As the area's attractions continue to draw visitors and new residents, that value gap is likely to narrow.