When deciding what to pack for Atlanta, you have to consider the season in which you’ll be visiting. Very hot Southern summers and chilly winters mean that yearly temperatures fluctuate enough to call for completely different wardrobes.
What to Pack for Atlanta
There are, however, some things that are must-haves throughout the year, or during multiple seasons.
Comfortable Shoes
With parks, monuments, and museums galore, walking is one thing you can be sure you’ll do in Atlanta. Bring along a pair of comfortable yet stylish walking shoes, like these Adidas Originals Superstars (available in a men’s and women’s version) so you can enjoy your trip without achy feet.
Sunscreen
This is probably the most important item to pack for Atlanta. Under the Georgian sun, protect your skin against all kinds of things (including premature aging and cancer) by always applying it.
A Hat
As with sunscreen, you’re going to want to bring a hat to protect your face from the scorching sun.
Lightweight Sweater/Cardigan
It never hurts to be prepared for temperature changes, especially in spring, when the nights are cooler than the days. A lightweight convertible cardigan is a good choice for women, as is a zip-up sweater for men.
Wipes
Walking around the whole day can leave you sweaty and messy. Packing some disposable wipes will keep you clean and comfortable throughout the day. It’s also perfect for food truck adventures that end up being messier than you expected.
Bug Repellant
You won’t really need it in fall and winter, but you better believe this will save your trip to Atlanta in spring and especially in summer.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and look chic while doing so. Since you’re already anticipating a lot of sun exposure, finish your look with a beautiful pair of sunglasses. It also makes people-watching easier.
At Least One Nice Outfit
Atlanta may be an enclave for boho chic fashion, but it also offers a myriad of upscale experiences. Pack at least one nice outfit for the theater, a fancy dinner, or a night out clubbing. A wrinkle-resistant blazer will meet the dress code for most places in Atlanta for men, as will a basic black dress for women.
Portable Charger
If you do Atlanta right, you won’t be spending a lot of time indoors charging your phone (unless, of course, it’s at an organic coffee shop). Bring a portable charger with you so you can spend the whole day exploring the city without worrying about not being able to take pictures.
Toiletry Bag
Keep your makeup, sunscreen, and/or wet wipes in a small toiletry bag you can carry with you. If you plan your outfit right, you won’t even have to go back to your accommodation to get ready for a night out.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Atlanta Travel Guide
- 10 Best Hotels in Atlanta
- 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Atlanta
- 10 Best Atlanta Airport Hotels
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta
- 10 Must-See Atlanta Attractions
- A Visitor’s Guide to Atlanta Neighborhoods
- The 10 Best Cheap Eats in Atlanta
- 10 Best Restaurants in Atlanta
- 10 Great Spots to Try Southern Food in Atlanta
- What to Wear in Atlanta
– Original reporting by Mariana Zapata
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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