35+ Things to Do Near Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Atlanta, and More!

Fifteen miles from Atlanta, Georgia, Dobbins Air Reserve Base is located in the city of Marietta, the county seat of Cobb County. Year-round, people can expect a subtropical climate with humid and hot summers and mild winters. Dobbins ARB has the convenience of sitting between the vibrant city of Atlanta within the northern Piedmont Region of Georgia and south of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the southernmost part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. This gives visitors and residents plenty of choices in outdoor recreation, entertainment, and leisure activities. So, whether you are with friends or family, take some time to unwind and enjoy your stay near Dobbins ARB.

5 Places Near Dobbins ARB That Are Military Friendly

Looking for some military-friendly fun in and around Dobbins Air Reserve Base? Close by, you can take advantage of the Dobbins ARB Information, Tickets, and Tours to find promotions and discounted tickets for popular theme parks, sporting events, and more.

You can also take a break from the city and base life and reserve an RV spot or rent a cabin at the Dobbins Fam Camp. Enjoy museums with your family outside the gates and down the road to learn about aviation and Civil War history. The following historical venues are free to enter for military service members.

So, make sure to bring your military ID or American the Beautiful pass. Bring your friends, your partner, or your pet to enjoy the many trails in this beautiful Piedmont Region of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is much to explore!

Aviation History and Technology Center

The Aviation History and Technology Center is open to the public and is located right next to Dobbins Air Reserve Base. During your visit to this open-air museum, you can see and learn about 15 military and civilian aircraft, including the interior of the C-141B StarLifter.

Address: 555 Perrin Road, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Friday-Saturday 1000-1700 and Sunday 1200-1700

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield

Learn the history of the Atlanta Campaign at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. Join rangers at the Visitor Center to learn about events that led to the Battle of Kennesaw and watch the 35-minute orientation film. Pick up a brochure that will guide you through 4 stopping points along the path of the troops. If you do not want to drive, you can hike to the top or take a shuttle bus.

Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Hours: Daily 0900-1700

Silver Comet Trail (Smyrna Trailhead)

The Silver Comet Trail in Cobb County is a 12.8-mile multi-use paved trail originally enjoyed by train passengers. The Cobb Department of Transportation designed this trail to be used by all! Enjoy the variety of scenic vistas and six trestles and bridges.

You can also visit the Silver Comet Depot located at the Floyd Trailhead if you need to rent bicycles, skates, and accessories. They have concessions, as well. Check online for rules, other trailhead information, a downloadable map, and current statuses.

Address: 4573 Mavell Road, Smyrna, GA 30082

Fam Camp

Need to get away from the hustle and bustle? Enjoy some nature living at the RV Dobbins Fam Camp, with two brand-new ‘primitive cabins’. Email or call today to reserve. Spaces are limited and fill up fast during the peak season.

Address: 1335 Dozer Circle, BLDG 538

Phone: (678) 655-4870

Email: 94fssodr@gmail.com

Information, Tickets, and Travel Office

The Landing at Lakeside Information, Tickets, and Tours has promotional and discounted ticket pricing at popular theme parks, sporting events, and more! Come by their office today. They are open during 94 AW Unit Training Assessment Saturdays, too.

Address: 1256 Lake Circle, BLDG 537

Phone: (678) 655-4797

Email: dobbinsitt@gmail.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1500

5 Restaurants Near Dobbins ARB That Are Sure to Please

From Southern comfort to Mediterranean meets Caribbean cuisine, the restaurants surrounding Dobbins ARB are full of flavor! Food in this region is inspired by American Southern and global flavors, local fresh produce, quality meats, and fresh catch.

Finding a filling and delicious restaurant in this area is easy! Some of the top favorites are listed below. Pet-friendly dining options and date night ideas are in sections further below, too.

French Toast ATL

Gather family and friends together for breakfast, brunch, or lunch at French Toast, where you can enjoy an interesting twist of Southern flavors and classic French-inspired recipes. The menu offers both sweet and savory dishes to satisfy all preferences.

Address: 3468 Windy Hill Road SE, Suite 600, Marietta, GA 30067

Hours: Monday-Friday 0700-1500 and Saturday-Sunday 0700-1700

Kiosco Marietta Square

Dine at Kiosco Marietta Square to enjoy authentic Mediterranean European cuisine and a full bar to quench your thirst for super relaxation. Enjoy the patio on a nice day, order takeout, reserve the space for a party or event, or have them offer you their catering services.

Address: 48 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA 30064

Hours: Monday 1100-2200 and Tuesday-Sunday 100-2200

Gianni & Mac’s Ristorante

If you are looking for authentic Italian fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere, make reservations at Gianni & Mac’s Ristorante located on the Historic Marietta Square. Dine al fresco or in their cozy dining room while enjoying Italian-crafted cocktails or wine paired with traditional Italian dishes, like pizza. You can even personalize your own charcuterie board.

Address: 85 Church Street, Marietta, GA

Lunch Hours: Monday-Sunday 1100-1530

Dinner Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 1600-2100, Thursday 1600-2130, and Friday-Saturday 1600-2200

Marietta Diner

Did you bike or walk the whole Silver Comet Trail? Drive on over to the Marietta Diner and refuel your body with satisfying dishes at the Marietta Diner. Open every day, and all day, this vibing diner is known for its huge menu selection offering everything from Greek specialties to Southern comfort food. Don’t worry, the coffee is always brewing and ready to pour.

Address: 306 Cobb Parkway SE South Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: 24/7 since 1995

Marietta Local

Another great breakfast and lunch spot serving up some made-from-scratch comfort food is the Marietta Local. They also offer online ordering and catering!

Address: 148 Roswell Street, NE Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Monday-Sunday 0800-1400

Zeke’s Kitchen & Bar

Looking for more flavorful bites? Try Zeke’s Kitchen & Bar, where American cuisine meets Caribbean and Haitian traditional flavors and fare. They take online orders and also have a full rum bar.

Address: 4454 South Cobb Drive SE, Suite 101, Smyrna, GA 30080

Hours: Sunday-Monday 1200-2000, Tuesday-Thursday 1100-2100, and Friday-Saturday 1100-2200

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Dobbins ARB?

Living in a subtropical climate near plenty of nature trails and outdoor recreational spaces in Georgia's Piedmont Region gives you and your four-legged compadre plenty of chances to head out the door together. The surrounding areas near Dobbins ARB offer an incredible variety of pet-friendly spaces, parks, and outdoor dining patios. To help narrow down the options, below are some of the best places to start your adventures!

Outdoor Spaces

The Drafty Dane

Take your furry friend and maybe a few other human companions to Marietta’s The Drafty Dane, the only off-leash dog park and pint. Sip on some craft brews, specialty cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages while your pooch has fun playing with their puppy pals in this large 21,000-square-foot secure area. For further information, see them online!

Address: 942 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Seasonal; Check online

Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park is a 28.11-acre space with a one-mile jogging trail, portable restrooms, and a leash-free dog area. The leash-free area is 1.4 acres of completely fenced and mulched play space to allow your dog to stretch their legs, run, and play. Please follow all of the park rules.

Address: 1050 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Daily 0600-2300 (dog park)

Lewis Park

Inside the 6.7-acre Lewis Park, visitors can find a children’s playground, four lighted tennis courts, paved walking path, softball/baseball diamond, picnic tables, benches, restroom, and a designated off-leash area for dogs to romp around and sniff to their hearts’ content.

There are 3 shaded structures for pet parents, a water spigot, and a doggie station with plastic waste bags. Make sure to follow the park rules and regulations.

Address: 475 Campbell Hill Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Daily 0500-2300

Sope Creek Trail & Paper Mill Ruins

Tucked away inside a high-end neighborhood in Marietta, the Sope Creek Trail & Paper Mill Ruins offer a less-crowded hiking option with Fido. Enjoy the fresh air, freshwater creek and ponds, stone ruins, and abundant wildflowers as you trek your way around this 3-mile loop around the mill ruins and pond.

Make sure to keep your dog on a 6-foot max leash for everyone’s safety. Trail users mention the trailhead signs designate walking versus biking directions to try and prevent accidents. It is $5 to park unless you have a Chattahoochee River NRA annual pass.

Address: Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067

Fur-Family Friendly Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants near Dobbins ARB that are pet-friendly. Leashed pets are allowed at the following locations on the outdoor patios. As always, make sure your pooch is well-mannered. Make sure to call the restaurant in advance in case policies have changed.

Good Kitchen + Market

Voted as the best breakfast, brunch, kids meals, healthy and organic restaurant in Atlanta, Good Kitchen + Market is a place you do not want to miss, whether you bring your four-legged baby or not!

Located in both Smyrna and Marietta, this restaurant’s menu offers thoughtfully sourced food that is delicious and good for you, your children, your dog, and the community, raising funds for awareness, research, and support for children undergoing treatment through their Courageous Kid Program.

Address: 116 Margaret Avenue, NE, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Monday-Saturday 0800-2000 and Sunday 0800-1500

The Wing Cafe and Tap House

Known for their delicious wings, tons of flavorful dipping sauces, and brews on tap, The Wing Cafe and Tap House also has a nice outdoor patio and covered enclosed patio that your well-mannered mutt can enjoy, too!

Address: 2145 Roswell Road, Suite 170, Marietta, GA 30062

Kitchen Hours: Daily 1100-2300

Glover Park Brewery

With Fusco’s Food Truck on deck, relax and unwind with friends and furry companions in the Glover Park Brewery's beer garden to enjoy great company and a wide selection of locally crafted beers, wine, and cocktails. They have heating and cooling inside and out for year-round comfort.

Address: 65 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta, GA 30060

Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 1600-2200, Thursday 1600-2300, Friday 1400-0000, Saturday 1200-0000, and Sunday 1230-2100

5 Things For Couples to Do Near Dobbins ARB

From Marietta to Smyrna, you can set a date with your sweetie at a nearby restaurant or even take a short trip down the highway to Atlanta’s vibrant nightlife scenes. There is so much to do with your special someone around Dobbins ARB. Here are just 5 ideas you can do with your honey to create a moment to remember.

Marietta Square

Take your date to Glover Park in Marietta Square, where you can catch a local event or concert, shop at the farmers market, or take a pic in front of the three-tier fountain. Walk to Marietta’s nearby shops, restaurants, six museums, and theaters.

Address: 99 S. Park Square NE, Marietta, GA 30060

Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

After a nice dinner and stroll through Market Square, catch a classic throwback movie, concert, or watch a stage performance at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre with your sweetheart.

Address: 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

9 Mile Station

High above Ponce City Market, catch the sunset over the best views of Atlanta at 9 Mile Station. You and your special someone can enjoy seasonal dishes and handcrafted cocktails while taking in the romantic al fresco ambience.

Address: 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Hours: Monday-Thursday 1700-2200, Friday 1700-0000, Saturday 1100-0000, and Sunday 11000-2100

Divan Restaurant & Bar

Savor the beautifully plated Persian cuisine and artfully crafted cocktails at Divan Restaurant & Bar. When the weather is nice, reserve a table for two on the rooftop balcony for the perfect candlelit-by-the-stars ambience.

Address: 87 15th Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Hours: Monday-Thursday 1700-000, Friday-Saturday 1700-0100, Sunday 1100-1400, 1700-0100

Eleanor’s

Muss & Turner’s is a beloved community deli by day and hidden speakeasy bistro by night. Eleanor’s is right through the cooler door. Take a peek inside and discover the creative cocktails and moody ambience.

Address: 1675 Cumberland Parkway SE, Suite 309, Smyrna, GA 30080

Hours: Monday-Thursday 1130-2100, Friday 1130-2200, Saturday 1000-2200, and Sunday 1000-2100

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

Within a short drive, you and your family can enjoy quick trips to other cities and towns within the Piedmont region or up in the Appalachian Highlands. You can enjoy a range of places from museums to nature trails and lake beaches to mountain vistas. Some of these places you just may spend all day exploring, or you might even come back and do again!

Chattanooga Tennessee

Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• The Tennessee Aquarium: Spend a day at two buildings, The River Journey and The Ocean Journey, for the price of one. See an IMAX film and learn about aquatic conservation.
• Ruby Falls: Book your tickets ahead of time to see the incredible waterfall inside historic Lookout Mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River and unwind with a comforting meal in the park’s limestone castle built in 1929.
• Rock City: Bring your family and Fido to Rock City, a Lookout Mountain attraction featuring hiking for all age groups, crazy views, and iconic landmarks such as the Swinging Bridge and Lover’s Leap.
• Walnut Street Bridge & North Shore: Walk over the Tennessee River on the 2,376-foot-long pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Chattanooga and the North Shore district. Access the elevated views of the city’s skyline and riverfront around you while heading over to more shops, galleries, and restaurants located in the North Shore area.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: All aboard the Blue Ridge Railway! Experience Northern Georgia as you ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, along the Toccoa River.
• Mercier Orchards: Bring home some fresh produce from this fourth-generation family- and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. ‘U-pick’ apples, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, a variety of vegetables, and even flowers! From hard cider and wines to bakery items and candy, there is plenty to try and take home, but there is also lots to do on the farm, including fishing!
• Lake Blue Ridge & Aska Adventure Area: Spend an entire day hiking or biking on the trails in the Aska Adventure Area. After checking out all of the mountain vista points and working up a sweat on one of their many trails ranging between 1 to 5.5 miles, descend to the bottom and take a dip in the picturesque Lake Blue Ridge’s crystal-clear waters.
• Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe: Don’t forget to fuel up at the Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe! Enjoy a comforting blend of American and Cuban cafe cuisine, finishing off with the famous moist and delicious rum cake.

Helen, Georgia

Drive time: 2 hours

• Bavarian Alpine Village: Eat, shop, stay, and play in the Bavarian Alpine Village. See what makes Alpine Helen a go-to for Oktoberfest for more than 50 years and a must-see merry Christmas town.
• Anna Ruby Falls: Follow the paved trail alongside Smith Creek to the observation decks inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Discover where Curtis and York Creeks cascade together to form Anna Ruby Falls.
• Cool River Tubing: Tired of just looking at the refreshing creeks? Cool off and ‘Shoot the ‘Hooch’ with your friends, family, and your furry compadre while floating on the Cool River within the Alpine Village town of Helen!
• Unicoi State Park: Need more adventure, like archery, ziplining, hatchet-throwing, and fly fishing? Head to Unicoi State Park to see what awaits you!

10 Things For Kids to Do Near Dobbins ARB

The military-friendly area surrounding Dobbins ARB includes many kid-friendly museums and activities!

• Escape Woods and Sleepy Hollow Farm: If you are a Stranger Things fan, you will love this escape room experience. The show was filmed at the Sleepy Hollow Farm! Older kids will love the challenges and storylines represented from all five seasons as they move through Hopper's Cabin.
• Marietta Fire Museum: Children can learn about the history of the Marietta Fire Department with a stunning collection dating back to 1854. Admission is free!
• Elizabeth Porter Park & Sprayground: For a bargain price, take your kiddos to the Sprayground to cool off on hot and humid northern Georgia summer days. Prior registration is required.
• Catch Air: Plan a birthday party or just come for fun at the indoor Catch Air playground. They offer membership options and a food and beverage bar. So, you can enjoy a one-stop-shop option for maximum playtime.
• Buddy’s Indoor Playhouse: Slip on some socks and head inside to this fun indoor playhouse. Children ages 6 months to 6 years old can use their imagination, develop skills, and drive around a track while playing. Special pass offers are available.
• Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History: As a Smithsonian affiliate, visitors can learn about The Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, how the railroads were lifelines during the Civil War, how the Glover Machine works, and the different past perspectives of the Reconstruction period. Come see what else is on display!
• Cauble Park and Acworth Beach: The 25-acre park is located on the northern side of Lake Acworth and contains restrooms, electric motor-driven boat ramps, two playgrounds, a boardwalk, and a beach, to name only a few of its amenities.
• Georgia Aquarium: Encounter animals or swim and dive with gentle marine creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. You can also plan a Behind the Seas tour or a Sleep Under the Sea sleepover.
• Center for Puppetry Arts: See the Jim Henson collection showcasing creations from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more. A Global Collection, along with special events and exhibitions, is on display at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Check out one of their shows, like Everybody Loves Pirates and Pinocchio premiering in 2027.
• Zoo Atlanta: Explore and discover all of the animals, their personalities, and the new arrivals at Zoo Atlanta, and learn about conservation and why it matters.

Don’t Miss These Cobb County Seasonal Events!

We’re sharing 5 seasonal events taking place in Cobb County that you won’t want to miss.

• Chalktoberfest: This weekend event is free to the public and combines the annual Chalk Art Festival with Marietta’s Craft Beer Festival. The proceeds go to the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.
• Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival: Attracting around 60,000 hungry music lovers each year, this festival satisfies the senses with live music and finger-lickin’ BBQ tasting.
• Sleighbells on the Square 5K: For 25 years and counting, runners of all ages have shown up in Marietta Square decked out in holiday attire to race for a good cause for the Children’s Emergency Fund.
• The Nutcracker by the Atlanta Ballet: See the Atlanta Ballet perform the Nutcracker at the Cobb Energy Centre to make your holiday extra merry and bright.
• Marietta the Gathering: Geek out for free and celebrate pop culture, gaming, creativity, cosplay, and the arts. For five years and counting, visitors have enjoyed quests, challenges, and new discoveries.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Dobbins ARB!

Whether you are grabbing gear at the Air Force Outdoor Recreation, finding some peace at Fam Camp, or working on your fitness goals at the Dobbins Fitness Center, finding something to do on Dobbins Air Reserve Base can be easy.

After a long work week or training weekend, explore off base and discover what amazing attractions and adventures await you in the northern Piedmont Region of Georgia. Witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Eat made-from-scratch comfort cuisine at a local dive. Take Fido for a social outing with friends. Tube in the Cool River in Helen, Georgia, or swim in the pristine waters at Lake Blue Ridge with family. You will never have a dull moment in this dynamic region.