East Side, GA

Atlanta

Fernbank Museum of Natural History showing heritage elements
Fernbank Museum of Natural History featuring a statue or sculpture and outdoor art
Fernbank Museum of Natural History showing forests and a garden
Fernbank Museum of Natural History which includes a park, forests and a bridge
City fathers purchased six acres in 1850 to be a public burial ground for a young but fast-growing town that already had a population of more than 2,500. It was designed as a rural garden cemetery, a 19th Century innovation conceived as an alternative to traditional graveyards which often were crowded and aesthetically unappealing. Originally called Atlanta Graveyard or City Burial Place, Oakland was renamed in 1872. By then it had expanded to 48 acres, mainly due to pressures of the Civil War. During the war, the City and the Confederate government added land to bury soldiers who died in local hospitals. As fighting drew closer and engulfed Atlanta, more burial space was needed. After the war, space was added to provide a proper final resting place for soldiers who had been hastily buried on area battlefields. By 1867 the cemetery reached its present size. In the late 19th Century, Oakland was a popular destination for Sunday carriage rides and picnics. Families tended the plots of loved ones, creating an assortment of lovely gardens. Atlanta’s first greenhouse was established here in 1870. Many distinctions of daily life were maintained in death, as African Americans were buried apart from whites and Jewish sections were separate from Christian. As the 20th Century unfolded, Oakland increasingly was surrounded by residential and industrial development. The cemetery also was filling up. The last sites were sold in 1884. With the passage of time, many graves went unattended as descendants moved away or lost touch with their antecedents. Oakland fell into serious disrepair from neglect and occasional vandalism. In 1976, Oakland was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic Oakland Foundation was founded. The City and the Foundation have worked together to stabilize the cemetery and make it an attractive and inviting place for all Atlantans.

Popular places to visit

Zoo Atlanta featuring street scenes, fall colors and heritage architecture

Zoo Atlanta

4/5(1,239 reviews)

Go from Asian forests to the African plains at this animal park that’s home to pandas, exotic birds, and the country’s biggest collection of gorillas.

Zoo Atlanta
Exploring Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta with dinosaur sculptures

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

4/5(9 reviews)

Huge dinosaur skeletons and the largest movie screen in Atlanta are certain to impress the whole family.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Grant Park featuring a house

Grant Park

3.5/5(11 reviews)

After visiting Grant Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Atlanta. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Grant Park
Fernbank Science Center featuring landscape views and autumn leaves

Fernbank Science Center

Gaze at stars through one of the biggest public telescopes in the U.S. then explore the beautiful surroundings of this free, family-friendly attraction.

Fernbank Science Center
Oakland Cemetery showing a cemetery

Oakland Cemetery

Visit Atlanta's oldest, largest and most monumental graveyard to learn gripping tales about some of the tens of thousands of people buried here.

Oakland Cemetery
Mercedez Benz Stadium and Georgia Dome

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

4.5/5(1,542 reviews)

Catch an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during your trip to Atlanta. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

East Side Hotel Deals

The University Inn at Emory

The University Inn at Emory

3 out of 5
1767 North Decatur Road Atlanta GA
The price is NT$3,501 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$3,501
NT$4,221 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Atlanta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (960 reviews)
Clean rooms

Reviewed on 2026/3/13

The University Inn at Emory
4 Minutes to Downtown by the Atlanta Beltline Trail in the Cabbagetown Neighborhood

4 Minutes to Downtown by the Atlanta Beltline Trail in the Cabbagetown Neighborhood

5 out of 5
607 Gaskill St SE Atlanta GA
Book a stay at this luxury apartment in Atlanta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Very cold and drafty, heat only goes to 70 for a few moments. Space heaters are needed. Bathroom is cold, water doesnt reach a super hot temp. Back door is not level so you can see outside through the bottom. Location is great, neighborhood is cool. Not a horrible stay for an urbanite but of there ...

Reviewed on 2025/12/12

Get rates
4 Minutes to Downtown by the Atlanta Beltline Trail in the Cabbagetown Neighborhood
Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast

Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast

3 out of 5
804 Edgewood Avenue N.E. Atlanta GA
Fully refundable
The price is NT$6,868 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
NT$6,868
NT$8,189 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this B&B in Atlanta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions State ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (305 reviews)
Convenient location, beautiful historic home, period furnished, clean room, great host (Kathryn).

Reviewed on 2026/3/1

Sugar Magnolia Bed & Breakfast
See all 535 properties in East Side
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around East Side

Ponce City Market featuring signage

Old Fourth Ward

4/5(24 area reviews)

While visiting Old Fourth Ward, you might make a stop by sights like Central Park and Ponce City Market.

Old Fourth Ward
Virginia Highlands Festival, Atlanta, GA - Aerial Views

Virginia Highland

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Virginia Highland and surrounding area, you can visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and The Atlanta Beltline Start.

Virginia Highland
ATLights. #Trovember

Peachtree Center

While you're in Peachtree Center, take in top sights like AmericasMart and jump on the metro at Peachtree Center Station to see more of the city.

Peachtree Center
Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta

SoNo

While visiting SoNo, you might make a stop by sights like The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse and Atlanta Civic Center.

SoNo
Atlanta_FairliePoplarHistoricDistrict_6267748_0003

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District

The ample dining options and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Fairlie-Poplar Historic District. A stop by Rialto Center for the Performing Arts or Tabernacle might round out your trip.

Fairlie-Poplar Historic District
Jackson Street Bridge

South Downtown

While you're in South Downtown, take in top sights like Underground Atlanta and jump on the metro at Garnett Station to see more of the city.

South Downtown

East Side, GA