Things To Do
in Doraville

Doraville is a small, diverse suburban city northeast of downtown Atlanta in DeKalb County, known for its immigrant-run businesses and a lively international dining scene along the Buford Highway corridor. Once home to the Doraville GM Assembly plant, the area is undergoing redevelopment into mixed-use projects while keeping a neighborhood feel. It has convenient transit access via the Doraville MARTA station and easy highway connections to the rest of the Atlanta metro.

The city is a practical base for exploring Atlanta attractions while offering authentic global food, modest local parks, and a multicultural community vibe.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Doraville
morning
:

Touchdown at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport or local station, the warm Georgia sun greets you as you make your way to Doraville. The gentle hum of traffic on Buford Highway mingles with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from sidewalk cafes. You settle into your cozy boutique inn, unpacking your bags among local crafts and bright artwork.

afternoon
:

Head out to the Trolley Line Trail for a leisurely walk through tree-lined paths dotted with vibrant wildflowers and patches of sunlight. Savor your first taste of Doraville at a food truck offering authentic elote or hot Korean fried chicken as locals greet you with friendly nods. Capture the playful chatter of hikers and the distant rumble of MARTA trains weaving through the city’s fabric.

evening
:

Dive into the district’s nightlife with dinner at a bustling Korean barbecue joint, where the sizzle of marinated meats and the tangy spice of kimchi fill the air. Sip an ice-cold Korean beer as emboldened laughter and sizzling platters surround you. End your night with a stroll along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, admiring neon signs and the welcoming glow of late-night eateries.

day 2
Culinary exploration on Buford Highway
morning
:

Wake up with the rich scent of fresh pastries at a Mexican panadería, where churros dusted in cinnamon sugar beckon alongside buttery conchas. The streets buzz with early vendors setting up stalls, and aromas of steaming tamales and grinding coffee beans fill the air. You pick up a warm cup of café de olla to carry, exploring a corridor of authentic global flavors.

afternoon
:

Dive into a dumpling feast at a popular Chinese spot, sampling juicy xiao long bao and hand-pulled noodles under red lanterns. Each bite reveals a delicate balance of savory broth and silky dough, while the chatter of families creates a lively dining atmosphere. Follow up with a stroll to a Salvadoran pupuseria, watching masa dough pressed and filled with cheese as the scent of grilled corn dances nearby.

evening
:

Savor a leisurely dinner at a hidden gem Thai restaurant, where aromatic curries simmer with coconut milk and lemongrass. Tropical cocktails laced with tamarind and lychee complement the sweet heat of pad kee mao. The glow of paper lanterns and soft traditional music transport you deep into Southeast Asia.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🚇MARTA single-ride fare$2.50
🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (two people)$30-60
🏨Hotel per night (mid-range)$100-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Exceptionally diverse, authentic international dining and markets along Buford Highway.
  • Convenient MARTA access to Atlanta and proximity to major highways.
  • More affordable accommodations and dining compared with central Atlanta.
  • Good base for nearby parks, hiking and suburban amenities.
  • Limited tourist attractions within the city itself — many highlights are in Atlanta proper.
  • Car recommended for full mobility; some areas are not very walkable.
  • Traffic on highways and Buford Highway can be heavy during rush hours.
  • Some pockets have fewer pedestrian amenities and variable sidewalk quality.

Places to Visit in Doraville

Visit one of these nice places.

Doraville MARTA Station and Plaza

A transit hub with urban textures, commuter flows and nearby murals — good for street and urban photography, especially commuter life shots.

Buford Highway Corridor

Colorful shopfronts, neon signs, multicultural storefronts and busy street scenes provide great candid and food photography opportunities.

Doraville Park & Local Green Spaces

Small community parks and tree-lined residential streets offer softer light, local life scenes and family-friendly snapshots.

Sweetwater Creek State Park (nearby)

Historic mill ruins, wooded trails and a scenic creek make this a top spot for landscape and nature photography within a short drive.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park (nearby)

Ridge-line vistas and historical markers are excellent for panoramic shots, sunrise and sunset landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Doraville

Doraville’s food scene is anchored by Buford Highway’s concentration of immigrant-owned restaurants and markets — you’ll find authentic Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, South Asian, and Central American cuisines, often at affordable prices and with late hours. Dining here is casual and adventurous, with many family-run eateries, noodle shops, and bakeries to discover.

Doraville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Korean BBQ and Banchan

Numerous Korean restaurants near the MARTA station serve tabletop BBQ, soups and plentiful banchan (side dishes); try a grilled beef or pork set and Korean stews. Look for busy family-run places for authenticity.

Must-Try!

Vietnamese Pho and Banh Mi

Pho — aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup — and freshly made banh mi sandwiches are staples along the corridor; morning and late-night options abound. Great for a quick, flavorful meal.

Mexican Tacos and Elote

Authentic taquerias offer street-style tacos, tortas, and grilled corn (elote); many spots open late to serve shift workers and night crowds.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Buford Highway International Corridor

A strip rather than a single market, this corridor hosts dozens of grocery stores, bakeries, and small eateries from across the world — ideal for sampling snacks, produce, and prepared foods.

Local Asian Grocery Stores

Small Asian supermarkets stock fresh produce, seafood, and specialty ingredients; best places to find authentic spices, noodles, and desserts to try or take home.

Climate Guide

Weather

Doraville has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms; mild winters with occasional cold spells; comfortable spring and fall seasons that are ideal for outdoor activities. Annual precipitation is fairly even, and severe summer storms or remnants of tropical systems can occur occasionally.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and Southern Courtesy

People are generally polite and friendly; greetings, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, and a friendly demeanour go a long way.

Respect Personal Space

Maintain typical U.S. personal-space boundaries; don’t assume familiarity and avoid overly loud phone conversations in small businesses.

Ask About Dietary Needs

When unsure about ingredients or broths, ask staff directly — many small restaurants will accommodate reasonable requests but may have limited alternatives.

Be Respectful of Private Property

Many interesting sites are private businesses or residential — ask permission before photographing people close up or entering private areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Doraville is a generally typical Atlanta suburb with mostly safe, residential neighborhoods and busy commercial thoroughfares. Use usual urban precautions: avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, lock your car, keep valuables out of sight, and be cautious of distracted drivers and pedestrians. Watch weather alerts for severe storms or occasional tornado risks and have a plan for severe-weather shelter.

Tipping in Doraville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the bar tab, $2–5 for coat check, and 10–20% for taxis or rideshare drivers if service is good. Tip delivery drivers and food couriers around $3–5 or more for larger orders. Tipping is discretionary but expected for service workers.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for very small purchases or some street vendors. MARTA uses Breeze Card/contactless fare payments; single-ride fares can also be purchased at stations.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with daily high temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C). Expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms; carry water, sunscreen and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings. Restaurants and markets stay open late, which is handy for cooling off indoors.

Fall

Pleasant, mild weather with comfortable daytime temperatures and lower humidity; a great season for outdoor activities, hikes and festivals. Fall colors in nearby parks appear later than in northern states but still offer scenic views.

Winter

Generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps; daytime highs often in the 40s–50s°F (5–15°C). Snow is rare but possible; sidewalks and roads can be slippery during icy conditions—dress in layers.

Spring

Warm, wet and blooming — ideal for outdoor exploration but expect pollen and allergy triggers. Showers and thunderstorms become more frequent as temperatures rise.

Nightlife Guide

Doraville at Night

Doraville’s nightlife is understated: many late-night international restaurants, a few local bars and nearby breweries in Chamblee provide relaxed evenings. For clubs, live music, and a more varied late-night scene, MARTA-accessible Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Buckhead, Little Five Points) are a short trip away. Expect family-friendly eateries to be busy later into the night along Buford Highway.

Hiking in Doraville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Approximately a 20–30 minute drive west; offers well-maintained trails, historic mill ruins, creekside scenery and easy-to-moderate hikes suitable for most visitors.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

About 30–40 minutes northwest; features ridge-top views, historical Civil War sites and a variety of trails with moderate climbs and panoramic vistas.

Stone Mountain Park

Roughly 25–35 minutes east; popular for hiking, scenic overlooks and family attractions—trail to the summit gives a broad view of the Atlanta skyline on clear days.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

A 30–45 minute drive depending on the access point; long riverside trails, paddling, fishing and nature-watching opportunities within the greater Atlanta region.

Airports

How to reach Doraville by plane.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Primary international airport for the region, ~20–30 miles southwest of Doraville (depending on route). Accessible by car or airport shuttle; MARTA connects to ATL from central stations but requires a transfer and longer travel time.

DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK)

General aviation and regional flights in Chamblee, only a few miles from Doraville — convenient for private flights and some corporate services. Not a major commercial airport but useful for charters and small-plane travel.

Gwinnett County Airport – Briscoe Field (LZU)

A general aviation airport northeast of Doraville in Gwinnett County, used for private and business flights; about a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkable in small pockets — especially around the MARTA station, parts of Buford Highway and shopping strips — but overall Doraville is car- and transit-oriented. Sidewalks and crossings can be inconsistent along commercial corridors, so plan to drive or use MARTA for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hispanic / Latino Community

Significant and visible community contributing many restaurants, markets, and cultural businesses along Buford Highway.

Asian Community (notably Korean and Vietnamese)

Large Asian immigrant population with many family-run restaurants, grocery stores and professional businesses; strong cultural presence in commerce and food.

African American and White Residents

Longstanding local populations that contribute to Doraville’s suburban character and civic life; a diverse mix of ages and family types across neighborhoods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

American Football

Football is big culturally—college football and the NFL (Atlanta Falcons) draw strong regional interest; high school football is also popular locally.

Soccer

Soccer has grown rapidly in popularity; Atlanta United (MLS) has a passionate following, and many local youth and adult leagues play throughout the area.

Baseball

The Atlanta Braves draw fans regionally; baseball is widely played at youth and recreational levels in parks around Doraville.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours on I-85, I-285 and the Buford Highway corridor; allow extra travel time during morning and evening commutes. MARTA rail provides a viable alternative for many trips to Atlanta, and local buses connect neighborhoods, but coverage can be limited compared with driving.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Doraville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in some immigrant-run kitchens; Vietnamese restaurants often have vegetarian pho and tofu dishes, and many markets sell plant-based ingredients. Call ahead or ask servers about broths (some are beef-based).

Vegan

Vegan options are available at select Asian and Latin eateries (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, bean-based items), but cross-contamination and animal-based broths are common — communicate clearly and look for vegetarian-focused restaurants.

Gluten-free

Rice-based dishes are widely available (rice noodles, steamed rice), but many sauces and marinades contain soy or wheat — ask about ingredients; most restaurants accept special requests but may have limited substitutions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access is good within the Atlanta metro: urgent care centers and family clinics are available in and around Doraville, while major hospitals (Emory University Hospital, Northside Hospital, and others) are a short drive away. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergencies, local urgent care centers can handle minor injuries and basic care.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide