Introduction
Atlanta is a city of history, culture, and diversity. The city is situated in the heart of the South with a rich heritage that dates back to its days as a major railroad hub in the 1800s. Atlanta has always been a city known for its diverse population and thriving economy. It’s no wonder that it’s one of America’s fastest-growing cities! As such, there are plenty of things to do here—from museums, parks, and historic sites; to sporting events; or even just enjoying delicious cuisine from around the world. There is something for everyone! Here are 30 places you must visit when visiting Atlanta:
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a public aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. It houses more than 100,000 animals and represents several thousand species. It is the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere, holding 6 million US gallons (23,000 m3) of water and having more than 40 exhibits.
The aquarium contains over 8 million gallons of saltwater for its marine life to live in throughout their stay at the aquarium. If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday during peak season (April–September), expect long lines for tickets as well as entry into some exhibits such as Dolphin Tales: Ocean Voyager Theater Show and Sea Turtle Hospital: Behind-the-Scenes Tour™!
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Location: 1345 Piedmont Avenue Northeast
- What to See: The Botanical Garden has more than 50 acres of land, including a Japanese garden and an herb garden. There are also over 10,000 types of plants from all over the world that you can see throughout the year. If you’re looking for something specific, check out their plant finder page here!
- What to Do: The Atlanta Botanical Garden has tons of events going on throughout the year like festivals and concerts in addition to tours and workshops where you can learn about gardening techniques. They also have special events like overnight campouts where visitors can explore the gardens after dark at night, or they even have an adult sleepover where people will stay overnight in tents onsite (which sounds pretty cool). Adults pay $37 per person while kids under 12 get in free with an adult admission ticket so make sure you check out what other activities they have going on before planning your trip!
3. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is a unique experience in Atlanta that can be enjoyed by all. The attraction is located at Pemberton Place, and it offers daily tours where you can learn more about the history of Coca-Cola. You’ll also see how the company makes its products and see some fun interactive displays and games.
The ticket price for adults is $19, while for children ages 3-12 is $14 (kids under 2 are free). If you plan to do both attractions on this list, buy your combo tickets online ahead of time to save money!
4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and includes a museum, an interpretive center, and the crypt where Dr. King’s remains are interred. The site also includes a statue of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King (who died in 2006).
It’s important to note that this is not only where you can see artifacts from the civil rights movement era but it’s also the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was born, and raised until he moved away for college at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia at age 19 years old before going on to earn his Ph.D. at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester Pennsylvania before getting ordained as a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church then leading churches all over Alabama until moving back home again after having been elected president/chairman of what became known as SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference), which later became COREPCCA(Congress Of Racial Equality).
5. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a large urban park located five miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. The park is a major tourist attraction and recreation destination, attracting over 7 million visitors annually.
The park was founded in 1904. It contains 100 acres with trails, gardens, lakes, and other features. Piedmont Park has been designated as an official historic landmark by the City of Atlanta’s Historic Preservation Division as well as being listed on both the Georgia Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
6. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement. It was founded by attorney and activist, Andrew Young and serves as home to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.
- The museum’s mission is to promote racial justice through education and advocacy with its focus on human rights issues that affect people of color around the world.
- The museum houses exhibits such as Freedom Riders: 1961 – 1965 which tells the story of black activists who challenged segregated buses to force change within society; Rosa Parks: A Life in Photographs showing how this icon fought against racial inequality through her work at Montgomery Fair Department Store; Move! – Civil Rights Game Changers which depicts key figures from pivotal moments in history such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, etc.; My Voice is My Vote: Women Who Changed American Politics shows some of America’s most influential women including Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth among others who helped shape history through their actions
7. Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is a great place to visit with your family. The zoo has many animals and educational programs for kids. There are plenty of things for the whole family to do at Zoo Atlanta such as riding the train or visiting the petting zoo.
8. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a must-see attraction in Atlanta. This iconic landmark is located in the heart of downtown and offers visitors plenty to see and do.
When you visit Centennial Olympic Park, be sure to check out the Coca-Cola Museum, which offers guests a glimpse into how Coca-Cola has been produced over time. You can also visit the World of Coca-Cola for an interactive experience that gives you a look at how soda has changed throughout history.
If you’re looking to grab some lunch or dinner during your visit, there are many food vendors located throughout Centennial Olympic Park that offer affordable menu options ranging from hot dogs to sushi rolls!
9. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. It opened in 1929 and was the premier movie theater for many years. The theatre has been restored to its original beauty, and now hosts concerts, plays, and other events. This historic building is a must-see for anyone who visits Atlanta!
- Location: 660 Peachtree St NW, 30309 Atlanta, GA
- Hours: 10 am to 11 pm Monday – Thursday; 10 am to Midnight Friday; 9 am to Midnight Saturday; 2 pm – 6 pm Sunday (open later on event days)
- Cost of tickets: $5-$30 depending on the show or event
10. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is the largest history museum in the Southeast and the only one of its kind in Georgia. It features over 100 acres of land that houses historic properties, gardens, and interactive exhibits. Some notable items you will see at this museum include:
- The Swan House – one of Henry Grady’s homes that were built as a residence but later turned into an office building for his newspaper company “The Atlanta Constitution”.
- The Robert Woodruff Memorial Collection – a collection of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh which was donated to the History Center by Robert Woodruff himself in 1973.
- John Wesley Dobbs House – where John Wesley Dobbs lived during the Civil War era; he was known as “Mayor of Atlanta” during this period because he organized citizens against Union occupation forces during wartime conditions (he also helped found Tuskegee University).
11. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The library was created in 1980 to preserve the historical records of President Jimmy Carter’s administration. The museum opened in 1986 and now features exhibits about the history of Georgia as well as information about the presidency. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibits from time to time that showcases different aspects of American history and culture or highlights specific individuals who have contributed significantly to our national identity.
Location: 441 Freedom Parkway NW Atlanta, GA 30307
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm; Sunday noon–5 pm; closed Mondays except federal holidays
Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors (62+), military personnel with ID, college students (with valid ID), youth aged 6-17 years old (exclusive of senior rate) children aged 5 years old through 5th grade get free admission when accompanied by an adult chaperone; free admission every third Thursday from 4 pm until 8 pm courtesy of SweetWater Brewing Company – please call 404-524-1670 x2180 if you want more information regarding this program!
12. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is one of the leading art museums in the world, with a collection that includes more than 25,000 works of art. The museum was founded in 1905 by a group of local citizens and was originally housed in the Carnegie Library on Marietta Street. It moved to its current location on Peachtree Street in 1968.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and Andy Warhol but also houses important African-American artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and Henry Ossawa Tanner—as well as several sculptures by Georgia native William Henry Rinehart.
Visitors can view temporary exhibitions on various subjects throughout their visit to this Atlanta tourist attraction, including paintings from around the world or contemporary pieces from regional artists each year or so during special shows that run just a few weeks at most before being replaced with something new for visitors to see next time they visit The High Museum Of Art In Atlanta Georgia USA!
13. Oakland Cemetery
- Oakland Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Atlanta and one of the largest garden cemeteries in the country.
- It is located on Oakland Avenue, between Boulevard and Confederate Avenue SE in Atlanta, Georgia.
14. College Football Hall of Fame
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 9 p.m. on Fridays during college football season)
Cost: Adults $25; Children $18; Seniors (65+) and Military $20; Children ages 4–12 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the Hall of Fame free of charge
What to Expect: The College Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the rich history of college football and includes over 1,000 artifacts from over 250 colleges and universities across the United States. You can see items like helmets, jerseys, and other clothing worn by iconic games played in stadiums like Notre Dame Stadium or Michigan Stadium during their storied histories as well as exhibits about some of the most celebrated teams in NCAA history such as those led by legendary coaches Vince Lombardi or Knute Rockne who won multiple national championships with teams from Notre Dame University and University Of Michigan respectively
15. State Farm Arena
The State Farm Arena is located in downtown Atlanta and is the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. The venue also hosts concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment acts. Although the arena is home to two professional sports teams, it’s more well-known for hosting popular musicians such as Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, and Metallica.
For those attending a concert at State Farm Arena, there are several options for getting there. You can take public transportation (MARTA) or drive yourself or hop on a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber. When you’re done enjoying your show or event at this top Atlanta attraction, you’ll want to explore some of the many restaurants in the area before heading back onto MARTA so you can get back home safely without worrying about driving under any influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).
16. Swan House
Swan House is a historic mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. It was built in 1885 by Philip Trammell Shutze for his wife, Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Swan House was acquired by the DeGolyer family in 1920 and it remained within their family until 1998 when it was sold to a private investor who has since renovated it into office space with retail shops on the ground floor.
17. The King Center
You’ll find the center to be a bit of an oasis in the middle of an urban jungle. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful, with a large reflecting pool, gardens, and sculptures that honor Dr. King’s life and legacy.
The center is open daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is free but donations are accepted at the entrance gate (cash only). You can also purchase tickets online for tours—these cost $10 per person ($5 for youth 6-12 years old).
18. Fernbank Museum
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a museum of natural history and fine art in Atlanta, Georgia. It is located at 767 Clifton Road NE, near the northeastern edge of the Atlantic Station neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia 30307. The museum is housed in an expansive structure that originally served as the Ferris family’s private residence but has undergone major renovations to create exhibits, educational facilities, and public spaces for people who visit from all over the world.
The museum includes three buildings: the main building containing dinosaur fossils; an IMAX theater; and a planetarium that features shows about space and astronomy.
19. Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church is a symbol of the civil rights movement, and it was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s first sermon as a pastor. The church was also where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and held his funeral after his assassination in 1968. This makes it one of the most important sites in American history.
20. Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is a mixed-use development in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. The complex consists of the adaptive reuse of the Sears, Roebuck, and Company Building (1922), a historic landmark building.
The first phase opened for business in the fall of 2014 and has been gradually expanded since then. It now includes restaurants such as STK Atlanta, Antico Pizza Napoletana, Fox Bros., and Two Urban Licks; shops such as J Crew and Anthropologie; offices; apartments; and a rooftop bar called Skyline Park with skyline views.
21. Center for Puppetry Arts
- The Center for Puppetry Arts is a museum and theater in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the largest puppetry collections in the world and contains an extensive collection of puppets dating back to ancient times.
- The center hosts several events throughout the year including puppet shows and classes.
22. Delta Flight Museum
Delta Flight Museum is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is the world’s largest airline museum and has over 30 aircraft exhibits as well as interactive displays. The museum was founded by Delta Air Lines in 1985. More than 1.5 million visitors visit the museum each year.
23. Michael C. Carlos Museum
The Michael C. Carlos Museum, located on the Atlanta campus of Emory University, is one of the city’s most popular museums. It features a collection of over 5,000 pieces of ancient art (including Egyptian and Greek sculptures), Asian art (with an emphasis on Japanese ceramics), and African art (featuring traditional artifacts from that continent).
The museum has been open to the public since 1981 and has hosted exhibits ranging from “The Foxes Have Holes” to “Transformations: The Art of Chantal Joffe.” Visitors can also enjoy gallery talks, films, and lectures at this Atlanta attraction.
24. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
The Eastside Trail is the longest section of the Atlanta Belt Line, stretching from Piedmont Park to Inman Park. It’s a great place to walk or jog, with plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The trail is very popular with bikers as well—it’s so wide that you can easily ride side-by-side with friends or family!
The Eastside Trail has been open since 2009, but it still feels like an undiscovered gem to many people who live in Atlanta. Since it runs through some pretty dense neighborhoods, you’ll frequently encounter wildlife along this path: deer are common; you might even see hawks soaring overhead!
25. Truist Park Tours
Trust Park Tours is a great way to see Atlanta’s most popular attractions. Trust Park Tours has a variety of tours that you can choose from, including a free tour of the city. The free tour takes you through downtown Atlanta and gives you a glimpse at some of the different things to do on your trip to Atlanta. It’s also nice because it’s free!
26. SKYVIEW Atlanta
SkyView Atlanta is a great place to visit if you want to get a close-up view of the city. It’s located at the top of the 191-meter (623 feet) Bank of America Plaza, which was once the tallest building in Georgia and remains one of the most prominent buildings in downtown Atlanta. The best time to go is between Memorial Day and Labor Day; however, SkyView Atlanta is open year-round with shorter hours outside those times.
The observation deck provides 360° views of downtown Atlanta and its surroundings—including Stone Mountain Park, Six Flags Over Georgia, Zoo Atlanta, Turner Field (home field for the Braves), Centennial Olympic Park (site of an Olympic Games event), Piedmont Park, Woodruff Arts Center and even Stone Mountain itself! You can also see some famous landmarks like CNN Center (CNN’s headquarters), Philips Arena (home court for both basketball teams: Hawks & Dream) as well as Centennial Olympic Stadium where they hold every 4th July fireworks show! If you’re lucky enough you might catch a glimpse into a space shuttle launching from Kennedy Space Center near Titusville Florida just over 100 miles away from where we live here on earth 🙂
There are two options when visiting SkyView: General Admission tickets allow access only during operating hours; Premium admission allows access during operating hours plus entry before general admission begins each day – this option costs $5 extra per ticket.*
27. Buckhead
Buckhead is a neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, comprising over 40 square blocks and containing more than 1,500 residences, including several mansions. It includes the Buckhead Village and Lenox Square shopping mall. The area has gone through several periods of revival throughout its history, most recently in the 1980s when it was the center of a new real estate development boom that spread east from Downtown Atlanta.
Buckhead is known for its affluent residents and its commercial core is anchored by Lenox Square. Other major businesses include Phipps Plaza and East Andrews Gardens; however, there are also many strip malls located on Peachtree Road as well as local businesses along Piedmont Road. There are also several luxury hotels located in this area including Ritz Carlton Hotel Buckhead Hotel, St Regis Atlanta Hotel, InterContinental Buckhead, Mandarin Oriental Residences at Buckhead, W Hotel Georgia Tech & Emory Conference Center, Loews Atlanta Hotel – Perimeter & Gwinnett Place Mall Southside at Northside!
28. Mercedes Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a state-of-the-art football stadium located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It’s the home of both the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United. The stadium opened in 2017 and hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019—the third Super Bowl held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The stadium has also hosted other major sporting events, including the NCAA Final Four tournament in 2020; multiple college football playoff games—including this year’s College Football Playoff National Championship; and several CONCACAF Gold Cup matches as well as international soccer friendlies between national teams like Mexico vs Sweden (2019), Brazil vs Mexico (2019), and Argentina vs Colombia (2020).
29. Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse is a professional theater company located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1977 by Tom O’Horgan and Frank Rich. In the early 1980s, the company was led by Ron Link, who was succeeded by Robert Moss.
The company’s current artistic director is Margaret Woodbury-Davis. In its four decades of operation, Shakespeare Tavern has performed at over 20 different venues throughout the city of Atlanta including Kennesaw State University’s Center for Performing Arts (Kennesaw) and its own indoor replica of London’s Globe Theater built as part of its outdoor space on Piedmont Park’s Lakeside Lawns during 2008–09 season until it closed during 2010 due to budget constraints caused by economic recession after which they moved back into their original home base located at Vinings Mill Shopping Center where they continue to perform today under direction from Woodbury-Davis who took over after being named artistic director in 2012 following departure from post by former artistic director Robert Moss who left after serving since 2010 when leadership passed from previous leader Ron Link who had been with organization since 1984 when first arrived there but departed halfway through 2006–07 season due to illness before passing away shortly thereafter forcing board members into search for interim replacement while conducting search process which resulted ultimately resulted finding no suitable candidate thus requiring them hiring recently retired EMU professor specializing in Shakespearean studies Margaret Woodbury-Davis as temporary replacement until permanent replacement could be found
30. Lenox Square
Lenox Square is a shopping mall located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia. It is currently owned by Simon Property Group, which acquired it in 2007 as part of the merger between The Rouse Company and Simon Property Group. It has an area of 1,665,638 square feet (156,529 m2) on three levels, with approximately 550 stores.
It was opened on August 3rd, 1959, and was known as “Atlanta’s first regional enclosed shopping center.” In 2014 it had about 8 million visitors each year and was considered one of the most successful malls in America.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best places to visit in Atlanta. We tried to include a little something for everyone, but some of the choices are more personal than others. The good news is that there’s plenty to see and do no matter what your interests are! If you have any questions about this post or would like us to cover another topic, please leave us a comment below.