Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a city with something for everyone.
From the bustling downtown area and city center, to the tranquil suburbs, there’s a wide variety of things to do in Atlanta.
The downtown area is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options, and some amazing Atlanta nightlife.
In addition to its many attractions, Atlanta is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves (baseball), the Atlanta Falcons (football), and the Atlanta Hawks (basketball).
There are also some great fresh air outdoor spaces such as Stone Mountain Park, Piedmont Park and the Centennial Olympic Park.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the scenery or an exciting city to explore, Atlanta has something for everyone.
Things To Do In Atlanta
1. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a stunning collection of plant life from around the world, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most vibrant cities.
Founded in 1976, the garden now spans 30 acres and is home to more than 50,000 plants.
The Garden is divided into a number of different gardens, each with its own distinct character.
The Fuqua Orchid Center is one of the most popular attractions, housing more than 1,000 different species of orchids.
The Japanese Garden features a traditional koi pond and a serene tea house, while the Children’s Garden offers kids a chance to get up close and personal with nature.
In addition to the gardens themselves, the Atlanta Botanical Garden also offers a number of educational programs and events throughout the year.
From classes on gardening and horticulture to special exhibitions and concerts, there’s always something going on at the Garden.
Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or just looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is sure to please.
Address: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
2. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular Atlanta attractions.
As one of the world’s largest aquariums, it is home to more than 100,000 animals from 500 different species.
The Aquarium’s mission is to inspire conservation through education and research.
Some of the most popular exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium include Ocean Voyager, Dolphin Tales, and RiverScapes.
Ocean Voyager is a massive 6.3 million gallon tank that houses whale sharks, manta rays, and other large oceanic creatures.
Dolphin Tales is an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to learn about dolphins and their habitat.
RiverScapes is a freshwater exhibit that features native marine life and reptiles from the rivers of Georgia.
In addition to its many exhibits, the Georgia Aquarium also offers educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events.
These programs are designed to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s natural resources.
The Aquarium’s commitment to education and research makes it a valuable resource for both tourists and locals alike.
Address: Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
3. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is a museum dedicated to the history, marketing, and production of the world-famous soft drink and is located adjacent to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.
The World of Coca-Cola was opened to the public on May 24, 2007. The 20-acre (81,000 m2) complex includes two buildings: a Bottling Plant and a Headquarters.
The complex also houses a soda fountain that features more than 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.
In addition to exhibits on the history of Coca-Cola, the museum also has interactive displays and a 4D movie theater.
This museum is worth a visit and you’ll be able to learn about the process of how Coca-Cola is made, taste Coca Cola from around the world, meet the Coca Cola Polar Bear and more.
The World of Coca-Cola is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta, drawing more than two million visitors each year.
Address: World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
4. CNN Studio Tours
The CNN Studio Tours are a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most popular news networks in the world.
The tours take place at the CNN Center, which is located in downtown Atlanta.
The tour begins with a short film that gives an overview of CNN and its history.
After the film, visitors are taken on a walking tour of the CNN studios.
The tour includes several stops, such as the control room, the newsroom, and a working studio.
Visitors also have the opportunity to see a live broadcast in progress.
The CNN Studio Tours are a great way to learn about the inner workings of a news network and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the news is made.
Address: 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
5. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is one of the leading art galleries in the Southeast United States.
The museum houses a collection of more than 14,000 works of art.
The Museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints from around the world.
In addition to its impressive collection, the High Museum of Art is also home to a variety of educational programs and special events.
The museum offers classes for both adults and children, as well as tours and public lectures.
The High Museum of Art is a must-see Atlanta attraction for any art lover.
Address: High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must-see for anyone visiting Atlanta.
The site includes the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was a co-pastor, as well as his childhood home.
Visitors can also see the crypt of Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King, and the Reflecting Pool and Freedom Walkway that commemorate his life and work.
There is no charge to visit this National Historic Site, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Guided tours are available, or you can explore on your own using the free audio tour.
The Ebenezer Baptist Church is still an active congregation, so please be respectful when visiting.
Address: The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
7. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum located in Atlanta, Georgia.
The museum is home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
Permanent exhibits at the Fernbank Museum include the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton, an exhibit on the history of life on Earth, and an exhibit on the ecology of the Amazon rainforest.
The Fernbank Museum also offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. .
Address: 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
8. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum that educates visitors on the American Civil Rights Movement and the global struggle for human rights.
The museum opened its doors in 2014, and has since welcomed over 1.5 million visitors.
The museum’s exhibits tell the story of the civil rights movement through powerful first-hand accounts, interactive displays, and artefacts from the era.
Visitors can also learn about contemporary human rights issues around the world, and how they can take action to make a difference.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to learn more about civil and human rights, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is sure to educate and inspire you.
If you’re planning a visit to Atlanta, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary.
Address: National Center for Civil and Human Rights, 84 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
9. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a historic urban park, originally established in 1887, the park is one of the largest public parks in the United States and covers nearly 200 acres.
Piedmont Park is located about 1 mile northeast of Downtown.
The park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Atlanta Zoo, the Botanical Garden, an amphitheater, and a lake.
Piedmont Park is also a popular destination for events and activities, such as concerts, festivals, and sports games.
Address: Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Atlanta is a popular destination for families with young children.
It is an indoor attraction that features rides, exhibits, and hands-on activities based on the popular LEGO toy line.
Visitors to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center can explore a wide variety of interactive exhibits.
The center also features two rides: the Dragon Roller Coaster and the Merlin’s Apprentice Ride.
In addition, there is a LEGO store on site where guests can purchase LEGO sets and merchandise.
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is open daily from 10am to 7pm.
Admission prices vary depending on age, but discounts are available for online ticket purchases. Annual passes are also available for purchase.
Address: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
11. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is a museum devoted to the history of Atlanta and the surrounding area.
Founded in 1926, it is located in Buckhead, on 30 acres of land.
The History Center includes the Atlanta History Museum, the Swan House, the Margaret Mitchell House, Centennial Olympic Games Museum, and the Robert W. Woodruff Library.
The Atlanta History Museum houses exhibitions on topics including the Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow Laws, Shawnee Indians, Atlanta in the 1950s, and civil rights.
The Swan House is a replica of an antebellum plantation house that was built in 1858.
The Margaret Mitchell House is where author Margaret Mitchell wrote her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind.
The Centennial Olympic Games Museum chronicles the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in Atlanta.
The Robert W. Woodruff Library is a research library with collections on Atlanta history, African American history, Southern history, and genealogy.
The Atlanta History Center offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages.
It also hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, and film screenings.
Address: Atlanta History Center, 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
12. Mercedes Benz Stadium
Mercedes Benz Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and the Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).
The stadium is located in downtown Atlanta, just south of Centennial Olympic Park.
Mercedes Benz Stadium opened in 2017 and can seat up to 71,000 people for football games and 83,000 people for soccer games.
The stadium features a retractable roof that can be opened or closed depending on the weather.
Mercedes Benz Stadium is also equipped with a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, making it one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.
Address: 1 Falcons Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30313
13. Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is a zoological park located in Grant Park, just southeast of downtown Atlanta.
Founded in 1889, it is one of the oldest zoos in the United States.
The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, including gorillas, pandas, lions, and tigers.
Its gorilla exhibit is one of the most popular attractions at the zoo.
Zoo Atlanta is also active in animal conservation and research.
The zoo offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, as well as behind-the-scenes tours of its animal exhibits.
Zoo Atlanta is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Admission prices vary depending on age, but discounts are available for online ticket purchases.
Annual passes are also available for purchase.
Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
14. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is a presidential library located in Atlanta, Georgia.
It is dedicated to the life and Presidency of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.
The museum features exhibits on Carter’s upbringing in rural Georgia, his time as President, and his post-presidential work with the Carter Center.
The library houses more than 27 million pages of documents from Carter’s time as President, as well as a research center where scholars can study his papers.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 4:45pm. Admission is free for all visitors.
Address: 441 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
15. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a 21-acre public park.
The park was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in Atlanta.
Today, the park is home to a number of attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and sports competitions.
Centennial Olympic Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Admission is free for all visitors.
Address: Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
16. Ponce City Market
Nestled in the Old Fourth Ward along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market is one of Atlanta’s favourite gathering spots and shopping malls.
Housed in a historic Sears, Roebuck & Company building, Ponce City Market in Atlanta is a 2.1 million-square-foot development.
Ponce City Market’s primary attraction is its rooftop amusement skyline park.
The building’s roof is an Atlanta attraction itself, home to two unique draws: Skyline Park, where visitors can play games like Skee-Ball and mini-golf or go for a ride down a slide, and 9 Mile Station, a rooftop restaurant.
Ponce City Market is best accessed on foot or bicycle via the Beltline Eastside Trail, but also offers valet and self park for those coming via car.
Address: Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
17. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is a restored movie palace turned cultural jewel.
This National Historic Landmark holds a special place in Atlanta’s theater scene.
The Fox Theatre is easily the grandest entertainment venue in Atlanta, and a visit feels like you’re traveling back in time to the golden age of theatre and movies.
This is the go-to place for musical acts, comedy shows, movies, dance performances, and traveling Broadway shows.
Address: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
18. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Founded in 1988 as a “Museum Without Walls,” the museum opened to the public in 2003.
Kids and grown-ups alike will love the 3,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
The museum is located Downtown, adjacent to the Centennial Olympic Park.
With lots of interactive areas to play and explore, permanent exhibits include Fundamentally Food, which allows children to role play through the cultivation of food at a farm, its delivery and consumption in a home kitchen.
There is also Tools for Solutions, the centrepiece of which is a machine that, using corkscrews and cranes that transports balls through a series of tracks.
The museum has a great story area with costumes for imaginative play and a musical.
One of the best things to do in Atlanta for families with kids under 10.
Address: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW. Atlanta, GA 30313
FAQ
What food is Atlanta famous for?
Atlanta is known for its southern cuisine, including dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, and peach cobbler.
The city is also home to the famous soft drink, Coca cola.
How safe is downtown Atlanta?
Downtown Atlanta is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when walking around at night.
The area is well-lit and patrolled by police, but there have been reports of crime in some areas.
Is there a beach in Atlanta Georgia?
No, there is no beach in Atlanta. However, the city is home to a number of parks and lakes where visitors can enjoy the outdoors.
Piedmont Park, for example, has a pool and a lake where people can swim.
Stone Mountain Park also has a lake where visitors can cool off in the summer months.
How many tiny doors are in Atlanta?
There are over 20 hidden tiny doors in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tiny Doors ATL is an Atlanta-based art project bringing big wonder to tiny spaces in Atlanta.
The city’s many large murals and street art are easy to spot all around the city and if you look closely you will see these 7 inch tiny doors.
What is the College Football Hall Atlanta?
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football.
The College Football Hall of Fame Atlanta is 95,000 square feet.
A 45-yard indoor football field and more than 50 engaging and interactive exhibits.
What is the Atlanta dogwood festival?
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is Atlanta’s annual celebration of the blooming of its native dogwood trees.
For more than 75 years, the Dogwood arts festival has filled Midtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park with live music, arts and crafts, food booths and family-friendly activities.
What is the population of Atlanta Georgia?
As of 2022, the population of Atlanta is estimated to be 498,044.
The city has a population density of 3,154 people per square mile (1,209 people per square kilometre).
