Atlanta, Georgia is a city full of amazing sights and things to do. From historical sites to great restaurants and shopping, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Atlanta.
For those interested in history and culture, visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is a must. Here, you can learn about the life and legacy of the civil rights leader as well as explore the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and King’s tomb. Another great historical site to visit is the Atlanta History Center, where you can explore the city’s rich past and learn about the people and events that shaped it.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in Atlanta, too. The city is home to some of the most beautiful parks and trails in the country, such as the Atlanta BeltLine, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and the Piedmont Park. These parks offer great opportunities for hiking, biking, and other activities.
Here are some of the best sights and things to do in Atlanta.
Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia State Capitol is the most eye-catching feature of the Atlanta skyline; Lady Freedom, a figure grasping a sword and a lantern, has been prominent on the building since 1889. Its design is a combination of neoclassical and U.S. Capitol designs, with Victorian and Florentine Renaissance touches.
The Capitol and the museum within it have been declared a National Historic Landmark and are accessible to the public Monday to Friday from 8 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening.
Tours are available for free but must be arranged in advance.
Address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334.
The Georgia Aquarium
Going to the Georgia Aquarium is one of the top activities to do with kids in Atlanta. It is the world’s largest aquarium and houses over one hundred thousand aquatic animals, including whale sharks, which are the biggest sharks in the ocean.
Albino alligators are something special to witness, and guests can observe as trainers interact with California sea lions. The aquarium provides the opportunity to dive or snorkel with the sharks, but this requires SCUBA diving certification.
The aquarium also has a tunnel made of acrylic to walk through, allowing guests to view the fish and sharks swimming around them from all angles.
Address: 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Two blocks of Auburn Avenue have been formally declared a National Historic Site. This area consists of the residence of Martin Luther King Jr. which was built in 1895 at 501 Auburn Avenue, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church which was the place of worship of King and his father at 407-413 Auburn Avenue.
The National Park Service offers free guided tours of King’s birth home. There are several other spots related to this historic site that can also be explored. Right next to the site is the Freedom Hall Complex, which is the burial place of King. The Fire Station No. 6 is situated between King’s birthplace and the church, and volunteers at this place narrate stories of the neighborhood during King’s childhood. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change is also located in this area.
Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia.
World of Coca-Cola
In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton, a chemist, produced a syrup that he said could cure headaches and other illnesses. His friend blended the viscous fluid with water and carbonic acid, and the concoction quickly became the most popular soda in the world.
The World of Coca-Cola celebrates the journey of this celebrated beverage and has a new display called Scent Discovery. This exhibit investigates the smell and sources of different odors, testing visitors’ olfactory senses and discovering the roots of various scents.
Address: 121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is an expansive complex that includes a museum devoted to Atlanta’s history, a museum honoring the Centennial Olympic Games, Swan House, Smith Family Farm, Kenan Research Center, and a variety of historic gardens.
The museum has many permanent displays, as well as changing exhibitions, that cover events such as the Civil War and the folk art of the South. Visitors can tour various houses, dating from the 1860s to the 1920s, to get a sense of what life was like during these eras.
The Margaret Mitchell House contains the apartment where Mitchell penned Gone with the Wind, and tours include a look at this space, plus a movie and an exhibition about Mitchell.
Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
Centennial Olympic Park
Constructed for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, this open-air space in the center of Atlanta is situated close to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Every week, it hosts no-cost concerts and several events, including the Christkindl Christmas Market and the Chinese Lantern Display.
The popular thing to do at Centennial Olympic Park is to watch the Fountain of Rings, a dancing fountain with a programmed arrangement of water spouts and illuminated colors set to music. When it is not playing its show, it is a place for kids to have fun splashing in the water. Additionally, it is a favored spot for joggers to cool off during the summer.
Centennial Olympic Park offers breathtaking views of Atlanta’s skyline, especially when seen from the SkyView Ferris wheel, which is almost 20 stories tall.
Address: 265 Park Avenue West NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
College Football Hall of Fame
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta celebrates outstanding players from the sport’s past. Guests can take in the exhibitions to learn about the accomplishments of these college football greats.
On display are permanent glass representations of each Hall of Fame member, along with 10 augmented reality displays that show photos and clips of players and coaches from specific schools.
Address: 250 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
Ponce City Market
If you are looking for a change from all the sightseeing in Atlanta, Ponce City Market is a great destination. This former Sears warehouse has been transformed through urban renewal and redevelopment, making it one of the city’s most popular shopping and recreational spots.
As well as stores, the market has a multitude of food options, ranging from casual cafés to upscale restaurants. Among the best places is “The Roof,” which is a large rooftop area with outdoor seating, event space, and an arcade that makes it feel like a classic funfair.
Moreover, it has great views of the city, making it the ideal place to watch the sun go down over the bustling Southern city.
Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Zoo
A trip to Zoo Atlanta is a great addition to any family holiday plans. Established in 1889, the zoo has recently been completely renovated and is now ranked among the best animal attractions in the United States.
It is conveniently located in Grant Park, and new parking spaces have been created for a smooth visitor experience. Visitors will find a tropical African rainforest with gorillas and monkeys, as well as giant pandas in the Asian rainforest area, and other creatures such as lemurs and bears.
Unique experiences are also available, such as after-hours visits, safari camps, and guided tours. There is even an animal encounter that allows visitors to get up close to the animals in the zoo.
Beltline
An ambitious scheme to repurpose disused railway lines into over 22 miles (ca. 35 km) of pedestrian pathways, cyclists’ routes, and running tracks is the Atlanta Beltline project. It is still a work in progress, but it is connecting the city’s parks and open spaces, bringing neighborhoods together, and making public transport more reachable. The very best of Atlanta is showcased by the Beltline.
The Eastside Trail and the Historic Fourth Ward Park are two of the many accomplishments thus far. In addition, plans are in the works to add a streetcar, connecting the most distant areas of the Beltline to the more central attractions of the city. Other features include 33 miles (ca. 53 km) of multi-use paths, 1,300 acres of parks, additional public art, and preservation initiatives.
Top 10 things to see & do in Atlanta
Let’s summarize this guide. These are the must-visit sights and best things to do in Atlanta:
- Georgia State Capitol
- The Georgia Aquarium
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- World of Coca-Cola
- Atlanta History Center
- Centennial Olympic Park
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Ponce City Market
- Atlanta Zoo
- Beltline
Day trips and tours from Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia may be known as the Peach State and have a rich history, but there is much more to explore outside the city. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of day trips to take from Atlanta. Whether you’re in the mood for a mountain getaway, a beach escape, or a walk through history, there are plenty of day trips to choose from.
North Georgia Wine Country Tour
An entire day tour from Downtown Atlanta to North Georgia’s Wine Country is available. Enjoy the picturesque view from the two-hour drive to the area’s most renowned vineyards with a friendly guide. Comfortable transportation is included, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
You will visit three different wineries—Kaya Vineyard, The Cottage Vineyard, & CeNite Vineyards—and spend an hour at each one. Tasting up to 13 wines with knowledgeable sommeliers, you will also learn about the region’s exceptional wine history and culture. Food can be purchased at each winery if you wish to have snacks with your tastings.
Afterward, you will have 70 minutes to explore the Bavarian mountain town of Helen. Enjoy the local eateries and boutique shopping in this charming town.
Bartram Trail Hike
This guided tour ventures through the meandering landscape of Bertram Trails. As you walk, take in the picturesque sights of wildflowers, ferns, and towering trees, as well as Mount Yonah, which is situated in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
To complete your experience, you’ll indulge in a wine tasting at Stone Wall Creek Vineyard, Yonah Mountain Winery, or 12 Spies Vineyard. This popular tour is the perfect combination of outdoor exploration and leisure.
No matter what your interests are, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Atlanta. Whether you’re exploring the city’s history, enjoying the great outdoors, or indulging in its delicious food and drinks, you’ll never run out of things to do in Atlanta.
More Atlanta tips
Next, read our other guides about Atlanta:
