20 Things To Do In Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, is known by many names, including “The Capital of the South,” “Hotlanta,” “Hollywood of The South,” “Silicon Peach,” or simply just “The A.” The city was founded in 1837 and intended to be a strategic transportation hub. Throughout history, Atlanta played a pivotal role in the Civil War. It also figured in the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy making their marks here.

Atlanta serves as Georgia’s cultural and economic heart in the northwestern part of the state. Because of its location, it has a warm and humid climate, especially during the summer, while winters are milder, making this a perfect destination for vacation year-round.

This dynamic and vibrant city has a rich history to explore through museums and learning centres and many other exciting attractions. This city combines the best parts of any vacation when it comes to great food, interesting culture and unique entertainment experiences. Whether you’re interested in visiting historical monuments, immersing yourself in the art and culture, enjoying wide open green spaces to connect with nature, or eating and drinking your way through the city at some of the world’s top culinary experiences, you’ll find incredible things to do in Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia

20 Things To Do In Atlanta

1- Marvel At The Fish Swimming Above You At The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Atlanta and one of the largest aquariums in the world. 

Guests can view whale sharks, dolphins, beluga whales and more in its impressive exhibits and activities.

There are animal encounters that allow you to meet penguins, seals and sea otters.

One of the most photographed spots is the Ocean Voyager exhibit’s 100-foot (30 m) ocean tunnel.

The aquarium hosts animal shows, educational programs, guided tours and dives.

The Georgia Aquarium is at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Skip the line and book your tickets while saving money on the Atlanta CityPASS.

2- Drink As Many Samples As You Want At The World Of Coca-Cola

The popular soda brand Coca-Cola was invented just outside Atlanta.

The museum, completely dedicated to this famous soda, brings you through the history of the drink’s creation through memorabilia, vintage advertisements and interactive exhibits.

Our favourite part is the sample room, which features over 100 different types of Coca-Cola you can taste to your heart’s desire.

Beware, you may walk out with an intense sugar rush!

The World of Coca-Cola also features a gift shop that allows you to shop for merchandise from the brand and even create your own bottle of Coke.

The World Of Coca-Cola is at 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Skip the line and prebook your tickets to the World of Coca-Cola. 

3- Learn About The City’s Rich History At The Atlanta History Center

Atlanta is a staple of American History, with many significant events occurring within the city.

So what better way to explore the rich history of Atlanta than through the Atlanta History Center?

Stretched out on a 33-acre (13 ha) campus, the museum features a wide range of exhibits, gardens, and historic houses that tell the story of this famous city.

The Atlanta History Center is open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday (12 pm to 5 pm) and Saturdays (10 am to 4 pm).

The Atlanta History Center is at 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Recommended: Atlanta CityPASS

4- Go On A Walking Dead Set Tour At Esco Feed Mill Property

As we mentioned earlier, Atlanta is known as the “Hollywood of the South” because many popular television shows were filmed in the area.

If you are a fan of the wildly popular zombie-centred show, The Walking Dead, you will want to book this experience.

The behind-the-scenes tour takes place at the Esco Feed Mill Property and through key sets of pivotal moments from the show.

You might even get to fight off a zombie or two on your own, and it’s fairly popular, so tickets must be booked in advance.

Esco Feed Mill Property is at 16 Line Creek Rd, Senoia, GA 30276.

Recommended tours:

• Private Stranger Things “The Upside Down” Film Locations Tour in Atlanta
• Walking Dead Walking Tour on Private Filming Backlot
• 3-Hour Private Atlanta MCU Comic Book-Inspired Film Locations Sightseeing Tour

5- Dive Into Atlanta’s Culture At The National Center For Civil And Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta is an engaging museum that aims to educate and inspire visitors about the significance of human rights throughout history and the future to create a positive change in society.

The museum exhibits include the United States Civil Rights Movement from the Jim Crow era to the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

It features the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and human rights on a global scale.

The National Center For Civil And Human Rights is at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Recommended tour:

• Atlanta Civil Rights Full-Day Guided Walking Tour
• Atlanta’s Black History and Civil Rights Tour

6- Explore The Archives Of The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

This interesting museum is dedicated to showing the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.

Museum visitors can explore exclusive documents, photographs, and artifacts about Carter’s presidency and family life.

The centre also hosts educational programs for students, teachers, and researchers.

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday (10 am to 4.45 pm).

The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is at 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.

7- Appreciate The Arts At The High Museum Of Arts

This prestigious museum offers a wide range collection of arts from classic to contemporary.

The High Museum of Arts is a perfect spot to take in Atlanta’s diverse arts and culture.

Visitors can enjoy art through various mediums, such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.

The museum exhibits include permanent installations such as the Shaheen Collection of French Works and seasonal exhibitions such as George Voronovsky: Memoryscapes and Evelyn Hofer: Eyes on the City.

The museum also offers fun events such as children’s summer camps, art marking, and adult nights.

The High Museum Of Arts is at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Recommended tour: 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta

8- See The Beautiful Monuments At Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Atlanta is the birthplace of famous civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

This historical park covers about 35 acres (2 ha).

It includes several key sites from his lifetime, including Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church and his final resting place.

The park is a tribute to King’s efforts in social justice and is a reminder of the world we strive to live in.

Visiting this park is an inspiring experience.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is open Monday to Saturday (9 am to 5 pm) but is closed on Sundays.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is at 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

Recommended tour: Martin Luther King Jr. History Walking Tour

9- Visit One Of The World’s Only Puppet Museums 

This museum is something you may not be able to experience anywhere else.

The Center for Puppetry Arts focuses on performance, education and the museum.

It is the United States’ largest organization dedicated to puppetry and one of the world’s few puppet museums.

Visitors of the museum can enjoy puppet shows, workshops, educational programs, and exhibits dedicated to the history and traditions of puppetry from different regions across the globe.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is closed on Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is at 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.

10- Stroll Around The City’s Center At Centennial Olympic Park

This city park commemorates the 1996 Olympic Games that were held in Atlanta.

The popular park is commonly used for events, concerts and festivals.

It’s the perfect place to walk through paved trails and check out interesting landmarks.

The park features the interactive Fountain of Rings, the Olympic Cauldron Tower, and the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel.

Centennial Olympic Park is at Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Recommended tour: Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour

11- Take Your Sports Fan To The College Football Hall Of Fame

If you have a football fan in the family, they will love this activity.

The College Football Hall of Fame opened in 1951 and is run by the National Football Foundation.

The museum features interactive displays, and memorabilia focused on players, coaches, and teams from all over the county.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; admission starts at $30.25.

The College Football Hall Of Fame is at 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

12- Check Out The Largest Dinosaurs In The World 

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History has exciting displays and exhibits centred around live animals, prehistoric cultures, and ancient fossils, including the largest dinosaurs in the world.

The museum even features 2 miles (3.2 km) of trails in the 65-acre (26 ha) Fernbank Forest.

You can also walk the WildWoods terrace, which gives you the perfect view of the treetops.

Did we mention there’s also a 3D Giant Screen Theater? The Fernbank Museum of Natural History provides endless opportunities for fun for the whole family.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is at 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307.

Recommended tour: 90-Minute Guided Sightseeing Tour by E-Car

13- Enjoy The Stunning Displays At The Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden provides a bit of serenity and tranquillity in the heart of this bustling city.

Covering over 30 acres (30 ha), this beautiful garden displays a wide variety of flowers, trees and themed rotating gardens.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts special events such as Cocktails in the Garden, Fest of Ale, and Orchid Daze.

To visit the botanical gardens, you should purchase tickets in advance as tickets are sold within certain timeslots.

The garden’s current hours are 9 AM to 9 PM from Tuesday through Sunday.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Recommended tour: A City in a Forest: Private Atlanta Nature Tour

14- Make Friends With More Than 1,500 Animals At The Atlanta Zoo

Zoo Atlanta brings the wildlife of the world to this southern city.

Visitors can enjoy educational programs, animal photos, and encounters with over 1,500 animals, including lions, flamingos, pandas, giraffes and many more.

The zoo is also dedicated to conserving these animals, which includes funding and fieldwork with similar organizations worldwide.

Ticket prices vary based on the entry date; the farther in advance you book, the more you can save.

The Atlanta Zoo is at 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.

15- Attend A Local Festival At Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is a lovely spot to enjoy nature without leaving the city.

This urban park is 1 mile north of Downtown and offers over 200 acres (81 ha) of green space.

Piedmont Park has many amenities, including a splash pad, playground, off-leash dog park, sports courts and picnic areas.

The park is also home to major community events such as concerts, festivals, and celebrations.

Piedmont Park is at Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Recommended tour: Atlanta Scavenger Hunt: Finding Peace in Piedmont Park

16- Take A Tour Of Georgia’s Wine Country

The Northern region of Georgia is considered the state’s “wine country.”

To escape from the city, drive about 80 miles (129 km) north of Atlanta to Cleveland, Georgia.

Here, you will find a few vineyards, such as Serenity Cellars and CeNita Vineyards and Winery.

Admire the breathtaking rolling hills as you sip local wines in a wine tasting.

If you want to skip the driving and get exclusive vineyard information, try booking a North Georgia Wine Tasting Tour.

Using a tour group allows you to kick back and relax while you take in the beauty of scenic North Georgia and enjoy the convenience of having each vineyard booked for your arrival.

Recommended tour: North Georgia Wine Country Tour from Atlanta

17- View A Live Performance At The Fox Theater

The historical Fox Theater was designed in the 1920s with Middle Eastern and Egyptian architecture because it was originally planned as part of a large Shrine Temple.

The former movie palace is a stunning performing arts venue and offers a wide range of shows, including Broadway musicals, concerts, ballets and comedy performances.

Check the theatre’s website for upcoming events to book tickets before your visit.

The Fox Theater is at 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

18- Walk, Jog, or Travel On Wheels Along The Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline is an awesome feature that allows you to explore the entire city.

The former railway corridor was transformed into a 22-mile ( km) loop with multi-use trails that take visitors through in-town neighbourhoods featuring restaurants, breweries, green spaces, and public art displays.

Four different trail systems are within the Beltline: the Eastside, Westside, Southside and Northside trails.

Each trail system has its own personality and features.

For example, the Eastside trail is the most established, with many bars and restaurants, while the Westside trail is more laid-back.

You can also find side trails to explore within each main trail and easily spend the whole day on the Atlanta Beltline.

• The Eastside Trail is at 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306.
• The Westside Trail is at Sharon St NW, Atlanta, GA 30314.
• The Southside Trail is at Allene Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30310.
• The Northside Trail is at Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
• Recommended tour: 3-Hour Atlanta Beltline Food, Street Art and History Tour

19- Get An Instagram Worthy Photo On The Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalk

The Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalk, or the “Love Lights The Way” Rainbow Crosswalk, is a pedestrian crossing at 10th and Piedmont Avenue in nearby Hapeville, Georgia.

The popular crosswalk is meant to celebrate the LGBTIA+ community.

The rainbow is a symbol of acceptance in this community.

It’s a great place to snap a selfie and support this community.

The Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalk is at 575 US-19, Hapeville, GA 30354.

20- Lunch On One Of The Rooftops At Buckhead District Village

The Buckhead District Village is the height of luxury in the Atlanta area.

Buckhead is a residential area just north of downtown Atlanta.

Shop your favourite stores or grab a drink and overlook the city on one of the rooftops.

The walkable district includes high-end shops and delicious bites such as Gypsy Kitchen, Georgetown Cupcakes, and Doraku Sushi.

Buckhead District Village is at 3035 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Recommended tour: Midtown Atlanta Food & Cocktail Tour