Discover Atlanta: What the City Really Offers for Tourism

Atlanta, Georgia is more than a quick layover on the way to somewhere else. It’s a major Southern city with world-class attractions, deep history, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong food and arts scene—all packed into a relatively easy-to-navigate metro area.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to understand what tourism looks like here, this guide breaks down what Atlanta has to offer for tourism in a clear, practical way.

Why Atlanta Is a Standout Tourism City

Atlanta offers a mix you don’t always find in one place:

• Rich civil rights and Southern history
• Modern attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and major sports venues
• Neighborhoods with distinct character—from Buckhead’s upscale feel to Little Five Points’ indie vibe
• A major airport (Hartsfield-Jackson ATL) that makes getting here straightforward from almost anywhere
• Year-round events and festivals that keep the city busy beyond just peak travel seasons

For locals, this means there’s always something new to explore in your own backyard. For visitors, it means you can build a trip around family fun, history, food, sports, or nightlife—or mix them all.

Major Tourist Attractions in Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium

One of the most well-known attractions in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is a central hub for families, school groups, and visitors.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Whale sharks, dolphin presentations, large interactive exhibits
• Good for: Families, first-time visitors, rainy days, group trips

It’s in downtown Atlanta, so it’s easy to pair with other nearby attractions.

World of Coca-Cola

Right next door to the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Coca-Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Historical exhibits, memorabilia, tasting room
• Good for: Visitors curious about Atlanta’s corporate and cultural history

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park ties together several key attractions.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Features: Green space, walking paths, fountains, event space
• Nearby: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, State Farm Arena

Locals often come here for events and concerts; visitors use it as a central starting point for downtown sightseeing.

Atlanta’s Civil Rights and Cultural History

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Atlanta plays a central role in the civil rights movement, and the MLK Jr. sites are some of the city’s most important.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Key sites in the area:
  • Dr. King’s childhood home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and reflection pool

This area is in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, which itself has significant African American history and is worth exploring for its murals, architecture, and local businesses.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Visitors and residents who want deeper context on race, equality, and justice in the U.S. and worldwide

It’s walkable from Centennial Olympic Park, which makes it easy to include in a downtown itinerary.

Neighborhoods and Local Vibes to Explore

Atlanta’s tourism isn’t limited to big-ticket attractions. Many visitors and locals spend most of their time exploring distinct neighborhoods.

Midtown

Midtown is known for arts, culture, and walkability.

• Anchors:
  • Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  • High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
• Vibe: Lively, fairly walkable for Atlanta, with restaurants, nightlife, and cultural institutions.

Buckhead

Buckhead is often associated with upscale shopping and dining.

• Known for:
  • High-end retail and large shopping centers
  • Luxury hotels
  • A busy nightlife scene in certain areas
• Good for: Visitors who prioritize shopping, dining, and hotel amenities.

Old Fourth Ward & The BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs through the Old Fourth Ward and nearby neighborhoods and has become a major draw.

• Features:
  • Walkable and bikeable paved trail
  • Murals and public art
  • Access to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Vibe: Trendy, mixed-use, with breweries, restaurants, and loft-style developments.

Little Five Points & Inman Park

Just east of downtown, Little Five Points and Inman Park offer a different feel.

• Little Five Points:
  • Independent shops
  • Vintage clothing, record stores, street art
  • Alternative/bohemian atmosphere
• Inman Park:
  • Historic homes
  • Tree-lined streets
  • Easy access to the BeltLine

These areas are popular with locals but are welcoming and interesting for visitors looking for a more “everyday Atlanta” experience.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

Atlanta is set up well for family tourism, with plenty of options that work for kids and parents.

Zoo Atlanta

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Neighborhood: Grant Park
• Highlights: A wide range of animals, kid-focused programming, playgrounds

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Younger children, hands-on exhibits, indoor play

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Features: Dinosaur exhibits, science displays, nature trails, and outdoor play areas

Families often combine these stops with Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and smaller neighborhood parks for a balanced, kid-friendly trip.

Sports, Events, and Entertainment

Atlanta is a major sports and events city, which heavily shapes its tourism.

Professional Sports

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home to: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  • Also hosts: Major concerts and national events

• Truist Park

  • Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Home to: Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Surrounding area: “The Battery Atlanta” entertainment district with restaurants and shops

• State Farm Arena

  • Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Home to: Atlanta Hawks (NBA), large concerts and shows

For both residents and out-of-town fans, these venues are central to Atlanta’s tourism, especially during playoff seasons or major tours.

Conventions and Large Events

Atlanta regularly hosts national conferences, expos, and conventions, particularly around:

• Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Hotels and event spaces in Downtown and Midtown

Local traffic and hotel availability can shift noticeably around big events, so both visitors and residents benefit from checking major event calendars when planning activities.

Arts, Culture, and Music

Museums and Theaters

Beyond the High Museum and civil rights-focused sites, Atlanta offers:

• Alliance Theatre (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
• Smaller galleries and theaters in Midtown and on the Westside
• Regular performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

These venues draw both locals and tourists for evening events, especially on weekends.

Music and Nightlife

Atlanta has a strong reputation for music, particularly hip-hop, R&B, and live venues across the city.

• Larger concerts: State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and major theaters
• Smaller venues: Scattered throughout neighborhoods like East Atlanta, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward

Nightlife varies by neighborhood—from casual bars to more formal lounges—so visitors often choose where to stay based on the type of evening experience they want.

Outdoor Spaces and Urban Nature

Atlanta’s nickname, the “city in a forest,” shows up clearly in its outdoor offerings.

Key Parks and Trails

• Piedmont Park

  • Central “city park” feel
  • Large lawns, walking paths, dog park, sports fields

• Atlanta BeltLine

  • Multi-use trail system under development around the city
  • Eastside and Westside Trails are the most commonly visited segments
  • Connects parks, restaurants, shops, and public art

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (metro access points)

  • Popular for walking, picnics, and river access just outside central Atlanta

For residents, these spaces are part of regular life. For visitors, they offer a way to experience Atlanta’s landscape and skyline views beyond just buildings and highways.

Food and Dining: A Core Part of Atlanta Tourism

Food is a major draw in Atlanta tourism, and locals often plan their weekends around trying new places.

What Visitors Typically Look For

• Southern and soul food (fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, barbecue)
• International cuisine—thanks to a diverse metro population
• Modern “New Southern” restaurants that reinterpret regional classics

Areas like Midtown, Inman Park, Buckhead, and along the BeltLine give visitors many options within walking distance or a short rideshare trip.

Getting Around Atlanta as a Tourist

How easy it is to get around is a common concern for both visitors and residents when planning activities.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Role: Major air travel hub with extensive domestic and international flights
• Access: Connected to the MARTA rail system, taxis, and rideshare zones

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

MARTA offers rail and bus service that’s most useful for:

• Traveling between the airport and Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead
• Reaching major venues and some tourist areas

Key rail stations for visitors:

Many tourists combine MARTA with rideshares or walking, especially if staying near a station.

Driving and Rideshare

• Atlanta is car-heavy, and traffic can be significant, especially on I-75/85 and I-285.
• Rideshare services are widely used for:
  • Short hops between neighborhoods
  • Late-night returns from events or nightlife
  • Avoiding parking searches downtown and around stadiums

Residents often recommend building extra time into your schedule when driving to major events or peak areas like Midtown on weekends.

Visitor Information Resources in Atlanta

If you’re in the city and want help in person, you can look for visitor information centers and public tourism resources.

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)

The ACVB helps promote tourism and provides visitor guidance.

• Main office mailing address:
  Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
• Role: Offers city information, maps, and support for meetings/groups

You may also find visitor information desks at key locations such as the airport and major downtown hotel corridors.

City of Atlanta Government

For questions related to city services, public parks, permits for events, and local regulations:

• General address:
  City of Atlanta – City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

This is more relevant for residents planning events or for businesses connected to tourism, but it can be useful for understanding how public spaces are managed.

How Locals Use Atlanta’s Tourism Offerings

Tourism in Atlanta isn’t just for out-of-towners. Many residents regularly take advantage of:

• Annual passes or memberships (for the aquarium, museums, botanical garden)
• Free or low-cost events in Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park, and on the BeltLine
• Staycations in Midtown or Downtown, especially around festivals, concerts, or sports games

If you live in Atlanta, it’s common to plan:

• One or two “big” attraction visits each year (like the Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta)
• Regular neighborhood exploring, especially as new restaurants, markets, and BeltLine segments open

Atlanta’s tourism scene blends historic depth, modern attractions, strong neighborhoods, and constant events. Whether you’re a resident looking to better appreciate your own city or a visitor planning a trip, Atlanta offers enough variety to build a visit around history, sports, food, family fun, or all of the above.