Must-Visit Spots in Atlanta: Essential Places to See and Experience

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern culture, and big-city energy in a way you don’t find many other places. Whether you live here, are planning a weekend trip, or are trying to understand what makes Atlanta, Georgia special, there are a few must-visit places that consistently stand out.

Below is a practical guide to the top Atlanta attractions, grouped by interest, with local context and tips for making the most of your time.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Must-Visit Highlights

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in One Walkable Area

If you’re short on time, Downtown Atlanta is the easiest place to see several major attractions in one day.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions and a must-visit for families, couples, and solo travelers.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go:
  • Massive marine exhibits with whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins
  • Indoor and climate-controlled, useful in Atlanta’s summer heat or rainy days
  • Walkable to many other downtown spots

Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola explores the history and branding of Atlanta’s most famous hometown beverage.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it’s worth a stop:
  • Interactive exhibits and memorabilia
  • Tasting room with beverages from around the world
  • Popular with visitors who want a “classic Atlanta” experience

Centennial Olympic Park

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

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do:
  • Walk around the fountains and Olympic Ring Plaza
  • Relax between visits to nearby museums and attractions
  • Enjoy seasonal events and festivals that are often held on the grounds

This area is especially convenient if you’re staying in a downtown hotel or relying on MARTA, since the GWCC/CNN Center and Peachtree Center stations are nearby.

Midtown & Piedmont Park: Atlanta’s “City Park + Skyline” Combo

If you want the classic Atlanta skyline view, Midtown is where to go.

Piedmont Park

Often compared to a smaller Central Park, Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most loved green spaces.

• Main entrance area: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Why it’s a must-visit:
  • Walking and jogging paths, open fields, playgrounds
  • Stunning skyline views from the Meadow and Lake Clara Meer
  • Frequent festivals, farmers markets, and community events

Locals use Piedmont Park for everything from early morning runs to weekend picnics. If you want to experience everyday Atlanta life, this is one of the easiest places to blend in.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Just off Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail shows off the city’s urban revival.

• Common access point near Piedmont Park: 10th St NE & Monroe Dr NE
• Why go:
  • Multi-use trail for walking, biking, and skating
  • Public art installations and murals
  • Access to popular spots in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland

One standout along the BeltLine:

Ponce City Market

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• What you’ll find:
  • Food hall with a wide variety of vendors
  • Retail shops and boutiques
  • Rooftop area (Skyline views, games, and seasonal activities)

For many visitors and newer residents, a combo of Piedmont Park + BeltLine + Ponce City Market is a top “first-day in Atlanta” itinerary.

Civil Rights & History: Core Atlanta Heritage

Atlanta has deep ties to the civil rights movement, and several historic sites in the city are essential for understanding that history.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This national park site in the Sweet Auburn area is one of Atlanta’s most meaningful places to visit.

• Visitor center address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Highlights:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours available with timed access)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father preached
  • The King Center, with exhibits about Dr. King and Coretta Scott King
  • Reflective spaces honoring the broader civil rights struggle

Visiting this area is not just about sightseeing; it’s a way to connect with Atlanta’s identity as a center for social change.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects U.S. civil rights history with global human rights issues.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it’s important:
  • Immersive exhibits on the civil rights era
  • Rotating displays that highlight ongoing human rights topics
  • Strong educational focus, valuable for both residents and visitors

Family-Friendly Favorites: Zoo, Science, and Outdoor Fun

If you’re visiting with kids—or simply enjoy animals and hands-on learning—Atlanta has several family-focused must-visits.

Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s oldest attractions, located in the historic Grant Park neighborhood.

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Reasons to go:
  • Large variety of animals in a walkable layout
  • Play areas and kid-focused programming
  • Easy to pair with a stroll around Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest public parks

Grant Park itself is lined with Victorian homes and tree-shaded streets, offering a quieter, residential feel compared to Midtown and Downtown.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Located east of downtown, Fernbank offers both indoor exhibits and outdoor exploration.

• Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights:
  • Dinosaur displays and natural history exhibits
  • IMAX-style giant screen theater (often showing science and nature films)
  • Fernbank Forest and outdoor areas with walking trails and nature play spaces

This is especially appealing if you’re looking for something educational that doesn’t feel like a classroom.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus:
  • Interactive exhibits geared toward younger children
  • Hands-on learning through play
  • Located directly across from Centennial Olympic Park and close to the aquarium

Neighborhood Culture: Where Atlanta’s Personality Shows

Beyond the big attractions, some of Atlanta’s must-visit areas are whole neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality.

Little Five Points & Inman Park

These adjacent intown neighborhoods are especially popular with visitors who want a more local feel.

• Little Five Points (centered around Euclid Ave NE & Moreland Ave NE)

  • Known for: street art, vintage and record shops, independent bars and venues
  • Vibe: eclectic, artsy, and very walkable

• Inman Park (roughly along Euclid Ave NE / Elizabeth St NE)

  • Known for: historic homes, tree-lined streets, local restaurants
  • Vibe: historic, charming, and connected to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

You can easily walk between these neighborhoods and combine them with a BeltLine visit.

West End & Atlanta University Center

For a different slice of Atlanta culture:

• West End (around Lee St SW & Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW)
  • Noted for: historic homes, community spaces, and cultural centers
  • Close to: Atlanta University Center (Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College)

Walking or driving through this area gives a sense of Atlanta’s historically Black educational and cultural institutions.

Sports, Concerts, and Big Events

If you associate Atlanta with sports, concerts, or major events, there are a few venues that often top the must-visit list.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to professional football and soccer, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium also hosts concerts and special events.

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Retractable roof and modern stadium design
  • Close to MARTA’s Vine City and GWCC/CNN Center stations
  • Public tours are sometimes available, depending on the schedule

State Farm Arena

Next door to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena is the city’s major indoor sports and concert venue.

• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Used for:
  • Professional basketball and other sporting events
  • Major touring concerts and shows

Visitors staying downtown often appreciate that many major events are within walking distance of hotels and other attractions.

Film, TV, and Pop Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major hub for film and television production, and some travelers are especially interested in seeing filming locations or related experiences.

Studio Tours and Filming Areas

While individual productions change over time, some areas consistently draw interest:

• Downtown & Midtown streets used for various superhero and action films
• The Gulch and nearby industrial areas for urban backdrops
• Suburban locations around metro Atlanta frequently used for TV series

You can find guided tours that focus on popular franchises filmed in and around the city, or explore well-known streets and murals that frequently show up on screen.

The Battery Atlanta

Right next to Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta combines sports, dining, and entertainment.

• Address: 800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cobb County, just outside the city limits)
• Why many consider it a must-visit:
  • Game-day energy during baseball season
  • Year-round restaurants, shops, and live entertainment spaces
  • Family-friendly atmosphere with frequent events

Even if you’re not attending a game, an evening at The Battery can be an easy way to experience the region’s sports culture and nightlife.

Nature and Views Just Outside the Core

If you want to get slightly beyond the city center while still staying in the Atlanta area, a few spots stand out.

Stone Mountain Park

Located east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a common day-trip destination from the city.

• Park address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Activities and appeal:
  • Hike or ride to the top of Stone Mountain for wide views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days
  • Lakes, walking paths, and picnic areas
  • Seasonal attractions and events

Because it’s outside the city proper, this works best if you have a car or are comfortable arranging rideshare transportation.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Atlanta Access Points)

The Chattahoochee River marks the northern edge of the metro area and offers a quieter, natural escape.

Near Atlanta, common access points include areas in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, which are part of the greater metro region. Typical activities:

• Walking and hiking along riverside trails
• Kayaking, tubing, or paddleboarding (in season)
• Picnicking and bird-watching

For many local residents, a weekend on the “Hooch” is as much a part of Atlanta life as going to a game or visiting a museum.

Practical Tips for Visiting Must-See Places in Atlanta

To make the most of Atlanta’s top attractions and neighborhoods, a few practical pointers help:

• Transportation

  • MARTA rail is useful for Downtown, Midtown, the airport, and some major venues.
  • Rideshare services are widely used for getting between neighborhoods.
  • Traffic can be heavy during rush hours; plan extra time for driving and parking.

• Weather awareness

  • Summers are hot and humid; indoor attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and museums are good mid-day choices.
  • Spring and fall are often ideal for Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and outdoor neighborhoods.

• Booking and timing

  • Popular attractions may use timed entry, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Buying tickets in advance, where available, can reduce wait times.
  • Visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon often helps avoid the biggest crowds.

• Local rhythm

  • Weekends see more festivals, markets, and neighborhood events, especially around Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and intown neighborhoods.
  • Weekdays may be better for a quieter experience at major attractions.

Whether you’re here for a day or settling in for the long term, the must-visit places in Atlanta give you a clear picture of the city’s character: from civil rights history and iconic parks to skyline views, family attractions, and neighborhood culture. Starting with the areas above will give you a strong foundation for exploring Atlanta more deeply on your own terms.