Top Attractions in Atlanta: What to See, Do, and Explore

Atlanta offers a mix of history, culture, food, sports, and family fun that’s hard to beat in the Southeast. Whether you live in the city, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to understand what makes Atlanta special, there are attractions for almost every interest and budget.

Below is a practical guide to the major attractions in Atlanta, plus some neighborhood highlights and tips to help you choose what to do first.

Overview: Major Types of Attractions in Atlanta

Atlanta’s main attractions generally fall into these categories:

• Downtown landmarks and big-ticket attractions
• Museums and cultural centers
• Civil rights and historical sites
• Parks, nature, and outdoor spaces
• Family-friendly and kid-focused attractions
• Sports, entertainment, and nightlife districts
• Neighborhoods with walkable things to do

Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the most popular spots:

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in One Walkable Area

If you want to pack in multiple attractions in one day, Downtown is usually the easiest place to start.

Georgia Aquarium

Located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s premier attractions and a favorite for both locals and visitors. It features:

• Large exhibits with whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales
• Touch pools and interactive displays
• Scheduled shows and animal encounters

It’s indoors and climate-controlled, making it a reliable option year-round and on rainy or hot days.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next door at 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, World of Coca-Cola is a museum-style attraction dedicated to the Coca‑Cola brand and its history in Atlanta. Expect:

• Historical exhibits and advertising displays
• A bottling line demonstration area
• Tasting areas featuring Coca‑Cola products from around the world

This is more of an immersive brand and history experience than a traditional museum.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park, at 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, serves as a central green space in Downtown. People often:

• Walk between the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and College Football Hall of Fame through the park
• Relax near the Fountain of Rings
• Attend festivals and events throughout the year

It’s a good spot to sit, regroup, or let kids run around between attractions.

College Football Hall of Fame

At 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, the College Football Hall of Fame is popular among sports fans. Highlights include:

• Interactive exhibits and skill challenges
• Memorabilia and history of college football programs
• A large wall of helmets from schools around the country

It’s walkable from Centennial Olympic Park and other major Downtown attractions.

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta, at 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, is a large Ferris wheel that offers elevated views of Downtown. Many people ride:

• Around sunset for skyline views
• Before or after a meal or event in the area

It’s a quick, visually appealing attraction near many hotels and restaurants.

Civil Rights & History: Understanding Atlanta’s Legacy

Atlanta played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, and several major sites are located close together.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This site, centered around 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, covers several important locations:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tours are typically guided and space-limited)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center, which includes exhibits about Dr. King and Coretta Scott King
• Dr. and Mrs. King’s crypt and an eternal flame

The National Park Service manages much of this area. Many visitors combine this with a walk through the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, near the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects:

• The American Civil Rights Movement
• Global human rights issues and modern struggles

Exhibits are immersive, and many locals recommend allowing at least 1.5–2 hours to fully experience it. It pairs well with a day spent at other Downtown attractions.

Arts, Culture, and Museums in Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is often considered the city’s arts and culture hub, with museums, theaters, and public art.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art, at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, is Atlanta’s primary art museum. It features:

• Permanent collections including American, European, African, and decorative arts
• Rotating exhibitions
• Family programs and evening events on select days

It’s located in the Midtown Arts District, close to the Arts Center MARTA Station.

Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center, also at 1280 Peachtree St NE, is a complex that includes:

• Alliance Theatre (professional theater productions)
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
• The High Museum itself

For people living in Atlanta, this is a regular destination for performances, while visitors might plan a single evening here around a concert or play.

Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Located near the High Museum at 1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, MODA focuses on:

• Modern design in architecture, products, graphic design, and more
• Rotating design-focused exhibitions and programs

This is a smaller museum, often paired with a visit to the High Museum or a stroll through Midtown.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Attractions

Even with busy streets and high-rises, Atlanta has plenty of green space and outdoor attractions.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park, near 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, is one of the city’s largest and most used parks. People use it to:

• Walk, run, or bike on paved and natural paths
• Picnic with city skyline views
• Visit playgrounds, dog parks, and sports fields
• Attend festivals and outdoor events

It connects easily with surrounding neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Morningside.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of multi-use trails and parks built along old railroad corridors around the city. The Eastside Trail is especially popular, connecting:

• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park
• Ponce City Market
• Krog Street Market and other spots

People use the BeltLine for walking, running, biking, and visiting restaurants and public art along the way. There are multiple access points; for orientation, many start near Ponce City Market at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Piedmont Park at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers:

• Seasonal flower displays and plant collections
• A canopy walk through the trees
• Special events and light shows during certain times of year

This is a popular choice for both daytime visits and evening events.

Stone Mountain Park (Near Atlanta)

While not inside the city limits, Stone Mountain Park, at 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, is a well-known outdoor destination in the metro area. It includes:

• Hiking trails, including a walk-up trail to the top of the mountain
• Lake, picnic areas, and seasonal attractions

Many people treat it as a half- or full-day trip from Atlanta.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Focused Attractions

Atlanta has several attractions designed with children and families in mind.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in Grant Park at 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, Zoo Atlanta features:

• A wide range of animals and educational exhibits
• Playground areas and kid-focused programming
• Seasonal and themed events

It’s a popular choice for families living in the area and for visitors looking for a manageable half-day activity.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

At 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, across from Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is tailored for younger children. It offers:

• Interactive, hands-on exhibits
• Space for play and early learning activities
• Rotating themed exhibits and programs

It’s convenient to combine with other Downtown attractions.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Near Druid Hills at 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307, Fernbank Museum of Natural History offers:

• Dinosaur displays and natural history exhibits
• An immersive giant screen theater
• Access to Fernbank Forest and outdoor experiences through WildWoods

This area provides both indoor educational experiences and outdoor nature trails in a single visit.

Sports, Live Entertainment, and Nightlife

Atlanta is a major sports and entertainment city, with venues that regularly host games, concerts, and large events.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

At 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is home to:

• The Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Major concerts and large events

Even on non-game days, some people visit for stadium tours and the surrounding entertainment area.

State Farm Arena

Located at 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303, next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena hosts:

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) home games
• Concerts and touring shows

It’s accessible by MARTA and is within walking distance of many Downtown attractions.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Northwest of the city center in Cobb County, Truist Park, at 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, is home to the Atlanta Braves (MLB). The surrounding mixed-use development, The Battery Atlanta, includes:

• Restaurants and bars
• Shops and entertainment options
• Live music and events, even on non-game days

Locals often visit The Battery for dining or events separate from baseball games.

Neighborhoods and Local Experience Attractions

Beyond the big attractions, many visitors and residents enjoy exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods for food, culture, and local character.

Ponce City Market and the BeltLine Eastside

Ponce City Market, at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, is a redeveloped historic building that now houses:

• Food hall with a variety of local and regional vendors
• Shops and workspaces
• A rooftop area with games and skyline views (tickets or reservations may be required)

It has direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it a central stop for walking, biking, and people-watching.

Krog Street Market and Inman Park

Krog Street Market, at 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, is another popular food hall, located near:

• The BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Inman Park’s historic homes and leafy streets
• Street art, including the Krog Street Tunnel

People often combine a walk or bike ride on the BeltLine with a meal or drink at Krog Street Market.

Little Five Points

Centered around the intersection of Moreland Ave NE and Euclid Ave NE, Little Five Points is known for:

• Vintage shops and independent boutiques
• Record stores and alternative culture
• Bars, restaurants, and live music venues

It’s more of a local, eclectic neighborhood experience than a single attraction.

Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station, around 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363, is a mixed-use area with:

• Shops and chain stores
• Restaurants and a movie theater
• Regular events on the central green

It functions as a walkable shopping and entertainment district just northwest of Midtown.

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Attractions

To make the most of Atlanta’s attractions, it helps to plan around location, timing, and transportation.

Group Attractions by Area

To reduce travel time and parking costs, many people group attractions like this:

• Downtown day: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Midtown day: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art, BeltLine access via Midtown
• History and civil rights day: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, King Center, Sweet Auburn, National Center for Civil and Human Rights (short ride away)
• Family-focused day: Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park), Fernbank Museum, or a mix of kid-centered stops depending on ages

Consider Transportation Options

Common ways people get around include:

• MARTA rail and bus: Useful for Downtown, Midtown, and some stadium access
• Rideshares and taxis: Widely used, especially at night or between neighborhoods
• Walking and biking: Practical within Downtown, Midtown, and along the BeltLine, though distances between some areas can be long
• Driving and parking: Many attractions have their own parking, but fees and availability vary, especially during events

Check Hours and Event Schedules

Many Atlanta attractions:

• Have seasonal hours or special holiday events
• Offer discount days or evening hours on certain days of the week
• May be busier during school breaks, weekends, or large events

Before heading out, people commonly confirm opening hours and any ticket or reservation requirements directly with the attraction.

Atlanta’s attractions range from world-class institutions and historic landmarks to neighborhood markets and outdoor trails. Whether you’re planning a full itinerary or just have a few hours to spare, focusing on one or two areas of the city at a time can make it easier to experience what makes Atlanta unique.