What To Visit in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Top Sights, Neighborhoods, and Experiences

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern culture, and big-city energy, so “what to visit” really depends on what you enjoy. Below is a structured guide to the must-see places in Atlanta, Georgia, with options for first-time visitors, families, history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and locals looking to explore more of their city.

Essential Atlanta Landmarks You Shouldn’t Miss

These are the classic Atlanta attractions most visitors and many locals work through first.

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Attractions (Downtown)

The Centennial Olympic Park area is one of the easiest places to see several big-name Atlanta attractions in a single day.

Key spots clustered around the park include:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, famous for its whale sharks and massive viewing windows.

  • 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Great for families, groups, and rainy days.

• World of Coca‑Cola – A museum-style experience exploring the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

  • 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space with fountains and walking paths built for the 1996 Olympics.

  • Best for: strolling, picnics, and cityscape photos.

• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits and memorabilia for college football fans.

  • 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

If you only have one or two days in Atlanta, this area is a practical place to start: you can walk between attractions, find plenty of food options, and access MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center and Peachtree Center stations nearby.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn)

For history and culture, the MLK Jr. National Historical Park is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Atlanta.

• Includes:
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (guided tours are limited and often first-come, first‑served)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
  • The King Center, with exhibits and Dr. and Mrs. King’s crypt
  • Visitor Center with civil rights exhibits
• Location:
  • 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This site sits within the historic Sweet Auburn district, once a major center of Black commerce and culture. It’s easily reached by car or MARTA (Inman Park/Reynoldstown or King Memorial stations, then a short walk or bus ride).

The Atlanta BeltLine: Eastside Trail & Beyond

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail system built on former rail corridors, circling intown neighborhoods. It’s one of the best ways to experience local life in Atlanta.

Most visitors start with the Eastside Trail, running roughly from Piedmont Park through Old Fourth Ward to Inman Park and beyond.

Along or near the Eastside Trail you’ll find:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  A large mixed-use development with a food hall, shops, offices, and rooftop amusement-style attractions.

• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
  Smaller food hall with local eateries and bars.

• Krog Street Tunnel
  A constantly changing canvas of street art and graffiti, popular for photos.

Walking or biking the BeltLine lets you sample neighborhoods, street art, local restaurants, and breweries all in one route. For locals, it’s also a go-to for jogging and casual meetups.

Museums and Cultural Sites Worth Visiting

High Museum of Art & Midtown Arts District

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s flagship art museum and anchors the city’s arts district.

• 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Exhibits include classic, contemporary, Southern, and rotating special collections.

Nearby in Midtown you can also find:

• Woodruff Arts Center – Home to the High Museum, the Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
• MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta) – Smaller design-focused museum across from the High.

The Arts Center MARTA station is directly adjacent, making this area easy to reach without a car.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the U.S. civil rights movement with global human rights issues.

• 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Notable for:
  • Exhibits on Dr. King’s life and legacy
  • Immersive civil rights displays
  • Contemporary human rights stories

It’s located across from Centennial Olympic Park, so it fits easily into a Downtown Atlanta sightseeing day.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Science Center

If you’re interested in science and natural history, or you have kids to entertain, consider:

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

  • 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Features dinosaur exhibits, Georgia natural history, and an outdoor forest experience.

• Fernbank Science Center

  • Operated by DeKalb County Schools, with a planetarium and educational exhibits.
  • 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307

Both are in the Druid Hills area, a short drive from Downtown and Midtown.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Spaces Around Atlanta

Even though Atlanta is a major city, it has substantial green space and access to outdoor recreation.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park” and is one of the top places to visit for a relaxed, local feel.

• Piedmont Park main entrance:
  400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

What to do:

• Walk or jog the paved paths with Midtown skyline views
• Enjoy dog parks, playgrounds, and sports fields
• Attend seasonal festivals and farmers markets (check schedules before you go)

Connected to Piedmont Park is the Atlanta Botanical Garden:

• 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Known for:
  • The canopy walk
  • Seasonal flower and light displays
  • Themed gardens and conservatories

This combo works well for a half- or full-day visit, especially in spring and fall.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

For hiking, fishing, or simply being near water, locals often go to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Popular access points near Atlanta include:

• Palisades (North and South Units) – In the Vinings area, with scenic river overlooks and hiking trails.
• Island Ford – Further north in Sandy Springs, with wooded trails along the river.

The National Park Service manages these sites; day use typically requires a parking fee or pass. You’ll find signage at entrances with current details.

Activities include:

• Hiking and trail running
• Tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding (in warm months)
• Wildlife watching and photography

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta)

While not inside the city limits, Stone Mountain Park is a widely visited metro Atlanta attraction.

• 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Highlights:

• A granite mountain with hiking trails to the summit and a skyride option
• Lake, picnic areas, and seasonal attractions
• Views of Downtown Atlanta and surrounding areas on clear days

If you’re staying in Atlanta and have a car, Stone Mountain is a reasonable half-day or day trip.

Neighborhoods and Districts to Explore

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own character. Exploring them can be one of the best ways to understand the city beyond the main attractions.

Midtown

Midtown is a walkable, high-rise neighborhood that mixes business, arts, and nightlife.

Visit Midtown for:

• High Museum of Art and Woodruff Arts Center
• Access to Piedmont Park and BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Restaurants, bars, and cafes along Peachtree Street and side streets

MARTA’s Midtown and Arts Center stations are centrally located, making it a convenient base for visitors without a car.

Downtown

Downtown has many of the major tourist attractions, state government buildings, and large hotels.

Consider Downtown for:

• Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park
• State Capitol and government complexes
• Big event venues like State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Downtown is more business- and event-focused than residential; it’s practical for sights and conferences but quieter after office hours in some blocks.

Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Eastside BeltLine

These neighborhoods are popular with both locals and visitors for their mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and thriving food scenes.

What to see:

• Inman Park – Tree-lined streets and Victorian homes.
• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – History-rich area near the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, now with trendy restaurants and lofts.
• BeltLine Eastside Trail – The walking/biking route that ties it all together.

Key stops:

• Krog Street Market – Food hall in Inman Park.
• Ponce City Market – Major food and retail hub in O4W.

These areas give you a feel for everyday Atlanta life, beyond the big attractions.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for shopping, dining, and higher-end residential areas.

Notable stops:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza – Large shopping malls.
• Dining and nightlife along Peachtree Road and surrounding streets.
• Upscale hotels and office towers.

MARTA’s Lenox, Buckhead, and Lindbergh Center stations serve different sections of Buckhead. This area is often chosen by visitors who want hotel options, shopping, and easy access to both Midtown and Perimeter suburbs.

Family-Friendly Things to Visit in Atlanta

If you’re visiting or living in Atlanta with children, there are many kid-friendly attractions beyond the obvious big-name spots.

Top Picks for Families

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown) – Large, engaging for all ages.

• Zoo Atlanta

  • 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  • Located in Grant Park, features pandas, reptiles, African savanna exhibits, and more.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta

  • 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Hands-on exhibits geared toward younger children.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Druid Hills) – Dinosaurs, kids’ educational programs, and outdoor forest play.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Seasonal events and children’s garden areas.

Families often plan 1–2 major attractions per day to avoid burnout, pairing indoor visits with nearby parks or playgrounds.

Sports, Music, and Event Venues

If you’re timing a visit around games, concerts, or shows, Atlanta has several major venues:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home of professional football and soccer, plus concerts and major events.

• State Farm Arena

  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Basketball games and concerts.

• Truist Park (Cumberland area, just outside city limits)

  • 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  • Baseball games; located within The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use entertainment district.

• Fox Theatre

  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Historic theater in Midtown hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.

When visiting these venues, it helps to:

• Plan transportation in advance – Consider MARTA for Downtown and Midtown events to avoid parking challenges.
• Arrive early if you’re unfamiliar with the area, especially for evening events.

Quick-Reference: What to Visit in Atlanta, by Interest

Practical Tips for Visiting Places in Atlanta

To make the most of what you visit in Atlanta:

• Use MARTA when possible 🚇

  • Rail lines connect Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Helpful for major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Midtown museums, and stadiums.

• Expect traffic

  • If you drive, plan extra time, especially during weekday rush hours and weekend event nights.

• Check current hours and any ticket requirements

  • Many popular attractions use timed entry or have peak pricing on weekends and holidays.

• Pair nearby attractions

  • Example: Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola + Civil and Human Rights Center in one Downtown day.
  • Example: Piedmont Park + Atlanta Botanical Garden + BeltLine Eastside segment in a Midtown/O4W day.

• Balance indoor and outdoor choices

  • Summers can be hot and humid; plan air‑conditioned museum stops mid‑day and outdoor activities in the morning or evening.

Visiting Atlanta can mean world-class attractions, walkable trails, historic landmarks, or neighborhood food tours—often all in the same weekend. Use the locations and tips above as a framework, then adjust based on what you enjoy most, how much time you have, and whether you’re exploring as a visitor or discovering more of the city you call home.