Where To Visit in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Must-See Spots

Atlanta offers a mix of history, green space, arts, food, and sports that’s hard to beat. Whether you live in the city, you’re visiting for a weekend, or you’re helping someone plan a trip, this guide walks through where to visit in Atlanta and what to expect in each area.

Top Landmark Attractions in Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Located in downtown’s Centennial Park District, the Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s best-known attractions. It’s especially popular with families and first-time visitors.

Why visit:

• Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish
• Interactive exhibits and touch pools
• Convenient to other downtown sights (World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park)

Tip: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Next door to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola is a museum-style attraction focused on the history of one of Atlanta’s most famous brands.

Highlights:

• Vintage advertising and memorabilia
• A look at the bottling process
• Tasting room with Coca‑Cola products from around the world

If you’re already downtown, it’s easy to combine this with the aquarium and a walk through Centennial Olympic Park.

Centennial Olympic Park

Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central gathering space in downtown Atlanta.

Good for:

• Walking paths and green open spaces
• Fountain of Rings splash area (especially fun for kids in warm weather)
• Quick breaks between museum visits or conventions

It’s surrounded by major attractions and often hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal events.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Visitor Center Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

In the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this national park preserves sites connected to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What you can see:

• King Birth Home (guided entry times vary)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center and Dr. King’s tomb
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

This area gives important context to Atlanta’s role in American history and is a key stop for visitors interested in civil rights.

Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

Zoo Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Zoo Atlanta is located in Grant Park, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and public parks.

Why people go:

• Wide range of animals, including giant pandas and gorillas
• Family-friendly layout and play areas
• Adjacent historic neighborhood streets for a relaxed walk after your visit

Grant Park also has walking paths and shaded green space if you prefer to enjoy the outdoors without going into the zoo.

Neighborhoods to Explore in Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta

Best if you want: Major attractions, sports, and convention centers.

Key spots:

• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 (basketball, concerts)
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (football, soccer, large events)
• CNN Center area – Near Centennial Olympic Park, with food options and access to SkyView Atlanta (observation wheel)

Downtown is walkable around the park, but many people use MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) or rideshare to avoid parking hassles during big events.

Midtown Atlanta

Best if you want: Arts, culture, and green space in one area.

Midtown stretches roughly from North Avenue up to Piedmont Park.

Key places to visit:

• Piedmont Park – 1320 Monroe 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
• Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Midtown is easy to get around on foot or by MARTA, especially near Peachtree Street and the Arts Center and Midtown stations.

Buckhead

Best if you want: Upscale shopping, dining, and a more polished feel.

Highlights include:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

The surrounding Buckhead Village area has boutiques, restaurants, and bars. This part of Atlanta is more car‑oriented, but there is a Lenox MARTA station nearby.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside

Best if you want: Trendy food spots, murals, and walkable urban trails.

Key areas:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail access all along the corridor

Locals and visitors use the BeltLine (a multi‑use trail) to walk, bike, or scooter through some of the city’s most vibrant in‑town neighborhoods, including Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward. You’ll find public art, skyline views, and many places to stop for food or coffee.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

Best if you want: Historic homes, independent shops, and a creative vibe.

• Inman Park has tree‑lined streets and Victorian houses, plus direct BeltLine access.
• Little Five Points, centered around Moreland Ave NE and Euclid Ave NE, is known for vintage shops, record stores, street art, and casual bars and eateries.

These neighborhoods are comfortable to explore on foot. Parking can be tight on weekends, so many residents use rideshare or bikes.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

Piedmont Park

Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Often called “Atlanta’s Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a go‑to spot for locals.

You’ll find:

• Walking and jogging paths
• Open fields for picnics and pickup sports
• Dog parks
• Seasonal festivals and events

The park connects to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail on the eastern edge.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of multi‑use trails built along old rail corridors circling the city’s core. For visitors, the most popular segments are:

• Eastside Trail – connects Midtown, Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park
• Westside Trail – runs through neighborhoods like West End and Adair Park

Good for walking, biking, and experiencing different neighborhoods without getting in a car.

Chattahoochee River Recreation

On the north and northwest edges of the metro area, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers river views, hiking, and paddling.

Popular access points near Atlanta include:

• Paces Mill Unit – 3444 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Powers Island Unit – near 5450 Interstate N Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

These areas are outside the core city but still within a reasonable drive if you want to get out on the water or walk wooded trails.

Arts, Culture, and Museums

High Museum of Art

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The High Museum of Art in Midtown is Atlanta’s major art museum, with collections ranging from classic works to contemporary pieces.

Good to know:

• Located near the Arts Center MARTA Station
• Often pairs well with a visit to the nearby Woodruff Arts Center and Symphony Hall

Atlanta History Center

Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center offers:

• Exhibits on Atlanta and Georgia history
• Historic houses and gardens on a large campus
• Civil War and Southern history collections

It’s a good option if you want deeper context on how the city developed and changed over time.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Near the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, this center focuses on civil rights in the United States and human rights movements around the world.

Visitors typically experience:

• Interactive exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement
• Personal stories and multimedia displays
• Quiet areas for reflection

This museum pairs well with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park for a broader picture of Atlanta’s civil rights legacy.

Family-Friendly Places to Visit

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Situated just off Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on hands‑on learning through play.

It’s particularly useful if:

• You have younger children (preschool and early elementary ages)
• You want an indoor option close to other downtown attractions

Fernbank Museum & Fernbank Forest

Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum combines natural history exhibits with giant dinosaur displays and a large IMAX‑style theater (show offerings vary).

Behind the museum, Fernbank Forest offers walking trails through preserved old‑growth forest, giving a surprisingly quiet, green escape not far from the city center.

College and Pro Sports Venues

Sports are a big part of Atlanta life, and the stadiums themselves are often destinations:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (football, soccer, major concerts)
• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 (basketball, concerts)
• Truist Park – 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (baseball, located in Cobb County just outside the city)

Even when games or events aren’t on your schedule, some visitors enjoy touring the stadiums or visiting surrounding entertainment districts like The Battery Atlanta near Truist Park.

Quick Comparison: Where to Visit Based on Your Interests

Practical Tips for Visiting Places in Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail is useful for getting to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport.
  • Rideshare and taxis are common, especially at night or for areas not close to stations.
  • Parking can be expensive or limited around major attractions and during big events.

• Timing your visits:

  • Weekdays and early mornings are generally less crowded at major attractions.
  • Spring and fall are popular for outdoor activities, thanks to milder temperatures.

• Tickets & reservations:

  • Many attractions offer timed entry or advance ticketing, which can help manage crowds.
  • Some locations host special events or temporary exhibits; checking schedules before you go can help you plan your day.

If you’re trying to decide where to visit in Atlanta, start with what matters most to you—history, food, art, parks, family fun, or sports—and use the neighborhoods and attractions above as building blocks. From the BeltLine and Piedmont Park to the Georgia Aquarium and MLK sites, most visitors and residents can find several spots that fit easily into a day or weekend in the city.