Best Attractions in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to See, and How to Plan Your Visit

Atlanta blends deep history, vibrant neighborhoods, and modern attractions in a way few cities do. Whether you live here, are planning a weekend trip, or just want to understand what makes Atlanta, Georgia special, this guide walks through the best attractions in Atlanta and how to experience them like a local.

Must-See Atlanta Landmarks

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a favorite for families, couples, and solo visitors.

Why go:

• Home to whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales
• Large interactive exhibits and touch pools
• Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours are often available

Good to know:

• Located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Parking garages are nearby; traveling by MARTA to Civic Center or Peachtree Center stations and walking is common
• Weekday mornings are typically less crowded

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola celebrates one of Atlanta’s most famous brands while offering a mix of history, pop culture, and tasting rooms.

Highlights:

• Exhibits on the history of the Coca‑Cola brand and advertising
• Vault exhibit about the secret formula
• Tasting area with sodas from around the world

Location:
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (in the Pemberton Place area, downtown)

Tip: Many visitors pair the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and Centennial Olympic Park in a single day because they’re all within easy walking distance.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central green space surrounded by many of Atlanta’s top attractions.

Why it’s worth a visit:

• Open areas for walking, picnicking, or relaxing
• Fountain of Rings with water shows at scheduled times
• Views of the downtown skyline and the SkyView Ferris wheel nearby

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

This park is especially pleasant in the evenings or on weekends when downtown is more relaxed.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For anyone who wants to understand Atlanta’s role in American history, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is essential.

What you’ll find:

• Dr. King’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The Visitor Center with exhibits on the civil rights movement
• The King Center, featuring Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb and reflecting pool

Location & Basics:

• Main visitor area around 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Operated by the National Park Service
• Admission to the park grounds and many exhibits is typically free, but house tour access can be limited and may require timed tickets

This area sits in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, historically one of Atlanta’s most important African American business and cultural districts.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

A modern museum near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the American civil rights movement to global human rights issues.

Key features:

• Powerful exhibits on the U.S. civil rights era, including personal stories and archival materials
• Rotating and interactive exhibits on global human rights challenges
• Strong educational programming and group tour options

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

This is often paired with the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola for a full day in downtown.

Atlanta History Center

If you want a broad look at Atlanta’s story, from the Civil War to the city’s modern growth, the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead is the place to go.

What to expect:

• Large permanent exhibits on Atlanta’s history and the American Civil War
• Swan House, a historic mansion and gardens
• Reconstructed farm buildings and walking paths

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

Parking is usually straightforward here, and the grounds can be a calmer break from the busy city core.

Top Family-Friendly Attractions

Zoo Atlanta

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a favorite for local families and visitors with kids.

Highlights:

• Diverse animals, including gorillas, elephants, and reptiles
• Kid-friendly areas and educational presentations
• Walkable layout in a shaded, historic neighborhood park

Location:
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Pair a zoo visit with a stroll around Grant Park or a short drive to nearby neighborhoods like Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

For younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits that focus on play and learning.

Good for:

• Toddlers through early elementary-aged children
• Short visits, especially on hot or rainy days
• Families already spending time downtown

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

Many locals combine the Children’s Museum with a quick play in Centennial Olympic Park right across the street.

College Football Hall of Fame

Sports fans, especially football lovers, often head to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Highlights:

• Interactive exhibits and simulators
• Massive helmet wall representing college teams
• Activities for both adults and kids

Location:
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s walkable from most major downtown attractions and hotels.

Outdoor Spaces and Scenic Spots

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is often called Atlanta’s “Central Park” and is one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

Why locals love it:

• Open fields, dog parks, and walking/jogging trails
• Great skyline views from the south and park lake areas
• Seasonal festivals and farmers markets

Location:
Main entrance near 1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Piedmont Park sits next to Midtown, making it easy to pair a park visit with dining or museums nearby.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail network. The Eastside Trail is especially popular.

Best parts of the BeltLine for visitors:

• Walking and biking paths connecting Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, and other neighborhoods
• Public art installations and murals along the trail
• Easy access to restaurants, markets, and shops

Many people access the BeltLine near:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)

Tip: Even if you’re only in town briefly, a leisurely walk on the BeltLine gives you a feel for modern, everyday Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Day Trip)

While not inside Atlanta city limits, Stone Mountain Park is a major regional attraction and common day trip for locals.

What you’ll find:

• A large granite mountain with a popular hike-up trail
• Scenic views from the summit
• Lake, trails, and family-oriented attractions inside the park

Location:
Roughly 15–20 miles east of downtown, in Stone Mountain, GA 30083

If you’re staying in Atlanta without a car, plan ahead for ride services or regional transit options.

Arts, Museums, and Performance

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s premier art museum, located in Midtown’s cultural district.

Why it stands out:

• Strong collections of American, European, African, and folk art
• Rotating major exhibitions
• Free or discounted entry days for certain groups are sometimes offered

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

It’s directly accessible via the Arts Center MARTA station, and within walking distance of other arts venues.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is both a performing arts venue and an iconic historic building.

What to know:

• Hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, and special events
• Famous for its ornate, atmospheric interior and “night sky” ceiling
• Tours of the theatre are sometimes available

Location:
660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Even if you don’t attend a show, seeing the exterior during a Midtown walk is worthwhile.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Alliance Theatre

In Midtown’s arts district, you’ll also find:

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Alliance Theatre in the same complex

Both are respected cultural institutions and popular with residents who enjoy classical music and theater.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Some of Atlanta’s best “attractions” are entire neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Midtown

Midtown is a central hub for arts, dining, and nightlife.

Top reasons to visit:

• Proximity to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre
• Walkable streets compared to many other Atlanta areas
• Mix of restaurants, bars, and shops

Good for visitors who want a base close to both downtown attractions and more local-feeling areas.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

• Inman Park: Historic Victorian homes, leafy streets, and access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Little Five Points: Alternative, artsy neighborhood known for vintage shops, murals, and music venues

These areas show off Atlanta’s more eclectic side and are popular weekend hangouts for locals.

Old Fourth Ward

The Old Fourth Ward (O4W) blends civil rights history with modern redevelopment.

Why it’s interesting:

• Close to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Access to the BeltLine and Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Mix of new apartments, markets, and older homes

It’s a good area to see how historic Atlanta and modern growth meet.

Quick Planning Guide: Top Atlanta Attractions at a Glance

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Attractions

• Use MARTA when possible:
  The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) rail and bus system connects the airport, downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs. Stations like Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Five Points, and Civic Center are close to many major attractions.

• Check hours and ticketing in advance:
  Many popular sites (like the Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, and Zoo Atlanta) offer online ticketing and occasionally timed entry, which can reduce wait times.

• Plan by area, not just by attraction:
  Grouping activities by neighborhood (for example, downtown for a day, Midtown and Piedmont Park another day, BeltLine and O4W/Inman Park on another) saves time and makes transportation easier.

• Be mindful of traffic and parking:
  Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially during weekday rush hours. If you drive, allow extra time for parking near big attractions and consider paid decks in busier districts.

• Consider the weather:
  Summers can be hot and humid. Outdoor-heavy days (BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Zoo Atlanta) are often more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon.

Exploring these best attractions in Atlanta gives you a clear sense of the city’s history, its role in civil rights, its creative energy, and the way residents enjoy their day-to-day life. Whether you’re here for a day or are a long-time Atlantan looking to rediscover your city, starting with the places above will give you a strong, well-rounded experience of Atlanta, Georgia.