The Best Thing To Do in Atlanta: How to Spend an Unforgettable Day in the City

If you only have time for one truly great thing to do in Atlanta, make it this:

This combination gives you a real feel for Atlanta—its history, neighborhoods, skyline views, food scene, and outdoor culture—in a way that both visitors and locals love.

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to turning that into your best day in Atlanta, plus a few smart variations depending on your interests.

Why This Is the Best Thing to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta has world-class attractions—Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park—but the single best experience weaves together:

• Downtown energy around Centennial Olympic Park
• Walkable outdoor space along the Atlanta BeltLine
• Historic charm and food at Ponce City Market
• Skyline views that remind you you’re in a major city
• Easy flexibility (family-friendly, date night, solo, or group)

You’re not just checking off one attraction—you’re experiencing how Atlanta fits together.

Overview: Your Ideal “Best Day in Atlanta” Plan

You can do this in one long day or break it into two half-days if you live in Atlanta and prefer slower exploring.

Start Downtown: Centennial Olympic Park and Surrounding Icons

Centennial Olympic Park: Atlanta’s Central Gathering Place

Centennial Olympic Park sits in the heart of downtown at
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, today it’s:

• A green space surrounded by major attractions
• A spot to see Fountain of Rings, Olympic monuments, and city views
• A convenient starting point for your day

What to do here:

• Walk the Fountain of Rings Plaza and Olympic markers
• Take a slow loop to spot the skyline and ferris wheel (SkyView)
• Use nearby cafes for coffee or a quick breakfast

From here, you can choose one major attraction to anchor your morning.

Option 1: Georgia Aquarium (Top Family-Friendly Choice)

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
A short walk from Centennial Olympic Park.

Highlights:

• Huge aquatic exhibits and immersive tunnels
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations (timing varies)
• Family-friendly and indoors (helpful in hot or rainy weather)

This works well if you:

• Have kids
• Prefer indoor attractions
• Want a single, big, memorable sight

Plan 2–3 hours to enjoy it without rushing.

Option 2: World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta Brand & History)

World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Ideal if you want:

• A uniquely Atlanta-branded experience
• History, memorabilia, and a look at global marketing
• A tasting room with Coca-Cola products from different regions

This pairs easily with a shorter stroll through Centennial Olympic Park and then an early lunch downtown or along the BeltLine.

Option 3: Civil Rights and History Focus

If you’re more interested in history or want to avoid tourist-heavy crowds, consider shifting your morning slightly:

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Visitor Center typically accessed near
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

You can see:

• The birth home of Dr. King (tour options vary)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Exhibits focused on the Civil Rights Movement

This area is east of downtown and pairs well with the BeltLine later in the day (via short ride or drive). It offers a deeper, more reflective start before moving into the more recreational parts of the city.

Midday: Head to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

What the Atlanta BeltLine Is (and Why It Matters)

The Atlanta BeltLine is a redeveloped former railway loop encircling much of the city. The Eastside Trail is the most active and visitor-friendly segment.

You’ll find:

• A wide, paved multi-use trail for walking, biking, and scooters
• Street art, murals, and changing installations
• Access to neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland
• Direct connection to Ponce City Market

The Eastside Trail gives you a sense of Atlanta’s future: more walkable, connected, and neighborhood-focused.

Getting Onto the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Good entry points include:

• Old Fourth Ward access near Krog Street Market
  Approx. area: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Ponce City Market access
  Main address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

From downtown/Centennial Olympic Park:

• Take a short rideshare or drive to a BeltLine access point
• Or use MARTA to a nearby station (e.g., North Avenue or Inman Park/Reynoldstown) and walk or rideshare from there

How to Enjoy the Eastside Trail

Once you’re on the trail, the best thing to do is simply move and explore:

• Walk or rent scooters/bikes if available in the area
• Check out murals and public art along the way
• Take short detours into Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward for coffee, snacks, or photos
• Look for small parks and overlooks for quick breaks

For many locals, the “best thing to do in Atlanta” is just being on the BeltLine on a nice day—people-watching, walking dogs, and seeing how the city’s neighborhoods connect.

Afternoon: Eat, Shop, and Explore Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market: The BeltLine’s Landmark Destination

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

This historic former Sears building is now:

• A large food hall with a wide mix of cuisines
• Retail shops and local concept stores
• Office and residential space
• A major BeltLine hub, frequently used as a starting or ending point for walks

Why it’s the centerpiece of your day:

• Great for all budgets (quick bites to nicer sit-down spots)
• Indoors but connected to the outdoor BeltLine
• A place where locals and visitors both hang out

What to Do at Ponce City Market

Once you arrive:

• Have lunch or a late afternoon meal at the food hall
• Sample local and international food in smaller portions to try more than one vendor
• Browse shops and kiosks for local goods, books, or gifts
• Step back onto the BeltLine between stops to keep the city view in sight

If you live in Atlanta, you can also treat this as:

• A remote work half-day from one of the cafes (on non-peak days)
• A meeting spot for friends before walking the trail together

Evening: Stay for Sunset, Views, and Nightlife

Enjoying the BeltLine at Golden Hour

As the afternoon turns to evening:

• Stay near the Ponce City Market section of the BeltLine
• Enjoy the cooler temperatures and golden-hour light on the skyline
• Watch the vibe shift as runners and cyclists mix with dinner crowds

This time of day offers some of the best photo opportunities in Atlanta—murals, skyline peaks, and a lively mix of people and dogs.

Rooftops and Nearby Spots

Around the Ponce/BeltLine area, you can:

• Look for rooftop or upper-level spots that offer skyline views
• Grab a casual drink or dessert along the Eastside Trail
• Choose between low-key (patios, quick service spots) and more polished venues

If you’re ending earlier, a simple walk back along the BeltLine during sunset and an easy ride home or back to your hotel still caps the day nicely.

Variations: Tailoring the “Best Thing To Do” to Your Style

If You’re Traveling With Kids

Keep the same core plan, but adjust for energy levels:

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium or Centennial Olympic Park fountains and playgrounds
• Midday: Shorter BeltLine stroll with ice cream stops
• Afternoon: Ponce City Market food hall (kid-friendly choices are easy to find)
• Evening: Early return to hotel or home after an early dinner

Keep walking distances reasonable and plan rest breaks every couple of hours.

If You’re Local and Want a “Perfect Saturday”

For someone living in Atlanta:

• Start a little later with brunch nearby (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown)
• Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail to Ponce City Market
• Spend the afternoon browsing, eating, and maybe running small errands there
• Stay into the evening on the BeltLine for friends, drinks, and city views

This uses the same backbone—BeltLine + Ponce City Market—but more like your extended neighborhood than a formal sightseeing agenda.

If You Prefer Culture Over Big Attractions

Shift the morning:

• Begin at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park on Auburn Ave
• Explore nearby Sweet Auburn landmarks and street art
• Then transition to the BeltLine (via short drive or rideshare)
• Spend the afternoon and evening as described around Ponce City Market

You still end up on the BeltLine and at Ponce, but with a more historical and reflective start.

If You Love Nature More Than City Life

If you’re willing to swap parts of the day:

• Morning or early afternoon:
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
    1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
    (near Piedmont Park)
  • Walk through Piedmont Park for lake and skyline views
• Late afternoon and evening:
  • Head to the BeltLine Eastside Trail section near Ponce City Market
  • Continue with the Ponce + BeltLine plan for food and nightlife

This still keeps your best thing to do in Atlanta centered on walkable experiences with views, just with a stronger nature component.

Practical Tips to Make It Your Best Atlanta Day

• Transportation:
  • Downtown to BeltLine/Ponce is a short rideshare or drive.
  • MARTA can reduce parking hassles; consider using stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, North Avenue, or Inman Park/Reynoldstown as hubs.
• Parking:
  • Centennial Olympic Park area has public decks and lots.
  • Ponce City Market has a structured parking system with clear signage.
• Weather Strategy:
  • Hot day: Focus more on indoor attractions early, BeltLine later in the afternoon or evening.
  • Rainy day: Emphasize Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Ponce City Market’s indoor areas, and keep the BeltLine walk shorter or optional.
• Comfort:
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially in warmer months.

If you’re trying to decide the single best thing to do in Atlanta, choose a day that connects Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and Ponce City Market. Together, they show you Atlanta’s past, present, and future—without feeling rushed or overwhelming, and with plenty of chances to eat well, see the skyline, and feel like you’re truly in the city.