Atlanta, GA Attractions: What to See, Do, and Explore in the City

Atlanta packs a lot into its skyline: world-class attractions, deep civil rights history, major sports, and a thriving food and arts scene. Whether you live in the city, are planning a weekend visit, or are trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, this guide walks through the top Atlanta, GA attractions and how to make the most of them.

Iconic Downtown Atlanta Attractions

Downtown is where many first-time visitors start—and even longtime locals come back here for big-ticket sights.

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Sights

Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this park is now a central gathering spot surrounded by major attractions. You’ll find:

• Open lawns and walking paths
• The Fountain of Rings, popular with kids in warm weather
• Frequent festivals, concerts, and outdoor events

Right around the park are several of Atlanta’s most-visited attractions:

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Known for its massive tanks and diverse sea life, Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Highlights often include:

• A large ocean gallery with whale sharks and manta rays
• Walk-through viewing tunnels
• Touch pools and interactive exhibits

It’s a full half-day activity for most visitors, and locals often return for special exhibits or seasonal events.

World of Coca-Cola

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

This museum explores the history of Atlanta’s most famous beverage brand. Inside, you can:

• Learn how Coca-Cola began in Atlanta
• See memorabilia and historic ads
• Visit tasting areas featuring different drinks from around the world

It’s especially appealing for families and anyone interested in branding, marketing, or Atlanta’s business history.

SkyView Atlanta

SkyView Atlanta
168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

This large Ferris wheel sits across from Centennial Olympic Park and offers:

• Enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas
• Views of the downtown skyline, especially striking at night

It’s a quick but memorable experience and easy to combine with other downtown attractions.

Atlanta’s Civil Rights & History Attractions

Atlanta is central to the story of the Civil Rights Movement and African American history in the United States. Many visitors make these sites a core part of their trip.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this multi-site park includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours often available)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center, where Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are laid to rest
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and nonviolent activism

This area is walkable, but it can be busy; many people plan at least a couple of hours to explore.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects:

• The American Civil Rights Movement
• Ongoing global human rights issues

Exhibits often include interactive elements, archival footage, and personal stories. It’s a powerful stop for adults and older students, and it pairs well with a visit to the King Historic District.

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

In Buckhead, this large history complex offers:

• Exhibits on Atlanta’s growth, the Civil War, and Southern culture
• Historic homes and gardens
• The Swan House, a notable mansion frequently used in film and TV

Locals often return here for seasonal events, rotating exhibits, and garden walks.

Family-Friendly Atlanta Attractions

Atlanta is very family-oriented, with plenty of attractions that work well for kids, teens, and multigenerational groups.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Located in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is known for:

• A wide variety of animals, including great apes and big cats
• Kid-friendly play areas and educational programs
• Shaded paths that make walking more comfortable in warm weather

Many local families hold memberships and visit throughout the year.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

Here you’ll find:

• Dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric exhibits
• Science and nature galleries
• A giant screen theater
• Outdoor WildWoods and Fernbank Forest trails

It’s a good choice for school-age children and anyone interested in natural history and the environment.

Arts, Culture, and Performance

Atlanta’s arts scene spans major institutions and neighborhood galleries, with something for every taste.

High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The High is Atlanta’s flagship art museum, located in Midtown’s cultural district. Visitors typically enjoy:

• American, European, African, and folk art collections
• Rotating major exhibitions
• Family programs and special events

The building itself is architecturally notable, and it’s located along Peachtree Street near other cultural venues.

Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

A historic landmark in Midtown, the Fox Theatre is known for:

• Distinctive “Moorish” architectural style and ornate interior
• Broadway shows, concerts, and classic film screenings
• Behind-the-scenes tours on select days

Even if you don’t attend a performance, many people consider a tour worthwhile to experience the interior.

Alliance Theatre & Woodruff Arts Center

Alliance Theatre / Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Adjacent to the High Museum, the Alliance Theatre is a leading regional theater, often premiering new works. The Woodruff Arts Center complex includes:

• The High Museum of Art
• Alliance Theatre
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (located at the same arts campus)

This area is easy to reach via MARTA Arts Center Station, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each offer a distinct vibe, with attractions, dining, and local character.

Midtown: Culture, Parks, and Nightlife

Midtown is walkable by Atlanta standards and packed with arts, dining, and green space.

Key Midtown highlights:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s central urban park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and skyline views.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Features seasonal flower displays, a canopy walk, and themed gardens.
• A concentration of restaurants along Peachtree St and side streets.

Locals often use Midtown as a starting point for a day that combines museums, park time, and dinner out.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

Buckhead, in north Atlanta, is known for:

• High-end shopping districts and malls
• Upscale dining and nightlife
• Large homes and tree-lined streets

Nearby attractions include the Atlanta History Center, plus various galleries and boutiques.

Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine

For a more neighborhood-focused experience, these eastside areas are popular:

• Inman Park – Victorian homes, leafy streets, and strong local restaurant options.
• Old Fourth Ward (O4W) – Close to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, with food halls, murals, and nightlife.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – A paved multi-use trail running through several neighborhoods, ideal for walking and biking.

An especially popular stop:

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

This former Sears building now houses:

• A food hall
• Shopping
• Rooftop attractions (often open with paid admission or event tickets)

It connects directly to the BeltLine, making it a convenient landmark for exploring the trail.

Outdoor Attractions and Green Spaces

Atlanta is often called “the city in the forest” for its tree canopy and numerous parks.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is one of the city’s most-used public spaces, popular with runners, dog walkers, and families. Within or near the park, you’ll find:

• Walking and jogging paths
• Sports fields and courts
• Dog parks
• Access to the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the park’s northern edge

Events like festivals and farmers markets often take place here throughout the year.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

In addition to seasonal flower shows, the garden features:

• Canopy Walk – A treetop walkway through a hardwood forest
• Specialized gardens (orchids, edible garden, children’s garden)
• Evening events on select nights

Locals tend to return multiple times a year to see different seasonal displays.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Metro-Area Access)

While much of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area stretches beyond Atlanta city limits, many Atlanta residents enjoy easy access to:

• Riversides for picnicking and walking
• Kayaking, tubing, and paddling (seasonal and weather-dependent)
• Shaded forests and trails

These areas are accessed by short drives from Atlanta and give a quick escape into nature.

Sports and Large Venues

Atlanta is a major sports city, with attractions tied to its professional teams and stadiums.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Home to:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Visitors can:

• Attend games and large concerts
• Join guided tours to view locker rooms, suites, and field-level areas

The stadium is near downtown and connected to the MARTA rail system, making it accessible without a car.

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), this arena also hosts:

• Concerts
• Family shows
• Special events

Located adjacent to CNN Center and near Centennial Olympic Park, it’s easy to combine games or events with nearby attractions and dining.

Atlanta BeltLine: Trails, Art, and Neighborhood Access

The Atlanta BeltLine is a project converting old rail corridors into walking and biking trails around the city. For many residents and visitors, it has become a top “attraction” in its own right.

BeltLine Eastside Trail

The most developed and popular segment runs from around Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward toward Midtown.

Along the Eastside Trail, you’ll find:

• Public art and murals
• Direct access to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
• Parks and green spaces
• Ponce City Market and other nearby commercial hubs

Locals use the trail for daily exercise, commuting by bike, and socializing, especially on weekends.

Other BeltLine Segments

Additional segments, such as the Westside Trail, continue to expand. These areas typically offer:

• A mix of residential and industrial architecture
• Emerging restaurants, breweries, and art spaces
• Growing access points and small parks

If you’re visiting, starting with the Eastside Trail is usually the most straightforward introduction.

Film & TV Locations in Atlanta

Atlanta is a major film and television production hub. While many studios are on private lots, viewers often recognize public spots around the city.

Commonly featured areas and attractions include:

• Downtown high-rises and streets
• The Swan House at Atlanta History Center
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, and Old Fourth Ward
• Various parks, overpasses, and cityscapes

Some tours specifically focus on film and TV locations, often highlighting superhero movies, zombie-themed shows, and popular streaming series shot in and around Atlanta.

Quick Reference: Major Atlanta, GA Attractions

Below is a simple overview of some of the city’s key attractions and where they’re located.

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Attractions

To make the most of Atlanta, GA attractions:

• Plan by area: Group downtown attractions together, Midtown and Piedmont Park/Botanical Garden in one block, and BeltLine/Ponce City Market in another.
• Use MARTA when possible: Downtown, Midtown, and some Buckhead spots are accessible by rail and bus, helping you avoid traffic and parking costs.
• Check hours and ticket policies in advance: Many major attractions use timed entry or recommend advance purchase, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Account for traffic and weather: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, and summers are hot and humid. Indoor attractions and evening hours can be more comfortable at peak heat.

Whether you’re here for a short visit or exploring your own city as a resident, focusing on these Atlanta, GA attractions gives you a clear sense of what makes Atlanta energetic, historic, and distinctly Southern.