Best Places of Interest in Atlanta, GA: What to See, Do, and Explore

Atlanta, Georgia is packed with places of interest that appeal to locals, new transplants, and visitors alike. From historic landmarks and civil rights sites to world-class museums, parks, and neighborhoods, you can easily fill a day, weekend, or entire week exploring the city.

This guide walks through the most notable places of interest in Atlanta, GA, organized by type and area, with practical tips to help you decide where to go next.

Iconic Atlanta Landmarks You Shouldn’t Miss

Georgia Aquarium

One of the most recognized attractions in the city, the Georgia Aquarium is often at the top of the list for things to do in downtown Atlanta.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, dolphin presentations, and immersive exhibits like “Ocean Voyager.”
• Good for: Families, first-time visitors, rainy days, and anyone who enjoys marine life.

Tip: It’s right next to Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca‑Cola, so you can easily combine them into a walkable day in downtown Atlanta.

World of Coca‑Cola

The World of Coca‑Cola showcases the history, branding, and cultural impact of one of Atlanta’s most famous companies.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Historic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and a global tasting room.
• Good for: Visitors curious about Atlanta’s corporate history and brand culture.

CNN Center (Area of Interest)

The former CNN Center complex, near State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, remains a landmark area even as the building’s uses evolve. The surrounding area is still a hub for major events, games, and downtown exploration.

• Location: 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Nearby: State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, College Football Hall of Fame, SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel.

Even if you don’t go inside, the area itself is a central downtown point for walking and people‑watching before or after events.

Civil Rights, History, and Cultural Heritage

Atlanta has a central place in American history, especially in the Civil Rights Movement. These places of interest help you understand that story up close.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This is one of Atlanta’s most important historic sites.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• What’s here:
  • Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home (guided tours often by reservation)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
  • The King Center, with exhibits and Dr. King’s final resting place
  • Historic Fire Station No. 6 and “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden

It’s a walkable complex that offers a powerful overview of Dr. King’s life and the broader movement in Atlanta.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near the Georgia Aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with global human rights issues.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement
  • A gallery of Dr. King’s papers (rotating display)
  • Interactive displays on modern human rights challenges

It’s a good follow‑up visit after the MLK Jr. National Historical Park if you want a deeper, more global context.

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is both a historic cemetery and a public park, offering views of the skyline and insight into Atlanta’s past.

• Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Highlights:
  • Gravesites of notable Atlantans, including author Margaret Mitchell
  • Victorian gardens and statues
  • Seasonal tours and events

It’s especially popular in the fall and spring for walking and photography.

Museums and Educational Attractions

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s leading art museum and a centerpiece of the Midtown arts district.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What you’ll find:
  • American art, European art, African art, decorative arts
  • Rotating contemporary exhibits
  • Family programs and community events

If you’re already in Midtown, the High pairs well with a visit to Piedmont Park or a show at the Alliance Theatre.

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead combines traditional exhibits with historic homes and gardens.

• Location: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s development, railroads, and the Civil War
  • The Swan House, a historic mansion
  • Historic farm and gardens

This is a good place to understand how Atlanta grew from a rail hub into a major Southern city.

Fernbank Museum | Science & Nature

Fernbank Museum blends natural history, science exhibits, and outdoor spaces.

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Highlights:
  • Dinosaur exhibits and natural history galleries
  • Giant screen theater
  • Fernbank Forest and outdoor adventure areas

It’s especially popular with families and school groups, but adults often enjoy the forest trails and rotating exhibits.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Places of Interest

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a large urban green space in Midtown.

• Location (main entrance): 1215 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What to do:
  • Walk or run around the lake
  • Visit dog parks and playgrounds
  • Enjoy skyline views and seasonal festivals
  • Access the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail at the park’s edge

Locals use Piedmont Park for daily exercise, picnics, and community events, making it one of the most lived‑in places of interest in the city.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi‑use trails and future transit loops built on old rail corridors. Several sections are complete and heavily used.

Key segments of interest:

• Eastside Trail:
  • Connects Inman Park, Poncey‑Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
  • Lined with public art, restaurants, and access to Ponce City Market
• Westside Trail:
  • Runs through neighborhoods like West End, Adair Park, and Westview
  • More residential feel, with emerging food and art spots

You can walk, jog, or bike the BeltLine to explore multiple neighborhoods without driving.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park remains a central green space downtown.

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Nearby attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame.

It’s a convenient spot to rest, let kids run around, or catch seasonal events and festivals in the heart of the tourist district.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a curated escape with themed gardens and seasonal displays.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • Canopy Walk through the treetops
  • Orchid Center and tropical greenhouses
  • Outdoor sculptures and seasonal lights events

It’s a favorite for date nights, family outings, and anyone who enjoys gardening or photography.

Sports, Arenas, and Event Venues

Atlanta is a major sports and entertainment city. Even if you aren’t attending a game, the venues themselves are places of interest.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is also known for its striking architecture.

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to know:
  • Hosts football, soccer, concerts, and large events
  • Retractable roof and 360‑degree video board are notable features

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena hosts Atlanta Hawks (NBA) games, concerts, and special events.

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Nearby: CNN Center area, Centennial Olympic Park, MARTA access at GWCC/CNN Center Station.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

While technically just outside the Atlanta city limits in Cobb County, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta are still primary interests for many Atlanta residents and visitors.

• Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• What’s here:
  • Atlanta Braves (MLB) home games
  • Restaurants, shops, and year‑round events at The Battery

For anyone staying in or near north Atlanta, a game or evening at The Battery is a common outing.

Neighborhoods and Local Hotspots Worth Exploring

Some of Atlanta’s most interesting places aren’t individual buildings—they’re neighborhoods with their own vibe, architecture, and food scenes.

Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is a dense, walkable district filled with arts and culture.

• Key places of interest in Midtown:
  • High Museum of Art
  • Fox Theatre (historic theater at 660 Peachtree St NE)
  • Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Midtown dining corridors along Peachtree St, 10th St, and 14th St

Midtown is a good base for visitors who want easy access to both downtown attractions and neighborhood life.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is where many of the city’s biggest attractions cluster.

• Major downtown points of interest:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Downtown is easily accessed by MARTA rail and is especially convenient if you’re here for conventions or large events.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

To experience historic homes and modern redevelopment side by side, head to Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park.

• Old Fourth Ward:

  • Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE), a major food hall and shopping hub in a former Sears building
  • Street art and loft conversions

• Inman Park:

  • Victorian homes and leafy streets
  • Spring festivals and local restaurants

Walking or biking through these neighborhoods gives a strong sense of how old industrial spaces have been transformed into modern Atlanta attractions.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for upscale shopping, high‑rise offices, and residential areas.

• Places of interest in Buckhead:
  • Atlanta History Center
  • Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers
  • Dining and nightlife options along Peachtree Rd and adjacent streets

If you’re staying in Buckhead, the area serves as a northern hub for exploring the rest of the city via Peachtree Rd and GA‑400.

Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities

For families living in or visiting Atlanta, these spots consistently rank high.

Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is a long‑standing favorite, especially for younger children.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
• Highlights:
  • Giant pandas (when present), gorillas, reptiles, and more
  • Kid‑focused zones and play areas
  • Ties in well with a walk through historic Grant Park

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed specifically for younger kids.

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus: Hands‑on learning exhibits, role‑play spaces, and rotating themes that make it easier for kids to engage.

College Football Hall of Fame

Even non‑fans often enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Chick‑fil‑A College Football Hall of Fame.

• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights:
  • Helmet wall with teams from across the country
  • Interactive skill zones and multimedia exhibits

This works well as part of a broader downtown day that includes the aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola.

Performing Arts, Music, and Nightlife Spots of Interest

Atlanta’s cultural scene goes beyond museums and sports. For many residents and visitors, performance and nightlife venues are primary attractions.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings and a major performing arts destination.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Midtown)
• What to see: Touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, and local productions in a historic 1920s theater.

Alliance Theatre & Woodruff Arts Center

The Alliance Theatre (at Woodruff Arts Center) is a key institution in Atlanta’s theater and arts community.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What’s here:
  • Alliance Theatre performances
  • High Museum of Art
  • Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Live Music & Nightlife Areas

Several Atlanta areas are known for live music or nightlife:

• East Atlanta Village: Smaller venues and a neighborhood bar scene
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward): Bars, clubs, and late‑night energy
• West Midtown: Converted industrial spaces with restaurants, breweries, and performance venues

If you’re visiting, it helps to check lineups and hours in advance, since many spots have specific show nights.

Quick Reference: Major Places of Interest in Atlanta, GA

Practical Tips for Exploring Places of Interest in Atlanta

Here are a few locally relevant pointers to make your plans smoother:

• Use MARTA and Streetcar when possible:
  Downtown and Midtown attractions are often reachable via MARTA rail stations such as Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Arts Center, and Five Points. The Atlanta Streetcar connects some downtown and Sweet Auburn points of interest.

• Plan for traffic and parking:
  Driving is common in Atlanta, but traffic can be heavy during rush hours and game days. Many major attractions have their own parking decks, but costs and availability vary.

• Bundle nearby attractions:

  • Downtown: Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola + Centennial Olympic Park + College Football Hall of Fame
  • Midtown: Piedmont Park + Atlanta Botanical Garden + High Museum + Fox Theatre (evening show)
  • Eastside: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail + Ponce City Market + Old Fourth Ward Park + MLK Jr. sites (short drive or rideshare)

• Check hours and events in advance:
  Hours, tour availability, and special exhibits at places like the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta History Center, or Fernbank Museum can vary by season and day of the week.

By focusing on the neighborhoods and attractions that match your interests—history, art, sports, food, parks, or family fun—you can build an Atlanta itinerary that makes the most of the city’s many places of interest.