Tourist Activities in Atlanta, GA: What to See, Do, and Explore

Atlanta, Georgia offers a mix of big-city attractions, Civil Rights history, Southern food, and green spaces that are easy to reach whether you live here or are visiting. This guide walks through the most popular tourist activities in Atlanta, GA, with practical tips, key locations, and ideas for different interests and budgets.

Essential Atlanta Landmarks You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a common first stop for visitors.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Best for: Families, couples, groups, rainy days
• Highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, dolphin presentations, touch pools

Tips:

• Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
• Combines well with nearby World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park for a full day downtown.

2. World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola focuses on the history and global impact of the Coca‑Cola brand.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Experience: Brand history exhibits, bottling line demo, tasting room

It’s a good choice if you want a shorter, walkable attraction downtown and an indoor experience.

3. Centennial Olympic Park

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

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Relaxing between activities, kids who want to run around, quick photos
• Nearby attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, CNN Center area, College Football Hall of Fame

Look for:

• The Fountain of Rings
• Seasonal events and festivals
• Views of the downtown skyline

4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For a deeper look at Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, this site is essential.

• Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Includes:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours, timed access)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Visitor center with exhibits
  • The King Center and reflecting pool

Plan for at least 1.5–2 hours if you want to fully experience the exhibits and surrounding area along Auburn Avenue.

Top Neighborhoods and Walkable Areas to Explore

Atlanta BeltLine: Eastside & Westside Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail system built along former rail corridors, connecting several in-town neighborhoods.

Popular segments for visitors:

• Eastside Trail (Ponce City Market ↔ Krog Street Market):
  • Street art, patios, food halls, and shops
  • Easy to combine with a meal or coffee stop
• Westside Trail:
  • More residential feel, breweries, local restaurants

You can walk, run, or rent bikes and scooters from various vendors near Ponce City Market and along the trail.

Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is a good base if you want culture, parks, and nightlife all close together.

Key spots:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s central park; walking trails, dog parks, skyline views
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Themed gardens, canopy walk, seasonal light displays
• Fox Theatre – Historic theater with Broadway tours and performances
• High Museum of Art – Modern and classic art in a bright, spacious setting

Midtown is also one of the more walkable parts of Atlanta, with MARTA rail access at Midtown Station and Arts Center Station.

Downtown & Fairlie-Poplar

Downtown is dense with tourist attractions, government buildings, and historic areas like Fairlie-Poplar.

Things to check out:

• SkyView Atlanta – Large Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits for sports fans
• Historic buildings and theaters in the Fairlie-Poplar district

Downtown is well-served by MARTA rail (Five Points, Peachtree Center, and GWCC/CNN Center stations).

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

For a mix of history, food, and the BeltLine:

• Old Fourth Ward:
  • Near the MLK Jr. National Historical Park
  • Walkable to the BeltLine Eastside Trail and Ponce City Market
• Inman Park:
  • Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, local restaurants
  • Easy access to the BeltLine and Krog Street Market

This area gives a good sense of Atlanta’s mix of historic and modern.

Museums, History, and Culture

Atlanta History Center

• Location: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Includes:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s past, the Civil War, and Southern history
  • Swan House mansion
  • Historic farm and outdoor trails

Allow at least 2–3 hours. It’s a good choice if you want a more complete picture of how Atlanta developed.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Focus: U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues
• Nearby: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park

The exhibits are powerful and interactive. Plan time to move through them at a thoughtful pace, especially the sit‑in counter simulation and personal stories.

High Museum of Art

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Best for: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, families who enjoy museums
• Highlights: Permanent and rotating collections, family programs, sculpture installations

Easily accessed via Arts Center MARTA Station, and close to other Midtown attractions.

Other Notable Cultural Stops

• Center for Puppetry Arts – Unique, family-friendly; includes Jim Henson exhibits
• Atlanta Contemporary – Free contemporary art space (check hours)
• Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) – Design-focused exhibits across from the High Museum

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

Piedmont Park

• Location: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Good for: Picnics, jogging, dog walking, casual sports, festivals

From the north end, you can walk to Atlanta Botanical Garden. From the south, you’re close to Midtown’s restaurant and bar scene.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • Canopy walk over Storza Woods
  • Seasonal orchid, scarecrow, and holiday light displays
  • Sculpted plant figures and specialty gardens

Combine with a stroll in Piedmont Park for a half‑day of outdoor time.

Stone Mountain Park (Just Outside Atlanta)

While not in city limits, Stone Mountain Park is a common day trip for visitors staying in Atlanta.

• Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Activities: Hiking up Stone Mountain, scenic railway, lake area, seasonal events

If you’re staying in central Atlanta, you’ll likely need a car or rideshare to get there.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

For a quieter nature break:

• Popular access points near Atlanta:
  • Cochran Shoals / Interstate North
  • Powers Island
• Activities: Walking, running, kayaking, tubing (in season), picnics

Local outfitters often provide tube or kayak rentals in warmer months. Check conditions before getting on the water.

Family-Friendly Tourist Activities in Atlanta

Atlanta works well for families because many attractions are clustered together and easy to reach.

Top family-friendly picks:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Fernbank Museum | Fernbank Forest – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (dinosaurs, IMAX-style theater, forest trails)

Quick Family Planning Table

📝 Tip: Many families plan one big-ticket attraction in the morning, lunch nearby, and then a park or the BeltLine in the afternoon so kids can burn off energy.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavor

Ponce City Market

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why go: Large food hall, shops, BeltLine access, rooftop amusement area

A popular plan is to:

1. Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail
2. Eat and shop at Ponce City Market
3. Head to the rooftop (weather permitting) for games and skyline views

Krog Street Market

• Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Vibe: Smaller than Ponce City Market, with a mix of food stalls, drinks, and casual seating

You can reach it easily from the BeltLine or by walking through Inman Park.

Local Food Experiences

Visitors often look for:

• Southern and soul food – Fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread
• Barbecue – Pork, brisket, ribs with regional sauces
• Global cuisine – Buford Highway (northeast of downtown) is known for diverse international restaurants

Since options change frequently, it’s best to focus on areas (Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Buford Highway) and explore current offerings once you’re here.

Sports, Music, and Nightlife

Major Sports Venues

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home to Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• State Farm Arena
  • Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and major concerts

Both are walkable from Centennial Olympic Park and downtown MARTA stations.

Live Music & Theater

• Fox Theatre – Historic venue for concerts, Broadway shows, and tours
• Tabernacle – Mid-size concert hall near Centennial Olympic Park
• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points) – Music venue in a quirky, artsy neighborhood

For something less formal, Edgewood Avenue, East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and parts of Midtown have bars and small venues with live bands and DJs.

Free or Low-Cost Things to Do in Atlanta

Not every tourist activity in Atlanta, GA has to be expensive. There are many budget-friendly options:

• Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine
• Relax at Piedmont Park or Historic Fourth Ward Park
• Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (no admission fee; donations welcomed)
• Explore neighborhoods:
  • Little Five Points (vintage shops, murals)
  • Inman Park (architecture, parks)
  • Grant Park (historic homes, park, near Zoo Atlanta)
• Check out public art and murals in Old Fourth Ward, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, and along the BeltLine

If you’re staying in or near downtown or Midtown, MARTA rail can help keep transportation costs down.

Getting Around Atlanta for Sightseeing

Atlanta is spread out, but with a bit of planning you can move between attractions efficiently.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

• Rail lines connect Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport with downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Useful stations for tourists:
  • Airport – direct to terminals
  • Five Points – downtown transfer hub
  • Peachtree Center – downtown area
  • GWCC/CNN Center – near Centennial Olympic Park cluster
  • Midtown / Arts Center – for Midtown, Piedmont Park, High Museum
  • Buckhead / Lenox / Lenox Square area – shopping and some hotels

MARTA is often the fastest way to go between the airport and central Atlanta.

Walking and Rideshare

• Downtown and Midtown: Reasonably walkable, especially from hotel clusters.
• BeltLine areas: Good for walking or biking once you get there.
• Rideshare and taxis: Commonly used when moving between neighborhoods or staying out late.

📝 Tip: For a day of sightseeing, group activities by area (e.g., “downtown day,” “Midtown and Piedmont Park day,” “BeltLine and Inman Park day”) to reduce travel time.

Sample Itineraries for Tourist Activities in Atlanta, GA

One Day in Atlanta (First-Time Visitor)

Morning:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Walk through Centennial Olympic Park

Afternoon:

• World of Coca‑Cola or National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Evening:

• Dinner in Midtown or on the BeltLine
• Optional: SkyView Atlanta or a short BeltLine stroll if time allows

Weekend Visit (2–3 Days)

Day 1 – Downtown:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Dinner downtown or in Castleberry Hill neighborhood

Day 2 – Midtown & BeltLine:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• High Museum of Art (optional)
• Late afternoon/evening on the BeltLine with Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market

Day 3 – History & Neighborhoods:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Walk around Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park
• Optional: Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park or Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta’s Attractions

• Traffic: Plan around weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.).
• Weather: Summers are hot and humid; carry water and consider indoor attractions midday.
• Tickets: Popular spots like the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and sports events may require advance or timed-entry tickets, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Parking: Many attractions have paid garages; using MARTA or rideshare can be simpler for downtown and Midtown.
• Accessibility: Major attractions typically provide accessible entrances and services; check specific sites in advance if you have particular needs.

Exploring tourist activities in Atlanta, GA can be as structured or as relaxed as you like. Whether you focus on Civil Rights history, family attractions, outdoor spaces, or food and nightlife, the city’s main highlights are clustered in a few core areas that are easy to link together into a memorable visit.