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

Atlanta offers a mix of big-city energy, historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and outdoor escapes that are easy to reach whether you live in the metro area or you’re just in town for a few days. This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia attractions that locals actually visit and that visitors can realistically fit into an itinerary.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

This is often the first stop for visitors and a place locals return to for festivals, events, and major attractions.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a popular spot for families, couples, and school groups.

• Highlights:
  • Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish
  • Touch pools and interactive exhibits
  • Dolphin and sea lion presentations (timed shows)
• Good for: Families, rainy days, first-time visitors
• Tip: 🕒 Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than weekends and holidays.

Location:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

World of Coca‑Cola

Located near the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola is a brand-focused attraction, but also a popular Atlanta experience and an easy add-on to a downtown visit.

• What to expect:
  • Exhibits on the history of Coca‑Cola
  • Memorabilia, advertising displays, and bottling demonstrations
  • Tasting room with beverages from around the world
• Good for: Short visits, mixed-age groups, pop culture fans
• Tip: Many people pair this with the aquarium in a single day since they’re within walking distance of each other.

Location:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 676-5151

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a public green space surrounded by major attractions.

• Features:
  • Fountain of Rings with timed water shows
  • Walking paths, lawns, and skyline views
  • Regular festivals, concerts, and seasonal events
• Good for: Picnics, kids to run around, a break between attractions
• Tip: 🎟 Many large events downtown use this park as a hub, so check event calendars if you prefer quieter visits.

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

CNN Center Area & State Farm Arena

While the CNN Studio Tours have changed over time, the surrounding area remains a hub for:

• Atlanta Hawks games at State Farm Arena
• Major concerts and shows
• Restaurants and quick food options for downtown events

Location (State Farm Arena):
1 State Farm Dr
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 878-3000

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to global human rights issues.

• Highlights:
  • Exhibits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement
  • Interactive, often emotional displays on human rights worldwide
• Good for: Older kids, teens, and adults; thoughtful, reflective visits
• Tip: Allow 2–3 hours for a meaningful visit and consider going when you’re not rushed.

Location:
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (678) 999-8990

Midtown & The Arts District

Midtown is known for culture, nightlife, and parks, and it’s easy to reach by MARTA rail.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s main art museum and a central part of the Midtown arts scene.

• What you’ll find:
  • American, European, African, and folk art collections
  • Rotating special exhibitions
  • Family programs and evening events
• Good for: Art lovers, date days, quiet afternoons
• Tip: 🖼 Check for free or reduced-admission days which are offered periodically.

Location:
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 733-4400

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most photographed attractions.

• Highlights:
  • Canopy Walk through the treetops
  • Seasonal flower displays and plant collections
  • Holiday light shows and special exhibits
• Good for: Couples, families, photography, and peaceful walks
• Tip: 🌸 Spring and early summer offer especially vibrant gardens, but events run year-round.

Location:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 876-5859

Piedmont Park

Often called “Atlanta’s Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a major outdoor attraction for both locals and visitors.

• Features:
  • Walking/jogging paths and dog parks
  • Lake Clara Meer and open fields
  • Regular festivals, including major city events
• Good for: Exercise, picnics, people-watching, free time outdoors
• Tip: The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail connects to the park, making it a good starting point for a longer walk or bike ride.

Location (Main Entrance):
Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Fox Theatre

The historic Fox Theatre is a landmark for live performances in Atlanta.

• What happens here:
  • Broadway touring shows
  • Concerts, comedy, film screenings, and special events
• Good for: Nights out, special occasions, theater lovers
• Tip: 🎭 Look into behind-the-scenes tours if you’re interested in the building’s history and architecture.

Location:
Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Box Office Phone: (855) 285-8499

Historic & Cultural Atlanta

Atlanta’s role in U.S. history, especially around civil rights and transportation, shapes many of its attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Managed by the National Park Service, this area in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood preserves key sites from Dr. King’s life.

• Key components:
  • Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours, with limited capacity)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s crypt
  • Visitor center with exhibits
• Good for: Anyone interested in Atlanta and U.S. history
• Tip: Arrive early if you want a birth home tour, as slots often fill quickly.

Location (Visitor Center):
450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 331-5190

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is a historic cemetery and public park with city views and notable graves.

• What makes it unique:
  • Beautiful Victorian-era sculpture and landscaping
  • Gravesites of prominent Atlantans, writers, and politicians
  • Guided tours on history, architecture, and symbolism
• Good for: History buffs, photography, quiet walks
• Tip: Many people visit for seasonal tours and special events that explain the stories behind the headstones.

Location:
Oakland Cemetery
248 Oakland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 688-2107

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

The Atlanta History Center offers a broader look at Atlanta and regional history.

• On-site attractions:
  • Museum exhibits on Atlanta’s growth, the Civil War, and Southern culture
  • Swan House mansion tour
  • Historic farmstead and gardens
• Good for: Families, new Atlantans, and visitors who want context for the city
• Tip: Plan for half a day if you want to see the museum, house, and grounds without rushing.

Location:
Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 814-4000

Family-Friendly & Educational Attractions

Atlanta has several attractions designed with families in mind.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is especially known for its gorillas and giant pandas (availability may change over time).

• Highlights:
  • African savanna, Asian forest, reptile and amphibian exhibits
  • Children’s zoo and play areas
  • Keeper talks and animal encounters
• Good for: Families with kids of all ages
• Tip: 🐾 Mornings are usually cooler and animals tend to be more active then.

Location:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 624-5600

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank Museum combines natural history exhibits with an IMAX-style giant screen and access to an old-growth forest.

• Inside the museum:
  • Dinosaur exhibits
  • Georgia natural history and cultural exhibitions
  • Hands-on science areas for kids
• Outdoors:
  • Fernbank Forest trails
  • Nature playgrounds and seasonal outdoor exhibits
• Good for: Kids, science lovers, and anyone interested in nature
• Tip: Combine an indoor visit with a walk in the forest if the weather is nice.

Location:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: (404) 929-6300

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a hands-on space for younger children.

• Focus: Interactive play on science, creativity, and everyday life
• Age range: Best for toddlers and elementary school–age kids
• Tip: 🎒 Many families plan this as a half-day activity, often combined with a nearby downtown attraction.

Location:
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 659-5437

Outdoor Attractions & Urban Trails

Even with its traffic and towers, Atlanta has substantial green space and trails.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing network of multi-use trails, parks, and future transit on former rail corridors.

• Popular segments:
  • Eastside Trail: Links Piedmont Park to Krog Street Market and Reynoldstown, lined with public art and restaurants.
  • Westside Trail: Runs through historic neighborhoods with new parks and gathering spots.
• Good for: Walking, jogging, biking, exploring neighborhoods
• Tip: 🚲 Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends can be very busy, especially on the Eastside Trail.

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta)

While not in the City of Atlanta limits, Stone Mountain Park is a commonly visited metro Atlanta attraction to the east of the city.

• Attractions:
  • Hiking trails, including a short but steep walk to the top of Stone Mountain
  • Lake activities, playgrounds, and seasonal events
• Good for: Day trips, outdoor activities, families
• Tip: Plan for parking fees and check schedules for any special events you want to catch.

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (800) 401-2407

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Along the north side of metro Atlanta, the Chattahoochee River offers a more natural escape.

• Activities:
  • Walking and hiking trails
  • Tubing and kayaking (seasonal)
  • Fishing in designated areas
• Good for: Cooler-weather hikes, summer water activities, and a break from city streets
• Tip: 🥾 Popular access points include areas near Powers Island, Cochran Shoals, and Island Ford; parking fees or passes may be required.

Sports & Stadium Attractions

Atlanta is a major sports city, and its stadiums are attractions in their own right.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium also hosts concerts and large events.

• Known for:
  • Striking architecture and retractable roof
  • Stadium tours (schedule varies)
  • Large video board and fan-friendly design
• Good for: Sports fans, architecture enthusiasts, concert-goers
• Tip: Plan plenty of travel time for big events, as traffic and public transit can be crowded.

Location:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (470) 341-5000

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

Located in Cobb County but closely tied to the Atlanta metro, Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves.

• Around the stadium:
  • The Battery Atlanta with restaurants, shops, and entertainment
  • Watch parties and events even on non-game days
• Good for: Baseball games, group outings, and evening visits
• Tip: Parking is distributed across several lots and decks; allow time to navigate, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Location:
Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Braves Information: (404) 522-7630

Neighborhoods & Street-Level Attractions

Exploring different Atlanta neighborhoods is often as rewarding as visiting single-ticket attractions.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

• Inman Park:
  • Known for restored Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and BeltLine access
  • Good for walking, brunch, and neighborhood festivals
• Little Five Points:
  • Alternative, artsy district with murals, vintage shops, and music spots
  • Good for unique shopping and people-watching

Old Fourth Ward & Krog Street Market

• Old Fourth Ward:
  • Mix of historic and new, with park space along the BeltLine
  • Close to the MLK Jr. National Historical Park
• Krog Street Market:
  • Food hall with a variety of local vendors
  • Easy to reach from the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Nearby, Krog Street Tunnel is a constantly changing canvas of street art and graffiti, often photographed by locals and visitors.

Buckhead Village & Lenox Area

• Buckhead Village:
  • Upscale shops, restaurants, and nightlife
• Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza Area:
  • Major shopping destinations often visited by out-of-town guests

These areas are more about shopping and dining than traditional attractions, but they are part of many visitors’ Atlanta experience.

Quick Planning Guide: Top Atlanta Attractions at a Glance

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Attractions

• Transportation:
  • MARTA rail and bus can get you to many major spots (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Airport).
  • Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps, especially at night or where transit is limited.
• Parking:
  • Many attractions have paid parking decks or lots; prices vary by event and time.
  • Downtown event days can be busy; consider arriving early or using MARTA.
• Timing:
  • Weekdays outside of school breaks are generally less crowded.
  • Mornings are often best for outdoor attractions during Atlanta’s warm seasons.
• Tickets:
  • Some attractions offer advance online ticketing with timed entries, which can help avoid long lines.
  • Combo tickets or city passes may be available if you plan to visit multiple major attractions in a short time.

Exploring Atlanta’s attractions can be as simple as strolling the BeltLine and Piedmont Park, or as planned as a multi-day itinerary of museums, historic sites, and stadiums. Whether you live in the metro area or are visiting, these Atlanta, Georgia attractions offer a wide range of ways to experience the city.