Iconic Atlanta, Georgia Landmarks: What to See, Where They Are, and How to Visit

Atlanta is packed with historic sites, cultural institutions, parks, and modern attractions that tell the story of the city and the South. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re planning a visit, or you’re just trying to understand the city’s character, knowing its key landmarks helps everything click into place.

Below is a practical guide to major Atlanta, Georgia landmarks—what makes them important, where they are, and how locals actually use and experience them.

Must-See Historic Landmarks in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

One of the most significant landmarks in Atlanta—and the United States—is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.

What you’ll find:

• Dr. King’s birth home
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he co-pastored
• The King Center, including his tomb and reflection pool
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s leadership

Key details:

• Location: Generally centered around 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Area: Multiple buildings and outdoor spaces within a few walkable blocks
• Tip: Weekends and holidays can be very busy; many locals recommend visiting early in the day.

The Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is an Atlanta icon—part movie palace, part live performance venue, and one of the most recognizable buildings on Peachtree Street.

Why it matters:

• Opened in the 1920s with a distinctive Moorish and Egyptian-style interior
• Hosts Broadway tours, concerts, film screenings, and local events
• Known locally for its “Mighty Mo” pipe organ and starry-night ceiling

Key details:

• Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Neighborhood: Midtown
• Local tip: Even if you don’t attend a show, guided tours (when offered) are a popular way to experience the architecture.

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is both a historic landmark and a peaceful green space just east of downtown.

Highlights:

• Burial site of well-known Atlantans, including author Margaret Mitchell
• Distinct sections for soldiers, civic leaders, and communities of different faiths
• Beautiful Victorian gardens, elaborate stonework, and skyline views

Key details:

• Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Neighborhood: Grant Park / Cabbagetown area
• Many residents walk or jog in the area and visit for seasonal tours and events.

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol is an Atlanta landmark with its recognizable gold dome.

Why it’s notable:

• Seat of Georgia’s state government
• Historic building with exhibits about Georgia’s political and social history
• Public tours are often available on weekdays when the legislature is in session

Key details:

• Address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
• Neighborhood: South of downtown’s central business district
• Check ahead for security procedures and tour times if you plan a visit.

Atlanta’s Signature Parks and Outdoor Landmarks

Piedmont Park

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park”, Piedmont Park is a major landmark for both outdoor recreation and city events.

What locals do here:

• Walk, run, or bike on the park’s paved paths
• Play sports on open fields and courts
• Attend major festivals, including seasonal food, music, and arts events
• Use it as a gateway to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Key details:

• Main entrance commonly used: near 1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown
• Tip: Parking can be limited during big events; many locals use MARTA or rideshare.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central downtown gathering place and a symbol of modern Atlanta.

Highlights:

• Fountain of Rings, with water shows set to music
• Open green spaces for picnics and events
• Surrounded by major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Key details:

• Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown, in the heart of Atlanta’s tourist district
• Ideal as a “home base” if you’re visiting multiple downtown landmarks in one day.

The Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing network of trails and parks built on former railroad corridors. While still expanding, parts of it already function as major city landmarks.

Why it stands out:

• Connects neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, West End, and Midtown
• Features public art, murals, and skyline views
• Lined with restaurants, markets, and small businesses, especially along the Eastside Trail

Key access points residents often use:

• Near North Avenue & North Highland Ave NE (Old Fourth Ward)
• Close to Krog Street Market in Inman Park
• Around Piedmont Park’s southern edge

Locals use the BeltLine daily for walking, biking, jogging, and socializing—so it’s both a landmark and an essential part of everyday Atlanta life.

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Landmark)

While not inside the City of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is one of the most visited landmarks in the metro area and often included in Atlanta travel plans.

Highlights:

• Granite mountain with hiking trails, including the popular Walk-Up Trail
• Scenic views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days
• Large park area with lakes, picnic spots, and seasonal attractions

Key details:

• General address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Location: East of the city, in DeKalb County, within the Atlanta metro area
• Travel tip: Plan extra travel time if you’re going on weekends or holidays.

Cultural and Educational Landmarks

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and one of the largest aquariums in the world.

What to expect:

• Large marine exhibits featuring whales, sharks, rays, and more
• Hands-on touch pools and educational shows
• Popular with families and school groups

Key details:

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown, next to Centennial Olympic Park
• Booking tickets in advance is common, especially during peak tourist seasons.

World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is dedicated to the history and global reach of the Coca-Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

Highlights:

• Exhibits on the brand’s origins in Atlanta
• Memorabilia and artifacts from decades of advertising
• Tasting area featuring beverages from around the world

Key details:

• Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown, near Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park
• Many visitors combine this stop with the aquarium in a single day.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s leading art museum and a major architectural landmark.

Why it’s important:

• Collections spanning classic, modern, and contemporary art
• Rotating exhibitions that draw regional and national attention
• Distinctive white, modern building that anchors Midtown’s arts district

Key details:

• Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown
• Accessible via MARTA’s Arts Center Station, which many locals use to avoid parking issues.

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center offers a broad look at the city’s past, from the Civil War era to the modern civil rights period and beyond.

What’s on site:

• Main history museum with permanent and rotating exhibits
• Swan House, a historic mansion used as a filming location for various productions
• Civil War exhibits and extensive gardens and trails

Key details:

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Neighborhood: Buckhead
• This is a common stop for residents looking to understand how Atlanta has changed over time.

Sports and Entertainment Landmarks

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable recent landmarks and home to:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Major concerts, college football games, and other large events

Why it stands out:

• Retractable roof design and modern architecture
• Central gathering spot for sports fans from across Georgia and the Southeast

Key details:

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Near downtown’s west side
• Many attendees use MARTA’s GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station to reach the stadium.

State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is another major sports and entertainment landmark in downtown Atlanta.

Primary uses:

• Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Large indoor concerts and touring shows
• Events tied into the neighboring convention and business districts

Key details:

• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown, next to CNN Center
• Often paired with visits to Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions.

Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta

While technically in Cobb County, Truist Park and the surrounding Battery Atlanta development are central to Atlanta’s sports culture.

Highlights:

• Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Mixed-use area with restaurants, retail, residences, and entertainment venues
• A regular gathering spot for baseball fans across the region

Key details:

• Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Location: Northwest of central Atlanta, but typically considered part of the broader Atlanta experience

Neighborhood and Architectural Landmarks

Peachtree Street

Peachtree Street isn’t just a road; it’s a central spine of Atlanta with many landmarks along its route.

Why it’s notable:

• Connects downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Lined with high-rise offices, hotels, arts venues, and historic buildings
• Home to sites like the Fox Theatre, High Museum, and multiple corporate headquarters

For visitors, walking Peachtree in Downtown and Midtown is an easy way to see a cross-section of the city’s architecture and energy.

Inman Park Historic District

Inman Park is one of Atlanta’s earliest planned suburbs and now a preserved historic district.

Features:

• Restored Victorian homes and tree-lined streets
• Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Popular annual neighborhood festival each spring

Location:

• East of downtown, roughly around Euclid Ave NE, Elizabeth St NE, and North Highland Ave NE
• Known for both historic homes and a vibrant dining scene.

Buckhead Village & Peachtree Road

Buckhead is a major Atlanta district known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping, and high-rise development.

Why it’s recognizable:

• Peachtree Road NE in Buckhead is lined with towers, hotels, and shopping centers
• Historic churches and older homes sit not far from newer skyscrapers
• Considered one of the city’s main commercial cores

While not a single landmark, the Buckhead skyline and the stretch of Peachtree Road through this area are defining features of modern Atlanta.

CNN Center (Transitioning, but Still Iconic)

The CNN Center has long been considered an Atlanta landmark, serving as the former global headquarters for CNN.

Key points:

• Large complex connected to State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park
• Was historically known for tours and a prominent CNN sign visible from surrounding areas

While its use and branding have evolved, the building still holds a place in Atlanta’s media and architectural history.

Quick Reference: Key Atlanta Landmarks at a Glance

Practical Tips for Exploring Atlanta Landmarks

• Use MARTA when possible: Many downtown and Midtown landmarks are close to MARTA rail stations, which can save time and parking costs.
• Plan by neighborhood: Group nearby landmarks—such as Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park—into the same day.
• Check hours and ticketing: Museums, stadium tours, and some historic sites may require reservations or have limited hours, especially on weekends or holidays.
• Consider traffic: Atlanta traffic is well-known; locals often schedule trips to major landmarks outside of peak rush hours when driving.

Whether you’re getting to know your own city better or planning a focused visit, these Atlanta, Georgia landmarks offer a clear window into the city’s history, culture, and everyday life.