Must-See Sites to Visit in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta mixes Southern history, modern culture, and big-city energy, all within a relatively easy-to-navigate metro area. Whether you live here, are planning a trip, or are just trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, there are some standout sites that give you a real feel for the city.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to top Atlanta sites to visit, organized by interest and neighborhood so you can plan smarter and make the most of your time.

Iconic Atlanta Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

These are the places most people think of when they picture must-visit Atlanta sites. They’re especially helpful if you’re short on time or hosting out-of-town guests.

Centennial Olympic Park Area (Downtown)

This cluster of attractions around Centennial Olympic Park makes it easy to see a lot in a single day.

Centennial Olympic Park

• Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, it’s now a central green space with fountains, walking paths, and skyline views.
• Tip: It’s a good “home base” between the nearby museums and attractions.

Georgia Aquarium

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: One of the largest aquariums in the world, with whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.
• Good for: Families, first-time visitors, rainy days.
• Local tip: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends and holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

• Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: Tells the story of the Coca‑Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta. Includes a tasting room with sodas from around the world.
• Good for: Short visits (1.5–2 hours), mixed-age groups.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: A powerful museum that connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to global human rights issues.
• Good for: Teens and adults, anyone wanting to understand Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Tip: Expect to spend several hours here if you like to read and absorb exhibits.

Atlanta’s Civil Rights & History Sites

Atlanta is central to civil rights history and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These sites give important context to the city’s past and present.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn)

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Includes:
  • Dr. King’s birth home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (Historic sanctuary)
  • The King Center and Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s tomb
• Why go: This area is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Atlanta if you want to connect with its history and culture.
• Tip: Check in at the visitor center first for information on guided tours of the birth home and daily schedules.

Sweet Auburn Historic District

The broader Sweet Auburn neighborhood around Auburn Avenue features:

• Historic buildings and churches
• Murals and community landmarks
• A sense of the Black business and cultural hub Atlanta once called “the richest Negro street in the world”

You can explore Auburn Avenue on foot, combining your visit to the MLK site with a walk along the corridor.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown is one of the best areas for a walkable day of museums, parks, and dining.

High Museum of Art

• Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Why go: Atlanta’s major art museum, known for modern and contemporary works, architecture, and rotating exhibitions.
• Good for: Art lovers, date days, solo visits.
• Tip: The museum connects easily with public transit via Arts Center MARTA Station.

Woodruff Arts Center Campus

On the same campus as the High Museum, you’ll also find:

• Alliance Theatre
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

If you’re planning an arts-focused visit, this stretch of Peachtree Street is a central hub.

Piedmont Park

• Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (main entrance near 12th Street & Piedmont Ave)
• Why go: Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” with walking and jogging trails, lawns, and Midtown skyline views.
• Good for: Picnics, dog walking, exercise, casual strolls, festivals.
• Tip: The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail connects directly to Piedmont Park, making it easy to combine both.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (adjacent to Piedmont Park)
• Why go: Seasonal flower displays, canopy walk, and special evening events like light shows at certain times of year.
• Good for: Families, dates, relaxed visits.
• Tip: Plan 2–3 hours if you enjoy slow exploring and photography.

Neighborhoods and Streets Worth Exploring

Atlanta is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. These areas are popular not just for one “site,” but for the whole experience.

Inman Park & the Eastside BeltLine

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

• Why go: A paved multi-use trail that links neighborhoods, art installations, and restaurants.
• Popular segments:
  • Krog Street Market area
  • Stretch between Old Fourth Ward and Ponce City Market

Inman Park

• Feel: Historic homes, tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks.
• Tip: This is a great area to walk, grab a coffee, and people-watch.

Ponce City Market & Old Fourth Ward

Ponce City Market

• Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why go: Large mixed-use development in a historic Sears building with food hall, retail, and a rooftop amusement area.
• Good for: Casual meals, shopping, BeltLine access.

Historic Fourth Ward Park (nearby)

• Why go: Urban park with a lake, trails, and green space just off the BeltLine.
• Tip: Combining PCM, the BeltLine, and this park makes for an easy half-day loop.

Little Five Points

• Rough area: Intersection of Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE
• Why go: Alternative, artsy neighborhood known for vintage shops, record stores, street art, and independent restaurants.
• Good for: People who like eclectic, bohemian districts and local character.

Outdoor & Nature Sites Around Atlanta

For a city known for traffic, Atlanta offers a surprising amount of green space and accessible nature.

Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)

• Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Distance: About 15–20 miles east of downtown, depending on route.
• Why go: Large park with hiking trails, lake, and the notable granite mountain.
• Popular activities:
  • Hiking the Walk-Up Trail to the summit
  • Walking around the base trail
  • Picnicking and family outings

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Several access points exist along the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta. Popular ones include:

• Palisades – Whitewater Creek Unit (Atlanta, GA 30327)
• Palisades – Paces Mill Unit (near Vinings, just outside city limits)

Why go:

• Riverside trails
• Easy to moderate hikes
• A scenic place to get a break from the city while staying close by

Tip: Many locals use these areas for quick nature escapes before or after work.

Local Parks Within the City

Other notable Atlanta parks and green spaces include:

• Grant Park – Historic neighborhood park with large trees and walking paths.
• Westside Park – One of the newest major parks, centered around a former quarry.
• Freedom Park – Long green corridor connecting several intown neighborhoods.

Sports, Entertainment, and Big Venues

If you’re interested in Atlanta’s stadiums and large venues, these sites are destinations on their own, even outside of major events.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Home to: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus concerts and events.
• Why go: Known for its architecture, retractable roof, and large video halo board.
• Tip: Tours are sometimes available on non-event days; check ahead if you’re planning a stadium-focused visit.

State Farm Arena

• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Home to: Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and major concerts.
• Convenient for: Combining with a downtown day around Centennial Olympic Park.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

• Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Location: Just outside Atlanta city limits in Cobb County, but heavily used by Atlanta residents.
• Home to: Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Why go: Game-day atmosphere, dining and retail area (The Battery) open year-round.

Family-Friendly Sites to Visit in Atlanta

If you’re planning with kids in mind, Atlanta has several family-oriented attractions that are easy to pair with parks or nearby neighborhoods.

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Why go: Well-known for its collection of animals, long-established in the Grant Park area.
• Good for: Families with children of various ages.
• Tip: Arrive earlier in the day, especially in warmer months, to avoid peak heat and crowds.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

• Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Why go: Natural history exhibits, giant screen theater, and access to Fernbank Forest, a large urban forest with trails.
• Good for: Kids’ science interests, adults who enjoy natural history, and short hikes.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)

• Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why go: Hands-on museum geared toward younger children.
• Nearby: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, making it easy to build a full family day downtown.

Music, Culture, and Nightlife Spots

For live music, theater, and nightlife, several Atlanta areas are especially active.

Fox Theatre (Midtown)

• Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why go: Historic theater known for its ornate interior and Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
• Local note: Many residents consider attending a show at the Fox a classic “Atlanta experience.”

Edgewood Avenue & Old Fourth Ward Nightlife

• General area: Edgewood Ave SE, near Downtown and Old Fourth Ward
• Why go: Bars, lounges, and nightlife spots with a mix of music and vibes.
• Best for: Those looking for a more local nightlife scene rather than large clubs or tourist-heavy districts.

Helpful At-a-Glance Planning Guide

Below is a simple table to help match Atlanta sites to visit with common interests:

Practical Tips for Visiting Sites in Atlanta

To get the most out of your Atlanta site-seeing:

• Consider MARTA for downtown and Midtown
  The rail system connects Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to downtown and Midtown, reducing parking hassles.

• Plan by neighborhood, not just by attraction
  Group nearby sites (for example, Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola + Civil and Human Rights Center) to limit time in traffic.

• Account for traffic and timing
  Local residents often plan around morning and late afternoon rush hours. If you’re visiting, building in some buffer time between sites is wise.

• Check hours and event schedules in advance
  Some venues update hours seasonally or for special events, and stadium schedules can affect traffic and parking in the area.

By focusing on the core sites, neighborhoods, and green spaces above, you can build an Atlanta visit—whether you live here or are just in town for a short time—that reflects what the city actually feels like and how locals really use it.