Atlanta, Georgia Tourism: A Local’s Guide to Exploring the City

Atlanta blends Southern charm, big-city energy, and deep cultural roots. Whether you live here, you’re planning a visit, or you’re trying to understand how tourism in Atlanta, Georgia works, this guide walks you through what to see, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time in the city.

Getting Oriented: How Atlanta Is Laid Out

Atlanta’s tourism experience is shaped by a few key areas:

• Downtown – Major attractions, sports venues, and convention hotels
• Midtown – Arts, culture, nightlife, and walkable streets
• Buckhead – Upscale shopping, dining, and hotels
• Intown neighborhoods (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, etc.) – Local food, nightlife, BeltLine access
• Airport area – Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs

Most visitors build their plans around Downtown and Midtown, then branch out to neighborhoods and suburbs depending on interests.

Top Tourist Attractions in Atlanta, Georgia

Downtown Atlanta Highlights

1. Georgia Aquarium
One of Atlanta’s most-visited attractions, located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Known for:

• Massive viewing windows and immersive exhibits
• Whale sharks, manta rays, and diverse marine life
• Family-friendly layouts and timed entry system

It’s within walking distance of several other major downtown sites.

2. World of Coca‑Cola
Right next to the aquarium at 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Visitors often enjoy:

• Exhibits on Coca‑Cola’s history
• Tasting area with beverages from different regions
• Memorabilia and brand displays

3. Centennial Olympic Park
Located at 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, this public park was built for the 1996 Olympic Games.
You can:

• Relax on the lawns between attractions
• Let kids play near the Fountain of Rings
• Enjoy seasonal events and festivals

4. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Found at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
This museum focuses on:

• Atlanta’s role in the American Civil Rights Movement
• Global human rights issues
• Interactive exhibits and archival materials

5. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (football, soccer, concerts)
• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 (basketball, concerts, events)

Both draw local fans and visitors for major games and live shows.

Midtown: Arts, Parks, and Culture

1. Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

• Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Together they offer:

• Walking trails, playgrounds, and skyline views
• Seasonal garden displays and canopy walkways
• Popular local festivals and events

2. High Museum of Art
Located at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Known for:

• American and European art collections
• Rotating exhibits
• Family and community programs

3. Fox Theatre
A historic landmark at 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.
Visitors and residents come for:

• Broadway productions and concerts
• Classic movie screenings and special events
• Guided tours showcasing its Moorish-inspired design

Civil Rights and Atlanta History

1. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Centered around 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, in the Old Fourth Ward.
This area includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (guided tours with timed entry)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and memorial site

It’s a key stop for understanding Atlanta’s civil rights legacy.

2. Oakland Cemetery
At 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, this historic cemetery offers:

• Guided history and architecture tours
• Beautiful grounds and skyline views
• Gravesites of notable Georgians

3. Atlanta History Center
Located in Buckhead at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Features:

• Atlanta History Museum
• Cyclorama painting of the Battle of Atlanta
• Swan House and historic gardens
• Exhibits on regional history and culture

Family-Friendly Attractions

Beyond the major museums, families often enjoy:

• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• College Football Hall of Fame – 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

All are centrally located and easy to combine into a weekend itinerary.

Outdoor Experiences and the Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta BeltLine Overview

The Atlanta BeltLine is a growing network of trails, parks, and future transit built along former rail lines. For visitors and locals, it’s one of the best ways to explore the city on foot or by bike.

Popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail – connects Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, and Virginia-Highland
• Westside Trail – links West End, Adair Park, and emerging Westside neighborhoods

Along the BeltLine you’ll find:

• Murals and public art
• Outdoor patios, breweries, and food halls
• Access points to neighborhoods and parks

Parks Worth Visiting

Some notable in-city green spaces:

• Piedmont Park – Midtown’s signature park, great for walking, picnics, and events
• Grant Park – Home to Zoo Atlanta and large shaded areas for families
• Westside Park – Newer park with lake views and city skyline overlooks
• Chastain Park – In north Atlanta, with trails, sports facilities, and an amphitheater

Neighborhoods to Explore Like a Local

Tourism in Atlanta increasingly revolves around neighborhood experiences. Popular areas include:

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Mix of historic homes and modern developments
• Many local restaurants, cafes, and bars

Virginia-Highland

• Walkable streets with boutiques and eateries
• Bungalow-style homes and neighborhood feel
• Popular for evening dining and casual nightlife

West Midtown

• Redeveloped warehouses turned into restaurants, galleries, and venues
• Close to Georgia Tech
• Growing cluster of entertainment and dining options

Buckhead

• Upscale shopping and hotels
• High-rise business district
• Mix of fine dining and nightlife

For visitors, staying in Midtown or Downtown keeps you near major tourist sites, while neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland or Inman Park give a more residential, local flavor.

Annual Events and Festivals in Atlanta

Atlanta’s tourism calendar includes a wide range of recurring events that draw both residents and visitors. Dates can shift slightly each year, but these are typically annual:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival (Piedmont Park, spring) – Art, music, and food
• Atlanta Jazz Festival (often in Piedmont Park, late spring) – Free jazz performances
• Dragon Con (Downtown, Labor Day weekend) – Multigenre convention and cosplay
• Atlanta Pride Festival (usually fall) – Parade and weekend events
• Music and food festivals throughout the year in neighborhoods and parks

Before planning around a specific event, it’s wise to check the latest dates and locations.

Getting Around Atlanta as a Tourist

Public Transit: MARTA

The primary public transit system is MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), which operates rail and bus services.

• Rail lines connect Hartsfield–Jackson Airport to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.
• Popular stations near tourist areas:
  • Airport Station (inside Hartsfield–Jackson Airport)
  • Five Points – central transfer hub downtown
  • GWCC/CNN Center, Peachtree Center – for Downtown attractions
  • Midtown, Arts Center – for Midtown and museums
  • Buckhead, Lenox – for shopping and hotels

MARTA can be a practical option for traveling between the airport, central neighborhoods, and major attractions.

Driving and Rideshares

Many visitors use rental cars or rideshare services for flexibility. Key points:

• Traffic on major interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and the I‑285 perimeter) can be heavy, especially during rush hours.
• Parking in Downtown and Midtown is available in decks and lots, often with daily maximums.
• Some neighborhoods have limited street parking; always check posted signs.

Walking and Biking

• Downtown and Midtown have clusters of attractions that are walkable once you’re in the area.
• The BeltLine is popular for biking and walking between eastside and westside neighborhoods.
• Bike and scooter rentals may be available in certain zones, with rules varying by area.

Where Visitors Commonly Stay

Tourism in Atlanta is supported by several dense hotel districts. Each has pros and cons depending on your plans.

Locals hosting out-of-town guests often recommend Midtown for a balance of transit access, walkability, and proximity to multiple attractions.

Visitor Information and Helpful Local Resources

For up-to-date information on attractions, events, and visitor services, people often rely on:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (Discover Atlanta)

  • Office: commonly based in the Downtown area near major hotels and convention spaces
  • Provides guidance on activities, maps, and visitor support

• City of Atlanta Government Offices

  • Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Useful for permits, public meetings, and city services information that might affect events or large gatherings

When planning a trip or hosting visitors, it’s practical to:

• Confirm current hours for museums and major attractions
• Check event schedules for stadiums and theatres
• Review transit changes or road closures around big events

Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Tourism Like a Local

• Plan by area, not just by attraction. Group Downtown activities on one day, BeltLine and neighborhoods on another, and Buckhead or the History Center on a separate day.
• Account for traffic. Build in extra time for cross-town travel, especially on weekdays.
• Use MARTA strategically. It’s often faster than driving between the airport, Downtown, and Midtown during peak times.
• Mix indoor and outdoor stops. Atlanta’s summers can be hot and humid; pairing parks or BeltLine walks with museums or indoor attractions keeps the day comfortable.
• Look beyond the big names. Neighborhood walks, local restaurants, and smaller galleries often give the most memorable sense of Atlanta’s character.

Atlanta tourism is flexible: you can build a family-focused itinerary, a history and civil rights tour, an arts and culture weekend, or a sports and entertainment-heavy visit—all within the city’s core. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re seeing it for the first time, understanding how the city is structured and what each area offers makes it much easier to experience the best of Atlanta, Georgia.