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

Atlanta, Georgia travel combines big-city energy, deep Southern history, and distinct neighborhoods that each feel like their own small town. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to understand how the city works for travelers, this guide walks through what to see, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time here.

Getting Oriented: Atlanta at a Glance

Atlanta sits at the center of the Southeast and is often called the “capital of the South.” For travelers, that means:

• A major airport hub with flights almost anywhere
• A car-heavy city, but with some useful transit options
• Distinct areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the BeltLine neighborhoods, and the Westside, each offering a different experience

If you’re staying a few days, it helps to think of Atlanta not as one big city you’ll “cover” in a day, but as a group of connected districts you explore one at a time.

Getting to Atlanta

Flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world’s busiest airports and usually the easiest entry point.

• Location: About 10 miles south of Downtown Atlanta
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Typical ways into the city:
  • MARTA train: The Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal. Trains run directly to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Rideshare & taxis: Clearly marked pickup areas outside the terminals.
  • Rental cars: Rental Car Center accessible via SkyTrain from the airport.

If you plan to stay mostly near the BeltLine, Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur, you can often get by without a rental car. If you expect to explore suburbs, state parks, or distant neighborhoods, a car is usually more convenient.

Driving into Atlanta

Atlanta is crossed by major interstates:

• I‑75 / I‑85 (the “Downtown Connector”) – runs north–south through the city
• I‑20 – runs east–west
• I‑285 (“the Perimeter”) – loop highway encircling the metro area

🚗 Travel tip: Rush-hour traffic (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays) can be intense, especially on the Connector and along GA‑400. If you’re timing a drive from the airport, to a game, or out to the suburbs, add extra time during these windows.

Arriving by Bus or Train

• Greyhound / intercity buses: Typically serve areas near Downtown.
• Amtrak: The Atlanta Peachtree Station (1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309) serves long-distance trains. From there, taxis or rideshares take you to most in-town neighborhoods.

Getting Around Atlanta

Public Transit: MARTA Basics

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) offers:

• Rail: North–south and east–west lines, with key stops at:
  • Airport
  • Five Points (Downtown hub)
  • Peachtree Center (Downtown)
  • Civic Center (Downtown edge)
  • Midtown
  • Arts Center
  • Lenox and Buckhead (Buckhead area)
  • King Memorial, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, and others
• Bus: Lines that fill gaps where trains don’t run

For many visitors, MARTA works best for:

• Going between the airport and in-town hotels
• Traveling between Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Attending events near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, and Downtown attractions

🎫 Tip: You can buy Breeze cards or tickets at MARTA stations. If you’re staying several days in MARTA-friendly areas, loading multiple trips at once is convenient.

Walking and Biking

Some parts of Atlanta are very walkable; others are not:

• More walkable areas for travelers:
  • Midtown
  • Downtown
  • Inman Park
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland
  • Decatur (city just east of Atlanta)
• Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside & Westside Trails):
  • A major multi-use path connecting neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and public art.
  • Popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Bike and scooter rentals may be available around the BeltLine and central neighborhoods, but always check local rules and stay alert on mixed-use paths.

Driving and Parking

If you drive:

• Parking garages and decks are common around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and major attractions.
• Many neighborhoods have street parking, sometimes metered or time-limited.
• For big events (sports games, concerts, conventions), parking near venues can fill quickly; MARTA is often easier.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Choose where to stay based on what you want to do:

If you plan to rely on MARTA Rail, staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead stations makes getting around much easier.

Top Things to Do in Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta Highlights

1. Centennial Olympic Park Area

This area brings several big-name attractions within walking distance:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Legacy of the 1996 Olympics; good for strolling, fountains, and green space in the middle of Downtown.
• Georgia Aquarium – One of Atlanta’s top draws, known for large marine exhibits.
• World of Coca-Cola – A museum-style look at the history of the brand and soda culture.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

All of these are within a short walk of each other, making this an efficient area to visit if you have limited time.

2. Sports & Entertainment Venues

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus concerts and major events.
  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and various shows.
  • Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Both are MARTA-accessible from GWCC/CNN Center and Dome/State Farm Arena area stations.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Parks

Midtown is one of the most walkable and transit-friendly parts of Atlanta.

Key spots include:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s “Central Park,” with walking trails, dog parks, and skyline views. Great for picnics, festivals, and people-watching.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Located at the north end of Piedmont Park, known for plant collections and seasonal displays.
• High Museum of Art – Leading art museum featuring rotating exhibitions, modern and classic art.
• Fox Theatre – Historic theatre hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.

Midtown also has plenty of restaurants and nightlife along Peachtree Street, 10th Street, and nearby side streets.

BeltLine & In-Town Neighborhoods

The Atlanta BeltLine, especially the Eastside Trail, is a centerpiece of modern Atlanta travel:

• Connects neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, and portions of Midtown and Virginia-Highland.
• Lined with:
  • Restaurants and food halls
  • Murals and public art
  • Access points to parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park

Notable stops and areas:

• Ponce City Market – A large adaptive-reuse development in a historic Sears building, featuring:
  • A food hall
  • Shops
  • Rooftop amusement area with city views (entry typically ticketed)
• Krog Street Market – Smaller food hall in Inman Park with eateries and bars, near the Krog Street Tunnel, famous for street art.

This part of Atlanta is ideal for walking, casual dining, and people-watching.

Historic & Cultural Atlanta

Atlanta has deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement and Southern history.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• Includes:
  • Dr. King’s birth home
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church (where he co-pastored)
  • The King Center
• Located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, east of Downtown.
• MARTA-accessible via King Memorial Station, then a moderate walk or short rideshare.

Atlanta History Center

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)
• Features:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta and regional history
  • Historic houses and gardens
• Good for visitors who want broader context on the city and the South.

Family-Friendly Atlanta Travel

Atlanta can be very family-friendly, especially in a few concentrated areas:

• Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola – Highly popular for kids and teens.
• Zoo Atlanta – Located in historic Grant Park, south of Downtown.
  • Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Near Centennial Olympic Park, aimed at younger children.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – In the Druid Hills area; known for dinosaur exhibits, science displays, and forest trails.
  • Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

If you’re traveling with kids, grouping activities by area (e.g., Downtown attractions one day, Grant Park/Fernbank another) helps minimize transit time.

Outdoor & Nature Options Near Atlanta

Beyond city parks and the BeltLine, there are several nearby spots for more nature-focused outings:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Multiple access points north of the city for river views, trails, and paddling.
• Stone Mountain Park – East of Atlanta, known for its large granite mountain, hiking trails, and recreation areas.
• Arabia Mountain – Southeast of Atlanta, offers unique rock outcrops and trails.

These usually require a car to reach comfortably from central Atlanta.

Food & Dining: What Atlanta Is Known For

Atlanta’s food scene reflects both traditional Southern cooking and global influences.

You’ll find:

• Classic Southern staples: Fried chicken, biscuits, collard greens, mac and cheese, peach cobbler.
• Barbecue: Various styles around the metro area, from slow-smoked pork and brisket to modern takes.
• International cuisines: Particularly along major corridors and in suburbs, but also in-town:
  • Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, Ethiopian, Caribbean, and more.
• Food halls:
  • Ponce City Market
  • Krog Street Market
  • Smaller markets popping up in different neighborhoods

For visitors, food halls and BeltLine-adjacent spots are convenient ways to sample multiple options in a short trip.

Shopping & Neighborhood Browsing

Buckhead

• Known for high-end malls and boutiques, including:
  • Lenox Square
  • Phipps Plaza
• Easily reached via Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations.
• The area is more car-oriented once you leave the immediate train stations, but still manageable for visitors who like to shop.

In-Town Boutiques & Local Shops

• Virginia-Highland – Small boutiques, local restaurants, and bars.
• Inman Park – Mix of shops and eateries in a historic neighborhood.
• Westside / West Midtown – Former industrial spaces converted into retail, design shops, and restaurants.

These neighborhoods are nice for strolling and casual shopping, especially if you like smaller, non-mall environments.

Seasonal Considerations for Atlanta Travel

Atlanta’s climate matters for planning:

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming trees, popular festival season. Pollen levels can be high.
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid. Plan for:
  • Midday indoor breaks (museums, malls, attractions)
  • Plenty of water and shade
• Fall (September–November): Often one of the best times to visit, with comfortable weather and colorful foliage.
• Winter (December–February): Generally mild but can have occasional cold snaps. Significant snow/ice is rare but can disrupt travel when it does occur.

If you’re scheduling around sports seasons, major conventions, or college events, hotel availability and pricing can shift, especially in Downtown and Midtown.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals Exploring the City

• Plan by neighborhood: Group attractions so you spend more time exploring and less time in traffic.
• Use MARTA when it makes sense: Especially Airport ↔ Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead and big Downtown events.
• Build in extra time for driving: Particularly across town or during rush hours on interstates.
• Check parking before you go: Many popular areas list nearby decks and lots; in tight neighborhoods, street rules vary.
• Stay hydrated in summer: Heat and humidity can be intense, especially on the BeltLine or in open parks.

Travel in Atlanta, Georgia can be as urban, historic, outdoorsy, or family-focused as you make it. With a bit of planning around transportation, neighborhoods, and timing, the city is straightforward to navigate and rewarding to explore.