The Best Things To See in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to the City

Atlanta offers a mix of historic sites, world-famous attractions, green spaces, neighborhoods, and hidden gems that give the city its character. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or are trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, this guide walks through the top things to see in Atlanta, Georgia—with a focus on what’s actually useful on the ground.

Must-See Atlanta Landmarks and Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s signature attractions and a top pick for families, couples, and solo visitors.

Highlights:

• Massive viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Touch pools for kids
• Dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Educational exhibits about ocean habitats

It’s easy to pair a visit to the aquarium with nearby attractions like the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park.

World of Coca-Cola

A few steps from the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola showcases the history of Atlanta’s most famous global brand.

You can:

• Explore interactive exhibits about advertising and branding
• See memorabilia and vintage bottles
• Sample different Coca-Cola products from around the world

This stop is especially appealing if you’re interested in marketing, pop culture, or Atlanta’s business history.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central green space in downtown Atlanta.

Things to see:

• The Fountain of Rings, with scheduled water shows
• Sculptures and Olympic monuments
• City skyline views, especially nice at sunset

The park often hosts festivals, concerts, and seasonal activities, and it’s an easy walking hub for several major attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For anyone in Atlanta, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is essential.

The area includes:

• MLK’s childhood home on Auburn Avenue
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center, with exhibits on civil rights
• Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s tomb

Plan time to walk the grounds, listen to historical recordings, and reflect on the city’s role in the civil rights movement.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing 22-mile loop of trails and parks circling the city, built on former railroad corridors.

Popular segments:

• Eastside Trail (Inman Park ↔ Old Fourth Ward ↔ Poncey-Highland)
• Westside Trail (West End ↔ Adair Park)

What you’ll see:

• Public art and murals
• Skyline views and historic industrial buildings
• Cafés, breweries, and restaurants right off the trail

Locals use the BeltLine for walking, biking, jogging, and simply people-watching.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a long-standing favorite.

Key draws:

• Giant pandas and gorillas
• Kid-friendly petting zoo
• Educational talks and keeper demonstrations

It pairs well with a stroll through Grant Park’s leafy streets and older homes.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a quieter, scenic side of the city.

Look for:

• Seasonal exhibitions (like orchid shows or holiday lights)
• A canopy walk through the treetops
• The edible garden and children’s garden

Spring and fall are especially pleasant times to visit, but there’s something to see year-round.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Seeing Atlanta isn’t just about attractions; it’s also about neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Midtown

Midtown is Atlanta’s arts and cultural district and a central place to base a visit.

Things to see:

• High Museum of Art
• Fox Theatre, a historic movie palace and performance venue
• Public art and murals along Peachtree Street

Midtown is walkable by Atlanta standards and connects easily to MARTA rail.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is where you find many of the city’s major attractions in one cluster.

Notable sights:

• Georgia State Capitol (with its gold dome)
• SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
• CNN Center area

Downtown is practical for visitors who want to see multiple sights in a short time, though evenings can be quieter outside event nights.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These neighborhoods along the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail combine history and trendier development.

What to see:

• Historic Fourth Ward Park and its lake
• Victorian homes in Inman Park
• Street art, mixed-use developments, and food halls along the BeltLine

This is a strong choice for walking, dining, and taking in a more local feel.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for upscale shopping, dining, and residential streets.

You’ll find:

• High-end retail districts
• Large, older homes and tree-lined streets off Peachtree Road
• Access to Chastain Park and the North Fulton Golf Course nearby

It’s less about single “sights” and more about a particular style of Atlanta living.

Little Five Points & Cabbagetown

For a more eclectic experience, Little Five Points and nearby Cabbagetown offer a creative and alternative vibe.

Expect:

• Independent shops and vintage clothing
• Live music venues and bars
• Colorful murals and street art

Cabbagetown’s narrow streets and shotgun houses give a different perspective on Atlanta’s older residential neighborhoods.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

Even if you think of Atlanta as a driving city, its green spaces are some of the best things to see.

Piedmont Park

Often compared to Central Park on a smaller scale, Piedmont Park near Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most used parks.

You can:

• Walk or jog around Lake Clara Meer
• Bring a picnic with skyline views
• Visit the dog park or open fields

Many festivals and city events are held here, especially in warmer months.

Stone Mountain Park

A short drive east of the city, Stone Mountain Park is a major outdoor destination.

Sights and activities:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the summit for expansive views
• Scenic railroad, lake, and other attractions on the grounds
• Seasonal events and light shows

If you’re visiting, consider it a half-day or full-day excursion, depending on your interests.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The “Hooch” runs along the north side of the metro area and offers a different side of Atlanta.

Common activities:

• Riverside walking and hiking trails
• Kayaking, tubing, or paddleboarding (in warmer months)
• Picnicking at scenic bends in the river

Popular access points include areas near Sandy Springs and Roswell, but the recreation area spans multiple units.

Historic Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery, near Grant Park, is both a burial ground and a green, historic landscape.

Why visit:

• Impressive Victorian monuments and mausoleums
• Graves of notable Atlantans, including Maynard Jackson and Margaret Mitchell
• Guided tours that explain Atlanta’s history through the people buried there

It’s quiet, walkable, and surprisingly scenic.

Arts, History, and Culture

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art in Midtown is Atlanta’s flagship art museum.

You’ll see:

• American, European, and African art collections
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family-friendly programming on select days

It’s easy to combine with a walk through Midtown or a visit to nearby arts institutions.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to global human rights issues.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Exhibits on the U.S. civil rights movement
• Interactive experiences that explore justice and equality
• Artifacts and stories that deepen the context of the city’s role in change

This is one of the most impactful things to see if you’re interested in history and social issues.

Atlanta History Center

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center focuses on the broader history of the city and region.

On the grounds:

• Museum galleries covering Civil War, Southern history, and local stories
• The Swan House, a restored historic mansion
• Gardens and walking paths

You can spend several hours here if you like historical detail and quieter surroundings.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street is both a landmark and a working performance venue.

Notable features:

• Lavish, “Arabian nights”-style interior
• Starlit ceiling in the main theater
• Tours that explain its rescue and restoration

Even if you’re not catching a show, seeing the building from the outside or taking a tour is worthwhile.

Family-Friendly Things to See in Atlanta

For those visiting or living in Atlanta with kids, these attractions typically work well for a range of ages.

Top family picks:

• Georgia Aquarium 🐠 – Interactive, climate-controlled, and walkable from hotels
• Zoo Atlanta 🐼 – Outdoor and manageable in a half day
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on exhibits for younger children, near Centennial Olympic Park
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Dinosaur displays, science exhibits, and a forested outdoor area
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Children’s garden and seasonal events

Many families plan their days by clustering nearby activities—such as doing Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park together.

Sports, Events, and Big Venues

Atlanta is a major sports and events city, and the venues themselves can be sights.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home to Atlanta Falcons football and Atlanta United soccer, Mercedes-Benz Stadium near downtown is notable for:

• Its retractable roof design
• A large video halo board inside
• Public tours on non-event days

On game days, the area around the stadium is especially lively.

State Farm Arena

Next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena hosts:

• Atlanta Hawks basketball
• Concerts and touring shows

Even when no events are scheduled, the area demonstrates how downtown Atlanta is structured around its entertainment core.

Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta

To the northwest of the city, Truist Park and the surrounding Battery Atlanta development form a combined ballpark and entertainment district.

Attractions:

• Atlanta Braves home games
• Restaurants, shops, and live music spaces around the park

Even on non-game days, people visit The Battery for dining and socializing.

Quick Planning Guide: What to See Based on Your Time

Here’s a simple way to prioritize things to see in Atlanta depending on how long you have.

Practical Tips for Seeing Atlanta

• Transportation: Many major attractions cluster downtown and in Midtown, close to MARTA rail stations. For neighborhoods and parks farther out, rideshare or driving is common.
• Heat and humidity: In warmer months, outdoor sights like the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Stone Mountain are most comfortable in the morning or late afternoon.
• Parking: Downtown and Midtown have garages and paid lots near big attractions. Neighborhood visits (Grant Park, Inman Park, Little Five Points) often involve street parking; check signs.
• Timing: Weekdays can be less crowded at popular spots like the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta compared to weekends and holidays.
• Combining sights: Clustering nearby destinations—like downtown attractions, Midtown + Piedmont Park + Botanical Garden, or Grant Park + Zoo Atlanta + Oakland Cemetery—saves time and travel.

By focusing on these key attractions, neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites, you can get a clear and practical sense of the best things to see in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you’re getting to know your own city better or planning a first-time visit.