Atlanta Attractions: A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in the City

Atlanta offers a mix of history, culture, sports, food, and family fun that’s hard to match in the Southeast. Whether you live in the metro area, you’re here for a weekend, or you’re planning a longer stay, there’s a lot to see—often within just a few blocks of each other.

This guide walks through the top Atlanta attractions, plus some lesser-known spots that locals often recommend, all tailored to what you might actually want to do in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

Big-Name Atlanta Attractions in the Heart of Downtown

Centennial Olympic Park Area: Atlanta’s Tourist Hub

Downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park area is where many of Atlanta’s most famous attractions sit within easy walking distance of each other.

Key attractions around Centennial Olympic Park:

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world, known for its whale sharks and huge viewing windows.

  • Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Good for: Families, couples, first-time visitors, rainy days.

• World of Coca‑Cola – A brand-focused but history-rich museum with exhibits on the beverage’s origins, pop culture, and global impact.

  • Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Good for: Visitors who enjoy interactive exhibits and taste-testing.

• Centennial Olympic Park – A public green space built for the 1996 Olympics, with fountains, lawns, and skyline views.

  • Address: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Good for: Relaxing between attractions, picnics, kids running around.

• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits, a massive indoor field, and displays on college teams from across the country.

  • Address: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Good for: Sports fans and families.

Local tip:
If you’re short on time, this cluster lets you enjoy multiple major attractions without driving. Many locals recommend using MARTA to reach Peachtree Center or GWCC/CNN Center stations, then walking.

History, Civil Rights, and Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta has a central role in civil rights history, Black culture, and Southern identity. Some attractions are especially meaningful if you want to understand the city beyond its skyline.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park & Sweet Auburn

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is one of the city’s most important historic sites.

• MLK Jr. National Historical Park
  • Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Includes: Dr. King’s childhood home (by tour), Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center, and his final resting place.
  • Good for: Anyone interested in U.S. history, civil rights, and Atlanta’s role in both.

Nearby, the Sweet Auburn Historic District offers:

• Historic churches and businesses
• The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
• Murals and local eateries that highlight the neighborhood’s legacy

Practical note: Parking can be limited; many people use rideshare or plan a visit during weekday mornings or later afternoons.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located between the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the U.S. civil rights movement with global human rights issues.

• Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Exhibits on Dr. King’s papers (rotating), interactive galleries, powerful multimedia experiences.
• Good for: Adults and older teens interested in social justice and history.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Parks, and Skyline Views

Midtown is Atlanta’s cultural and arts district, with major museums, performing arts, and one of the city’s most-loved parks.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park is often compared to a smaller Central Park for Atlanta:

• Address: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (one of several entrances)
• Features: Trails, sports fields, dog parks, playgrounds, city views, and seasonal festivals.

Inside the park’s north edge, you’ll find the Atlanta Botanical Garden:

• Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights: Canopy walk, orchid house, seasonal light displays, children’s garden.
• Good for: Couples, families, and anyone who enjoys plants and outdoor art.

High Museum of Art and Woodruff Arts Center

The High Museum of Art anchors the arts scene in Midtown:

• Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Focus: Classic and contemporary art, rotating exhibits, design and photography.
• Good for: Art lovers, date days, and quieter afternoons.

The Woodruff Arts Center complex around the High includes:

• Alliance Theatre – Known for new plays and major productions.
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Performances range from classical to film scores.

Midtown Nightlife and Dining

While this guide focuses on attractions, many locals see Midtown’s walkable dining and nightlife as part of the experience:

• Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks: restaurants, rooftop bars, and music venues
• Easy access via MARTA (Arts Center Station and Midtown Station)

Family-Friendly Atlanta Attractions

If you’re visiting or living in Atlanta with kids, there are several go-to spots that regularly appear on local recommendation lists.

Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta is in the historic Grant Park neighborhood:

• Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Highlights: Giant pandas (note: availability may change over time), gorillas, children’s zoo, reptile house.
• Good for: Half-day family visit, younger kids, school breaks.

Grant Park itself offers shaded walking paths, playgrounds, and historic homes surrounding the park.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Science Center

These two Fernbank locations are separate but often mentioned together.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

  • Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Highlights: Dinosaur exhibits, natural history displays, IMAX/giant screen theater, seasonal outdoor experiences.

• Fernbank Science Center

  • Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Highlights: Planetarium shows, science exhibits.
  • Good for: School-age kids, science fans, educational outings.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta focuses on hands-on learning and play.

• Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Younger children (typically toddler to early elementary), especially on hot or rainy days.

Sports and Entertainment: Atlanta’s Stadiums and Arenas

Atlanta is a major sports city with modern venues that double as attractions, even when games aren’t scheduled.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS):

• Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Attractions:
  • Games and matches
  • Stadium tours (when offered)
  • Events and concerts

Many people highlight the stadium’s architecture and retractable roof as worth seeing on their own.

State Farm Arena

Next to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena hosts:

• Atlanta Hawks basketball
• Concerts, shows, and special events
• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

In Cobb County, just outside the Atlanta city limits but widely considered part of the Atlanta experience, you’ll find:

• Truist Park – Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB)

• The Battery Atlanta – A mixed-use development with restaurants, shops, and entertainment

• Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

• Good for: Baseball games, dining, and hanging out even on non-game days.

Atlanta Neighborhoods with Character and Things to Do

Beyond the big attractions, many people fall in love with Atlanta through its distinct neighborhoods. These areas combine local businesses, murals, parks, and smaller attractions.

BeltLine: Walking, Biking, Art, and Food

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing network of multi-use trails built along old rail corridors. The Eastside Trail in particular is popular with both locals and visitors.

Key points along or near the Eastside Trail:

• Ponce City Market – A converted historic Sears building with food hall, shops, and rooftop amusements.

  • Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Krog Street Market – A smaller food hall and marketplace near Inman Park.

  • Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

• Murals and street art, including the nearby Krog Street Tunnel

🚶‍♀️ Tip: Many people rent bikes or scooters to explore longer stretches of the BeltLine in a single outing.

Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and Little Five Points

These intown neighborhoods offer a more laid-back local Atlanta experience:

• Inman Park – Historic homes, parks, and walkable restaurants.
• Virginia‑Highland – Boutique shops, cafes, bars, and bungalow-lined streets.
• Little Five Points – Known for music venues, vintage shops, murals, and alternative culture.

These areas are often combined into a single afternoon or evening, especially for people who enjoy exploring on foot.

Castleberry Hill Arts District

Just southwest of downtown, Castleberry Hill is known for converted warehouses, lofts, and galleries.

• Roughly centered around Peters St SW & Walker St SW
• Features: Street art, galleries, filming locations, and occasional art walks or events.

Attractions for History and Architecture Fans

Atlanta’s early history, railroads, and architecture show up in several attractions around the city.

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery is a historic garden cemetery near downtown:

• Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Highlights:
  • Graves of notable Atlantans, including Margaret Mitchell
  • City skyline views
  • Victorian gardens and elaborate monuments
• Good for: History buffs, photographers, and quiet walks.

Atlanta History Center & Swan House

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center covers local and regional history:

• Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Includes:
  • Main museum exhibits
  • The Swan House, a historic mansion
  • Gardens and outdoor spaces
• Good for: Understanding Atlanta’s growth, Civil War history, and Southern culture.

Performing Arts, Music, and Venues

Atlanta has a long music and arts tradition, from hip-hop to symphonies and theater.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings:

• Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Attractions:
  • Broadway tours
  • Concerts and films
  • Tours of the building’s interior (when available)
• Good for: Visitors who appreciate historic architecture and live performance.

Popular Music Venues

While schedules change constantly, some of the better-known venues around the city include:

• Tabernacle (downtown)
• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points area)
• Coca‑Cola Roxy Theatre (The Battery Atlanta)

Locals often check venue lineups if they want to add a concert to their visit.

Nature and Outdoor Attractions Near Atlanta

If you want a break from city streets, there are several outdoor spots within a short drive of central Atlanta.

Stone Mountain Park

One of the most well-known outdoor attractions near Atlanta:

• Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Features:
  • Hiking up Stone Mountain
  • Scenic railroad and seasonal attractions
  • Lake and picnic areas
• Good for: Families, group outings, and active visitors.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

North of the city, the “Hooch” offers:

• Walking trails
• Tubing and kayaking (in season)
• Riverside picnic areas

Popular access points include Palisades, Island Ford, and Powers Island, generally reached via I‑285 or GA‑400.

Quick Reference: Major Atlanta Attractions by Area

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Attractions

• Getting around:

  • MARTA rail is useful for airport to downtown/Midtown/Buckhead, and for some stadium events.
  • Rideshare is common for neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, and Grant Park.

• Traffic and timing:

  • Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can be slow. Many locals plan attractions for late mornings and mid‑afternoons.
  • Popular spots like the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta are often less crowded on weekdays outside school holidays.

• Parking:

  • Most major attractions have paid parking decks or lots.
  • Intown neighborhoods (Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, Little Five Points) often rely on street parking, so allow extra time.

• Weather:

  • Summers are hot and humid; many people schedule outdoor activities early or late in the day and keep indoor attractions for mid‑afternoon.
  • Spring and fall are popular times for festivals and outdoor events across the city.

By focusing on a few areas at a time—such as Downtown + Midtown, or the BeltLine + nearby neighborhoods—you can experience a wide range of Atlanta attractions without spending your entire visit in traffic. Whether you’re a local exploring your own city or a visitor getting to know Atlanta for the first time, these spots are a strong starting point for planning your time in the city.