Auburn Avenue in Atlanta: History, Culture, and What to See Today

Auburn Avenue in Atlanta is more than just a street – it’s one of the most important corridors of Black history, culture, and business in the United States. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just want to understand what makes Auburn Avenue special, this guide will walk you through its past, its landmarks, and how to experience it today.

Where Is Auburn Avenue in Atlanta?

Auburn Avenue NE runs through Sweet Auburn, an historic neighborhood on the east side of Downtown Atlanta.

• Western end: near Peachtree Center and the heart of downtown
• Eastern stretch: passes through Sweet Auburn and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area
• Nearby major streets: Edgewood Avenue, Decatur Street, Courtland Street, and Boulevard

Auburn Avenue is easy to reach by car, MARTA, or the Atlanta Streetcar, which runs a loop connecting downtown to Sweet Auburn.

Why Auburn Avenue Matters: “The Richest Negro Street in the World”

In the early- to mid-1900s, Auburn Avenue was a center of Black business, politics, religion, and culture. The street became nationally known as:

People came for:

• Black-owned banks, insurance companies, and professional offices
• Major Black churches and civic organizations
• Cultural and social life during segregation, when many other areas were closed off to Black residents

For Atlantans today, Auburn Avenue is both a living neighborhood and a historic district that tells the story of civil rights, economic resilience, and community life.

Key Historic Sites on Auburn Avenue

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Much of Auburn Avenue is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service. The area includes several must-see sites:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home
  501 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  The house where Dr. King was born and spent his early years. Tours are typically ranger-led and often require same-day, in-person reservations at the visitor center.

• The King Center
  449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Founded by Coretta Scott King, this center includes:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Coretta Scott King’s crypt
  • Reflecting pool
  • Exhibits on nonviolence and civil rights
  • Freedom Hall, featuring displays and rotating exhibits

• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
  407 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Dr. King co-pastored here with his father. The sanctuary is preserved much as it looked during the civil rights era. It’s a central stop on any Auburn Avenue visit.

• Visitor Center (MLK National Historical Park)
  450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Good starting point for maps, exhibits, ranger programs, and film screenings about Dr. King and the movement.

Sweet Auburn Historic District

Sweet Auburn is the historic African American neighborhood surrounding Auburn Avenue, with several important institutions:

• Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
  Historically headquartered in the area where Dr. King and other leaders organized major civil rights campaigns.

• Prince Hall Masonic Temple
  330 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  A longtime hub for Black organizations, meetings, and activism.

• Big Bethel AME Church
  220 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  One of Atlanta’s oldest Black churches, notable for its stained-glass windows and the “Jesus Saves” sign visible from the Downtown Connector.

Black Business and Community Landmarks on Auburn Avenue

Even with changes over time, Auburn Avenue still reflects its legacy as a business corridor.

Notable Historic and Ongoing Institutions

• Atlanta Life Insurance Company (historic headquarters)
  Once one of the nation’s most prominent Black-owned insurance companies, founded by Alonzo Herndon (also connected to the Herndon Home Museum a short distance away).

• Citizens Trust Bank (nearby on Auburn/adjacent streets)
  A long-established Black-owned bank serving Atlanta residents and businesses.

• Local barbershops, restaurants, and shops
  You’ll still see small, locally owned businesses, some serving the neighborhood for decades and others newer, reflecting ongoing revitalization.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking

By Marta Rail

• Closest MARTA stations:
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line) – walk east toward Auburn Avenue
  • King Memorial Station (Blue/Green line) – walk west/north toward Auburn and the MLK site

From either station, expect about a 10–20 minute walk depending on your exact start and end point.

By Atlanta Streetcar

The Atlanta Streetcar is one of the most convenient ways to get around downtown and Sweet Auburn.

Key stops along or near Auburn Avenue include:

• Sweet Auburn Curb Market stop
• King Historic District stop

Streetcars typically run on a loop through downtown and Sweet Auburn; schedules and fares can vary, so it’s wise to check current service before heading out.

By Car

• Parking options:
  • On-street metered parking on or near Auburn Avenue (time-limited)
  • Paid surface lots and parking decks around the King Historic District and downtown
• Traffic can be busy during weekday rush hours and when events are happening downtown, so allow extra time.

Table: Key Auburn Avenue Highlights at a Glance

What to Do on Auburn Avenue: Sample Ways to Experience the Area

1. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Auburn Avenue is compact and walkable. A typical half-day visit could include:

1. Start at the MLK National Historical Park Visitor Center on Auburn.
2. Visit Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center.
3. Walk past historic homes and buildings along Auburn Avenue.
4. Continue west toward downtown, noticing churches, former business buildings, and community landmarks.
5. Stop for a meal or snack at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market (just off Auburn on Edgewood Ave).

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and in summer, plan for heat and humidity—shade can be limited on some blocks.

2. Join a Guided Tour

Local guides and organizations sometimes offer civil rights-themed tours of Auburn Avenue and Sweet Auburn. These can help you:

• Understand the stories behind the buildings
• Learn about lesser-known activists and residents
• Get more context on how the area has changed over time

If you’re an Atlanta resident, these tours can give you a deeper appreciation for the city’s role in national history.

3. Explore Food and Culture Nearby

While the street is historic, it’s also part of a living neighborhood. Within walking distance of Auburn Avenue you’ll find:

• Casual and sit-down restaurants
• Cafés and small shops
• Occasional events, festivals, or block gatherings in the Sweet Auburn area

Because businesses can change over time, it’s helpful to check recent local listings or ask at the visitor center for current recommendations.

Auburn Avenue and Urban Change

Like many historic corridors in major cities, Auburn Avenue has experienced:

• Economic highs and lows
• Highway construction impacts (the nearby Downtown Connector cut through historic neighborhoods)
• Suburbanization and disinvestment, followed by new waves of interest and development
• Concerns from residents about gentrification and displacement

If you live in Atlanta, you may see Auburn Avenue discussed in local conversations about:

• Preserving Black history and culture
• Supporting legacy businesses
• Balancing revitalization with affordability and community control

Walking the street today, you’ll likely notice both historic landmarks and newer developments, reflecting a neighborhood that is still evolving.

Practical Tips for Visiting Auburn Avenue

Here are some simple, Atlanta-focused pointers:

• Best time to go:

  • Daytime hours are best for touring and visiting official sites.
  • Early morning or late afternoon can be more comfortable in summer heat.

• What to wear/bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water, especially in warmer months
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (Atlanta summers are hot; winters are generally mild but can be chilly)

• Accessibility:

  • Major sites like the King Center and visitor center are designed with accessibility in mind.
  • Some older buildings and sidewalks may be less accessible; check directly with specific sites if you have mobility concerns.

• Safety:

  • As in any urban area, be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
  • Daytime visits around the major historic sites are common for families, tourists, and school groups.

Living Near or Regularly Visiting Auburn Avenue

If you live nearby or come often:

• You may want to follow updates from:

  • City of Atlanta planning departments
  • Neighborhood or community associations in Sweet Auburn
  • The National Park Service for program changes around the MLK site

• You can use Auburn Avenue as:

  • A walking route between downtown and Old Fourth Ward / Edgewood
  • A way to show out-of-town visitors a meaningful part of Atlanta’s story
  • A place to connect with Black history and local civic life on an ongoing basis

Auburn Avenue in Atlanta is a place where history, faith, business, and activism all intersect. Whether you’re spending an afternoon visiting the King Historic District, walking through Sweet Auburn on your lunch break, or exploring the area as a new resident, this corridor offers a direct connection to the city’s past and its ongoing story.