Best Atlanta Sightseeing Places: Must-See Spots for Visitors and Locals

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern skyline views, vibrant neighborhoods, and green spaces in a way few cities do. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there’s no shortage of sightseeing places that show off what makes Atlanta, Georgia unique.

Below is a practical guide to the top Atlanta sightseeing places, grouped by interest, with local context and tips to help you plan your day.

Downtown & Midtown Atlanta Highlights

These are the core sightseeing places many people start with, especially first-time visitors.

Georgia Aquarium

One of the most famous attractions in the city, the Georgia Aquarium is a major Atlanta sightseeing landmark.

• What to see: Whale sharks, manta rays, tropical reef exhibits, interactive touch pools, and large viewing windows.
• Where: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Local tip: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays. Parking garages nearby can fill up quickly on busy days.

World of Coca-Cola

Right next door, the World of Coca-Cola celebrates the Atlanta-based brand and its global reach.

• Highlights: Brand history exhibits, memorabilia, a tasting area with drinks from different countries, and displays about Coca-Cola’s cultural impact.
• Where: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good to know: It’s easy to pair this with the Georgia Aquarium for a full downtown sightseeing day.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is a central green space surrounded by major attractions.

• Why visit: Fountains, walking paths, skyline views, and frequent festivals or events.
• Where: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Local tip: The Fountain of Rings is especially popular with families when the weather is warm.

SkyView Atlanta

For a quick but memorable view of downtown, SkyView Atlanta is a large Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park.

• What to expect: Enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas with views of downtown, particularly nice at night.
• Where: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Civil Rights, History, and Culture

Atlanta is deeply connected to the Civil Rights Movement and African American history. These sightseeing places are essential for understanding the city.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This national park area connects several important sites linked to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.

Key stops include:

• Birth Home of Dr. King

• Ebenezer Baptist Church

• The King Center and Dr. King’s final resting place

• Visitor Center with exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

• Where: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Visitor Center)

• Local tip: Parking is usually available near the Visitor Center, and many parts of the site are walkable.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects Atlanta’s Civil Rights history with global human rights issues.

• Highlights: Exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement, personal stories, and rotating displays on human rights.
• Where: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Oakland Cemetery

More than a cemetery, Oakland is a historic garden cemetery with city views, architecture, and monuments.

• Why it matters: Final resting place of notable Atlantans, including author Margaret Mitchell and leaders from different eras of the city.
• Where: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Local tip: It doubles as a peaceful walking destination, especially in spring and fall.

Museums and Learning Experiences

Atlanta offers several museums that are both educational and visually engaging.

Atlanta History Center & Swan House

Located in Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center covers local history from the Civil War through modern Atlanta.

• What you’ll see:
  • Main history exhibits
  • Swan House, a historic mansion
  • Period gardens and walking paths
• Where: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Local tip: Allow a few hours; the property is spread out and mostly self-guided.

High Museum of Art

In Midtown’s arts district, the High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s major art museum.

• Highlights: American, European, African, and folk art, plus rotating special exhibits.
• Where: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Nearby: Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Hall, making this area a broader cultural hub.

Fernbank Museum | Fernbank Science Center

Visitors often combine Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Fernbank Science Center when exploring this side of the city.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

  • Dinosaur exhibits
  • Natural history galleries
  • Seasonal outdoor forest trails
  • Where: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

• Fernbank Science Center

  • Planetarium shows and science exhibits
  • Where: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307

Both are popular with families and anyone interested in science and nature.

Parks, Nature, and Outdoor Sightseeing

Atlanta is known as a “city in the forest,” and many top sightseeing places are outdoors.

Piedmont Park

Often compared to a smaller Central Park, Piedmont Park is one of the city’s main gathering spaces.

• Why visit: Walking and jogging paths, dog parks, open fields, city skyline views, and frequent festivals.
• Where: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Local tip: The Meadow area and lake provide some of the best photo spots with Midtown skyscrapers in the background.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails built along historic rail lines, connecting neighborhoods and parks.

Key sections for sightseeing:

• Eastside Trail: Runs through Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and into Midtown. Murals, public art, and direct access to restaurants and shops.

• Westside Trail: More residential but quickly growing, with new parks and local businesses.

• Good to know: The BeltLine isn’t a single address, but popular access points include:

  • Near Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Near Krog Street Market, 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Adjacent to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers curated gardens and seasonal displays.

• Highlights: Canopy walk, orchid center, sculpture installations, and nighttime light events during certain seasons.
• Where: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta)

Though just outside the official city limits, Stone Mountain Park is part of many Atlanta sightseeing itineraries.

• Why go: Hiking trails (including a summit trail), lake views, and family-friendly attractions.
• Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Local tip: The walk-up trail offers a steady climb with broad city views on clear days.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Beyond single attractions, several Atlanta neighborhoods are sights in themselves.

Midtown

What makes it special:

• Home to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, and many of the city’s tallest buildings.
• Walkable, with a mix of residential streets, restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Top Midtown sightseeing spots:

• Piedmont Park
• High Museum of Art
• Fox Theatre (detailed below)

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for its shopping districts, high-rise skyline, and residential areas with large homes.

• Sightseeing draws:
  • Atlanta History Center
  • City views from high-rise corridors along Peachtree Rd
• Where: Roughly from Peachtree Creek north along Peachtree Rd up to around Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These neighboring areas blend historic homes, modern apartments, and BeltLine access.

• Why visit:
  • Connection to MLK Jr. National Historical Park
  • Easy access to the Eastside BeltLine Trail
  • Streets lined with historic homes and murals

Iconic Buildings and Historic Theaters

Some buildings in Atlanta are sightseeing destinations mainly because of their architecture or cultural roles.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is a restored 1920s movie palace and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable interiors.

• Why people visit: Stunning “Arabian night” style architecture, starry-sky ceiling, and a full calendar of shows and concerts.
• Where: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Local tip: Theater tours are sometimes offered; check in advance if you’re interested in seeing the interior without attending a show.

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol is a classic government building with a distinctive gold dome.

• Why it’s a sightseeing place: Architecture, historical markers, and displays on Georgia’s political history.
• Where: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

Family-Friendly Atlanta Sightseeing Spots

Many attractions in Atlanta work well for families with children.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features animals from around the world.

• Highlights: Giant pandas, gorillas, reptile house, and children’s attractions.
• Where: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Local tip: The surrounding Grant Park neighborhood is pleasant to walk or drive through, with tree-lined streets and older homes.

College Football Hall of Fame

Near Centennial Olympic Park, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame offers interactive exhibits focused on college football.

• Why families visit: Interactive games, team exhibits, and photo spots.
• Where: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

TV, Film, and Pop Culture Sightseeing

Atlanta has become a major film and television production hub, and some visitors want to see filming locations.

Common Film & TV-Related Areas

• Downtown Atlanta: Frequently used as a stand-in for other cities in movies.
• The Gulch / Mercedes-Benz Stadium area: Seen in various action sequences.
• Neighborhood streets in Midtown, Inman Park, and Old Fourth Ward: Sometimes recognizable from well-known shows.

While sets are often temporary and not always obvious, walking through these central areas offers a feel for Atlanta’s role as a production center.

Quick Planning Guide: Top Atlanta Sightseeing Places

Below is a simple overview of key Atlanta sightseeing spots and what they’re best known for:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Sightseeing

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail and buses serve many major sightseeing areas, especially Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • Ride-share services and scooters are common in intown neighborhoods.
  • Parking can be tight near busy attractions; garages and paid lots are concentrated around Downtown and Midtown.

• Weather Considerations:

  • Summers are hot and humid. Outdoor spots like the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Stone Mountain are more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon.
  • Spring and fall are popular for outdoor sightseeing and festivals.

• Combining Attractions in One Day:

  • Downtown cluster: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame.
  • Midtown cluster: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre (if attending a show or tour).
  • Historic and BeltLine day: MLK Jr. National Historical Park, walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail, explore Old Fourth Ward or Inman Park.

Focusing on a few of these Atlanta sightseeing places each day makes it easier to experience the city’s history, skyline, neighborhoods, and green spaces without rushing.