Atlanta Tourist Places: Your Local Guide to the City’s Must-See Spots

Atlanta offers a mix of historic sites, world-class attractions, green spaces, arts, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own small city. Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting for a few days, this guide focuses on practical, local-friendly tourist places that are easy to plan around and combine into full days.

Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park Area

This is Atlanta’s most concentrated cluster of major attractions. It’s walkable and convenient for first-time visitors.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature tourist places and a top pick if you’re traveling with family.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, interactive touch pools, dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Tips:
  • Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
  • If you’re staying downtown, it’s easy to reach on foot or via the MARTA Civic Center or Peachtree Center stations plus a short walk.
  • Plan at least 2–3 hours.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola focuses on the history and global reach of the brand, with memorabilia and tasting experiences.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Good for: Visitors interested in pop culture, branding, and interactive exhibits
• Planning tip: Many visitors pair this with the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park in the same day.

Centennial Olympic Park

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

• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What to do:
  • Walk the Fountain of Rings plaza.
  • Relax on the lawns between museum visits.
  • Enjoy seasonal events and festivals that often take place here.
• Local tip: It’s a practical meeting spot if your group is splitting up to visit different attractions.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum connects the legacy of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with human rights efforts around the world.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Why it’s important in Atlanta:
  • Atlanta is a major civil rights hub, and this center helps put many other local historic sites into context.
• Allow: Around 1.5–2 hours for a meaningful visit.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown is Atlanta’s arts district and home to some of the city’s most popular museums and parks.

Piedmont Park

Often described as Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is a large urban green space with skyline views.

• Main access: 1071 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What you can do:
  • Walk or run along paved trails.
  • Enjoy the dog park, sports fields, and lake views.
  • Visit during festivals and farmers markets that frequently use the park.
• Local tip: Combine Piedmont Park with the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which is directly adjacent on the north side.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is known for its plant collections, seasonal displays, and canopy walkway.

• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Highlights:
  • The Canopy Walk overlooking woodland gardens.
  • Seasonal orchid displays and outdoor art installations.
• Planning idea: A half-day combining Piedmont Park + Atlanta Botanical Garden works well, especially in spring and fall.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Midtown’s flagship art museum, with architecture that stands out even from the street.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What you’ll find:
  • American art, European paintings, African art, photography, and design.
  • Rotating special exhibitions.
• Nearby: The Woodruff Arts Center complex and Midtown MARTA station are close, making this easy to pair with a meal on Peachtree Street.

Historic Atlanta & Civil Rights Landmarks

Atlanta’s role in U.S. history is a core part of its identity, and several sites are clustered on and around Auburn Avenue and in nearby neighborhoods.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This national park area connects several key civil rights locations associated with Dr. King.

• Visitor Center & Park Offices: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Key sites within the district:
  • Birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center and the tomb of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King
• Tips:
  • Check-in at the Visitor Center first for orientation and information on ranger-led programs.
  • Allow at least 2–3 hours if you plan to see multiple buildings and exhibits.

Auburn Avenue & Sweet Auburn Historic District

Known as “Sweet Auburn,” this area was once a major center of African American commerce and culture.

• General area: Auburn Ave NE, roughly east of downtown
• Why visit:
  • To understand Atlanta’s Black history and its role in the civil rights movement.
  • To walk between the MLK sites, churches, and historic businesses.
• Local tip: A walking visit to Sweet Auburn pairs well with downtown attractions or the Atlanta Streetcar, which serves this area.

Buckhead: Upscale Shopping and Mansions

Buckhead, in north Atlanta, is known for shopping, dining, and historic estates.

Atlanta History Center & Swan House

The Atlanta History Center offers indoor and outdoor experiences on a large campus.

• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• What’s on-site:
  • Atlanta-focused history exhibits.
  • The Swan House, a historic mansion and gardens.
  • Restored farm buildings and walking paths.
• Good for: Visitors who want a broader overview of Atlanta’s past, beyond just the civil rights era.

Buckhead Shopping District

Buckhead’s core commercial area includes large malls and high-end boutiques.

• General area: Around Peachtree Rd NE & Lenox Rd NE
• Why visitors go:
  • Concentration of upscale shopping, restaurants, and hotels.
• Transportation note: Easily accessed via Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations, plus local bus routes.

Unique Neighborhood Experiences

Beyond the big attractions, Atlanta’s neighborhoods offer some of the most memorable local experiences.

The BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine is a developing network of multi-use trails built along former rail corridors. The Eastside Trail is one of the most popular segments.

• Typical access points:
  • Near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  • Inman Park area (around Irwin St NE)
• What to expect:
  • A paved trail used by walkers, cyclists, and runners.
  • Public art, skyline views, and access to cafes and restaurants.
• Visitor tip: Plan a late afternoon or early evening walk, then stop for food or drinks at Ponce City Market or along the trail.

Ponce City Market

A former Sears building transformed into a mixed-use market and food hall.

• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Why it’s popular:
  • A wide variety of food options in one place.
  • Direct access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Good to know: The building also houses shops and offices, so it can be busy on weekends and evenings, especially in good weather.

Inman Park & Little Five Points

These adjacent neighborhoods show off different sides of Atlanta’s character.

• Inman Park:
  • Known for Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and local restaurants.
  • Close to the BeltLine and Krog Street Market.
• Little Five Points:
  • General area around Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE.
  • Known for independent shops, street art, music venues, and an alternative vibe.
• How to use your time: Many visitors walk or drive between these neighborhoods in a single outing, combining shopping, people-watching, and dining.

Family-Friendly Attractions Around the City

Atlanta has several tourist places that are especially appealing to families with children.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is one of the city’s major family attractions.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Highlights:
  • A wide range of animals, with well-developed habitats and educational programs.
• Planning tip: Combine with a picnic or stroll in Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest city parks.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum features natural history exhibits and large dinosaur displays, alongside an expansive forest area.

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• What’s on offer:
  • Dinosaur skeletons, interactive science exhibits, and a giant screen theater.
  • Outdoor trails and Fernbank Forest, a protected old-growth forest.
• Good for: Families, science enthusiasts, and visitors looking for both indoor and outdoor time.

Live Sports, Events, and Entertainment

Atlanta’s stadiums and arenas frequently double as tourist destinations, especially for visitors who want to see a game or concert.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home to professional football and soccer, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is known for its architecture and retractable roof.

• Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• What happens here:
  • Professional football games, soccer matches, concerts, and major events.
• Visitor tip: Even non-sports fans sometimes book tours of the stadium to see behind-the-scenes areas, when available.

State Farm Arena

Next to CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena hosts basketball games and major concerts.

• Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Combine with: Downtown attractions such as the aquarium, civil rights center, or lunch spots in the Centennial Park area.

Day-Trip Style Tourist Places Near Atlanta

Several popular destinations are within about an hour’s drive of central Atlanta, making them realistic for day trips.

Stone Mountain Park

A large park built around Stone Mountain, featuring outdoor recreation and tourist-oriented attractions.

• Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Why visitors go:
  • Hiking, especially up the mountain’s Walk-Up Trail.
  • Scenic views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days.
  • Seasonal and ticketed attractions within the park.
• Local tip: Traffic on the east side can be busy during peak times, so plan travel accordingly.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

A major Civil War battlefield site with hiking trails and historical exhibits.

• Location: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152
• Best for:
  • History-focused visitors and those who want moderate hiking and views.
• Time needed: A half day works well for both the visitor center and a hike to the top.

Quick Planning Overview: Key Atlanta Tourist Areas

Use this simple table as a starting point for planning your time in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Visiting Atlanta Tourist Places

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail and bus can be useful for downtown, Midtown, Airport, and some Buckhead and Decatur destinations.
  • Many tourist places have parking, but traffic and parking fees can affect your timing and budget.

• Weather awareness:

  • Summers are hot and humid, so plan outdoor sites (like the BeltLine, parks, and Stone Mountain) for morning or evening when possible.
  • Spring and fall are generally comfortable for walking-heavy itineraries.

• Combining attractions:

  • 1 full day downtown: Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola + stroll through Centennial Olympic Park.
  • 1 Midtown/neighborhood day: Atlanta Botanical Garden + Piedmont Park + BeltLine Eastside Trail + Ponce City Market.
  • History-focused day: MLK National Historical Park + Sweet Auburn walk + Atlanta History Center (if you’re comfortable driving between areas).

By focusing on a few key districts per day, you can see Atlanta’s major tourist places without spending all your time in traffic—and still experience the mix of history, culture, food, and green space that defines the city.