Atlanta Visiting Places: Your Local Guide to the City’s Best Spots

Atlanta offers a mix of history, culture, food, sports, and outdoor spaces that’s hard to match. Whether you live here, you’re planning a trip, or you’re trying to understand what makes Atlanta unique, this guide walks you through the top visiting places in Atlanta and how to enjoy them like a local.

Top Landmark Attractions in Atlanta

These are the places most visitors ask about first—and many locals return to again and again.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s signature attractions and a popular spot for families, date nights, and school breaks.

• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown / Centennial Park District

Highlights include large viewing windows, interactive exhibits, and marine life ranging from whale sharks to penguins. It’s walkable from other major attractions, so you can easily make a full downtown day around it.

Tips:

• Mornings and weekdays are usually less crowded.
• Consider nearby parking garages or MARTA to avoid downtown traffic.

World of Coca-Cola

Right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola explores the history and branding of one of Atlanta’s most famous companies.

• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s especially appealing if you enjoy pop culture, design, and interactive exhibits. Many visitors pair this with the Georgia Aquarium and a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park.

CNN Center & Centennial Olympic Park Area

While CNN’s operations in Atlanta have shifted over time, the CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park area is still central to downtown exploring.

• Centennial Olympic Park: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The park offers fountains, green space, and city views. It’s a convenient spot to rest between indoor attractions or enjoy a picnic on a nice day.

Atlanta’s Museums and Cultural Institutions

Atlanta’s museums offer a clear window into the city’s history, civil rights legacy, art scene, and science education.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s key role in the Civil Rights Movement with global human rights topics.

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

You’ll find exhibits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the U.S. Civil Rights era, and ongoing human rights issues. It’s highly recommended for visitors who want to understand Atlanta beyond its skyline and sports.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

This area in the Old Fourth Ward is one of the most meaningful visiting places in Atlanta.

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

The site typically includes:

• Dr. King’s childhood home (guided tours often required)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center and reflecting pool

This area is managed in part by the National Park Service, and it offers a powerful, reflective experience that many locals suggest as essential for understanding Atlanta.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s major art museum, known for its architecture and rotating exhibits.

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Neighborhood: Midtown

It’s easy to combine a visit with:

• A stroll through Midtown’s Peachtree corridor
• Nearby performance venues at the Woodruff Arts Center

Fernbank Museum | Fernbank Science Center | Fernbank Forest

There are a few “Fernbank” places, so it helps to differentiate:

These spots are particularly popular for families, school groups, and nature lovers.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Atlanta is a neighborhood city, and exploring different areas gives a better feel for local life.

Midtown

Midtown mixes business, arts, nightlife, and walkability.

Notable visiting places:

• Piedmont Park – Atlanta’s central park with walking paths, sports fields, playgrounds, and skyline views.
  • Main entrance near 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Atlanta Botanical Garden – A beautifully landscaped space with seasonal displays and a canopy walk.
  • 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Midtown is also a MARTA-friendly area, with several stations and relatively dense development by Atlanta standards.

Buckhead

Buckhead is known for upscale shopping, dining, and hotels.

Key spots:

• Lenox Square – Major shopping center
  • 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza – Another prominent mall across from Lenox
  • 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

While Buckhead is more car-oriented, the Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations provide rail access for those avoiding traffic.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These neighborhoods are favorites among locals for walkable streets, historic homes, and food options.

Highlights:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Multi-use trail running through Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and beyond.
• Ponce City Market – Food hall, shopping, and rooftop entertainment.
  • 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Krog Street Market – Smaller food hall and retail hub near the BeltLine.
  • 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

This area is ideal for a day of walking, eating, and exploring street art.

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown is more business-focused on weekdays but still rich in visiting places:

• State Farm Arena – Home to the Atlanta Hawks and concerts.
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC.
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Underground Atlanta area – Historic district undergoing various phases of redevelopment.

Downtown can feel quieter at night except when events are happening, so many visitors plan visits around games, concerts, and conventions.

Outdoor & Nature Spots in and Around Atlanta

Atlanta is often called the “City in a Forest” for its tree canopy, and there are plenty of outdoor places to visit.

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is one of the most visited outdoor spaces in the city.

• Location: Roughly bordered by 10th St NE and Monroe Dr NE
• Good for: Walking, running, sports, dog parks, festivals, and skyline photos

Events such as local festivals and farmers markets are often held here, especially in warmer months.

Atlanta BeltLine Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a system of multi-use trails built on old rail corridors.

Most popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail: From Midtown/Old Fourth Ward toward Inman Park and Reynoldstown
• Westside Trail: Connecting neighborhoods southwest of downtown

These trails are used for:

• Biking and walking
• Visiting restaurants and breweries next to the trail
• Viewing murals and public art

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

For people who want a more natural escape within driving distance of the city, the Chattahoochee River offers:

• Walking trails
• River overlooks
• Access points for kayaking or tubing (often seasonal)

Popular units near Atlanta include Palisades and Island Ford, each with parking areas and marked trails.

Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Atlanta

Many Atlanta attractions are designed with kids and multi-generational groups in mind.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a major family destination.

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

The zoo includes:

• Habitat areas with a variety of animals
• Play spaces for children
• Educational experiences and seasonal events

Pairing the zoo with a stroll through Grant Park’s surrounding neighborhood makes for a full outing.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

For younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is tailored to hands-on learning.

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s within walking distance of the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, making it easy to design an entire kid-focused downtown day.

Sports, Music, and Event Venues

Atlanta is a major sports and entertainment hub, and visiting for a game or show is common for both locals and out-of-town guests.

Major Sports Venues

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – NFL and MLS games, concerts, large events
  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – NBA games, concerts, special events
  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Truist Park – Home of Atlanta’s Major League Baseball team, located in the Cumberland area just outside city limits.
  • 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

The area around Truist Park, commonly called The Battery Atlanta, includes restaurants, retail, and live music spaces.

Performing Arts & Music

Notable performance spaces in and near Midtown and Downtown include:

• Fox Theatre – Historic venue with Broadway shows, concerts, and special events.
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Woodruff Arts Center – Complex that includes the Alliance Theatre and performance spaces for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

These venues offer a more formal night out, often paired with nearby dining along Peachtree Street or in Midtown.

Shopping and Food Hubs

While food and shopping are spread throughout the city, certain clusters are especially appealing for visitors.

Ponce City Market

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

Inside a historic Sears building, Ponce City Market includes:

• A food hall with a wide range of cuisines
• Retail shops
• A rooftop area with city views and activities

It connects directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it easy to arrive by car, bike, or on foot.

Krog Street Market & Inman Park

• Krog Street Market: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Krog Street Market offers:

• A smaller, more intimate food hall experience
• Proximity to Inman Park’s historic homes and the BeltLine

Nearby, the Krog Street Tunnel is well known for its graffiti and street art, often visited by people interested in photography and local creativity.

Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza

In Buckhead, these two malls sit across from each other:

• Lenox Square: 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza: 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

They’re frequently visited by:

• Shoppers looking for national and luxury brands
• Out-of-town guests staying in nearby hotels
• Locals planning a combined shopping-and-dining outing

Practical Tips for Visiting Places in Atlanta

A few logistics can make exploring Atlanta smoother.

Getting Around the City

• MARTA Rail & Bus:
  • The MARTA rail system connects the airport to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs.
  • Stations near major attractions include Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center, Arts Center, Midtown, Lenox, and Buckhead.
• Driving & Parking:
  • Many popular places have nearby parking decks or surface lots, especially around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and major stadiums.
  • Traffic can be heavy at rush hours and around large events, so planning around game times or concerts can help.
• Walking & Micromobility:
  • Neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and parts of Downtown are more walkable.
  • The BeltLine is especially convenient for short-distance walking or biking between nearby neighborhoods.

When to Visit Popular Spots

• Weekdays tend to be less crowded at museums and major attractions.
• Early mornings can make aquarium and zoo visits more relaxed.
• Evenings and weekends are usually busier on the BeltLine, in Midtown, and around stadiums.

Quick-Reference Snapshot: Key Atlanta Visiting Places

Using these as building blocks, you can design an Atlanta visit that matches your interests—whether that means a museum-heavy weekend, a food-and-BeltLine day, a sports trip, or a family-focused itinerary centered around the aquarium, zoo, and parks.