Must-See Places in Atlanta, GA: A Local-Focused Guide

Atlanta offers a mix of history, culture, food, sports, and green space that’s hard to match in one city. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re visiting for a few days, or you’re just trying to understand what makes the city special, this guide walks through the top places to see in Atlanta, GA—with a focus on what they’re like in real life, not just on a brochure.

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in the City Center

Downtown is where many visitors start, and locals return for games, conventions, and big-ticket attractions.

Centennial Olympic Park Area

This walkable hub packs several major sights into a few city blocks.

Centennial Olympic Park

• 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Large urban park built for the 1996 Olympic Games
• Known for the Fountain of Rings, lawns, walking paths, and frequent events

It’s a good base for exploring nearby attractions:

World of Coca-Cola

• 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Museum dedicated to the Coca-Cola brand and its history
• Features tasting areas, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits

Georgia Aquarium

• 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• One of the largest aquariums in the world
• Well-known for whale sharks, manta rays, and large viewing windows

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Museum focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights
• Offers immersive exhibits and historical documents, including materials related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

These attractions are close enough to visit in a single day if you plan ahead and don’t mind a full schedule.

State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you want to experience Atlanta’s sports and entertainment scene:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Known for its retractable roof and large circular video board

State Farm Arena

• 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Also hosts concerts and major events

Both venues are easily reachable via MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station or Vine City Station, making them convenient even if you’re not driving.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Culture, and Green Space

Midtown is Atlanta’s cultural core, with museums, theaters, and one of the city’s most popular parks.

Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden

Piedmont Park

• 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (visitor center area)
• Often compared to a “Central Park” for Atlanta
• Walking and jogging paths, dog park, sports fields, and city skyline views

Locals use Piedmont Park for daily exercise, festivals, and picnics. On nice weekends, expect it to be busy but lively.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

• 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Located on the northern edge of Piedmont Park
• Known for seasonal exhibitions, canopy walkway, and themed gardens

The Garden is a strong choice if you want a quieter, more curated experience right next to the city.

High Museum of Art & the Midtown Arts District

High Museum of Art

• 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Major art museum with American, European, African, and contemporary works
• Regular rotating exhibitions and family-friendly programs

Surrounding areas include Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, and several galleries and performance spaces. Midtown is also a central zone for public art and murals, many of which are visible just by walking along Peachtree Street and nearby side streets.

Historic Atlanta: Civil Rights, Neighborhoods, and Landmarks

Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and its historically Black neighborhoods are a major part of what makes the city unique.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (visitor center)
  This multi-site area typically includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (on Auburn Avenue)

• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached

• The King Center and reflecting pool

• Visitor center with exhibits about King’s life and the movement

It’s one of the most important places to see in Atlanta, GA if you want to understand the city’s role in American history. The neighborhood, known as Sweet Auburn, also includes other historic buildings and local businesses.

Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery

• 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Historic cemetery and green space near downtown
• Final resting place of notable Atlantans and a place to see Victorian-style monuments and city views

Oakland is often used by locals as a quiet walking place and for guided historical tours, especially around major holidays and history-related events.

Buckhead & North Atlanta: Upscale Shopping and Residential Areas

Buckhead is known for shopping, dining, and high-rise living, and serves as a base for many business travelers.

Buckhead Village & Lenox/PHIPPS Area

Key areas include:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Buckhead Village District around Peachtree Rd & Buckhead Ave

While these are primarily shopping destinations, Buckhead also has:

• A growing collection of public art and murals
• Walkable pockets with restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife
• Nearby residential neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and historic homes

If your focus is museums and historic sites, you might spend less time here, but if you’re interested in upscale shopping or dining, Buckhead is a major stop.

The BeltLine & Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail has become one of the city’s most popular places to walk, bike, and explore neighborhoods.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Eastside Trail runs through several vibrant intown neighborhoods, including:

• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park
• Parts of Midtown and Virginia-Highland

Along the BeltLine you’ll find:

• Public art installations and murals
• Access points to parks like Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• A high concentration of restaurants, breweries, and markets

Locals use the trail for commuting, exercise, and casual outings. Visitors often walk a stretch between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.

Ponce City Market & Krog Street Market

Ponce City Market

• 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Mixed-use development in a historic Sears building
• Food hall, shops, rooftop amusement area, and direct BeltLine access

Krog Street Market

• 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Smaller market with restaurants and food stalls
• Close to the Krog Street Tunnel, known for ever-changing street art and graffiti

These are top picks if you want good food, local flavor, and easy access to the BeltLine in one stop.

Family-Friendly Places to See in Atlanta

If you’re planning with kids (or just like interactive attractions), a few places stand out.

Zoo Atlanta & Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta

• 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Located in Grant Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods
• Known for giant pandas, gorillas, and kid-focused exhibits

Grant Park itself offers:

• Walking paths and playgrounds
• Historic homes and a neighborhood feel
• Occasional festivals and farmers markets

This area is good if you want a full day of kid-friendly activities without bouncing around the whole city.

Fernbank Museum & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Features dinosaur exhibits, natural history displays, and a giant screen theater

Fernbank Forest and outdoor areas offer:

• Nature trails
• Outdoor play spaces and seasonal exhibits

Located in the Druid Hills area, Fernbank gives you a mix of indoor learning and outdoor exploration, popular with school groups and families year-round.

Outdoor & Nature-Focused Places Around Atlanta

Atlanta’s nickname “the city in a forest” reflects how green the region is. Within about 30–45 minutes of the city center, you can find impressive outdoor spots.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park

• 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Approximately 15–20 miles east of downtown Atlanta

Key features:

• Granite mountain with hiking trails, including the popular Walk-Up Trail
• Scenic views of the Atlanta skyline from the top on clear days
• Lake, picnic areas, and seasonal attractions

Locals frequently use the park for day hikes, exercise, and family outings. If you’re visiting, plan for at least half a day.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Multiple units along the Chattahoochee River offer:

• Easy-to-moderate hiking trails
• River access for tubing, kayaking, and fishing
• Picnic areas and scenic overlooks

Popular access points near Atlanta include:

• Palisades Unit – Paces Mill – 3444 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Island Ford Unit – 8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

This is where many Atlanta residents go when they want a quick break from city life without a long drive.

Classic “Only in Atlanta” Spots

Some places are less about big attractions and more about that distinctive Atlanta feel.

The Varsity

The Varsity

• 61 North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Landmark drive-in restaurant near Georgia Tech and Downtown

Known for:

• Classic fast food menu
• Long history as a local gathering spot
• Distinctive ordering style and atmosphere

It’s a popular stop for first-time visitors and a nostalgia spot for locals.

College Football Hall of Fame

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

• 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center

Attraction highlights:

• Interactive exhibits related to college football
• Memorabilia and hall of fame displays

If you’re a college football fan, this is a strong add-on when you’re already downtown.

Quick Reference: Key Places to See in Atlanta, GA

Practical Tips for Seeing Atlanta

• Traffic & Timing: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. When possible, group activities by area (e.g., do Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola in one day).
• Transit:MARTA rail and buses can be useful for visiting downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, and some stadium events.
  • MARTA Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer service: 404-848-5000 (for route and schedule questions)
• Parking: Major attractions usually offer parking decks or lots, but prices and availability can vary, especially during games or conventions.
• Weather: Summers are hot and humid. For BeltLine walks, Piedmont Park, and outdoor attractions, early morning or late afternoon is usually more comfortable.

By focusing on a mix of downtown icons, neighborhood favorites, historic landmarks, and outdoor escapes, you can build an Atlanta itinerary that fits your interests—whether you have just one day in the city or you’re exploring it as a long-term local.