The Best Places to Visit in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local-Focused Guide

Atlanta offers a mix of history, food, music, sports, parks, and neighborhoods that feel distinctly local. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re visiting for a few days, you can easily fill an itinerary with places that show Atlanta’s character and culture.

Below is a practical guide to places to visit in Atlanta, organized by interest: history, family fun, outdoors, arts and culture, neighborhoods, and more.

Quick Overview: Top Places to Visit in Atlanta

Must-See Historic and Cultural Landmarks

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Sweet Auburn)

Location: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
This area is central to understanding Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Within walking distance you’ll find:

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home (by guided tour reservation)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached
• The King Center, with exhibits on nonviolence and civil rights
• Reflective spaces around Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s tomb

It’s a meaningful visit for locals and visitors alike, and you can walk the surrounding Sweet Auburn corridor to see murals and historic sites.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Downtown)

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with ongoing global human rights issues. Exhibits often include interactive elements and personal stories, making it a thoughtful stop if you want context on the city’s legacy of activism.

Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
This large campus combines:

• The Atlanta History Museum, covering the city’s development, transportation, and regional culture
• The Swan House, a historic mansion featured in films
• Civil War and Southern history exhibitions
• Walking trails and gardens

It’s a solid option if you want a broad overview of how Atlanta became what it is today.

Downtown Atlanta: Big Attractions in a Compact Area

Georgia Aquarium

Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
One of the city’s most visited attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is known for:

• Large viewing windows with whale sharks and manta rays
• Interactive touch pools
• Family-friendly galleries and daily shows

Locals often time their visits for weekdays or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

World of Coca‑Cola

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Next to the aquarium, this museum-style attraction explores the history and branding of Coca‑Cola, which has deep roots in Atlanta. Visitors usually enjoy:

• Vintage advertising and memorabilia
• A walk-through bottling line display
• A tasting area with soft drinks from around the world

Centennial Olympic Park

Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, this downtown green space offers:

• Open lawns and walking paths
• The Fountain of Rings water feature
• Seasonal events and concerts

It works as a central meeting spot and a break between nearby attractions like the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Midtown & Arts District: Parks, Museums, and Nightlife

Piedmont Park

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Piedmont Park is often compared to a local “Central Park” for Atlanta. You’ll find:

• Walking and jogging paths with skyline views
• Open fields for picnics and pickup sports
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Seasonal festivals and farmers markets

Directly to the southeast is The Carter Center and Freedom Park, another area for walking and city views.

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

Running roughly from Midtown through Old Fourth Ward to Inman Park, the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail is a converted rail corridor now used for:

• Walking, jogging, biking, and scooters
• Access to restaurants, patios, and breweries
• Public art, murals, and frequent street activity

Popular entry points include the Ponce City Market area and Historic Fourth Ward Park.

Ponce City Market

Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Ponce City Market is a repurposed historic Sears building housing:

• Food hall with a range of local and regional vendors
• Retail shops and workspace
• Rooftop amusement area (Skyline views, games, seasonal events)

It connects directly to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it easy to combine with a walk or bike ride.

High Museum of Art

Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
In the Midtown Arts District, the High Museum is known for:

• A permanent collection that includes American, European, African, and folk art
• Rotating special exhibitions
• Family-friendly programming on select days

The nearby Woodruff Arts Center campus also includes performance spaces for theater, dance, and symphony.

Fox Theatre

Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
An iconic historic theater on Peachtree Street, the Fox hosts:

• Broadway touring productions
• Concerts and comedy shows
• Holiday performances and special events

Even if you’re not seeing a show, locals sometimes recommend the theater tour to see its ornate interiors and learn its history.

Neighborhoods to Explore for Local Flavor

Exploring neighborhoods is one of the best ways to get a feel for Atlanta beyond the big attractions.

Inman Park

Atlanta’s first planned suburb, now a popular in-town neighborhood:

• Tree-lined streets with Victorian homes
• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• A cluster of restaurants and cafes along Euclid Ave and North Highland Ave

The Inman Park Festival in spring is one of the city’s well-known neighborhood events.

Virginia‑Highland

Often called “Va‑Hi,” this neighborhood is known for:

• Bungalow-lined streets and walkable blocks
• A mix of local restaurants, bars, and boutiques along North Highland Ave
• Proximity to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine

Residents and visitors alike come here for dining, patio seating, and a neighborhood feel.

Little Five Points

A compact, eclectic district on the east side:

• Independent shops, record stores, and vintage clothing
• Colorful murals and street art
• A long-running alternative and arts scene

It’s a contrast to more polished areas and a good spot if you’re looking for something less mainstream.

West Midtown / Westside Provisions Area

Former industrial buildings turned into modern spaces:

• Restaurants, design shops, and cafes
• Proximity to the Westside Reservoir Park (a newer large park with skyline views)
• More of a “converted warehouse district” atmosphere

This area continues to grow and shift, so offerings can change, but it’s become a regular destination for dining and evening outings.

Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Atlanta

Beyond the downtown attractions, families often like:

Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park)

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Situated in Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is known for:

• Giant pandas and gorillas
• Kid-focused play zones
• Walkable paths with shaded areas

Grant Park itself has walking trails and green space, and nearby neighborhoods have several casual dining options.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
In the Druid Hills area, Fernbank offers:

• Dinosaur exhibits and fossils
• Interactive science exhibits
• An IMAX-style giant screen theater
• Fernbank Forest and outdoor nature experiences

It’s a good option for school-age kids and anyone interested in natural history.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta (Downtown)

Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Near Centennial Olympic Park, this museum focuses on hands-on, educational play for younger children, with themed zones that change periodically.

Outdoor Spaces and Parks Around the City

Beyond Piedmont Park, several other green spaces are worth a visit:

Atlanta BeltLine (Multiple Segments)

The BeltLine is a developing loop of trails and transit along old rail corridors encircling intown neighborhoods. For visitors and locals, popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail: Ponce City Market to Inman Park/Reynoldstown
• Westside Trail: From near Adair Park through several southwest neighborhoods

These corridors link parks, neighborhoods, and food/drink spots and are busy in the evenings and on weekends.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Location: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (general area)
Adjacent to the BeltLine and Ponce City Market, this park features:

• A lake and stormwater basin with walking paths
• Playground and green spaces
• Close access to restaurants and retail

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta)

Location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Just outside the city to the east, this large park offers:

• Hiking up Stone Mountain for panoramic views of the skyline (on clear days)
• Lakeside activities
• Seasonal events

Visitors should be aware that the park also contains Confederate imagery and memorials, which has prompted ongoing discussions and mixed reactions; some choose to focus mainly on the natural aspects and recreation.

Sports, Live Events, and Big Venues

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), this stadium also hosts major concerts and events. It’s known for its retractable roof design and central downtown location.

State Farm Arena

Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
Home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a primary venue for large indoor concerts and shows. It sits right along the downtown “Gulch” area near CNN Center and the stadium.

Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta (Cobb County)

Location: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Northwest of downtown near the junction of I‑75 and I‑285, this is the home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB). The surrounding development, The Battery Atlanta, offers:

• Restaurants, bars, and shops
• A central plaza with big screens and events
• Year‑round activities, even outside of baseball season

Practical Tips for Visiting Places in Atlanta

• Traffic and Timing: Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons. When planning places to visit, try to cluster stops by neighborhood to cut down on driving.
• Transit Options: MARTA rail and buses serve many major locations, including Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport. For the BeltLine and neighborhood exploring, walking and rideshare are common.
• Parking: Many popular attractions and intown neighborhoods use paid parking, either in decks or via app-based street parking. Check posted signs carefully.
• Weather: Summers are hot and humid; outdoor visits (like BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Zoo Atlanta) are often more comfortable in the morning or late afternoon. Winters are usually mild but can be rainy.

Suggested One- or Two-Day Itineraries

If You Have One Full Day

Focus on central, easily connected locations:

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Midday: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park and lunch downtown
• Afternoon: National Center for Civil and Human Rights or short MARTA trip to Piedmont Park
• Evening: Dinner in Midtown or along the BeltLine near Ponce City Market

If You Have a Weekend

Day 1 (Downtown & Civil Rights):

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Sweet Auburn and lunch nearby
• Afternoon at Georgia Aquarium or National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Evening event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (if there’s a game or concert)

Day 2 (Midtown & Neighborhoods):

• Morning walk in Piedmont Park
• Visit the High Museum of Art
• Head to Ponce City Market and walk the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Explore Inman Park or Virginia‑Highland for dinner

Atlanta’s places to visit range from major attractions and historic sites to small neighborhoods and green spaces that locals use every day. By combining a few headline destinations with time in in‑town neighborhoods, parks, and along the BeltLine, you’ll get a grounded sense of how the city actually feels to live in and explore.