The Best Tourist Things To Do in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta blends Southern charm, rich history, and big-city energy, making it one of the most interesting places to explore in the Southeast. Whether you live in the metro area, are here for a quick weekend, or are planning a longer stay, there are plenty of Atlanta tourist things to do that fit every interest and budget.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to help you plan what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Atlanta.

Top Landmark Attractions in Atlanta

These are the classic Atlanta attractions most visitors—and many locals—aim to experience at least once.

Georgia Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is a staple Atlanta tourist activity.

What to expect:

• Huge viewing windows with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish
• Popular dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Touch pools and interactive exhibits for kids

Location:
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Area: Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park District

Tip: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than weekends and holidays.

World of Coca‑Cola

Right next to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola explores the history, advertising, and global reach of the Coca‑Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta.

Highlights:

• Vintage ads and memorabilia
• A recreated soda fountain experience
• A tasting area with Coke products from around the world

Location:
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Many visitors pair Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola + Centennial Olympic Park into a single walking day in downtown.

CNN Center & State Farm Arena Area

While studio tours have changed over time, the CNN Center area and nearby State Farm Arena remain a key hub in downtown Atlanta.

Visitors often:

• Walk around the park and plaza area near Centennial Olympic Park
• Combine this with a Hawks game, concert, or event if timed right
• Use this as a jumping-off point for other downtown attractions

Area: 1 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

For those interested in civil rights history and Atlanta’s role in it, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is one of the city’s most meaningful sites.

Key features:

• Birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached
• The King Center, honoring Dr. King and Coretta Scott King
• Exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement

Location:
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Area: Sweet Auburn

Expect a quieter, more reflective visit; this is less of a typical tourist attraction and more of a historic, educational experience.

Best Neighborhoods to Explore on Foot

Atlanta is spread out and often requires driving or rideshare, but several neighborhoods are ideal for walking, dining, and people-watching.

Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is known for its mix of arts, green space, and nightlife.

Top Midtown things to do:

• Stroll or picnic at Piedmont Park
• Visit the High Museum of Art
• Catch a show at the Fox Theatre
• Enjoy restaurants and bars along Peachtree St and side streets

Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

This park hosts festivals, farmer’s markets, and seasonal events throughout the year and connects to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Buckhead

Buckhead is often associated with high-end shopping and dining.

Popular Buckhead stops:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for indoor shopping
• Upscale and casual dining throughout the Peachtree corridor
• Nearby residential streets with impressive homes and tree-lined roads

Lenox Square
3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Buckhead is more spread out and less walkable than Midtown, but it’s a common base for visitors staying in hotels in that area.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

These intown neighborhoods give you a more local, creative vibe with easy access to the BeltLine.

Highlights:

• Ponce City Market food hall and rooftop amusements
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail for biking, walking, and murals
• Inman Park’s historic homes and neighborhood restaurants

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

This is a good area for casual exploring: grab coffee, walk the BeltLine, and stop for snacks or drinks along the way.

Atlanta’s Best Parks and Outdoor Activities

Atlanta’s nickname, the “city in a forest,” shows up in its tree canopy, parks, and trails.

Piedmont Park

The city’s “central park,” Piedmont Park, is ideal for:

• Walking, jogging, or biking
• Dog parks and playgrounds
• Casual sports like soccer and volleyball
• Great skyline views from the meadow area

Many Atlanta festivals, including seasonal food and arts events, are held here.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the most popular things to do for both residents and visitors.

It’s a growing network of multi-use trails built on old rail corridors, circling parts of the city.

Most popular sections for visitors:

• Eastside Trail: connects Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Krog Street Market
• Lined with murals, shops, restaurants, and breweries

Activities:

• Rent a bike or scooter
• Walk the trail and stop at public art installations
• Visit markets and food halls just off the trail

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Right next to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a quieter, beautifully landscaped escape.

What to see:

• Seasonal flower displays and themed gardens
• Canopy walk through the trees
• Special evening events and exhibits

Location:
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Combine this with a visit to Piedmont Park for an easy half‑day in Midtown.

Stone Mountain Park (Just Outside Atlanta)

While technically outside city limits, Stone Mountain Park is so commonly included in Atlanta itineraries that many visitors treat it as part of their Atlanta experience.

Activities:

• Scenic hiking up Stone Mountain with views of the skyline on clear days
• Walking trails around the base and lakes
• Seasonal attractions, events, and family activities

Location:
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

You’ll likely need a car to get here from central Atlanta.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Atlanta’s museums cover art, history, culture, and sports.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is Atlanta’s leading art museum and a major Midtown attraction.

Collections include:

• American and European art
• Folk art and photography
• Rotating special exhibitions

Location:
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Pair a visit with nearby Woodruff Arts Center performances or a walk through Midtown.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Close to the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, this museum explores both U.S. civil rights history and global human rights issues.

Features:

• Exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement, including Atlanta’s role
• Interactive displays that encourage reflection
• Focus on modern human rights struggles worldwide

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

This is a thoughtful, often emotional experience and works well in combination with the MLK Jr. National Historical Park for a deeper look at Atlanta’s civil rights heritage.

College Football Hall of Fame

Sports fans often add the College Football Hall of Fame to their downtown plans.

What’s inside:

• Interactive exhibits and games
• Memorabilia from college football teams across the country
• Kid-friendly areas that allow for hands-on play

Location:
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Other Notable Museums

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Known for dinosaurs, natural history exhibits, and an outdoor forest area.

• Atlanta History Center
  130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Includes exhibits on Atlanta’s past and the Swan House historic mansion.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is very family‑friendly, with plenty of attractions suited to kids of all ages.

Kid-Focused Highlights

• Zoo Atlanta – Pandas, gorillas, and a wide range of animals.
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (Grant Park)

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – Hands-on learning and play exhibits.
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta – Rides, building stations, and a mini LEGO city.
  3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (Phipps Plaza, Buckhead)

Many families build their day around one major attraction (like Zoo Atlanta or the Georgia Aquarium) plus a park or easy dining option nearby.

Best Views and Unique Atlanta Experiences

If you’re looking for something a bit different, Atlanta has several standout experiences.

Sky-High Views

• SkyView Atlanta – A large Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas in downtown.
  168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Skyline views from Piedmont Park – No ticket required; just walk to the meadow or lake area.

• Stone Mountain summit – A more active way to get a view of the Atlanta skyline in the distance.

Historic Theatres and Live Performances

Atlanta’s theatre scene is especially active in Midtown and Downtown.

Notable venues:

• Fox Theatre – Historic, ornate theatre hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and movies.
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Alliance Theatre – Part of the Woodruff Arts Center, known for high-quality productions.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Tabernacle – Music venue in a former church building downtown.
  152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Checking show calendars before your trip can turn a standard visit into a memorable night out.

Street Art and Murals

Atlanta’s street art scene is especially strong in:

• Krog Street Tunnel (Cabbagetown / Inman Park)
• Along the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Parts of Downtown and Castleberry Hill

Many visitors enjoy self-guided mural walks or short photo stops while exploring these neighborhoods.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavor

Atlanta’s food scene is a big part of the experience, from classic Southern cooking to international cuisines.

Food Halls and Markets

Food halls are very popular with tourists and locals because they allow everyone in a group to choose something different.

Well-known spots:

• Ponce City Market – Wide variety of food stalls, shops, and a rooftop amusement area.
  675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Krog Street Market – Smaller, more intimate market with local restaurants and bars.
  99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

• Atlanta Breakfast and lunch spots – Many are scattered around Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown, often near BeltLine access points.

Classic “Atlanta” Food Experiences

Common Atlanta‑style experiences include:

• Southern and soul food restaurants featuring fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread
• Barbecue with regional variations in sauce and smoked meats
• International neighborhoods (such as Buford Highway outside the city limits) for a huge range of global cuisines

If you’re staying in Atlanta for several days, dedicating at least one evening or lunchtime to exploring local Southern and soul food gives a real taste of the region.

Sports and Major Events

If your timing is flexible, catching a game or event can be one of the most memorable things to do in Atlanta.

Professional Sports Venues

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS). Also hosts concerts and large events.

• Truist Park
  755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), with The Battery Atlanta entertainment district next door.

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and a frequent concert venue.

Even if you’re not a big sports fan, the surrounding areas like The Battery Atlanta offer shops, restaurants, and general entertainment.

Sample One- and Two-Day Itineraries

To make planning easier, here’s a quick overview of how visitors often group Atlanta tourist activities.

Quick Reference: Sample Itineraries

Use this as a flexible starting point and adjust based on your interests (art, history, food, sports, or family activities).

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Tourist Attractions

A few logistics can make exploring Atlanta much smoother:

• Transportation: Many major attractions cluster in Downtown and Midtown, which are accessible by MARTA rail. Rideshares and taxis are common, especially for areas farther out.
• Traffic: Rush hours (roughly morning and late afternoon/early evening on weekdays) can be slow, especially on interstates like I‑75/85 and I‑285. Plan driving outside of peak times when possible.
• Weather: Summers are hot and humid. Keep water handy and factor in indoor, air‑conditioned stops (museums, food halls, malls) during midday.
• Tickets: Popular spots like the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and major sports events often encourage or require advance tickets, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Walkability: Certain areas, such as Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and parts of the BeltLine, are reasonably walkable. Many other parts of the metro area are more car‑oriented.

Atlanta offers a wide range of tourist things to do, from world‑class attractions in downtown to neighborhood walks, parks, murals, and food halls. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip, a full vacation, or exploring your own city as a local, focusing on clusters like Downtown, Midtown, the BeltLine, and nearby parks is the easiest way to experience what makes Atlanta unique.