The Best Things to Visit in Atlanta: A Local-Focused Guide

Atlanta blends Southern history, modern culture, and big-city energy in a way few places do. Whether you live here, are visiting for a weekend, or are trying to understand what makes the city special, there are many things to visit in Atlanta beyond the obvious tourist stops.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to the top places to visit in Atlanta, grouped by interest so you can plan your time in the city more easily.

Must-See Atlanta Landmarks and Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a major draw for families and visitors.

• What to expect: Massive tanks with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and a wide variety of marine life.
• Good for: Families, first-time visitors, school breaks, and rainy days.
• Location: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)

Tip: It’s located right next to World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park, so you can plan all three in one day.

World of Coca‑Cola

This museum-style attraction explores the history and branding of one of the world’s most recognizable products.

• Highlights: Historical exhibits, memorabilia, interactive displays, and a tasting area with beverages from around the world.
• Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown, near the Aquarium)

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time, this is a classic “only in Atlanta” experience.

Centennial Olympic Park

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is now a central green space used for festivals, concerts, and everyday relaxation.

• What to do:
  • Walk the park and view Olympic-related monuments.
  • Let kids play near the Fountain of Rings (check for scheduled fountain shows).
• Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This park conveniently links many Downtown attractions, making it a good starting point for exploring the city on foot.

The King Center & Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Atlanta was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s hometown, and the King Center area is one of the city’s most meaningful places to visit.

• What’s in the area:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
  • Dr. King’s childhood home (by tour)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The King Center with exhibits on civil rights history
• Location: Around 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This is an essential stop for understanding Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Atlanta’s Best Museums and Cultural Sites

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is the city’s premier art museum and a hub for visual arts in the Southeast.

• Highlights:
  • American, European, African, and folk art collections
  • Rotating special exhibitions
  • Family programs and evening events
• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 (Midtown, in the Woodruff Arts Center campus)

It’s easily combined with a walk through Midtown or a visit to nearby parks and restaurants.

Atlanta History Center

For a deeper look at the city’s past, the Atlanta History Center offers indoor and outdoor experiences.

• What you’ll find:
  • Exhibits on Atlanta’s development, the Civil War, and regional culture
  • Historic homes, including the Swan House
  • Gardens and walking paths
• Location: 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Buckhead)

This site is ideal if you want to understand how Atlanta evolved from a rail hub to a major metropolitan city.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Located near the Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, this center focuses on both U.S. civil rights history and global human rights issues.

• Key features:
  • Exhibits on the American Civil Rights Movement
  • Interactive installations about human rights struggles worldwide
• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

This is a powerful, reflective place to visit in Atlanta, especially if you’re interested in social justice and history.

College Football Hall of Fame

Atlanta is a major hub for college football fans, and this attraction reflects that culture.

• What to expect:
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Memorabilia from college programs around the country
  • Activities like field-goal kicking simulations
• Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown)

It’s a popular stop for sports fans and families, and it’s walkable from Centennial Olympic Park.

Outdoor Things to Visit in Atlanta

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is often described as Atlanta’s “Central Park” and is one of the most popular gathering spots for locals.

• Activities:
  • Walking and running trails
  • Dog parks
  • Sports fields and open lawns
  • Seasonal festivals and farmers markets
• Location: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (Midtown/Virginia-Highland area)

From the park, you get great skyline views and easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of multi-use trails built on former rail lines, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and public art.

• Popular sections:
  • Eastside Trail: Runs from Piedmont Park down toward Inman Park, Krog Street Market, and beyond
  • Westside Trail: Connects areas like Westview and West End, with new developments and parks
• What to do:
  • Walk, jog, or bike
  • Explore restaurants, murals, and small shops along the trail
  • Enjoy open green spaces and pop-up events

This is one of the best ways to experience local Atlanta neighborhoods and daily city life.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Nestled next to Piedmont Park, this garden is a peaceful escape with seasonal displays and special events.

• Highlights:
  • Canopy Walk through the treetops
  • Themed gardens and rotating plant displays
  • Holiday light events in winter
• Location: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

It pairs nicely with a stroll through Piedmont Park, especially on nice-weather days.

Stone Mountain Park (Nearby Metro Atlanta)

While just outside the city in Stone Mountain, this park is a common day trip for Atlanta residents and visitors.

• Activities:
  • Hiking up Stone Mountain for skyline views
  • Lakeside areas and picnic spots
  • Seasonal events and attractions
• Approximate location: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

If you’re staying in Atlanta for several days and want a nature-focused outing, this is a frequent choice.

Neighborhoods and Districts Worth Visiting

Downtown Atlanta

Downtown is where many first-time visitors spend much of their time.

• Key attractions:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • College Football Hall of Fame
• Why visit: Central location, major hotels, and easy access by MARTA rail (Five Points, Peachtree Center, and GWCC stations).

Midtown

Midtown mixes culture, nightlife, and walkability.

• Things to visit:
  • High Museum of Art
  • Fox Theatre
  • Piedmont Park
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Vibe: Urban, arts-focused, busy on evenings and weekends with restaurants, bars, and events.

Buckhead

Known as a business and shopping district, Buckhead offers:

• Attractions:
  • Atlanta History Center
  • Upscale shops and malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Vibe: More corporate and residential mix, with many hotels and dining options.

Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These neighborhoods along the BeltLine Eastside Trail are popular for a more local feel.

• What to see:
  • Historic homes in Inman Park
  • BeltLine art and trail activity
  • Krog Street Market (food hall)
  • Access to the King Historic District nearby
• Vibe: Trendy but laid-back, very walkable, with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops.

Little Five Points

For an alternative, artsy, and eclectic experience, Little Five Points stands out.

• What to expect:
  • Vintage shops
  • Record stores
  • Street art and murals
  • Casual local eateries
• Location: Around Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

This area shows a different side of Atlanta’s culture compared to the business districts.

Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Atlanta

Here are some of the most popular family stops, with a quick comparison to help plan your day.

Zoo Atlanta

Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is a popular family outing.

• Highlights:
  • A variety of animals and interactive exhibits
  • Special programs and seasonal events
• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

You can combine a zoo visit with a walk around Grant Park, one of the city’s older residential neighborhoods.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This museum focuses on science, nature, and dinosaurs, and also offers outdoor experiences.

• Features:
  • Dinosaur fossils and natural history exhibits
  • Giant screen theater
  • Outdoor trails and interactive nature areas (Fernbank Forest and WildWoods)
• Location: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Druid Hills)

It’s a good choice for families and visitors who want a mix of indoor and outdoor learning.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Designed especially for younger children, this museum emphasizes hands-on learning and play.

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Downtown, by the park)
• Best for: Toddlers through early elementary ages, especially on hot or rainy days.

Performing Arts, Music, and Nightlife

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most famous historic venues.

• What happens here:
  • Touring Broadway productions
  • Concerts and special events
  • Occasional tours of the building itself
• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Midtown)

Even if you don’t see a show, the exterior and marquee are worth a quick stop.

Local Music and Comedy Venues

Atlanta’s live music and comedy scenes are active and constantly changing, but common areas to explore include:

• Midtown & Downtown: Larger concert venues and theaters
• Edgewood Avenue & Old Fourth Ward: Bars and smaller stages with DJs, live music, and nightlife
• East Atlanta Village: Neighborhood venues that draw local and touring acts

If you live in Atlanta, these areas are common go-tos for weekend entertainment and after-work outings.

Shopping Districts and Markets

Ponce City Market

Located in a converted historic building along the BeltLine, Ponce City Market combines shopping, dining, and entertainment.

• What you’ll find:
  • Food hall with a wide variety of options
  • Retail shops
  • Rooftop amusement-style area with games and skyline views (access policies and fees can vary)
• Location: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

It’s easy to pair a visit here with a walk or bike ride on the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Krog Street Market

Smaller than Ponce City Market but popular for its food hall and local vendors, this spot sits directly on the BeltLine.

• Location: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Inman Park)
• Nearby: BeltLine trail, Krog Street Tunnel (known for changing street art)

This is a convenient stop while exploring the Eastside neighborhoods.

Atlantic Station

A mixed-use development near Midtown offering shopping, restaurants, and regular events.

• Location: 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
• What to expect: Outdoor retail streets, seasonal markets, and an easy place to walk around, shop, and eat.

Practical Tips for Visiting Places in Atlanta

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail is helpful for getting to and from the airport, Downtown, Midtown, and parts of Buckhead.
  • Many popular attractions in Downtown and Midtown can be reached on foot or by short rideshares.
  • Traffic can be heavy at rush hours, so plan extra time if you’re driving.

• Parking:

  • Major attractions and districts typically offer paid parking garages or lots.
  • Using parking apps or checking each venue’s parking details in advance can help avoid surprises.

• Weather planning:

  • Summers in Atlanta are often hot and humid—indoor attractions like museums and the Aquarium are useful mid-day.
  • Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor spots like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and the Botanical Garden.

• Weekend vs. weekday visits:

  • Big-name attractions are busiest on weekends and school holidays.
  • If you live in Atlanta or have schedule flexibility, visiting on a weekday morning usually means smaller crowds.

By focusing on these landmarks, neighborhoods, museums, parks, and family-friendly sites, you’ll get a well-rounded sense of the best things to visit in Atlanta—whether you’re exploring for a day or settling into the city long-term.