The document outlines several top attractions in Atlanta, including the Georgia Aquarium, MLK Jr. National Historical Site, and the High Museum of Art, each highlighting unique cultural, historical, and recreational experiences. Notable sites like the World of Coca-Cola and Zoo Atlanta enrich visitors' knowledge about local history and wildlife. The guide emphasizes the variety of activities available, from historical insights to family-friendly outings, making Atlanta a diverse destination.

1. The Top Attractions in Atlanta
Atlanta has loads of history, culture, outdoor activities, southern hospitality,
and plenty of things to do with the kids.
Here’s a few our favorites things to do in Atlanta:

2. 1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium and is home to 100,000
animals, representing 500 species, including four whale sharks and four giant manta
rays. The aquarium is designed with the exhibits surrounding a central atrium, which
makes it easy for visits to customize their visit. In addition to the exhibits, there’s also a
Dolphin Show and, for kids, there are many touch-tanks and hands-on exhibits. Favorite
Exhibits include: Ocean Voyager, Tropical Diver, Cold Water Quest, and River
Scout.
The Georgia Aquarium is expensive, but it is well-done. Plan to spend 2-3 hours, and
expect crowds on weekends. For people who want a little extra, there are behind-the-
scenes tours, programs where visitors can swim with the whale sharks, interact with
beluga whales, and more - read more here (Photo by Steve Fischer)

3. 2. MLK, Jr., National Historical Site
The MLK, Jr., National Historical Site memorializes the lives legacies of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King in a collection of significant
landmarks encompassing a couple of city blocks in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood
of downtown Atlanta. Buildings at the Historical Site include Dr. King’s birth home, the
historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the historic 1894 Fire Station No. 6, The King Library
and Archives, and The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social
Change. The final resting places of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King are in a
mausoleum on a platform surrounded by a reflecting pool. The Eternal Flame is directly
across from them. There are a few statues on the grounds, including a life-size statue of
Mahatma Gandhi and a larger-than-life sculpture of an African male lifting his child
toward the heavens and calling out ”Behold!”
The MLK, Jr., National Historical Site was established on October 10, 1980, and
admission is free. The tour is led by informed guides who have great stories to tell. Tour
groups are small and fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive early to register - read
more here (Photo by Jim Bowen)

4. 3. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a beautifully restored historic movie palace in Midtown Atlanta that
has become a premiere performance venue. The theater was originally built to be a
Shrine mosque, and, as such, was constructed with an Islamic/Egyptian design. After
struggling during the Depression, the theatre was eventually able to find success as a
movie house and dance hall. During the 1970’s, however, revenue were lost to suburban
movie theaters and the Fox was a target for demolition. Maynard Ferguson and other
performers led efforts to save the theater, and it was soon restored to its original
condition and put on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fox is home to over 300 shows every year and has hosted performances by such
iconic artists as Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones. The Fox Theatre boasts the largest
working Moller theatre organ in the world (known as the Mighty Mo), and the Men’s
Lounge still contains the original furniture chosen by the wife of movie-mogul William
Fox. Although it is really more of a performance venue than a destination, it is still a
beautiful structure from the outside. Tours of the venue are available, and shows are
memorable. If you make it inside, spend some quality time in the ornate
bathrooms - read more here (Photo by arianravan)

5. 4. World of Coca Cola
The World of Coca Cola is the perfect place to learn about the history and legacy of
Coke products and their advertising campaigns over the years. The new building opened
in 2007 and replaced an original, smaller museum. It is located in the heart of Atlanta
near Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Headquarters.
Highlights of a visit include:
•Meeting the World of Coca-Cola Polar Bear (great photo op)
•Experiencing the Vault of the Secret Formula
•Seeing Norman Rockwell’s Coca-Cola Paintings
•Seeing Howard Finster’s 13-ft. folk art Coke bottle that depicts historical
figure
•Getting an inside look at the bottling process
•Taking a virtual trip around the world in a thrilling 4-D movie experience
•Taking home a commemorative glass bottle of Coca Cola
The most fun part of a visit may be the The Taste It! beverage lounge, where guests can
taste samples of drinks that Coke makes for the world markets. A VIP Guided Tour of
the World of Coca Cola is also available, and, of course there a gift shop where visitors
can buy Coke merchandise - read more here (Photo by Katie)

6. 5. Turner Field and Atlanta Braves Baseball
Turner Field was originally built as the main stadium for the 1996 Olympics and was
retrofitted into a baseball stadium for the Atlanta Braves after the Olympics ended. “The
Ted” is a “new-era” field designed with the fan in mind, which means good seats and
lots of attractions, technology and food options. Turner Field is located just south of
downtown Atlanta, and the current capacity is 56,790. Visitors can watch the current
Braves from a seat with a great view, or visit the old Braves in the museum. In the
parking lot there is a portion of the left-field wall from the old Fulton County
Stadium over which Hank Aaron launched his home run No. 715 in 1974.
Unfortunately, Turner Field will soon be gone, so get there while you can. The Braves
will soon be playing in a new stadium to be built in Cobb County northwest of Atlanta.
The move is expected to take place after the 2016 season. Check the Atlanta Braves web
site for a schedule of games - read more here (Photo by terren in Virginia)

7. 6. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is a large urban park located just northeast of downtown Atlanta in the
Midtown and Virginia Highland neighborhoods. At an expansive 189-acres, it is
considered to be the Central Park of Atlanta. The origins of the park date back to 1889,
when it was converted from a farm to horse racing grounds before holding expositions
and later holding a professional baseball stadium.
Piedmont Park features lots of green, open space, great views of downtown skyscrapers,
a dog park, a swimming pool, walking/jogging paths, picnic facilities, playgrounds,
ponds, etc. Beautiful Lake Clara Meer anchors the southern end of the park, and
the Atlanta Botanical Garden is on the north-central side. The Park Tavern was
originally built in 1905 as a horse stable before being converted to a golf clubhouse in
1928. In 1990, the building was renovated into a restaurant. It is also a special events
venue and a brewpub. In the summer, there are Shakespeare in the Park performances,
and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs free concerts in the park. The Atlanta
Jazz Festival takes place during Memorial Day weekend. The best attraction is, arguably,
the robot bathroom – be sure to seek it out. It is advisable to avoid the park after dark, as
things can get sketchy - read more here (Photo by Clinton Steeds)

8. 7. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is considered by many to be the best art museum in the
Southeast and is a leader in collecting and promoting southern art. The airy, light-filled
museum is located in Midtown and housed in a beautiful, all-white building designed by
architect Richard Meier. The permanent collection holds more than 14,000 works of art,
including a significant inventory of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art,
plus a good selection of European paintings and African American art. The High is the
only major museum in North America to have a curatorial department specifically
devoted to the field of folk and self-taught art, much of it from the South. In addition to
its permanent collection, the High Museum of Art hosts many special exhibits.
For kids, the Greene Family Gallery gives smaller children a chance to draw, make a
Howard Finster-type sculptures from discarded objects, build model buildings, or make
a puppet. For older kids, Discovery backpacks take families on engaging 30- to 45-
minute journeys through the High, complete with games and puzzles. Visitors who love
art could easily spend a half-day here. For visitors don’t absolutely love art, there are
special deals on off-hour tickets. Check their web site for details - read more
here (Photo by Chris Yunker)

9. 8. Inside CNN Studio Tour
The Inside CNN Studio Tour offers visitors a 55 minute self-guided tour through
Atlanta’s Cable News Network broadcasting headquarters that provides an up-close look
the global news network. Bonus: the tour starts with a ride up the largest free standing
escalator in the world at 8 stories. The Cable News Network was launched on June 1,
1980, with an introduction by Ted Turner. As of 2010, CNN was available in over 100
million U.S. households. Its global iteration, CNN International, is available is over 200
countries and territories.
For those news junkies wanting more, there is also a VIP tour available that includes a
guide, a visit to the actual control room, and the opportunity to see a live news
broadcast. There is also a Morning Express Tour that goes behind the scenes of
the Morning Express with Robin Meade show. The regular Inside CNN Studio Tour is
interesting and informative for all ages, but the more extensive tours do not allow
children under the age of 12 - read more here (Photo by Richie Diesterheft)

10. 9. Atlanta History Center and Margaret
Mitchell House
The Atlanta History Center may seem like a bit of an uninspired name for this place,
but the name is spot-on accurate. The Center includes the Atlanta History Museum,
the Swan House, the Margaret Mitchell House, 22 acres of gardens, and the Smith
Family Farm.
At the Atlanta History Center, the six permanent exhibits present history from the time
of the Native Americans to the Civil War to the 1996 Olympics. The Turning Point: The
American Civil War exhibit is award-winning. The Margaret Mitchell House is
actually located 5 miles away in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood. Visitors are treated to
guided tours of the apartment where Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind, along
with exhibits showcases her life. The Swan House was built in 1928 and was the home
of Edward and Emily Inman. Inman was a wealthy cotton broker, and the lavish home
was built so the he could the couple could entertain guests. The house was recently used
as a filming location for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The Smith Family
Farm includes an 1840’s plantation house owned by the Robert Smith family, along
with a dairy, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, slave cabin, barn, and gardens.
History buffs could spend an entire day at the Atlanta History Center - read more
here (Photo by Jim Bowen)

11. 10. Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a new museum that documents the history
and legacy of the civil rights movement in the United States and, on a broader level,
recounts the struggles and successes of human rights movements worldwide. The Center
opened in 2014 and was spearheaded by former members of the African-American civil
rights movement of the 1960’s, including former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young and
Congressman John Lewis.
The Center is located in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia
Aquarium, and the Centennial Olympic Park. The architecturally-stunning
building features two exterior walls that curve around a central glass atrium. Inside, the
three main exhibits focus on the American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King,
Jr., and the global fight for rights for women, LGBT individuals, and victims of
oppressive regimes. One of the most moving exhibits invites visitors to experience what
it was like to participate in the lunch-counter demonstrations where black protesters
bravely sat at “whites only” lunch counters. In this exhibit, visitors actually sit at the
counter and wear headphones that play audio that simulating the abuse that the
protesters had to endure - read more here (Photo by Lee Coursey)

12. 11. Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest and most historic cemetery, as well as being a
beautiful 48 acre green space near downtown. Founded in 1850, the cemetery is one of
the few places in Atlanta that wasn’t destroyed by Sherman on his march to the sea and
survived the Civil War. Oakland the resting place of Atlanta notables such as golfer
Bobby Jones (visitors leave golf ball offerings at his gravesite), Gone with the Wind
author Margaret Mitchell, six former governors, and over 7,000 Union and Confederate
soldiers. Separate sections for Jews, African Americans, and Confederate soldiers. Over
70,000 people have made the cemetery their final resting place.
It’s a beautiful place to stroll along the miles of brick streets and admire the beautiful
monuments. Ancient oaks revels glimpses of the Atlanta skyline through the
leaves. Guided tours of Oakland Cemetery are available. It is also worthwhile to
purchase a map - read more here (Photo by Chris Lexow)

13. 12. Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the country and one of only 4 zoos in the United
States that houses giant pandas. It was founded in 1889 and is home to over 1,500
animals. The zoo went through a period of neglect and disrepair in the 1970’s, but
revitalization efforts that began in the 1980’s have greatly improved the facilities and
experience for both the animals and the visitors. Many of the animals are now housed in
open habitats instead of cages, so visitors may not see every animal.
In addition to the pandas, the zoo also houses one of the country’s most extensive
collection of gorillas and orangutans. The Ford African Rain Forest exhibit opened in
1988 and houses 21 gorillas, including a rare set of twins that were born there in
2005. Other popular animals for visitors are the sun bears and the elephants. Zoo Atlanta
is not large, but it does make for a good, quality experience for a half-day. The restaurant
is crowded and a bit over-priced - read more here (Photo by David Berkowitz)

14. 13. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a nice, open area just west of downtown with water
fountains for kids to play in and lots of free concerts. The 21 acre park is so-named
because it was constructed for the 1996 Summer Olympics. There is a self-guided audio
tour through the park that explains the history of the area and the local landmarks, along
with trivia and an original music soundtrack. The tour begins and ends at the park€€s
Visitor Center and takes about an hour.
The centerpiece of the park is the Fountain of Ring, a dancing water show with music,
lights and sound effects. In addition to the fountains, kids will enjoy the Children€€s
Garden and Playground. In the winter, there is ice skating in the park. Regularly
scheduled events at the park include Music at Noon, Wednesday Wind Down, and
Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day. See their web site for details and schedule. Centennial
Olympic Park is located near the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN Center, and the World of
Coca-Cola, and it is within walking distance of many MARTA stations - read more
here (Photo by terra2055)

15. 14. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park claims to have both the world’s largest piece of exposed granite
rock and the longest-running laser show. In actuality, Stone Mountain is not made of
granite dome, but is instead made from a composition ranging from quartz monzonite to
granite and granodiorite. Regardless, nobody’s complaining – with an average of more
than 4-million annual visitors, Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most popular
attraction.
The Summit Skyride is possibly the main attraction – it whisks guests past the figures
etched into the stone in the Confederate Memorial Carving up to the 1,686 foot
summit for a very impressive view of Atlanta a few miles to the west. Guests can also
hike to to summit instead of taking the tram. The view is especially nice at sunset. The
Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision has been entertaining crowds for over 30
years with its show featuring lights, music, and fireworks. Other attractions include the
Scenic Railroad, Ride The Ducks, the Geyser Towers, the 4-D theatre, and SkyHike, the
nation’s largest family adventure ropes and tunnels course - read more
here (Photo by inazakira)

16. 15. Eastside BeltLine Trail
Eastside BeltLine Trail is part of a planned 33-mile Atlanta BeltLine trail system that
will eventually circle the city. The Eastside Beltline was the second section to open and
is the first finished section to be built in the old rail corridor east of town. The Trail
currently runs 2.25 miles runs from the tip of Piedmont Park south to Irwin Street,
passing through the historic neighborhoods of Virginia Highland, Midtown, Poncey-
Highland, Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Greenspaces along the way include
Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Freedom Park trail. There are now
multiple entrances onto the BeltLine, and connectors to Inman Park, Historic Fourth
Ward Skatepark, Historic Fourth Ward, Beltline Kroger, and even a short walk
from Krog Street Market. Parking can be tough and may require some searching at
times.
The entire trail is paved and fairly flat, making it easy walking for children and easy for
biking or skating. With lot of people on the trail at any given time, plus camera stations
and public places just off the Trail, it is generally very safe. Seasonal planting and
greenery line the trail, and there’s changing artwork along the path that highlights local
artists. Numerous restaurants along the trail provide opportunities for stopping, and
many offer outdoor seating. Other opened parts of the BeltLine are the Northside Trail
and the West End Trail - read more here (Photo by ATL2.Oh!)

17. 16. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden contains more than 30 acres of gardens, forest, and
wildflower trails in the north end of Piedmont Park in the Midtown neighborhood of
Atlanta. The Fuqua Conservatory was added in 1989 and is an organic biosphere that
is home to significant collections of tropical palms and conifers. The Fuqua Orchid
Center was added in 2002 and contains the foremost collection of orchids in the United
States. The water garden outside of the Conservatory contains carnivorous plants from
across the Southeast as well as endangered species of frogs from around the world.
In 1999, the award-winning Children’s Garden was added. Kids will love the popular
Canopy Walk through Storza Woods with its 40-foot high suspension bridge and treetop
walking trail. There is also an Edible Garden featuring an Outdoor Demonstration
Kitchen and an Edible Garden Green Wall. Atlanta Botanical Garden also has many
festivals and special exhibitions – including a Christmas season display featuring over 1
million lights - read more here (Photo by Rob Bixby)

18. 17. Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a bit of a hidden gem for visitors to Atlanta. It formed
in 1978 and is actually the country’s largest organization dedicated to puppetry. Their
puppet shows showcase the different styles of puppetry, including marionettes, rod
puppets, and the life-size bunraku style. The shows are presented by both locals and
touring troupes and are entertaining for both children and adults. They also offer build-a-
puppet workshops, a library, and interactive discovery programs.The on-site museum
has a permanent collection boasting over 350 puppets from around the world, including
many Jim Henson puppets from The Muppet Show, puppets from The Dark Crystal, and
the infamous Madame from Wayland Flowers' €€Madame€€s Place.
In 2014, it was announced that The Center for Puppetry Arts will expand to become
home to new museum spaced dedicated to the work of Muppets creator Jim Henson. The
Center also has a well-stocked gift shop with puppets and other unique items - read
more here (Photo by Ayleen Gaspar)

19. 18. Chattahoochee River National Recreation
Area
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area actually consists of a series of public
recreation areas along a 48 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta
northward to Lake Lanier. The Chattahoochee River NRA headquarters and visitors
center are located at the Island Ford Park just outside of I-285 in Sandy Springs. With
big trees, a wide river, bubbling streams, and beautiful trails, this park offers a slice of
wilderness very near to downtown Atlanta. Three miles of hiking trails meander through
the park and along the river, past large rock outcroppings, a lake, and across an old
wooden bridge. Besides hiking, there are opportunities for picnicking, fishing and
rafting - read more here (Photo by Mikel Manitius)

20. 19. Your DeKalb Farmers Market
Your DeKalb Farmers Market is a former produce stand that has grown into a huge
grocery store, fruit and vegetable market, international foods emporium, and food
court. The Market is very much like a 140,000 sq. ft. refrigerator full of really delicious,
fresh food. Walk around and discover lots of both exotic and local produce, plus house-
made items such as pastas and nut butters. It boasts a huge fish selection and an
enormous selection of organic, grass-fed, and naturally-raised meats. Breads, cakes,
cookies and pastries are made fresh on site each day, and there are more than 400
different varieties of cheeses from around the world. The beer and wine selection is
seemingly endless.
Your DeKalb Farmers Market was started by Robert Blazer in 1977 as a small produce
stand, and it was the first privately-owned farmers market in Georgia. The market is
located in Scottdale just a few miles Northeast of downtown Atlanta and Decatur - read
more here (Photo by rmkoske)

21. 20. Dad's Garage Theatre Company
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company is an improv and theatre troupe was founded in
1995 and is consistently named the best improv company in Atlanta. Dad’s offers a mix
of original stage productions and a long-running history of improvisational comedy
performances every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Original productions
include The Revengence, Effed Up Fairy Tales, and the sci-fi parody Battle: Space Wars.
Two of the most popular presentations are “TheatreSports” and “Superscene.”
TheatreSports is the company’s longest-running improv show, and, in it, two teams of
improv artists compete against each other based on suggestions from the audience. A
host serves as referee, and a scum box keeps everything in line. In Superscene, five
directors compete against each other based on improv stories they create based on
audience suggestions. The teams take turns presenting a team, and one team is
eliminated every round, leaving one winning director and team at the end.
Dad’s lost their old location in 2013 and they have been performing at the 7 Stages
Theatre in the Little Points neighborhood while searching for a new home. In 2015,
Dad’s will move to a former church building in the Old Fourth Ward
neighborhood - read more here (Photo by TimothyJ)

22. 21. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Center
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Center is located in the Virginia-Highlands
neighborhood of Atlanta and contains both The Carter Museum and Library and the
Carter Center. Additionally, the property contains thirty-five acres of gardens that are
open to the public year-round.
The Carter Museum and Library is the presidential library that documents Jimmy
Carter’s life from humble beginnings in rural southern Georgia to his career as a peanut
farmer, his entry into politics, and his ascension to the presidency. Touchpoints include
the Iran hostage crisis, the struggles with economic inflation, the Camp David
negotiations for peace between Egypt and Israel, the revised Panama Canal treaty, and
the nation’s recovery from the Watergate scandal.
The Carter Center opened in 1982 as a partnership with Emory University with the
purpose of advancing human rights, alleviating unnecessary suffering, and improving
the quality of life for people in more than 65 countries. The Center was first opening
with the purpose of negotiating peace agreements between countries and helping
troubled elections around the world, but the purpose soon evolved into working to
eradicate tropical diseases. In 2002, President Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for
his efforts directed through the Center.
The sprawling grounds of the Center contain flower gardens, fountains, walking paths,
and a Japanese pond - read more here (Photo by Mike)

23. 22. Bicycle Tours of Atlanta
Bicycle Tours of Atlanta let’s visitors see, hear and feel the city’s sights and
neighborhoods as the tour groups explore Atlanta by bike at a leisurely pace. The bikes
are comfortable and in great shape, and the staff takes the time to fit them to each rider.
Tour price includes water and the use of a helmet.
Tour choices include:
•Heart of the City – travels 10 miles through historic neighborhoods in 3 hours –
this is the most popular tour and offers the most history
•Atlanta Art Tour – this tour concentrates on the outdoor art of Atlanta, including
everything from the graffiti of the Living Walls to bronze monuments
•Beltline and Piedmont Park – the easiest and shortest tour explores Piedmont
Park, the historic Old Fourth Ward, and the burgeoning Beltline art scene
•Progressive Dinner – this tour makes stops at a few of Atlanta’s most highly-
regarded restaurants and is customized to each group’s dining preferences.
•
Tours are offered daily from March through October - read more
here (Photo by TimothyJ)

24. 23. Michael C. Carlos Museum
The Michael C. Carlos Museum is located on the campus of Emory University and is
devoted to ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, Africa and the ancient
Americas. The museum is a bit of a hidden gem, but those who discover it will find a
world-class collection of art that dates back to the earliest human civilizations. The
collection contains more than 16,000 works, including Egyptian mummies, Greek and
Roman pottery, and one of the earliest bathtubs in existence. The museum is not over-
whelming, and it is typically not crowded.
The origins of the museum date back to 1876, and it was originally known as the Emory
College Museum. In 1985, Atlanta businessman Michael C. Carlos donated over $20
million to create a permanent home for the museum. The museum’s name was changed
to the Michael C. Carlos Museum after undergoing a major expansion in 1993 - read
more here (Photo by Daniel Mayer)

25. Featured photo by Jesse Budlong. All photos CC-BY-2.0.
See our list of the 49 best things to do in Atlanta here.