Discover Atlanta, Georgia
Known as “The City in the Forest,” Atlanta is a modern metropolis with sprawling parks, making for great opportunities for picnics and people watching. Whether you love history, food, shopping, outdoor activities, or just plain exploring, Atlanta offers a little bit of everything. Each of Atlanta’s nearly 45 neighborhoods offer up unique experiences and attractions. The city has reinvented itself over the years from a former railway corridor to a connected and easily walkable city; the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine is the city’s crowning jewel for sustainability. Atlanta’s museums are unmatched — from learning about the beginnings of the American Civil Rights Movement at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to seeing massive whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, you’re bound to see or learn something new. Get ready to wander to your own beat.
There are so many fun activities for the whole family in Atlanta. Whether learning something new at a museum or getting your blood pumping with some thrills, there’s fun for all.
Adrenaline junkies will get their fill of thrills at Six Flags Over Georgia with more than 40 heart-pounding attractions, including the world’s first looping roller coaster. Or, head to Stone Mountain Park to take a ride on the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that goes 825 feet to the top of Stone Mountain for epic views of the Atlanta skyline. Try zip lining, hiking, or canoeing at Chattahoochee Nature Center.
For the younger kids, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta or Center for Puppetry Arts are great options for hands-on exhibits and activities. For even more interactive fun, head to LEGOLAND Discovery Center and test your LEGO-building skills. Or, get up close and personal to the world’s largest dinosaurs at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
No matter when you visit, sports fans are in for a treat with five professional sports teams and two college programs calling Atlanta home. With no bad seat at the ballpark, a trip to an Atlanta Braves game is an absolute must for any baseball fan. Rise up and head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to cheer on the Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United FC. Hoops fans will have their fill with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream. College football fans will want to take a trip to the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and put their skills to the test kicking a field goal or throwing passes.
While every destination you travel to is unique, there are some experiences you can only find in Atlanta. To get a rich understanding of the city’s past, visit the Atlanta History Center. Movie buffs will recognize the center’s Swan House from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Explore your wild side at Zoo Atlanta, one of only three zoos in the United States where you can see adorable giant pandas. For even larger animals, head to the Georgia Aquarium, home to awe-inspiring whale sharks. Or, head to the World of Coca-Cola and sample your way around the world with Coke products.
Atlanta is full of unique neighborhoods each bustling with their own personalities. With such a big city to navigate, it’s good to know a few of the hot spots around town.
The city’s central hub is home to world-class attractions and beautiful green spaces. No visit to downtown Atlanta is complete with a trip to Centennial Olympic Park. The 22-acre green space was the world’s gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and is now a year-round destination. If you’d rather beat the heat, head inside to explore the iconic Georgia Aquarium or learn about the city’s most famous beverage at the World of Coca-Cola museum.
A vibrant urban district, Midtown is full of arts, culture, and entertainment, combining museums and attractions with great shopping and dining. Atlanta’s largest city park, Piedmont Park features bike trails, jogging paths, playgrounds, recreation fields, and more. The Atlanta Botanical Garden features 30 acres of themed gardens including a rose garden, edible garden, and a Japanese garden. Plus, with rotating exhibits throughout the year you’re bound to see something unique. Head inside to the High Museum of Art, the leading art museum in the Southeast with more than 15,000 pieces of art. If performance art is more up your alley, head to the Fox Theater for a Broadway play, concert, comedy show, or ballet.
Just north of Midtown sits Buckhead. Known for its shopping, entertainment, and delicious dining options Buckhead has a little bit of everything. The Buckhead Village District is a shopper’s dream. The walkable eight-block complex features high-end shopping from brands like Dior, Hermes, and Christian Louboutin paired with eclectic dining options. Learn a bit about Atlanta’s rich history at the Atlanta History Center. Located amongst historic buildings, including Atlanta’s oldest farmhouse, the Atlanta History Center features exhibits on the 1996 Olympics, Atlanta’s railroad history, the Civil War, and Native American history in Georgia.
A historic neighborhood, the Old Fourth Ward is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore the Civil Rights leader’s life at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. The 35-acre site includes Dr. King’s birth home and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church. Explore the Atlanta BeltLine, a former railway corridor that has been repurposed for multi-use trails making for a great way to enjoy an urban hike. With all of that exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Check out THE ROOF at Ponce City Market for gorgeous city views and delectable eats.
With an eclectic, Bohemian spirit, Little Five Points boasts street art, vintage stores, and the perfect spot for people watching. Fans of live music will want to check out the lineup at the Variety Playhouse to see which acts are coming through. Grab a bite at the iconic Vortex, known for its burgers and a large selection of indulgent bar food. Or, take a stroll popping into independent bookstores and vintage apparel shops.
An often underappreciated culinary destination, Atlanta has a bustling food scene with innovative chefs offering up everything from soul food to barbecue to fine dining.
Food halls are all the rage in Atlanta. Travel the world at Ponce City Market, with offerings from South African to Korean to Italian. Visit an Atlanta staple at Municipal Market and sample fresh produce or dishes from one of the 10 most popular eateries in the city. Krog Street Market is a must-visit. For a true culinary treat, head to Chattahoochee Food Works, one of the city’s largest food halls with 31 vendors, a large outdoor/indoor bar, and expansive outdoor seating.
With an iconic skyline and beautiful parks, Atlanta is an ideal city for enjoying a meal with an amazing view. For the ultimate in al fresco dining, Park Tavern in Piedmont Park serves up views of the massive greenspace along with an eclectic menu. Head up 723 feet to the Sundial Restaurant for a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of downtown Atlanta. Enjoy a quiet meal along the peaceful banks of the Chattahoochee River at Canoe.
Sip on drinks from the rooftop of Ponce City Market at 9 Mile Station. Dive bar fans will want to check out Northside Tavern, which offers live music seven nights a week. For a unique experience, head to Biltong Bar to sample authentic South African beef jerky, biltong, and an extensive cocktail list. Wine lovers should have Pour or Barcelona Wine Bar on their must-do list. If beer is more your scene, check out Atlanta’s authentic German beer garden, Das Biergarten.
