Location: Atlanta
Top Things to do in Atlanta
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10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Atlanta That You Shouldn't Miss
Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta
1. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,110 reviews
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects The American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements. The Center features four immersive and thought-provoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King. The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world. 3/2/2020 - Closing at 3pm (Last ticket at 2pm).
Reviewed By Olde_biL - Markham, Canada
Our visit to the National Center for Human and Civil rights near Centennial Olympic Park completed our trifecta of civil rights themed museum visits during our one full day visit to Atlanta. (This was our second visit to Atlanta and our first without our children.) It proved a valuble complement to what we learned and experienced at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site. Admission to the center was more than the free for the MLK Jr. Historic site and the $8/adult for the presidential library. Nonetheless, it provides a powerful experience and the lunch counter simulation itself was worth more than the price of admission. Caution, this latter is not for the very young as cautioned by the posted signage. The simulation includes a reproduction of a lunch counter at which protesters would sit. The participant takes a stool and puts on a headset, places hands palms down on the counter, and closes their eyes. The sounds and jolting movement of the stool over about a minute and a half provide the merest taste of what young protesters must have endured. I emerged deeply affected, both marveling at the courage of the protesters and angry at the need. Most of the museum exhibits are well executed and interactive. Right from first exhibit hall is "Rolls Down Like Water", it houses the lunch counter but starts with Atlanta of the 50's, with interactive features such as the sign board upon which users choose the jurisdiction from which to display Jim Crow laws. The exhibit moves forward through time with displays covering the bus boycott, the freedom riders, notorious figures such as Bull Connor, and continuing through the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The museum isn't exclusively about the American Civil Rights movement. The "Spark of Conviction" on the 3rd floor houses a series of interactive mirrors that users can approach and select from a number of real individuals from around the world to hear their story. The objective is to allow an individual to choose someone that is like them in some way. Other exhibits work similarly and provide multi-sensory ways to interact and convey more than just facts about the struggle for civil and human rights. We spent more than two hours going through the museum. I feel better educated but also with a desire to return after doing more personal research and being better prepared to comprehend the material.
2. Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 799 reviews
This sanctuary became a spiritual haven for civil rights activists when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as senior pastor in the 1960s. On the self-guided audio tour, King's inspirational sermons will take visitors back in time, while the new Horizon Sanctuary across the street is home to the present day congregation, highlighted by its traditional tabernacle choir.
Reviewed By sandramoorepope - Atlanta, United States
Come in, sit down, listen...and truly feel...the words of a great orator and leader! This is American History--it is truly a part of what makes this country genuinely great.
3. Atlanta History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,406 reviews
The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center.
Reviewed By 921jamesl - Pasadena, United States
I really enjoyed walking the grounds between the Smith farm, the Swan House, and the cabin. Beautiful and relaxing. House tours were interactive and great for kids; you are allowed to touch everything. Swan House had actors in character and costume providing info about the people who lived and worked in the home. Allow three hours for the history center and house tourslcombined, and save the Margaret Mitchell house (located in Midtown)for another day; the ticket is good for 9 days. Also enjoyed the Civil War exhibit.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,430 reviews
Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.
Reviewed By BaseballTraveler16 - Washington DC, United States
This historic site encompasses a couple city blocks that contain the birth home that you can have a guided tour of, a historic fire house, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the tomb. Start at the Visitor Center and visit what your heart desires. Walk-able from the King Memorial Marta stop but it is 1/2 mile.
5. Fox Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,437 reviews
Recently restored to its original gilded look of the 1920s, the Fox Theatre features "Mighty Mo," a classic Moller organ with over 3,600 pipes. The lavish theatre currently hosts Broadway musicals, comedy shows and dance companies throughout the year.
Reviewed By kristenbL539QU - Rock Hill, United States
Great and beautiful venue in downtown Atlanta!! My husband and I were there back in June to see Third Day and had a wonderful experience. The staff were very nice and helpful in helping us find our seats and everything was very well organized!
6. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,012 reviews
Step into a world of magic and serenity at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where features like the Fuqua Orchid Center treat visitors to a rare collection of high-elevation orchids never before grown in the southeast.
Reviewed By AtlantaToSeagrove - Atlanta, United States
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. We go at least once a month spending a few hours there each time. With rotating exhibits and the constant change of the plants the place is magical, all year long. The many features/shows of the garden just enhance the gardens themselves; concerts in the green, the Garden holiday lights, the scarecrows, spring in all of its glory and wonderful sculptures (botanical, glass, stone). Oh yes and one of the most amazing collections of orchids you will ever see, as well as unbelievable indoor and out door gardens. Mary Pat Matheson has made this garden into one of the top botanical gardens in the country and it never stops growing (small pun). My wife and I have maintained our family membership for over 15 years. It is our escape our joy and one of the best things we do together. The garden is expansive, great for kids (and grand kids) and wonderful for adults of all ages. Romantic, educational, beautiful and full of warmth. The staff is attentive and maintain a perfect environment. The paths through the garden give incredible views that change constantly. The gardens sit in the middle of midtown with great views of the city and of Piedmont Park, it has ample parking and easy access. You will not regret a moment you spend here. Did I mention, you have to see this place, visitors and residents alike, it is a must see.
7. State Farm Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Philips Arena, named for founding partner Philips Electronics and home of the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and WNBA's Atlanta Dream, has hosted many top tours and events including: U2, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Chesney, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Disney On Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live and so many more!
Reviewed By daviemars - Chicago, United States
The sightlines for basketball are terrific and the renevations they did here are top notch. I was really happy with the concession prices since going to sporting events back in Chicago, concessions can get a little pricy. It was east to get in and out of the arena, and parking was only 11 bucks, can't beat that for an NBA game!
8. Center for Puppetry Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on Museum, as well as Distance Learning and Outreach Programs. The Jim Henson Collection This interactive exhibition follows Jim Henson’s prolific imagination chronologically, transporting visitors through environments that typifed the master puppeteer’s world. In addition to learning how Henson’s characters came to life and are still performed, visitors can view iconic puppets such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Global Collection The Global Collection celebrates puppetry traditions in major cultures from around the world. Highlighting the history of puppetry in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Reviewed By hmill42894 - New York City, United States
We were looking for something to do before a wedding, and we found out about this museum and stopped by. I found the exhibit about the history of puppets are the world to be very interesting, and I loved all the interactive elements to it. I learned so much about something I knew little about, and I enjoyed seeing some of the puppets from the Broadway production of the Lion King. I had no idea that Jim Henson had donated so many of the Sesame Street puppets to the Museum, and I enjoyed that exhibit as well. It was cool to learn about the Muppets and things like that. I also liked the Dark Crystal exhibit; I had never heard of that movie before and the exhibit inspired me to watch it. It was a nice surprise and I'm glad we stopped by. Being a museum professional myself, I appreciated how it tries to get the public involved through all the interactive elements, and I definitely think the museum should make more of them. Keep up the great work!
9. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,220 reviews
The Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a state-of-the-art museum tracing the life and work of President Jimmy Carter, from his childhood in Plains to the work he and Mrs. Carter do around the world to promote peace and health. The Museum sits in a beautifully landscaped 35 acre park with two small lakes, a Japanese garden and a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline. The whole family will enjoy visiting. Open every day expect Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
Reviewed By TamaraS314 - Richmond, United States
I really enjoyed this museum. Regardless of your political affiliation, this museum offers interesting insights into President Carter’s character and the pivotal moments of his life. It’s very well laid out visually and chronologically. Plan on spending 2-3 hours depending on how much you like to read and how many of the films you watch.
10. Piedmont Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,365 reviews
This 185-acre park, home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and to summer festivals, is also popular with joggers.
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
My husband and I took a 3 mile hike through the park on Christmas Day. There were a lot of people out doing the same thing, as well as biking, running, and playing games with their kids. We walked around Lake Clara Meer, past the teaching gardens, the sports oval, and along the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We were lucky enough to see the light shows in the Storza Woods that are choreographed to music as well as a lot of the lighted figures in other areas. We have gone to this show in the past but didn’t know exactly what days we would be in Atlanta, so we skipped it this year. Really a nice walk in mild temperatures.
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