Location: Atlanta
Top Things to do in Atlanta
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The 10 Best Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Georgia Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,123 reviews
Georgia Aquarium is the world's most magical aquarium. Situated near Centennial Olympic Park and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta,Georgia, Georgia Aquarium offers its guests an experience like no other. Across six separate galleries, with more than 70 amazing habitats, 10 million gallons of water and thousands of species of marine animals, guests will marvel at, learn about and come to better understand such majestic aquatic animals as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins and thousands of species of exotic fish and other animals. The spectacular AT&T Dolphin Tales show combines incredible natural animal behaviors with dynamic theatrics, a Broadway-inspired musical score and a compelling story, which together underscore the connection between humans and the animal world. The animated "Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow," for all ages, tells an entertaining but important story about conserving and protecting animals and their natural environment. Cafe Aquaria offers delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta and delectable desserts. Two gift shops give visitors the chance to take home a treasured collectible. Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Guests can even swim or dive with whale sharks and manta rays in the world's largest aquarium habitat (at 6.3 Million gallons), Ocean Voyager built by the Home Depot. And an onsite parking deck immediately adjacent to the aquarium means quick, easy-to-find and affordable parking.
Reviewed By joggerboy
From the moment you enter the Aquarium for 2-3 hours you will be thoroughly entertained and amazed in this venue. The two live shows (sea lions and dolphins) are truly entertaining and amazing; the 4D movie is fun for kids and adults; and the four "venues" in which you see an overwhelming variety of sea life are mind-boggling. The Ocean Voyage exhibit, in which you are walk underneath and through the tank containing hundreds of different fish you hope you never run into in real life is simply breathtaking. A GREATway to spend several hours in downtown Atlanta.
7. Mercedes Benz Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 724 reviews
Reviewed By love2traveltogether - Atlanta, United States
My husband and I had the chance to attend our second Atlanta United match in October and the 2nd visit was as amazing as our first. The stadium is so nice. We love the merchandise shops, so much to choose from and the food, well, there is a ton and something for everyone. Atlanta United did not win in the match we saw, but they still gave it their all and they are the best no matter if they win or lose. We cannot wait for our next match.
8. World of Coca-Cola
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14,144 reviews
Immerse yourself in World of Coca-Cola, the one and only place you can explore the story of the world's most popular beverage brand. It's a place where anyone can experience moments of happiness and wonder. At World of Coca-Cola, inspiration is around every corner - from the vault where we secure our secret formula, to world-class art and memorabilia to more than 100 beverages to taste from around the world. With opportunities to meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, take a VIP Guided Tour - and more - it's no wonder that the World of Coke is a must-see among the top things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
We came here on a whim while we were in the area, and while I was initially amazed that there was a whole museum dedicated to Coca-Cola, it didn't surprised me - what did surprise me was how detailed and fun this museum was. The secret formula vault and the history behind it were fascinating - actually, learning all of the history was really engaging, including those of the soda bottle and the soda fountain. The bottling process was fun to watch.
9. Zoo Atlanta
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,594 reviews
Viewed as one of the finest zoological institutions in the U.S. and a proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta has a mission to inspire value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family experiences. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Zoo highlights include giant pandas, including Ya Lun and Xi Lun, a set of twins born to Lun Lun on September 3, 2016; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, featuring more than 70 species in a 111,000 square-foot complex, is the world’s first LEED Gold-certified reptile and amphibian exhibit.
Reviewed By GrandParentsGo - Atlanta, United States
Zoo Atlanta will take you across the world through its animal exhibits. African elephants, gorillas, lions, and savannah animals, Asian giant pandas, reptiles from around the world, many others—they’re all here for you. The exhibits replicate as closely as possible the animals’ natural habitat, and they are constructed to give the animals as much freedom and variety as possible. They also allow the animals some privacy from time to time. Signage provides information about the species and about the individual animals on view. Docents and other volunteers are stationed at major exhibits to help visitors spot the animals and to answer questions. The lower level of the zoo includes a petting zoo and the children’s playground. Save this for last, or you may never get to the other animals. Zoo Atlanta is well landscaped to provide shelter and beauty for both animals and visitors. The terrain is stroller and handicapped accessible, but it is also hilly. While the paths are smooth, the steep grades will provide a workout. It’s worth it!
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,338 reviews
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta offers a fun, highly interactive and educational 2-3 hour indoor experience, ideal for families with children 3-10 years old. Based on the ever-popular LEGO® brick, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers provide a range of interactive play areas, including 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; exciting LEGO rides, such as an interactive and immersive ride called Kingdom Quest; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; as well as the popular MINILAND exhibit designed to reflect the iconic buildings and skyline of Atlanta.
Reviewed By jenmodom1221 - Golden Isles of Georgia, United States
My two boys loved their first visit, participating in the race and especially the tour of the Amazing Christmas tree. Professor Rod & Kenneth are the best!
