The Best Things to Do in Atlanta: The Top 10 Options
Atlanta is a fascinating city. Although less famous than other U.S. cities, such as Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, etc., the capital of Georgia is a popular destination, boasting a wide number of sites and attractions. Staging the fight for Civil Rights and being home to personalities such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Atlanta bears an undeniably important history. Moreover, the city embraces the well-known Southern hospitality and features interesting cultural establishments, along with several entertainment facilities, many green spaces, and a wide variety of culinary options. So, what are the top things to do in Atlanta?
1. The Not-To-Be-Missed Thing to Do in Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium
If you think that the Georgia Aquarium is like any other aquarium you may have visited in the past, you couldn’t be more wrong. The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere houses more than 500 species of animals and features several galleries and exhibits. Here, you can suit up and swim or dive among whale sharks, manta rays, and more, watch the magnificent dolphin shows or the playful California sea lion presentation, or explore the largest reef to be found in an aquarium in the entire world. Georgia Aquarium also hosts species from the coolest ocean waters on the planet. Beluga whales, weedy seadragons, and giant Pacific octopuses are some of them. The aquarium is conveniently located in Downtown Atlanta and houses Coastline Café, providing mouthwatering options and refreshing drinks.
Our Tip: Do you want to enjoy a lifetime’s experience? Then, you shouldn’t just visit the Georgia Aquarium during the day. Plan a sleepover at the aquarium and sleep surrounded by the ocean and its magical creatures.
2. Atlanta is the Birthplace of Coca-Cola: Go Visit the Relevant Museum!
Coca-Cola fans consider it to be one of the top things to do in Atlanta. However, even if you don’t fancy the refreshing drink that much, you’ll surely enjoy delving into its long history, uncovering its secrets, and even trying to invent your own recipe. During your stay, you’ll taste more than 100 beverages from every corner of the planet, witness the revolution of the iconic Coca-Cola advertisements, take a look at the bottling process, and even visit the 3-D theater. Last but not least, the World of Coca-Cola, lying downtown as well, is the perfect place to capture an Instagram-worthy photo with the gigantic Coca-Cola Polar Bear!
3. One of the Top Fun Things to Do in Atlanta GA: the Skyview Atlanta
Another of the must-see attractions in Downtown Atlanta is undeniably the Skyview Atlanta. The 200-foot tall (61m) Ferris wheel stands right above the Centennial Olympic Park, a remnant of the 1996 Olympic Games held in the city, and offers the most amazing views of the downtown area and the surrounding regions. Do you want to take a good glimpse of the city from above? The Skyview Atlanta boasts 42 climate-control gondolas. Take your seat in one of the spacious gondolas and enjoy a 7-12-minute ride. Moreover, VIP gondolas offer even more premium services and amenities and longer rides (up to 20 minutes). Finally, during the night, the light shows make rides an even more breathtaking experience.
4. The Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta hosted the Olympic Games in 1996. The Centennial Olympic Park is the most remarkable remnant from those exciting days. Attracting, nowadays, many city visitors and locals as well, the Centennial Olympic Park still houses the iconic interactive mural, and numerous sculptures and fountains. In fact, its fountains are considered a must-see attraction. Audio tours are also available. Overall, it is the ideal place to relax, enjoy a seamless walk, play with your children, or have a picnic lunch. On the other hand, there always seems to be an event taking place in the park. Hence, your visit to Centennial Olympic Park might be even more enjoyable than expected.
5. For Art Lovers: The High Museum of Art
Centrally located on Peachtree Street, the High Museum of Art is another of the various things to do in Atlanta’s city center, and it should as well be on your to-do list during your stay. The most renowned museum in the city and one of the most important establishments in the Southeast area, the High Museum of Art will definitely prove worthy of your time. Housed in a multi-awarded building for its design, the museum displays more than 17.000 exhibits, ranging from paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries to photographic collections, selected African works of art and even exhibits from the prehistoric age. Here, apart from the local artistic tradition and the already-mentioned African art, you’ll also encounter works made by European artists and several temporary collections. Thus, the museum reflects a remarkable diversity. That exact diversity is what makes it an unforgettable experience for all who choose to visit it.
6. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
You won’t feel the beat of Atlanta’s racing past more vividly than at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. You can follow in the great man’s footsteps, exploring the area where he was born and raised. The home he grew up in lies here, after all. Uncover the Fire Station No. 6, where he spent much of his time, and feel the pulse of his actions, the struggle and anguish of his fight, and the way Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lit the fire for the movement for civil rights. His and his wife’s tombs are also to be found here. Free guided tours make the entire experience even more interesting and vivid. On the other hand, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is also one of the best things to do in Atlanta with kids. Children will appreciate the green spaces and have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. Indeed, several children-dedicated activities are organized around the park.
Our Tip: If you want to have a comprehensive view of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s history and legacy, you should also visit the nearby King Center. It lies a 2-minute walk from the national park.
7. The Magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Whether you are a sports enthusiast or not, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will most likely surprise you. The technologically advanced stadium is one of the top in America. Indeed, watching a game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the most memorable part of your journey in Atlanta. The stadium guarantees thrilling moments, regardless of your exact seat, utterly different from anything you might have experienced before. Its glass exterior is striking, allowing visitors to feel like they are outdoors despite sitting comfortably inside its premises. On the other hand, its roof closes and opens in just 10 minutes. Hence, the weather conditions won’t affect your visit. Furthermore, the stadium houses a wide variety of food options and bars. On the other hand, if sports isn’t your thing at all, you should bear in mind that Mercedes-Benz Stadium also hosts concerts and several artistic events, while interactive tours are available to visitors, perfect for families and travelers who like to see things behind-the-scenes.
8. Pay a Visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Nature lovers simply can’t help but fall for the Atlanta Botanical Garden. A green haven, a natural paradise, lies in Midtown, right in the heart of the Atlanta Business District. Various exhibitions and events take place around the garden’s premises on a daily basis. From the multi-awarded Children’s Garden to the Canopy Walk and the Edible Garden featuring an outdoor Demonstrative Kitchen, Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts even tropical and desert plants at the Fuqua Conservatory, while the Fuqua Orchid Center is the dedicated-to-the-renowned-flower facility that amazes the flower’s fans. As if all those weren’t enough, visitors can even swim at the Sunflower Fountain or explore the carnivorous plant bogs and the collection of frogs from all over the planet. During the night, the countless energy-efficient lights transform the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a fairytale scenery. Finally, Atlanta Botanical Garden houses several dining facilities. Hence, you should head to the Longleaf Restaurant, the Quick Café, the Snack Bar, or the other bar facilities located inside the garden to give the perfect ending to your visit.
9. The Best Thing to Do in Atlanta with Kids: Zoo Atlanta
Just minutes away from Downtown Atlanta, the Zoo Atlanta attracts the wide majority of the city’s visitors. Although it is one of the best things to do in Atlanta with kids, it is a sought-after option by all travelers, regardless of their age or preferences. Being awarded for its efforts in animal care, Zoo Atlanta is home to 1000 animals belonging to more than 200 species. It offers visitors the opportunity to interact with animals while being informed and educated about their care and needs. Among its top attractions are undoubtedly the giant pandas and the largest population of great apes in North America. That being said, the Zoo is home to reptiles, amphibians, and even animals from the African Savanna (elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, rhinos, etc.). Moreover, numerous activities make visits even more exciting. Interactive activities and experiences designated for the little guests of the zoo guarantee a fun-filled adventure. You can feed goats, sheep, and giraffes, enjoy the playground facilities, take part in a ride, or even brave the thrilling Treetop Trail.
10. One of the Absolutely Must Things to Do in Atlanta: The Atlanta BeltLine
The place to be for tourists and locals alike, the Atlanta BeltLine is a trail system allowing visitors to take a good look at several city’s neighborhoods. Indeed, the complex trail network brings together 45 neighborhoods, featuring countless trails and walkways, parks, restaurants, bars, and even art galleries, shops, and open-air markets along the way. If you opt for a bike ride or walk, you’ll encounter various murals, sculptures, and photographic collections made by local artists. Green spaces and a skate park are also to be found here, while the Atlanta BeltLine is regarded as the most pet-friendly part of the city.
If you want to see as much sightseeing as possible, relaxed and hassle-free, you should take part in one of the organized tours that are available in the city. Private guided tours, trolley tours, and even off-road ATV tours are some of the available options.