If you’re looking for a big-city getaway with Southern charm, look no further than Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta has plenty to offer travelers of all ages, including great museums, numerous professional sports teams, and home to award-winning restaurants.
We’ve rounded up 40 things to do in Atlanta, from mouth-watering food halls to fun museums. You can start planning his next ATL trip today.
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Explore the Beltline.
One of Atlanta’s best outdoor attractions is the BeltLine trail system. The BeltLine Trail System is a repurposed 35-mile railroad loop that connects some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Walk, run, bike or skate through the city while enjoying native plants and art installations including murals, sculptures, performances and seasonal events. Start at Ponce City Market and head north on the Eastside Trail, which connects to 200 acres of Piedmont Park and Atlanta’s first public skatepark.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Adjacent to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts 30 acres of spectacular flora. Among the highlights are the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot walkway suspended between the treetops, and his nature-themed art installations. Don’t miss the 8-metre-tall Earth Goddess sculpture that presides over the Cascade Garden and displays more than 18,000 living annuals. You can also take classes to learn how to make home gardening even more fun.
Admire marine animals at the Georgia Aquarium.
One of the world’s largest aquariums, this Atlanta attraction is home to thousands of animals, including beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and even whale sharks. A visit to the Georgia Aquarium is an ideal activity on a rainy or very hot day.
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Enjoy soft drinks at World of Coca-Cola.
The Coca-Cola Company is an American company founded and still headquartered in Atlanta. At World of Coca-Cola, you can taste soda flavors from around the world and learn all about the brand.
Learn about the life and influence of Martin Luther King Jr.
A visit to Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is one of the best things to do in Atlanta. Highlights of this 35-acre property of his include Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, Ebenezer’s Baptist Church (where he served as pastor), and the King Center.
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Visit Centennial Olympic Park.
Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the park is near several other famous Atlanta attractions, including the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. When you visit, be sure to take a photo with the Olympic rings.
Shop and eat at Ponce City Market.
With great shops, an expansive food hall, and a rooftop with restaurants, bars, games, and more, Ponce City Market is the perfect place to shop, eat, and spend an afternoon admiring the Atlanta skyline.
Learn local history at the Atlanta History Center.
The Atlanta History Center, located in the Buckhead neighborhood, has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Built in 1928, Swan House is an elaborate mansion that was the filming location for the movie The Hunger Games. Next, take a quick look at the 371-foot-wide cycloma depicting the Battle of Atlanta, a turning point in the Civil War.
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Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Atlanta was the birthplace of the American civil rights movement. The city was the birthplace of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which organized protests across the South, and was a hotbed of student movements led by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Many institutions, including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, continue to honor Black history and culture. Here you’ll find exhibits about the U.S. civil rights movement, the global human rights movement, and key figures from both.
Uncover sports history at the College Football Hall of Fame.
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame celebrates some of the sport’s biggest names and features an indoor arena, college football history, art galleries and more, making it a must-see for sports fans.
Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
Georgia-born Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is home to the Presidential Library and Museum, which features an exact replica of the Oval Office and exhibits about his life and accomplishments.
Stroll through Piedmont Park.
With its open spaces and skyline views, Piedmont Park is the perfect place for a morning stroll or an afternoon picnic. The park also hosts many events throughout the year, including Music His Midtown, a massive festival that brings together A-list artists.
Check out the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
If you’re traveling with kids 8 and under, visit the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for interactive and educational exhibits. This is also a great option for families on a rainy day.
Ride a 747 at the Delta Flight Museum.
Travelers who love all things aviation should visit the Delta Air Lines Museum to learn about the airline’s history. Tour vintage aircraft, see the first Boeing 747-400, and try out a flight simulator.
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Enjoy a meal at Krog Street Market.
From dumplings to ice cream to pizza, Krog Street Market is the perfect place to enjoy a quick bite while exploring the city.
Let’s find some street art.
While you’re in the area, head to Krog Street Tunnel to see some of the city’s street art. The tunnel is full of graffiti and murals and is a great spot to take photos for Instagram.
Learn about Jewish history and culture at the Breman Museum.
At the Breman Museum, you can learn about Southern Jewish life and the Holocaust through the powerful stories of Atlanta-area survivors.
See works by local artists at the Georgia Museum of Contemporary Art.
This Atlanta Art Museum features Georgia artists through a variety of permanent and special exhibits. If you’re looking for an artistic experience, also visit the High Museum of Art during your trip.
Watch a puppet show at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Yes, this center is dedicated to all things puppetry, so catch a show or visit the World of Puppetry Museum. You can learn about the history and important figures of puppet theater. It also includes a Jim Henson exhibit featuring Sesame Street puppets and props. , The Muppet Show and more.
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Let’s paddle the Chattahoochee.
In between museum visits, get outside and bike along the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail. Rent a tube or raft at your local outdoor store (or bring your own) and “shoot the hooch,” as the locals call it. This is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. But don’t forget sunscreen.
I support the Atlanta Falcons.
Depending on the time of year, you might even plan to cheer on Atlanta’s professional sports teams, such as the Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United FC, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Notice the small door.
Tiny Doors ATL is a local project by artist Karen Anderson Singer. You can find small doors (inspired by locations, neighborhoods, and communities) all over the city. Singer’s first small door is on the exterior wall of the Krog Street Tunnel, and the Georgia Aquarium also has a door near the entrance to Ocean’s Voyager exhibit.
Taste the local flavors.
There are many great restaurants in the city. Atlanta’s first Michelin Guide highlights Italian restaurant Bacchanalia, contemporary restaurant Atlas and Japanese restaurant Hayakawa. Try some of the city’s best soul food at Busy Bee Cafe. And don’t forget Varsity’s famous chili cheese dog.
Catch a show at the Fox Theater.
The Fox Theater hosts great comedy, dance, and music shows throughout the year, but its unique design, inspired by Spain’s medieval Alhambra and Egypt’s Karnak Temple, is worth checking out alone.
Visit Madam CJ Walker Boutique Museum and WERDSTUDIO.
The legacy of Madam CJ Walker, a successful cosmetics and hair products businessman and America’s first female millionaire, lives on at this museum. The same building is also home to her WERD, the first black-owned radio station.
Walk across the rainbow crosswalk.
Midtown’s 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue features a colorful four-way rainbow crosswalk celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Visit the Trap Music Museum.
Atlanta is home to many famous musicians, and the Trap Music Museum pays homage to the culture and history of trap music. The museum also offers private tours with free wine on Thursdays.
View of Atlanta from above.
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city aboard the 20-story SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel in Centennial Olympic Park.
Shop around Buckhead.
Would you like to go shopping in style? Head to the Buckhead Village neighborhood for designer shops and delicious restaurants.
Visit famous filming locations.
Did you know that many famous movies and TV shows were filmed in Atlanta? The Hunger Games, The Walking Dead, and more feature famous Atlanta filming locations. You can also take a DIY tour to see them.
Visit the Atlanta Zoo.
Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park offers experiences such as giraffe feedings, wildlife presentations, and elephant encounters. See African lions, Aldabra tortoises, Chilean flamingos, and more.
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Visit Fernbank Natural History Museum.
Featuring giant dinosaurs, after-hours events, a canopy walk, and more, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the perfect place for a day (or night) out in Atlanta.
Stroll through The Battery Atlanta.
Located 16 miles north of downtown Atlanta, this mixed-use development is more than just a baseball stadium. Between games at SunTrust Park and shows at the Coca-Cola Roxy, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities to keep you busy here.
Hit the track at the Porsche Experience Center.
Get behind the wheel at Porsche’s North American headquarters and take laps through a driver development course with a professional driving coach. Enthusiasts will also enjoy the Simulator Lab and Heritage Gallery, filled with historic Porsche models.
Step into another world at Illuminium Atlanta.
Images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and on safari in Kenya are projected with 4K lasers to highlight the details of touch, sound, and smell in this otherworldly immersive experience on the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
Learn more about the design.
At the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), you can get up close and personal with rotating exhibits dedicated to design. This space is devoted to one of his exhibits at a time, covering topics such as chair design, skateboard artwork, and the history of pasta shapes, so check out the website before visiting please.
Catch a movie at the Plaza Theater.
This landmark theater in Atlanta’s Virginia Highland neighborhood shows both new releases and classics. If you want to experience the quote with you, head to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which is shown every Friday at midnight in theaters.
Enjoy a meal at Sweet Auburn’s Curb Market.
Located in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this outdoor market (also known as the Municipal Market) is a popular destination for local cuisine, from seafood to produce to desserts.
Get some retro at the video store.
Step back in time at Videodrome. Atlanta’s only video store offers a classic experience with new independent and cult films.
View criminal records.
Once you’ve finished browsing the movies at Videodrome, head to Criminal Records in the Little Five Points area for new and used music, comic books, and magazines.
