Things to Do in Atlanta
Plan your days in Atlanta, your way
Sleep in, take MARTA to Decatur for coffee at Dancing Goats and a wander through the square, the bookstore, the morning unfolding without urgency. Walk to the Dekalb History Center if it's open, or just keep walking through the neighborhood porches and gardens. Lunch at Taqueria del Sol for the Memphis taco and a margarita that doesn't apologize for itself. Afternoon: a slow BeltLine stroll from Inman Park to Old Fourth Ward, stopping for the views, the murals, the people watching. The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial if you feel like history, or a bench in Freedom Park if you don't. Dinner at Staplehouse in the evening, the tasting menu or the bar, both excellent, neither pretentious. One great view from the Jackson Street Bridge at sunset, one neighborhood you didn't expect to love. This is enough. This is the trip.
Top attractions and places to eat in Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, home to whale sharks, beluga whales, and vast marine exhibits. A premier family attraction in downtown Atlanta.
aquarium · 4.5 rating · $54.99
World of Coca-Cola
A popular Atlanta attraction dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola, featuring memorabilia, a tasting room of global sodas, and interactive exhibits.
attraction · 4 rating · $25.05
Atlanta Botanical Garden
A major botanical garden in Midtown Atlanta with themed plant collections, seasonal displays, and outdoor sculpture, a highlight for nature lovers.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $26.95
Fox Theatre
Restored 1920s theatre featuring a classic Moller organ, hosts Broadway musicals and concerts.
landmark · 4.7 rating · $20
Centennial Olympic Park
A large public park built for the 1996 Summer Olympics in downtown Atlanta, featuring the Fountain of Rings and open green spaces. A central gathering spot near major attractions.
park · 4.2 rating · Free
Zoo Atlanta
A major Atlanta zoo home to a wide range of animals including giant pandas, gorillas, and elephants, with exhibits and programs geared toward families.
attraction · 4.2 rating · $37.95
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
A National Park Service site preserving the birthplace, church, and tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A major destination for civil rights history.
park · 4.6 rating · Free
Piedmont Park
Atlanta's premier urban park in Midtown, offering expansive lawns, lake views, and skyline vistas. Travelers come to relax, walk, picnic, and enjoy events and recreation.
park · 4.6 rating · Free
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Museum connecting US civil rights history to global human rights movements, opened in 2014.
landmark · 4.8 rating · $19.99
High Museum of Art
The leading art museum in the Southeast, known for its extensive collection spanning classic to contemporary works and its striking modernist architecture. A major cultural draw for art lovers visiting Atlanta.
attraction · 4.5 rating · $23.50
Atlanta History Center
A large history museum and campus with exhibits on Atlanta, the Civil War, and Southern culture, plus historic houses and gardens.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $27
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The presidential library and museum of Jimmy Carter, featuring exhibits on his presidency, humanitarian work, and life, set within landscaped grounds. A significant destination for history and politics.
attraction · 4.6 rating · $12
309 SOCIAL
A social bar and lounge in Atlanta offering drinks and a lively evening atmosphere for groups and nightlife-seekers.
bar
42 Bar and Grill
A casual bar and grill in Atlanta serving American fare and drinks in a relaxed setting.
bar
420 Garden Bar
An outdoor garden bar in Atlanta offering drinks in a relaxed open-air setting.
bar