What To Do In Atlanta: 25 Things To Do In The Capital of Georgia, US - Updated 2024

What To Do In Atlanta: 25 Things To Do In The Capital of Georgia, US - Updated 2024
Amber
Amber 
Updated
| 8 min read

So we’ve all heard about New York, the Big Apple, and the sunny West Coast. In fact, we’re overloaded with things to do in these well-known cities. Sure you’ve heard of Universal Studios in Florida and Disneyland in California, but no visitor’s itinerary to the USA can be considered complete without a trip to the quaint city of Atlanta nestled within the bustling state of Georgia. Get a blast from the past in this cultural city with its rolling hills. If you’re bored of all the hustling in the famous cities, its time to heat things up by taking a holiday far away from the beaten track. Let’s go beyond the conventional guidebooks and shed some light on a city that often slips under the radar. Here are the things to do in the capital of Georgia, US.

1. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta (from USD 27.0)

Relive your childhood on this awesome tour of LEGOLAND, where millions of bricks await you. While here, you get to watch the brick-making process and enter the MINILAND that is filled with Atlanta’s most popular landmarks. You can hop on rides such as Kingdom’s Quest Laser Ride and Merlin’s Apprentice Ride. There is also a 4D theater where you can watch LEGO creations come to life. Kids can enjoy building in dedicated play spaces and learn some techniques at Master Builder Academy. Your tickets are all-day passes, so you can have unlimited playtime here at LEGOLAND.

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LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket

Duration: 3 hours

185 reviews

2. High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user brookenovak used under CC BY 2.0

With more than 15,000 artworks in its permanent collection, the High Museum of Art offers a glimpse of American art made from the 18th century to the 20th century. The white exterior and high atrium walls reflect 21st-century architecture. Inside, the museum boasts four floors of gallery space. You can browse through an array of European and African art pieces here, including a collection of French works on the second floor. The museum also hosts classes such as painting, photography, and cooking as a way to involve you in the community. You are encouraged to come early so you can visit all the exhibits and classes hosted here.

High Museum of Art

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Website: High Museum of Art

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 14.5 USD

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3. Atlanta History Center (from USD 93.0)

Atlanta is about 173 years old, and there are spots that have seen all the city has been through. On this half-day tour, you will visit the most impressive of heritage homes, including the majestic Swan House on Atlanta History Center’s grounds. The 1920s home is one of the perfect examples of Renaissance Revival architecture. It boasts a spacious lawn, original furniture, and even treasure items from the house’s first owners. You will also visit other homes such as Rhodes Hall and Margaret Mitchell House.

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Atlanta Small-Group Historical Homes Tour

Duration: 3 hours

26 reviews

4. Fernbank Science Center

Fernbank Science Center
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eoghanacht used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Located in the northeast part of the city, Fernbank Science Center is an educational hub for people of all ages. You can view different rocks and minerals on display along with diorama exhibits. The Aeronautics Education Laboratory teaches visitors about the different wonders that space and space travel offer. An actual spacecraft is on display, which was used during an unmanned space mission. At the heart of the science center is the Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in the US. This 500-seat celestial theater houses multiple effects projectors to give you a brilliant show.

Fernbank Science Center

Address: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

Website: Fernbank Science Center

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

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5. Atlanta Botanical Garden (from USD 158.0)

Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It boasts over 30 acres (12 hectares) of land and is split into smaller gardens. The Rose Garden and Japanese Garden sit near the entrance, while large trees are present deeper inside. It also houses the Fuqua Orchid Center, which is one of the most expansive collections of orchids in the country. The biggest attraction here is the Canopy Walk, a sky bridge suspended 40 feet (12 meters) above the gardens. This is also the perfect spot to relax after a busy day around the city.

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Private Atlanta Nature Tour

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

6. Zoo Atlanta (from USD 31.93)

what to do in atlanta: 25 things to do in the capital of georgia, us | zoo atlanta

View over 1,500 animals here at Zoo Atlanta, a 40-acre (16-hectare) public space located just south of the downtown area. Exhibits here are well-maintained and resemble the animals’ natural habitats. Get the chance to see a pair of pandas up close and personal. The African Savana complex is home to elephants, giraffes, and ostriches—animals you would only see in the grasslands of Africa. An amphibian show is also included with your visit here. You can talk with wildlife and conservation experts too, so you can learn more about the animals.

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Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta General Admission Ticket

465 reviews

7. Trap Music Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

You can’t even tell that this place is a museum as there are no signs, labels, or markings. Greeting you inside is a convenience store where you can see common items on display. In the next room, you will see a replica crack cocaine cook site. You will then come across exhibits that display pictures of different artists at various stages of their careers. A pink car sits at the center of the exhibit, along with a mock-up of the Pink Trap House. This museum aims to remind everyone of the struggles and triumphs of the community.

Trap Music Museum

Address: 630 Travis St NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Website: Trap Music Museum

Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 2pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)

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8. Krog Street Tunnel

Krog Street Tunnel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Josh Hallett used under CC BY-SA 2.0

There are many talented graffiti artists and activists who call the Krog Street Tunnel a second home. This tunnel connects the Cabbagetown and Inman Park neighborhoods. Even before you enter, you will see the entrance filled with graffiti. Inside, you will see colorful artwork lining every square inch of the tunnel. Pictures of people, neighborhoods, and landscapes are present here. You can even see slogans, protest art, and letters painted on some of the posts. Since the artworks keep changing, you may see a new set of paintings the next time you visit.

Krog Street Tunnel

Address: 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States

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9. Folk Art Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Originally designed for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, this public collection of folk art was recently restored with...

Posted by Downtown Atlanta on Friday, June 9, 2017

Installation art is popular in Atlanta, and Folk Art Park is one of these. It sits at the intersection of two bridges and occupies three of the four corners. In one corner is a diorama of farm animals sitting on layers of grass, while the other side has totem poles painted with different characters. The last corner has anemometer-shaped structures and is colored like the American flag. These artworks are made by local artists, and more exhibits and installations could be added in the future. This is in line with the park’s goals of promoting local art in the community.

Folk Art Park

Address: Courtland St NE Atlanta, GA 30308

Website: Folk Art Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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10. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

#sunset at #opening #weekend Loving how the sun highlights Shanequa Gay’s (@shanequagay_) wall mural for the 2021...

Posted by Atlanta Contemporary on Saturday, February 20, 2021

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is a space where artists can use their imagination and display their works to the public. Budding and local artists collaborate to improve the city’s art scene. The Atrium Wall, Sliver Space, and Chute Space let these talented people work on their current projects. There are 13 studio spaces, and you can view some of the artists working here. Exhibits are on display for up to a year and showcase the best of modern art.

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Address: 535 Means Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Website: Atlanta Contemporary

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Tue - Wed: 12pm - 5pm; Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

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11. Six Flags Over Georgia

No trip to Atlanta is complete without a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia. Home to over 11 heart-stopping roller coasters, this theme park is not for the faint-hearted.

With a name like SkyScreamer, guests can be prepared to let it all loose on this 24-storey ride. The extreme ride is the tallest ride at the park and soars in a 98-foot-wide (29.9-meter-wide) circle. Just the mere action of peering down would make most go weak in the knees but for the ultimate daredevil, this ride boasts a breathtaking view of the park and the Atlanta skyline.

Do not be mistaken, although this theme park boasts extreme rides for the dauntless, it has a soft side as well, with 3 child-friendly zones and water parks, Six Flags has something for everyone.

Chill out, cool off, and ride some waves at the brand new Hurricane Harbor water park too! This tropical paradise of wave pools and slippery slides is made up of a dual-slide complex that swirls riders around in a 40-foot-wide (12.2-meter-wide) bowl, simulating a tsunami surge. It is somewhat similar to a giant salad bowl!

This coming summer, guests can cool off at Skull Island, the park’s largest interactive water play structure that includes dozens of water elements and towering snake slides.

Six Flags Over Georgia

Address: 275 Riverside Parkway, SW, Austell, Georgia 30168

Price: from 45.99 USD (child) and 52.99 USD (adult)

Opening Hours: Park Admission: Mon - Thurs (10.30 am - 7 pm), Fri & Sun (10.30 am - 8 pm), Sat (10.30 am - 9 pm). Please check the updated timings on the website before planning your visit as timings are subject to change

Duration: An entire day

Access: Cobb County Transit (CCT) offers a shuttle service to the park. For a detailed, up-to-date route schedule, please visit the CCT section of the Georgia DOT website. Route 30 serves the park Monday through Saturday

Contact: (770) 739-3400

Website: Six Flags

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12. Go Balloons Over Georgia

Hot air balloons
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 5 Cent Dollar used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A once-in-a-lifetime experience, take flight in the hot air balloon ride service and see scenery only the birds can admire. From the aerial view of the hot air balloon, Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, and the Atlanta skyline are just some of the sights that you can take in.

Although a pricey experience, it would make your trip to this scenic city worth it. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or a “bucket list” item, this attraction will not disappoint!

Make your holiday one you won’t forget with this unique attraction!

Balloons Over Georgia

Address: Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040, United States

Price: from 250 USD / person

Opening Hours: 6 am - 6 pm, daily

Duration: around 2 hours including take-off and landing

Contact: 678-283-4033

Website: Baloons over Georgia

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13. Stone Mountain Park

Laser Show, Stone Mountain Park
Source: Photo by user Dzmitry (Dima) Parul used under CC BY 2.0

Mount Vision, located at Stone Mountain Park Atlanta, is the little brother of Mount Rushmore, the famous sibling everyone knows of. With 3,200 acres (1,295 hectares) of lush greenery surrounding the amazing stone architecture, Stone Mountain Park is Atlanta’s most-visited attraction with the Laser Show drawing in both the tourist and local crowd.

We recommend visiting Stone Mountain Park in the summer when live shows and bands are aplenty. Stay to watch the Laser Show in the evening too.

The kids can ride on the Summit Skyride, the Scenic Railroad, and the Antebellum Plantation Farmyard where they can learn more about nature while having fun!

Stone Mountain Park

Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Price: from 26.95 USD (adult) and 20.95 USD (child)

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: around half a day

Contact: 800-401-2407

Website: Stone Mounttain Park

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14. Birthplace of visionary, Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King's Boyhood Home
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mikefairbanks used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A visionary of his time, Martin Luther King’s birthplace in Atlanta is one of the must-visit sites when one travels to this area.

A ranger-led tour is free and requires about 30 minutes of your day. Since the tours are filled on a first come, first served basis, advanced bookings are not accepted.

So, arrive early to beat the crowds! Try visiting early in the week or on Sunday mornings as tours are the least crowded then.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home

Address: 449 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Sunday - Saturday (9 am - 5 pm), Closed on Public Holidays

Duration: 1 hour required

Access: #3 Martin Luther King Drive/Auburn Av from the MARTA Five Points Station

Contact: 404-526-8900

Website: King Center

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15. Turner Field, Home of the Atlanta Braves

Turner Field 2013
Source: Photo by user Zpb52 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the Atlanta landmarks, Turner Field is home to the Atlanta Braves, a baseball team. The field fuses the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-time baseball field with the advanced state-of-the-art environment that many baseball teams dream of playing in.

Spend about 2 hours taking a walk around this majestic stadium and soak in the sporty atmosphere that surrounds this monument. No trip to Atlanta is complete without a picture of this 85,000-seat landmark.

Turner Field

Address: 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States

Price: Free

Duration: around 1 hour required

Website: Turner Field

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16. Picnic at Piedmont Park

2006 Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park with Midtown Atlanta skyline in background
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Mayer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Piedmont Park is a popular venue for festivals, stargazing activities, and even picnics! Not everything requires money or entrance fees; this is one of those family activities you can try out that requires little to no money to enjoy!

A picnic at Piedmont Park will not only have you taking in the sights like a local, but also having interactions with the locals and joining in with their weekend culture, and relaxing in the sun with the Atlanta skyline as your backdrop.

Don’t forget the picnic baskets and plenty of water for the warm summer day!

Piedmont Park

Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States

Price: Free

Opening Hours: 6 am - 11 pm daily

Duration: around 2 hours required

Contact: +1 404-875-7275

Website: Piedmont Park

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17. World of Coca-Cola

World of Coca Cola
Source: Photo by Flickr user Luigi Rosa used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Coca-Cola is one of the most well-known soft drinks in the world. Explore the secret vault, said to hold the formula and the mystery ingredient of the world’s most famous beverage as well as seeing the milestones of the beverage giant at the “Milestones of Refreshment” corner. Still not impressed? There’s more!

Take part in the factory bottling process and see how every drink moves from the production to bottling phase. There is something for everyone at this attraction, keep the kids busy with the 4-D Theater and the ‘Taste it!’ corner.

At the World of Coca-Cola, guests are invited to meet and have their photo taken with the mascot, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear! What are you waiting for? Shortlist this attraction now!

World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, 30313, United States

Price: 16 USD (adult) and 12 USD (child), concession applies

Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm daily

Duration: 3 hours required

Contact: (404) 676-5151

Website: World of Coca-Cola

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18. Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre - Atlanta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Aleksandr Zykov used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Formerly a well-known movie palace, Fox Theatre is currently a performing arts venue and is the centerpiece of the Fox Theatre Historic District. The 4,678-seat theatre hosts more than 150 performances yearly, ranging from Broadway musicals and rock concerts to comedy clubs and movies.

As one of the vintage buildings in the street, Fox Theatre is famous for its bright red signage and running lights that remind many of a London Broadway house.

Considered one of the most beloved landmarks, this is a not-to-be-missed site for tourists and locals alike. Check out their website (listed below) for the up-and-coming musicals and shows that will be hitting the theatre soon!

Fox Theatre

Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States

Price: Tour - 18 USD (adults), 5 USD (child) & 15 USD (seniors)

Duration: around 3 hours required

Contact: +1 404-881-2100

Website: Fox Theater

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19. Skyview Atlanta

Skyview Atlanta
Source: Photo by Flickr user Becker1999 used under CC BY 2.0

Standing at nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, the SkyView Ferris wheel features 42 gondolas that provide guests with breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Atlanta.

With its stunning lights and seamless motion, its no wonder this attraction is the perfect way for tourists to see the bustling city of Atlanta from a bird’s eye view.

SkyView Atlanta

Address: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States

Price: 13.89 + Tax USD (adult), 9.26 + Tax USD (child)

Opening Hours: 12 noon - 11 pm, daily

Duration: 1 hour required

Contact: +1 678-949-9023

Website: Sky View

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20. Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Royal Peacock mural Sweet Auburn
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Timothy J Carroll used under CC BY 2.0

Shop for products like a local! Otherwise known as the Curb Market, this building is home to hundreds of individual businesses including a full-scale bakery, a bookstore, and some of the most famous eating outlets in the city.

The Sweet Auburn Curb Market is located inside the original Municipal Market building, which opened its doors in 1924. Surrounding the buildings are many hand-painted murals which will be a pleasant background for those social media posts!

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Address: 209 Edgewood Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat (8 am - 6 pm), Sunday (12:00 noon - 5 pm) Some merchants have different hours of operation, some are not open on Sundays

Duration: around 2 hours required

Website: Curb Market

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21. "Walking Dead" streets (from 64.99 USD)

Atlanta 75.85
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Atlantacitizen used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Did you know that the “Walking Dead” was filmed in many different locations around Atlanta?

This heart-stopping and thrilling TV show is one of the most famous programs to showcase the diversity of Atlanta’s landscape. From a crowded highway to abandoned buildings within the concrete jungle, the “Walking Dead” cast took to the streets to film this award-winning series.

In fact, the set is so famous that there are tours offered by companies like Viator.com to take visitors to these locations and experience walking in the footsteps of the “Walking Dead” cast. The 3-hour guided tour includes behind-the-scenes stories from the set of the show and a fun, interactive round of trivia with the guide.

Check out the Viator.com tours at the link below and book your tickets now!

Atlanta Zombie Film Locations Tour

Price: from 64.99 USD

Tour Departure Times: 9.30 am / 2.30 pm

Duration: around 3 hours required

Website:

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22. Starlight Movie Drive-In

Starlight Drive-In
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael Dougherty used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Ever seen one of those vintage films where couples sit in their cars and watch a movie on a large screen that resembles a modern day movie theatre?

Now with Starlight, you and your family have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to watch a movie under the stars. With popular films such as Finding Dory and Independence Day Resurgent coming out, it would be missing out on a wonderful experience if one didn’t try out this drive-through cinema.

To make the experience even more fun, Starlight Cinemas has a snack bar that offers popcorn, soft drinks, candy and other movie food items. Be there early to grab a great spot as the gates open 45 minutes before the show time (Monday - Thursday) and 1.5 hours before the movie starts on Friday and Saturday.

Starlight Drive In

Address: 2000 Moreland Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Price: from 9 USD / person

Opening Hours: Depending on showtimes, open daily

Duration: around 3 hours required

Website: StarLight Drive In

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23. Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY 2.5

For a fun-filled family day, this attraction is sure to impress the children. With 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water animals, it is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

Georgia Aquarium prides itself on being able to allow visitors the experience of seeing the animals but also to focus efforts on conservation and research.

One way to get that impressive family photo would be to swim with the whale sharks. Don’t worry though, it’s safe for children and adults alike.

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Price: from 36.95 + tax USD (adult), 30.95 + tax (child)

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: around 3 hours required

Contact: 404 581 4000

Website: Georgia Aquarium

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24. The Shops Buckhead Atlanta

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For the avid shopper and the brand lovers, the Shops at Buckhead Atlanta is for you!

Spanning an area of about 8 blocks, this neighborhood contains everything the enthusiastic shopper needs for a successful purchasing adventure. From high-end retail outlets such as Hermes and Chanel to bowling and dining options, the Shops at Buckhead Atlanta has it all. From shopping to entertainment, this shopping center will not disappoint!

The Shops Buckhead Atlanta

Address: 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat (10 am - 7 pm), Sunday (12 noon - 6 pm). Restaurant hours vary

Duration: About half a day

Contact: 404-939-9290

Website: Shops Buckhead

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25. Sun Dial Restaurant

Visit the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View for Atlanta’s one and only tri-level dining complex. The restaurant features a unique revolving restaurant, a moving cocktail lounge and an observatory level. With a 350 degree panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline, it is no wonder this place is such a great place to end off your trip to this culture hotspot!

Situated 723 feet above the city, celebrity chef Jason Starne’s seasonally influenced American cuisine and the spectacular view will wow both adults and children alike.

Splurge on the classic cuisine, live jazz bands and therapeutic ambience but take note that reservations are advised to avoid disappointment.

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

Address: The Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303

Opening Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday (11.30 am - 2.30 pm), Saturday (11.30 am - 3.00 pm) Brunch: Sunday (11.30 am - 3.00 pm) Dinner: Sunday to Thursday (6.00 pm - 10.00 pm), Friday (5.30 pm - 11.00 pm), Saturday (5.30 pm - 11.00 pm)

Duration: around 2 hours required

Contact: 404-589-7506

Website: Sun Dial

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Book now and go!

And so that was 15 must-do things in Atlanta to live and breathe like a local. Inspired? Do check out our other articles for more fun things to do in this cultural hotspot! Simply search Atlanta and find our other recommendations. And then, book your trip, pack your bags, and have a blast in Atlanta!

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15 Things To Do In The Capital of Georgia, US
Source: Trip101

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Amber is a content writer at Trip101 and has a passion for travelling to unique destinations around Southeast Asia. A faithful believer of unicorns and all things animal, she can be considered a...Read more

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