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.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
2. High Museum of Art
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
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.
Atlanta Small-Group Historical Homes Tour
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Fernbank Science Center
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
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.
Private Atlanta Nature Tour
Duration: 3 hours
6. Zoo Atlanta (from USD 31.93)
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.
Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta General Admission Ticket
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)
8. Krog Street Tunnel
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
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
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
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
12. Go Balloons Over Georgia
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
13. Stone Mountain Park
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
14. Birthplace of visionary, Martin Luther King
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
15. Turner Field, Home of the Atlanta Braves
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
16. Picnic at Piedmont Park
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
17. World of Coca-Cola
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
18. Fox Theatre
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
19. Skyview Atlanta
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
20. Sweet Auburn Curb Market
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
21. "Walking Dead" streets (from 64.99 USD)
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:
22. Starlight Movie Drive-In
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
23. Georgia Aquarium
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
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
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
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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