14 Things To Do In Atlanta, Georgia

things to do in atlanta, georgia
Marissa
Marissa 
Updated
| 4 min read

Atlanta, Georgia, is easily one of the most fun places to visit in the United States. If you love to shop, the options are endless. If you like the great outdoors, you’ll have access to excellent parks and the best outdoor apparel companies. If you are interested in culture and history, this city has an incredible civil war and civil rights heritage, as well as an active modern art scene. You will never run out of things to do in Atlanta, but just in case, here are some of the top attractions.

1. Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium - Ocean Voyager Tunnel Jan 2006
Source: Photo by user Diliff used under CC BY 2.5

Come to the Georgia Aquarium to see one of the largest aquariums in the world! With so many exhibits, a whale shark tank, dolphin shows, food, and more, this is the ultimate must-visit attraction in Atlanta. Kids and adults will be captivated by this oceanic wonderland!

Georgia Aquarium

Address: 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Website: Georgia Aquarium

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2. Zoo Atlanta

Gorillas - Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Berkowitz used under CC BY 2.0

Along with the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta is a leader in conservation efforts and has numerous exhibits to explore. You’ll love the encounters with exotic animals from around the world. Walking shoes, money for food and beverages, and a camera are musts for visiting this huge and beautifully landscaped zoo with children, friends, or on a date!

Zoo Atlanta

Address: 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta GA 30315

Website: Zoo Atlanta

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3. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden 1
Source: Photo by user David Berkowitz used under CC BY 2.0

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is another exceptional tourist sight for anyone who usually visits museums and outdoor attractions. The huge garden is divided into sections with different types of growing habitats and landscaping styles. From ornamental to edible, woodland to manicured and desert to tropical, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled the world in just a few hours. It’s a gorgeous place you’ll want to return to.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Website: Atlanta Botanical Garden

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4. Gone With The Wind Trail

Margaret Mitchell House & Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elisa.rolle used under CC BY-SA 4.0

For some culture, literary appreciation, and old Hollywood fandom check out the Gone With the Wind Trail. Margret Mitchell wrote the iconic book “Gone with the Wind” about a Southern Belle who survives the horrors of the Civil War and it later became a major motion picture that is now held as a classic.

While in Atlanta, you can visit the home of Margret Mitchell where she wrote the novel, her grave and the places the movie actors stayed while filming. Your guide will tell you all about Mitchell’s fascinating life while you visit these sights!

Gone With The Wind Trail

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5. World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Allenman12 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Why not learn about the heritage of this world-famous beverage company at the World of Coca-Cola? Get your photo taken with the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear, enter the vault, try 100+ beverages and see the numerous artifacts and theaters at this fun attraction!

World of Coca-Cola

Address: 121 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Website: World of Coca-Cola

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6. Shops of Buckhead


This classy shopping area has the best restaurant chains around, a multitude of name brand stores and beautiful vistas. There is a reason people in Georgia travel to Atlanta just to shop. Don’t leave town without visiting the Shops of Buckhead!

Shops of Buckhead

Address: 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Website: Shops of Buckhead

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7. Atlanta Beltline

Beltline
Source: Photo by Flickr user alans1948 used under CC BY 2.0

The Atlanta Beltline is a system of connected trails and parks where you can run, walk, or ride! It’s great for people who like to get outdoors and stay active. There are also numerous community events and activities that take place throughout the year, such as fitness classes, races and dog walks.

Atlanta Beltline

Website: Atlanta Beltline

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8. SunTrust Park - Home of the Atlanta Braves

SunTrust Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Thechased used under CC BY 4.0

Visit this ballpark for an iconic American experience, complete with hot dogs, cotton candy, the national anthem, choruses of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” and a little baseball. SunTrust Park is the home of the Atlanta Braves and a sure place to have a fun time when the sun goes down during an evening game. The park promises to make every seat “the best in the house.”

SunTrust Park

Address: 755 Battery Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30339

Website: SunTrust Park

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9. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

National Center for Civil and Human Rights - Main hall
Source: Photo by user Marco Correa used under CC BY-SA 4.0

To learn more about the American Civil Rights movement or view artifacts related to it, check out the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The center’s goal is to educate and inspire people to continue efforts towards raising awareness about our history and our present circumstances to make sure all people are able to enjoy basic human rights.

With a focus on imagery and storytelling, the center should leave people with an appreciation for the resilient human spirit and its capacity to make the world better.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30313

Website: National Center for Civil and Human Rights

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10. High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art in Atlanta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Yunker used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As much of a cultural experience as an artistic one, the High Museum of Art will wow you with it’s classy and ever-changing exhibits. Check out the work of specific artists or explore themes and artistic methods. The museum also organizes events for families, dates and individuals.

High Museum of Art

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Website: High Museum of Art

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11. Flags over Atlanta

U.S. Tourist Attractions
Source: Photo by Flickr user GPA Photo Archive used under CC BY 2.0

The 6 Flags Theme Parks are always a blast, with thrilling rides, shows, and water attractions. If you want to take a whole day to have fun like a kid, look no further! Thrills, family-friendly rides, kid’s rides, shopping, and dining await you in this adventure land.

6 Flags over Atlanta

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

Website: 6 Flags over Atlanta

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12. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Visitor's Center, Sweet Auburn, Atlanta, GA
Source: Photo by Flickr user Warren LeMay used under CC0

See where the leader of the modern civil rights movement in America was born, where he worshiped and where he walked. You can learn more about his story in the setting of his childhood and life. It’s the most visited historic site in Atlanta and any appreciator of American history will love to see it first hand.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Address: 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Website: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

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13. Atlanta's Southern food tour (from USD 81.0)


If you’re a foodie visiting Atlanta, it’s hard to know where to begin with the endless eatery options. Why not take a tour and let your guide give you some local insight. Get to know more about Southern food, culture, and history, with a small group and an expert guide on this personable tour.

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Atlanta Southern Food Walking Tour with Food Expert

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

10 reviews

14. CNN Studio Tour (from USD 16.0)


You can visit this famous network’s studio through this guided walking tour in under an hour. You’ll get to see how CNN runs the news, 24 hours a day, learn about the channel’s history and maybe even bump into a TV news anchor at work. See the behind the scenes workings of the first news network of its kind.

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Atlanta CNN Television Newtwork Studio Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 50 minutes

10 reviews

There are so many things to do in Atlanta, there will never be a dull moment!

With these 14 attractions, we’ve just scratched the surface of fun and enriching things to do in exciting Atlanta. Shop, eat, play, learn and enjoy this historically and culturally rich city, in the heart of Georgia. Any of these attractions will make it a trip to remember.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A true Texan with Southern roots, Marissa is a wanderlust-driven writer on a quest to explore uncharted territories and savor exotic flavors. Her love for discovering local niches in quaint...Read more

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