The best attractions in Atlanta

121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Fun fact: Coke is king in Atlanta. So it's only right that Atlanta has a World of Coca-Cola museum. Here, you'll be taken on a journey of the history of Coca Cola, the most famous drink in the world. You'll even get insight into Coca Cola's secret formula. And don’t miss the World of Coca-Cola’s "Taste It!" exhibit, where you'll get to slurp and sip more than 100 Coca-Cola Company beverages. Oh, and you can't forget to take a photo with the famous 7-foot Coca-Cola Polar Bear.

225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The largest aquarium in the western hemisphere is in downtown Atlanta, and it’s full of beluga whales, dolphins and wait for it…hammerhead sharks! They also have interactive sting ray touch pools and an immersive 4D theater to keep you occupied. Plus, a self-guided tour that gives you insight into the creatures of the deep ocean. If you're an aquatic enthusiast, you can participate in everything from shark cage diving to penguin petting.

100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

The NCCHR presents the Civil Rights Movement and its Atlanta roots as a progressive and ongoing project. With three permanent exhibits representing the fight for equality both here in the U.S. and on a global scale, the institution has a clean, open-air layout and design. Neon signage is incorporated on segregation displays, bold colors capture the spirit of standing up for justice and interactive portions salute activism in the face of danger. All these factors contribute to providing honest exhibits about how much work remains to be done.

168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

If one of Atlanta’s many rooftop bars doesn't fulfill your desire for a bird’s-eye view, head to SkyView Atlanta. Here, the stately Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas (think: Atlanta’s own London Eye) offers panoramic scenes of the city below. For an experience unlike any other, book an extended trip in the VIP pod featuring a glass floor and Ferrari-inspired seats.

449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

The King Center pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was established back in 1968 as the official memorial dedicated to the advancement of his legacy. Here, you'll be able to learn more about his work through the exhibits on display at Freedom Hall. And at the end, take a visit to the King Center’s library, full of multimedia used to teach the world about Dr King's life. And what's more? Admission to The King Center is completely free.

800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Zoo Atlanta allows visitors up-close-and-personal experiences with elephants, giraffes and lizards. There are more than 1,000 animals from around the world being cared for here, but the biggest standout is the ape exhibit; it’s one of the largest in North America, with orangutans, great apes and gorillas. Bonus: If you have kids in tow, be sure to take full advantage of the on-site playgrounds.

130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

Easily recognizable as the headquarters of nefarious President Snow in The Hunger Games, the IRL Swan House is as far from a dystopian residence as you can imagine. Situated in swanky Buckhead, the 1928 mansion exudes all things Jazz Age: Atlanta’s very own West Egg. The iconic home often hosts weddings and special events and is open for tours six days a week. However, a cruise down Andrews Drive offers you a quick Instagram photo-op.

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

One of Georgia’s most visited attractions, and just over 15 miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park offers activities galore, making it a great option for a family outing. The mountain itself is the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. The one-mile hike to the top affords amazing views on a clear day. Even better, there’s a swift gondola ride up and down the giant rock for those who’d rather skip the hike. Explore miles of trails, the Farmyard Petting Zoo or the SkyHike Adventure Course.

767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

You’re never too old to love dinosaurs (this museum doubles as one of the best things to do with kids in Atlanta), but there’s much more to the Fernbank than the fossil-filled gallery (which features a 47-foot-long Giganotosaurus). There’s also a four-story 3D IMAX theater, 75 acres of walking trails, canopies and outdoor exhibits within the Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest, and of course, adult programming (like the Fernbank After Dark events, where science meets live music and cocktails).

250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Shaped like two-thirds of a football and conveniently located downtown between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, proud fans of undergraduate Gridiron games flock to the College Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) year-round. Beginning at The Quad, register and watch your favorite team’s official helmet begin to glow along a wall of more than 760 schools. Then test your talents on the 45-yard indoor playing field where you can kick field goals, practice throwing and run an obstacle course while learning more about any inductee you pick through augmented reality.

1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Atlanta’s epicenter of the arts is the Woodruff Arts Center, specializing in visual and performing arts. It's the site of the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. You’d be hard pressed to enjoy all three in one visit, so be sure to pace yourself accordingly. 

Corner of 10th Street and Monroe Avenue for the Eastside Trail

A series of former railroad corridors might not seem like anything exciting, but when they're paved and lined with exciting art, bustling eateries and humming microbreweries, you've pretty much entered cultural heaven. Generally speaking, the area is also usually filled with dogs. Eventually, the 22-mile BeltLine will circumnavigate the city, connecting many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, but for now, it’s a premiere spot for exercising, people watching and just plain living.

800 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

The Battery Atlanta is an immersive year-round experience. The mixed-use development is anchored by Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves and is host to a bevy of other fun, too. There are over 25 restaurants and retail spaces, along with several entertainment spots, including the Mizuno Experience Center and The Coca-Cola Roxy theater. Where else can you enjoy ice-skating in the winter and baseball in the summer?

1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Atlanta sports fans’ pride and joy, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to not one but two of the city’s professional sports teams: the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Watch the Falcons rise up and ATLUTD unite and conquer, or take a virtual STEAM tour of the stadium and learn about the architecture and engineering.

630 Travis St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Rapper T.I. opened this physical salute to Atlanta’s street hip-hop sounds near the release of his 10th album, Dime Trap, in September 2018. Since then, thousands of visitors have come by to see the museum’s walk-through exhibits dedicated to pioneers of the now-world-famous “trap” genre, including an all-pink area setup (there’s a matching old-school Chevrolet in there) for 2 Chainz, a kitchen with scattered drug paraphernalia for Gucci Mane, a jail cell replica outlined with paintings of rappers who’ve served time and even an “Escape The Trap” challenge where you have to navigate your way out of a “trap house.”

979 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Under the Atlanta History Center umbrella, the Margaret Mitchell House is the site where the Pulitzer Prize-winning author dreamed up Scarlett O’Hara and Ashley Wilkes and penned Gone With the Wind. Here, literary lovers peruse Mitchell’s garden apartment and learn more about her life before and after the novel that made her famous.

61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

Don’t be alarmed with the chorus of “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” coming your way as you enter the renowned North Avenue diner. Instead, be prepared. Walk right up to the expansive counter and place your slaw dog order with confidence. Want to really blend in like a local? Finish your order with a Frosted Orange, an orange and vanilla flavored milkshake.

675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Engage in vista views of Midtown while trying your hand at a variety of kitschy carnival games at Skyline Park on the roof of Ponce City Market. Old-time favorites like ring toss and skee ball are shaded by a three-story slide and a Heege Tower. Of course, no cheesy carnival is complete without street fare. Refuel with a soft pretzel or a walking taco and imbibe in an aperol spritz or frozen rosé.

1220 Woolman Pl, Hapeville, GA 30354

Note: Historic hangars are closed until April 7, 2025 for an exhibition refresh.

Experience new heights in aviation at Delta’s headquarters and the Delta Flight Museum. Adventurous aspiring pilots of all ages line up for the flight simulator while history buffs are enamored with restored passenger planes and biplanes of yesteryear. Visitors can also step inside the first 747 ever built. Housed in Delta's original 1940s-era aircraft hangars, the museum is, shall we say... pretty fly.

1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

This railroad tunnel started as a dark block of cement only sought out by graffiti artists as a place to hone their skills. After decades of imaginative tags catching the eye of local artists, and eventually, local residents, the tunnel has transformed into one of Atlanta’s most highly-anticipated places to visit. Bonus? The Krog Street Tunnel is on the BeltLine’s Eastside trail, which is lined with more permanent, larger-than-life murals. Just don’t get attached to any work of art you see in the tunnel itself. The artists embrace it as an ever-changing domain.

400 Park Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Much like what Central Park is to Manhattan, Piedmont Park is a massive outdoor oasis in the heart of Atlanta. This is an ideal place for mid-day strolls, a picnic or people-watching. But here’s where the greenspace really stands out: from Spring to Fall, you’re likely to stumble upon some amazing festivals or celebrations on any given weekend. From Atlanta Pride to the city’s Jazz Festival, there are plenty of reasons to gather in the city’s beloved midtown park.

1305 S River Industrial Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Dolls Head Trail is exactly what it sounds like—a trail decorated with the heads of former children's toys. A metro-Atlanta resident found the discarded dolls and turned trash into an intriguing trail exhibit. Some hikers think the display is creepy, others find it wholly entertaining. No matter where you land on it, one thing is certain: Dolls Head and Constitution Lake, the park that encompasses the trail, is an ode to regeneration. The area was a former brickyard until water filled the old pits and restored the area back to its natural wetland habitat.

248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

It may seem strange to some to visit a cemetery on a trip to Atlanta, but on any given day, you’ll find people doing everything from taking a historical tour of the grounds to posing for their wedding photos. Several notable figures are buried here, including Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson and country music hall-of-famer Kenny Rogers. The burial ground is designed to look like a park, as was the trend in the 19th century, so embrace walking among the Southern Magnolia and native Dogwood trees. Don’t be surprised if you happen upon one of the many community events that take place throughout the year.