Explore The 10 Best Places To Visit In Atlanta For A Scenic Adventure

Atlanta skylike view from Buckhead with many buildings and skyscrapers lighted up

Atlanta offers a great mix of Southern American culture and modernism. An oldest but evolved city and the capital of Georgia, there are several places to visit in Atlanta for tourists. It is one of the busiest economic and cultural hubs in the world, with a lively downtown and stunning skyscrapers. With huge shopping centres, lush gardens, a vibrant art scene, top-notch restaurants, and sports bars, there is no dearth of tourist attractions in Atlanta. The top 10 places to visit in Atlanta have something for people of all ages and interests.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Atlanta

The best tourist places in Atlanta promise any visitor an exciting time and unforgettable memories. You can begin to make the Atlanta tourist places list to plan your next trip

1. Georgia Aquarium

Ocean Voyager Tunnel in Georgia Aquarium with several fishes swimming and people watching

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons

Housing thousands of marine animals belonging to hundreds of species, the Georgia Aquarium is considered the biggest aquarium in the world and among the top places to visit in Atlanta. It has eight galleries with everything from freshwater animals to huge shark tanks with exotic species of whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays, to name a few. Its new shark exhibit houses several shark species, including tiger sharks and hammerheads, in a 20-foot tank. There are free dolphin shows and paid swim or dive activities with whale sharks that are very popular. There are also 4D shows about dolphins and sea lions.

Location: 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313
Fees: $64.99
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM

2. Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Wonderland Exhibit showing a chess board and the pieces made of grass

Photo: NeuroMasood / Wikimedia Commons

Get ready to step into a lush, green sanctuary that is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Located near Piedmont Park in Atlanta’s midtown, its magnificent 30 acres have lots to offer for nature lovers, including Edible Garden, Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, Rose Garden and the Tropical High Elevation House. The different sections highlight the distinct flora based on its origin. You cannot miss the Fuqua Orchid Center, which features a variety of rare high-elevation orchids that cannot be found anywhere in Southeast USA. This garden hosts the Holiday Nights and Garden Lights annual extravaganza every winter, but spring is when you can witness the full bloom of the garden.

Location: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309
Fees: $26.95 (Adults), $23.95 (Children from 3-12 y)
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

3. Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre marquee displaying the show names and timings on a brightly lit board

Photo: John Vetterli / WIkimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

In the list of top places to visit in Atlanta, do not miss the historic Fox Theatre. This classic theatre is popular for its exceptional acoustics, striking interior and stage visibility. There are a variety of shows hosted here throughout the year. Recently restored to its old 1920s look, the lavish Fox Theatre hosts comedy shows, dance recitals and Broadway musicals of seasoned and upcoming artists. This performing theatre is one of Atlanta’s iconic landmarks, and its design is inspired by famed global monuments. There are guided tours to learn about the theatre’s architecture.

Location: 660 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308
Fees: Depends upon the show
Timings: Depends upon the show

4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Dr. King and his wife’s Tomb at The King Center of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Photo: Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons

Spanning around 35 acres, the MLK Jr. National Historical Park is an homage to Dr. King’s life, legacy and civil rights movement. You can view Dr King’s childhood home. Fire Station No. 6 is one of the first desegregated fire departments in Atlanta. You can then visit the Ebenezer Baptist church, where Dr. King was a pastor once. Next to the church, you can find the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for non-violent social change. You can also find more engaging memorabilia and exhibits about the civil rights movement at the Visitor Center. The park also offers free, guided tours of Dr. King’s home.

Location: 450 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312
Fees: Free
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

5. National Centre For Civil And Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights encompassed by grass and other buildings

Photo: Marco Correa / Wikimedia Commons

For a deep understanding of the civil rights movement and the current human rights struggle across the globe, you can visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This 42000 sq. feet centre houses temporary and permanent exhibits, including a collection of memorabilia about Martin Luther King Jr. There are four immersive exhibits, including a continually moving collection of Dr. King’s items and papers. The centre has an interactive space where visitors can engage in ongoing dialogues about contemporary human rights movements around the world.

Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta GA 30313
Fees: $19.99 (adults), $17.99 (seniors), $15.99 (children aged 7 to 12)
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat) and 12 PM – 5 PM (Sunday)

6. Zoo Atlanta

Two Pandas resting on a log in the Panda exhibit at Zoo Atlanta behind the glass

Photo: MARELBU / Wikimedia Commons

Counted as one of the best zoos in America, Zoo Atlanta strives to preserve wildlife while offering an outdoor family experience and education. Right from popular native wildlife to endangered species, you can encounter over 1000 animals from all over the world. The highlights include giant Pandas, North America’s great apes, and a centre of study of amphibians and reptiles apart from zebras and giraffes. The Amphibian and Reptile exhibit has more than 70 species in a 1,11,000 sq. foot area. There are also gift shops, eateries, and wildlife presentations at specific times.

Location: 800 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta, GA 30315
Fees: $23.70 to $32.95 (Adults), $18.95 to $26.20 (children aged 3 to 11)
Timings: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

7. Atlanta History Center

A view of the the Swan House located within the premises of Atlanta History Center

Photo: Upstateherd / Wikimedia Commons

Spread across 33 acres in the Buckhead neighbourhood, the Atlanta History Center strives to throw light on Atlanta’s rich history via comprehensive exhibits, yesteryear homes and miles of trails and gardens. The primary attraction of the centre is the Atlanta History Museum, which displays exhibits spanning the region’s past, from the culture of Cherokee and Muscogee Indians to the ancestral life of the antebellum South. Near the museum is the 10-acre Swan Woods that preserves the native flora. There is also the Kenan Research Center, Centennial Olympics Games Museum and six beautiful gardens at this venue.

Location: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305
Fees: $27
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

8. Piedmont Park

View of mid-town Atlanta from Piedmont Park where you can see trees, bushes and tall buildings

Photo: Mike Schinkel / Wikimedia Commons

The oldest park in Atlanta, close to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the Piedmont Piedmont Park is a welcome stretch of greenery amidst urban Atlanta where you can relax and enjoy the peace. There is abundant space for walking, running, and playing. There are dog walking areas, sports fields, gardens, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground. There is also a public swimming pool, tennis courts, and a farmer’s market called the Green Market on Saturdays. Due to its huge size, this park also has several festivals throughout the year such as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival.

Location: 1320 Monroe Dr, Atlanta, GA 30306
Fees: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM (Monday to Sunday)

9. Centennial Olympic Park

Trees, tall buildings, people and a Ferris wheel seen in Centennial Olympic Park.

Photo: Warren LeMay / Wikimedia Commons

Located in downtown Atlanta, the Centennial Olympic Park is a 22-acre of land that encompasses lush grass, pools, artwork and fountains. Originally built for the 1996 Olympic games, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Atlanta now. The well-known attraction here is the Fountain of Rings, which comprises 251 water jets. Each day, four water show displays happen that are choreographed to various songs. The dancing digital fountain also displays the Olympic logo with jets and lights. The park also hosts several events each year.

Location: 265 Park Ave NW, Atlanta GA 30313
Fees: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM daily

10. World Of Coca-Cola

World of Coca-Cola entrance with a model coke bottle, and trees on either side

Photo: PCN02WPS / Wikimedia Commons

True to its name, the World of Coca-Cola is a huge museum dedicated to the popular soda. The story of Coca-Cola is depicted in an entertaining way; you can see the Coke advertisements right from 1800 onwards. The two-level area features exhibits about the history of the drink, the bottling technique and Coke’s influence on pop culture. A Portrait Wall showcases the brand’s impact globally. There is also a Coca-Cola Theatre and a 3-D Theatre inside the museum. There is also a “Taste it” area where visitors are allowed to sample several varieties of Coca-Cola that have developed over the years.

Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta GA 30313
Fees: $21 to $26 (Adults), $19 to $24 (Seniors), $17 to $22 (Children aged 3 to 12y)
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM daily

Atlanta has always been a top pick for tourists due to its rich history, colourful culture, and iconic monuments. From the many options, you can pick the best places to visit in Atlanta that can offer you a memorable experience. Now that you know the best places for Atlanta trip, connect with TripXL to plan your next unforgettable winter or summer vacation to this legendary city.

Cover Photo: Chuck Koehler / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best months to visit Atlanta are either between March and April or September and October.
Some of the popular dishes in Atlanta are cornbread, black-eyed peas, fried chicken and banana pudding.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the way to reach Atlanta, Georgia.
Other than hiring a car or a taxi, you can avail of mass transit services in Atlanta such as rail and streetcars, or buses.
Atlanta is popular for its diversity, historical past, shopping and thriving nightlife.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month