23 Fun Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Atlanta

December 3, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 3812 Views

Atlanta is the state capital city of Georgia in the United State of America. The city gets its name from the local depot of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. It is associated with several important historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jimmy Carter, and Margaret Mitchell. You can see house museums and memorial centers dedicated to these people among places to visit in Atlanta, Georgia. The headquarters of these brands like Coca-Cola and CNN are among the most popular Atlanta tourist attractions. It is also the city of origin for other global brands like UPS, Delta Airlines, The Home Depot, NCR Corporation, and Cox Enterprises.

The city was first founded in 1837 as a major railroad hub. But in 1864, the city was set ablaze during the civil war launching “March to the Sea”. You can learn about this event and more about the city’s history at Atlanta attractions like Atlanta History Center and Georgia State Museum. The city also has several other museums exhibiting interesting aspects of history such as Civil Rights & Human Rights movements, Sports, Natural History, Design, Puppetry and so on. Aside from museums, other things to see in Atlanta include the city’s Zoo and Aquarium. Both these complexes are quite vast and are highlights of Atlanta sightseeing for families.

Atlanta travel is filled with history, entertainment, nature, adventure and amusement. You will come across several amusement parks in the city with some famous roller coasters to enjoy. Apparently the residents of the city as well as those who visit Atlanta love the thrill of the ride. The city has a few lakes and river recreational parks which people explore for hiking, cycling, kayaking, river rafting and other fun things to do in Atlanta, Georgia. If you are a film buff, you can check out locations and sets of several famous films and series such as the Hunger Games, CW’s Dynasty, Stranger Things, Vampire Diaries and Walking Dead. These film tours are quite popular as fun stuff to do in Atlanta. There is a reason this city is called Hollywood of the South.

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Table of Contents

The Best 23 Tourist Places to Visit in Atlanta in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Georgia State Capitol

This government building was built in 1889 is among National Historic Landmarks of USA. The building is an architectural and historical landmark and among the most well known places to visit in Atlanta. Though not all parts of the building are open to tourists, you would still need an hour or so to explore it.

2. CNN Center

This is the headquarters of one of the most famous news networks in the world. It is among the most fun things to do in Atlanta, Georgia as you get to explore multiple news studios and get to see workings of journalism and news media. You will need an hour to tour the CNN Center.

3. Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Football is among the most popular sport in the country and this museum is dedicated to players, coaches and teams of college football. This museum is among top things to see in Atlanta for football fans. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

I suggest you should get a All Access Pass of College Football Hall of Fame in advance.

4. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This museum is dedicated to several moments of civil rights in the country and movement for human rights across the world. It is among Atlanta tourist attractions which has significance beyond the city. You will need 1 hour for this museum.

5. World of Coca Cola

A top site during Atlanta sightseeing is the headquarters of the most popular beverage in the world and a globally recognized brand. The tour of Coca Cola headquarters shows you the manufacturing process of this drink. You can also visit the museum which outlines the history of the company. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.

I suggest you should get your ticket of World of Coca Cola in advance.

6. Georgia Aquarium

Tour the largest public aquarium in the world when you visit Atlanta. You will get to see immense variety of small and large marine life species including whales, sharks, dolphins, manta rays and more. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this entire place.

I suggest you should get your Skip-the-Line Ticket of Georgia Aquarium in advance.

Day 2

1. Atlanta History Center

This museum explores the history of the city. It is one of the first Atlanta attractions you should explore to gain a deep perspective about the city’s history and culture. The 33 acre complex of the museum is home to several historical monuments and has the largest collection of Civil War artifacts. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

2. Michael C Carlos Museum

This art museum exhibits works of art and historical artifacts originating from Egypt, Rome, Greece, Ancient America and Inca civilizations. It is a popular stop for art admirers during Atlanta travel. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

3. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

This museum focus on the natural history is both educative and entertaining. The museum explores the natural history of several places in the world with interactive exhibits and tours. If you are looking for fun places to go in Atlanta with children, then this is the place for you. You will need an hour or two to explore it.

4. Stone Mountain Park

This park is a historical site as well a popular spot for fun stuff to do in Atlanta for outdoor activities. It is the site of the famous confederate memorial carving on a huge rock. The park also has picnic spots, hiking trails and a cable car to take you atop the rock. You would need 2 to 3 hours to spare for this place.

I suggest you should go for a guided tour of Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia

Day 3

1. Zoo Atlanta

This is yet another one of top things to do in Atlanta for family tourists. The zoo has a several animals from different continents. It is also one of 4 zoos in USA to have giant pandas. You will need about 2 hours to explore this zoo.

I suggest you should get your ticket of Zoo Atlanta in advance.

2. Oakland Cemetery

This Victorian style cemetery was founded in 1850s and is one of the largest cemeteries in the country. It is included among Atlanta tourist attractions for various sculptures, inscription stones and mausoleums. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to see this place.

3. The King Center

The center is dedicated to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. It is among free places to visit in Atlanta. This place talks about the life and work of Dr King through a self guided tour. You will need about 30 minutes to explore it.

I suggest you should do a guided walking tour of Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District in Atlanta.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

This site is built around the boyhood home of Dr King. It boasts a vast collection of artifacts, photographs and memorabilia from early years of his life. This Atlanta tourist attraction also includes the church where Dr King used to preach and other historical monuments pertaining to his life. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

You should go for guided walking tour of Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District in Atlanta, Georgia

5. Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

This museum is dedicated to James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th president of USA. It features a collection of historic documents, photographs and artifacts from his time as the president. You will need an hour for this museum during Atlanta travel.

6. Historic Fourth Ward Park

This park is the lively center for fun stuff to do in Atlanta. It consists of vast pastures of green, a pond, an amphitheater, a waterfall and a skate park. The park also hosts several events some of which are open to all. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park.

Day 4

1. Piedmont Park

Another one of fun places to go in Atlanta, this park is for leisure and to see the locals engage in jogging, picnics, cycling and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this park.

2. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Instead of being just a collection of numerous plant species, these botanical gardens look like works of art. The aesthetically pleasing ambiance of this place attracts all people and not just botany enthusiasts. You will need an hour or so to explore it when you visit Atlanta.

3. Margaret Mitchell House and Museum

This house museum is dedicated to and was occupied by famed author Margaret Mitchell. You can explore the life and work of the writer behind “Gone with the Wind” novel. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum during Atlanta travel.

4. High Museum of Art

This museum has a grand collection of 15,000 works of art from 19th and 20th century Europe, America and Africa. It also has a gallery dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Some of the popular things to see in Atlanta such as works of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Claude Monet, Martin Johnson Heade and Chuck Close can be found here. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

5. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

This museum is dedicated sorts of designs in several field such as house interiors, decoratives, vehicles and so on. It is an insight on how our sense of aesthetics have changed over the years in these areas. You will need about an hour to explore it.

6. Center for Puppetry Arts

This museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the art and craft of puppetry. You will see different sizes of puppets from different cultures exhibited here. It is one of the most interesting activities in Atlanta and will require an hour to explore.

I suggest you should get your ticket of Center for Puppetry Arts in advance.

7. Millennium Gate Museum

This museum explores the history of Georgia state and how it has changed over the years. The galleries are depict the life in this state during to 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. You will need an hour to explore it.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Atlanta, check out the section below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities to do in Atlanta and divided them in categories to make it easier to browse.

Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Atlanta

High Museum of Art
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Fernbank Museum
Fox Theatre
Atlanta History Center
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Center for Puppetry Art
Oakland Cemetery
College Football Hall of Fame
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Margret Mitchel House Museum
Georgia Capitol Museum
Delta Flight Museum
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Swan House at Atlanta History Center
MODA Museum of Design
The Breman Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia
Apex Museum
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Millenium Gate Museum
Hammonds House Museum
Joel Chandler Harris House / The Wren’s Nest
Birth Home of Martin Luther King Jr.
Rhodes Hall
SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film
Trap Music Museum
The King Center
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Robert C. Williams Paper Museum
The Goat Farm Arts Center
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Atlanta Preservation Center
Herdon Home Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Atlanta

Sweetwater Creek State Park
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Blue Heron Nature Reserve
Morning Side Nature Preserve
Constitution Lake
Palisades West
Fernbank Forest
Sope Creek
Reynolds Nature Preserve
Lullwater Preserve
Westside Reservoir Park
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Tanyard Creek Park
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca Cola
Zoo Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Piedmont Park
Centennial Olympic Park
Six Flags Over Georgia Amusement Park
Skyview Atlanta
Legoland Discovery Center
Six Flags White Water Rafting
Fernbank Science Center
Superman Ultimate Flight Rollercoaster
Twisted Cyclone Amusement Park
Netherworld Haunted House
Historic Fourth Ward Park
The Woodruff Arts Center
Goliath Roller Coaster
The Riddler Mindbender Rollercoaster
Georgia Schorcher Roller Coaster
Daredevil Ride Roller Coaster
The Great American Scream Machine Roller Coaster
Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
Blue Hawk Roller Coaster
Monster Mansion Ride
Dahlonega Mine Train
Illuminarium
Piedmont Dog Park
Brook Run Park
Murphey Candler Park
The Joker Funhouse Roller Coaster
Fountain of Rings
Doll’s Head Trail
Thunder River Roller Coaster

Shopping in Atlanta

Krog Street Market
The Municipal Market
Little 5 Points
Ponce City Market
Decatur Square
Buckhead Village District
Virginia Highlands
Edgewood Retail District
Westside Provisions District
Cumberland Mall
Shops of Miami Circle
Atlanta State Farmers Market
Perimeter Mall
Atlantic Station
Phipps Plaza
Lenox Square

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Atlanta

Bicycle Tours
White Water Rafting
Hiking
River Tubing
Kayaking
Swimming
Boating
Trekking

Sightseeing in Atlanta

Skyline Park
Krog Street Tunnel
Peach Tree Street
Woodruff Park
Grant Park
Chastain Memorial Park
Tiny Doors ATL
Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Freedom Park
Mason Mill Park
Central Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Atlanta

Spring Restaurant
The General Muir
Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar
West Egg Cafe
Heirloom Market BBQ
Staple House
Hot Cafe
Ticonderoga Club
Bacchanalia
Kimball House
Twisted Soul Cookhouse
BoccaLupo
Busy Bee Cafe
The Optimist
Miller Union
Brick Store Pub
Redbird
The Varsity
Little Bear
Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano
Lyla Lila
Antico
Aria
King of Pops
Vatika Indian Cuisine
Saltyard

Where to Stay in Atlanta?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Atlanta, GA.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Atlanta

How to Reach Atlanta?

By Air

The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and the best option for Atlanta travel. You can get direct flights from several cities in North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Some of the well-known cities connected to visit Atlanta include Toronto, Paris, London, Seattle, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Amsterdam, Baltimore, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Mexico City, Tokyo, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul and so on. You can get buses and cabs to get reach the city from the airport.

By Road

Atlanta is well connected with the USA railway network and you get direct or connecting trains to reach there from almost any city in the country. Daily trains connecting to the city run from New York, Charlotte, Birmingham, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Gainesville, Baltimore, and Washington DC.
The bus network is far more widespread but is only used for nearby cities by travelers. There are buses available for long journeys as well but you are better off taking the train or flight for such journeys. If you are looking to visit Atlanta by road, you should try for routes 20, 285, 85, 75, or 675.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach Atlanta.

Image Reference

Georgia State Capitol – DXR / Wikimedia Commons
CNN Center – Matthew Paulson / Flickr
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame – Michael Barera / Wikimedia Commons
National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Julia Roberts / PixaBay
World of Coca-Cola – Ted / Flickr
Georgia Aquarium – Stephen Marc / PixaBay
Atlanta History Center – Mike Finn / Flickr
Michael C Carlos Museum – Gary Todd / Flickr
Fernbank Museum of Natural History – Steve Harwood / Flickr
Stone Mountain Park – Katie / Flickr
Zoo Atlanta – Eric Kilby / Flickr
Oakland Cemetery – Elle Jaye Dee / Flickr
The King Center – Ken Lund / Flickr
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – Adam Jones / Flickr
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
Historic Fourth Ward Park – Shawn Taylor / Flickr
Piedmont Park – Mike Finn / Flickr
Atlanta Botanical Garden – Eric Sonstroem / Flickr
Margaret Mitchell House & Museum – Warren LeMay / Flickr
High Museum of Art – Daniel X. O’Neil / Flickr
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) – Thomson200 / Wikimedia Commons
Center for Puppetry Arts – ~Bani~ / Flickr
Millennium Gate Museum – Brendan Lim / Flickr