Best Places To Visit in Atlanta

Published June 23, 2020 · Updated May 30, 2021

Situated along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlanta is the capital of the US state Georgia. A place prominent in the pages of American history, Atlanta is literally the city that rose from the ashes. The American civil war left little to no remnants of the city, but slowly and steadily the city earned its name back as the national center of commerce. Nicknamed ‘city in a forest’ and rightly so as the city’s landscape ranges from the hills to the forest. Museums, parks, sports, arts, while visiting Atlanta, your plate just might be a little too full, and there are few amazing places to visit in Atalanta city that you should definitely add in your itinerary.

Earlier, the city was a growing transportation hub, and in modern-day it still upholds that reputation with the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport being the busiest airports in the world. Atlanta is not your typical romantic southern city but is huge and lively with a hint of the southern charm.

Being a capital Georgia, Atlanta has received all the attention that a travel destination deserves. From historical landmarks and museums to breathtaking gardens and marine life, Atlanta tourism is always on cards of every travel explorer. If you are traveling to Atlanta then you will be stunned by the number of sightseeing locations you need to cover during your Atlanta vacation. Most of the tourists fail to get the best out of their journey because of a lack of planning and limited research. Don’t worry! Here we have listed the best places to visit in Atlanta Georgia (GA),that you must add in your itinerary:

Piedmont Park

Site of Battle at Peachtree Creek during the civil war, the Piedmont Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in the Atlanta Metro region. Every Saturday witness the ‘Green Market,’ wherein farmers and local artisans gather in the park. Indulge in various purchases like peaches, handmade soaps, biscuits or start your day with some Irish pancakes followed with chef demonstrations at 11 am every Saturday till noon. In addition to this, from April to November, learn the park’s history on a free walking guided tour or take part in the bird walks. If you don’t want to engage in these activities, then Piedmont Park has several walking, running trails along with dog-parks, gardens, sports fields, children’s playgrounds. Or head over to the Piedmont Park Aquatic Centre and dive right in the swimming pool. Whatever you do, Piedmont Park’s serene environment does make it a picture-perfect start to your trip!

If you are traveling in Atlanta for the first time then you must add Piedmont Park in your itinerary. It is one of the largest and oldest parks in the city which is included in Atlanta Georgia (GA) places to visit without fail. The Battle of Peachtree Creek is fought here and since then it has become a famous tourist attraction in the city. Here you can spot several walking trails, fishing piers, dog parks, running trails and swimming pools for the amusement of tourists.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Enjoy over 30-acres of Atlanta’s Urban Oasis at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Just adjacent to Piedmont Park, the garden is a beautiful exhibit of various flower beds and huge trees that depict the urban landscape of Atlanta. Located in Midtown Atlanta, what you witness will depend on the time of the year. Although the garden has a whole other charm during the spring with the fresh colors of the flowers blooming adorning the garden, the indoor botanical garden is a great tourist attraction all year round. The elevated boardwalk offers luscious green views of the trees, and along with the special garden designed for children, the botanical garden is a perfect attraction for a family. The highlights include the Winter Garden, The Japanese Garden, the Desert House and more.

Atlanta tourism is highly famous for its natural wonders and it is recommended to add this fabulous garden in your list of Atlanta Georgia (GA) tourist attractions. Here you can spot everything from majestic trees to lush landscape that will make you fall in love with its beauty. Some of the key highlights of the garden include Desert House, Conservation Garden, Winter Garden, and Fuqua Orchid Center. If you are traveling to Atlanta in search of peace in natural surroundings then you will get everything here.

Georgia Aquarium

The world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium houses over 100,000 aquatic animals. Not only does the aquarium house the largest creatures of the oceans, the whale sharks, but also is home to the rare albino alligators, and also watch the trainers engage with California sea lions. Additionally, the aquarium has several interactive and engaging activities for the visitors, making it just the right place to visit with your kids.

The aquarium also provides the facility to dive and snorkel in the tank with the sharks. If you choose not to dive, you can walk through the acrylic tunnel at the aquarium and be surrounded by the fish swimming all around you.

If you are traveling to North America to discover tourist attractions in Atlanta Georgia(GA), then you should add Georgia Aquarium in your itinerary. Here you can spot over 100,000 marine animals of different species which are hard to find anywhere else in the world. From seahorses to whale sharks, visitors can discover several extraordinary marine species in this fascinating tourist attraction in Atlanta. There are several reasons that make this one of the top tourist attractions in Atlanta to visit with your family.

Atlanta History Centre

The Atlanta History Centre is the place for a history buff. Learn all about the American history in all of the several buildings including the Atlanta History Museum, Centennial Olympic Games Museum, Swan House, Smith Family Farm, and the Kenan Research Centre, along with a number of historic gardens, that comprise of the Atlanta History Centre. The History Museum features several changing exhibits and collections on the American Civil War, Folk Art and more. The gardens display the 1860s style garden at the Tullie Smith Farm, and all the six gardens include both formal gardens and natural areas.

Without any doubt, you will find this destination listed at the top of Atlanta tourism. If you love digging into the history of different nations then you will love spending maximum time here. At this historical landmark, you can spot the grand compilation of Civil War memorabilia which is hard to discover anywhere else in the world. In the vicinity, you can also spot some other famous tourist attractions in Atlanta city such as Swan House.

World of Coca cola

Learn all about your favorite drink at the World of Coca-Cola. This 20-acre museum gives glimpses of the history of the company since 1886 when a chemist named Dr. John Pemberton concocted a syrup to relieve headaches, then his friend mixed the liquid with carbonic acid and water resulting into now what is one of the most famous drinks in the world. The original exhibit which was founded in 1990 in Underground Atlanta, is now replaced with the World of Coca-Cola since 2007. The museum beautifully shows the audiences the glorious journey of this soft drink into a globe-trotting success. A treat for all ages, this museum is one of a kind. If you are searching for some of the most offbeat places to go in Atlanta GA then you shouldn’t skip this museum.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Protected as a National Historic Site, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes several buildings. It includes the civil rights activist’s his home when he was young at 501 Auburn Avenue, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized and also where he and his father, Martin Luther King Sr., were pastors. These places are significant in the interpretation of the life of Martin Luther King and his legacy as the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. No wonder it is one of the top places to visit in Atlanta with your family.

The Fox theatre

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a former movie palace is a performing arts venue. Located in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, the theatre was built in the 1920s as the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque with an intricate Arabian-themed design. Overcome problems during the great depression, it is rich in history. With a considerable amount of restoration, its elegance remains intact and attracts tourists and locals alike from all around. Performances here include operas, ballet, rock concerts, movies and more! Head over to the Fox Theatre for the impeccable design and equally marvelous performances.

The Fox Theatre is one of the most visited tourist spots in Atlanta Georgia (GA). It was established in the year 1920 and since recognized as a center of attractions for people traveling in Atlanta for vacation. Inside the grant building of the theatre, you can spot a couple of ballrooms –Grand Salon and Egyptian Ballroom. This amazing theatre features several performances some of them include movies, rock concerts, ballet, operas and many more. It is also listed in the National Register as an incredible historic palace and no wonder it has also become part of Tourism in Atlanta.

High Museum of Art

Known for its work by 19^th Century French Masters and an extensive collection of 19^th and 20th-century American art, the High Museum of Art is famous for its architecture and its extraordinary collections of art. Designed by the architect Richard Meier, and enlarged with three new buildings by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the museum showcases collection of European paintings and decorative art. Recently added additions include contemporary and modern art, African art and photography. The museum also hosts an annual film series featuring foreign, independent, classic cinema.

Whether you are an art lover or not, you will love adding this tourist attraction in your upcoming vacation to Atlanta. The museum is world-famous for its grand collection of artifacts that date back to old centuries. Here you can also spot a unique compilation of decorative art, European paintings, and photography which is rare to find anywhere else. The museum is also recognized for organizing several film series including classic and independent cinema. No wonder you will find such an influx of foreign tourists traveling to Atlanta come to this destination without fail.

What’s next waiting for you?

The list of best places to visit in Atlanta Georgia (GA) discussed above is definitely sufficient enough to make your tour exciting. A vacation to Atlanta will help you to forget all the worries and you can rejuvenate yourself to add excitement to your life.

From the museums to the parks, Atlanta is rich in history. Now a transportation hub, the city was once nothing but just rubble and now it stands tall and attracts tourists from all around the globe. If Atlanta is your next destination, an amazing trip is guaranteed. If you want to cover a few more popular places to visit near Atlanta Georgia (GA), then you should consider planning an extended vacation. Check out our other travel guides to discover what places you can visit in nearby areas of Atlanta city.

About Author: RIYA BAGARIA