12 Best Things to Do and See in Atlanta
Exploring Atlanta on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Atlanta, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Atlanta. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Georgia Aquarium
Located in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the United States and offers an immersive experience through a wide variety of aquatic environments. Visitors can explore vast tanks filled with tropical fish, sharks, rays, jellyfish, and other impressive marine species. The route also highlights freshwater ecosystems and coastal habitats, with educational exhibits suitable for all ages. It is both a spectacular and informative visit, ideal for getting a close look at the diversity of the aquatic world.
2. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta is a museum attraction dedicated to the world of the famous beverage brand. Visitors can explore exhibits about its history, branding, and cultural influence around the world, as well as advertising items, interactive displays, and sensory experiences. The venue also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Coca-Cola is made and marketed. It is a fun and immersive visit, ideal for both curious travelers and families, offering a better understanding of the impact of an iconic brand born in the United States.
3. Atlanta Zoo
Atlanta Zoo is a major family attraction where visitors can discover a wide variety of animals from around the world in habitats designed to encourage observation and raise awareness of biodiversity. Visitors can admire mammals, birds, reptiles, and other iconic species, while enjoying pleasant walking paths and landscaped areas. The site highlights conservation education and offers an accessible visit for everyone, ideal for a family outing in the heart of Atlanta.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden is an urban botanical garden in Midtown Atlanta, at 1345 Piedmont Ave NE. Visitors discover plant collections in themed gardens, greenhouses, and carefully landscaped paths. The garden highlights tropical plants, seasonal blooms, and landscape displays that change throughout the year. Located near Piedmont Park, it offers a green escape in the city and a beautiful, botanical way to explore living plants.
5. Piedmont Park
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is a large green space and a favorite spot for a nature break in the city. Visitors will find wide lawns, shaded paths, ponds, and pleasant views of the surrounding skyline. The park is ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing, with recreational areas and open spaces that are perfect for picnics. It is also a lively meeting place, especially popular with locals and visitors looking for greenery and fresh air.
6. Pemberton Place
Pemberton Place is a popular public space in downtown Atlanta, designed as a large urban square surrounded by several major attractions. It features iconic places linked to leisure and culture, in a pleasant setting for strolling, meeting up, or taking a break between visits. This park offers open spaces, accessible walkways, and a lively atmosphere, especially appreciated by visitors exploring the area. It is a convenient stop for enjoying several important Atlanta sights in the same district.
7. Centenary Park
Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta is a large green space in the heart of the city, appreciated for its pleasant walkways, open lawns, and strolling areas. Also designed as an event venue, it regularly hosts cultural activities, gatherings, and outdoor events. Visitors will find fountains, resting areas, and several amenities designed for relaxation as well as family outings. It is a lively place, ideal for taking a break, going for a walk, or enjoying some leisure time in an urban setting.
8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta lets visitors discover key places connected to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The site brings together several historic areas, including his childhood home, a church associated with the civil rights movement, and an interpretive center dedicated to his work. As visitors walk through the park, they are immersed in 20th-century American history through exhibits, preserved buildings, and a moving memorial trail in the heart of a neighborhood rich in memory.
9. SkyView Atlanta
SkyView Atlanta is an urban Ferris wheel offering a unique way to see Atlanta from above, right in downtown. Located in a busy area, it appeals both as a ride and for the views over nearby streets, buildings and landmarks. From its enclosed gondolas, visitors can take in the structure of downtown and the energy of the Centennial Park district. The experience combines fun and panorama, with a simple but striking viewpoint over the city.
10. Fernbank Museum | 3D Theater | Forest
In Atlanta, Fernbank Museum, its 3D theater and forest offer a varied visit combining science, immersion and nature. The natural history museum features collections and exhibits devoted to dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife, minerals and the evolution of life. The 3D theater offers spectacular large-format immersive screenings, ideal for experiencing nature or space in a different way. Outside, Fernbank Forest lets visitors explore a wooded natural preserve, with peaceful trails through an unspoiled environment.
11. Grant Park
Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s most pleasant city parks, offering wide lawns, shaded paths, and spaces ideal for walking, picnicking, or outdoor sports. It offers a green setting enjoyed by both locals and visitors, with a quieter atmosphere than the surrounding neighborhoods. The park is also a great starting point for exploring several nearby attractions, including cultural and family-friendly sites. It is a simple, authentic place to enjoy a nature break in the heart of the city.
12. Underground Atlanta
Located in the heart of Atlanta, Underground Atlanta is a historic site and tourist attraction set in a complex of former streets and buildings that are partly underground. Visitors discover a place with a unique urban past, where the architecture and atmosphere reflect the city’s evolution over time. Today, the site draws visitors for its distinctive character, its walking areas, and its role in the memory of downtown Atlanta. It is an interesting stop for understanding local history while exploring an iconic district.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
