41 Best Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia in 2026
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Atlanta is one of those rare cities in the United States where you get to visit the home of the Civil Rights Movement in the morning and spend your evening at a concert in an old church now converted into a music hall. It is the home of trap music, the head office of Coca-Cola, and has the second-highest number of Fortune 500 companies after any Southern city, but visitors always forget what makes Atlanta Atlanta.
I’ve been here long enough to stop worrying about my GPS and just walk.
Quick Decision Table
If you want | Go to |
A rainy-day plan | Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola |
Free outdoor time | Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine |
Civil rights history | Sweet Auburn and the MLK National Historical Park |
A day trip out of town | Stone Mountain Park or Six Flags Over Georgia |
A night out | Fox Theatre or The Battery Atlanta |
What are the best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta, or Atlanta, GA as it shows up on most flight and bus tickets, is Georgia’s capital and largest city. Atlanta’s metro population exceeds 6.4 million, making it the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the country based on recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Tourists reach Atlanta predominantly via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has been the world’s busiest airport in terms of traffic for 27 out of the last 28 years, based on estimates by Airports Council International. This is partly why Atlanta doesn’t feel like a single downtown but rather several different cities, each with its own character and located along Peachtree Street: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward.
I hopped off an overnight bus in Atlanta years ago, carrying only a duffle bag and “see the aquarium” as my only goal, and I have to say, that is not a bad way to knock out the best things to do in Atlanta. The place definitely does something special for the wandering soul. Before you decide where to base yourself in the city, depending on how you will get there, check out reliable bus trips on BoletoXpress.
Quick Glance: Every Place in This Guide
Below are all the Atlanta attractions and places to visit in Atlanta that I would personally take a friend to see, 41 locations in total. The table below includes all the information in this guide, plus the additional sections below, so that you can review the entire document at once.
Things to Do in Atlanta | Cost | Best For |
Georgia Aquarium | $69.99 and up | Families, first-timers |
World of Coca-Cola | Varies; check site | A quick indoor stop |
Centennial Olympic Park | Free | A short break between stops |
The Center, formerly CNN Center | Free to view | A quick photo stop |
College Football Hall of Fame | $20 to $38 | College football fans |
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park | Free | History buffs |
National Center for Civil and Human Rights | $20 to $28 | History buffs |
Sweet Auburn Historic District | Free | A slow walking tour |
Atlanta History Center | Varies, check site | A longer museum morning |
High Museum of Art | Varies, check site | Art lovers |
Fernbank Museum of Natural History | Varies, check site | Kids and dinosaur fans |
Piedmont Park | Free | Couples, a slow Sunday |
Atlanta BeltLine | Free | Walkers and cyclists |
Atlanta Botanical Garden | $27.95 and up | A quieter green space |
Ponce City Market | Free to enter | Food hall browsing |
Little Five Points | Free to enter | People watching |
Atlantic Station | Free to enter | A rainy day backup |
Buckhead | Free to enter | Upscale shopping and dining |
Busy Bee Cafe | Restaurant pricing | Soul food fans |
Buford Highway | Restaurant pricing | International food |
Krog Street Market | Free to enter | A smaller food hall |
Michelin Guide restaurants | Fine dining pricing | A special dinner |
Trap Music Museum | Ticketed, check site | Hip hop history |
The Tabernacle | Ticketed, check site | Bigger touring concerts |
Eddie’s Attic | Ticketed, check site | Singer-songwriter nights |
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Ticketed, check site | Falcons and Atlanta United fans |
State Farm Arena | Ticketed, check site | Hawks and Dream fans |
Michael C. Carlos Museum | $8 | Ancient art fans |
Museum of Design Atlanta | $12 | Design fans |
Delta Flight Museum | Varies; check site | Aviation fans |
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum | $12 | Presidential history |
Zoo Atlanta | $26.99 | Families |
Stone Mountain Park | $20 parking | A full day outdoors |
Six Flags Over Georgia | $29 to $75 and up | Thrill ride fans |
Fox Theatre | Ticketed; check site | A big historic show |
The Battery Atlanta | Free to enter | Dinner near Truist Park |
Atlanta Jazz Festival | Free | Music lovers in May |
Tiny Doors ATL | Free | A scavenger hunt |
Krog Street Tunnel | Free | A photo stop |
Starlight Drive-In | $10 adults, $1 kids 5 to 9 | A retro movie night |
Oakland Cemetery | Free | A quiet walk |
The price shown here is the standard adult rate only. Full pricing by age group and any discounts are in each attraction’s write-up below, and costs can change over time.
Downtown Atlanta's big-ticket attractions
Downtown is where most first-time visitors land, and it’s dense enough that you can knock out four or five things to do in downtown Atlanta on foot, without a car.
Attraction | Time Needed | Walk Time From Georgia Aquarium | Indoor or Outdoor | Best Time to Beat the Crowds |
Georgia Aquarium | 2 to 4 hours | Starting point | Indoor | Weekday mornings right at opening |
World of Coca-Cola | About 2 hours | 2-minute walk | Indoor | Early afternoon on a weekday |
Centennial Olympic Park | 20 to 30 minutes | 5-minute walk | Outdoor | Early morning, before lunchtime crowds and events build |
The Center, formerly CNN Center | 10 minutes, photo stop | 5-minute walk | Outdoor, exterior only | Anytime; it is a quick photo stop |
College Football Hall of Fame | 1.5 to 2 hours | 10-minute walk | Indoor | Weekday mornings; avoid Saturdays during football season |
1. Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit for many, and for good reason. Spanning 600,000 square feet, it’s the only aquarium in the Western Hemisphere home to whale sharks.
A standard Georgia Aquarium Anytime Ticket (general admission with no date restriction) costs $69.99 at the gate or online, but the fee varies by visit date. Plan for a two- to four-hour visit. I recommend visiting early on a weekday morning. The whale sharks are more relaxed, and the crowd at the tunnel is minimal.
- Infant (Ages 0-2): Free
- General Admission (Ages 3+): Anytime Ticket: $69.99
- General Admission (Ages 3+): Advance Date-Based Booking: $39.99 to $47.99 and up (varies by date and time slot chosen)
- Military (Active Personnel): Free (on designated Military Appreciation days) or discounted online
Source: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/tickets/
2. World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is located just two minutes’ walk away from the aquarium, and I have to admit that I feel that it is slightly underrated. Try beverages from around the world, see the vault where the renowned recipe is stored, and take a picture with Coca-Cola’s polar bear mascot. You will need at least two hours here. Prices vary by date and ticket type; check the website.
Infant (Ages 0-2): Free
General Admission Youth (Ages 3-12): $20.95 – $23.95
General Admission Adult (Ages 13-64): $24.95 – $27.95
General Admission Senior (Ages 65+): $22.95 – $25.95
Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola: which first?
If you only have one day to spend at the locations, go to the aquarium first because it takes longer and involves a lot of walking. You can visit the World of Coca-Cola after that in the afternoon.
3. Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is a public green space downtown, created for the 1996 Olympics and now serving as Atlanta’s front yard. The Fountain of Rings is the park’s focal point, and on a warm day, one can always see children splashing through it in bathing suits. There is usually a free concert at lunchtime or dinnertime. The park is a nice place to rest for about twenty minutes while visiting other attractions.
4. The Center (formerly CNN Center)
This is where I have to correct an error in many older guidebooks: the CNN Studio Tour no longer exists there. The CNN studios have moved to a new campus in Atlanta in early 2024, and the old CNN Center has been converted into a mixed-use development called “The Center,” featuring dining, shopping, and event facilities in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in Atlanta. The massive CNN sign in front of the building, however, is a guaranteed photo stop if you’re strolling from the Georgia Aquarium to the College Football Hall of Fame.
5. College Football Hall of Fame
If you’re with someone who loves college football, this attraction is a must-visit. You can take a kick at a virtual field goal, view exhibits on every famous team, and check out the lighting helmet displays that flash when a team scores. Admission ticket prices may vary by day and venue, based on September 2026 prices from the ticket vendor.
Toddler (Ages 0-2): Free
Kids (Ages 3-12): $27.00
Student (With valid ID): $33.00
Senior (Ages 65+): $33.00
Adult (Ages 13-64): $38.00
Military & Veterans (With valid ID): Free
Sweet Auburn and Atlanta's civil rights history
This is the section I’d tell a first-time visitor not to skip, even if history museums aren’t usually their thing.
Site | Time Needed | Same Day Ticket Needed | Tour Format | Historical Focus |
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park | 1.5 to 2 hours | Yes, for the birth home tour | Ranger-led birth home tour, self-guided grounds | Dr. King’s life and the local civil rights movement |
National Center for Civil and Human Rights | 1.5 to 2 hours | No | Interactive exhibit, self-guided | Civil rights history alongside present-day global human rights |
Sweet Auburn Historic District | About 1 hour, self-guided | No | Self-guided walk | Everyday Black Atlanta life and business, not just one museum’s story |
Atlanta History Center | At least 2 hours | No | Self-guided with a Civil War cyclorama | Atlanta’s broader history, from the Civil War to today |
6. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site requires no payment and is run by the National Park Service. This historic site includes Dr. King’s birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and his grave at the King Center. I have visited the birth home on a Tuesday morning during a time when there were few people around, and it was quite personal. To join a ranger tour of the birth home, you first need a same-day pass.
7. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights was renovated in the autumn of 2025 following an extensive expansion program and now links Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with contemporary human rights issues worldwide. Visitors say the simulated lunch counter sit-in experience has become the exhibit’s highlight. Admission ticket costs may vary by age.
Child (Ages 0-6): Free
Youth (Ages 7-12): $20.00
Senior (Ages 65+): $21.00
Adult (Ages 13-64): $26.00
Military & Veterans (With valid ID at window): Free
8. Sweet Auburn Historic District
Sweet Auburn is where both of the above places are located, and a detour down Auburn Avenue, once called “the richest Negro street in the world,” is highly recommended. Along the way, you’ll see historical Black businesses, churches, and murals that a regular museum tour would not cover. For those coming from a city such as Memphis or Birmingham, which have a civil rights history, it is only logical to visit another place of Southern heritage, and to plan the trip on BoletoXpress.
9. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is located in Buckhead, somewhat off-center from downtown, and it covers more than its name suggests, including the restored Margaret Mitchell house and a Civil War cyclorama painting that has been completely restored and reinstalled. Entry and opening hours vary depending on the exhibition on display.
Child (Ages 0-3): Free
Youth (Ages 4-12): $27.00 – $31.00
Adult (Ages 13+): $31.00 – $35.00
Military (Personnel + 1 Guest): $6.00 off standard rate (with valid Military ID)
AAA / CAA Members (Up to 2 tickets): $2.00 off standard rate (with valid AAA card)
Museums and culture
These are some of the best things to see in Atlanta if you prefer art and natural history over Civil Rights or sports history.
Museum | Time Needed | Good For Kids | Must See Exhibit |
High Museum of Art | 2 to 3 hours | Yes, with First Fridays and Toddler Thursdays | The folk art and self-taught art collection, one of the strongest of its kind in the country |
Fernbank Museum of Natural History | About 2 hours | Yes, especially dinosaur fans | The Giants of the Mesozoic dinosaur hall |
10. High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is the largest in the Southeast of America, located at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown. The museum has more than 19,000 works of art, with its strongest collection being art from America, Europe, and folk art. Admission prices change based on the exhibitions being held, so check the high.org website.
Child (Ages 0-5): Free
Not-Yet-Members General Admission: $23.50
Not-Yet-Members Special Exhibition Admission (e.g., Amy Sherald): $28.50
Museum Members: Free; UPS Second Sundays: Free (requires advance online reservation)
11. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum of Natural History may be far from downtown Atlanta. Still, if you’re traveling with your kids, then you should definitely make the trip, as it has some of the largest dinosaur bones in any museum, along with an amazing IMAX theater that accommodates 315 people.
General Admission Structure (Includes Museum, Forest, & 1 Giant Screen Film)
Infant (Ages 0-2): Free
Value Days (Most Weekdays): Child (Ages 3-12): $23.95
Value Days (Most Weekdays): Senior (Ages 65+): $24.95
Value Days (Most Weekdays): Adult (Ages 13-64): $25.95
Standard Days (Weekends & Holidays): Child (Ages 3-12): $25.95
Standard Days (Weekends & Holidays): Senior (Ages 65+): $26.95
Standard Days (Weekends & Holidays): Adult (Ages 13-64): $27.95
Museum Members: Free
Military Personnel:
$2.00 off the lowest published rate (with valid ID at the Box Office)
Parks, trails, and neighborhoods
This is the section I’d argue matters most for actually understanding Atlanta, since it’s a city that treats green space as identity.
Place | Distance From Downtown | Free to Enter | Signature Feature | Who You Will See There |
Piedmont Park | About 2 miles | Yes | Lake Clara Meer | Mostly locals, especially on weekends |
Atlanta BeltLine | Runs through several neighborhoods | Yes | Eastside Trail public art | A mix of locals and visitors, busiest in the evening |
Atlanta Botanical Garden | About 2 miles | No | The Storza Woods Canopy Walk | Couples and families |
Ponce City Market | About 3 miles | Yes | The rooftop amusement rides above the food hall | Mostly visitors and weekend crowds |
Little Five Points | About 3 miles | Yes | Street art and independent shops | Mostly locals |
Atlantic Station | About 2 miles | Yes | An outdoor mall layout with a movie theater | A mix, quieter than the others |
Buckhead | About 6 miles | Yes | Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza | Mostly shoppers and diners, fewer sightseers |
12. Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s Central Park, covering about 189 to 211 acres in Midtown, and it’s also part of the National Register of Historic Places. This park is open to the public and is where people spend most of their time; it also hosts the Atlanta Jazz Festival and Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Sit on a blanket, grab some food from the restaurants along Piedmont Avenue, and enjoy Lake Clara Meer.
13. Atlanta BeltLine
It’s no secret that the Atlanta BeltLine is Atlanta’s biggest story right now. It’s a 22-mile circle of trails surrounding Atlanta’s inner core and part of a larger 33-mile trail system; almost 17 miles are complete and have connected over 30 neighborhoods. Eastside Trail is the most-used part of the system and features art installations, food carts, and bars. There are no fees to walk or cycle along this path, and the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. reports it sees over 2.5 million visitors annually.
Piedmont Park or the BeltLine: which do you walk first?
If you have just an afternoon, go for a stroll on the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine leading towards Piedmont Park, and let it lead you to that point. You get the art and food vendors at first, followed by the reward of the green space. Walking it in reverse would mean coming back to a commercial area at the end.
14. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is at the far north end of Piedmont Park and spans 30 acres, including the Storza Woods Canopy Walk, which takes visitors up into the tree line. Admission fees vary by age and day of the week. The garden also offers season ticket pricing during special events, such as its holiday lights display.
Child (Ages 0-2): Free
Child Weekday (Ages 3-12): $23.95
Child Weekend (Ages 3-12): $26.95
Adult Weekday (Ages 13-64): $26.95
Adult Weekend (Ages 13-64): $29.95
Garden Members: Free (daytime admission)
Military Personnel: $5.00 off daytime general admission (with valid ID)
Night Light Tickets (Late Entry after 9:30 p.m. during select seasons): $19.95
(Note: There is a flat $5.00 processing fee applied to ticket orders placed online or via phone).
15. Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is an old Sears distribution warehouse converted into a food hall, shops, and amusement rides on the roof, all adjacent to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Admission to this place is free. While entry is free, taking the freight elevator up to The Roof at Ponce City Market & Skyline Park requires a separate ticket. Visit Ponce City Market hungry, because the food hall is what makes it special.
Kids (Ages 2 and under): Free
Kids (Ages 12 and under); Monday through Thursday: $6.00
Kids (Ages 12 and under); Friday through Sunday: $8.00
Adults (Over Age 12); Monday through Thursday: $10.00
Adults (Over Age 12); Friday through Sunday: $15.00
16. Little Five Points
Little Five Points is Atlanta’s punk neighborhood, home to funky independent stores, graffiti art, and a unique atmosphere distinct from other Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead. In our opinion, Little Five Points is the perfect place in Atlanta for people-watching. Spend at least one to two hours there.
17. Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a shopping and dining district in Midtown, built on a former steel mill site. While Atlantic Station does not have much character like Little Five Points, it is a good choice if you’re looking for a place to shop and dine on a sunny or rainy day.
Atlantic Station Parking Deck Structure
0 to 2 Hours: Free
2 to 3 Hours: $4.00
3 to 4 Hours: $7.00
4 to 5 Hours: $11.00
5 to 6 Hours: $15.00
6 to 24 Hours (Daily Maximum): $18.00
Regal Cinema Customers: Up to 4 hours of completely free parking with theater validation
18. Buckhead
Buckhead is Atlanta’s area known for expensive shopping and dining, home to Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza. If you plan designer shopping or an upscale meal in Atlanta, Buckhead is where you should spend your money. The Atlanta History Center is also in Buckhead.
Where to Shop in Atlanta
Buckhead is still the premier place to go shopping, with Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza leading the way. If you want a vintage, indie shopping experience rather than something corporate, Little Five Points is your best bet. Both Ponce City Market and Atlantic Station work well for shopping and dining in one place.
Try Atlanta's Food Scene
Atlanta’s food identity does not center on one style of Southern cooking. It is shaped by decades of immigration alongside deep Southern roots, and that mix shows up block by block.
Option | What to Try | Signature Dish to Order | Reservation Needed |
Busy Bee Cafe | Soul food classics | Fried chicken and mac and cheese | No, but expect a wait at lunch |
Buford Highway | Vietnamese, Korean, or Mexican | A pho bowl or tacos al pastor; pick one kitchen and go deep rather than trying to sample many | No |
Krog Street Market | Whatever vendor looks busiest | Whatever line is longest; that is usually the tell | No |
Michelin Guide restaurants | A tasting menu | A tasting menu; that is the point of going | Yes, often weeks ahead |
19. Southern Cuisine and Soul Food
Traditional southern dishes and soul food dishes continue to form the core of most menu selections here. The Busy Bee Cafe keeps coming up when discussing soul food; it’s a soul food place near Atlanta University Center, with a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating for its service. You can find comfort food classics in both classic and gourmet versions in Midtown and Old Fourth Ward.
20. Buford Highway International Corridor
Go to Buford Highway, which is a highway stretching 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, up towards the city of Buford. According to Atlanta Magazine, no neighborhood compares to any Chinatown or Little Italy in the area. Instead, food from Vietnam, Korea, China, Mexico, and El Salvador is all located on one street.
21. Food Halls, Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market
Ponce City Market is an ideal food stop if you are already in downtown and Midtown because its food hall features many vendors in one building. Krog Street Market is located near the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.
22. Atlanta's Michelin Guide Restaurants
The Michelin Guide also includes an entry for Atlanta. Based on the latest 2025 American South selection, eight Atlanta restaurants have one-star status: Atlas, Bacchanalia, Hayakawa, Lazy Betty, Mujō, Omakase Table, O by Brush, Spring. The Chastain has a green star for sustainability. Most of these establishments are in the fine-dining section; therefore, they may be worth mentioning despite their exclusion from a regular day tour.
If you only have time for one meal that involves food, Buford Highway is your place to go for something you can’t get anywhere else in the South, while Ponce City Market is for variety without having to venture outside the BeltLine.
Experience Atlanta's Music Scene
Atlanta has played a major role in hip hop culture and is also believed to be where trap music originated within the Dirty South genre, with artists such as Outkast and Lil Jon setting the trend.
No. | Capacity | Type of Night | Notable Act Who Has Played There | Book Ahead? |
Trap Music Museum | Small, gallery-style | A museum visit, not a show | Not a performance venue; it is a museum built around the genre T.I. helped popularize | No, but check hours before you go |
The Tabernacle | About 2,600 | A bigger touring concert | Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, and Atlanta’s own Outkast | Yes, tickets sell out for bigger acts |
Eddie’s Attic | Small listening room | A singer-songwriter night | Launched the career of John Mayer, among others, through its open mic | Yes for a seat; walk-ins get standing room |
23. Trap Music Museum
Rapper T.I.’s Trap Music Museum, located on Atlanta’s Westside, details the history of trap music through art pieces, memorabilia, and recreations of cultural scenes.
Museum Entry (Friday–Sunday General Admission): $33.00 (Includes taxes & fees)
Line-Skip Pass Add-on: $10.00 extra
On-Site Lot Parking: $20.00
“Escape the Trap” Escape Room: $30.00 – $35.00 per person (Includes complimentary museum admission)
Sip & Trap Event (Thursday evenings): Varies by reservation (Includes a private tour and a complimentary glass of champagne)
24. The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle was completed in 1911 as a Baptist Church a few blocks away from where the Centennial Olympic Park sits today. In preparation for the 1996 Olympics, the church building was renovated. It was renamed the House of Blues before being re-renamed to its current title and operated by concert promotion firm Live Nation. The venue can accommodate about 2,600 guests and has hosted artists such as Bob Dylan, Guns N’ Roses, and Outkast.
25. Eddie's Attic
If your interest lies not in attending a show in an arena but in a more intimate singer-songwriter night, Eddie’s Attic, located in the nearby city of Decatur, is the place to go. This venue hosts the famous Songwriter Competition at their open mic nights.
Fox Theatre and the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which have been previously mentioned in this guide, are still among the best things to do in Atlanta for a big night out. Beyond these two places, Atlanta has many small music clubs in Midtown and Decatur; consider checking an event calendar.
Watch a Game in Atlanta
Atlanta fields a team in every major league, and catching a game is one of the best ways to spend an evening in the city, even if you are not following either team closely.
Venue | Home Team | Typical Season | Home Team | How to Score Cheaper Tickets |
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Falcons and Atlanta United | Fall and spring | Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC | Resale prices usually drop for weeknight games against weaker opponents |
State Farm Arena | Hawks, plus select Dream games | Fall through spring | Atlanta Hawks and select Atlanta Dream games | Dream tickets for these bigger games run noticeably cheaper than Hawks tickets for a similar arena experience |
26. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home ground of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC of the NFL and MLS, respectively, and hosted Super Bowl LIII in 2019. The tours at the stadium are generally available on days when there is no event on the schedule.
27. State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena, located only a few blocks from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is the home of the Atlanta Hawks, plus concerts and other shows. The Atlanta Dream play a handful of their bigger games here each season, though their primary home court is the Gateway Center Arena in nearby College Park.
Truist Park, already discussed along with The Battery Atlanta, completes the list as the home of the Atlanta Braves.
More Atlanta Museums Worth a Detour
Museum | Time Needed | Distance From Downtown | What Makes It One of a Kind | Best Paired With |
Michael C. Carlos Museum | 1.5 hours | About 7 miles, on Emory’s campus | The largest ancient art collection in the Southeast | A walk around Emory’s campus |
Museum of Design Atlanta | 1 hour | About 1 mile, in Midtown | The only museum in the Southeast dedicated entirely to design | A visit to the High Museum; they sit across the street from each other |
Delta Flight Museum | 1.5 hours | Near the airport, about 8 miles | Built around Delta’s own retired aircraft | An early flight or a long layover; it is close to the airport |
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum | 1.5 hours | About 3 miles | A full-scale replica of the Oval Office | A quiet walk through the surrounding Freedom Park |
28. Michael C. Carlos Museum
Michael C. Carlos Museum is located at Emory University, and its collection includes the most extensive collection of antiquities in the Southeast United States, including artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and America.
Children (Ages 0-5): Free
Children (Ages 6-17): $8.00
Seniors (Ages 65+): $8.00
Adults: $10.00
Emory University Students, Faculty, & Staff (With valid ID): Free
Emory Healthcare Employees (With valid ID): Free
Other College & University Students (With valid ID): Free
Carlos Museum Members: Free
29. Museum of Design Atlanta
MODA, or the Museum of Design Atlanta, is the only museum in the Southeast that focuses solely on design, including architecture, fashion design, and product design. It is located in Midtown Atlanta across from the High Museum. Tickets at MODA cost $12.
30. Delta Flight Museum
The Delta Flight Museum covers Delta Airlines and the history of commercial aviation in general, and it is located near the airport rather than downtown, so it pairs well with a morning flight or a long layover.
Child (Ages 0-4): Free
Youth (Ages 5-17): $15.00
Adult (Ages 18-64): $20.00
Seniors (Ages 65+): $20.00
Active Military & Delta Employees/Retirees: Free (with valid ID)
- Premium Add-On Experiences
Airbus Immersive VR Landing Experience (10-minute add-on): $5.00
Full Flight Simulator Experience (30 minutes, includes up to 2 people): $250.00 + tax
Full Flight Simulator Experience (1 hour, includes up to 4 people):
$425.00 + ta
31. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located in the Poncey Highland area and focuses on Carter’s presidency, with a complete replica of the Oval Office. Adult tickets cost $12; senior, student, and military tickets cost $10, and children aged 16 and under have free entry.
A few others to mention: the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum in Midtown, the Porsche Experience Center near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta downtown near Centennial Olympic Park; all explore areas the large-scale attractions above do not.
Family attractions and day trips
Attraction | Distance From Downtown | Age or Height Notes | Car Required? |
Zoo Atlanta | About 2 miles | Good for all ages | No, reachable by rideshare or MARTA plus a short walk |
Stone Mountain Park | About 16 miles | Summit trail needs real shoes, not stroller-friendly | Yes, no direct MARTA line |
Six Flags Over Georgia | About 11 miles | Most big coasters have a height minimum | Yes, no direct MARTA line |
32. Zoo Atlanta
Located within historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta spans 40 acres. It is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 200 different species, including giant pandas, African elephants, and one of the largest populations of great apes in North America. Standard adult gate tickets booked directly via Zoo Atlanta generally range from $27.45 to $39.95 depending on the day of your visit. Plan to spend two to three hours at this attraction, and try to visit early in the day because many animals are most active in the morning.
33. Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction, and it takes all day to visit. Stone Mountain Park covers 3,200 acres, including a 363-acre lake, and a 1.1-mile hiking trail leads to the top of the mountain. Parking at the park costs $20 per car, according to stonemountainpark.com, and does not include tickets for other attractions. If you are going to hike to the top of the mountain, wear comfortable shoes.
34. Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia is located about 11 miles west of the city center in the town of Austell, not in Atlanta itself, so plan accordingly for the drive. The amusement park covers 290 acres and includes attractions such as the Goliath hypercoaster ride and Twisted Cyclone. It also features Hurricane Harbor Atlanta, a water park included in your entrance fee during the summer months. Tickets can be as cheap as $30 and as expensive as $75 or more.
Stone Mountain Park or Six Flags: which one for your family?
If your kids are under eight or you want a slower pace, Stone Mountain wins, since the hiking, lake, and Skyride don’t require anyone to meet a height requirement. If your crew is chasing roller coasters and you don’t mind heat and lines, Six Flags is the better use of a full day. Neither is a quick add-on to a downtown itinerary, so pick one, not both, unless you have a full extra day.
Nightlife and entertainment
Venue | Capacity | Dress Code or Vibe | Best Night to Go |
Fox Theatre | 4,665 seats | Dress up a little; it is a grand old theater | Whichever night your show is booked; shows do not run every night |
The Battery Atlanta | Open-air district | Casual | Braves game nights for the best energy |
Atlanta Jazz Festival | Outdoor festival crowd | Casual, bring a blanket | Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for the biggest lineup |
35. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre opened on Christmas Day in 1929. It seats 4,665 and is a National Historic Landmark, according to the National Register of Historic Places description. Its Moorish Revival interior, with a night-sky ceiling and sparkling lights, is worth a visit whether the show is the main event or not. The venue hosts about 300 events a year and draws about 750,000 visitors annually, according to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
36. The Battery Atlanta
The Battery Atlanta is the district that includes the shopping, dining, and entertainment area around Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves. On a day with no game, you can still enjoy dinner with a stadium view. On a game day, the buzz outside equals that inside.
37. Atlanta Jazz Festival
Atlanta Jazz Festival is held in Piedmont Park, usually during the weekend of Memorial Day, and is considered the largest free jazz festival in the country. If you happen to visit the city while the festival is taking place, organize your itinerary around the event, rather than vice versa.
Hidden Gems in Atlanta
Once you have covered the major attractions, these five are worth the extra effort, and none of them require a ticket line.
Spot | Best Time to Go | Time Needed | What Most Visitors Miss |
Tiny Doors ATL | Anytime, self-paced | As long as the hunt takes you | Most doors are not marked on any map; half the fun is stumbling onto one |
Krog Street Tunnel | Daytime for photos | 10 to 15 minutes | The art changes constantly; what you see today will not be there next month |
Starlight Drive-In | Weekend evenings | A full evening, two movies | One ticket covers two movies on the same screen; most people leave after the first |
Oakland Cemetery | Weekend mornings for the guided tour | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours | It is the final resting place of Atlanta’s first African American mayor, not just a scenic walk |
38. Tiny Doors ATL
The Tiny Doors ATL project is essentially an urban scavenger hunt. As described on Discover Atlanta’s website, artist Karen Anderson created the first tiny door, measuring seven inches, at the Krog Street Tunnel in 2014, and more than 20 such doors have since been created throughout the city.
39. Krog Street Tunnel
Krog Street Tunnel, which connects two neighborhoods – Inman Park and Cabbagetown, deserves a visit even without a small door to search for. The graffiti is always changing, and the tunnel works as a great spot for photoshoots in Atlanta.
40. Starlight Drive-In
Starlight Drive-In Theatre, located on Moreland Avenue, opened its doors in 1949, making it the only remaining drive-in theatre in Atlanta, Discover Atlanta reports. Adult tickets cost $10, while children aged five to nine pay $1 each.
41. Oakland Cemetery
The Oakland Cemetery, located in the East Side district, is an open park where you can visit for free during daytime hours. More than 70,000 individuals have been laid to rest in this cemetery since 1850, including Atlanta’s first African American mayor, and ticketed guided tours are offered on weekends.
Free Things to Do in Atlanta
If you are traveling on a tight budget, or just want to balance a day of paid attractions, here is my go-to list of free things to do in Atlanta and other places to go that will not cost you a dime.
- Piedmont Park
- Atlanta BeltLine
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
- Sweet Auburn Historic District, walked at your own pace
- Krog Street Tunnel
- Tiny Doors ATL scavenger hunt
- The exterior and CNN sign at The Center downtown
Some attractions offer free or discounted admission on certain days, depending on location and date, so check their websites before you go.
Best Things to Do in Atlanta on a Rainy Day
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- High Museum of Art
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Atlanta History Center
- Museum of Design Atlanta
- Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market for indoor food halls
Any of these work as a full plan B if the forecast turns, and several of them sit close enough together downtown that you can string two or three in one day without much walking in the rain.
Major Atlanta Events Throughout the Year
No list of Atlanta things to do is complete without its yearly calendar, so a handful of annual events are worth considering when planning a visit, provided the timing works out. Every April, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park, with plenty of art and live music. Every July 4th, the Peachtree Road Race, which sees about 60,000 runners run a 10k race down Peachtree Street, ranks as one of the biggest road races in the nation. Juneteenth Atlanta stages several food-and-music events every June. Every Labor Day weekend, Dragon Con is a sci-fi convention that takes over downtown hotels. Finally, Atlanta Pride holds its festivities in October, including a parade along Peachtree Street in Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival usually takes place in September. Check each event’s website for exact dates, since they vary each year.
What Is New in Atlanta in 2026?
Atlanta is one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is changing Atlanta’s downtown landscape ahead of the World Cup. The former CNN Center has been renamed The Center and is being converted into an entertainment and dining center. Renovation schedules for projects like this often change, so we recommend visiting discoveratlanta.com for details about your arrival date.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights recently opened its new, expanded facility at the end of autumn 2025, so it’s worth a visit whether you’ve been before, since the exhibits have been updated.
If your visit coincides with the World Cup schedule, expect larger crowds and more expensive downtown hotels, and buy attraction tickets earlier than usual.
Best Atlanta Neighborhoods to Explore
Downtown: first-time visitors and anyone sticking close to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
- Midtown: art, parks, and a walkable base near the High Museum and Piedmont Park
- Old Fourth Ward: BeltLine access and Ponce City Market
- Little Five Points: alternative shops, vintage finds, and street art
- Buckhead: upscale shopping and dining, plus the Atlanta History Center
- Sweet Auburn: civil rights history within walking distance of downtown
- Westside: a food and gallery district, less polished than Midtown, worth it if you already know Atlanta a bit
- East Atlanta: local nightlife and live music, further from downtown but a real look at how residents spend a Friday night
Pick one or two of these as your home base rather than trying to stay central to all of them. Downtown and Midtown are the easiest choices if you don’t have a car, and either one puts most of Atlanta’s things to do within a short ride or walk.
Atlanta weather by month
Atlanta’s weather affects what’s actually enjoyable to do outdoors, especially from June through August. Here are the 1991 to 2020 climate normals from NOAA, checked September 2026.
Month | Avg. high (°F) | Avg. low (°F) | Avg. rainfall (in) |
January | 50.4 | 31.5 | 4.8 |
February | 55.0 | 34.5 | 4.8 |
March | 64.3 | 42.5 | 5.8 |
April | 72.7 | 50.2 | 4.3 |
May | 79.6 | 58.7 | 4.3 |
June | 85.8 | 66.2 | 3.6 |
July | 88.0 | 69.5 | 5.0 |
August | 87.1 | 69.0 | 3.7 |
September | 81.8 | 63.5 | 3.4 |
October | 72.7 | 51.9 | 3.1 |
November | 63.4 | 42.8 | 3.9 |
December | 54.0 | 35.0 | 4.3 |
In my experience, June to August is truly intolerable for anything not in the shade or cooled by air conditioning, which is why the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the High Museum, and the Fernbank make their money then. Rainfall runs close to 51 inches a year and stays fairly even month to month, though March is actually the wettest month on the books, not the summer thunderstorm season most people expect. Exceptions to the heat rule include Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and the Stone Mountain summit walk from March to May and again from September to November, though a spring visit means packing a rain jacket for that BeltLine walk.
How do you get around Atlanta?
Downtown and Midtown are walkable, and you can reach places like the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame on foot.
MARTA, the Metro Atlanta railway system, connects the airport to downtown and Midtown, making it an easy way to get into Atlanta from the airport without a car or rideshare service.
Rideshare and taxis complement areas where MARTA doesn’t go, particularly stations on the outskirts of Buckhead, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward.
The automobile becomes a useful mode of transport once you leave the city center. Stone Mountain Park is about 16 miles east of the city and is easy to reach by car because no MARTA rail line goes directly there. Six Flags Over Georgia is about 11 miles west of the city in Austell, and there is no rail link there either.
If you’re going to be arriving in Atlanta after traveling through other cities in the South, it would be wise to look at the intercity bus travel schedules on BoletoXpress before booking a date because prices and departures vary according to the city from which you will be departing. If you are going to Atlanta as an intermediate stop on the way to Nashville, Chattanooga, or Charlotte, for instance, planning helps.
How Many Days Do You Need in Atlanta?
How you split up the things to do in Atlanta on this list depends entirely on how many days you have, and here is the split I actually use when friends visit.
One day
Cover downtown only. Start with Georgia Aquarium, add World of Coca-Cola, walk through Centennial Olympic Park, and end with dinner near The Battery Atlanta or Fox Theatre if a show lines up.
Two days
Day one stays downtown as above. Day two covers Sweet Auburn in the morning, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, then the Atlanta BeltLine and Ponce City Market in the afternoon.
Three days
Keep the first two days as above, then add a one-day trip on day three, either Stone Mountain Park for hiking and lake time, or Six Flags Over Georgia if your group wants roller coasters. Buckhead and the Atlanta History Center also work as a lower-key third day if a day trip does not fit your group.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one tourist attraction in Atlanta?
The Georgia Aquarium is the single most visited attraction in the city and usually the first stop on any list, including this one. If you can only pick one thing to do in Atlanta, that’s it.
What is Atlanta known for?
Atlanta is known for the Civil Rights Movement, Southern cuisine, being the birthplace of trap music, its film and TV production, and being Coca-Cola’s headquarters. Atlanta’s best-known tourist attractions, from the Georgia Aquarium to the BeltLine, grew out of that same mix of history, food, and culture.
Is Atlanta safe for tourists?
Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead see heavy foot traffic and are where most visitors spend their time. Standard city precautions apply, especially at night.
Is Stone Mountain Park worth visiting if I only have a one-day trip?
Yes, if you want a slower pace with hiking and a lake. For thrill rides instead, choose Six Flags Over Georgia for that one-day trip.
How far is Atlanta from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Charlotte?
All three make an easy add-on trip, each a few hours away by road. Compare current schedules and fares on BoletoXpress before booking bus tickets online.
What are some fun things to do in Atlanta this weekend?
If you only have a weekend, I would pair a morning at the Georgia Aquarium with an afternoon on the Atlanta BeltLine, then close Saturday night with a show at the Fox Theatre or dinner at The Battery Atlanta. That mix covers indoor, outdoor, and nightlife without much backtracking.
What are the best things to do in Atlanta with kids?
In my experience, Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum’s dinosaur hall, and the rooftop rides at Ponce City Market keep kids entertained the longest, with Stone Mountain Park as the pick for a family day trip.
What to do in Atlanta for adults on a night out?
For an adults-only night, I would start with dinner in Buckhead or at one of Atlanta’s Michelin Guide restaurants, then catch live music at Eddie’s Attic or The Tabernacle, two of the venues that anchor most of Atlanta’s night entertainment and post their upcoming concerts in Atlanta well ahead of time.
What are some cool things to do in Atlanta, or just fun places to check out?
My unusual picks are the Tiny Doors ATL scavenger hunt, the Trap Music Museum, and a Saturday morning at Oakland Cemetery. None of them show up on a typical top-ten list, which is exactly why I send friends there first.
Is Atlanta expensive to live in or just to visit?
That depends on which question you’re actually asking. The cost of living in Atlanta is a separate topic from what a visit costs, and this guide covers only the second. For a short trip, budget travelers can lean on the free entries above, while paid attractions like the aquarium can add up fast for a family.
