25 Top Tourist Attractions in Atlanta

Atlanta, the heart of Georgia, offers a blend of Southern charm and urban dynamism that’s as refreshing as captivating. Rising from the ashes of the Civil War, this city has become a vital hub of culture and commerce.

Home to the origins of influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and pivotal events such as the civil rights movement, Atlanta’s narrative is richly woven into the fabric of American history.

This bustling metropolis is marked by its triad of impressive skylines, hosting the headquarters of iconic brands like Coca-Cola and CNN, signaling its status as an engine of modern industry and media.

As much as it is a beacon of progress, Atlanta honors its past with grace, allowing you to trace the footsteps of historical icons and partake in the spirit of the Old South. The city beckons you to meander through an array of attractions that span from the lush trails of the Atlanta BeltLine to the educational treasures within the walls of the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum.

Whether you’re basking in the grandeur of the Georgia Aquarium or reveling in the cultural sanctuary of the Fox Theatre, Atlanta invites you to discover its many layers.

1. A World of Strings and Stories

Immerse yourself in a universe where artful figures come to life at Atlanta’s renowned marionette sanctuary, nestled in the lively Midtown arts district.

Since its establishment in the late 1970s, this institution has been enchanting visitors with its vast global puppet collection. Your adventure might lead to a lively show or a hands-on workshop where you’re the puppeteer.

Boldly interweaving history and craft, the venue showcases puppetry from Europe to Asia, with a special homage to Jim Henson’s The Muppets. Unleash your curiosity and explore the sounds, sights, and intricate artistry of this captivating form of storytelling.

2. Krog Street Market

At the epicenter of Inman Park, encased within a 1920s edifice, Krog Street Market offers a smorgasbord of dining pleasures and retail delights. This culinary hub, a mere jaunt eastward from Atlanta’s core, beckons with its vibrant eateries and market stalls.

• Dining: Feast on a globe-trotting menu, from Vietnamese delights to Indian spices and classic American to Italian finesse.
• Shopping: Discover artisanal goods, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.
• Experience: Revel in the warm, unhurried ambiance reminiscent of West Coast food markets.
• History: Unveiled in 2014, it quickly gained a loyal following among residents and visitors.

Indulge in a meal, pick up fresh ingredients, or enjoy the lively atmosphere that pulses through this historic market’s veins.

3. Elevated Views at Centennial Park’s Ferris Wheel

At the heart of Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel, SkyView Atlanta, offers an unmatched cityscape view.

Since its opening in 2013, this remarkable attraction has delighted visitors with its grandeur and the captivating vistas it provides from its air-conditioned gondolas.

Notable Features:

• Height: Nearly 20 stories
• Opening Year: 2013
• Location: Southern end of Centennial Olympic Park

As you ascend, sights of key landmarks unfurl below. Opt for an evening ride for a spectacle, where the skyline is a canvas of twinkling lights, and the Fountain of Rings dances in a graceful choreography of illuminated jets.

4. Exploring the Skies at the Delta Flight Museum

As you meander next to the bustling Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, an aviation marvel awaits at the Delta Flight Museum. A treasure trove of aviation milestones reveals itself within its expanses, spread across two vast hangars.

• Exhibits: Engage with captivating exhibits detailing the journey of Delta Air Lines and the heritage of flight.
• Aircraft: Admire an impressive collection, from vintage propeller planes to modern jets indoors and outdoors.
• Interactive Experiences: Step aboard a Boeing 747 or pilot a flight simulator for a touch of airborne thrill.

Conceived in 1995, this corporate museum charts Delta’s ascent in the aviation world and stirs imaginations about the skies of tomorrow.

Beyond mere models, the stories of innovation and evolution in air travel are unveiled. Here, history is not just seen but felt, as each display conveys the scale and drama of flight in intimate detail.

5. Exploring the Atlanta BeltLine

Traverse the enchanting Atlanta BeltLine, where a 22-mile loop lets you experience the city’s vibrant pulse. Once a railway, now a trail connects communities with a ribbon of green, art, and activity.

Uncover eateries, art installations, and lush parks woven along your journey. Whether you bike, stroll, or jog, this urban oasis invites you to partake in a blend of recreation and culture.

Embrace the rhythm of Atlanta’s heart as you weave through its diverse neighborhoods, your path lined with local stories and live events until 2030’s full vision emerges.

6. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum

Nestled just a brief journey northeast of Atlanta’s bustling heart, the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum is the repository of a former president’s journey.

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive narrative that chronicles Jimmy Carter’s path from his roots to his pivotal role as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

• Exhibitions: Explores Carter’s formative years, his achievements in agriculture, his political career, and his stance against racial injustice.
• Memorabilia: View an extensive collection of personal effects, photographs, and video footage.
• Interactive Features: Engage with cutting-edge exhibits, including a detailed Oval Office replica.
• Awards: Take a moment before the Nobel Peace Prize, a testament to Carter’s global humanitarian efforts.
• Gardens: Stroll through the serene environs that complement the library’s majestic architecture.

Experience the blending of history and interactive learning, which comes alive as you wander these spaces—a testament to a President’s legacy ensconced within Atlanta’s historical panorama.

7. The Legacy of Turner Field

At the heart of sporting vibrancy in Atlanta, a visit to the stadium once recognized as Turner Field promises an electric atmosphere. While the echoes of Atlanta Braves fans have shifted, the essence of excitement remains within Georgia State University’s athletic grounds.

• Venue: Center Parc Stadium
• Location: Just south of Downtown, within the university campus
• History: Inaugurated for the 1996 Summer Olympics
• Current Use: Georgia State Panthers football, concerts, events

Submerge yourself in the collegiate spirit where Georgia State Panthers’ energy pulsates. Not only is it a hub for touchdowns and field goals, but this landmark also hosts a symphony of community gatherings and melodies of live music.

Here, beneath the lights that once shone on Olympians, immerse yourself in a venue rich with Atlanta’s collective memory.

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8. Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is a bustling hub nestled in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, next to the BeltLine — a place where vibrant history and modernity converge.

This colossal establishment, set within a reimagined 1926 structure, offers an array of shops, dining options, residential units, and offices under the roof of a former Sears catalog facility.

• Central Food Hall: At the core, discover a world of gastronomic delights amid the numerous food stands.
• Rooftop Amusement: Ascend to the roof for an evening of frolic in the beer garden, or test your putting skills at mini-golf.
• Leisure Activities: Immerse yourself in the whimsical charm of vintage-style carnival games.

From grabbing a casual drink to indulging in boutique shopping, Ponce City Market harmoniously blends the essence of Atlanta’s rich cultural scene with leisurely enjoyment.

9. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Nestled a mere fifteen minutes northeast of Atlanta’s bustling center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents a treasure trove of wonders, both ancient and contemporary:

• Discover life-sized displays, like the imposing 123-foot Argentinosaurus, recorded as the largest.
• Delight in hands-on experiences with interactive exhibits that cover technology, physical forces, and natural phenomena.
• Immerse yourself in cinematic splendor at the museum’s state-of-the-art IMAX theater.
• Outside, the adventure continues with canopy walks, nature playgrounds, and a chance to encounter Georgia’s native wildlife.
• NatureQuest is a special treat for young explorers—an engaging space dedicated to kindling the fires of discovery and curiosity.

Since its inception in 1992, the museum has dedicated itself to shedding light on natural history. With every visit, you can expect to unravel the enigmatic layers of our world’s prehistoric past and its vibrant present.

10. Oakland Cemetery

Nestled moments away from the bustling center of Atlanta, you’ll find the serene expanse of Oakland Cemetery.

Established in the mid-19th century, this Victorian oasis boasts a tapestry of historical markers and flora, showcasing more than 70,000 grave sites beneath the boughs of majestic oaks and magnolias.

• Year Established: 1850
• Notable Sections: Confederate soldiers, Jewish and African American grounds
• Features:
  • Victorian garden designs
  • Sculptures and mausoleums
  • Significant Civil War and Civil Rights Movement Connections

As you wander the paths, you can observe many monuments celebrating Atlanta’s profound civil history. This verdant space offers a look back into history and an invitation to contemplate amidst the quietude just a stone’s throw from city life.

11. College Football Hall of Fame

Nestled beside Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s elite. This unique, football-shaped venue, launched in 2014, is a treasure trove of collegiate football history with many exhibits.

• Exhibits and Artifacts: Discover a vast collection of collegiate memorabilia, from record-breaking items to the helmets and jerseys of noted players and coaches.
• Interactive Experiences: Test your quarterback prowess with an indoor playing field and immerse yourself in augmented reality stations.
• Honoring Greatness: Unveil the legacy of football legends as you explore the inductees’ accomplishments and contributions to the game.

Whether you’re revisiting football memories or creating new ones, this museum is a pivotal stop in the heart of Atlanta.

12. Zoo Atlanta

Nestled in the heart of Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta offers an array of experiences with a diverse collection of wildlife. The transformation from humble beginnings to an esteemed wildlife haven is a testament to conservation efforts.

Over 1,500 animals across 200 species beckon visitors. Iconic species include:

• Giant Pandas: A rare glimpse into the world of these beloved bears.
• Western Lowland Gorillas: The impressive primates command attention.
• African Elephants & Rhinos: Majestic giants roam with grandeur.
• Sumatran Tigers: Behold the striking beauty and poise of these felines.

Explore the World of Reptiles or partake in enlightening animal presentations. Each step within the zoo’s expanse reveals conservation and connects you with the natural world.

13. Mercedes Benz Stadium

In the heart of the city beckons an architectural marvel, Mercedes Benz Stadium. This colossal, multi-use arena is not just the stomping ground for Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC; it’s an electrifying hub for sports and entertainment.

Constructed splendidly in 2017, it’s situated conveniently within walking distance from downtown’s bustle.

Highlights:

• Home Teams: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Location: A brisk walk or short drive west of downtown Atlanta
• Atmosphere: The retractable ‘pinwheel’ roof, when drawn, amplifies the cheers of the avid fans to a near-tangible fervor.

As you step into this modern colossus, the thrill of football and soccer awaits, along with the chance to experience live concerts and other grand-scale events. The pulse of the city is palpable here, where the crowd’s roar and the spirit of competition ignite the air.

14. Atlanta History Center

Nestled in the heart of Buckhead, the expansive grounds of the Atlanta History Center offer more than just a walk-through time.

Here, you’re invited to immerse yourself in Georgia’s storied past amidst a collection of remarkable historic structures, each narrating a unique chapter of the local heritage.

Noteworthy features include:

• Historic Houses & Farms: Step into a bygone era at the Swan House, with its refined elegance, and the Smith Farm, rooted in antebellum history.
• Museum & Exhibits: Discover artifacts that canvas a spectrum of narratives, from early settlers to the Civil War and from plantation life to indigenous cultures.
• Gardens: A verdant haven awaits, with a vast assemblage of flora painting the grounds in various hues and textures throughout the seasons.

As you meander through the Atlanta History Center, vibrant tales of yesteryear commune with the serene beauty of nature, crafting an enriching encounter with the Peach State’s rich tapestry of life.

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15. Center for Civil and Human Rights

Immerse yourself in a profound narrative of resilience and recognition at Atlanta’s Center for Civil and Human Rights. This institution sits a stone’s throw away from the bustling Centennial Olympic Park, capturing the essence of Atlanta as the birthplace of pivotal civil rights advocacy.

The Center unfolds an intricate story of the quest for equality, not just chronicling regional history but narrating a global continuum of civil rights battles.

Opened to the public in the mid-2010s, the museum’s architecture houses poignant exhibits: a tableau of gripping photographs, compelling films, and personal accounts that echo the voices of defiant decades. Within these walls, you can trace the potent steps of Martin Luther King Jr. through artifacts directly tied to his legacy.

The echo of past Jim Crow laws resonates, spotlighting the breadth of civil liberties’ evolution. Here, too, global narratives intersect, sharing tales of the struggle for rights far beyond Atlanta’s borders.

16. Renowned Art Institution

Nestled in Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown, your cultural voyage isn’t complete without a visit to the esteemed High Museum of Art. Established over a century ago and receiving its namesake abode in 1926, this museum stands as a cultural pillar in the Southern United States.

Admire the architectural marvel—Richard Meier’s pristine creation of 1983 that beckons art lovers with its modern contours.

Exhibits Include:

• 19th and 20th-century American art
• European masterpieces
• Prolific African and African-American art collections
• Intricate decorative arts
• Captivating photography exhibits
• Progressive modern and contemporary art

This museum is more than a visual treat; it’s a gateway to the diverse narratives that have shaped artistic expression across continents and eras.

17. Piedmont Park

Nestled in the vibrant northeast area of Midtown Atlanta, Piedmont Park is a verdant retreat with a storied past.

Once the estate of Dr. Benjamin Walker, it transformed over the decades into a beloved urban oasis, shaped by hands as renowned as those of the landscape architect who sculpted New York’s Central Park. Traverse the crisscrossing pathways and legacies of Olmsted’s design.

Features within this expanse include:

• An expansive basketball facility, harking back to Atlanta’s inaugural team.
• A bountiful fishing lake.
• Sprawling green lawns accommodate an array of live music performances.

18. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site

Journey through the pivotal spaces that shaped one of America’s most influential civil rights leaders.

At the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, you’ll wander the halls of his childhood residence and embrace the hallowed grounds of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both King and his father shared their inspiring sermons.

Notable Features:

• Birth Home: Experience the early environment of a visionary.
• Ebenezer Baptist Church: Stand where King and his father preached.
• Firehouse: An important community hub during the civil rights movement.
• Civil Rights Walk of Fame: Honor the footsteps of leaders.
• Peace Rose Garden: Symbolize global harmony with vibrant blooms.

While touring, gaze upon the expansive mural across from the visitor’s center, illustrating King’s life journey. Special events enliven this heritage site, particularly during Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month celebrations, infusing your visit with profound cultural resonance.

19. Centennial Olympic Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown, this park is a living tribute to the global games of ’96. Imagine strolling among the fluttering flags of past Olympic hosts, each one a patch in the quilt of international unity.

As you wander, engage with the spectacle of the Olympic Rings fountain, a dance of water and light choreographed to a symphony of music—a playful centerpiece to your visit.

Be sure to experience:

• Interactive Fountain: Marvel at the play of light and sound
• Ring of Flags: A global gathering of colors and emblems
• SkyView Atlanta: A Ferris wheel offering breathtaking city vistas
• Summer Concerts: Live music cascades across the green expanse

History harmonizes with fun here, offering you a slice of Atlanta’s Olympic legacy.

20. Atlanta Botanical Garden

Nestled by the inviting green expanses of Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a mosaic of nature’s artistry. Each nook celebrates different horticultural themes, from the serene ripples of the Japanese Garden to the vibrant hues of the Rose Garden.

Walk amid shaded woodlands or let your curiosity bloom with the young ones in the interactive Children’s Garden.

Step into the Fuqua Conservatory and become enveloped in a climate-controlled Eden brimming with an impressive variety of tropical, desert, and subtropical flora alongside a kaleidoscope of wildlife, including the colorful chatter of tropical birds and the intricate dance of poison dart frogs.

The lofty Canopy Walk winds through a leafy realm for the adventurous, offering a bird’s-eye view of Atlanta’s lush urban forest. Beyond nature’s allure, the garden doubles as a cultural venue.

Previously, it enchanted visitors with awe-inspiring glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly—an event that captivated countless art enthusiasts.

21. Stone Mountain Park

Elevation: 825 feet above ground
Visibility: Panoramic views of Atlanta

• Monolith: Home to the world’s largest stone relief.
• Confederate Memorial Carving: Depicts key figures of the Confederacy.
• Confederate Hall: Educational center on geological aspects.
• Historical Insight: The Antebellum Plantation houses 19th-century structures and a farmyard for an authentic pre-Civil War experience.

Discover the scenic grandeur as you see the sprawling Atlanta landscape, the Appalachian Mountains, and the illustrious Confederate Memorial Carving from atop Stone Mountain.

Steeped in history, the park offers a glimpse into the area’s past with its Antebellum Plantation. In this open-air museum, you’ll wander among historic edifices and interact with docile farm animals.

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22. Fox Theatre

Upon stepping into Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, you’re immediately enveloped in the grandeur reminiscent of an Arabian courtyard. Stars twinkle from a simulated indigo sky, while regal icons of ancient Egypt grace the lavish interior.

As you marvel at the intricate details, consider a tour to fully appreciate the unique blend of Egyptian and Islamic architecture that makes this place more than just a theater—it’s a visual journey through time.

Essential Experiences:

• Live Performances: Revel in the artistry of the Atlanta Ballet or catch a Broadway tour.
• Historic Ambiance: The ballroom, echoing the grandeur of Ramses II’s temple, adds royal elegance to any visit.
• Architectural Splendor: Gaze upon a replica of King Tut’s throne and petite sphinxes adorning the makeup tables in the mezzanine area.

Whether you’re attending the show or the scenery, the Fox Theatre promises an unforgettable encounter with Atlanta’s cultural heartbeat.

23. CNN Center

Immerse yourself in the pulse of global reporting with a visit to the CNN Center. Strategically positioned, this nexus unites with an expansive food court and neighbors prominent landmarks such as Centennial Olympic Park and Phillips Arena.

• Immersive Experiences: Step into the shoes of a journalist with the 55-minute behind-the-scenes tour.
• Technological Showcases: Witness firsthand the cutting-edge tools that bring news to life.
• Live Newsrooms: Gaze into the heart of CNN as you overlook the bustling newsrooms.
• Stay and Watch: Opt for a room at the adjoining hotel, where the broadcasting world buzzes below.

Here, you can brush shoulders with seasoned journalists and perhaps catch a glimpse of renowned reporters. The essence of modern news broadcasting touches you with every step through this iconic venue.

24. World of Coca-Cola

Step inside the World of Coca-Cola and journey across borders without leaving Atlanta. Unveiled in enhanced form in 2007, this hub of heritage immerses you in the multilayered story of an iconic beverage.

Browse through a trove of memorabilia charting the Coca-Cola legacy back to the 19th century, and tap your feet to catchy tunes from six decades of marketing history.

What truly beckons is the Taste It! exhibit—a tasting room that presents you with an opportunity to savor the beverage as enjoyed across the globe. An innovative freestyle machine provides a rare tasting adventure, offering globally recognized formulas and unique, localized flavors.

Prepare to excite your taste buds with a kaleidoscope of Coca-Cola varieties, each telling its tale of cultural preferences.

25. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is an aquatic wonderland. Here, you can encounter the majestic beluga whale and glide alongside manta rays. Notably, it is the sole institution outside Asia hosting the awe-inspiring whale shark.

• Ecoregions: Explore ecoregions from tropical reefs to arctic waters.
• Whale Sharks: Witness the grandeur of the world’s largest fish.
• Special Programs: Delve into conservation with the beluga breeding initiative.

With expansive habitats housing extraordinary species, the institution serves as a gateway to the ocean’s depths and a beacon of marine conservation.