Atlanta USA Attractions: A Step-by-Step Travel Guide
As if Southern charm and loads of soul food weren’t enough, Atlanta brings culture, sports, and nightlife to the table of tourism in Georgia. Things to do in Atlanta range from shopping in local boutiques to swimming with sharks at the Georgia Aquarium .
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, new Atlanta activities present themselves. People may come here for the food and thriving downtown district, but they fall in love with the gardens, architecture, and smooth way of life.
The South is known for its charm. Atlanta is no exception. Visit Georgia’s capital city for its variety of museums, nature and amusement parks, charming neighborhoods and notable historic landmarks.
Transport yourself to outer space in Fernbank Science Center’s planetarium and observatory.
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOTELUnderstand the natural world through hands-on exhibits including a waterfall hologram at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Tour historic homes, gardens and Civil War relics in the Atlanta History Center.
Learn about one of America’s most iconic brands at the World of Coca-Cola museum.
Meet over 120,000 sea creatures, ranging from massive whales to tropical fish, at the Georgia Aquarium. Zoo Atlanta has exotic animals from all parts of the world.
See journalists in action at downtown’s CNN Center, home of one of the world’s largest news networks. Watch a performance or show at the lavish 1920s-style Fox Theatre.
Explore Atlanta’s many parks. Walk past water gardens and the Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park, home of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Find walking paths, a lake, sports facilities and picnic areas in the centrally located Piedmont Park.
Entertainment meets wilderness in Stone Mountain Park, a sprawling area surrounding a huge piece of exposed granite.
Learn about famous past Atlanta residents. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, see the humble birthplace and final resting place of one of the most important figures in the civil rights movement.
In a small apartment building in Midtown, visit Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, where the author of Gone with the Wind wrote her famous novel.
Get cool and experience thrills at Six Flags White Water. Slide, splash and swim through the popular waterpark in Marietta, Georgia. Daredevils of all ages love Six Flags Over Georgia, a sprawling theme park in Austell with over a dozen roller coasters, water slides and other rides.
Explore Atlanta’s many neighborhoods. Outside of Downtown, discover a quirky side of the city in the musical hub of Little Five Points.
Atlanta USA Attractions: A Bucket List for Travelers
World-class restaurants, festive nightlife, professional sports teams, and an abundance of attractions and events help make Atlanta the center for entertainment in the South.
The creative, dynamic city is so popular, in fact, National Geographic selected Atlanta as one of the top destinations to visit in the National Geographic Best of the World 2022 list, and Lonely Planet included it in the Best in Travel list for 2022, the only U.S. city on the list.
Visitors can experience a diverse and thriving cultural scene at the city’s many theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls.
Explore the state capital’s role in historic events at museums like the Atlanta History Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
The Latest Atlanta Vacation Packages
You'll want to sightsee during your trip to Atlanta. Don't miss popular attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
BOOK VACATION PACKAGEExperience Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, an expansive green space with features commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Tour and catch games at Truist Park, home of the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons, and host of the 2019 Super Bowl.
Marvel at the Georgia Aquarium, and taste iconic flavors at the World of Coca-Cola. Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, and see why shoppers love Atlanta for everything from boutiques to antiques.
For family fun, romantic getaways, urban adventure, unique events and so much more, Atlanta is a city you’ll love visiting again and again. You can find more information and trip ideas by visiting Discover Atlanta.
Six Flags Over Georgia Vacations & Packages
Indulge your daredevil side at Six Flags Over Georgia. Austell’s sprawling theme park has more than a dozen exciting roller coasters, water slides and thrill rides.
Dive right into fun at Hurricane Harbor, a state-of-the-art water park. Experience a zero-gravity wave slide on Tsunami Surge or slide your way down the twisting Bonzai Pipelines.
Children love splashing in Paradise Island, an interactive playground. Feel like you’re at a surfing beach at Calypso Bay’s massive wave pool.
Six Flags Over Georgia is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Help save Gotham on the harrowing curves of BATMAN: The Ride. Brave the 200-foot (60-meter) free-fall drop of Acrophobia.
Take a sensational ride on the park’s classic wooden roller coasters, Georgia Cyclone and Great American Scream Machine. Between its roller coasters and thrill rides, Six Flags Over Georgia offers non-stop stimulation.
Have fun without the hairpin turns on Six Flags Over Georgia’s family rides. Hit the gas at Gold Town Racers, a go-kart racecourse. Ride the rapids with up to a dozen friends on Thunder River. Watch younger children enjoy the carousel and mini railroad.
Take a break from the rides and delight in the park’s entertainment offerings. Watch a song and dance routine or a magic show. Shop and dine at a variety of shops and restaurants.
Purchase your tickets beforehand or at the park entrance. It gets crowded quickly, so arrive as early as you can. Get a special Flash Pass to hold your spot in one line while you go on other rides.
The theme park welcomes visitors of all ages, but some rides have height restrictions. Take note of these if you have younger members in your group.
Visit Six Flags Over Georgia between March and January. Operating hours vary throughout the season, so check the online calendar or call to make sure the park is open.
Six Flags Over Georgia is very close to Atlanta. Drive here in about 20 minutes and experience all the cultural attractions and amenities offered by the state capital. If you want even more water ride fun, head to nearby Six Flags White Water.
Top Atlanta USA Attractions You Can't Miss
1.Georgia Aquarium
Discover thousands of sea creatures at the world’s biggest aquarium.
2.Truist Park
Catch an event at Truist Park during your trip to Atlanta. Discover the area’s top-notch restaurants and its great live music.
3.Six Flags Over Georgia
Enjoy roller coasters, water slides, go-karts and more at this family-friendly theme park located just outside of Austin, Georgia.
4.Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Catch an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during your trip to Atlanta. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you’re in the area.
5.Emory University
Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Emory University, a top university in Atlanta. Experience the area’s acclaimed art scene and lively festivals.
6.The Battery Atlanta
When you visit The Battery Atlanta, a favorite shopping spot in Atlanta, you can enjoy some retail therapy. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
7.Georgia Institute of Technology
Enjoy the collegiate vibe with a visit to Georgia Institute of Technology, a well-known college in Atlanta. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you’re in the area.
8.World of Coca-Cola
Learn about the fascinating history of one of the world’s best-known drinks, in the city where it was invented.
9.Zoo Atlanta
Go from Asian forests to the African plains at this animal park that’s home to pandas, exotic birds, and the country’s biggest collection of gorillas
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Atlanta
1.Downtown Atlanta
Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. as you explore the heart of the state capital of Georgia.
2.Buckhead
Known for its elegant residential neighborhoods, this affluent Atlanta district has upscale shopping malls, lush parks and a museum that honors the antebellum South.
3.Midtown
Come and discover the arts and entertainment hub of the southeast, a central Atlanta neighborhood like no other.
4.Sandy Springs
Chattahoochee River and Morgan Falls Overlook Park are top sights in Sandy Springs, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sandy Springs Station or North Springs Station to see more sights in the area.
5.Cumberland
Cumberland is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta, you won’t get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Atlanta.
DunwoodyIf you’re looking for abundant dining options, a trip to Dunwoody might be just the ticket. Explore top sights in the area like Perimeter Mall and get around town on the metro at Dunwoody Station.
What to do in Atlanta
Free Things to Do in Atlanta
Taking a break in Atlanta on a budget? The following can be experienced for nada.
- Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame – Find out if there are any special exhibits or tours on at this popular museum.
- Rawson Washington Park – Treat the kids to a good time or be a big kid again yourself — this place simply screams fun.
- City Hall – If you’re a fan of modern-day design and architecture, add this attraction to your itinerary.
- Atlanta Municipal Auditorium – Detour to this historic landmark and discover a few things about the cultural heritage of the region.
- Margaret Mitchell Square – Learn why visitors and locals alike love the vibe of this place.
- Buena Vista Lake – Get out of the fast lane and treat yourself to a bit of time relaxing near the water.
- Institute of Paper and Science Technology – Widely known among the locals, this place is worth visiting.
- The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – Spend some time in meditation or prayer at this peaceful place of worship.
- Georgia Plaza Park – No matter if you know your peonies from poppies, it’s easy to find beauty in this magnificent display.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Atlanta
Atlanta is more than downtown, though most visitors will still want to give this neighborhood a gander. From restaurants and culture to natural beauty, each Atlanta neighborhood offers its own unique perks.
1.Downtown — This Atlanta neighborhood is marked by impressive skyscrapers, upscale hotels, and a revolving rooftop restaurant. Many of the finest attractions in Atlanta also call downtown home, from family-friendly theme attractions to the state government.
2.Midtown—You will be met with many fun things to do in Atlanta in Midtown.
Quite a few impressive bars and nightclubs have set up shop in Midtown, and the whole family can revel in a visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts.
3.Virginia-Highland — This is the neighborhood for brunch lovers, who will find many cafes and restaurants, some with seating spilling into the sidewalk. The neighborhood is also known for boutique shops stocked with handmade paper and vintage books.
4.Little Five Points — Known to many residents as a bit eccentric, this Atlanta district boasts tons of vintage clothing stores and record shops. You’ll also find impressive street art, so bring your camera.
What to See in Atlanta
When you have a slow pace in mind during your visit to this peach of a city, there are lots of things to see.
Landmarks in Atlanta span the gamut of interests, from botanical gardens and splashing water fountains meant for play to the College Football Hall of Fame and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
See a stand-up show at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre or enjoy a musical at the Fabulous Fox Theater.
Sightseeing in Atlanta
Atlanta attractions will keep any type of traveler busy, from parents to friends on a quick getaway. Head downtown to play at the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta .
You will also find the state capitol downtown, which offers tours to the public.
Adventure lovers are guaranteed things to do in Atlanta, GA, including tandem skydiving and exciting bike tours. No matter the speed of your vacation, there is an activity for you in A-Town.
Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids
There are loads of memorable experiences in Atlanta that the entire gang will love. Here are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.
- Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Atlanta by Operation City Quest.
- Walkin’ Dead Walking Tour on our Private Filming Backlot (Seasons 2 & 3).
- College Football Hall of Fame General Admission.
- The Touring Dead Walking Tour.
