The best attractions in Atlanta offer something for everyone
Photograph: Andrew Steele
Written by Gerrish Lopez
Contributor, New Orleans
Contributors: Nicole Letts, Krista Diamond & Lola Christina Alao
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This Southern city isn’t called Hotlanta for nothing. Sure, searing summer heat plays a role, but there are so many things to do in Atlanta that this town is always hopping. From a buzzy nightlife scene boosted by amazing co*cktail bars to culinary offerings that range from classic Southern comfort fare to cutting-edge modern, Atlanta is a treat for all of the senses. The best attractions in Atlanta offer a deeper dive into the history and culture of the city, as well as plenty of opportunities for fun, thrills and even a taste of the great outdoors. Atlanta has world-class museums, a renowned aquarium and attractions dedicated to Atlanta-based companies Delta and Coca-Cola. From sports fanatics and nature lovers to foodies and the athletically-inclined, these Atlanta attractions offer something for everyone.
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Best attractions in Atlanta
- Attractions
- Brooklyn
Fun fact: co*ke is king in Atlanta. It goes without saying that co*ke is king in Atlanta. So it's only right that Atlanta has a world of Coca Cola exhibition. Here, you'll be taking on a journey of the history of Coca Cola, the most famous drink in the world. You'll even get insight into Coca Cola's secret formula. And don’t miss the World of Coca-Cola’s "Taste It!" exhibit, where you'll get to slurp and sip more than 100 Coca-Cola Company beverages. Oh, and you can't forget to take a photo with the famous 7-foot Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
- Attractions
- Techwood
Georgia Aquarium is full of beluga whales, dolphins and wait for it - white sharks! If you're brave enough to step up to the challenge, read on! They also have interactive touch pools and an immersive 4D theater to keep you occupied. Plus, a self-guided tour that gives you insight into the creatures of the deep ocean.If you're an aquatic enthusiast, you can participate in everything from shark cage diving to penguin petting!
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- Museums
- Techwood
The NCCHR presents the civil rights movement and its Atlanta roots as a progressive and ongoing project. With three permanent exhibits representing the fight for equality both here in the U.S. and on a global scale,the institutionhas a clean, open-air layout and design. Neon signage is incorporated on segregation displays, bold colors capture the spirit of standing up for justice, and interactive portions salute activism in the face of danger. All these factors contribute to providing brutal but necessary honesty about how much work remains to be done.
- Attractions
- Brooklyn
If one of Atlanta’s many rooftop bars don’t fulfill your desire for a bird’s-eye view, head to SkyView Atlanta. Here, the stately Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas (think: Atlanta’s own London Eye) offers panoramic scenes of the city below. For an experience unlike any other, book an extended trip in the VIP pod featuring a glass floor and Ferrari-inspired seats.
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- Things to do
- Butler Street
The King Center pays homage toDr. Martin Luther King Jr.and was established back in 1968 as the officialmemorial dedicated to the advancement of his legacy. Here, you'll be able to learn more about his work through the exhbits on display at Freedom Hall. And at the end, take a visit to the King Center’s library, full of communications media used to teach the world about Dr King's life. And what's more?Admission to to The King Center is completely free.
- Attractions
- Boulevard Heights
You might be familiar with Zoo Atlanta because of its famed gorilla exhibit and residents. In fact, the oldest living male gorilla in the world, Ozzie, calls Zoo Atlanta home. Beyond primates, Zoo Atlanta allows visitors up-close-and-personal experiences with elephants, giraffes and lizards. However, the menagerie is probably best known for its giant panda habitat—complete with a webcam—where you can peek into the black and white bamboo-eating bears’ habitat adventures around the clock.
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7.Swan House
Easily recognizable as the headquarters of nefarious President Snow in The Hunger Games, the IRL Swan House is as far from a dystopian residence as you can imagine. Situated in prestigious Buckhead, the 1928 mansion exudes all things Jazz Age: Atlanta’s very own West Egg. The iconic home often hosts weddings and special events and is open for tours six days a week. However, a cruise down Andrews Drive offers you a quick Instagram photo-op.
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8.Stone Mountain
One of Georgia’s most visited attractions, and just over 15 miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain offers activities galore, making it a great option for a family outing. The mountain itself is the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. The one-mile hike to the top affords amazing views on a clear day. Explore miles of trails, the Farmyard Petting Zoo, the SkyHike Adventure Course, or the antebellum homes of Historic Square. In the summer, laser shows choreographed to music are projected on the mountain.
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- Museums
- Old Fourth Ward
You’re never too old to love dinosaurs (this museum doubles as one of the best things to do with kids in Atlanta), but there’s much more to the Fernbank than the fossil-filled gallery (which features a 47-foot-long Giganotosaurus). There’salso a four-story 3D IMAX theater, 75 acres of walking trails, canopies, and outdoor exhibitswithin the Wildwoods and Fernbank Forest, and of course, adult programming(like the Fernbank After Dark events, where science meets live music and co*cktails).
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- Museums
- Brooklyn
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Shaped like two-thirds of a football and conveniently located downtown between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, proud fans of undergraduate Gridiron games flock to the CFHOF year-round. Beginning at The Quad, register and watch your favorite team’s official helmet begin to glowalong a wall of more than 760 schools. Then test your talents on the 45-yard indoor playing field where you can kick field goals, practice throwing, and run an obstacle course while learning more about any inductee youpick through augmented reality.
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- Music
- Midtown
Atlanta’s epicenter of the arts is the Woodruff Arts Center, specialising invisual and performing arts. It's the site of the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. Showing right now is What Is Left Unspoken, Love which should definitely be on your list to see.
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- Things to do
- Old Fourth Ward
A series of former railroad corridors might not seem like anything exciting, but when they're lined with exciting art, bustling eateries and humming microbreweries,you've pretty much entered cultural heaven. Generally speaking, the area is also usually filled with dogs. Eventually, the 22-mile BeltLine will connect many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods but, for now, it’s a premiere spot for exercising, people watching and just plain living.
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13.Battery Atlanta
The Battery Atlanta is an immersive year-round experience. The mixed-use development is anchored by Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves and is host to a bevy of other fun, too. There are over 25 restaurants and retail spaces along with several entertainment spots including the Mizuno Experience Center and The Coca-Cola Roxy theater. Where else can you enjoy ice-skating in the winter and baseball in the summer?
- Sports and fitness
- Vine City
Atlanta sports fans’ pride and joy, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to not one but two of the city’s professional sports teams: the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Watchthe Falcons rise up and ATLUTD unite and conquer or take a virtual STEAM tour of the stadium and learn about the architecture and engineering.
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15.Trap Music Museum
Rapper T.I. opened this physical salute to Atlanta’s street hip-hop sounds just in time for the release of his 10th album,Dime Trap, in September 2018. Since then, thousands of visitors have come by to see the museum’s walk-through exhibits dedicated to pioneers of the now-world-famous “trap” genre, including an all-pink area setup (there’s a matching old-school Chevrolet in there) for 2 Chainz, a kitchen with scattered drug paraphernalia for Gucci Mane, a jail cell replica outlined with paintings of rappers who’ve served time, and even an “Escape The Trap” challenge where you have to navigate your way out of a “trap house.”
- Museums
- Midtown
Under the Atlanta History Center umbrella, the Margaret Mitchell House is the site where the Pulitzer Prize-winning author dreamed up Scarlett O’Hara and Ashley Wilkes and penned Gone With the Wind. Here, literary lovers peruse Mitchell’s garden apartment and learn more about her life before and after the novel that made her famous.
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- Centennial Place
Don’t be alarmed with the chorus of “What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” coming your way as you enter the renowned North Avenue diner. Instead, be prepared. Walk right up to the expansive counter and place your slaw dog order with confidence. Want to really blend in like a local? Finish your order with an F.O., an orange and vanilla flavored milkshake.
- Shopping
- St. Charles Greenwood
Engage in vista views of Midtown while trying your hand at a variety of kitschy carnival games at Skyline Park on the roof of Ponce City Market. Old-time favorites like ring toss and skee ball are shaded by a three-story slide and a Heege Tower. Of course, no cheesy carnival is complete without street fare. Refuel with a soft pretzel or a walking taco and imbibe in an aperol spritz or frozen rosé.
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- Attractions
- Parkview
Experience new heights in aviation at Delta’s headquarters and the recently renovated Delta Flight Museum. Adventurous aspiring pilots of all ages line up for the flight simulator while history buffs are enamored with restored passenger and biplanes of yesteryear. Visitors can also step inside the first 747 ever built. Housed in Delta's original 1940s-era aircraft hangars, the museum is, shall we say... pretty fly.
- Attractions
- Greater Atlanta
A list of top Atlanta attractions would not be complete without Six Flags Over Georgia. The amusem*nt park’s roller coasters soar to astonishing heights while offering thrill-seekers stunning views of the city skyline.Check outPandemonium, a swinging pendulum towering 15 stories high and speeding up to 70 miles per hour.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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