The capital city of Georgia, Atlanta is known for its historical sites, museums, parks, a thriving art scene, world-class restaurants and shopping stores, hip nightlife, interesting festivals, and sporting events. This unofficial capital of the New South is an outdoor lover’s favorite destination as much as it is a city life seeker’s. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at 1,050 feet, Atlanta’s topography features rolling hills and a dense tree cover. Planning your first Atlanta trip? Below is a list of top places to see and things to do in Atlanta on your first visit.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site:
As a historic city well-recognized for its massive role in the Civil War and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta has several important sites which attract a large number of history buffs. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is one such famous historical attraction to visit in Atlanta. This is the place where eminent personality and Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised. You can explore various exhibits dedicated to Martin Luther King. These exhibits provide valuable insights into life, right from his childhood. Now, check out the memorial tomb and pay your respects to Dr. King.
Atlanta BeltLine:
A top attraction in Atlanta among the locals and tourists alike, Atlanta BeltLine is a vast multi-purpose trail connecting various parks and neighborhoods of the city. The still-in-progress reconstruction project is transforming in a beautiful way this area around downtown Atlanta that was once a railway corridor. This 22-mile-long scenic trail is dotted with many native plants, playgrounds, interesting art installations, restaurants, microbreweries, etc. You can walk, run or cycle this pedestrian-friendly pathway. Thus, it is not hard to see why this is among the things to do in Atlanta for outdoor lovers and family vacationers.
Centennial Olympic Park:
Established for the 1996 Summer Olympics hosted in the city, Olympic Park is still a major attraction in Atlanta. With several other tourist spots like Skyview Ferris Wheel, World of Coca-Cola, and Georgia Aquarium located close by, this sprawling urban space is a popular hangout spot in the city. The park’s major highlight is the Fountain of Rings, an interactive fountain that puts up a beautiful display of water jets, lights, and music. This dancing fountain is surrounded by the flags of all the nations that hosted the Olympics Games. One can also enjoy free weekly concerts at Centennial Olympic Park and seasonal events like winter holiday lights and shows.
Georgia Aquarium:
Georgia Aquarium has the distinction of being the largest aquarium in the United States and the Western Hemisphere besides being the third-largest in the world. The public aquarium houses tens of thousands of amazing sea creatures including the rare manta rays and beluga whales. Georgia Aquarium also boasts whale sharks, and it is the only location outside of Asia where these largest known fish species can be seen. The other species residing in its seven galleries include jellyfish, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, fire eels, penguins, etc. This certainly is among the most recommended things to do in Atlanta with kids.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area:
The 48-mile recreation area, located north of Atlanta, offers splendid scenery and tranquil moments. Explore the park by choosing to hike or bike the numerous trails or spend time kayaking or canoeing or paddleboarding or rafting down the long Chattahoochee River that flows through this park. Fishing is another common activity to do here. You can also tour the historic sites like abandoned mills and factories found along the river’s edge. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is only a half-hour drive from Atlanta. Do visit this park if you can afford a side trip during your Atlanta holiday.
World of Coca-Cola:
Is Coca-Cola your forever favorite drink? Well then, how well do you know about Coca-Cola? If you wish to learn more about its history, go to the World of Coca-Cola. Because, can there really be a better place for this than Atlanta, the city where this world-famous soft drink first originated. Besides interesting exhibits and a 4-D movie theater, there is also a tasting room where you could wet your whistle with your choice of Coca-Cola flavor from the available 100 flavors from all over the world! At any rate, fans of this fizzy drink must not fail to add World of Coca-Cola to their list of things to do in Atlanta.
Fox Theatre:
Fox Theatre, a well-recognized performing arts venue in Atlanta, is the place to go for live entertainment. This iconic building regularly hosts rock concerts, operas, ballet recitals, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and movie screenings. Do check out if there are any performances scheduled at Fox Theatre during your time in Atlanta, and don’t miss them out! Even if there’s no event, you could simply go and join a guided tour of the Fox Theatre and get to know interesting details about its impressive Islamic and Egyptian architecture. This well-recognized building was originally built as Yaarab Shrine Temple and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Atlanta Botanical Garden:
Atlanta Botanical Garden, situated adjacent to Piedmont Park, is home to thousands of plant species thriving in its well-laid themed gardens. Hanging out in this garden is one of the best things to do in Atlanta for relaxation. The 30-acre botanical garden also features beautiful sculptures made from plants, water fountains, canopy walks in the treetops, a children’s garden, and an on-site restaurant. Some of its much-loved attractions include a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Woodland Park, Fuqua Orchid Center, Winter Garden, Edible Garden, Conservation Garden, and Desert House.
In addition to the above, exploring Ponce City Market, Little Five Points, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta History Center, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Zoo Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, Piedmont Park, and the High Museum of Art are among the top things to do in Atlanta. Have you booked your flights yet? If not, go check out Indian Eagle as this online flight booking agency is offering the best deals on international flight tickets.