Top Things to do in Atlanta

While many of the top places to visit in Georgia boast of small-time charm, the state’s capital city is anything but small. Both cosmopolitan and elegant, it has played a major role in the history of the country and is great fun to visit. If you looking for a great family vacation destination or a romantic vacation destination for couples, Atlanta is a great option that offers plenty of things to do on your vacation. ATL is the busiest airport in the world making it easy to find flight deals and cheap plane tickets. Grab your partner, best buddy, or pack up the family and make a weekend trip to the jewel of the south. While you are in town, be sure to check out these top things to do in Atlanta.

1.Atlanta History Center

History is a big part of what makes Atlanta what it is, so start your exploration at the Atlanta History Center. Founded in 1926 and located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, the Atlanta History Center is one of the largest history museums in the Southeast. In addition to the museum, there are also two historic houses, the Swan House and the Smith Family Farm; the Kenan Research Center, and the Centennial Olympic Games Museum that are part of the 32-acre grounds.

2.Georgia Aquarium

You can escape the scorching summer southern heat and see over a hundred thousand marine animals at the Georgia Aquarium. With 10 million gallons of water, it is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. There is a dolphin show to wow young and old visitors alike. It is a Certified Autism Center able to cater to the needs of visitors with autism and other sensory disorders. Avoid the long admission lines by purchasing your tickets online or with a CityPass   and save 40% off admission to five top Atlanta attractions. (Psst, this is totally worth the purchase. It really keeps money in your pocket.) Click here for hotel room bookings that will have you within walking distance of Olympic Centennial Park and several attractions.

3.World of Coca-Cola

Celebrate the history of the world’s most iconic brand. For over 125 years, Coca-Cola has brought refreshment to families all over. It all started right here in Atlanta and the World of Coca-Cola takes through the evolution of the beloved beverage. Visitors can sample different Coca-Cola products from all over the world at the “Taste It” station.  Beware of the Italian soda, “Beverly.” Its unique flavor is suited for those with peculiar taste palates. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This attraction is included in a CityPass .

4.High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is the premier art museum in the Southeast featuring an extensive permanent collection and hosts an array of traveling exhibitions from around the world. The High Museum itself is a work of architectural wonder comprised of two remarkably designed buildings.

5.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is a historical site that encompasses the blocks in Sweet Auburn that were the birthplace and boyhood home of the iconic civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. You can also visit the original Ebenezer Baptist Church where King was baptized and preached. These places are integral to the legacy of the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement.

6.National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located within the cultural district surrounding Centennial Olympic Park and is just a short walk from the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. The Center pays tribute to the struggles and victories for civil and human rights. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of educational and thought-provoking artifacts that leave you much more to ponder than our more low-key, family-friendly neighbors.  This is one of the attractions that is included in a CityPass. 

7.LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is fun for the whole family. There are interactive rides, and build and test area for race cars, a 4D cinema, and a Master Builders Academy to build with the experts. Adults must be accompanied by a child, so borrow a neighbor’s kid, niece, or nephew and head over the Buckhead area for some Lego fun.

8.Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is a longtime favorite for locals and visitors. It is one of only four zoos in the U.S. that you can see panda bears and 1,000 other cute creatures. Zoo Atlanta is undergoing a major expansion to offer amazing new animal habitats. While the zoo is great to visit year-round, cooler months from November through March are often better for viewing the animals being more playful and interactive. Georgia summers can be pretty sweltering, and the animals tend to take it easy in the heat.

9.Children’s Museum of Atlanta

You won’t want to miss out on the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Atlanta’s go-to destination for kids museum offers awesome hands-on exhibits, a 3,000 square foot mezzanine, and permanent performance space, all of which have a focus on STEAM-centered (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics), play-based learning. Gateway to the World invites mini-explorers to climb through the layers of the earth, while Step up to Science hosts a permanent lab with experiments conducted daily, Find out  https://childrensmuseumatlanta.org/

You will work up an appetite with all the fun stuff you’ll be doing and while there is no shortage of great places to eat, one of my favorite spots to chow down is Landmark Diner in Buckhead (there is also a downtown location). This 24-hour diner serves up a variety of different items from American cuisine to Italian and Greek specialties. You shouldn’t leave without having a slice of some of the best dessert in town.

Atlanta is a great family vacation destination and is also perfect for a quick weekend getaway. It’s easy to snag flight deals and to find cheap hotels to this bustling southern city.  I hope you enjoy these top things to do in Atlanta as much as I did.