Best Things To Do In Atlanta
November 25, 2007
On holidays like this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m often asked by friends or family for my list of the best attractions and things to do in Atlanta, my home town. Here's my blog list of Atlanta's Top Attractions.
Tip: Planning your trip to Atlanta to see these attractions is easy by using this interactive map that shows all Things To Do In Atlanta on HappyMappy.com . Just click any map point to visit the website for the attraction. To move around the map, zoom in by double clicking any map area, or drag the map (with your mouse button and new attractions draw wherever you explore.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The National Park Service manages the 16 separate areas in the recreation area, which stretches over 48 miles along the river bank from northwestern Atlanta to near the dam at Lake Lanier. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display along the river trails, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish for trout in the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon.
Silver Comet Trail
Just west of Atlanta in Cobb County is the eastern trailhead for a 60-mile biking adventure along a former railway ending at the Georgia-Alabama border, where the Chief Ladiga trail takes you even further west. Highlights are crossing a 750-foot railroad trestle and the 800-foot Brushy Mountain Tunnel. Rent a bike or skates at the Silver Comet Depot.
The giant pandas are the hands-down favorite attraction here, but Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest was one of North America’s first naturalistic gorilla habitats when it opened in 1989 and is now home to 23 gorillas. The zoo is a good half-day attraction within Atlanta's historic Grant Park, which also has the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum (below).
Atlanta Botanical Garden
A nice way to spend an hour or two is a walk in the outdoor gardens, or inside the Fuqua Conservatory and the Orchid Center that includes species from all over the tropical world. You'll think you are in a rainforest at the equator. The garden is adjacent to Atlanta's Piedmont Park.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Just east of downtown, the National Park Service visitor center has fine exhibits reflecting the history of the civil rights movement. A short walk leads you to the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr., the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he and his father preached, and his tomb where he rests with wife Coretta Scott King at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. About two hours is needed.
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
Located two miles east of downtown off the Freedom Parkway, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is part of the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal government agency. The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976 - 1981). An exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters are also featured. A permanent exhibit of significant events occurring during Jimmy Carter's life and political career includes photographs with interpretative text.
Georgia State Capitol Tours
Georgia State Capitol Tours begin at the Capitol tour desk (located near the Washington Street entrance) and consist of a brief overview of Capitol history and the lawmaking process; a visit to the public galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate; and conclude with a visit to the Georgia Capitol Museum. The museum is in the State Capitol building and interprets the history of the building itself, as well as the events that have taken place within its walls. Exhibits include historic artifacts and works of art and a fine collection of specimens of Georgia minerals, plants and soils. The Hall of Valor on the first floor displays historic battle flags.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Only at Fernbank Museum can you come face-to-face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibitions and more! And you won’t want to miss stunning rotating special exhibitions or the incredible 5-story experience of an IMAX® film.
The Civil War
Naturally people visit Atlanta expecting to learn about the Civil War. You can view a HappyMappy.com map of all Civil War related attractions in north Georgia. But here's three that I tell war buffs definitely not to miss...
Atlanta History Center
There's a fine collection of Civil War artifacts and historical info on display here, and you can tour the adjacent Swan House (pictured). The museum also features the official collection from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a gallery about the history of the city.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Sadly the areas where the Battle of Atlanta took place weren't preserved and lie beneath subdivisions and shopping centers, but one important battlefield site was preserved. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,888 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman's army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston's army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign. The visitor center provides introductory information about the Battlefield and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs. The hike up the mountain is one of the better adventures in metro Atlanta, an elevation of 708 feet is gained in the short 1.2 miles.
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Often overlooked by Atlanta visitors, this great attraction is well worth an hour of your time. The Atlanta Cyclorama has been on display in Atlanta since 1893. A cyclorama is a large cylindrical painting. Tour guides conduct a forty-minute, two part educational program on the Battle of Atlanta. Part I is a 14 minute film detailing the Civil War events that led to the Battle of Atlanta. For Part II guests are escorted into the Cyclorama where they experience the battle in a revolving theater designed for the giant circular painting. The story is told through narration, music, art and sound effects, so history comes alive and takes you back to July 22, 1864 to become part of the battle. In addition to the giant circular painting, the museum features the locomotive Texas of The Great Train Race and numerous Civil War museum exhibits. The Cyclorama is in historic Grant Park at the entrance to the Atlanta Zoo.
Peachtree Battle at Ansley Park Playhouse
My must do/see! This is where you will experience the real South, and loose your breath as you laugh so hard you'll cry! What started years ago as a comedy in a tiny theater on Peachtree Street has turned into the longest running show in Atlanta history, now performed in the new Ansley Park Playhouse. What happens when the son of one of Atlanta's high society families announces his engagement... to a Hooters girl? Mix in the alcoholic grandmother, a cheating husband, a carb-counting daughter, the oldest gay son, and a "guest worker" maid from across the border, and this blueblood family wedding is truly a Peachtree Battle! Tip: Tickets can be hard to come by at times, so visit the website early to make your reservations.
Woodruff Arts Center
Just north of downtown in Midtown Atlanta at Peachtree Street & 15th, visitors find all our major arts attractions within one campus! Since its inception, the Woodruff Arts Center has grown into the most dynamic center for the visual and performing arts in the South and is among the top such centers in the nation. Today the Woodruff Arts Center includes the Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, Young Audiences, 14th Street Playhouse and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Following are details on each Atlanta attraction.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art, founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association, is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. Located in Atlanta 's Midtown arts and business district, the High has over 11,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Three new buildings, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, more than double the Museum's size to 312,000 square feet. In October 2006, momentum continued with the opening of Louvre Atlanta. This partnership with the Louvre Museum in Paris will bring hundreds of works of art from the Louvre’s collections to Atlanta through 2009.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year, with its main subscription series augmented by pops series, family concerts, and a full summer schedule including classical, pops, and free parks concerts.
Alliance Theatre
Now in its 38th season, Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre is the leading professional resident theatre of the Southeast, creating the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people on two stages for youth and adult audiences. The Alliance Theatre, known for its national role in creating significant theatrical works, launched two Tony Award-winning hits to Broadway: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. It has premiered many other works and has originated the national tour of a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
Fox Theatre
It's worth visiting the Fox simply for the 1925 architecture. A National Historic Landmark, it is a beautifully outlandish, opulent, grandiose monument to the heady excesses of the 1920's, a mosque-like structure complete with minarets, onion domes, and an interior decor which was even more lavish than its facade. Today, the 5,000 seat theatre features an ever changing lineup of live music concerts by the nation's top stars, Broadway musicals, films and performing arts.
Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University
Hiding on the campus of Emory University is this little-known gem where you should spend two hours. Housed in a distinguished building by renowned architect Michael Graves, the Carlos maintains the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast with objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, and the ancient Americas. The Museum is also home to collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century sub-Saharan African art and European and American works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day.
Booth Western Museum of Art
Western art in the South? Indeed, a very fine museum in Cartersville northwest of Atlanta is well worth the drive. This 80,000 square foot Museum opened in August 2003 with main galleries featuring contemporary Western American art. Other galleries feature Civil War art, Presidential portraits and letters, Western movie posters, and Western illustration. Sagebrush Ranch is an interactive gallery where children of all ages can learn about art and Western America. The Museum’s Special Exhibit Gallery hosts three to five temporary exhibits per year.
As the largest city in the South, Atlanta has great sports attractions...
Atlanta Braves
Turner Field Tours plus Braves Museum & Hall of Fame
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Hawks
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
For more trip ideas see Cool Places and USA Things To Do.
Tip: Planning your trip to Atlanta to see these attractions is easy by using this interactive map that shows all Things To Do In Atlanta on HappyMappy.com . Just click any map point to visit the website for the attraction. To move around the map, zoom in by double clicking any map area, or drag the map (with your mouse button and new attractions draw wherever you explore.
Most Popular
The following four major attractions all border Centennial Olympic Park and can be located on this close up map of downtown Atlanta at HappyMappy.com 
Georgia Aquarium
Built by Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus who wanted to create the world's greatest aquarium, this #1 Atlanta attraction features the largest aquarium window in the world. It's the only place in the western world where you'll view giant whale sharks, like the one pictured here. Hints: Only so many people are admitted each hour with timed tickets. Buy and print your tickets online for the 9 AM opening on busy days (weekends or holidays or when there's a big convention in Atlanta) and you'll be the first admitted and enjoy the smaller crowds. Plan 2-3 hours here.
New World of Coca Cola
Coke donated the land for the Georgia Aquarium and then next door built their newest World of Coca Cola, the interactive museum adventure that lets you learn everything about one of the world's best-known brands. Plan 1-2 hours here, before or after your ticket times to attend the aquarium.
CNN Studio Tour
This 55-minute behind-the-scenes tour shows you exactly what it takes to deliver the news available to over 2 billion people worldwide. The CNN Center has a large food court and is a good place to eat when visiting downtown Atlanta. It links to the adjacent Philips Arena, the major venue where large concert events are held. (Hint: get CNN Tour tickets in advance if many tourists are in town for a convention or event. Tours are on the hour.)
Centennial Olympic Park
This park was built as the public gathering place for the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta. Lots of activities are held here during the year, so check their website calendar. The giant July 4th fireworks show is the largest in the Southeast and features a live music concert. When events aren't happening, in warmer weather you'll have fun watching city kids dancing in swimsuits in the Olympic Fountain of Rings. 365 days a year, the fountain plays a 20-minute orchestrated music, light & water show at 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 and 9 PM. Catch it if you can, it's fun. I like eating my carryout food from the CNN Center food court while watching the 12:30 or 6:30 PM show in the park. In winter, there's an ice skating rink, and Christmas decorations to enjoy.
Six Flags Over Georgia
It takes a day to enjoy the 35+ rides within the theme park, including 11 roller coasters and state of the art thrill rides like Goliath and Superman: Ultimate Flight, the South's only flying roller coaster! You'll also find a wide variety of great entertainment. Concerts. Characters. A one-of-a-kind parade. Open weekends in spring and fall and daily in warmer months.
Stone Mountain Park
You can easily spend a whole day at Stone Mountain Park, transformed from a state park into a major Atlanta attraction. Here's a sampling of what's in the park...
- Rides: Summit Skyride takes you by cable car to the mountain top. Scenic Railroad loops for 5 miles around the mountain. Ride The Ducks on an amphibious sightseeing tour. Cruise the lake on the Paddlewheel Riverboat or in your own Pedal Boat.
- Outdoors: View the largest high relief sculpture in the world, the Confederate Memorial Carving, depicts three Confederate heroes of the Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Hike the 1.3 mile trail up Stone Mountain. The daily concert from our 732-bell Carillon is one of the true joys of Stone Mountain Park. Golfing, fishing, hiking trails, biking.
- Historical attractions: Discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall. Visit the Crossroads area and transport yourself to an 1870s southern town. Tour the Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard.
- Entertainment: Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of entertaining and interactive shows throughout the year. A must see/do is the nightly laser and fireworks show performed during warmer months in front of the mountain. There are also special events and festivals, check the website calendar.
- Holiday season: The park turns into a Christmas wonderland with decorations, the Polar Express 4D Experience, Sing-Along Christmas Train, and more.
Outdoor Attractions
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The National Park Service manages the 16 separate areas in the recreation area, which stretches over 48 miles along the river bank from northwestern Atlanta to near the dam at Lake Lanier. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display along the river trails, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish for trout in the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon.
Silver Comet Trail
Just west of Atlanta in Cobb County is the eastern trailhead for a 60-mile biking adventure along a former railway ending at the Georgia-Alabama border, where the Chief Ladiga trail takes you even further west. Highlights are crossing a 750-foot railroad trestle and the 800-foot Brushy Mountain Tunnel. Rent a bike or skates at the Silver Comet Depot.
The giant pandas are the hands-down favorite attraction here, but Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest was one of North America’s first naturalistic gorilla habitats when it opened in 1989 and is now home to 23 gorillas. The zoo is a good half-day attraction within Atlanta's historic Grant Park, which also has the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum (below).
Atlanta Botanical Garden
A nice way to spend an hour or two is a walk in the outdoor gardens, or inside the Fuqua Conservatory and the Orchid Center that includes species from all over the tropical world. You'll think you are in a rainforest at the equator. The garden is adjacent to Atlanta's Piedmont Park.
History
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Just east of downtown, the National Park Service visitor center has fine exhibits reflecting the history of the civil rights movement. A short walk leads you to the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr., the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he and his father preached, and his tomb where he rests with wife Coretta Scott King at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. About two hours is needed.
Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
Located two miles east of downtown off the Freedom Parkway, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is part of the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal government agency. The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976 - 1981). An exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters are also featured. A permanent exhibit of significant events occurring during Jimmy Carter's life and political career includes photographs with interpretative text.
Georgia State Capitol Tours
Georgia State Capitol Tours begin at the Capitol tour desk (located near the Washington Street entrance) and consist of a brief overview of Capitol history and the lawmaking process; a visit to the public galleries of the House of Representatives and Senate; and conclude with a visit to the Georgia Capitol Museum. The museum is in the State Capitol building and interprets the history of the building itself, as well as the events that have taken place within its walls. Exhibits include historic artifacts and works of art and a fine collection of specimens of Georgia minerals, plants and soils. The Hall of Valor on the first floor displays historic battle flags.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Only at Fernbank Museum can you come face-to-face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth through the landscapes of present-day Georgia, connect with cultures from around the globe, engage in a variety of hands-on exhibitions and more! And you won’t want to miss stunning rotating special exhibitions or the incredible 5-story experience of an IMAX® film.
The Civil War
Naturally people visit Atlanta expecting to learn about the Civil War. You can view a HappyMappy.com map of all Civil War related attractions in north Georgia. But here's three that I tell war buffs definitely not to miss...
Atlanta History Center
There's a fine collection of Civil War artifacts and historical info on display here, and you can tour the adjacent Swan House (pictured). The museum also features the official collection from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a gallery about the history of the city.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Sadly the areas where the Battle of Atlanta took place weren't preserved and lie beneath subdivisions and shopping centers, but one important battlefield site was preserved. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,888 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman's army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston's army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign. The visitor center provides introductory information about the Battlefield and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs. The hike up the mountain is one of the better adventures in metro Atlanta, an elevation of 708 feet is gained in the short 1.2 miles.
Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum
Often overlooked by Atlanta visitors, this great attraction is well worth an hour of your time. The Atlanta Cyclorama has been on display in Atlanta since 1893. A cyclorama is a large cylindrical painting. Tour guides conduct a forty-minute, two part educational program on the Battle of Atlanta. Part I is a 14 minute film detailing the Civil War events that led to the Battle of Atlanta. For Part II guests are escorted into the Cyclorama where they experience the battle in a revolving theater designed for the giant circular painting. The story is told through narration, music, art and sound effects, so history comes alive and takes you back to July 22, 1864 to become part of the battle. In addition to the giant circular painting, the museum features the locomotive Texas of The Great Train Race and numerous Civil War museum exhibits. The Cyclorama is in historic Grant Park at the entrance to the Atlanta Zoo.
Arts
Peachtree Battle at Ansley Park Playhouse
My must do/see! This is where you will experience the real South, and loose your breath as you laugh so hard you'll cry! What started years ago as a comedy in a tiny theater on Peachtree Street has turned into the longest running show in Atlanta history, now performed in the new Ansley Park Playhouse. What happens when the son of one of Atlanta's high society families announces his engagement... to a Hooters girl? Mix in the alcoholic grandmother, a cheating husband, a carb-counting daughter, the oldest gay son, and a "guest worker" maid from across the border, and this blueblood family wedding is truly a Peachtree Battle! Tip: Tickets can be hard to come by at times, so visit the website early to make your reservations.
Woodruff Arts Center
Just north of downtown in Midtown Atlanta at Peachtree Street & 15th, visitors find all our major arts attractions within one campus! Since its inception, the Woodruff Arts Center has grown into the most dynamic center for the visual and performing arts in the South and is among the top such centers in the nation. Today the Woodruff Arts Center includes the Alliance Theatre, High Museum of Art, Young Audiences, 14th Street Playhouse and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Following are details on each Atlanta attraction.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art, founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association, is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. Located in Atlanta 's Midtown arts and business district, the High has over 11,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Three new buildings, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, more than double the Museum's size to 312,000 square feet. In October 2006, momentum continued with the opening of Louvre Atlanta. This partnership with the Louvre Museum in Paris will bring hundreds of works of art from the Louvre’s collections to Atlanta through 2009.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year, with its main subscription series augmented by pops series, family concerts, and a full summer schedule including classical, pops, and free parks concerts.
Alliance Theatre
Now in its 38th season, Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre is the leading professional resident theatre of the Southeast, creating the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people on two stages for youth and adult audiences. The Alliance Theatre, known for its national role in creating significant theatrical works, launched two Tony Award-winning hits to Broadway: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. It has premiered many other works and has originated the national tour of a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
Fox Theatre
It's worth visiting the Fox simply for the 1925 architecture. A National Historic Landmark, it is a beautifully outlandish, opulent, grandiose monument to the heady excesses of the 1920's, a mosque-like structure complete with minarets, onion domes, and an interior decor which was even more lavish than its facade. Today, the 5,000 seat theatre features an ever changing lineup of live music concerts by the nation's top stars, Broadway musicals, films and performing arts.
Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University
Hiding on the campus of Emory University is this little-known gem where you should spend two hours. Housed in a distinguished building by renowned architect Michael Graves, the Carlos maintains the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast with objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, and the ancient Americas. The Museum is also home to collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century sub-Saharan African art and European and American works on paper from the Renaissance to the present day.
Booth Western Museum of Art
Western art in the South? Indeed, a very fine museum in Cartersville northwest of Atlanta is well worth the drive. This 80,000 square foot Museum opened in August 2003 with main galleries featuring contemporary Western American art. Other galleries feature Civil War art, Presidential portraits and letters, Western movie posters, and Western illustration. Sagebrush Ranch is an interactive gallery where children of all ages can learn about art and Western America. The Museum’s Special Exhibit Gallery hosts three to five temporary exhibits per year.
Sports
As the largest city in the South, Atlanta has great sports attractions...
Atlanta Braves
Turner Field Tours plus Braves Museum & Hall of Fame
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Hawks
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
For more trip ideas see Cool Places and USA Things To Do.
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