Things to Do in Atlanta: Attractions, History & Activities

Atlanta’s cultural weight comes disproportionately from its Civil Rights history — this is Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace, the home of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the location of the only museum in the United States dedicated to both the American Civil Rights Movement and international human rights. Beyond that, the city offers a world-class aquarium, a walkable park-and-trail corridor (the BeltLine), and neighbourhoods with distinct characters that reward slow exploration on foot.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

The MLK National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE, Sweet Auburn) is the most historically significant attraction in Atlanta and one of the most important in the American South. The park is free to enter; specific components vary:

The Birth Home (501 Auburn Ave) — the house where King was born on January 15, 1929. Ranger-led tours are free but require timed entry passes from recreation.gov. The house is small and intimate; the 30-minute tour covers the family’s history, King’s childhood, and the Sweet Auburn neighbourhood’s significance. Book passes well in advance for spring and summer visits.

Ebenezer Baptist Church (101 Jackson St NE) — the church where King’s grandfather Alfred Daniel Williams Williams and father Martin Luther King Sr. both served as pastor, and where King Jr. was baptised and later co-pastored. Self-guided audio tours are free. The original 1922 church building (Heritage Sanctuary) is across the street from the current 1999 building.

The King Center (449 Auburn Ave NE) — includes the Freedom Hall complex and, in the courtyard, the marble crypts of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King over a reflecting pool. Free to visit. The Eternal Flame burns above the pool.

Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit to the park. The Sweet Auburn neighbourhood surrounding it — the historic commercial and residential centre of Black Atlanta from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century — has murals and historical markers worth seeing on a self-guided walk.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The NCCHR (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park) opened in 2014 and focuses on both the American Civil Rights Movement and contemporary human rights issues globally. Adults approximately $19.99, children (4–12) approximately $14.99 (as of 2026). Open Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday noon–5pm.

The most powerful exhibit is the lunch counter simulation: visitors sit at a replica 1960s diner counter, place their hands on the counter sensor, and experience a simulation of the harassment that lunch counter protesters endured — recorded audio, flashing lights, physical sensation through the countertop. The experience lasts about two minutes and gives context to an act of resistance that photographs alone don’t convey.

The Voice to the Voiceless gallery documents the civil rights movements of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, Gandhi’s India, and others, situating the American movement within a global context.

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW) is one of the largest in the world by water volume, holding approximately 10 million gallons in its 70 exhibits. Adults approximately $39.95, children (3–12) approximately $29.95 (as of 2026). Open daily 10am–5pm, until 6pm on weekends and most holidays. Advance tickets are strongly recommended in summer and during school holidays.

The signature exhibit is Ocean Voyager, a single tank holding approximately 6.3 million gallons — home to four whale sharks (the largest fish in the world), four manta rays, and thousands of other fish. The main viewing tunnel is 100 feet long. Overhead and side viewing allows fish to be visible in all directions.

Other exhibits: Tropical Diver (seahorses, leafy sea dragons, jellyfish), AT&T Dolphin Tales (beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins; presentations approximately every 90 minutes), and the California Sea Lion Splash show. The aquarium is large enough to occupy 4–5 hours comfortably.

World of Coca-Cola

World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW) is adjacent to the aquarium and shares the Pemberton Place complex. Adults approximately $22, children (3–12) approximately $16 (as of 2026). Open daily 10am–5pm.

The museum traces the drink’s history from pharmacist John Pemberton’s 1886 formula through global domination. The Taste It room is the genuine draw: approximately 100 Coca-Cola products from around the world available for self-serve tasting, including several formulations not sold in the United States. Beverly (an Italian bitters-based Coke product) and various Southeast Asian sodas are the reliably memorable experiences.

The Vault of the Secret Formula exhibit is a theatrical presentation with actors and locked vault doors that is aimed primarily at children but reasonably entertaining regardless. Combined with the aquarium, both attractions fill a full day downtown for approximately $60–$70 per adult.

The Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is a 22-mile loop of former freight rail right-of-way converted into multi-use trails and parks. Approximately 80% is complete as of 2026; completion of the full loop is targeted for 2030.

Eastside Trail — the most developed section, running approximately 3.1 miles from Piedmont Park (10th Street and Monroe Dr) south to Reynoldstown (Hulsey Yard). Well-lit, paved, flat, and lined with restaurants, bars, and outdoor art. The section between Krog Street Market (Inman Park) and Ponce City Market is the busiest and has the highest density of food and drink options.

Westside Trail — approximately 2.4 miles, running through the English Avenue and Vine City neighbourhoods. Less commercial than the Eastside Trail but passes through historically significant West Side neighbourhoods. Connects to the new Lee + White development with breweries and food halls.

Art on the BeltLine — the largest temporary public art exhibition in the United States runs annually from September through October. Approximately 60–100 art installations appear along the trail sections; free to see from the trail.

Bluebikes (and BeltLine-specific bike rental) is available at multiple trail access points; approximately $5–$10 for a short rental.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum (1280 Peachtree St NE, Midtown) is the leading art museum in the Southeast, with a collection of approximately 19,000 works. Adults approximately $19.50, children (6–17) approximately $12; free for children under 6 (as of 2026). Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm (until 8pm on Friday), Sunday noon–5pm. Closed Monday.

Notable collection strengths: the Souls Grown Deep Foundation collection (approximately 60 works by self-taught African American artists from the South); 19th and 20th century American paintings; European decorative arts including a significant collection of Italian paintings; and a strong photography collection. The Richard Meier-designed building (1983, expanded 2005) is itself architecturally notable — white-enamelled steel panels and a central atrium with a ramped circulation spine.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW) was built for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and now serves as the green heart of the downtown tourist zone. The Fountain of Rings — five Olympic rings that activate into a water feature — runs on a timed schedule from 9am to 10pm daily; the show with music and lights runs at specific times, check the posted schedule. Free to enter; open daily 7am–11pm.

The park is surrounded by the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, and State Farm Arena. The Legacy on Peachtree fountain plaza hosts outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the summer.

Ponce City Market and Surrounding Neighbourhood

Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE) is a restored 1920s Sears distribution centre converted into a food hall, retail, and office space. The food hall spans the ground floor: West Egg Café for breakfast, Fred’s Meat & Bread for burgers, Minero for tacos, and approximately 20 other vendors. Prices approximately $10–$20 per person for lunch.

The Rooftop (ninth floor) has a mini-golf course, carnival games, and food and drink service with BeltLine views. Approximately $10–$20 for activities; food and drink additional.

The neighbourhood surrounding PCM — including the Virginia-Highland and Inman Park areas to the east — is dense with independent restaurants, bars, and shops. Virginia-Highland’s main commercial strip on Highland Avenue is worth an afternoon walk.