20 Things to do in Atlanta
Atlanta, the vibrant capital of Georgia, is a city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and Southern hospitality. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to world-class museums and delicious cuisine, Atlanta offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of the arts, here are 20 must-do activities to make the most of your time in Atlanta:
Sightseeing:
1. Centennial Olympic Park: Explore Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, featuring fountains, sculptures, and beautiful landscaping, as well as the iconic Fountain of Rings.
2. Georgia Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the underwater world at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to thousands of marine animals including whale sharks, beluga whales, and sea otters.
3. World of Coca-Cola: Discover the history and heritage of the world's most famous soft drink at the World of Coca-Cola, where you can explore exhibits, taste different Coca-Cola products from around the world, and meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden: Wander through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, featuring stunning displays of flowers, plants, and sculptures spread across 30 acres, including the Canopy Walk and the Fuqua Orchid Center.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Pay homage to the civil rights leader at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which includes his childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Cultural Experiences:
6. The High Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in art and culture at The High Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of artworks spanning from classic to contemporary, including pieces by renowned artists like Monet, Picasso, and Warhol.
7. Atlanta History Center: Step back in time at the Atlanta History Center, where you can explore historic houses, gardens, and exhibits that showcase the city's rich history and heritage.
8. Fox Theatre: Catch a show at the Fox Theatre, a historic landmark known for its lavish Moorish architecture and hosting Broadway musicals, concerts, and other live performances.
9. The Center for Civil and Human Rights: Gain insight into the struggle for civil and human rights at The Center for Civil and Human Rights, featuring interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that educate and inspire.
10. Ponce City Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ponce City Market, a historic building transformed into a mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, offices, and entertainment venues.
Shows and Entertainment:
11. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy a classical concert by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, performing a diverse repertoire of symphonic music at the iconic Woodruff Arts Center.
12. Theater Performances: Catch a play or musical at one of Atlanta's acclaimed theater companies, such as the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, or the Horizon Theatre Company.
13. Comedy Clubs: Laugh out loud at one of Atlanta's comedy clubs, featuring stand-up comedians and improv troupes performing at venues like The Punchline and Dad's Garage Theatre Company.
Culinary Delights:
14. Southern Cuisine: Indulge in classic Southern cuisine at renowned restaurants like Mary Mac's Tea Room, The Busy Bee Cafe, or Paschal's, where you can savor dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and peach cobbler.
15. International Flavors: Explore Atlanta's diverse culinary scene with international cuisines from around the world, including Korean barbecue in Buford Highway, Ethiopian injera in Little Five Points, and Vietnamese pho in Doraville.
16. Food Markets: Visit food markets like the Sweet Auburn Curb Market or the Krog Street Market, where you can sample a variety of gourmet foods, artisanal products, and local specialties.
Outdoor Activities:
17. Piedmont Park: Enjoy outdoor recreation at Piedmont Park, Atlanta's largest and most popular park, offering walking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and stunning views of the city skyline.
18. Atlanta BeltLine: Explore the Atlanta BeltLine, a network of multi-use trails and parks that encircles the city, providing opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying public art installations along the way.
19. Stone Mountain Park: Take a day trip to Stone Mountain Park, where you can hike to the top of the granite mountain, ride the Summit Skyride, and enjoy attractions like the Historic Square and the Geyser Towers.
20. Chattahoochee River: Go kayaking, tubing, or fishing along the Chattahoochee River, which flows through the heart of Atlanta and offers scenic views and outdoor adventures for nature lovers.
From historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, cultural experiences to culinary delights, Atlanta offers a diverse array of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, immersing yourself in its rich history, or enjoying its world-class entertainment and dining options, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the bustling metropolis of Atlanta. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to experience all that Atlanta has to offer!