Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia

1. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium and is home to more than 500 species from around the globe that live in more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water.

Situated in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, this magical aquarium is a must-see. The aquarium is spread out across six large galleries, with more than 70 incredible habitats, ranging from fresh water river scenes and brightly colored coral reefs to penguin colonies and deep-sea tanks. Home to thousands of marine animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, sea otters and exotic fish, the aquarium aims to support, preserve and educate visitors about the incredible biodiversity of the ocean system.

The aquarium has live shows, such as a dolphin show which highlights the connection between animals and humans, and the 3D underwater show, which focuses on the importance of conservation and protection of marine animals. Special encounter programs allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the animals, like dolphins, sea otters, and penguins and brave guests can dive with whale sharks and manta rays in the Ocean Voyager, the world's largest aquarium habitat. This world-famous Atlanta attraction is not to be missed.

225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, Phone: 404-581-4000

2. Atlanta History Center

Located in the heart of historic Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center highlights Georgia’s rich history and heritage through award-winning exhibitions, living history programs, lectures and annual festivals.

Spread across 33 acres of pristine land, the Atlanta History Center is home to the Atlanta History Museum (one of the largest history museums in the nation), Centennial Olympic Games Museum, Smith Family Farm, Swan House, the Kenan Research Center, and six historic gardens. Designed to honor and preserve the legacy of Gone with the Wind author, Margaret Mitchell, the Margaret Mitchell House is also part of the center, however is located off-site at the Midtown campus. The Atlanta History Center is open seven days a week, with free parking and easy access from the I-75, and offers comprehensive tour packages for groups.

130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, Phone: 404-814-4000

3. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Established in 1980, the The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site celebrates and pays tribute to the famous civil rights leader.

The park is home to several important buildings that played a role in his life.

Visitors can take a guided tour through the park, following in the footsteps of one of America’s most famous men. Spread over 35 acres, the park consists of several buildings surrounding Martin Luther King’s boyhood home on Auburn Avenue in the historic district of Sweet Auburn.

450 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30331, Phone: 404-331-5190

4. Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is an institution with the goal to educate, enlighten and entertain children and adults through the ancient art form of puppetry.

Situated in the heart of the city’s arts district in Midtown, the center features live puppet performances, educational programs and one of the few puppet museums in the world. Puppet performances held at the center include the Family Series, a collection of adapted classic stories performed in a variety puppetry styles; the New Directions Series, which features teen and adult-oriented shows by local and visiting companies; and the Film Series, productions related to puppetry.

The Center also offers a variety of classes and workshops for adults and children alike, such as ‘Create-A-Puppet’ workshops’, where children are taught how to build and make their own puppets.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Atlanta with kids, this is a great choice. The Center’s museum - Puppets: The Power of Wonder – is an interactive museum with an excellent collection of over 350 puppets from around the world.

1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, Phone: 404-873-3391

5. World of Coca-Cola

Explore the fascinating story of Coca Cola, the world’s most famous beverage and brand at this dynamic, multimedia museum at Pemberton Place.

Name after the pharmacist who created Coca-Cola in 1886, Pemberton Place covers 20 acres of green urban space in the heart of Atlanta. The museum has a range of exciting and interactive exhibits to explore.

Wander through the Bottle Works and watch the fully functioning bottling line at work, filling and bottling the world’s favorite beverage. Visit the vault where the legendary secret formula for Coca Cola is kept and take in a thrilling 4-D theater show about the brand.

See the world’s largest collection of Coca Cola memorabilia in the Milestones of Refreshment exhibit, and taste beverages from around the world in the ‘Taste It!’ lounge.

World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, Phone: 404-676-5151

6. Stop for a meal at Wagaya Westside

When you’re craving quality Japanese noodles in Atlanta, you go to Wagaya Westside.

339 14th ST NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, Phone: 470-575-5799

7. Enjoy a sunny day in Piedmont Park

Situated between Atlanta’s Midtown and Virginia-Highland neighborhoods, Piedmont Park is a 189-acre urban park that serves as a cultural and recreational green space for the city.

Originally designed by Joseph Johnson and later by Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmsted, the park has served as an athletic center for baseball and football, playing host to Atlanta’s first professional baseball team and the Georgia versus Auburn football rivalry. Today, the park is a beautiful green space from which to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, with lovely picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, tennis courts and the Lake Clara Meer dock.

The granite staircases and lush green landscapes of Magnolia Hall and Lawn, Greystone, Dockside and Promenade offer picturesque spaces for special occasions like weddings, parties and other events.

1342 Worchester Dr. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306, Phone: 404-875-7275

8. Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Michael C. Carlos Museum is an art museum located in the historic district on Emory University’s main campus and features one of the largest ancient art collections in the Southeast.

Housed in a building designed by famous architect Michael Graves, the museum’s collection consists of over 16,000 ancient objects, sculptures and pieces of art from Greece, Rome, Egypt, Africa and the ancient Americas.

In addition to the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum also presents a variety of educational programs in the form of lectures, workshops, performances and symposia, and boasts a conservation center and teaching laboratory.

Art Odyssey is an outreach program run by the museum with the aim of bringing art, archaeology and history to the children of Georgia.

571 South Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, Phone: 404-727-4282

9. High Museum of Art

Situated in a stately home on Peachtree Street, the High Museum of Art is one of the leading art museums, housing an acclaimed collection of classic and contemporary art.

The museum boasts more than 14,000 works of art in its permanent collection, including an extensive treasury of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art, a handpicked selection of African American art, and growing collections of European paintings, modern and contemporary art, folk art, photography, and African art.

The museum offers special family programs and teen events, as well as guided tours, lectures, and late Friday night openings. The museum has two cafés that serve light meals and beverages, as well as a full service restaurant with a local farm-to-fork menu and an excellent wine list.

1280 Peachtree Street N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309, Phone: 404-733-4444