5 Places Everyone Should Visit in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia is one of the brightest and most bustling metropolises in the Southeast. As the capital city of Georgia, the hip-hop capital of the world, and the home of one of the world’s busiest airports, Atlanta is right in the middle of the global stage for creativity and tourist destinations.

Atlanta is home to many attractions, but there are five that stand above the rest as must-see attractions for first time visitor and hometown residents alike:

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Founded in 1976 the Atlanta Botanical Garden has “grown” into one of the city’s most visited destinations. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, the 30-acre gardens spread out like a colorful oasis in the middle of Atlanta’s concrete jungle. The Botanical Garden is home to an award-winning Children’s Garden, the serene Storza Woods which includes a unique and fun Canopy Walk, and the beautiful Skyline Garden. The Garden is always changing and evolving with new exhibits coming and going throughout the year. They currently have a larger than life Alice in Wonderland exhibit that will be on display until November 1^st, 2020. The Garden also hosts many different events, classes, and cocktail evenings to ensure that people from all walks of life can find their perfect outdoor escape.

The Georgia Aquarium

Summers in the South can be brutally hot, and the Georgia Aquarium offers a cool and refreshing indoor experience for visitors young and old. Containing over 10 million gallons of water and hundreds of different species, this aquarium is sure to leave a very large impact. The Georgia Aquarium has several notable species that make it a rarity among aquariums. It is the only institution outside of Asia that houses whale sharks. The Aquarium was designed around a 6.3 million US gallon exhibit to home these gentle giants. It is also one of only four sites in the world displaying a manta ray, which can have a wingspan of almost 20 feet. The Aquarium is also home to many events, programs, and immersive experiences that make it a must-see location for all animal and marine lovers.

World of Coca-Cola

Originally located in Underground Atlanta, the new World of Coca-Cola location at Pemberton Place provides an immersive and interactive experience as guests learn more about the world’s best-known beverage brand. The World of Coke offers a wide range of attractions including multiple theaters, history walk-throughs, a bottling exhibit, a Coca-Cola store, and a pop-culture attraction. One of guests’ favorite exhibits is the “Taste It” room, where you are invited to try different soda variations from around the world. From its invention, to the centennial Olympics, to today, Coca-Cola has been a corner stone of Atlanta culture for decades and will continue to be so far into the future. First time visitors and locals can all find something to learn and love at the World of Coca-Cola.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Also, located in Pemberton Place right in the heart of Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights is another must-see destination. The Center is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s struggle for Global Human Rights. Explore the story of the American Civil Rights Movement as told through original works of art, music, videos, artifacts, and dynamic interactive experiences. The Center also includes an exhibit called the “Human Rights Gallery” which explains what human rights are, why they deserve protection, and an opportunity to meet people that are making a difference and helping protect the rights of individuals around the world. The Center would make a great stop on any Atlanta based field trip but can also add some depth to any ordinary outing in the city for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park is located in the center of some of Atlanta’s most popular destinations. This beautiful 22-acre park was built as the world’s gathering place during the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996 and is now the anchor for Atlanta’s downtown entertainment and hospitality district. Surrounded by locations such as Pemberton Place, the College Football Hall of Fame, the CNN Center, and the Georgia World Congress Center the Park provides a beautiful and expansive green space where visitor can rest, relax, and play all within walking distance of endless entertainment opportunities. Visitors can cool off in the iconic Fountain of Rings, take a selfie at The Spectacular, attend a concert or event at the Southern Company Theater, or frolic in any of the park’s numerous green spaces. Centennial Park is home to events year-round and is one of Atlanta’s most versatile attractions. The fun that can be had is only limited by the imaginations of visitors!

Atlanta, GA is a beautiful and bustling city with so many different opportunities for entertainment, education, and inspiration. These five destinations are by no means the limit to what Atlanta has to offer, but they serve as a great ice breaker for any first-time visitors and are classic favorites of locals. The next time you are planning a trip to the Peach State make sure to squeeze in a stop at one or two of these gems!