8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions To Visit In Atlanta (2024)
The jeweled crown of the South, Atlanta is the capital and the most populous city of Georgia state. Originally a military post during the Civil War era, Atlanta today is a rapidly developing commercial town and metropolitan. In recent years, the city has seen major economic and cultural growth along with famed development in the tourism sector. Not only the Georgians but travellers from across the United States choose it as their go-to vacation spot. From an array of indoor attractions to the classiest outdoor playgrounds, Atlanta has it all when it comes to touristy places.
Regarding tourism, Atlanta boasts a combination of charm and elegance. With Georgia Aquarium being its most popular attraction, no one can stop their feet from entering here. Atlanta has some of Georgia’s best places to eat, explore and shop. You may plan a trip of any budget and will find something or the other interesting to fit into it. And for staying back, there are options from high-end resorts to the most affordable Bed and Breakfast options. Whatever your interests, you’ll be able to find something suitable to plan the holiday. With that said, here is the list of most popular tourist attractions in Atlanta. Have a look:
8 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions To Visit In Atlanta
1. Georgia Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit. It features a huge variety of a wide variety of marine life along with interactive opportunities. The aquarium is home to over 100,000 aquatic creatures, especially some notable species, including beluga whales and whale sharks (the largest sharks in the ocean). The fascinating marine life here is presented through different exhibits, including 4D Theater, the Dolphin Celebration, Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, etc. Besides exploring the attraction on foot, individuals can also dive or snorkel in the tank with the sharks. However, participants must possess a SCUBA diving certification for involving in this unique activity. For any aquarium enthusiast, there isn’t a better place to visit in Atlanta than the Georgia Aquarium.
2. Zoo Atlanta
Once ranked amongst the ten worst zoos in the United States, Zoo Atlanta today portrays a very different picture. After bouncing back in style, this facility today features excellent exhibits and spacious enclosures with eye-catching animals. Today it is home to 200 different species and over 1,500 animals, birds, and reptiles. Zoo Atlanta is centrally located in the Grant Park, making it easier for an individual to spot and access it. A visit here introduces a variety of cute creatures, including giant pandas, gorillas, rhinos, tigers, lions, jaguars, and others in different kinds of habitats. In addition, one can find the wonderful World of Reptiles and observe a variety of creepy crawlies from close. The Zoo authorities offer guided tours, behind-the-scenes animal encounters, after-hour tours, and safari camps.
3. Atlanta Botanical Garden
The most beautiful tourist attraction in Atlanta, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is undoubtedly a must-visit. A visit here will delight you in case things like colour, fragrance, and natural beauty are what you love. Some of the popular features of the Botanical Garden include the Orchid Display House, the Desert House, the Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden and its hydrangeas. This year-round attraction is beautiful throughout, but the best time here is definitely the Spring season. It is when a riot of colours complements almost every single settlement in the garden. One of the finest attractions of the garden is the indoor Fuqua Conservatory. It hosts everything from the nation’s largest orchid collection to tropical, desert, and subtropical plants, tropical birds, poison dart frogs, turtles, and much more. Atlanta Botanical Garden is an ideal place to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature around.
4. The World of Coca Cola
Reportedly known as the Coke king of Atlanta, there is no other museum like the World of Coca-Cola. What brings the presence of this facility here is the fact that the world-famous drink ‘Coca-Cola’ was invented here in Atlanta (May 1886, Dr. John S. Pemberton). Operating as a museum and Coca-Cola headquarters, this is a must-to-go place in Atlanta. The museum illustrates the history and triumphal progress of the world-famous drink in a beautiful manner. A visit here provides visitors insight into Coca-Cola’s secret formula and allows them to slurp and sip more than 100 Coca-Cola Company beverages. The facility allows fascinating tours that are all about how a single simple syrup became the world-famous soft drink. This 20 acres facility is home to multiple features, including Coca-Cola Theater and Bottle Works, a 4D theatre, Scent Discovery, and more. Before going back, do not forget to click with the famous 7-foot Coca-Cola Polar Bear on-site.
5. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is another popular tourist attraction in Atlanta. It is basically a 34.47-acre park that holds its place on the US National Register of Historic Places. Moving a little towards the history, the park includes features like the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. at 501 Auburn Avenue, his Boyhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the World Peace Rose Garden, Gandhi Promenade, and the grave site of King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, King’s wife. Right between King’s birthplace and the on-site church is Fire Station No. 6, which tells his growing-up tales. Individuals from Atlanta and Georgia visit here to pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and take a stroll to soak into the heritage of the site. Once done exploring the site, visit the King Center’s library and spend quality time here.
6. Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is spread over 33 acres comprising multiple attractions within. The facility includes Swan House, Smith Family Farm, Kenna Research Centre, the Atlanta History Museum, Centennial Olympic Games Museum, and multiple historic gardens. Of all the beautiful six historic gardens, Frank A. Smith Rhododendron Garden is one of the most beautiful, especially during springs. A visit to this humungous facility is all about learning about Atlanta’s rich culture, art, history, and heritage. While walking through different attractions inside, visitors can dig deep into everything from initial American settles, local Native American culture, and plantation life to the tales of the legendary Civil war. Visitors also enjoy exploring the 1860s-style garden at the Tullie Smith Farm, especially when the sun isn’t very harsh. The Goizueta Gardens is also one fine place to explore.
7. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Another top-rated tourist attraction in Atlanta, the next on our list, is National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR). Atlanta had a major strategic role in the historic Civil war, and interpretations of that are still to be found here. To the north of Centennial Olympic Park, NCCHR offers stories and tales about the movement’s history and achievements and the epic struggle for human rights. A visit here introduces historical enthusiasts to the history of Jim Crow laws and several artifacts in the name of television newscasts, speeches, photos, videos, personal accounts, and more. Besides, one of the major draws here is Martin Luther King’s personal possessions. The idea of exploring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is great for those who are into Civil war history.
8. High Museum of Art
Atlanta’s one of the most popular attractions, the High Museum of Art, is for all art lovers. Art connoisseurs from across the state ensure visiting here, making it one of the most-visited museums in Georgia. The museum is popular for both its extraordinary collections of art from the Renaissance to the modern-day and, of course, the splendid architecture. The extravagance of exterior and interior by architect Richard Meier and by Italian architect Renzo Piano adds to an individual’s interest. Besides that, for what’s stored inside, there are art splendors by 19th-century French masters and a huge collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art. In addition, its art collection extends to African Art, European paintings, contemporary art, modern art, decorative art, and photography. The museum operates from 10 am to 5 pm for $16.50 for general admission and free admission for kids below six years of age.
Other popular and top-rated tourist attractions in Atlanta
- College Football Hall of Fame (A must-visit for sports enthusiasts).
- Historic Oakland Cemetery (An ideal place to take a walk around and soak in the peace).
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Best stop to explore Science and Natural History Phenomena).
- Ponce City Market (Ideal for shopping and dining experiences in Atlanta).
- Stone Mountain Park (The most popular outdoor attraction near Atlanta).
