Sweet Tea & Sunshine: 15 Best Things to Do in Atlanta

If you find yourself near 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW, make sure to step inside the Center for Civil and Human Rights. This meaningful destination gives visitors a chance to learn more about the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

The experience emphasizes the fundamental importance of human rights activism and efforts over the decades and centuries.

It might seem strange to put a cemetery on your itinerary, but Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta mixes amazing stonework and landscaping with an incredible history that makes it more of a gallery.

Located at 248 Oakland Avenue SE, Oakland Cemetery was established in 1850 and is filled with breathtaking sculptures paired with lush plants and flowers.

History buffs will love that this cemetery is the final resting place for important figures dating back to the Civil War. There’s even a Civil War Highlight Tour you can book in advance.

If your heart is set on dining and shopping through Atlanta, then Little Five Point is the place to be. This bustling area is found opposite iconic Inman Park at 299 Moreland Avenue NE.

Here, visitors can find everything from novelty shops and coffee houses to bookstores, apparel boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage goods or can’t wait to grab a drink with friends, you’ll find everything you seek.

Atlanta’s energy is inspiring to artists of all types. You can enjoy that inspiration on stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, this performing arts center is found right in the heart of downtown.

Visitors to the city will find they can book tickets in advance for everything from stage plays to musical performances. There’s even an art gallery on-site to enjoy before and after shows. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, however, you may be most familiar with this building as the CDC in the season 1 finale.

Something is refreshing about a stroll through a gorgeous garden surrounded by color and beauty. Located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a great place to walk at your leisure and learn about plants, flowers, and grasses.

Since opening in 1976, this destination has continued to appeal to horticultural enthusiasts from near and far. There’s an outdoor kitchen exhibit to enjoy as well as an edible garden on-site.

Some of the world’s biggest brand names call Atlanta home, most notably Coca-Cola. When you’re in town and looking to learn more about the origins of the brand and the production process, a visit to the World of Coca-Cola shouldn’t be missed.

Situated at 121 Baker Street NW, the World of Coca-Cola is a tribute to the drink that pharmacist John S. Pemberton first created in 1886. During a visit, you’ll get a first-hand look at the rise of Coca-Cola and how its brand image has transitioned through time.

Piedmont Park is a good place to relax when you’ve spent time exploring and could use a peaceful break. Situated at 400 Park Drive NE, Piedmont Park is a popular stop that offers ample green space in the city’s heart.

Piedmont Park first opened in 1895 and since that time, has continued to welcome guests who walk, stroll, or lounge their way through a sunny day.

The past and present have a way of finding an appealing balance in Atlanta. No place puts that on display better than Ponce City Market.

Located at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Ponce City Market is a vibrant cultural hub built in a restored Sears facility dating back to 1926. Here, visitors will find a plethora of restaurants, shops, and workspaces to explore.

Don’t miss out on visiting Skyline Park, which sits above the market and hosts a mini-golf course, boardwalk games, and a beer garden.

Found at 225 Baker Street NW, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest of its kind in the entire world!

First opened in 2005, the aquarium has earned the title of hosting the highest number of marine creatures of any aquarium in the U.S. It’s an amazing place to visit with the family when you’re looking for a stop that pairs education and fun.

There are six different galleries within the aquarium, which house everything from dolphins and whale sharks to sea lions and otters.

Atlanta is a city brimming over with rich stories and a complex past. That’s what makes a visit to the Atlanta History Center so meaningful. Found at 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, the Atlanta History Center lets guests step back in time and get a closer look at the people and events that have shaped today’s city.

Built in 1926, this collection of exhibits, displays, and literature continues to grow. While you’re here, take time to check out the gardens and make sure to learn from the actors who impersonate historical figures.

When you’re in Atlanta and in the mood to be entertained, there’s no better place to seek a solution than the Mercedes Benz Stadium. Sitting at 1 AMB Drive NW, the Mercedes Benz Stadium was first opened in 2017 and hosts incredible sporting events and concerts year-round.

The stadium was built to replace the Georgia Dome and is renowned for its architectural details. Even if you’re not dropping by for a game or concert, you can book a tour to get a closer look at this incredible building.

If you happen to be in Atlanta enjoying time away from the daily grind with the entire family in tow, an afternoon spent at exciting Zoo Atlanta is vital! Found at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Zoo Atlanta is a family-friendly place to enjoy that pairs education and conservation with fun!

Founded in 1889, Zoo Atlanta is home to over 1,000 creatures and showcases more than 200 species from across the globe.

Since it first opened in 1986, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has been a stop worth enjoying. It’s a destination you won’t want to miss if you have a heart for history and education in equal measure.

The library and museum are located at 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE. Here, visitors can access stories specific to the life of Jimmy Carter, as well as a historical photo collection that’s bound to thrill.

If you find yourself in Atlanta and you have a passion for sports, heading over to the College Football Hall of Fame just might be the highlight of your stay. Situated at 250 Marietta Street NW, the College Football Hall of Fame first opened its doors in 1956.

Today, it continues to captivate visitors by paying homage to the best coaches and players the sport has ever seen. While you’re here, enjoy time in a virtual reality booth that takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey through the history of college football.

Atlanta, Georgia, is a city that’s endlessly inspiring. It’s also a city that can prove crowded when it comes to transportation issues. That’s why in 2005, the city decided to invest in the Atlanta Beltline.

This fun multi-purpose trail offers a new and comprehensive way to take in city sites without needing a car, bus, or another motor vehicle. Instead, residents and visitors alike can hit the path on foot or bike.