50 Fun Things to See and Do in Atlanta

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PHOTO BY: @PATRICKDUFFY88


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1.

ALLIANCE THEATRE

CATCH A BROADWAY PLAY BEFORE IT HITS BROADWAY Musicals, dramas and classical favorites light up Atlanta’s theater scene before they head to the Big Apple. The Tony award-winning Alliance Theatre provides a perfect way to spend an evening. NOTE: During the 2017/2018 season the theater is taking a road trip performing at various venues throughout Atlanta. #404-733-4650

2.

ATLANTA BELTLINE

WALK, BIKE, RUN ON THE ATLANTA BELTLINE Explore miles of the Atlanta BeltLine by foot or on two wheels. Once you work up an appetite, stop in one of the many restaurants along the path to relax and refuel. With all the changing artwork, unique neighborhood shops and restaurants, the BeltLine is an easy way to stay active in Atlanta.

3.

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

STOP AND SMELL THE ORCHIDS Nestled in the northern corner of Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden spreads its roots across more than 30 acres. Explore the lush green garden when it lights up for special events, blooms during seasonal activities and harvests a spooky spectacle or two. #404-876-5859


4.

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

PARTY WITH THE PAST Travel back in time at Atlanta History Center. This 33-acre attraction features award-winning exhibitions, memorabilia from the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the historic Swan House, which was featured in the blockbuster Hunger Games films. Don’t forget to make the quick trip to the Margaret Mitchell House at the Center’s Midtown campus. #404-814-4000

5.

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AWARD-WINNING SURROUND SOUND Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening of surround sound. Whether hearing the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra over a favorite film or playing the classics, this is the key to an astounding evening of music in Atlanta. #404-733-5000

6.

ATLANTIC STATION

TREAT YOURSELF See a movie, concert, BB&T Atlanta Open match or a Cirque du Soleil show. Then shop at major retailers and find a local boutique in this walkable, outdoor shopping mecca. Pack a spare suitcase for all the goodies you will bring back from Atlantic Station. #404-410-4010


7.

BUFORD HIGHWAY

EXPLORE ATLANTA’S INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT SCENE One thing all ATLiens agree on? Exploring Buford Highway offers a global culinary adventure. This six-mile stretch of highway serves up the city’s best Colombian, Korean and Mexican cuisine, with farmers markets, dive bars and karaoke tucked in between.

8.

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

SPEND AN AFTERNOON BASKING IN THE SUN Pay homage to Atlanta’s Olympic legacy, splash around in the Fountain of Rings, enjoy a nice picnic or play on the lush green fields with Downtown views in every direction. Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience are all only steps away. #404-222-7275

9.

CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

BE INSPIRED BY HEROES PAST AND PRESENT Connect the American civil rights movement to current human rights issues through moving, experiential exhibits at Center for Civil and Human Rights. Interact with history to understand your role in the dream and the future. #678-999-8990


10.

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

PLAY PUPPET MASTER Bring the kids to experience the most beloved children’s fables through award-winning puppetry shows, films and workshops at Center for Puppetry Arts. After a show, don’t miss the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, featuring a huge Jim Henson collection. #404-873-3391

11.

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

MAKE A SPLASH IN A WATER OASIS Spending time on the Chattahoochee River is an Atlanta rite of passage. If you want to get out like a local, you need to “Shoot the Hooch.” The river is one of the metro area’s finest outdoor destinations to relax on the water and gaze at some of Atlanta’s most scenic terrain while having a tubular time.

12.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

GET HANDS-ON WITH THE LOVE OF LEARNING Kids and grown-ups alike will love the 3,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Climb through the layers of Earth, journey across the continents, deliver food from farm to table, then build or paint a masterpiece, all before storytime! #404-659-5437


13.

CNN STUDIO TOURS

WATCH THE NEWS UNFOLD News junkies and aspiring journalists, unite! Take CNN Studio Tours to see exactly how this global superpower reports news, beginning to end. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see one of your favorite HLN or CNN hosts. #404-827-2300

14.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME AND

CHICK-FIL-A FAN EXPERIENCE

LIVE THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE FOOTBALL FAN EXPERIENCE Broadcast with the ESPN College GameDay crew, browse decades of memorabilia, interact with legends and learn about your favorite inductees at College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience. Once you’ve tackled that, try your luck at a field goal. #404-880-4800

15.

CRIMINAL RECORDS

BREAK OUT THE VINYL While you’re exploring the funky Little Five Points neighborhood, be sure to flip through Criminal Records’ stellar vinyl collection. The legendary record shop is loved by hippies and hipsters alike and is featured in the hit film “Baby Driver”. #404-215-9511


16.

DAD’S GARAGE

LAUGH IT OFF

Looking for a laugh? Look no further than Dad’s Garage, a nonprofit comedy theater located just off of Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. With award-winning improv comedy, scripted shows and a fully stocked bar, this is a can’t-miss activity for an unscripted night out. #404-523-3141

17.

DELTA FLIGHT MUSEUM

SOAR THROUGH THE SKIES Experience aviation history at Delta Flight Museum, where everyone can reach for the skies. Enjoy immersive exhibits, state-of-the-art simulator technology and see rare planes from eras past. Take a guided tour or glide through the 68,000-square-foot premises at Delta’s world headquarters with friends, family or a copilot of your choice. #404-715-7886

18.

FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

JOURNEY TO THE JURRASIC Get up close and personal with the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This museum is an adventure for all who dare. You will feel like you are back in the time of giant creatures of the Mesozoic – including one that measures more than 120 feet long. #404-929-6300


19.

FOX THEATRE

WALK THE RED CARPET When you visit Fox Theatre it will make you feel like a movie star! Musicals, dance and nationally renowned acts wait at the end of your red carpet walk. No show scheduled? You can take a tour and learn the fascinating history of this Atlanta icon. #404-881-2100

20.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

JOURNEY UNDER THE SEA The world-renowned Georgia Aquarium is something you should “sea” to believe. Stare in awe at the sheer variety of marine life on display, catch a wave from a sea lion or feed the dolphins after their spectacular show. Don’t miss the opportunity to check swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list. #404-581-4000

21.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

MINGLE WITH THE MASTERS Inside the leading art museum in the Southeast, you’ll find more than 15,000 works from 19th century art to a growing collection of contemporary pieces. Play in the Piazza and peruse the special exhibits and permanent collection at High Museum of Art. #404-733-4400


22.

HISTORIC FOURTH WARD SKATEPARK

OLLIE FROM DUSK ‘TIL DAWN Open from sunup to 11 p.m., Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is designed for skaters of all levels. Atlanta’s first public skate park is conveniently located on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail with a nearby playground and multi-use athletic fields.

23.

HISTORIC OAKLAND CEMETERY

RAISE YOUR SPIRITS WITH HISTORY AND MYSTERY Historic Oakland Cemetery is alive and kicking. This scenic resting place has more than 70,000 “residents” including Atlanta legends such as Margaret Mitchell, pro golfer Bobby Jones and Atlanta’s first black mayor, Maynard Jackson. The cemetery also frequently hosts events including Halloween Tours, regular weekend tours and a Harvest Hunt. #404-688-2107

24.

JACKSON STREET BRIDGE

CAPTURE A PICTURE-PERFECT MEMORY On Jackson Street Bridge, high above Freedom Parkway, you’ll find one of Atlanta’s most scenic and photographed views. Pose for an Instagram worthy selfie with Atlanta’s downtown skyline as your backdrop. Fans of “The Walking Dead” will recognize this iconic view of the city.


25.

JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF THE OVAL OFFICE Not every city boasts a presidential library. We’re fond of the one our very own Nobel Peace Prize-winning, peanut-growing President Jimmy Carter built. At Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, you’ll find everything from an Oval Office replica to the gifts received during his presidency. #404-865-7100

26.

KROG STREET MARKET

HANG OUT IN A HUBBUB-FILLED FOOD HALL If variety is the spice of life, then Krog Street Market is thriving. A bustling hub of authentic eats built into a 1920s’ warehouse space, this market has everything the stomach could crave. You can find tapas, burgers, paleo fare - and don’t forget the thirst-quenching beverage selection. While food and drink may be the highlight, don’t miss flowers and gifts galore. #770-434-2400

27.

KROG STREET TUNNEL

TAKE IN AN EVER-CHANGING CANVAS Drive, bike or walk through Krog Street Tunnel, an underpass of colorful street art linking the eclectic Inman Park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods. This “community bulletin board” is a unique location for photo and music video shoots, and it’s easy to see why.


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MORE FUN WAYS

TO TOUR ATLANTA AMAZING SCAVENGER HUNT ADVENTURE - ATLANTA Solve clues, complete challenges and work together to unravel the secrets and learn more about Atlanta. www.urbanadventurequest.com

ATL-CRUZERS ELECTRIC CAR & SEGWAY TOURS An eco-friendly electric car or Segway tour that covers a 14-mile loop of the city. www.atlcruzers.com

ATLANTA MOVIE TOURS Explore Atlanta’s film scene with four tours. www.atlantamovietours.com

ATLANTA PRESERVATION CENTER Walking tours of neighborhoods. www.atlantapreservationcenter.com

BICYCLE TOURS OF ATLANTA Wind through Atlanta’s beautiful neighborhoods and down many lesser-traveled paths. www.biketoursatl.com

CITY RUNNING TOURS ATLANTA Sign up for a group sightrun or customize your own to explore Atlanta’s history on the tree lined streets of its vibrant neighborhoods. www.cityrunningtours.com

CIVIL BIKES Select from five bike tours or two walking tours highlighting history, art and culture throughout Atlanta. www.civilbikes.com

CIVIL RIGHTS TOURS OF ATLANTA Visit important civil rights movement locations. www.atlantacivilrightstour.com

DOWNTOWN DECATUR FOOD TOURS Sample international cuisine, award winning restaurants and family owned eateries in this charming Atlanta neighborhood. www.downtowndecaturfoodtours.com

FOX THEATRE TOURS Get a glimpse at the 1920s movie palace. www.foxtheatre.org/tours

THE PEACHTREE TROLLEY CO. This climate-controlled trolley ride takes visitors to popular sites. www.thepeachtreetrolley.com

SWAN HOUSE CAPITOL TOURS A guided tour of the rooms that were used during filming of “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” www.atlantahistorycenter.com/exhibit/swan-house


28.

LEGOLANDTM DISCOVERY CENTER ATLANTA

BUILD, PLAY, DISCOVER Nestled in the heart of Buckhead at Phipps Plaza, LEGOLAND is an attraction that will delight both kids and kids at heart. Rides, a 4-D movie experience, themed play areas and the world’s biggest box of LEGO bricks offer hours of fun. After your LEGO adventure do a little shopping at Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square. #404-848-9252

29.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A CIVIL RIGHTS ICON Visit the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and see where he preached at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Explore his legacy at King Center and his final resting place. Then stand in the footprints of change-makers and civil rights leaders on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. #404-331-5190

30.

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

SEE SUPERSTARS AT A STELLAR STADIUM Score some of the best seats in town for an Atlanta Falcons game, Atlanta United FC soccer match or a high-energy concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Outside of game day, enjoy daily tours, the fan merchandise store and Southern-style chophouse Molly B’s.


31.

MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM

BOND WITH A MUMMY Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum houses permanent collections from Egyptian artifacts to one of the earliest bathtubs in existence! World-renowned traveling exhibits will have you transfixed; making your inner history buff totally geek out. #404-727-4282

32.

MODA

DELIGHT IN A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS DESIGN Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) creates engaging exhibits of architecture, industrial and product design, interiors and furniture, graphics, fashion and more. See the impact of design on your everyday life with MODA’s range of programs and lectures for all ages. #404-979-6455

33.

MURALS AND PUBLIC ART

MARVEL AT MAGNIFICENT MURALS The city’s vibrant street art is on full display. Many murals come to life during annual collaborative community art events like Forward Warrior, Elevate and Living Walls. Artists are drawn to Atlanta to create these must-see canvases throughout the city. Don’t just bring your phone, bring your camera.


34.

THE PAINTED PIN

HAVE AN UPSCALE PLAY DATE The Painted Pin has bowling (of course) and a slew of classic pub games as well as artisanal wine, craft beer and classic cocktails. You’ll also enjoy dining on comforting grub and “upscale alley” fare, which includes small shareable plates. Painted Pin is a surefire hit for your spare night out the town. #404-814-8736

35.

PHILIPS ARENA

GET INTO THE ACTION AT PHILIPS ARENA Philips Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and the Atlanta Dream (WNBA), plus some of Atlanta’s hottest concerts year-round. Philips was also named one of “The Best Arenas and Stadiums in America” according to Rolling Stone magazine. #404-878-3000

36.

PIEDMONT PARK

PLAY HOOKY AT THE PARK Truly experience the “city within a forest” with a walk or bike ride through Piedmont Park, home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Lake Clara Meer. Whether you are going to a massive festival, taking a stroll at sunset with your significant other or taking your pooch to the dog park, this is the place to be on a beautiful day. #404-875-7275


37.

PONCE CITY MARKET

SIP, SHOP AND SAVOR AT PONCE CITY MARKET Located directly on the BeltLine, Ponce City Market is full of adventures. This former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building is home to a number of famous chef-owned restaurants and diverse, quick service fare. That plus a mixture of both national and small business retail options will impress any shopper and satisfy any taste. #404-900-7900

38.

PORSCHE EXPERIENCE CENTER

PEEL OUT IN A PORSCHE Push yourself to the limit at Porsche Experience Center, specially designed to exhibit elegance and engineering under the hood while testing you on and off the tracks at the Human Performance facility. Once you feel the power from the driver’s seat, be sure to refuel with fine dining at Restaurant 356. #888-204-7474

39.

SCAD FASH

FLAUNT FINERY AND FILM SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film celebrates fashion as a universal language, garments as important conduits of identity and film as an immersive medium. Engage with these dynamic exhibits and enriching events on the SCAD Atlanta campus. #404-253-3132


40.

THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA

MAX OUT ON LUXURY SHOPPING Browse chic upscale boutiques in this walkable European-style shopping destination. The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is your slice of the good life. Whether you are looking for Jimmy Choos, a new Louis Vuitton or the latest Warby Parker glasses, you won’t leave empty handbagged.

41.

SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA

CHANNEL YOUR INNER DAREDEVIL Scream and shout through all the roller coasters you can stand or relax waterside at Hurricane Harbor. Six Flags Over Georgia has heartpounding rides, excellent live entertainment and is undeniably fun for the whole family. #770-739-3400

42.

SKYLINE PARK

ENJOY SOME ROOFTOP REVELRY For one of the best rooftops in the city, you can’t go wrong with Skyline Park. Perched high above the hustle and bustle of Ponce City Market, you’ll find classic carnival amusements, a giant slide, miniature golf, refreshments and more. Did we mention it’s one of the most romantic views in Atlanta? #770-999-1530


43.

SKYVIEW ATLANTA

GET A SKY HIGH VIEW OF THE CITY Ride a SkyView Atlanta gondola to experience the city from 20 stories up. It’s a thrilling view during the day and breathtaking at night. Skip the line in Ferrari-style with your VIP flight for you and four of your closest friends. #678-949-9023

44.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

ENJOY MOUNTAINS OF FUN Just outside the city is Stone Mountain Park. Trek through the treetops on SkyHike, hike up the mountain for a beautiful view or take a relaxing trip to the top with Summit Skyride. While you are there, ride around Stone Mountain by train and enjoy the longest-running laser show in the world. #770-498-5690

45.

SUN DIAL RESTAURANT

EAT, DRINK, VIEW, REPEAT Take in the 360-degree view of Atlanta from 73 stories high. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View sits high above Peachtree Street. You’ll see everything from Stone Mountain to Georgia Tech and all the sights in between. #404-659-1400


46.

SUNTRUST PARK & THE BATTERY ATLANTA

CATCH AN MLB GAME UNDER THE LIGHTS You’ll never strike out when spending time here. SunTrust Park is a must for any baseball fan to experience the amazing game-day atmosphere. You can also roam around The Battery and check out restaurants, bars, shops or a concert at Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre. #404-577-9100

47.

SWEET AUBURN CURB MARKET

SWEETEN YOUR VISIT WITH A SAVORY SNACK This urban farmer’s market offers everything from seafood, farm fresh meat and produce to unique eateries serving arepa, BBQ and burritos. Pro Tip: Don’t stop after the bookstore, bakery and killer burger. While you are there, see if the market is having a culinary tour, storytelling, cooking classes or community event. #404-659-1665

48.

THE VARSITY

PLACE YOUR ORDER AT AN ATLANTA STAPLE Whether you are getting the naked dog walking or just going for a milkshake, you’ll need to decide “What’ll ya have?”. The Varsity has been serving Atlanta classic Americana eats, drive-in style, since 1929. It’s a delicious way to top off or start any trip to the “A” as it is right off the highway. #404-881-1706


49.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA

SEARCH FOR THE SECRET FORMULA Experience the history of the world’s most famous soft drink. Walk through fascinating exhibits at World of Coca-Cola, get nostalgic looking at classic ads and see a replica of the bottling process. Get a peek at the vault containing the secret formula and tempt your taste buds with a sample of more than 100 beverages from around the globe in the tasting room. #404-676-5151

50.

ZOO ATLANTA

PEEK IN ON A PAIR OF PANDAS The only giant panda twins in the U.S., Ya Lun and Xi Lun, are double the fun and double the fluff! Come see them and the rest of the Zoo Atlanta animals and attractions in the historic Grant Park neighborhood. #404-624-5600

MAP LEGEND 1. Alliance Theatre 2. Atlanta BeltLine 3. Atlanta Botanical Garden 4. Atlanta History Center 5. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 6. Atlantic Station 7. Buford Highway 8. Centennial Olympic Park 9. Center for Civil and Human Rights 10. Center for Puppetry Arts 11. Chattahoochee River 12. Children’s Museum of Atlanta 13. CNN Studio Tours 14. College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience 15. Criminal Records 16. Dad’s Garage 17. Delta Flight Museum 18. Fernbank Museum of Natural History 19. Fox Theatre 20. Georgia Aquarium 21. High Museum of Art 22. Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park 23. Historic Oakland Cemetery 24. Jackson Street Bridge 25. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum

26. Krog Street Market 27. Krog Street Tunnel 28. Legoland Discovery Center 29. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site 30. Mercedes-Benz Stadium 31. Michael C. Carlos Museum 32. MODA 33. Murals and Public Art 34. Painted Pin 35. Philips Arena 36. Piedmont Park 37. Ponce City Market 38. Porsche Experience Center 39. SCAD Fash 40. Shops Buckhead Atlanta 41. Six Flags Over Georgia 42. Skyline Park 43. Skyview Atlanta 44. Stone Mountain Park 45. Sun Dial Restaurant 46. SunTrust Park and The Battery Atlanta 47. Sweet Auburn Curb Market 48. The Varsity 49. World of Coca-Cola 50. Zoo Atlanta


When you realize waiting all day for the big catch isn’t so bad.

Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park | Reidsville

An unforgettable outdoor vacation is closer than you think. From peaceful woods to fresh coastal air, how you connect with Georgia’s natural beauty is up to you. Hike, swim, fish, camp or paddle your way to bliss. Visit ExploreGeorgia.org today to plan your next trip.


233 Peachtree Street, NE | Suite 1400 | Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Atlanta.net/50Fun | @DiscoverAtlanta


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