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ATTRACTIONS INSIDE ATLANTA AND OUT: Atlanta and its
Atlanta Botanical Garden
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ATTRACTIONS inside atlanta and out
Whether it’s your first time in Atlanta or you’re a lifelong resident, Atlanta and its surrounding areas boast a myriad of sights and attractions that you don’t want to miss. From illuminating museums and outdoor marvels to renowned theme parks and one-of-a-kind attractions, there’s something for everyone.
In Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Garden
With 30 acres of cultivated gardens and a fantastic restaurant, Longleaf, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens offers something new to see every season of the year. If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, stop in and see the incredible Garden Lights exhibit after dark, and don’t forget to stop into the satellite garden in Gainesville for even more natural beauty.
Center for Civil and Human Rights
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Center for Civil and Human Rights connects the African American, LGBTQ, and global human rights movements in an engaging and thought-provoking way, which is why this attraction is at the top of many lists and has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
CNN Center
Take an educational tour of the world headquarters of CNN. A ride on the longest freestanding escalator in the world (it’s 193 feet long, ascending eight stories!) will take you up to the main newsrooms and studios for several of CNN’s news channels where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at television and news production.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
Located across the street from one another, visitors can go from high fiving a polar bear to watching live penguins, marine mammals, and fish swim to their hearts’ content. Plan your trip in advance, and you can schedule a time to come face-to-face with beluga whales or spend a night under the sea.
Illuminarium
Embark on an African safari, explore the depths of space, or sip cocktails in a Tokyo night market, all without leaving the city! Illuminarium offers these a one-of-akind experience (or rather, two-of-a-kind – the only other location is in Las Vegas) through the combination of 4K interactive projection, 360-degree audio, in-floor vibrations, and scent systems. Enjoy a family-friendly experience or opt for the 21+ after dark option.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Atlanta’s activist roots can be tied to the Civil Rights movement with heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour the 35 acres dedicated to his life and work and see where he and his wife (and ardent LGBTQ ally) Coretta Scott King are now laid to rest. You can also stop by and tour Dr. King’s birth home just down the street.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Catch a Falcons game or Atlanta United match at this massive architectural icon. The concessions are uber affordable, and if the weather is nice, you’ll be able to watch the dome open up.
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Set in the heart of Emory’s campus in Decatur, the Michael C. Carlos Museum is a dynamic, interdisciplinary center for the study of art and culture from around the world, with collections from Africa; ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East; ancient Greece and Rome; the Indigenous Americas; and South Asia; as well as American and European Works on Paper.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens, like Margaret Mitchell and Ivan Allen, Jr. Less than a mile from downtown, its 48 acres are full of treasures – history and gardens, sculpture and architecture, ancient oaks and magnolias.
Piedmont Park
Grab an electric scooter or bicycle or put on your comfiest walking shoes for an afternoon of sheer beauty! The sprawling hills, breathtaking lake, and miles of walking paths are perfect for an afternoon outdoors. The park offers several baseball fields, beach volleyball courts, several playgrounds, two dog parks, and even a pool for those t summer days! It’s also the perfect place for a picnic under one of the parks hundreds of lush, shaded trees.
The Roof at Ponce City Market
Yes, that’s the name — The Roof. It’s 1.7 acres of sheer entertainment that harkens back to its 19th-century amusement park roots, featuring a beer garden, snow cones, gourmet hot dogs, and more. And if that isn’t enticing, miniature golf and other low-tech rides, including a giant slide simulating a free fall, are also available. Visit during the winter to ice skate with views of the Atlanta skyline.
SkyView
Enjoy the best views in the city on this 20-story Ferris wheel, located directly across Centennial Olympic Park.
Go at night to soak in the lights of downtown from your own climate-controlled gondola.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Love the thrill of going upside down at 60 miles per hour? Head to Georgia’s most visited amusement park just miles from downtown Atlanta! Located in Austell off the Chattahoochee River, the theme park houses more than 11 roller coasters and a total of 44 rides for all ages. Don’t forget to cool off at Hurricane Harbor with three water slides and more than a dozen attractions.
Truist Park
Calling all baseball fans! Located just outside the perimeter, Truist Park is home to the Atlanta Braves. Catch a game, take a guided tour, or stop by The Battery, the outdoor dining and shopping centr located steps from the field. From bowling to bull-riding, karaoke to concerts at the CocaCola Roxy, The Battery the perfect pre- or post-game plan.
Zoo Atlanta
One word: pandas. Kidding. They’re, of course, a highlight of Zoo Atlanta, but definitely not the only animal to learn about. Come see birds, reptiles, mammals, and more — and if you time it right, you can even help feed the giraffes.
A short drive away
Babyland General Hospital
Children of the 1980s will get a kick out of this peculiar tourist attraction in Cleveland, Georgia — the hometown of Cabbage Patch Kids creator Xavier Roberts. Babyland is the place where Cabbage Patch Kids are “born” and presents itself as a real hospital, with staffers dressed as doctors and nurses.
Blue Ridge
This mountain town 90 miles north of Atlanta is full of lush scenery, can’t-miss shops, and restaurants in the downtown area. It’s also a surprising haven for a sizable number of LGBTQ people, so you’ll see plenty of friendly faces.
Booth Western Art Museum
A little less than an hour from downtown Atlanta, you’ll land in Cartersville — home to Booth Western Art Museum, one of the greatest museums featuring contemporary Western-American art, presidential portraits, and letters and Western-movie memorabilia. There’s also a cafe and multimedia theater on the premises.
Callaway Gardens
Head southwest of the city for 1.5 hours and you won’t regret what you find at this resort complex in Pine Mountain. Gardens of azaleas and magnolias, lakes, and even a large enclosed butterfly habitat dot the area, and the Festival of Lights is worth a drive up during the winter holidays.
Chattahoochee National Forest
Point your car toward North Georgia and take your pick of the 750,000 acres of lush scenery, with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, plus the perfect terrain for hiking, swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and more.
Helen
Because nothing says “Deep South” quite like a replica of a Bavarian alpine. Helen is a quirky little north-Georgia town, great for a day trip to stroll around the various shops or go river rafting in the Chattahoochee. Plus, you’re only a 20-minute drive from beautiful Anna Ruby Falls.
Lake Lanier
Lanier is the most popular lake for Atlanta residents looking for a day or weekend to water ski, swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the water. Make sure to visit Gay Cove on the west side of the lake just north of marker 21 to make some like-minded friends!
Savoy Automobile Museum
Cartesville’s newest attraction is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. Savoy Automobile Museum connects people to the cultural diversity of the automobile. Through changing exhibits, educational programs, and engaging experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and history of automobiles.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Sure, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is no slouch at 30 acres of beautiful grounds, but head for Athens, Georgia, to visit its much bigger brother — there are over 300 acres to roam there! Be sure to stop for a meal or afternoon cocktail in the always fun downtown area.
Six Flags White Water
Take a break from the blistering Georgia heat at Six Flags’ water park, located in Marietta. This refreshing 69-acre park boats countless exciting water slides, a 700,000-gallon wave pool, and a slew of kid-friendly attractions.
Stone Mountain Park
The city of Stone Mountain is uber-LGBTQ-friendly, with numerous “family-owned” businesses dotting the downtown area and a welcoming mayor to boot. Just make sure to visit the 3,200-acre park and either walk or take a chairlift to the top to get the ultimate Georgia view.
Tellus Science Museum
Take a drive out to Cartersville to visit this world-class, 120,000-square-foot natural history and science museum. This hands-on museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is perfect for nature lovers and future scientists.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
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