What to Do in Atlanta: 11 Fun Things To Do

You’ll find Atlanta packed with affordable adventures, from marveling at whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium to tasting international sodas at World of Coca-Cola. Walk through civil rights history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, explore vibrant neighborhoods along the 22-mile BeltLine, and browse Ponce City Market‘s budget-friendly food hall. Don’t miss the High Museum’s Southern art collection or Stone Mountain‘s hiking trails. These attractions offer something for every interest and budget, with even more hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Marvel at Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium

Where else can you come face-to-face with the world’s largest fish without getting your feet wet? Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager exhibit houses Yushan, a magnificent whale shark swimming in 6.3 million gallons of water.

You’ll walk through a 100-foot tunnel with whale sharks gliding overhead, then marvel at the massive viewing window—23 feet tall and 61 feet wide.

These gentle giants can reach 40 feet long and weigh over 20 tons, yet they’re harmless filter-feeders. Their skin can be up to 15cm thick, providing incredible protection in their ocean environment.

Unfortunately, they’re endangered with populations declining 50% over 75 years. Georgia Aquarium’s the only facility outside Asia keeping whale sharks, making this a truly unique Atlanta experience.

Your visit supports critical research tracking over 1,000 whale sharks worldwide, helping protect these incredible creatures.

Taste Your Way Around the World at World of Coca-Cola

From underwater wonders to fizzy flavors, your Atlanta adventure continues at the World of Coca-Cola, where you’ll sip your way through over 100 beverages from around the globe.

The Taste It! Lounge lets you sample unlimited international sodas from self-serve fountains, including fruit flavors and regional brands you can’t find stateside.

Beyond tasting, you’ll explore Coca-Cola’s journey from an 1886 Atlanta pharmacy drink to a global icon spanning 200+ countries.

The 92,000-square-foot museum showcases vintage bottles, advertising art, and the mysterious Vault of the Secret Formula through interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the Coca-Cola Polar Bear experience where you can hug and take photos with the iconic mascot.

Located downtown near Georgia Aquarium, plan 90 minutes to 3 hours for your visit.

General admission runs around $26, and arriving early helps avoid weekend crowds at this million-visitor-per-year attraction.

Walk Through Civil Rights History at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Just blocks from downtown Atlanta’s bustling tourist corridor, you’ll step into one of America’s most pivotal chapters at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. This 35-acre site preserves the Sweet Auburn district where Dr. King was born and raised, offering free admission to core exhibits and facilities.

Start at the Visitor Center on Auburn Avenue for the “Courage to Lead” exhibit, which traces Jim Crow segregation and organized resistance. You’ll want to secure free tickets early for ranger-led tours of Dr. King’s birth home at 501 Auburn Avenue, though it’s currently closed for renovations through November 2025.

Don’t miss the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King was baptized and later co-pastored with his father. The church was carefully restored in 2001 and also served as the location for Dr. King’s funeral in 1968.

Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhoods Along the BeltLine

Whether you’re seeking trendy food halls, historic Victorian homes, or vibrant street art, the Atlanta BeltLine connects you to the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods through 22 miles of former railway corridors transformed into walking and cycling trails.

Start at Ponce City Market, where you’ll find affordable eats in the food hall and free rooftop views.

Walk south to explore Krog Street Market‘s local vendors and snap photos at the colorful Krog Street Tunnel.

Continue to Inman Park‘s tree-lined streets filled with restored Victorian architecture.

For budget-friendly exploration, head to Reynoldstown, where home prices remain reasonable and new breweries offer happy hour specials.

Virginia-Highland provides easy access to Piedmont Park’s 180 acres of free greenspace, perfect for picnics and people-watching. The BeltLine neighborhoods also feature excellent transportation hubs that provide convenient connectivity to Atlanta’s urban core.

Connect With Global Human Rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

How can one museum transform your understanding of human rights from Atlanta to the world? The National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects America’s civil rights history to today’s global struggles for justice.

You’ll explore three core areas: civil rights galleries showcasing Atlanta’s pivotal role in the movement, human rights exhibits linking past and present worldwide issues, and rotating displays from Dr. King’s personal collection.

The recent $57.9 million expansion added six galleries, including “Broken Promises” about Reconstruction’s unfinished business and “Agents of Change” for kids.

Interactive installations let you step into living history through immersive storytelling.

Beyond exhibits, you’ll find free online resources through their Learning Portal. The center celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of civil and human rights education with major expansions and new exhibits that reinforce its role as a national cultural institution.

The center doesn’t just educate—it inspires action, positioning itself as a safe space for dialogue about race, equity, and human dignity everywhere.

Discover Art and Nature at Atlanta Botanical Garden

While most botanical gardens focus solely on plants, Atlanta Botanical Garden blends nature with world-class art installations that’ll transform your perception of outdoor spaces. You’ll walk among towering trolls crafted from recycled materials and marvel at larger-than-life bird sculptures throughout this 30-acre Midtown oasis.

Don’t miss the 600-foot Canopy Walk, suspending you 40 feet above one of Atlanta’s last remaining hardwood forests. The Fuqua Conservatory houses tropical rainforest and premier orchid collections year-round.

If you’re visiting during winter, catch “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” featuring over 1.5 million LED lights. With 43,000+ member households, this isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s Atlanta’s beloved community hub where art, nature, and conservation intersect beautifully. The garden’s website provides a search feature to help visitors easily locate specific exhibits, events, and seasonal attractions before their visit.

Experience College Football Culture at the Hall of Fame

Since Atlanta hosts more major college football events than any other city, there’s no better place to dive deep into the sport’s rich history than the College Football Hall of Fame.

You’ll explore 94,256 square feet of interactive exhibits downtown, where your RFID “All-Access Pass” personalizes displays to your favorite team.

Test your skills on the 45-yard indoor field with passing and kicking challenges, then marvel at the three-story helmet wall featuring over 760 college programs.

The Hall honors more than 1,000 players and 200 coaches since 1951, including legends like Red Grange and Jim Thorpe. With 326 schools represented by at least one Hall of Fame inductee, you’ll discover stories from institutions across the entire country.

Located at 250 Marietta Street near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’re perfectly positioned to experience authentic game-day atmosphere while celebrating college football’s greatest traditions and inspiring stories.

Enjoy Downtown Green Space at Centennial Olympic Park

After exploring sports history indoors, you’ll find Atlanta’s premier outdoor gathering space just steps away at Centennial Olympic Park. This 22-acre downtown oasis was built for the 1996 Summer Olympics and remains free to visit.

You’ll love watching the Fountain of Rings‘ 251 computer-controlled water jets create synchronized shows with music throughout the day. Kids can splash around while you relax on the open lawns surrounded by Olympic flags and towering light columns.

The park connects you to major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola via walkable paths. Don’t miss snapping photos with the iconic 11-foot Olympic rings sculpture. Families with young children will enjoy the dedicated playground area featuring interactive fountains, slides, and swings.

Whether you’re picnicking, attending free concerts, or simply escaping the urban hustle, this green space offers budget-friendly entertainment in Atlanta’s heart.

Browse and Eat at Ponce City Market

Step into Atlanta’s most dynamic food and shopping destination at Ponce City Market, where this massive 2.1 million square foot former Sears warehouse has transformed into the city’s coolest mixed-use complex.

You’ll find everything from Southern comfort food to global cuisines in the bustling central food hall, perfect for budget-friendly grazing across multiple vendors.

Browse boutiques and specialty shops along the repurposed loading dock corridors, where exposed brick creates Instagram-worthy backdrops.

Don’t miss the seasonal farmers market under The Shed, featuring local producers and artisanal makers. The development preserves the building’s original patina and authenticity while honoring its 90-year history as a major distribution hub.

Located right on the BeltLine at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue, you can easily walk or bike here while exploring Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhood.

Take in Southern Art at the High Museum

From the bustling energy of Ponce City Market, you’ll discover Atlanta’s cultural crown jewel just a short drive away at the High Museum of Art.

The museum showcases the Southeast’s premier art collection with an unparalleled focus on Southern creativity. With over 18,000 works, you’ll explore one of the world’s most significant collections of folk and self-taught Southern art.

Don’t miss masterpieces by Bill Traylor, Howard Finster, and Nellie Mae Rowe—artists who’ve shaped Southern artistic identity. The High Museum also features works by Ronald Lockett, a largely unrecognized but posthumously celebrated artist who created approximately 400 artworks using found materials to address themes of struggle and survival.

The museum’s rotating galleries ensure fresh experiences with each visit, highlighting both academically trained and self-taught creators.

You’ll gain deep insights into Southern history, landscapes, and African American culture through powerful visual storytelling that connects past and present.

Venture Out to Stone Mountain Park

Just twenty miles east of downtown Atlanta, you’ll find Georgia’s most-visited attraction at Stone Mountain Park, where 3,200 acres of natural beauty surround the world’s largest exposed granite outcrop.

You can hike the challenging 1.3-mile Walk-Up Trail to the summit or take the high-speed Summit Skyride cable car for stunning 360-degree views stretching 60+ miles on clear days.

Your attraction ticket release multiple family activities including the Scenic Railroad, SkyHike adventure course, and dinosaur-themed exhibits.

The park offers excellent outdoor recreation with hiking trails, Stone Mountain Lake for kayaking and fishing, plus two golf courses. For water enthusiasts, the Adventure Outpost provides kayak rentals and pontoon boat lake tours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Don’t miss seasonal events like the Yellow Daisy Festival and spectacular drone light shows projected onto the mountain face.

The Sum Up

You’ve got plenty of options to explore Atlanta without breaking the bank. Many attractions offer discounts if you’re a student or senior, and some like the BeltLine and Centennial Olympic Park won’t cost you a dime. Don’t forget to check each venue’s website for special deals before you visit. Whether you’re into history, art, or just want to people-watch, Atlanta’s got something that’ll fit your interests and budget perfectly.