Map

Metro Map Of Atlanta Travel Guide

Introduction

Atlanta is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. The city boasts numerous attractions, hidden gems, and natural wonders that make it a popular travel destination. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or art lover, Atlanta has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, budget-friendly tips, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and much more.

Top Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and home to thousands of marine animals, including whale sharks, dolphins, and beluga whales. Visitors can watch the animals up close and even swim with them in the aquarium’s tanks.

World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is a museum dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola. Visitors can learn about the brand’s history, see how the drink is made, and taste different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden features over 30 acres of gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a children’s garden. Visitors can explore the gardens on foot or take a guided tour.

Hidden Gems

Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is a large green space in the heart of Atlanta that offers stunning views of the city skyline. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a lake where visitors can rent paddle boats.

Little Five Points

Little Five Points is a bohemian neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, restaurants, and street art. Visitors can explore the area on foot and discover hidden gems such as vintage clothing stores and record shops.

Food Scene

Food Trucks

Atlanta has a thriving food truck scene, with vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers to Korean barbecue. Visitors can follow their favorite food trucks on social media to find out where they’ll be parked.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

The Sweet Auburn Curb Market is a historic market that features vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods. Visitors can sample Southern dishes such as fried chicken and collard greens.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museums

Many of Atlanta’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the week. Visitors can explore the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta History Center, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights without spending a dime.

Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails and parks that circles the city. Visitors can explore the BeltLine on foot or by bike and discover hidden gems such as street art and public sculptures.

Outdoor Adventures

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is a popular outdoor destination that features hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating, and a laser light show at night. Visitors can also take a cable car to the top of Stone Mountain for stunning views of the city skyline.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors can hike along the river, go fishing, or take a scenic drive through the park.

Family-Friendly Activities

Atlanta Zoo

The Atlanta Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including pandas, gorillas, and elephants. Visitors can watch animal feedings, attend animal shows, and even feed the giraffes.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages. Kids can learn about science, art, and culture through interactive play.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum

The Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum is a hidden gem that features over 1,000 different plant species. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the arboretum on their own.

Atlanta Preservation Center Walking Tours

The Atlanta Preservation Center offers walking tours of the city’s historic neighborhoods, including Inman Park and Grant Park. Visitors can learn about the city’s architecture and history while exploring these charming areas.

Natural Wonders

Arabia Mountain

Arabia Mountain is a unique geological formation that features exposed granite and rare plant species. Visitors can hike along the mountain’s trails and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Visitors can hike to the top of the waterfall or take a scenic drive through the park.

Vibrant Nightlife

Edgewood Avenue

Edgewood Avenue is a popular nightlife destination that features bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Visitors can explore the area on foot and discover hidden gems such as speakeasies and rooftop bars.

Buckhead

Buckhead is an upscale neighborhood that offers a variety of nightlife options, including high-end restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges. Visitors can dress up and enjoy a night on the town in this trendy area.

Local Markets

Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is a historic market that has been transformed into a modern shopping and dining destination. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, or take in stunning views of the city from the rooftop.

Atlanta Farmers Market

The Atlanta Farmers Market is a year-round market that features local produce, meats, and dairy products. Visitors can sample fresh fruits and vegetables and meet the farmers who grow them.

Beaches and Mountains

Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a popular beach destination located just outside of Atlanta. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a scenic mountain range located just north of Atlanta. Visitors can hike along the Appalachian Trail, go fishing in mountain streams, or simply take in the stunning views.

Cultural Immersion

Atlanta History Center

The Atlanta History Center offers a glimpse into the city’s past through exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the city’s role in the Olympics.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum dedicated to the struggle for civil and human rights around the world. Visitors can learn about the work of activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Art and Music Scene

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art is a world-renowned museum that features a collection of over 15,000 works of art. Visitors can see pieces by artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Warhol.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is a historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other performances. Visitors can admire the theater’s stunning architecture and catch a show.

Walking Tours

Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a popular walking and biking trail that offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can explore the trail on foot and discover hidden gems such as murals and sculptures.

Atlanta History Tour

The Atlanta History Tour is a guided walking tour that takes visitors through the city’s historic neighborhoods. Visitors can learn about the city’s architecture and history while exploring charming areas such as Inman Park and Grant Park.

Architectural Marvels

Georgia State Capitol

The Georgia State Capitol is a stunning building that features neoclassical architecture and a gold dome. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about Georgia’s history and government.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a tribute to the civil rights leader and his legacy. Visitors can tour King’s birth home, visit his church, and see exhibits about his life and work.