Top Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia
Updated: Sep 5, 2022
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if a purchase is made*
Atlanta is a thriving city with so many things to do. Every time I've visited, I've discovered something I hadn't before. I've also learned a lot since my first trip as an adult, when I picked a hotel with a garage that closed up at night. I needed to get my car out and had to wait until the morning, which led me to take an overpriced taxi because his "meter was broken." Good old Atlanta, right?
Because of this, I always stay at the Hampton Inn Suites, one for its affordability, two for its convenient location, and three because it has a suitable parking lot. All things you're going to be thankful for when diving into what the city has waiting for you. World of Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola got its start in Atlanta, so it only makes sense that the museum is in the same city as the company's official headquarters. Visitors to the World of Coca-Cola can view the vault where the formula is held, explore historical memorabilia and artifacts, and even taste more than 100 soft drinks that The Coca-Cola Company makes. Fans of the company and history buffs alike are sure to love this attraction.
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta houses more than 60 animals including the clouded leopard, western lowland gorilla, and the ostrich. This zoo is different than many others I've encountered because the animals have large enclosures and seem happy. If you visit the zoo in the winter, animals will be especially active and you may even get a discount.
Zoo Atlanta has also teamed up with field conservation programs in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and in Georgia to protect species around the world. In fact, a small amount of every ticket sold goes to conservation efforts. It's clear that the zoo takes its role in helping animals very seriously.
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium takes the trophy for the best place to visit in Atlanta. Besides being awestruck by the ginormous whale shark and the spectacular echolocation-using beluga whale, guests can also watch a remarkable dolphin show and a one-of-a-kind sea lion show. The dolphins perform many impressive tricks, and both shows are included in the price of a general admission ticket.
The aquarium also lets penguins walk loose about the lobby once per day, accompanied by trained employees. Seeing a penguin waddle down a ramp completely cage free is a distinctive experience that you won't want to miss. If you're interested, check out other reasons why you should visit the Georgia Aquarium.
Centennial Olympic Park
The 21-acre public park is located downtown in the bustling city of Atlanta. The park was home to the 1996 Olympic games and it is now over 20 years old. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you might be able to catch the Sweetwater420 Festival and the Shaky Knees Music Festival. In the summer, the Fountain of Rings, the largest interactive fountain to display the Olympic Rings symbol, is a place where sweaty tourists and locals go to cool off. At any time of the year, the park is a beautiful place to walk through and catch a glimpse of the city.
CNN Studio Tours
The world headquarters of CNN is located in Downtown Atlanta, so fans of the news station or TV production in general will want to pay it a visit. Guests will take a 50 minute walking tour of the CNN Center and see how the magic is made behind the scenes. On the bottom floor of the CNN Center is a food court attached to the State Farm Arena - the place where concerts are held and the Atlanta Hawks play basketball. While visiting, you are welcome to walk into some parts of the arena to access the gift shop, as long as it isn't closed for an event.
One thing is love about Atlanta is that everything on this list besides the zoo is within walking distance of each other. That means mobility is easy when exploring these main points, and it's possible to find more exciting things to do along the path. No matter what you decide to do, make sure not to drive during rush hour (7 a.m. - 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.) or you may never get everything done! Another trip wouldn't be so bad though, would it?