Welcome to Atlanta, a city known for its distinctive mix of urban and Southern charms.
With its fast-paced lifestyle in the heart of midtown and downtown and the comforts of traditional neighborhoods within its lively suburbs, Atlanta is a study in cultural, scenic and historic contrasts, and it isn’t only your new address, it’s also home to enriching cultural attractions, historic buildings and neighborhoods, corporate giants such as The Coca-Cola Company and The Home Depot, professional sports teams, five-star dining options and the world’s largest aquarium.
One of the many ways to experience all that metro Atlanta has to offer is to spend some time at the city’s many museums, parks, public squares and other venues. When you find yourself with some down time, be sure to check out all that this area has to offer.
Below, KNOWAtlanta presents the city’s must-see hot spots, in addition to the area’s most popular museums, theaters and centers.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Georgia Aquarium
georgiaaquarium.org
The world’s largest fish tank, the Georgia Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals representing 500 species of freshwater and marine life.
High Museum of Art
high.org
The museum encompasses European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and photography, plus a special exhibition area for children.
The World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place
worldofcoca-cola.com
Explore the complete story — past, present and future — of the world’s best-known brand at the 92,000-square-foot World of Coca-Cola. Discover fascinating exhibits, an eye-popping collection of memorabilia and a vault that contains the secret recipe.
The Fox Theatre
foxtheatre.org
This grand 1929 movie theater was built to simulate a Moorish palace and hosts touring artists, Broadway shows and a summer movie series.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
atlantabotanicalgarden.org
A green urban oasis in the city with 15 acres of gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts art exhibitions, concerts, classes and workshops throughout the year.
Zoo Atlanta
zooatlanta.org
Spend a day visiting adorable panda twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan, a joey, lions, zebras, elephants and gorillas in their natural habitats. Then ride the Zoo Express Train and test your rock climbing skills.
Atlanta Cyclorama
atlantacyclorama.org
This domed 1920s structure houses an immense circular painting of a day in the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.
CNN Center
cnn.com/studiotour
Atlanta’s news and entertainment center is the headquarters of Turner Broadcasting and CNN’s international broadcast studios and networks.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
fernbankmuseum.org
Fernbank is one of the nation’s foremost museums of natural history. Be sure to visit the museum’s amazing four-story IMAX movie screen.
Carter Presidential Center
jimmycarterlibrary.org
The Carter Library and Museum offers a close-up look at the Georgia peanut farmer who became our nation’s 39th president.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
thekingcenter.org
Tour Freedom Hall, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. King’s birth home and gravesite and view a film presentation and exhibit chronicling his life.
Center for Puppetry Arts
puppet.org
This internationally acclaimed organization offers performances for children and adults, as well as a hands-on museum.
College Football Hall of Fame
cfbhall.com
This new interactive experience opened up to visitors in August, just in time for college football season. Located in Downtown Atlanta, the 94,256-square-foot venue includes exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
civilandhumanrights.org
Atlanta is the new home of this 35,000-square-foot center, which connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements.
ATLANTA SPORTS
Atlanta Braves
braves.mlb.com
Considered the oldest continuously playing team in major North American sports, the Braves play at SunTrust Park in Cobb County.
Atlanta Falcons
atlantafalcons.com
“Rise up” and support Atlanta’s NFL team, which plays at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Hawks
nba.com/hawks
This NBA team plays its home games at the 21,000-seat Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta United
This new MLS franchise plays at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood
livenation.com
The top names in pop, rock and jazz draw fans to this outdoor concert arena near the heart of the city.
The Arena at Gwinnett Center
gwinnettcenter.com
This 13,000-seat arena is home to the Gwinnett Gladiators and serves as a venue for a variety of top performers and concerts each year.
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
classicchastain.com
This outdoor venue hosts a variety of summer concerts where attendees can enjoy casual seating and dining during live performances by nationally known artists.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
cobbenergycentre.com
Located in northwest Atlanta, the 2,750-seat CEPAC hosts Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, educational shows, family performances and operas.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park
vzwamp.com
This 12,000-seat outdoor venue hosts live concerts featuring top contemporary, rock, jazz and country artists, as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
State Farm Arena
statefarmarena.com
Considered one of the best sports and entertainment complexes in the world, State Farm Arena delivers top-ranked concert tours, professional and collegiate sporting events, family shows and conferences.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Stone Mountain Park
stonemountainpark.com
In addition to hiking the park’s granite monolith, visitors can ride bikes, golf and camp. The park also hosts various festivals throughout the year.
Six Flags Over Georgia
sixflags.com/overgeorgia
A state-of-the-art theme park with more than 100 rides, shows and now a water park.
Lake Lanier Islands
lakelanierislands.com
From stunning suites and lakehouses to rustic campsites and villas, spend time fishing, riding horses, playing golf or just relaxing by the water — all on the shores of beautiful Lake Lanier.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
nps.gov/kemo
Climb Kennesaw Mountain and relive this pivotal engagement in the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
gastateparks.org
The state park system is comprised of 63 parks and historic sites, with many close enough to serve as easy day trips from the Atlanta area. All parks require a $5 parking fee and historic sites have a fee range of $2 to $12 per person.
Northeast Georgia Mountains
explorega.org
Enjoy long-range views, waterfalls, hiking and shopping — all about an hour from Downtown. Ellijay’s annual Apple Festival is also a fun event to attend the second and third weekends in October each year.
