The 24 Best Things to Do in Atlanta in 2024 | Our Top Picks

24 Best Things to Do in Atlanta in 2024

Atlanta is Georgia’s capital. It has a rich history, both as a colony in Revolutionary America and as one of the main cities in the Civil Rights Movement. As a culturally diverse city, you can find cuisine and cultural events from around the world.

The city also has a thriving art and science scene, with plenty of museums and other places to explore. Whether you’re there for a few days or a week, you’ll be sure to find plenty of fun and enriching things to do.

1. Georgia Aquarium

Few people know that Atlanta is home to the world’s largest aquarium. It has 6.3 million gallons of water and over 100,000 animals. It’s also one of only two places in the world where visitors can see whale sharks.

There are many exciting species to explore, including manta rays, otters, dolphins, sea lions, several species of shark, and countless fish. You can also schedule up-close encounters or attend one of the aquarium’s several animal shows.

2. See a Braves Game

The Atlanta Braves are one of the country’s most popular baseball teams, so seeing a game is a must-do when visiting Atlanta. The team has won four World Series and has been a continuously operating franchise longer than any other MLB team.

You can see the Braves play between late March and early October. Games may go into November if they make the playoffs. Home games are played at Truist Park. While there, you can also check out Battery Park, a large entertainment area with shopping, dining, and fun things to do.

3. Centennial Olympic Park

In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics. They built Centennial Olympic Park to commemorate the event. There are plenty of funny things to do at the park.

The Fountain of Rings is the largest interactive fountain in the world and is a great place for kids to have fun in the water. There’s weekly live music and quite a few events and festivals. It’s a great place to picnic.

You can also check out the Skyview Ferris wheel for a great view of Atlanta. It’s located in the middle of several fun tourist spots like the aquarium and Coca-Cola Museum, so you can fit in a lot of touring in one area.

4. Six Flags Over Georgia

If you’re seeking thrills while on you’re trip to Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia is just the place to visit. The Georgia park is the second-oldest in the franchise, and it’s full of rides, entertainment, and more for the entire family.

If you enjoy thrill rides, be sure to check out the park’s fastest coaster, the Goliath, which reaches speeds up to 70 mph. You’ll also enjoy the innovative Superman’s Flight ride that simulates a flight with the Man of Steel himself.

With a total of 11 coasters, you can spend the day screaming with delight. There are also plenty of kid- and family-friendly rides if you have younger members in your party. Kids will enjoy the slightly-thrilling rides in the superhero kids section. 

5. World of Coca-Cola Museum

Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, so the local museum is one of the best places to learn about the history of one of the world’s favorite beverages.

Walk-through interactive exhibits take you through the history of the brand, from its inception to its many iterations over the years. If you love Coke’s famous polar bear, you can take a picture with him.

There are also other cool exhibits, like one exploring the connection between scent and taste. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Taste It! section, where you can try Coke flavors from around the world. Don’t forget to try the Beverly!

6. Ponce City Farmers’ Market

If you happen to be in Atlanta on a Wednesday evening, the Ponce City Farmers’ Market is a great local attraction to check out. You can get a variety of fresh fruits and veggies from local growers. 

Vendors also sell homemade goods and baked goods. You can even try one of the chef pop-ups if you’d like to eat a unique dinner while you’re there.

7. Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park is another park located near downtown Atlanta. It’s a gorgeous park with a variety of plants and flowers, especially if you’re able to visit in the springtime.

There’s plenty to do in the park, including a pool and playgrounds that your kids will love. You can also bike around the park, take part in a trivia night, or get a guided history tour.

If you’re traveling with your dog, there’s a dog park for your dog to meet other four-legged friends. You can visit one of the restaurants or vendors for a quick bite or bring in your own food to use at one of the many picnic areas with grills. 

8. Center for Puppetry Arts

If you’ve always had an interest in puppets, then you have to visit the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. It’s the world’s largest museum dedicated to puppetry. There’s plenty to do for both kids and adults.

You can attend various puppet shows or check out a workshop where you can learn more about the art of puppetry. You can also visit exhibits to learn more about the history of puppetry.

9. Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta has an interesting history. It started in 1889 but was never intended to be a zoo. A traveling menagerie had a stop in Atlanta. They ran out of money and couldn’t continue their tour, so instead stayed in Atlanta permanently.

Now, over 140 years later, Zoo Atlanta is still going strong. It has over 1,500 animals, including giant pandas, tigers, giraffes, gorillas, and so much more.

You can schedule an experience if you want to get closer to the animals. The zoo also has a train, carousel, splash pad, ropes course, and a petting zoo so that your little ones can have a fun-filled day.

10. High Museum of Art

If you want something a little more upscale while in Atlanta, consider visiting the High Museum of Art. You can see over 17,000 pieces of artwork from around the world. You can see works from artists as famous as Monet.

The museum is also host to several events, including educational talks and children’s programs. On Friday evenings, you can visit the museum for a chance to see some awesome art and hear some of the city’s best DJs.

11. Atlanta Botanical Garden

If you’re in Atlanta on a gorgeous spring day, be sure to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s situated on 30 acres, so there’s plenty of room for you to get back to nature.

You can see all sorts of species of plants, from local plants to tropical to desert. There’s an interactive garden for children. You can make a day of it at the garden’s new restaurant. One of the coolest features of the garden is that you can visit the website.

If you enter when you’re visiting, the kind of experience you want (romantic, family, solo, etc.), and how long you want to stay, you’ll get a customized itinerary.

12. Fernbank Museum

The Fernbank Museum is a must-see for groups who are interested in science. The museum takes you back in time to learn about dinosaurs and prehistoric cultures and also has plenty of exhibits on modern science and discoveries.

There’s an IMAX theater with rotating films and temporary exhibits like a special exhibit on birds and another on nights.

There’s also plenty to explore outdoors, including a forest and a high walkway. Be sure to check out Dinosaur Plaza for some incredible dinosaur sculptures and fountains.  

13. Skyline Park

 

After a day shopping at the Ponce City Market, head to the roof to have some fun at Skyline Park. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the city while engaging in some fun games and activities.

You’ll find a Coney Island-inspired midway with games like mini golf, skeeball, and other vintage games. Take a slide on the three-story slide and then get even higher on Heege Tower.

After playing, you can enjoy a meal and cocktails at 9 Mile Station or 12 Cocktail Bar. This area is a great spot for families and young adults who want a night out in town without hitting up the club.

14. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, and it’s where he was laid to rest after his tragic assassination. Thus, there are plenty of places to visit in Atlanta if you want to learn more about the life of Dr. King.

One such place is the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. You can begin your visit with a guided tour of Dr. King’s childhood home. The DREAM gallery gives more insight into Dr. King’s message.

You can also visit a firehouse and the church where Dr. King worshipped as a child. Finish your visit by exploring the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden.

15. Delta Flight Museum

The Delta Flight Museum is a great stop if you’re an aviation fan or if you have little aviators in your family. There are quite a few exhibits to check out, including ones on the history of flight and the Delta company, along with information on the future of flight. 

You’ll find plenty of interactive features for younger visitors. Kids will also enjoy completing a scavenger hunt as they tour the museum. If you’re up for a thrill, be sure to try the flight simulator. It’s the only full-motion simulator available to the public in the US. 

16. Legoland Discovery Center

Do you have young LEGO fans in your family? The Legoland Discovery Center is the perfect destination for them. You can check out Miniland, a tiny city replica made with over 1.5 million bricks. There’s also a huge ramp where you can create cars and race.

There are three cool rides for your kids to try, including an awesome VR experience and a 4D theater. You can even get your picture taken with larger-than-life characters.

Note for adult LEGO fans: The Discovery Center is only for visitors who have children in their group. However, they do have scheduled adult nights, so you may have a chance at getting in if you’re only with adults.

17. Underground Atlanta

Underground Atlanta is a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment center situated in the historic Five Points District of downtown Atlanta. There are frequently unique pop-up shops around the area, perfect if you’re looking to buy something a little different for a souvenir.

There’s also a vibrant nightlife with clubs and live music. You can also take in the art. The area is soon to have an exhibit by Banksy installed.

18. Stone Mountain National Park

Stone Mountain is a short drive out of Atlanta, but it’s a must if you want to take in some natural beauty while on the trip. The “mountain” is actually an intrusive rock, but there’s plenty to do there.

You can take a relatively easy hike up one side, or you can catch a gondola to the top. At the base, there’s a small village with shopping, dining, and activities like mini-golf.

Kids will enjoy the Dinotorium and Geyser Falls. Both give them a great chance to burn off their energy. There are also historic buildings and exhibits inside the park.

19. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Because Atlanta was an important city in the Civil Rights Movement, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is located there. There are exhibits teaching about the history of the movement and some of its key figures.

One installation lets you participate in a simulation of the lunch counter sit-ins for an immersive experience. You can also learn more about human rights and the struggles people face today. You’re sure to leave with even more perspective on the topic.

20. Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is another great place to visit if you’re traveling with little ones. It’s a hands-on museum full of exhibits smaller kids are sure to enjoy.

There are stations where kids can learn about nutrition, science, art, other cultures, engineering, and more. All exhibits are interactive. The museum also features rotating exhibits featuring topics like storyland and Paw Patrol. Your little ones will have a blast.

21. SkyView

If you’d like to see all of Atlanta from above, the SkyView is a Ferris wheel located near Centennial Olympic Park. The wheel is almost 20 stories high. You’ll ride in a private, heated, and cooled gondola for an opportunity to take in the views.

If you want a special experience, one of the 42 gondolas is a VIP area with glass-bottomed floors. Be sure to ride the SkyView day and night to get two different experiences and perspectives.

22. Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta is one of the coolest spots in the city. Instead of doing away with graffiti, the city has decided to embrace street art for what it is: art. The Atlanta BeltLine takes you through areas of the city that have been restored.

You can see a wide array of street art done by local artists. The BeltLine is designed for you to walk or bike around it. If you have kids, you can get an art scavenger hunt for them to complete, a fun way to introduce them to modern art.

23. Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre is one of the oldest in the city. It was originally intended as a headquarters for the Shriners, who looked to Middle Eastern architecture for inspiration. When it turned out to be more than they could afford, they leased the building to William Fox.

Fox was in the movie industry and turned the space into a movie theatre. You can take a tour to learn more about its history. Today, the theatre is home to all types of shows.

Many famous artists have played there, from classic acts like Prince to more modern artists like Gucci Mane. There are also comedy acts and Broadway shows. Depending on when you visit, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

24. The Walking Dead Tour

In recent years, Atlanta has become a mini Hollywood, with many popular films and tv shows filmed there. One of the most famous shows is The Walking Dead, which used many locations around the city for its filming.

There are a number of tours you can take to see some of the filming spots. Some are guided, while others are self-guided. You can find a walking tour or drive.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have some burning questions about visiting the ATL? We’ve got answers!

So, What Are the Best Things to Do in Atlanta?

Atlanta is a city rich in history, athletics, art, food, and more. You can have almost any type of vacation you want, whether you’re looking for thrills, culture, and sophistication, or lively entertainment.

And armed with our list of the best things to do in Atlanta, you’re sure to have a great time. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!