9 Best Places to Visit in Atlanta

https://content.nomadsoup.com/uploads/thumbnail_13_87afb90331.jpg
Tanya Byelova
March 21, 2022

Atlanta, Georgia's capital city, is a bustling location to visit that perfectly blends the old with the contemporary. It is a location where couples and families will never run out of things to see and do, with a stunning aquarium, a broad assortment of museums, parks, free activities, and beautiful places to stay.

The vibrant metropolis, which was burned down during the Civil War, has since returned to become one of the most popular tourists attraction in the Southern United States.

It is home to the worldwide headquarters of major corporations like Coca-Cola and CNN. Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta History Center and Piedmont Park are must-sees. While Atlanta boasts many current tourist sites, it also has a rich past to explore like the home of Martin Luther King and the birthplace of the civil rights movement.

When you combine all of this with the beauty and elegance of the Old South, it's no surprise that Atlanta is one of the most visited cities in the United States.

1. Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, and it was the largest in the world until Singapore's aquarium surpassed it. This magnificent aquarium, located near Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, is a must-see.

The aquarium, which is home to thousands of marine species such as whale sharks, beluga whales, sea otters, and rare fish, strives to maintain, protect, and teach visitors about the ocean system's remarkable variety.

Live presentations at the aquarium include a dolphin show that emphasizes the link between animals and humans and a 3D underwater display that emphasizes the need for marine animal preservation. Visitors may get up and personal with some of the creatures, such as dolphins, sea otters, and penguins, through special interaction programs.

The largest, the 6.3-million-gallon Ocean Voyager, is home to millions of species, including whale sharks and manta rays, and has a 100-foot-long glass tunnel that visitors may stroll through while surrounded by moving fish. Courageous guests can even dive alongside whale sharks and manta rays in the Ocean Voyager.

2. World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is an unforgettable museum that combines colorful and amusing exhibits to depict the beverage's history and evolution into the globally famous drink it is today.

In 1886, a syrup made by Dr. John Pemberton to alleviate headaches was blended with carbonic acid and water and served in Pemberton's drugstore, resulting in the world's most popular soft drink.

Sixty years of jingles, advertisements from the 1800s, and a 4-D movie experience are just a few of the attractions.

The Pop Culture Gallery, located upstairs, features works by a variety of artists who have been influenced by the brand and is a must-see for pop culture lovers.

Visit the Vault of the Secret Formula after taking a photo with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear. You won't find out what goes into manufacturing the world's most popular soft drink if you've ever wondered. The formula is kept safe in the vault, but you can try crafting your own "mix" to see how close you are to the actual thing. Take a look behind the scenes at the bottling process and then travel upstairs to Taste It! to try over 100 Coca-Cola varieties from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Pick up a keepsake at the Coca-Cola Store, where many goods are only available here.

3. Atlanta Botanical Garden

In the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the 30-acre botanical garden adjacent to Piedmont Park is a delightful surprise. It is divided into wonderful parts. There is a Japanese garden, a rose garden, wooded areas, and a children's garden.

The Japanese Garden has a teahouse, waterfall, pond, bamboo, miniature Japanese maples, and a Moon Gate.

The Rose Garden is amazing in late spring and late summer, and the Hydrangea Collection and the collection of water plants are among the best in the Southeast.

The indoor Fuqua Conservatory, which houses a variety of tropical, desert, and subtropical plants and animals, is one of the botanical garden's primary attractions.

The Fuqua Orchid Center exhibits orchids of many forms and hues and tropical birds, turtles, and poison dart frogs.

4. Delta Flight Museum

Another fantastic spot to visit if you have a fear of heights is the Delta Flight Museum, which examines the history and growth of the aviation industry. A large assortment of antiques, airline equipment, and aircraft are housed in two massive hangars. More sparkling planes and jets are located outdoors.

The corporate museum, located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was established in 1995 and largely focuses on Delta's history, development, and the future of aviation. You'll learn about various plane makes and models and take a look inside a Boeing 747 while exploring its intriguing displays. On top of that, you can try out their entertaining flying simulator.

5. Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame is located right adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park and is another of Atlanta's top tourist sites that is well worth visiting. Inside the huge football-shaped structure are several relics and exhibitions that honor some of the game's best players and coaches.

The fascinating and amusing museum, a particular favorite with football enthusiasts, launched in 2014, with prior incarnations previously existing in Kings Mill and South Bend. Aside from learning about the inductees and viewing their records, helmets, and outfits, you can also practice your quarterback skills on the facility's indoor pitch or use one of its augmented reality stations.

6. CNN Studio Tours

The world's most well-known news organization needs an as impressive headquarters, and the CNN Center does not disappoint. Centennial Olympic Park, Phillips Arena, the Georgia Dome, and the Georgia Conference Center are all connected by a vast food court atrium.

There are studio tours available, including technological demos and access to viewing galleries with views of CNN's newsrooms and newsreaders. Guests may stay in a big, adjoining hotel, which is ideal for those wanting to get a glimpse of their favorite newscaster or a special guest at the studios.

7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The vast, multi-purpose Mercedes Benz Stadium is another beautiful spot to go if you want to attend a concert, show, or sporting event. The gleaming new stadium, which is home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC, is just a short walk or drive west of downtown Atlanta.

The massive, state-of-the-art arena, which was only completed in 2017, is a more than suitable successor for the destroyed Georgia Dome. The stadium boasts an exhilarating atmosphere when its retractable 'pinwheel' roof is closed, as the two clubs' adoring fan groups shout them to victory. Visitors can attend any of the stadium's concerts, conferences, or other athletic activities in addition to viewing a spectacular football game or soccer match.

8. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum is a beautiful destination to see, and it's only a five-minute drive northeast of downtown, right close to the Carter Center. Inside, visitors may learn about his life and legacy and witness incredible artifacts, images, and film clips from his whole career, including his one stint as president (1977–1981).

The museum, which first opened its doors to the public in 1986, includes everything from his origins and career as a peanut farmer to life on the campaign road and his opposition to racial segregation. You can also witness his Nobel Peace Prize, walk around an identical reproduction of the Oval Office, and stroll around its extensive library and beautiful gardens once you've studied all of the interactive displays.

9. Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain, an 863-foot-high granite outcrop with a bald dome that stands out dramatically from the surrounding area, is virtually devoid of trees or plant life. The bas-relief on the mountain's north face is the world's largest. It has a sculpture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson called the Confederate Memorial Carving.

The top of the building stands 825 feet (251 meters) above the surrounding surroundings, providing a stunning perspective of Atlanta. A 1940s locomotive transports visitors through the park on a five-mile track, and a land-and-water tour aboard a 1940s Army DUKW highlights local history.

The Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, an open-air museum with farm animals that guests may pet and 19 historic structures that mimic a pre-Civil War plantation, is also worth visiting. The dinosaur park, which has 20 life-size ancient monsters that move and roar, is popular with families.