Atlanta: what's actually worth it
Atlanta’s identity was forged in fire when Sherman burned the city to the ground in 1864, yet it rose from those ashes with a resilient, communal spirit that defines its soul today. Walking through Poncey-Highland or Little Five Points, you feel a vibrant, eclectic warmth where deep Southern hospitality meets progressive urban energy, creating an atmosphere that is both laid-back and fiercely creative. Now, this sprawling metropolis serves as a dynamic hub for innovation and culture, offering travelers a rich tapestry of music, food, and history woven seamlessly into its modern, tree-lined streets.
Top things to do in Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.6 (90,751 reviews)
One of world's largest aquariums, with permanent exhibits, interactive galleries & animals galore.
Check tours & tickets →Stone Mountain Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (43,207 reviews)
Vast, scenic park with activities, golf, lodging & a cable car ride to a historic, carved peak.
Check tours & tickets →Atlanta Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (23,115 reviews)
30-acre garden with a conservatory & fountains playing host to concerts, cocktail parties & more.
Check tours & tickets →Piedmont Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (17,934 reviews)
Sprawling park featuring jogging paths, basketball courts, dog parks, a farmers' market & more.
Check tours & tickets →World of Coca-Cola
Museum · ★ 4.4 (36,529 reviews)
Memorabilia, films & exhibits (some interactive) about soft drink that debuted in Atlanta in 1886.
Check tours & tickets →Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
History Museum · ★ 4.8 (11,703 reviews)
National Park encompassing King's birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church & his final resting place.
Check tours & tickets →Pemberton Place
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (17,024 reviews)
20-acre urban hub offers the Coca-Cola museum, aquarium, civil rights learning center & green space.
Check tours & tickets →SkyView Atlanta
Ferris wheel · ★ 4.5 (11,039 reviews)
20-story Ferris wheel in Centennial Park providing scenic views from climate-controlled gondolas.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
TWO urban licks
American Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (15,061 reviews)
American rotisserie fare & live blues are draws at this restaurant in a warehouse with city views.
Website →9 Mile Station
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (9,238 reviews)
Rooftop beer garden with local brews, creative pub fare & city views from atop Ponce City Market.
Website →El Viñedo Local
South American Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (7,643 reviews)
Quaint cafe serving South American eats such as empanadas, ceviche, and sandwiches, plus coffee and wine.
Website →Yeppa & Co. - Buckhead
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (7,389 reviews)
Website →Mary Mac's Tea Room
American Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (14,928 reviews)
This 1945-era institution draws locals & tourists for Southern comfort food in a homey space.
Website →The Vortex Bar & Grill
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.6 (8,821 reviews)
Local fixture known for its burgers, beer & whiskey selection & offbeat, rock 'n' roll vibe.
Website →Fox Bros Bar-B-Q
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (10,138 reviews)
Texan brothers' slow-roast ribs, pulled pork & Southern sides in an informal space with a patio.
Website →The Varsity
Fast Food Restaurant · ★ 4.1 (23,407 reviews)
Long-running drive-in chain serving up burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes & other American classics.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
World of Coca-Cola
Museum · ★ 4.4 (36,529 reviews)
Memorabilia, films & exhibits (some interactive) about soft drink that debuted in Atlanta in 1886.
Check tours & tickets →Ponce City Market
Shopping Mall · ★ 4.6 (17,343 reviews)
Vibrant converted historic Sears building, now a market with a food hall, shops & living space.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Red Top Mountain State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (6,482 reviews)
Wooded peninsula surrounded by Lake Allatoona features water sports, trails, campsites & cottages.
Website →Morgan Falls Overlook Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (3,840 reviews)
Family-oriented park featuring expansive playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas & river views.
Website →Cauble Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (3,095 reviews)
25-acre lakefront park with a white sandy beach & facilities for picnics, fishing & boating.
Website →Cochran Mill Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (1,602 reviews)
Website →Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.5 (2,316 reviews)
Forested 120-acre nature preserve with a trail, waterfall, streams, parking lot & picnic tables.
Website →After dark
9 Mile Station
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (9,238 reviews)
Rooftop beer garden with local brews, creative pub fare & city views from atop Ponce City Market.
Website →Your 3rd Spot
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (4,547 reviews)
Website →Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
American Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (3,643 reviews)
Hip New American bar & restaurant offering a campfire-&-lodge theme, screened porches & local beers.
Website →Wicked Wolf Atlanta
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,971 reviews)
Website →More guides
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