50 Fun Things to See & Do in Atlanta | 2023

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Daniela Cintron

Aubree Dumas

EJ King

Cassidy Veach

Contributing Editors

Carol Carter

Jo Ann Haden-Miller

Lauren Rushing

Discover Atlanta PR Team

Logan Doctson

Heather Kirksey

Lindsey Raimondi

Editorial & Creative Director

Sheretha Bell

Designers

Layal Akkad

So Jin Lee

Publisher

Julie Minear

Account Manager

Lisa Werneck

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ALLIANCE THEATRE

CATCH A BROADWAY PLAY BEFORE IT HITS BROADWAY

A Regional Theatre Tony Award Winner and leading producing theater in the Southeast, this is where hearts and minds expand on and off stage. Deeply communityrooted, Alliance Theatre offers productions for all ages.

| Phone:404-733-4600

ATLANTA BELTLINE

THE BELTLINE IS DIVINE

This 22-mile trail loops the city, connecting neighborhoods and showcasing why Atlanta is “The City in the Forest.” With everchanging artwork, unique shops, lively bars and restaurants, the BeltLine is the best way to explore the city on foot, on wheels or with your furry friends.

| Phone:404-477-3003

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

A DAY OF RE-LEAF

Enjoy 30 acres of stunning gardens and spectacular exhibits at this year-round family attraction. Learn more about the 25-foot tall Earth Goddess sculpture with flowing locks and a waterfall cascading from her hand. Every season, the ever-growing garden offers events on the lawn for visitors to experience.

| Phone: 404-876-5859

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ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

YOUR VERY OWN TIME MACHINE

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy one of the Southeast’s largest history museums. This 33-acre attraction in Buckhead features the re-imagined Cyclorama exhibit, memorabilia from the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the historic Swan House, which served as a backdrop for the Hunger Games movies.

| Phone:404-814-4000

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WALK THE RAINBOW

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At the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, the Rainbow Crosswalk symbolizes Atlanta’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. These rainbow stripes were added to the neighborhood during an Atlanta Pride Festival, which makes its home in Midtown, where y’all means all.

ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CONCERTS AND CRESCENDOS

Pick your seat to hear the sounds of Atlanta’s Grammy Awardwinning orchestra. Watch iconic movies while the Atlanta Symphony performs the score live. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra hits the right notes with the magic of the classics, concerts and engaging events.

| Phone:404-733-5000

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BUCKHEAD VILLAGE DISTRICT

SAVORING LUXURY

An eclectic corner in one of Atlanta’s busiest communities, this district offers a charming and stylish haven to relax among cobblestone streets and outdoor communal spaces. Sip on coffee or champagne, eat an exquisite meal and shop for unique gifts along Buckhead’s Peachtree Corridor.

| Phone: 404-939-9270

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

WHO’S PULLING THE STRINGS

The art form of puppetry takes a special place in Atlanta. Catch a performance or pay Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy a visit at the interactive museum. Learn about the influential legacy of Jim Henson, and reconnect with your childhood, making your puppetry dreams come true.

| Phone:404-873-3391

CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER

GET YOUR NATURE ON Zipline across a beaver pond, get up close and personal with hundreds of butterflies, take a hike or enjoy a concert by the river. There are infinite opportunities for fun with nature in the forest, on the river or in the wetlands. Paddle your way into wild memories here.

| Phone:770-992-2055

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CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

A TOTALLY TUBULAR TIME

This 48-mile river is one of Atlanta’s finest outdoor destinations just fewer than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta. With spectacular scenic river front views, the Chattahoochee River is also a place for cliff jumping, paddleboarding, rafting and fishing. Take a break from the water to enjoy a riverside picnic or hike along the trail.

CHICK-FIL-A COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

YOU’LL GET A KICK OUT OF THIS

With a 45-yard indoor football field, this is the place to kick it. Browse decades of memorabilia, learn about Hall of Fame football legends and interact with more than 50 stateof-the-art technology exhibits.

| Phone: 404-880-4800

CHILDREN,S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA

ARE YOU KIDDING? THIS IS AWESOME!

Kids and families love all the playful possibilities in this world of discovery. Climb through the layers of the Earth, enter a magical forest, build giant sandcastles, deliver food from farm to table, then release your inner artist -- all before story time.

| Phone: 404-659-5437

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DAVID J. SENCER CDC MUSEUM

UNRAVEL THE SEQUENCE OF MYSTERY DISEASES

Wonder at the complexity of tools CDC scientists used to study, eradicate and solve mystery diseases. Interactive exhibits allow guests to get the story behind CDC’s pioneering work, historic efforts and neverending quest for public health.

| Phone:404-639-0830

DELTA FLIGHT MUSEUM

WE LOVE THE WAY THEY FLY

Housed in two original maintenance hangars from the 1940s, Delta Flight Museum traces Delta’s history and development of commercial aviation.Take part in a guided tour to see exhibits, experience simulator technology and behold massive planes like a 747 up close.

| Phone:404-715-7886

ATLANTA MONETARY MUSEUM

MAKE MONEY MOVES

The money machine exhibit consists of historical artifacts revealing the compelling. From barter to dollars and cents, this exhibit highlights the tumultuous past of banking in America. Interactive exhibitions include cash-processing operations and examples of rare coins and currency.

| Phone:404-498-8500

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FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

A DINOMITE WORLD

Nothing says adventure more than dinosaurs, nature trails in a forest and a four-story movie screen. The immense science and nature museum has outdoor adventures and three stories of exhibitions. Daytime is a blast for the family, grownups socialize after hours.

| Phone:404-929-6300

FOX THEATRE STARS IN YOUR EYES

With stunning gold leaf details, Egyptian architecture and a gorgeous starry-sky, the Fox Theatre is a piece of art on its own. The ornately designed venue hosts top performances and events, including Broadway shows and movies. Whether you visit for a show or a tour, keep an eye out for the famed ghosts.

| Phone:404-881-2100

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

SEA IT TO BELIEVE IT

With more than 11 million gallons of water, 10s of thousands of animals and 500 species in more than 60 habitats, it’s the largest in the U.S. Whether you check out SHARKS! Predators of the Deep exhibit, take a peek at a puffin or grab a gift from the gallery, there’s so much to dive into.

| Phone:404-581-4000

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HISTORIC CEMETERIES

HERE LIES HISTORY

This is where Atlanta’s history lives. Get your ghoul on at ghost and goblin themed events at Oakland Cemetery or take in views that are to die for at the Westview Cemetery.

Oakland Cemetery

404-688-2107

Westview Cemetery

404-755-6611

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

WHERE IT’S ALWAYS ART O’CLOCK

The Southeast’s top art museum brings blockbuster art exhibitions to Atlanta by collaborating with world-renowned museums such as The Louvre and MOMA. Find artists from the American South and an exceptional collection of civil rights photography. The High has an annual line-up of fun special events to suit any audience.

| Phone:404-733-4400

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HISTORIC GEMS

CONNECT WITH CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Get a glimpse of historic richness. 44th & 3rd Bookseller sits in the heart of Atlanta’s West End with books by authors from the African diaspora. The Hammonds House Museum features a 250-piece art collection focused on artists of African descent. The Wren’s Nest is the historic home of notable journalist Joel Chandler Harris with the tradition of oral storytelling at its core.

Hammonds House: 404-612-0481

Wren’s Nest: 404-753-7735

44th & 3rd Bookseller: 678-692-6519

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ILLUMINARIUM

MULTI-SENSORY STORYTELLING

Fall down the rabbit hole of immersive experiences at Illuminarium. The Waking Wonderland and Space exhibits engage the senses with 4k interactive projection, 360-degree audio, in-floor vibration and scent systems. | Phone: 404-341-1000

JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

BE OFFICIAL IN THE OVAL OFFICE

Be the president for a day. Walk through a full-scale replica of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s White House Oval Office. Finish off your “term” by viewing the Nobel Peace Prize and walking in the gorgeous gardens.

| Phone: 404-865-7100

LENOX SQUARE AND PHIPPS PLAZA

GET A DEGREE IN RETAIL THERAPY

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Luxury shopping lives at the intersection of Peachtree and Lenox Roads in Buckhead. Fashionistas and foodies find the 350+ iconic brands at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza extraordinary. Lenox houses Nike and Apple flagships and Phipps features Nobu, a culinary market and green space for gathering.

Lenox Square 404-233-6767

Phipps Plaza 404-262-0992

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MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

LIVE THE DREAM OF A CIVIL RIGHTS ICON

Honor the work and life of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this historic landmark. Leave feeling inspired after remembering notable moments while visiting King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center, established by Coretta Scott King.

| Phone: 404-331-5190

MERCEDESBENZ STADIUM

THIS PLACE IS FAN-TASTIC

Home to Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC and highenergy concerts, there is always something to enjoy here. With the world’s largest 58-foot-tall HD video board and first-of-itskind retractable roof, fans get an exclusive all-senses experience.

| Phone:470-341-5000

MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM

MUMMIES AND MARVELS

Spend the day a world away where true treasures rest. Get wrapped up in the marvelous mummy exhibit or check out ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, Africa and Americas. | Phone: 404-727-4282

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©2018, Paul Daniel

MILLENNIUM GATE

ARCH YOU GLAD YOU STOPPED HERE?

This classically styled 100-foot tall arch represents Atlanta’s historical name, “The Gate City.” The impressive work by artist Alexander Stoddart preserves Georgia history, art, culture and philanthropic heritage. Stop in The Millennium Gate Museum or take a stroll through the park.

| Phone:404-881-0900

MURALS & PUBLIC ART

PICTURE PERFECT

Vibrant street art, murals and public art tell diverse stories of Atlanta’s creative communities. Whether you’re moving through Midtown or cruising through Cabbagetown, you’re bound to see these incredible works of art by local and international artists.

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MUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA (MODA)

IMAGINE ART AND IMAGES OF INSPIRATION

MODA is a creative force that is home to some of Atlanta’s most unconventional exhibits. You can see and celebrate the impact of design on everyday life with exhibitions on climate change, architecture, espresso, fashion and so much more.

| Phone:404-979-6455

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

CONNECT WITH HEROES PAST AND PRESENT

Journey back to 1960 and feel the intensity of a lunch counter sit-in. Learn about and walk through pivotal moments in history. The center is an evolving attraction that connects the American civil rights movement to today’s global human rights movement.

| Phone: 678-999-8990

PATH400 GET ON THE GREENWAY

A step off the beaten path, this popular Buckhead trail is all the buzz as it connects to parks, walking trails, a bee habitat and neighborhoods. Ultimately leading to the BeltLine, PATH400 will have you feeling like a local. | Phone: 404-842-2680

PLAZA FIESTA

¡BIENVENIDOS! NO PASSPORT NEEDED.

Celebrate Latin culture on diverse Buford Highway. At Plaza Fiesta you can eat churros, get handcrafted imported art and buy a quinceanera dress. The vibrant plaza hosts free events year-round where everyone is welcome. | Phone: 404-982-9138

50 fun stickers

Collect all the stickers!

Step 1: Pick a fun place and a sticker to match.

Step 2: Place the sticker on the empty circle to track your trip. Step 3: Keep going untill you’ve seen them all. What will you see or do first?

PLAZA THEATRE

CATCH AN INDIE FILM

With a unique, intact old-school charm, this is not your average movie theater. Open since 1939, Plaza Theatre is a neighborhood favorite and Atlanta’s oldest operating cinema. Catch independent, foreign, art house films, hard to find documentaries and quirky programming.

| Phone: 470-410-1939

PORSCHE EXPERIENCE CENTER ATLANTA

SATISFY YOUR NEED FOR SPEED

Experience a $200K ride as you drive and drift away in a Porsche. This experience center allows you to test your driving skills then lose your stomach on the launch pad. Finish your ride by taking in the Heritage Gallery then grabbing a bite with a view of flights.

| Phone: 888-204-7474

SKYVIEW ATLANTA

SKY-HIGH VIEWS YOU CAN’T RESIST

The view from this 20-story Ferris wheel is truly a must-see. Ride in style with a VIP experience that includes a glass floor, champagne and a perfect photo op. The climate-controlled gondolas provide a cool ride to catch the sunset or late-night views.

| Phone: 678-949-9023

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STARLIGHT DRIVE-IN

DRIVIN’ BACK IN TIME Lights, camera, action! This multiple-screen drivein theater provides a unique movie experience. Tucked away in a scenic location right outside of Atlanta, this theater has maintained its ode to greenery and classic art-deco style since opening in 1949.

STATE FARM ARENA

A SHOT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Home to the Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena recently underwent the second-largest renovation in NBA history adding features including the largest sightlines from 360-degree concourses providing ample views. New venue entertainment options include Topgolf Swing Suites, Zac Brown’s Social Club and Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop for a modern fan experience. | Phone: 404-878-3000

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK

THIS ROCK WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

Spread across 3,200 beautiful acres, this 300-million-year old rock is Georgia’s most-visited attraction - and for good reason. Trek through the treetops on SkyHike, hike up the mountain for a scenic view or take a relaxing trip to the top with Summit Skyride year-round.

| Phone: 770-498-5690

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SWEET AUBURN AVENUE

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

The Sweet Auburn District is steeped in history, hip bars, street art and eateries. Iconic locations like the Auburn Avenue Research Library, Municipal Market and historic churches fill the area, along with must-visit stores such as For Keeps, a Black-owned bookstore.

THE SPECTACULAR AT CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK

THE SPECTACULAR IS SPECTACULAR

The park’s Olympic rings, known as The Spectacular, pay homage to Atlanta’s Olympic legacy.

The large sculpture sits at the east entrance of Centennial Olympic Park, just steps away from many of Atlanta’s attractions. While you’re there, splash around in the Fountain of Rings, enjoy a nice picnic or snap an Instagram-worthy photo.

| Phone: 404-223-4000

THE ROOF AT PCM

LEVEL UP

Your Atlanta experience will rise to new heights atop the iconic Ponce City Market. Vintage amusements, games, food and drinks with unparalleled views live here. Adjacent venues offer delicious bites and cocktails to enjoy with the view.

| Phone: 770-999-1530

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TINY DOORS

A-DOOR-ABLE ARTWORK

Tiny works of art along Atlanta BeltLine inspire viewers to unlock their imaginations. Start a scavenger hunt at the visitor center in Centennial Olympic Park where you’ll find three of the 20+ seven-inch doors along with augmented reality murals made by local ATL artists.

| Phone: 404-528-8017

TRAP MUSIC MUSEUM

DO IT FOR THE CULTURE

You can’t come to Atlanta without finding out why it’s the Hip-Hop Capital. This culture-centric museum is loaded with memorabilia, art and rooms where guests can experience hip-hop culture at its finest. If the museum isn’t enough, embark on the interactive escape room experience.

| Phone: 404-277-8501

TRUIST PARK AT THE BATTERY ATLANTA

SLIDE INTO THE BATTERY

This multipurpose development houses hotels, green space and the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre - just steps from Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. It offers restaurants, bars and shops, making it the perfect outing even on non-game days. Come for baseball, stay for unmatched entertainment.

| Phone: 404-577-9100

VIDEODROME

CLIQUES AND FLICKS

Take a stroll down memory lane at Atlanta’s last video store. Just being there brings you back in time. The beloved film oasis puts streaming services to shame offering more than 40,000 titles and stocking anything from indie to obscure and cult international films. | Phone: 404-885-1117

WAX N FACTS, CRIMINAL RECORDS, MOODS MUSIC

NOTES OF NOSTALGIA

In one of Atlanta’s hippest areas, Little Five Points, music is a mainstay. Move to your own beat as you dig through vintage vinyl at the record store. All within walking distance of each other, you’ll leave Wax n Facts, Criminal Records and Moods Music on a good note.

Wax n Facts: 404-525-2275

Criminal Records: 404-215-9511

Moods Music: 404-653-0724

WILLIAM BREMAN JEWISH HERITAGE MUSEUM (THE BREMAN)

WHERE HISTORY AND CULTURE MEET

The Breman offers understanding and appreciation of Jewish history culture and arts. It hosts a permanent Holocaust exhibition highlighting the resilience of local Georgia survivors plus comprehensive archives on Southern Jewish History, and much more.

| Phone: 678-222-3700

WORLD OF COCA-COLA (TASTE IT!)

THIS PLACE IS SODA KINDA AWESOME

Sip on the history of the world’s most famous soft drink, experience Taste It! tasting room with 100 flavors, learn about the anatomy of smell at Scent Discovery or watch the bottling process. The secret formula vault and photo op with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear are fan favorites.

| Phone: 404-676-5151

ZOO ATLANTA

HAVEN’T YOU HERD?

Home to more than 1,000 animals and 200 species from around the world, this is one of the 10 oldest zoos in operation in the U.S. Here you’ll find elephants, giraffes, zebras and the only giant panda twins in the U.S. It’s a yearround animal kingdom exploration that’s fun for all.

| Phone:404-624-9453

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More fun things to do

Parks

Atlanta’s gorgeous skyline is full of glass and steel, but guests are constantly amazed at the green space in the city. The gardens in the middle of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead — Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park and Chastain Park — are just as beautiful as they are iconic. And they are only the beginning of Atlanta’s green space.

Atlanta BeltLine and PATH400 are a great walks with views and attractions along the way. By foot or on wheels, head over to Old Fourth Ward Skatepark to test out your latest tricks or join a free community yoga class. Woodruff Park is an oasis Downtown, and Rodney Cook Sr. Park is the latest green development offering a place to sit by the creek. Grab your bike and head west to ride around Westside Reservoir Park, home to ADA-accessible trails and beautiful Atlanta skylines. Atlanta is home to the first park named after a Hispanic individual in the State of Georgia. Visit Sara J. Gonzalez Park and celebrate the culture and diversity of the city. We are the city in the forest with endless opportunities for you to enjoy the outdoors. Check out one of the many Atlanta parks and gardens open to guests daily.

Food Halls& Farmers Markets

Atlanta is home to some of the best and one of the oldest food halls in the country. Politan Row at Colony Square is a great place to encounter the city’s eclectic mix of dining options. Don’t miss out on VIP chef’s table experiences and exclusive cocktail bars. With 31 culinary offerings and a full-service bar, Chattahoochee Food Works will satisfy your thirst and hunger in an adaptive mixed-use building on the Westside. Eat and shop at Ponce City Market, a historic Sears building converted into a city landmark now housing some of the best global flavors in Atlanta. Named one of the best food halls in the world, Krog Street Market is a must-try. It is located in one of the city’s hottest historic neighborhoods and boasts a curated mix of dining, shopping and spaces to gather. What started as a large open-air market following the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917, is now Sweet Auburn Curb Market - also known as the Municipal Market. Located in the city’s historic Sweet Auburn District, it has been ranked among the best in the world by USA Today. The independently owned businesses here include fresh produce, meat and seafood vendors, retailers and eateries. For those looking to buy international food products, visit Buford Highway Farmers Market and Your DeKalb Farmers Market. Just minutes from Downtown, you can travel around the world through flavors. Visit Atlanta’s eclectic neighborhoods and their equally diverse selection of food halls and markets.

Comedy Clubs

Laugh with a full crowd during a magical night at Atlanta Magic Theater – named Atlanta’s highest rated show and nightlife entertainment option by Trip Advisor. Magician Peter Morrison brings stage magic and mentalism as well as audience involvement.

No matter your level of laughter, Atlanta’s many hip laugh factories bring joy all across town. Dad’s Garage provides incredible shows with talented players that have been seen in local television shows and movies.

Laughing Skull Lounge is a must if size matters to you. As a comedy club in a big city, the comics pride themselves on their small and intimate space. Looking for something off-the-cuff?

Check out Village Theatre for an audience-inspired improv comedy venue in an intimate and laid-back environment serving drinks, laughs and a good time. Leave the stress of the day behind and unwind with funny stand-up acts, get involved, or even try out your own.

ATLANTA TOURS

Great ways to explore these 50 Fun Things and other unique Atlanta experiences