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Welcome to Atlanta — the heartbeat of the South. From historic civil rights landmarks to a vibrant soul food scene flavored with Georgia peaches and sweet Vidalia onions, the city is a melting pot of experiences waiting to be explored.
Let’s delve into the best places to visit in Atlanta, GA and discover why many tourists not only fall for its charm, but even daydream about calling it home. Are you ready to embark on your Atlanta trip?
Explore Atlanta’s Historic Treasures
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The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Frequently ranked among the top 10 things to do in Atlanta, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site offers an intimate glimpse into the life story of one of the most prominent figures in American history. Here, you can walk through Dr. King’s childhood home, listen to his sermons echoing in the Ebenezer Baptist Church and pay respects at his final resting place.
The Atlanta History Center
For those plotting an enlightening Atlanta trip, a stop at the 33-acre Atlanta History Center is crucial, where you can explore the historic houses, lush gardens and captivating exhibits. From Civil War tales to the city’s role in the 20th-century civil rights movement, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s place in history.
Immerse Yourself in ATL Culture
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The High Museum of Art
From 19th-century sculptures to contemporary folk masterpieces, the High Museum of Art’s vast expanse houses more than 18,000 works of art from around the world, curated into seven distinct thematic collections. Between these vast collections spanning global cultures and historic eras, you might need a few visits just to scratch the surface!
Fox Theatre
Stepping into the Fox Theatre is like entering a bygone era. This historic venue, with its opulent interiors and rich history, hosts some of the best shows in the country, from Broadway blockbusters to timeless movies and ballets. A visit here is undeniably among the top things to do in Atlanta.
Savor Dogwood City’s Culinary Scene
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Ponce City Market
From artisan bakeries to trendy cafes and gourmet restaurants, there’s a taste for every palate at Ponce City Market. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “History in the Making,” the market not only boasts a plethora of delectable dining options but also features a rooftop amusement park.
Auburn Curb Market
Established in 1918, the Municipal Market, fondly known to locals as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, has stood as an enduring beacon on Edgewood Avenue for more than a century.
Today, the market buzzes with more than 30 local food ventures, hosting everything from a cooking school and fresh produce stands to butchers, fishmongers and a myriad of Atlanta travel guide-approved restaurant stalls.
Natural Wonders
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The Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine encompasses 22 miles of repurposed railroad tracks encircling the heart of the city’s vibrant in-town neighborhoods. It offers expansive trails, walkways, green spaces and parks.
Beyond a recreation destination, the BeltLine links residents and visitors to various neighborhoods, delectable dining options and numerous iconic places to visit in Atlanta, GA.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden
Since its opening in 1976, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has blossomed into Atlanta’s natural gem. This 30-acre urban oasis in Midtown showcases renowned plant collections, a unique Canopy Walk in the tranquil Storza Woods and the award-winning Children’s Garden.
If you are traveling as a couple, this enchanting locale is also one of the best date night spots in Atlanta!
Family-Friendly Fun in Atlanta
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Piedmont Park
Stretch your legs and spirits over the 211 acres of Piedmont Park. Known for hosting major events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Atlanta Pride, this park also offers jogging trails, an off-leash dog park and the serene Lake Clara Meer.
World of Coca Cola
Fizz into the World of Coca-Cola, where you’ll uncover the story behind the delicious drink. Explore the secret-formula vault, taste more than 100 beverages from around the world and meet the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium showcases 500 species in 60+ habitats. Here, you can marvel at the vast expanse of the 6.3-million-gallon tank hosting the majestic whale sharks or the 800,000-gallon beluga whale haven.
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is consistently one of top things to do in Atlanta, boasting iconic attractions like the world’s largest interactive Olympic Rings fountain — where water dances daily to synchronized shows. The park’s audio walking tour reveals deep history and Olympic legacy, set amid must-visit sites like SkyView Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium.
Zoo Atlanta
Minutes from downtown, Zoo Atlanta houses 1,000 animals and has one of North America’s largest great ape populations. Here, visitors are treated to the rare sight of giant pandas and can immerse themselves in the revamped African Savanna, where elephants, giraffes and rhinos roam.
Life in the Peach City: Making Atlanta Your Home
You’ve gotten a taste of what it’s like to visit the vibrant city of Atlanta. But what if you wanted to put down roots in this Southern metropolis?
Living in a city is a different ballgame compared to a fleeting visit. Let’s dive into what life in ATL truly entails, starting with the pros and cons of making this city your home.
Pros of Living in Atlanta
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- Charming In-Town Neighborhoods: Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park and Decatur, among others, are some of the best neighborhoods to live in ATL. They offer a tantalizing taste of top-notch shopping, dining and picturesque history.
- Mild & Manageable Winters: Atlanta may flirt with the chill, but it keeps winter frostbite-free. Compared to the biting cold of the Northeast and Midwest, here you’ll cozy up to daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
- Reasonable Cost of Living: Homebuyers get a lot of bang for their buck while renters enjoy below-average costs. The city’s cost of living is just 2% higher than the national average, with a median home price of $485,182 and median rent at $1,475 per month.
- An Almanac of Attractions & Activities: Atlanta has always had a robust dining scene, and the city’s best restaurants continue to impress. Plus, with music, professional sports, nightclubs, museums, art galleries and more — you’ll never run short on things to do in Atlanta.
Cons of Living in Atlanta
- Urban Doesn’t Always Mean Walkable: Atlanta loves its cars, with public transit playing second fiddle. Spots like Virginia Highlands and Decatur let you stroll to top-tier shops and eateries. But venturing beyond? You’ll need those wheels.
- Sparse Public Transport: Though riding MARTA sounds “SMARTA,” its reach within Metro Atlanta feels limited. With spaced-out stations, you might find commuting via MARTA almost parallels driving times. No wonder many Atlantans prefer the familiarity of their car seats.
- Bumper to Bumper Traffic: Clever’s 2023 study ranked Atlanta among the bottom five U.S. cities for commuters, with an even tougher commute than Los Angeles.
- Sizzling Southern Summers: Expect thermometers to dance in the 90s or even touch the 100s, while humidity often sits above 70%. If you’re a fan of balmy days and sultry nights, then the Dogwood City beckons you warmly.
Atlanta FAQs
What Should I Visit in Atlanta if I Only Have One Day?
If you only have one day to visit Atlanta, here’s the perfect trio: Kick off with Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Make a splashy pit stop at the Georgia Aquarium. And when the city lights glow, let Ponce City Market satisfy those foodie cravings. You might be time-crunched, but ATL won’t skimp on the memories.
What Would Be a Perfect Itinerary for a Weekend in Atlanta?
- Day 1: Begin with a visit to the Atlanta History Center. In the afternoon, pay respects at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Then, catch an evening show at the iconic Fox Theatre.
- Day 2: Relax at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in the morning. As evening approaches, stroll along the BeltLine, taking in its views and vibrant atmosphere.
Unpack Atlanta with CubeSmart
A visit turned potential lifelong stay? As you lay down roots in Atlanta, let CubeSmart simplify your move. Check out CubeSmart’s self-storage options in Atlanta and find everything you need to transition smoothly to your ATL abode.
