Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a place filled with history, a thriving community, and colorful culture. So much so that there’s plenty to do and admire if you find yourself making your way to Atlanta.
If you want to fill up your itinerary without emptying your pocket, here are 15 must-visit places in Atlanta.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site
Atlanta has always been an important and historic place for the African-American people. If you’re a history buff, the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site will help you learn more about the life of the famous civil rights leader.
From his childhood home to his final resting place, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park will take you through his legacy. This includes the impact he’s left behind.
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Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta Beltline is an outdoor urban renewal in Atlanta that loops around the downtown area that you should go to. It’s a paved walkway that hikers, skateboarders, and many people go to for a stroll. There are plenty of sights along the BeltLine that you would want to see when you’re there.
Most notable there would be the plentiful art installations that adorn this walkway. Besides admiring the art, you can also enjoy some culinary exploration in nearby restaurants along the BeltLine.
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Jackson Street Bridge
An icon of Atlanta that you should stop by and get your camera out for would be the Jackson Street Bridge.
This bridge has been a popular photography subject. That’s because it gives you a beautiful downtown skyline to photograph, especially at night.
Aside from that, it’s also made a few on-screen appearances. Some notable examples would be its appearance in the hit series The Walking Dead’s pilot episode and, of course, the show Atlanta.
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Starlight Drive-in
An experience that’s harder to find anywhere else nowadays is a drive-in theatre. Still, there’s one popular spot that provides that experience for you in Atlanta, the Starlight Drive-in Theatre.
Whether you’re looking to spend an affordable date night or want to watch a movie with family and friends, the Starlight Drive-in Theatre is the place to be.
You can even bring lawn chairs so you can sit outside of your vehicle. People with trucks often park their cars backward and set up bedding or other comfortable seating areas for the truck bed. Either way, you’re going to have a great time at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre.
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Buford Highway
For foodies out there, the Buford Highway is one of the top Atlanta destinations that you should spend some time in when you’re there. The Buford Highway has several food options that provide cuisine from all over the world. You’ll be quite overwhelmed with choice, but it’s best not to think too hard about it.
The thing about the Buford Highway food experience is that it will make you keep coming back for more. Given the many hidden gems in the area, it would be a mistake not to come back.
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Centennial Olympic Park
The Centennial Olympic Park is a hub of all sorts of leisure activities that both Atlanta residents and tourists enjoy.
There are so many things that you can do there. For example, there are water features that you can see and many events, like concerts, there. The Skyview Atlanta Ferris Wheel is a popular hit for many people as well, and you can find that within Centennial Olympic Park.
If you’re traveling with family, this is perhaps the most reliable place to go to and enjoy with everyone in the family.
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Piedmont Park
If New York has Central Park, then Atlanta has Piedmont Park. It’s an excellent place for people seeking to take it slow and maybe even have a picnic. It’s serene and romantic, so it’s even perfect for those looking for an affordable date night.
For a hot day out, you can even go and take a dip in Piedmont Park’s pool.
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Woodruff Park
Woodruff Park has plenty of complimentary amenities for those who want to enjoy Atlanta without overspending.
If you’re going to move your body around, you can play bocce and table tennis there. For a relaxing time, you can go to the open-air reading room as well and dive deep into your book while surrounded by nature.
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Amicalola Falls State Park
Another park that you should consider going to would be the Amicalola Falls State Park.
It has everything that you’d want when you’re craving a walk in nature. If you’re an avid hiker, give your hiking poles some use as there are plenty of hiking trails available. When you’re here, consider seeing the Amicalola Falls, one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the South East, which the state park is named after.
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Ponce City Market
If you’re looking for a place to get some shopping done, the Ponce City Market is both a historic site and a place filled with all sorts of shops. Besides that, you can also enjoy all kinds of grub there, given the many available food choices.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, because you will likely hop from one store to another.
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The Wren’s Nest
Another historical site that you might want to go to is the Wren’s Nest. It opens only every weekend, so make sure to schedule your trip then. This place is great for both learning history and hearing some storytelling. Thus, you can bring your children with you here if you want.
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Six Flags Over Georgia
Are you a fan of roller coasters? Then, you should stop by the Six Flags Over Georgia and get your adrenaline rush from the many roller coasters and other rides while you’re there. It’s an excellent stop for when you’re traveling with family and friends.
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Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
If you’re an art enthusiast, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center will be of interest to you. It’s a gallery with exhibitions of modern art pieces, and there are even events or lectures there. It’s also free, so you won’t have to spend a dime to be able to admire the art inside the art center!
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Atlanta Monetary Museum
The Atlanta Monetary Museum is unique in that it’s all about the history of banking in America. Even though it’s about the history of banking, the entrance fee for the Atlanta Monetary Museum is non-existent, meaning it’s free!
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Atlanta Botanical Garden
Nowadays, more people are becoming interested in gardening. If you’re one of the many people who have become more interested in plant life, then you should visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
You can admire their collection of herbs, orchids and even enjoy a concert in the evening if there is one.
Whether your loved ones or alone, there’s much to do in Atlanta. You don’t even have to be spending a hefty sum! Next time you find yourself in Atlanta, go through this list and make the most out of your trip.
