Whether you are visiting World of Coca Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, or seeing a famous musician in concert, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Atlanta. Georgia’s capital city has plenty of opportunities to get outside, listen to world-class blues, and even be in a movie. From family-friendly events to quality nightlife, here are some fun activities to enjoy when you’re visiting the city.
World of Coca-Cola
If you are a fan of Coca-Cola products, you’ll certainly appreciate the World of Coca-Cola. The renowned brand originated in Atlanta in 1886. Today, its success is celebrated in the form of a Coca-Cola museum. The museum highlights all things Coca-Cola, including exhibits, memorabilia, and even films related to the world-famous soft drink. This museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2007, replaces an original Coca-Cola shrine built in 1990.
Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta was selected as host city for the Olympic Games in 1996. Although the Olympics came and went, the city maintains an Olympic park that was once used for official game activities. Today, the 21-acre park is the largest park in the downtown area. Flags of all participating countries and manicured walkways keep the Olympic spirit alive.
The Georgia Aquarium
With more than 100,000 animals housed in its 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is impressive by any standard. If you or a family member have a passion for marine life, this is the place to go. It’s easy to spend an entire day at the museum admiring the thousands of species that live there, which range from the most familiar to rare and unusual species.
The Atlanta Zoo
If you can visit a zoo in any city, why go to Atlanta’s? For its pandas of course! The Atlanta Zoo is one of the very few zoos to have giant pandas. In fact, only four zoos in the country have these majestic creatures. But that’s not all the zoo has – with more than 200 species from around the world, it offers a fun, educational, and action-packed day for everyone. Another highlight of the zoo is that admission is free for military personnel and children under the age of two.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Located in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is especially dramatic in the spring when thousands of flowers bloom. However, a visit to the park, which covers over 30 acres, is inspiring any time of the year. Keep an eye out for any special events taking place during your planned vacation time, as its carefully planned and entertaining shows, including the themed Halloween displays, are worth seeing. While all the flowers at the garden are inspiring, the orchids are especially striking.
Atlanta History Center
If you are a history buff, a trip to the Atlanta History Center is essential. From the distant past to more modern events, there are many great exhibits and collections to check out. The museum is also home to the Swan House, which is a historic structure featured in the Hunger Games. Exhibits commemorating the 1996 Olympic Games and other notable events in the city’s history are also on display.
Atlantic Station
If you prefer entertainment and culture, Atlantic Station is a great spot to visit. Here you’ll find some of the top sports and cultural attractions in the world, including Cirque du Soleil performances, movies, and concerts. The station also has an outdoor shopping area full of restaurants, big-name retailers, and boutique stores all within walking distance.
There are so many great sights to see in Atlanta that it’s hard to name them all. However, these places stand out for their exceptional appeal. With so much to do in the city, be sure to do your research before you go. While this article has the top spots in Atlanta covered, there are plenty more than we couldn’t fit in this post. Take a look at this Atlanta guide by Suddath if you’re looking for more inspiration.
Regardless of what time of year you plan to visit Georgia’s capital city, you will have no shortage of fun, educational, and entertaining indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.