Choose from 30 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta
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Fox Theatre Atlanta
Glance up during a movie, concert or live performance at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and you will be dazzled by a gleaming starry sky. The man-made "sky’"projects 96 crystal stars and even clouds that drift, and this is only one of the many architectural features that make the Fox Theatre so fabulous. It opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to incredible fanfare and was designed and built to be grand and opulent, a decadent escape for patrons of the arts. That kind of opulence could not be maintained during the Great Depression, however, and the venue sunk into bankruptcy.
The salvation and revitalization of the Fabulous Fox, as it is known in Atlanta, was a community effort. Over $3 million was raised to protect the theater, most of which came from Atlanta residents. The site reopened in 1975 and today ranks among some of the country’s most notable not-for-profit performing art theaters. Today, patrons come to see world-famous productions, but they also come simply to lay eyes on the Fabulous Fox Theatre in person.
Practical Info
There are two ways to experience the Fox Theatre: by buying a ticket to an event or show, or by taking a tour. The guided tour costs $18 for adults, with discounts for military members, seniors and children. Knowledgeable guides share the incredible history of the theater and point out its stunning artistic details. The theater shows movies throughout the year, in addition to live performances.
Address: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, USA
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is a cultural center in downtown Atlanta that seeks to connect the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s Global Human Rights Movements. Their purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings. The Center's goal is to inspire and empower visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their own communities.
The Center has both permanent and temporary exhibitions on different topics relating to civil and human rights. Exhibitions explore the history of the civil rights movement in the US during the 1950s and 1960s. Others focus on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and work in the fight for equal rights. Some exhibitions focus more on present-day issues of human rights and how certain groups are depicted in the media. These exhibits aim to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of human rights and how they affect the lives of every person.
Practical Info
The Center for Civil and Human Rights is located at 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard.
Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Admission: Adults: $15; Children: $10
From $ 68
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Adjacent to Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden comprises a stunning 30 acres (12 hectares) of indoor and outdoor themed gardens, woodland areas, brooks, fern glades, and walking paths. A highlight is the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, a massive collection of plants from tropical rain forests and deserts from around the globe.
The Basics
The leafy Atlanta Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to wander and escape the Atlanta traffic. While many travelers visit independently, a guided tour of the garden ensures you explore all 30 acres (12 hectares) while learning more about the plants, animals, hidden sculptures, and water features that make this one of the best gardens in the nation.
Nature-themed tours of the city include the botanical garden, as well as Olmsted Linear Park, Grant Park, and Centennial Olympic Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as many of the gardens are outdoors.
- Give yourself three to four hours in the garden to explore.
- Nearly all areas of the garden are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rent.
How to Get There
Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in Midtown Atlanta, adjacent to Piedmont Park on Piedmont Avenue. You can easily get here by car, Bus 27, and the MARTA transit system.
When to Get There
The botanical garden is closed on Mondays, except for certain public holidays; hours are reduced during the winter months. Springtime tends to be the most colorful season, but there’s always something in bloom.
Birdwatching in the Atlanta Botanical Garden
The garden provides a habitat for a dozen or so species of native birds, including red-tailed hawks, blue jays, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and chickadees. Early mornings are the best time for birdwatching, particularly in the Perennial Gardens, Fuqua Conservatory, Children’s Garden, and Storza Woods.
Address: 1345 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Midtown, Atlanta 30309, USA
Hours: Tues - Sun 9am - 7pm (until 5pm Nov - Mar). Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Admission: Varies
From $ 59
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
A quintessential field trip experience for Atlanta students, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History allows children the opportunity to explore the planet and its people with both hands-on and hands-off exhibits. These explore everything from modern, foreign world cultures to prehistoric earth, and the Fernbank NatureQuest exhibit is by far the most popular. This interactive experience allows children to explore various ecosystems around the world, while the A Walk Through Time in Georgia exhibit walks through the state's natural history in the context of the development of the planet.
In addition to exhibits, Fernbank also has an impressive IMAX theater with a five-story-high, 72-foot-wide screen, making it the largest movie screen in Atlanta. While most of the films shown are educational, Fernbank does sometimes host special events and programming in the theater.
Practical Info
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., although it does occasionally host night events. The museum is open daily, only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and is located near Emory University, just east of Midtown. Museum tickets cost $18 for adults, with slight discounts for student, seniors and children.
Address: 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307, USA
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Admission: $18
From $ 83
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks in the United States, and one of them is located in Atlanta. The Federal Reserve plays an important role in the US economy and banking system. They make sure banks are operating safely and fairly as well as establish monetary policies. Of the 12 locations throughout the country, only two have give tours. At the Atlanta location, visitors can tour the Atlanta Monetary Museum and learn about the history of money from barter to modern times. Different exhibits show the turbulent history of banking in America. There are also displays with rare coins and currency.
Interactive, multimedia exhibits explain the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. Visitors will also learn how monetary policy affects daily life, how the Fed supervises and regulates banks, and how the Fed provides payments system services to help the economy run smoothly. Tours also show visitors the cash processing operations where millions of dollars are counted, sorted, or shredded daily.
Practical Info
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is located at 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Address: 1000 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 59
Hard Rock Caf e Atlanta
Atlanta as a city has made innumerable contributions to the soul of American music, and many of the nation’s top musical icons have memorabilia hanging on these walls. Conveniently located in downtown Atlanta right next to the Peachtree Mall, Hard Rock Café Atlanta can not only accommodate 1,200 people, but also houses its own music venue that’s know as the Velvet Underground. Music fans have been dining here since 1992, and the restaurant is located in the Cornerstone building that was built in 1928 at the heart of Atlanta’s downtown. After dining on classic American fare like burgers and hickory smoked BBQ, peruse the collection of memorabilia to learn about dozens of artists, and stay to enjoy an evening of rock, blues, country, or soul.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Café Atlanta is within walking distance of many major Atlanta attractions. There are multiple parking garages within a block of the restaurant, and the venue tends to be louder at night once the musical acts take the stage.
Address: 215 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, USA
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-Midnight, and Fri-Sat 11am-1am
From $ 32
Atlanta CNN Center
The Atlanta CNN Center serves as headquarters for the cable TV news giant, CNN. Inside, visitors can see the 24-hour news cycle in action with an insider’s look at newsrooms, control rooms, production studios, and sets, all in addition to the interactive exhibits that chronicle the network’s history.
The Basics
The 14th-floor CNN Center is an Atlanta icon and one of the city’s most popular attractions. On a guided, behind-the-scenes tour, visitors can learn how television news is written, produced, and delivered. Highlights include the special effects studio, which reveals the technology behind weather maps and on-air graphics; the option to take a souvenir photo behind a news desk; and the glass-walled observation tower in the main newsroom, from where travelers can see writers composing new scripts, camera operators in action, and maybe even a live broadcast taking place. For added value, combine a CNN tour with a visit to the World of Coca Cola, or see the studio with the Atlanta CityPASS, which also includes entrance to other popular attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Studio tours last about 50 minutes.
- Tours often sell out in advance, so it’s a good idea to book early.
- The CNN Center houses a large food court and gift shop.
- Tours involve climbing down several flights of stairs, and only some tour options offer elevator access.
How to Get There
The Atlanta CNN Center is located in downtown Atlanta on Marietta Street, just south of Centennial Olympic Park. You can get there via bus or the MARTA train.
When to Get There
The center offers several tours throughout the day, and behind-the-scenes tours depart every 20 minutes. While there’s not really a bad time to visit, the studio is particularly appealing as a mid-afternoon, air-conditioned escape from the Atlanta heat.
Tips for CNN Celebrity Spotting
While you probably won’t catch a glimpse of hosts Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper, it is still possible to spot some of CNN’s other anchors and hosts giving a live broadcast. Your best bet is to book a VIP tour around 9am or noon.
Address: 190 Marietta Street Northwest, Downtown, Atlanta 30303, USA
Hours: Open daily. Tours usually available in the morning or afternoon
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Atlanta Beltline
An ambitious “rails-to-trails” project, the Atlanta Beltline transforms the city’s trash-collecting tracks into more than 22 miles of footpaths for bikers, runners and pedestrians. The Beltline, a work in progress, merges the city's parks and green spaces, connects neighborhoods to each other and makes public transit more accessible. The Beltline shows off the very best parts of Atlanta.
The popular Eastside Trail and the Historic Fourth Ward Park are two projects, among many others, that have been completed. A planned streetcar is in the works, an addition that will connect the furthest reaches of the Beltline to more popular, central attractions in Atlanta. Some of the other highlights include 33 miles of multi-use trails, 1,300 acres of parks, more public art and historic preservation efforts.
Practical Info
The Beltline project began as a graduate thesis project and has grown into an effort with a multitude of support–from the Atlanta City government to nonprofit organizations, independent developers and individuals. The Beltline is the largest economic development project that Atlanta has ever taken on and encircles the city, making it accessible from nearly any point.
Address: Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA
From $ 52
Centennial Olympic Park
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games live on at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre site that remains one of the city’s premiere public park spaces. The park's main icon—and one of Georgia’s most photographed landmarks—would be the Fountain of Rings, an interactive play area that uses computer-controlled lights and jets of water to display the Olympic Rings. The fountain water show is synchronized to music, and in the warmest months, kids—and even adults—run through the jets to cool off.
Also noteworthy are the park's stone paths, comprised of inscribed, dedicated bricks that line the walkways. The bricks, bought by Atlanta and Georgia natives, as well as by people all over the world, even helped fund the games in 1996. The city hosts an online brick-locator tool to help people find their own bricks or those of friends and family. The dedicated ones make up a significant portion of the nearly 800,000 bricks used to build the park. A multitude of events, including concerts and a large Fourth of July celebration, take place at the park every year.
Practical Info
Centennial Olympic Park is located in downtown Atlanta near a variety of attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center and the World of Coca-Cola. A self-guided stroll through is the best way to experience the park, which is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. There are no entrances fees.
Address: 265 Park Avenue West NW, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hours: Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
From $ 10
Gone with the Wind Museum
The Gone with the Wind Museum in Marietta, Georgia, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the epic novel-turned-movie. Though small, the museum’s rare signature items and memorabilia celebrate the iconic tale and 1939 film. A top piece is the Bengaline silk honeymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh, who portrayed Scarlett O’Hara in the film.
The Basics
Opened in 2003, the Gone with the Wind Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts from Gone with the Wind. Memorabilia from the iconic film lines the halls, and the exhibits transport visitors back to the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In addition to Leigh’s gown, noteworthy objects include author Margaret Mitchell’s personal copies of the novel, rare publicity pieces, and the personal script of an actress in the film. The gift store sells collector’s items—and, of course, copies of Gone with the Wind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is an absolute must for Gone with the Wind fans as well as those with an interest in antebellum Georgia history. It’s not the best choice for children, who may find it uninteresting.
- Plan to spend roughly an hour visiting the museum.
- Student and senior discounts are available.
- The museum doesn’t have food services but there are restaurants within walking distance.
How to Get There
The museum is located inside of Brumby Hall and Gardens near downtown Marietta, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from downtown Atlanta. Driving is recommended, and there is free on-site parking. If traveling by public transportation from downtown Atlanta, make your way to the Marietta Transfer Center and then take bus 15.
When to Get There
The Gone with the Wind Museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. Check the museum calendar for special events and exhibits. Visit early to beat the crowds.
Gone with the Wind in Atlanta
Gone with the Wind Museum visits are self-guided unless scheduled ahead for groups of 15 people or more. For a more comprehensive Gone with the Wind experience, look for tours that bundle admission to the museum with other attractions like the Margaret Mitchell House and the location of the original 1939 movie premiere.
Address: 18 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Georgia, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is an interactive educational complex devoted to sharing the history of Atlanta and the Southeast. The center includes four historic buildings, a research center, and a museum with one of the world’s largest collections of American Civil War artifacts. Its large grounds offer walking trails and lovely gardens.
The Basics
The Atlanta History Center’s permanent and temporary collections of photographs, maps, books, newspaper clippings, and decorative arts tell the history of the Southeast through an everyday lens. Hands-on discovery areas make this a good stop for families, too. You can book a single admission ticket to all of the center’s attractions—including the Atlanta History Museum, the Swan House mansion, Smith Family Farm, Wood Family Cabin, Atlanta Cyclorama, Margaret Mitchell House (located 13 miles/21 kilometers away), and 22 acres (9 hectares) of grounds—or book separate admission to just the Margaret Mitchell House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Atlanta History Center is a must for history buffs and is great for families with children.
- Dress for the weather if you plan to enjoy the grounds and gardens.
- There is a coffee shop and a café with light fare.
- The Atlanta History Museum is wheelchair accessible, but other parts of the center are not.
How to Get There
The Atlanta History Center is located in the Buckhead area, roughly 10 minutes north of downtown. It is easily accessible by MARTA bus 110 or by private vehicle. On-site parking is included with admission.
When to Get There
The center is open from 10am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:30pm on Sunday. The historic houses have more limited hours: 11am to 4pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday. A variety of events, films, and festivals are always on the calendar, so be sure to check with the center before planning your visit.
More Than History at the Atlanta History Center
Many visitors spend most of the day exploring the center’s numerous exhibits. But for a break from the museum and historic homes, take a stroll along the Swan Woods Trail, which is filled with many plants native to Georgia.
Address: 130 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Atlanta 30305, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta honors the greatest players throughout the history of college football. Their stories and achievements are commemorated here in a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors can learn about exceptional players and the records they broke by exploring the exhibitions in the Hall of Fame. Permanent, etched-glass representations of each Hall of Fame player are on display. There are also 10 augmented reality displays where visitors can view images and video of players and coaches from their favorite school.
More than 750 helmets representing each college football team are on display, as well as larger than life images from 11 conference champions that are updated each season. Visitors can also see historical game-worn uniforms. Other exhibitions explore the dedication, passion, and sacrifice that goes into being a college football player. There are also sections that focus on the social traditions of college football, the bands, cheerleaders, mascots, and tailgating traditions.
Practical Info
The College Football Hall of Fame is located at 250 Marietta St., N.W.
Address: 250 Marietta St., N.W., Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Admission: Adults: $19.99; Children: $16.99
From $ 83
Inman Park
It is hard not to love historic Inman Park. Often called Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood, it was established in 1890 and named after Samuel Inman, a prominent Atlanta businessman in the late 1800s. The picturesque area features several parks with abundant green spaces, wide lawns, stately Victorian-era homes and a plethora of independent boutiques and restaurants. Winding, narrow streets make strolling through the neighborhood an appealing option, and on any given day, residents enjoy tea and lemonade on sweeping front porches flanked by azalea bushes, giving the area a charming, homey feel.
Inman Park is a celebration of historic Atlanta residential architecture from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in addition to Victorian-style mansions, influences range from Romanesque to Queen Anne. The neighborhood is comprised of two parts–the Inman Park historic district and the Inman Park-Moreland Historic District. The area has undergone extensive restoration and renovation in the last decade, and the priceless real estate, combined with the area’s accessibility to the rest of Atlanta, makes Inman Park one of Atlanta’s most coveted neighborhoods.
Practical Info
Located on the east side of Atlanta, Inman Park grants easy access to Freedom Parkway and other major thoroughfares in the city. There is no cost to visit and stroll through the parks and streets in the neighborhood.
Address: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 29
Georgia State Capitol
The focal point of the Atlanta skyline is the stately gold dome of the Georgia State Capitol. Lady Freedom, a statue holding a sword and a lantern, stands atop the Capitol building; she has captured the attention of everyone who passes by since 1889. The design of the building draws from the neoclassical style, similar to that of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Inside the building, Victorian and Florentine Renaissance influence is evident in the artistic motifs, while the site has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Capitol is the main operating building for Georgia’s state government. It houses the offices of the state governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, and is also the site where the General Assembly gathers. The fourth floor holds an educational museum and a visitors' center. The museum’s collections focus on the history of Georgia and include Native American artifacts and indigenous animals, while portraits of Georgia’s governors line the walls of the building. War banners and flags are displayed on every floor, and one of the most important sights in the Georgia State Capitol is the Hall of Fame, full of memorials to the Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence and other famous Georgia citizens.
Practical Info
The Georgia State Capitol is located in downtown Atlanta on Capitol Square. The Capitol and the Georgia Capitol Museum are open and free to the public. Both are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Tours are available and free but should be scheduled in advance.
Address: 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, USA
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
From $ 55
Georgia Aquarium
With 10 million gallons of water and more than 500 species of aquatic animals, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Thankfully, bite-sized exhibits help organize your trip and make it possible to see the best of the aquarium in one day.
The Basics
General-admission tickets include access to seven galleries, including a dolphin show, a sea otter habitat, and a tank with manta rays and whale sharks. As an upgrade, specialty experiences such as a behind-the-scenes tour and Sleepover Under the Sea are big hits with kids. Because the Georgia Aquarium is one of the most popular activities in Atlanta, it’s best to arrive early and book your ticket in advance. You can also save money by visiting as part of a CityPASS, which includes general admission to the aquarium and other top area attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, or Zoo Atlanta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s a restaurant and restrooms on-site.
- Plan to spend roughly three to four hours visiting the aquarium.
- Active military personnel receive a discount with ID, plus free admission days.
- The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and provides experiences for guests with visual and hearing impairments.
How to Get There
The Georgia Aquarium is located by Centennial Olympic Park. You can get there by taking a MARTA bus, or by walking 10 to 15 minutes from any MARTA train line. If you’re driving, there are parking decks available for a fee.
When to Get There
The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 day a year. Hours change regularly with seasons and special events, so check the website for the most up-to-date information. No matter when you go, be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Fauna to Fawn Over
Key animals to look out for at the aquarium include beluga whales, sea lions, African penguins, and a coral reef with tropical fish. Animal lovers should sign up for a guided Behind the Seas tour, which provides more insight into the marine life than you might get on your own.
Address: 225 Baker Street Downtown, Atlanta 30313, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 44
Krog Street Market
Once a cast iron range factory, the mixed-use, food-focused Krog Street Market is now a colorful and eclectic center showcasing southern and international flavors. Home to dozens of unique food stalls and restaurants, visitors can sample sweets from Xocolatl or the Little Tart Bakeshop and visit local hot spots like Richards' Southern Fried for some authentic down home chicken.
Show up at Krog Street Market with an open mind and empty belly to get the most out of a visit. Though easy to explore solo, travelers who prefer to experience the scene with a guide will find a number of walking tours that feature local food and drink—one of the best ways to learn about neighborhood culture, sights and flavor.
Practical Info
Krog Street Market is located at 99 Krog Street between Irwin St and Edgewood Ave. The most direct bus route from downtown Atlanta is via the number 3 bus, departing from Auburn Ave at Equitable Place and arriving to Randolph St at Irwin St. The bus ride takes 15 minutes. Alternately, you can walk eastward on Auburn Ave for 25 minutes on the sidewalk adjacent to the bus route; make a left when you Rudolph St and you'll arrive at the market. Parking is also available at the market, as well as valet service in the evening.
It is open Monday through Thursday from 7am to 9pm; Saturday from 8am to 10pm; and Sunday from 8am to 9pm.
Address: 99 Krog Street, Atlanta, USA
Hours: Mon–Thurs: 7am–9pm; Sat: 8am–10pm; Sun: 8am–9pm
From $ 65
High Museum of Art Atlanta
The High Museum of Art, Atlanta’s stunning temple of visual treats, is hard to miss. First, the building is built of white porcelain tile, and inside are four floors of galleries strung together by semicircular pedestrian ramps surrounding a sun-filled four-story atrium.
And that’s just the building. The High Museum of Art collection itself holds more than 11,000 works of art, including a stellar collection of American art, which includes fascinating works from the turn of the 20th century, plus contemporary pieces from the likes of Gerhard Richter and folk art from Georgia treasure Howard Finster. You can also see a marvelous collection of Italian paintings and sculptures from the 14th through the 18th centuries, as well as paintings by French Impressionists and German Expressionists. The collections of sub-Saharan African art and works by noted 19th and 20th century American and European photographers are also world-class.
The collection at the High Museum of Art rotates throughout the year, so each time you visit, you’ll see something you haven’t see before. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, concerts, lectures, workshops, and other events.
Practical Info
Located just west of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden and north of downtown, the High Museum of Art is easy to get to by bus and MARTA trains. Be sure to stop in at the museum’s gift shop, which is filled with books, prints, and art-related gifts. The museum’s restaurant is also worth stopping in for lunch or dinner.
Address: Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Midtown, Atlanta 30309, USA
Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am - 5pm, Thurs 10am - 8pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays
Admission: Adults: US$18, Children (6-17yrs): US$11
From $ 83
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Light streams through the stained glass windows of Ebenezer Baptist Church, illuminating the altar where Martin Luther King, Jr. was baptized as a child and served as pastor in adulthood. America’s most famous Civil Rights leader grew up in this church, and his legacy lives on inside its walls today, where the church serves as one of the foremost landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and in the United States.
The church was founded in 1886 during the Reconstruction Era in the South after the Civil War, and by the mid-20th century, Martin Luther King, Sr. was leading the congregation from the pulpit on Sundays, setting the stage for his son to take over. MLK, Jr. joined his father as a co-pastor from 1960 until the fateful day of his death in 1968. His funeral, too, was held here. The church has since been restored to look as it did in the 1960s during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and MLK Jr.’s voice greets visitors as they walk through the storied doors, his sermons and speeches playing on a loop on loudspeakers in the Church. Ebenezer Baptist Church still holds sermons today, a testament to the conviction and passion of the congregations that have kept this unique historical landmark alive for well over a century.
Practical Info
There are two sites attached to the name Ebenezer Baptist Church: the church itself and a historic memorial across the street. Visiting the church and/or attending sermons is free, but donations are appreciated. The church is located at 101 Jackson Street in Atlanta, Georgia, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to take a quick walk down Auburn Street to see Martin Luther King, Jr.’s former home as well.
Address: 101 Jackson Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
From $ 29
Fourth Ward Park
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream is realized every day at Atlanta's Historic Fourth Ward Park in the neighborhood in which he was born. Today the area houses the first completed urban park of the Atlanta Beltline Project, which brings modern, renovated park spaces to the city.
This 17-acre space celebrates Atlanta’s natural beauty with wide open green areas and its central two-acre lake, also used as a stormwater retention basin. Multiple lawns dot the park, all suitable for reading, a game of Frisbee and picnics. A modern playground with a splash pad is the crowning jewel of the park for young kids, and a skate park, athletic field and amphitheater round out the park’s entertainment options.
Practical Info
The Historic Fourth Ward Park is located behind Ponce City Market and extends south to the Carter Center. It is generally open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to the public.
Address: 680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
From $ 29
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a district in Atlanta, GA west of midtown. It is one of the newest areas of the city with plenty of apartments, lofts, and condos for those who want to live there. The neighborhood also has a focus on shopping, and you can find a wide variety of stores set up as an open-air mall. You'll find smaller boutiques, chain stores, and department stores. When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including sit-down establishments and cafes where you can get a quick bite.
If you're looking for entertainment, Atlantic Station has you covered. A movie theater shows the latest hit movies, and several bars provide a fun place for a drink. Atlantic Station is the permanent home for BODIES The Exhibition and often hosts Cirque de Soleil. Concerts and festivals are held here throughout the year, and in the winter there is an ice skating rink. A grocery store, fitness center, and several medical facilities round out the neighborhood.
Practical Info
Atlantic Station can be reached from 17th Street and Interstates 75 and 85.
Address: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 70