Choose from 55 Fun Things to Do in Georgia
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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
Reynolds Square
Reynolds Square is part of the Historic District and was designed back in 1733 to include four open squares, surrounded by four residential and four civil blocks. This layout of a square and its accompanying blocks is known as a “ward.”
Lucas Theater is one of the square's most important buildings, built in 1921 for Savannah native Colonel Arthur Lucas. The space originally held vaudeville performances and screened silent movies and has today re-emerged as one of Savannah’s most romantic buildings.
The square was also once home to a filature, which housed silkworms, which are believed to have thrived in the area, producing silk and supplanting imports to England from China by way of Italy. This idea didn't pan out, however, as Georgia's humid climate kept the cocoons from maturing properly. The filature was then converted into a meeting space, serving as the city hall until around 1845.
Two historic homes in the area have survived the times: the 1798 Habersham House, today known as the Pink House and serving as a restaurant, and the Oliver Sturgis House, dating back to 1813. In Reynolds Square, look for a bronze statue of John Wesley, who founded the first Sunday school in America while in the region on a mission. The location of the statue is believed to have been where Wesley’s home once stood.
Practical Info
To learn more about Reynolds Square and the Savannah Historic District, stop by the local visitor center. The Savannah Visitor Center is located in the restored Central of Georgia railroad station located at 301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The visitor center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, and weekends from 8am until 5pm.
Address: Abercorn St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
From $ 25
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
Mercer-Williams House Museum
The Mercer-Williams House Museum is a historic building and museum located in the Savannah Historic District’s Monterey Square. Construction began in 1860 but was delayed by the American Civil War, and was finally completed around 1868.
The building was used as the Savannah Shriners Alee Temple for a number of years and then remained vacant until 1968 when Jim Williams purchased it. Williams was one of Savannah’s earliest restorationists and embarked on a two-year project to restore the Mercer House.
Today, the Mercer-Williams House is owned by Williams’ sister, Dorothy Kingery, who kindly opened it for the public to enjoy. The site houses Williams’ private collection of 18th- and 19th-century furniture, 18th-century English and American portraits, drawings from the 17th century and a large collection of Chinese export porcelain.
Practical Info
The Mercer-Williams House Museum is located at 429 Bull Street and is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am to 4:10pm, and Sunday, noon to 4pm. There is a museum gift shop open Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday, 10:30am-4:30pm.
Address: 430 Whitaker St, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-4:10pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
Admission: Adults $12.50, Students $8
From $ 25
Historic Savannah Theatre
Set on Savannah’s Chippewa Square, the Historic Savannah Theater is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in America. Built in December, 1818, the theater has been damaged by fire and storms in the centuries since it’s been built, and is now renovated with an art-deco façade and state of the art lighting and sound. Of the thousands of performers to have graced the stage, notable amongst them are Oscar Wilde and the baseball player Ty Cobb, who performed here back in 1911 in a showing of The College Widow. Today, not only is the Historic Savannah Theater a popular stop on walking tours, but it’s still one of the classiest and enjoyable nights out you can find in downtown Savannah. Shows run 4-6 days per week, and range from live theater to musical performances and special shows for the holidays. If you do decide to attend a live show at the Historic Savannah Theater, you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time from the moment you walk inside.
Practical Info
The Historic Savannah Theater has balcony and floor seating and a total capacity of 525. Reservations are highly recommended.
Address: 222 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
Hours: Sun-Tues 10am-4pm, Wed-Sat 10am-8pm
From $ 43
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
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
Owens-Thomas House
The Owens-Thomas House is considered by many architecture historians to be one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in America. Built in 1816 by William Jay, one of America’s first formally trained architects, the house stands as a monument to the ancient southern aristocracy. Currently under operation by the Telfair Museum of Art, and the Owens-Thomas house is more than just a passing interest – from the slave quarters to brick ovens, to dazzling symmetries of light and space, to the rotating exhibits of popular contemporary Southern artists, the Owens-Thomas House earns the Certificate of Excellence awards.
Practical Info
The Owens-Thomas House is located at 124 Abercorn St., in downtown Savannah. Adult tickets to the Owens-Thomas House are $20 but include access to all three Telfair Museums sites valid for one week from the purchase date.
Address: 124 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 1pm - 5pm, Mon 12pm - 5pm. Closed major holidays.
Admission: Adult: $20; Student: $5
From $ 20
Piedmont Park
In the middle of Midtown, Piedmont Park is where locals come to play, picnic, and commune with nature. Indeed, the park is a glorious, rambling urban park, filled with verdant lawns, rolling hillsides, and Lake Clara Meer – all set against the backdrop of the Midtown Atlanta skyline. The park also is the setting of many cultural and music festivals, as well as some superb people watching.
For the active, Piedmont Park has softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, a public swimming pool, and fantastic paths for jogging, skating, and biking. For leisure activities, there’s fishing on Lake Clara Meer, picnic tables and benches, and expansive lawns for lazing in the sun. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is also here. Children will have endless fun, as open, car-free spaces abound. Make sure they don’t miss PlayScape, at the 12th Street gate. The geometrically shaped, modernist playground includes a soaring swing set, slide, sand pit, climbing dome, and more made of bright and exciting colors.
Come Saturday for the Saturday Green Market, where you can browse locally grown produce, artisan cheeses, fresh-cut flowers, and arts and crafts.
Practical Info
Piedmont Park is located north of Midtown Atlanta, and is accessible by bus and MARTA trains. If you’re coming by car, parking is plentiful but can fill up quickly when there are special events. The main entrances to the park is on 14th Street and 12th Street, both on Piedmont Avenue. At the 12th Street entrance is a visitor center, where you can pick up information.
Address: 400 Park Drive Northeast, Atlanta 30306, USA
Hours: Open daily 6am - 11pm
Admission: Free
From $ 59
River Street Savannah
It is virtually impossible for Savannah visitors to miss River Street. A broad waterfront promenade lined with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, River Street is one of the main arteries of the historic city. The street also features a pedestrian-only path, perfect for leisurely strolls with unbeatable Savannah River views.
The Basics
The best way to experience River Street is by foot, letting you easily and leisurely stop into its many inviting shops, bars, and restaurants. Some guided walking tours of Savannah’s historic district include River Street on their route, providing insight into the street’s history as a cotton warehouse district and highlighting other historic landmarks, such as the Waving Girl statue. Additionally look for River Street on the itinerary of Savannah ghost tours, which reveal spookier aspects of the street’s history, or on hop-on hop-off trolley tours, which let you stay on the thoroughfare as long as you’d like before continuing through downtown Savannah. For the most spectacular views, book a helicopter tour that flies over the Savannah River, River Street, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend up to a few hours on River Street.
- Explore with a guide to learn about the street’s past as one of the oldest areas in Georgia.
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestones.
- A wheelchair accessible entrance is available through an elevator at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
- River Street offers great nightlife as well as kid-friendly attractions.
How to Get There
River Street is located below the level of the rest of Savannah’s downtown, and is accessible by a series of stairways and ramps from East Bay Street. Though you can drive to River Street, parking is very limited; it is recommended to park elsewhere, or take the city’s free downtown area shuttle, which drops off within two blocks of River Street. River Street runs for nine blocks, roughly the length of Savannah’s historic district.
When to Get There
River Street is open year-round. Savannah’s summer months are notoriously hot and humid, so if you’re planning to spend much time walking around, aim for a spring or fall visit. If bars and clubs are on your radar, be sure to check out River Street at night—it’s a popular nightlife location.
River Street for History Buffs
River Street is one of the oldest continuously used areas in all of Georgia. In fact, it is the site where James Oglethorpe first landed and established the Savannah colony in 1733.
Address: River St, Savannah, GA, USA
From $ 25
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
Olde Pink House
Yes, the Olde Pink House has amazing food, but there’s so much more to this grandiose house than simply the food on your plate. For one thing the building dates to 1771, and the land it sits on was once a land grant from the British Royal Crown. It was built as a mansion for James Habersham, one of the founders of modern Savannah, and a cotton factor who would eventually become one of the richest men in the South. Throughout the enormous, multi-storied mansion, you’ll find 18th century English antiques and Venetian chandeliers, and paintings of Georgia’s original founder, James Edward Oglethorpe. Downstairs, away from the fancy white linens, crystal, and polished silver spoons, is a wood-floored tavern that’s dimly lit and widely regarded as haunted. It’s here, some say, that James Habersham hung himself in 1799, though despite the somewhat grisly past, the tavern retains a romantic feel, and you can envision the officers and Civil War generals that gathered right here in these halls. For one lucky couple, there’s a single table inside the wine cellar that’s reserved for special occasions, though regardless of where you choose to dine, the southern comfort food is some of the best you’ll find in Savannah today.
Practical Info
Reservations are highly recommended, considering the popularity, and arrive early to wander the interior and experience the historic grounds.
Address: 23 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia, USA 31401, USA
Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-2:30pm and 5pm-10:30pm. Sun-Mon 5pm-10:30pm.
From $ 25
North Georgia Zoo
Home to over 80 species and 300 animals, the North Georgia Zoo offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, both mammals native to Georgia and more exotic species. The petting zoo and hay rides are especially popular and ideal for small children.
At least a dozen other experiences are offered with highly trained staff members on hand to ensure the safety of both the animals and visitors. Many guests enjoy the Wildlife Walk, a guided tour through the grounds to see wild animals such as kangaroos, snakes, and alligators. In addition, guests can take part in a unique camel presentation, as well as a reptile exhibit featuring giant tortoises, python snakes, and crocodiles. Although not offered by Viator, add-on, hands-on animal encounters are available (from $35).
Practical Info
The North Georgia Zoo is located in Cleveland, 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Open daily from 10am-5pm, tickets cost $23 for adults and $21 for children? ages 2-11. Individual encounters with various animals can typically be arranged in advance, and are recommended for children ages 8 and up.
Address: 2912 Paradise Valley Rd, Cleveland, Georgia 30528, USA
Hours: Fri-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults $23, Children (2–11) $21
From $ 25
Margaret Mitchell House
Though much of the epic Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Gone with the Wind takes place in famously grand houses, author Margaret Mitchell penned the tome from a tiny Atlanta apartment. Today her home is the Margaret Mitchell House, which serves as a tribute to where the author lived and worked while writing the novel from 1925 to 1932.
The Basics
Though humble with its red brick and white trim, the Tudor Revival–style apartment building (formerly known as the Crescent Apartments) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here visitors learn about Mitchell’s life in Atlanta and trivia about her writing of the novel. Guided tours are offered every half-hour and included with admission. An adjacent building houses a Making of the Movie exhibit with exceptional items such as photos from Gone with the Wind’s 1939 Atlanta movie premiere; the portrait of Scarlett O’Hara hanging in the Butler Mansion in the film; and pieces of the original Hollywood movie set.
You can visit the house independently, or as part of a Gone with the Wind tour that includes other key locations from the book and movie, an Atlanta film tour, or a tour of historic Atlanta homes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For Atlanta history buffs and Gone with the Wind fans alike, the Margaret Mitchell House is a must. It’s not the best choice for children, who may find it uninteresting.
- If you need to grab a bite, there are a handful of restaurants on the same block as the museum.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Margaret Mitchell House is a short walk from Atlanta’s Midtown MARTA station. Limited free parking is available at the museum, plus there is paid street parking and a nearby public parking garage.
When to Get There
The Margaret Mitchell House is open from 10am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 12pm to 5:30pm on Sunday. Tours are available 30 minutes after opening until 30 minutes before closing every day. The museum hosts events such as book readings and signings throughout the year, and every summer it hosts a series of camps for young aspiring writers.
The Atlanta History Center
The Margaret Mitchell House is part of the Atlanta History Center, though it is located 13 miles (21 kilometers) away from the center’s main campus. For a full day of exploring Atlanta history, purchase a single admission ticket that gives you access to the Atlanta History Museum, Smith Family Farm, the Swan House mansion, and other sights.
Address: 990 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 29
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
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Juliette Gordon Low might be better known as the founder of the modern American Girl Scouts. Her birthplace home is a highlight of Greek Revival, and is Savannah’s first registered historic landmark. The beautiful southern mansion has been refurbished to its height of 1880s splendor and touring the home you’ll hear about the life and times of four generations of one iconic American family. A great stop for anyone – Girl Scout or not – the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is as inspirational as it is informative. Complete with entertaining guides, artifacts, and points of interest that keep both young and old happily enthralled (like trying on 19th century corsets, for example), the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is not to be missed.
Practical Info
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is located at 10 E. Oglethorpe Ave., in downtown Savannah. Tickets are $8 adult, and $18 for a Preservation Pass, which includes this house, the Isaiah Davenport House, and the Andrew Low House. Tours are available.
Address: 10 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Hours: Book reservations for day viewings
Admission: Adults: $8
From $ 33
Oakland Cemetery
More than just Atlanta’s oldest cemetery, dating back to 1850, Oakland Cemetery’s large grounds serve as a tranquil sanctuary from the urban bustle. Take a quiet moment to meander past stunning mausoleums, grand oaks, and notable graves including those of Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and Maynard Jackson.
The Basics
An astounding 70,000 people are buried in the 43-acre (17-hectare) Oakland Cemetery. Though the last plots were sold in 1884, burials still continue through the use of family-owned plots and city exceptions for notable figures. Today the site also functions as a beautiful park with winding stone paths, shade-producing trees, and blossoming flowers. You can explore the cemetery on your own at any time without paying an entry fee, or upgrade for a self-guided tour map with information about notable graves or a guided tour with the Historic Oakland Foundation on the weekends (no reservation required). When you first get to the cemetery, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for maps and information.
To get the most out of your visit to the Oakland Cemetery, go as part of an Atlanta guided tour via Segway or a Gone with the Wind tour, which shows you the cemetery through the eyes of the famous book-turned-film.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oakland Cemetery is lovely for anyone looking for a little serenity.
- Discounts on tours are available for students and seniors.
- Private tours and tours by golf cart are available at any time.
- The cemetery offers limited wheelchair access.
How to Get There
Oakland Cemetery is located just north of Grant Park, roughly a 10-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. There is free on-site parking. If traveling by MARTA, the closest stop is King Memorial Station.
When to Get There
The cemetery is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year; the Visitors Center is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday with seasonal weekend hours. Throughout the year, Oakland Cemetery hosts events such as the very popular annual Victorian Street Festival, during which some patrons come dressed in period clothing. Music festivals, special topic tours, and various events also fill up the cemetery’s calendar.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, just a 5-minute drive away from Oakland Cemetery. It’s also only a 10-minute drive from other must-see downtown Atlanta attractions such the CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.
Address: 248 Oakland Ave, SE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
From $ 55
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
Gribble House
There are ghosts on the loose in Downtown Savannah, and the Gribble House is the epicenter of paranormal experience. Though only a warehouse stands here today, this ground was where three women lost their lives in a gruesome, 1909 axe attack that’s been called “the most diabolical crime in the history of Savannah.” Not everyone believes that the man arrested was the one who committed the crime, and it’s likely that the only people who know the truth are the famous Gribble House ghosts. On a tour of this haunted and infamous site, grab a flashlight and explore the darkness of where the three gruesome murders took place. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck suddenly stand on end, and talk or ask questions to a spooky “ghost box” that can silence the biggest of critics. By the time you emerge from this haunted house in the middle of downtown Savannah, there’s a good chance that you could walk away with a firm belief in ghosts.
Practical Info
Investigations of the Gribble House are 90 minutes long, and take place at 8pm every day of the week. On Friday and Saturday, a second tour is added at 10:30pm, and there’s a minimum age of 16 years old to participate in the ghost hunting experience.
Address: 234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Admission: Adults: $35
From $ 31
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park commemorates the life, work, and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement leader. The center—which takes up several blocks in Sweet Auburn, the center of black Atlanta—includes King’s birth home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both King’s father and grandfather served as ministers.
The Basics
At the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, stroll around to follow the journey of Dr. King from his birth to his rise as one of the country’s most important leaders. Inside the visitor center is a museum that chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement, and Dr King’s role in it. The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change has more information on MLK’s life and work, and a few of his personal effects, including his Nobel Peace Prize. His grave, between the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, is surrounded by a long reflecting pool and rose garden.
The National Park Service offers free, guided tours of Dr. King’s Birth Home; pick up a timed ticket at the information desk. Other tours from downtown Atlanta via bus, electric car, or Segway make stops at this historic site along with other city sightseeing highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fire Station No. 6, a restored firehouse, has a gift shop selling memorabilia relating to Dr. King’s life.
- Most portions of the National Historical Park are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Most exhibits and tour routes are inside, but you must pass between buildings, so dress accordingly for the weather.
How to Get There
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is in Midtown Atlanta, east of the CNN Center. The site is also part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District, an area bounded roughly by Irwin, Randolph, Edgewood, Jackson, and Auburn Avenues. You can get here easily by bus and MARTA trains.
When to Get There
A typical visit to the National Historical Park takes between one and two hours. The visitor center, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Freedom Hall are open from 9am to 5pm daily. The Birth Home is open for ranger-led tours from 10am to 4pm daily. Fire Station No. 6 is staffed by park volunteers and is open from 9am to 5pm. All facilities are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The Eternal Flame
Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. King are buried in a crypt at the King Center. The eternal flame there symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s dream of the “Beloved Community,” which was his vision for a world of justice, peace, and equality for all mankind.
Address: 450 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30312, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 29