Of all the awesome American cities worth flying to from California, Atlanta, Georgia, is surely among the most enticing. One of the most visited cities in the United States, it is packed with diverse tourist attractions that appeal to all ages and vacation styles. Atlanta’s communities are diverse and creative, with a vibrant, modern cityscape complemented by the cool greenery of dense urban forests. A food scene dominated by Southern cuisine promises meals and treats as memorable as any Atlanta activity.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Atlanta, you might be familiar with its airport – the world’s busiest – or remember scenes from the 1996 Summer Olympics. In the history books, Atlanta stands out for its railroad heritage, Civil War sacking and central role in the civil rights movement. Today, there are ample visitor attractions honoring those historic events. Families get to choose from an abundance of fun things to do in Atlanta, including a world-class aquarium, many excellent museums and hundreds of parks and gardens.
There are so many great things to do in Atlanta, and it’s easy to get there from any California hub with a flight time averaging four to four and half hours. Prepare a jam-packed itinerary and be sure to include some of the following highlights.
Georgia Aquarium
The stand-out star of Atlanta’s tourist attraction lineup is the Georgia Aquarium, centrally located downtown, opposite Centennial Olympic Park. The stand-out stars of the aquarium are its whale sharks, two magnificently massive creatures that occupy one of the largest aquatic exhibits in the world. There is no other aquarium outside of Asia to keep whale sharks, so the chance to admire the largest known fish species in the world is a rare and special experience.
Related read: Places to Play: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visitors can watch the whale sharks in their serene slo-mo swim-bys through a 100-foot acrylic tunnel as well as a giant viewing window. Also look out for their companions in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which include green sea turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, sawfish and goliath grouper. Be sure to check out the interesting exhibit about how the aquarium acquired and transported its whale sharks – an unrivaled feat.
One of the most pleasing characteristics of the Georgia Aquarium is its ingenious layout. All the individual exhibits have their entrances and exits around a central hub, like a bike wheel. This means you can choose to visit the exhibits in any order without retracing your steps or skipping anything. It makes navigation easy and adaptable to any group’s particular needs, whether it’s dealing with the limited endurance of little kids, a tight time schedule, or making sure everyone gets to see their favorite creature.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is home to the whale sharks and other large-scale ocean dwellers. The icy waters and kelp forest habitats of the Cold Water Quest are where you can view adorable sea otters, African penguins and an incredible pod of beluga whales. A host of Californian creatures such as sea lions, harbor seals, garibaldi, sheephead and giant Pacific octopus live here too.
Sharks! Predators of the Deep is one of the largest shark exhibits in North America. Stand awestruck at the floor-to-ceiling viewing windows as impressive apex predators like the tiger shark and great hammerhead give you the side-eye. A delightfully colorful viewing experience awaits at the Tropical Diver exhibit, which replicates the Indo-Pacific barrier reef. Spot garden eels, seahorses, moon jellies and countless kaleidoscopic reef fish among the living corals.
Learn how animals survive in the harshest environments on Earth at Aquanaut Adventure. At Explorers Cove, take a hands-on “eco-tour” of different coastal biomes and check out the interactive touch pools with rays and sturgeon. Explore the rivers of Africa, South America, Asia, and the state of Georgia at Southern Company River Scout, a highlight of which is the glass-bottom alligator exhibit. See under the boardwalk at Truist Pier 224, and see a live training demo with a pod of common bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Coast.
Admission to the Georgia Aquarium includes dolphin and sea lion presentations – look for the daily schedule upon arrival. Add-ons to swim or dive with whale sharks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters and more are available as well.
World of Coca-Cola
Atlanta is very proud of being the birthplace of the Coca-Cola Company. It hosts the company’s global headquarters as well as the popular tourist attraction, the World of Coca-Cola. A bubbly experience built around the story of the world’s best-known beverage brand awaits inside this unique downtown museum. It’s a must-do experience for any coke connoisseur, and a fun outing for all ages.
With timed entrance slots, each group begins a self-guided tour in The Loft, a two-story hall filled with close to 200 Coca-Cola artifacts. An Ambassador gives a talk about some of the more storied examples, which date as far back as 1896 and represent over 30 countries. Continue to a short movie presentation, then explore the wider museum exhibits at your own pace.
The history, business and branding of Coca-Cola are explored through the Vault of the Secret Formula, detailing over 135 years of stories and myths about its secret recipe. At the end of the exhibit, see the “vault” door, behind which it’s claimed the secret Coca-Cola formula is kept. In the Icons space, learn about the evolution of the Coca-Cola brand, including its script logo, contour bottle, polar bear mascot and affiliation with Santa Claus. The Milestones of Refreshment exhibit spans 10 galleries with over 1,000 artifacts, telling the story of the Coca-Cola Company and its Atlanta origins.
The museum’s more interactive, flavorful exhibits include the Beverage Lab, where you can delve into science, creativity and personal taste to make your own custom drink. The Scent Discovery exhibit explains the links between flavor and aroma. End in the Taste It! Room, a definite highlight of the museum. The large space features various fountain drink stations where you can serve yourself unlimited samples of over 100 beverages from the Coca-Cola family. There are drinks from all over the world alongside familiar favorites. You might try an apple lychee juice from Korea, a Fanta melon frosty from Thailand, and Inca Kola from Peru. Of course, a cold, classic Coca-Cola is available as well.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
On 37 leafy acres of parkland just a few miles east of downtown Atlanta, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum chronicles the long life and storied presidency of James Earl Carter, Jr. (1924-2024). A typical visit to the library is leisurely and informative. Stroll through the various airy exhibit spaces and explore the key themes and moments of Carter’s personal and public life. Learn about his early years in Plains, Georgia, his service in the Navy, and marriage to Rosalynn that would span 77 years.
The library charts Jimmy Carter’s political career from State Senator to Governor of Georgia, through to his term as the 39th President of the United States – January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. The major political events of those years included the Panama Canal treaties, Camp David Accords, the Iranian hostage crisis, and energy crises at home. Visitors get a sense of the pressures upon the Carter administration to rise to such momentous challenges within four short years. The library’s exhibits acknowledge Carter’s significant successes, such as the slow and meticulous negotiations leading to the Camp David Accords. It also details the missteps and defeats that cost Carter his bid for re-election in 1980.
Highlights among the library exhibits dedicated to Carter’s presidential years include the “Day in the Life of the President,” presented on 13-foot screens in a rotunda setting, and a walk-through cabin replicating the background for 12 days of secret Camp David negotiations. There’s also a full-scale replica of Carter’s Oval Office. An exhibit of various gifts and curios from world leaders is a visual treat; just a few examples include jewels, china, sculptures, dolls, and beaded sandals.
Jimmy Carter was the first president in American history to reach 100 years of age, and he had the longest post-presidency in US history. It’s fitting that the library dedicates ample space to Jimmy and Rosalynn’s post-presidential lives, for which they are warmly remembered and righteously celebrated. The Carters founded the Carter Center in 1982 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization seeking to address national and international issues of public policy.
Through hands-on, interactive exhibits, library visitors can learn all about the center’s projects around the globe to resolve conflicts, promote democracy and prevent disease. One remarkable example of the center’s successes is the almost-total eradication of Guinea worm disease.
The library showcases achievements of Carter’s long post-presidential career in public service, including receiving the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, traveling the globe for Carter Center projects, and ongoing volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. You’ll also learn that Carter was the author of 32 books and a skilled carpenter.
Adding to the Carter Center’s appeal as a tourist destination, its expansive grounds are scenic and serene. The wooded grounds are between two lakes, filled with birdsong, and offer picturesque views of the Atlanta skyline. History buffs will also be interested in the museum’s setting on a key Civil War site – part of General Sherman’s HQ during the Battle of Atlanta.
Note: Visitors wishing to pay their respects to President Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, should be aware that he is not laid to rest at the museum, but in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Worlds of Puppetry Museum
The average Atlanta tourist probably wouldn’t describe themselves as “into puppets.” Yet, the average tourist is almost certain to have an absolutely delightful time at the Worlds of Puppetry Museum. This Atlanta gem for all ages is part of the Center for Puppetry Arts, an institution that opened in 1978 with a ribbon cutting by Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog. The center offers shows, workshops, and all kinds of education programs around its mission to celebrate puppetry arts. You can also buy stand-alone tickets to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum with its two signature galleries – The Jim Henson Gallery and the Global Gallery – plus revolving exhibitions.
The Jim Henson Gallery is dedicated to Henson’s unrivaled career, puppetry innovations and iconic puppet characters, as well as many lesser-known creations. Along with fascinating insights into the magic behind the screen or stage, such as diagrams of puppeteers’ contortions and mechanical contraptions, are so many genuine celebrity puppets that evoke instant glee.
See the whole “Sesame Street” crew in their vintage and contemporary iterations, the many and varied maniacs from “The Muppet Show,” and the curious creatures of “Fraggle Rock.” There are also exhibits dedicated to Henson-infused, cult-classic movies like “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.” Costumes, props, videos and interactive elements are also displayed alongside the puppets.
In the Global Gallery, discover the history, traditions, and artforms of puppetry from different regions and cultures around the world. Examples include Japanese Bunraku puppets, European Punch and Judy puppets, and a playable set of medieval knights fighting a dragon, inviting you to put on a puppet show of your own.
Stone Mountain
Out-of-towners are mostly familiar with Stone Mountain Park, 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, for its famous Confederate Memorial Carving, which depicts three Confederate figures over three acres of sheer mountain face. For, let’s say, a group of visiting Californians, it can be confusing to reconcile this anachronous centerpiece with Stone Mountain’s status as “Georgia’s No. 1 attraction,” because… why would so many people be into that? And as a fun vacation activity?
It turns out, Stone Mountain Park has a lot more going on than its carven nod to the Confederacy. In fact, you can have a full day of adventures in the park without even spotting it in the distance. Stone Mountain, the park’s namesake monolith, is the world’s largest piece of exposed granite. It rises 1,686 feet above sea level and is surrounded by over 3,000 acres of natural landscapes rich in flora and fauna. You can reach the summit on foot via a steep and often slick 1.3-mile trail, ascending from dense pine forests to bare rock with spectacular panoramic views. There’s also a cable car to whisk you to the summit and take in views of the Atlanta Skyline and Appalachian Mountains.
Other attractions at Stone Mountain Park include a scenic railroad ride on a 1940s locomotive, Dinosaur Explore with over 20 life-size dinosaurs, a treetop adventure course, mini-golf, and a collection of historic Georgia homes. The park is also prime for outdoor adventure, with miles of hiking trails, a 363-acre lake with kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, a covered bridge and songbird habitat.
More Atlanta Attractions
There is so much to see and do in Atlanta, so it’s easy to fill your itinerary even for longer or repeat visits. Here are a few more of the top tourist attractions in Atlanta:
- Centennial Olympic Park covers 22 acres in the heart of downtown Atlanta, steps from other top attractions including the College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium. Park features include a set of Olympic Rings from the 1996 Summer Olympics, an interactive fountain with synchronized water jets and music, sculptures, playgrounds, gardens and lawns. It’s also a regular concert and festival venue.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park comprises several sites across Atlanta connected to the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. These include the civil rights leader’s boyhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the gravesites of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. The visitor center features a museum chronicling the American civil rights movement.
- Zoo Atlanta is a 40-acre, AZA-accredited zoo that welcomes around 1 million visitors each year. Its 1,000-plus animals include western lowland gorillas in the Ford African Rain Forest zone; sun bears, Sumatran tigers and clouded leopards in Corridor to Change; African elephants, lions, giraffes in the African Savanna zone; a children’s petting zoo, train ride and multiple aviaries.
- High Museum of Art is the largest visual arts museum in the Southeast, boasting a collection of more than 18,000 works. This includes prominent 19th and 20th century American art, folk art, African art, decorative arts and design, and works by European masters including Monet, Matisse and Rodin.
- The College Football Hall of Fame opened in 2014 and is a must-visit spot for football fans. It offers over 50 interactive exhibits, five galleries, a 45-yard indoor football field and a three-story wall of over 750 college football helmets.
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History showcases the natural history of Georgia. Highlights include the huge Argentinosaurus and Giganotosaurus specimens in the atrium, the outdoor WildWoods and Fernbank Forest area with a canopy walk and nature playgrounds, and a giant-screen IMAX theater.
- Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile multi-use trail converted from a former railway corridor. Still in development, it encircles the heart of Atlanta with a loop of trails, parks and public transit.
- Fox Theatre opened in 1929 as a movie palace, and today is still open as a remarkable and historic performing arts venue. It’s a National Historic Landmark and anchor of the Fox Theatre Historic District.
- The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (closed for renovation until fall 2025, but virtual tours are available) is dedicated to the history of the US civil rights movement and stories of the struggle for human rights around the world today.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden covers 30 acres next to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. Explore its natural beauty and bounty, which includes a Japanese garden, rose garden, a huge conservatory housing tropical and desert plants, and the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 40-foot-high skywalk through the urban forest.
Where to Eat in Atlanta: Halidom Eatery
Atlanta’s restaurant scene includes virtually all the cuisines of the world, but few spots offer so many different dining options under one roof. In its chic, contemporary venue, Halidom Eatery embraces the concept of a world of flavors in one place. It also offers live music, trivia nights, movie nights and boozy Sunday brunches.
A dozen eateries share in Halidom Eatery, each with its own distinct space. You might embrace the many options by starting with a craft cocktail at Bar La Rose, followed by a Cajun-inspired appetizer from Deallo’s Seafood, then a hand-tossed creation from Luca’s Brooklyn Pizzeria. When your family or group are all craving different flavors, you’re in the right place. Other enticing options include modern Mexican fare from Luze Mexicano Cocina, Caribbean cuisine from Locale Island Eats, and sushi and ramen from Wasabi.
Get your comfort food fix from French fry specialist Buena Papa Fry Bar, offering custom and signature loaded fries, or feast on classic cheesesteaks and hoagies from Mad Dads Philly’s. Just Dogs ATL offers gourmet hot dogs under mounds of decadent fixings, while Mango Indian Grill specializes in tandoori chicken and curries. For a sweet (or savory) fix at any time of the day, try a made-to-order Belgian waffle from Press Waffle Co, a perfect pairing with a gourmet coffee from Grind Time Cafe.
Where to Stay in Atlanta
With an ideal location just a few blocks from Olympic Centennial Park, the Coca-Cola Museum and Georgia Aquarium, and steps from plenty of great dining options, is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, an IHG Hotel. The interior is contemporary, with guest rooms all featuring an in-room microwave, mini-refrigerator, Keurig and flat-screen TV. However, the high-rise was built in 1890 and retains its original exterior architecture, giving the hotel a touch of historic charm. Guests enjoy a free, hot buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and access to a 24-hour fitness center. The only drawback of the hotel’s prime location downtown is the lack of self-parking options; expect to pay $40 for valet parking.
If you’re spending more than a few hours at Stone Mountain Park, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Express Atlanta-Stone Mountain. This modern 73-room property does have on-site parking, plus a pool, fitness center, and an (always welcome) hot breakfast.
Disclaimer: California News Press and its contributors received goods, services and/or other professional courtesies to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the author.
