Whether you’re moving to Atlanta or you’ve been here a while, you probably know that there are tons of places to see and things to do. Atlanta, and even its surrounding areas, are always busy and bustling. While there are tons of places to spend your weekends in the city, we only have time to focus on a few. So, here are the top 10 things to see and do in Atlanta.
10 must-see things to do in Atlanta
1. Skyview Atlanta
If you want to start with a bird’s-eye view of all that you can see and do in the city, head over to Skyview Atlanta. If you’re near Centennial Park, the Georgia Aquarium, of the World of Coke, it’s hard to miss this giant ferris wheel in the middle of town. Skyview offers regular, VIP, and Elevated Date Night packages from varying hours depending on the season. But honestly, any time of day is a great time to take a ride on their “gondolas.” We would recommend a sunset or nighttime ride, though, if you want to take in all of the city lights.
2. The Vortex
We couldn’t talk about things to do in Atlanta without mentioning one of the most famous eateries in the area. The Vortex Bar & Grill is the perfect place to pig out if you’re craving great burgers, a bustling atmosphere, and a sassy menu. Their portion sizes are definitely something to write home about, even if you’re just getting an appetizer for a meal (and trust us, you can). They even offer veggie options! There’s a polarizing argument between Atlanta natives as to whether the Little 5 or Midtown location is better. So, we’ll let you go and decide for yourself.
3. The Coca-Cola Factory
This touristy attraction is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. There are a number of exhibits to feed the soda fanatic in you. Go on a 4D adventure through a Coca-Cola story, meet the Coca-Cola bear, or follow your souvenir bottle of Coke down the building-wide conveyor belt. It all ends with a trip to the tasting room, where you can sip a series of Coke flavors from all over the world!
4. The Georgia Aquarium
Here’s another place where you can awaken a sense of childlike wonder. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean you’ll just watch fish swim. Of course, you’ll get to see your favorites like dolphins and whales, but you’ll also have a chance to learn about the playful otters and the aquarium’s dedication to wildlife preservation and rehabilitation. Plus, you can take an in-depth look at the aquatic life there through everyone’s favorite exhibit, the tunnel, where you can watch the creature of the water come to life and swim right over your head!
5. The High Museum of Art
“The High,” as it’s called around Atlanta, is an awe-inspiring experience for art lovers and perusers alike. This colossal museum houses tons of artwork from all over the world, with visiting exhibits year-round – including Yayoi Kusama’s famous exhibit, “Infinity Mirrors.” For those who want to expand their art knowledge or skill, there are numerous talks, tours, and workshops for visitors to take advantage of.
6. Downtown Decatur
It can be tough to choose just one location to feature in Downtown Decatur. So, we’ve decided to include it all! There’s no shortage of interesting shops, centers, restaurants, bars, and general places to have fun in downtown Decatur. If you’re a fan of the eclectic and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this locale is definitely for you. Check out the city’s small coffee houses, like Java Monkey, discover new dishes at restaurants like Leon’s, or just walk around the Square to poke around in the local shops and support small business owners. One thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored.
7. Ponce City Market
If you’re looking for something similar to Downtown Decatur but a bit more central to the city, check out Ponce City Market. The area is full of popular shops as well as local businesses. Plus, there are tons of great local bars with comedy and music events at any given time of the week. This is definitely an area where style meets eclectic and eco-friendly, the southern way.
8. Stone Mountain Park
For fans of the great outdoors, drive a little bit east of the perimeter to Stone Mountain Park. The park hosts tons of paths with varying difficulty. No matter where you choose to stake your walking stick, though, you’ll have a beautiful view to take in at the top of each trail. The park’s campgrounds and seasonal events may even make you forget that you’re minutes away from the busy city.
9. The Fernbank Science Center
If you want to get science-y, the Fernbank Science Center is the place to go. The center not only hosts exhibits about the final frontier, but it also features sales, live animal exhibits, workshops, and an observatory. Plus, if you really want to dive deep into space, check out Fernbank’s planetarium events to learn more about the universe we live in.
10. The Chattahoochee River
Last, but not least, one of the favorite past times of area locals is “shooting the Hooch.” The Chattahoochee River has multiple touch points with parks all over North Atlanta. However, be sure to find a tubing rental company to float along the river with great friends and a cooler or two. Spend the afternoon floating your worries away, or just hike along the water to take in the scenery. Either way is a wonderful way to spend a long, lazy afternoon.
Again, this is only a taste of what Atlanta has to offer. There are a lot more people to see and places to go all around the city and its suburbs. So, the best way to get to know the “Hollywood of the South” is to explore!
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