One of the best ways to get to know a city is to simply roam its streets and allow yourself to get wrapped up in the stories it has to tell. A city steeped in culture and American history, like Atlanta, certainly has plenty to reveal as you visit each of its important and iconic landmarks. If you’re heading to this capital city for your next getaway, here are the Atlanta landmarks not to miss.
9 Must-Visit Iconic Atlanta Landmarks
While Atlanta might be known for theme parks, music, Truist Park, and a bustling airport, there’s a lot more to Atlanta sightseeing. There are tons of iconic Atlanta landmarks to discover that help to explain this city’s role in American history. When sightseeing Atlanta, you’ll find beautiful parks, interesting museums, and so many monuments that belong on your travel itinerary.
Centennial Olympic Park
The first stop on your walking tour of landmarks in Atlanta should be Centennial Olympic Park, a public park created for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Today, it's high on the list of Atlanta, Georgia, famous landmarks. Visitors can learn more about the '96 Olympic Games, in addition to checking out events like summer concerts, fireworks displays, and more.
Centennial Olympic Park is one of the best Atlanta landmarks and top Instagram spots due to its innovative design, lush greenery, and unique history. Want to get an unbeatable view of the park? Take a ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel to see the city from new heights.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
One of the most impactful Atlanta, Georgia, landmarks to visit is the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, which actually includes several different historical sites. Between Inman Park and Peachtree Center, you can discover a number of Atlanta historical landmarks that highlight the civil rights movement led by King.
Here, you can visit the home he grew up in on Auburn Avenue, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where both he and his father preached. You can also visit King’s gravesite, which is alongside that of his wife, Coretta Scott King.
The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is located in Sweet Auburn, a neighborhood of Atlanta, which played an important part in the civil rights movement. While you’re in the area, make a stop at Swan House, which is part of the Atlanta History Center. It dates back to 1928 and has been featured in The Hunger Games movie franchise.
Georgia Aquarium
Splash into fun at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the landmarks in Atlanta, that's always a hit with kids and adults alike. This aquarium is home to hundreds of species and makes up seven different exhibits. Some of the most interesting sea creatures you’ll find in Georgia Aquarium’s permanent collection include whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales.
These animals are especially important as Georgia Aquarium is only one of four in the world that has manta rays and was the first outside Asia to house whale sharks.
World of Coca-Cola
One of the most popular attractions in Atlanta is World of Coca-Cola where you’ll learn about the history of the country’s favorite soft drink. This museum highlights all of the milestones of Coca-Cola by displaying artifacts from throughout the company’s history.
World of Coca-Cola guests can sample drinks from around the world, follow their noses through the immersive Scent Library, and snap an Instagram-worthy photo with the Coca-Cola polar bear. There is also a gift store and café on the premises for dining and shopping.
Zoo Atlanta
Take a walk on the city’s wild side at Zoo Atlanta, housed inside the beautiful Grant Park. More than 1,000 animals call this zoo, which covers 40 acres in the heart of Atlanta, their home. Zoo Atlanta is great for families as everyone can enjoy discovering 220 species from around the world. Some of the zoo's most famous residents include Sumatran tigers, African elephants, and Bornean orangutans.
Fox Theatre
If you’re in Midtown Atlanta, stop by the Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street. A former movie palace, the Fox Theatre is now a performing arts center that hosts concerts, plays, and cultural events. It’s known for its breathtaking architecture with Moorish features and design. The Fox’s Instagram-worthy exterior features Islamic architecture, while the ballroom inside transports you back to ancient Egypt. Stop in to discover something truly unexpected.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This urban park covers 189 acres and includes the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a dog park, and a farmer’s market. Visitors can wander the park’s paths or rent a bike and explore on wheels. The park, which is between the Midtown and Virginia Highland neighborhoods, also hosts concerts, festivals, and special events. Check out Piedmont Park’s calendar to learn what’s going on during your visit.
Another nearby attraction worth seeing is the Margaret Mitchell House. This historic home once belonged to the author of the famous novel Gone with the Wind and is now part of the Atlanta History Center.
Ponce City Market
What was once a historic Sears building is now the Ponce City Market, a revolution in design and culture. This space highlights the best of Atlanta’s history while offering a little bit of everything: retail, dining, housing, and events spaces. For an admission fee, you can enter Ponce City Market and explore the tempting food stalls, restaurants, and unique shops you won’t find anywhere else.
The BeltLine
Another Atlanta innovation you can’t miss is the Atlanta BeltLine, 22 miles of unused train tracks that trace a circle around the city’s most recognizable neighborhoods. Today, the tracks make up a one-of-a-kind urban green space that connects visitors to important hubs throughout the city. This project was a huge undertaking by the City of Atlanta and the result is a public space that brings people together to relax and unwind.
Plan Your Next Visit to Atlanta
As you plan out your upcoming trip to Atlanta, make sure to purchase the Atlanta CityPASS® ticket to discover savings on Atlanta's famous landmarks. Atlanta CityPASS® tickets save you up to on top things to do in Atlanta, leaving you with more money at the end of the day to enjoy and explore the city. So what are you waiting for? Purchase your Atlanta CityPASS® ticket now and get ready to see the city like never before.
Lodging in Atlanta
To get the most out of your stay in Atlanta, we recommend finding lodging near Atlanta's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader Image Courtest of Zoo Atlanta