Welcome to Atlanta, a city known for its distinctive mix of urban and Southern charms.
With its fast-paced lifestyle in the heart of midtown and downtown and the comforts of traditional neighborhoods within its lively suburbs, Atlanta is a study in cultural, scenic and historic contrasts, and it isn鈥檛 only your new address, it鈥檚 also home to enriching cultural attractions, historic buildings and neighborhoods, corporate giants such as The Coca-Cola Company and The Home Depot, professional sports teams, five-star dining options and the world鈥檚 largest aquarium.
One of the many ways to experience all that metro Atlanta has to offer is to spend some time at the city鈥檚 many museums, parks, public squares and other venues. When you find yourself with some down time, be sure to check out all that this area has to offer.
Below, KNOWAtlanta presents the city鈥檚 must-see hot spots, in addition to the area鈥檚 most popular museums, theaters and centers.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Georgia Aquarium
The world鈥檚 largest fish tank, the Georgia Aquarium is home to tens of thousands of animals representing 500 species of freshwater and marine life.
High Museum of Art
The museum encompasses European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and photography, plus a special exhibition area for children.
The World of Coca-Cola at Pemberton Place
Explore the complete story 鈥� past, present and future 鈥� of the world鈥檚 best-known brand at the 92,000-square-foot World of Coca-Cola. Discover fascinating exhibits, an eye-popping collection of memorabilia and a vault that contains the secret recipe.
The Fox Theatre
This grand 1929 movie theater was built to simulate a Moorish palace and hosts touring artists, Broadway shows and a summer movie series.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
A green urban oasis in the city with 15 acres of gardens, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts art exhibitions, concerts, classes and workshops throughout the year.
Zoo Atlanta
Spend a day visiting adorable panda twins Mei Lun and Mei Huan, a joey, lions, zebras, elephants and gorillas in their natural habitats. Then ride the Zoo Express Train and test your rock climbing skills.
Atlanta Cyclorama
This domed 1920s structure houses an immense circular painting of a day in the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.
CNN Center
Atlanta鈥檚 news and entertainment center is the headquarters of Turner Broadcasting and CNN鈥檚 international broadcast studios and networks.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank is one of the nation鈥檚 foremost museums of natural history. Be sure to visit the museum鈥檚 amazing four-story IMAX movie screen.
Carter Presidential Center
The Carter Library and Museum offers a close-up look at the Georgia peanut farmer who became our nation鈥檚 39th president.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
Tour Freedom Hall, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. King鈥檚 birth home and gravesite and view a film presentation and exhibit chronicling his life.
Center for Puppetry Arts
This internationally acclaimed organization offers performances for children and adults, as well as a hands-on museum.
College Football Hall of Fame
This new interactive experience opened up to visitors in August, just in time for college football season. Located in Downtown Atlanta, the 94,256-square-foot venue includes exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Atlanta is the new home of this 35,000-square-foot center, which connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today鈥檚 Global Human Rights Movements.
ATLANTA SPORTS
Atlanta Braves
Considered the oldest continuously playing team in major North American sports, the Braves play at SunTrust Park in Cobb County.
Atlanta Falcons
鈥淩ise up鈥� and support Atlanta鈥檚 NFL team, which plays at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Hawks
This NBA team plays its home games at the 21,000-seat Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta.
Atlanta United
This new MLS franchise plays at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
Aaron鈥檚 Amphitheater at Lakewood
The top names in pop, rock and jazz draw fans to this outdoor concert arena near the heart of the city.
The Arena at Gwinnett Center
This 13,000-seat arena is home to the Gwinnett Gladiators and serves as a venue for a variety of top performers and concerts each year.
Chastain Park Amphitheatre
This outdoor venue hosts a variety of summer concerts where attendees can enjoy casual seating and dining during live performances by nationally known artists.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Located in northwest Atlanta, the 2,750-seat CEPAC hosts Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, educational shows, family performances and operas.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater聽at Encore Park
This 12,000-seat outdoor venue hosts live concerts featuring top contemporary, rock, jazz and country artists, as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
State Farm Arena
Considered one of the best sports and entertainment complexes in the world, State Farm Arena delivers top-ranked concert tours, professional and collegiate sporting events, family shows and conferences.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Stone Mountain Park
In addition to hiking the park鈥檚 granite monolith, visitors can ride bikes, golf and camp. The park also hosts various festivals throughout the year.
Six Flags Over Georgia
A state-of-the-art theme park with more than 100 rides, shows and now a water park.
Lake Lanier Islands
From stunning suites and lakehouses to rustic campsites and villas, spend time fishing, riding horses, playing golf or just relaxing by the water 鈥� all on the shores of beautiful Lake Lanier.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Climb Kennesaw Mountain and relive this pivotal engagement in the Civil War Battle of Atlanta.
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
The state park system is comprised of 63 parks and historic sites, with many close enough to serve as easy day trips from the Atlanta area. All parks require a $5 parking fee and historic sites have a fee range of $2 to $12 per person.
Northeast Georgia Mountains
Enjoy long-range views, waterfalls, hiking and shopping颅 鈥� all about an hour from Downtown. Ellijay鈥檚 annual Apple Festival is also a fun event to attend the second and third weekends in October each year.