This article was originally published on our sister site Red PaSH Magazine.
Known as the Hollywood of the South, Atlanta has become a big star on the map. Famous for being the hometown of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., and hosting the 1996 American Olympics, this southern city is not only fun but also diverse. Here are the top ten things to do in Atlanta:
World of Coca-Cola
Visit the home of one of the most iconic drinks in the entire world at the World of Coca-Cola. Walk through the halls and experience interactive learning that feasts the eyes with centuries worth of historical information, past advertisements, and bottling factories. At the end of the tour, there are hundreds of international soda drinks to sample and figure out which one’s the best and worst of them all.
Georgia Aquarium
The third largest aquarium in the world since 2012, the Georgia Aquarium has over 10 million gallons of water filled with fish, otters, penguins, sharks, rays, and whales. They offer a lot of virtual and in person events, from field trips, live streams, and yoga by the water! The sweet puppies from Atlanta Humane Society are also known to make special visits as well.
Zoo Atlanta
Open for 31 years, Zoo Atlanta has continued their efforts in connecting people with animals to inspire wildlife conservation. Their mission is made through research, education and engaging experiences. They’ve recently announced the return of their Wild Encounter Programs, where you can closely interact with the animals, for African elephants and Aldabra tortoises. You can also watch their Panda Cam.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Located right next to Piedmont Park in Midtown, ABG offers multiple installments throughout the year. From spring blooms, Alice in Wonderland all year round, the coveted and beautiful Earth Goddess, and the ever so anticipated Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. This holiday extravaganza includes . With a restaurant, lounge, and snack stands located on the premises, there’s no “winter wonder” on why their ticket sales in November are already sold out for days.
Piedmont Park
Known as Atlanta’s Green Heart, Piedmont has established itself as the city of Atlanta’s backyard for all city folk. The Park’s 185 acres land includes two fenced off leash dog parks, two playgrounds, two lakes, tennis courts, two softball fields, two soccer fields, two beach volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and more.
They are known for hosting the Atlanta Pride Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, Atlanta Black Pride, and Festival Peachtree Latino. In the fall and spring, they host their weekly Green Market on Saturdays.
Belt Line
Located all over the city of Atlanta, including Piedmont Park, the BeltLine is the city trail that provides a safe place for city slickers to walk, run, bike and skate on a flat path. You can see local artisan’s artwork and graffiti and musicians perform live on your way down the path. They also offer bike tours, bus tours, and walking tours.
The Woodruff Arts Center
Located in Midtown, the Woodruff Arts Center includes the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the High Museum of Art all next to each other. Currently, the remaining season of the Alliance’s show can be experienced virtually or in a drive in. The ASO will be performing on a Virtual Stage without an audience of the rest of this year’s season. The High Museum has both permanent and current pieces, in addition to several food and beverage areas and a gift shop.
Children’s Hands On Museum
Opened in 2003, the CMA has become Atlanta’s premier source of hands-on, interactive and exploratory learning for children. With an array of experiences ranging from exhibits to in-person and virtual programs, they have been an authority on childhood education for 22 years since their founding in 1998.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Created by Evelyn Lowery and Juanita Abernathy, along with former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young and House Representative John Lewis, the NCCHR makes the connection between the American Civil Rights Movement with today’s Global Human Rights Movements. Their permanent and current exhibitions contain powerful imagery, compelling artifacts, and poignant storytelling to inspire the continuing conversations about human rights in every community.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market, the most instagram-able mall in the city of Atlanta, is filled with national and local retail shops, local restaurants inside of their food hall, business offices, and even residential apartments. If that wasn’t enough, you can also take a stroll on the BeltLine towards the back of the building and pursue through other areas of the city.
