Are you a history buff? An adventure junkie? A news hound? An animal lover? An armchair scientist? Whatever your interest, Atlanta has an attraction for you! In fact, there’s so much to see and do in this city, your problem will be finding time to fit it all in.
It’s been more than 160 years since Atlanta was first chartered as a city, but those years have been action-packed. Though still young compared to many other U.S. cities, Atlanta has seen a lot of history.
Though we Atlantans are always excited about the new and improved, we’re also very curious about those places that speak to us about where our city and its people came from. All around the modern metropolis you’ll find vivid reminders of other eras with their own triumphs, tragedies, heroes, and villains. We’ve listed a number of places where bright glimpses of yesterday can still be seen today.
But proud as we are of our history, we live in the present and look toward to the future. And while we’re looking, we take time out for fun. This chapter highlights a variety of popular attractions that draws visitors year after year. You’ll find more inviting destinations in The Arts, Parks and Recreation, and Day Trips and Weekend Getaways chapters. Don’t forget: Always call first to verify hours, dates of operation, and admission prices. Have a great time!
Be sure not to tell the kids our little secret: Adults can have just as much fun as their children in the loud, scary, splashy fun places listed in this chapter. Sports arcades, water parks, museums, art activities, wildlife shelters, and more beckon youngsters to play, learn, and explore. While many of the highlights touched upon here require an admission fee, don’t forget that many of Atlanta’s attractions are free and fun for folks of all ages.
Many of the activities we list here are staged at venues already mentioned in the more-extensive Attractions chapter. Here are some special highlights the kiddies will enjoy.
One of the best aspects of life in Atlanta is the ability to get out of town and into a variety of relaxing locations within a few hours. The city’s central location affords easy auto access to the rest of the state’s attractions—be they the cool, shady mountains to the north, or the sunny beaches to the east. In between are countless charming small towns where festivals, celebrations, and activities lure weekend guests. Beyond the borders of Georgia lie Chattanooga, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; and Asheville, North Carolina, all distinctive towns with a variety of things to do and see.
Here we just scratch the surface of scenic destinations throughout Georgia. For a broader perspective, contact the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, (800) VISIT-GA. Whenever possible, we’ve listed street addresses, but some towns are so small that street addresses are sometimes irrelevant or unavailable. If we’ve left an address out, the restaurant, hotel, or attraction is one you just can’t miss once you’ve gotten into town. We’ve listed rates for many of the hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts we mention in this chapter. But rates can change; check with the places you want to stay to find out their current prices.