Atlanta quickly exploded into more than just a capital of the south, but a world-class destination in its own right. According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, “twenty-six companies headquartered in metro Atlanta are among the 2017 FORTUNE 1000, of which 15 companies are also ranked in the 2017 FORTUNE 500.” This figure doesn’t even account for the numerous productions constantly going on around Atlanta and rapidly growing movie studios encroaching around the city borders.
All this activity, money, and people moving into Atlanta also means there’s lots for tourists to do and see. Here’s a run-down of what to see and do around Atlanta in 72 hours or less.
Hit the Downtown Circuit
Atlanta’s tourism industry is booming and downtown packs in the attractions in a few block radius. Grab a City Pass to get discounts on the Georgia Aquarium, Children’s Museum, Coca-Cola Museum, CNN Studio Tour, Center for Civil and Human Rights and College Football Hall of Fame. All of these attractions can all be found downtown and are accessible by light rail or a short walk. You could easily spend an entire 72 hours hitting all of these attractions alone, or just pick and choose your favorites to make more time for fun.
Get Sky High
Situated a few blocks away from The Children’s Museum, SkyView Atlanta takes visitors up in a modern-day Ferris Wheel in enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Nighttime views are especially spectacular and showcase 20 stories of panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Have Fun in the Park
If you can’t help but draw some comparisons between New York’s Central Park and Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, you’re not alone. Famed landscape architect and city planner Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. was one of the designers of both parks and you’ll notice plenty of paths, ponds and rolling hills in both. Piedmont Park is also home to an outdoor pool, year-round festivals and adjacent to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, also worth a stop.
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Get a History Lesson
Atlanta’s history is loaded with stories from the Civil War to Civil Rights movement and plenty of stops in between. The Atlanta History Museum offers year-round family programming and interactive exhibits exploring everything from stories to Native Americans of Georgia, along with artwork from around the world. Meanwhile, Martin Luther King Jr. National History Park features the great Civil Rights leader boyhood home, original Ebenezer Baptist Church and his final resting place. The King Center also features photos and artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting the Kings’ life.
Grab a Treat
Atlanta has become a foodie town with plenty of options including Southern food with a modern twist, and of course, homemade pimento cheese. For a treat, head down to Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward and grab a King of Pops popsicle, a pastry from the downstairs market at Parish or cookie from one of the many coffee shops. Then hop on the Beltline and walk north to explore the area by foot. Once an old railway line, the Beltline is now a multiuse trail with funky art installations, a skateboard park and restaurant access that empties into Piedmont Park for a day of playing and festivals.
End your 72 hours in Atlanta taking in the views from the rooftop of Ponce City Market. Mini golf and old-fashioned games are on hand, along with a snack stand and restaurant. As the sun sets, post your last photo in Atlanta with a view of Midtown behind you.
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