10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Atlanta That You Shouldn't Miss

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta is an engaging cultural attraction that connects The American Civil Rights Movement to today's Global Human Rights Movements. The Center features four immersive and thought-provoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items of Dr. King. The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world. 3/2/2020 - Closing at 3pm (Last ticket at 2pm).

This sanctuary became a spiritual haven for civil rights activists when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as senior pastor in the 1960s. On the self-guided audio tour, King's inspirational sermons will take visitors back in time, while the new Horizon Sanctuary across the street is home to the present day congregation, highlighted by its traditional tabernacle choir.

The Atlanta History Center was founded on the big ideas and relentless fascination of 14 Atlantans who were emphatic about our city’s historical relevance in society. In a sense, our organization was created by Atlanta’s biggest fans, and we love that detail. In 1926, these founding members introduced the Atlanta Historical Society into the world with one mission: to help preserve Atlanta’s history. In 1990, after decades of collecting, researching, publishing and celebrating the early stories of our great Southern community, the Atlanta Historical Society and all of its holdings officially became the Atlanta History Center.

Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.

The Carlos Museum is one of the Southeast's premier ancient art museums with major collections of art objects from ancient Egypt, Nubia, Near East, Greece, Rome, ancient Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as a collection of works on paper from the Renaissance to the present.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on Museum, as well as Distance Learning and Outreach Programs. The Jim Henson Collection This interactive exhibition follows Jim Henson’s prolific imagination chronologically, transporting visitors through environments that typifed the master puppeteer’s world. In addition to learning how Henson’s characters came to life and are still performed, visitors can view iconic puppets such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Global Collection The Global Collection celebrates puppetry traditions in major cultures from around the world. Highlighting the history of puppetry in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

The Carter Presidential Library and Museum is a state-of-the-art museum tracing the life and work of President Jimmy Carter, from his childhood in Plains to the work he and Mrs. Carter do around the world to promote peace and health. The Museum sits in a beautifully landscaped 35 acre park with two small lakes, a Japanese garden and a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline. The whole family will enjoy visiting. Open every day expect Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

This 185-acre park, home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and to summer festivals, is also popular with joggers.

The Atlanta Apex Museum is entirely devoted to African-American history in order to promote cultural awareness and the societal contributions by African-Americans in Georgia. From one of Atlanta's first Black owned business to pioneer stories to local historical information to baseball to videos at the Trolley Theater, the Apex Museum is full of artifacts, photographs, children's shows, presentations and more – all related to African-American culture, both past and present.

Step back in time in Atlanta's most tangible link to the past, Oakland Cemetery. This historical park is the final resting place for many Civil War soldiers, golfing legend Bobby Jones, and "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell. Tours are available on weekends at 10:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:30 (March-October) and by request.