Location: Atlanta
Top Things to do in Atlanta
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)
Atlanta has been dubbed everything from the "capital of the new South" and "the next international city" to "the best place to do business." It's also a great place to visit. Fueled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, the prestige of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the energy of young upwardly mobile types who have migrated to the city in droves - Atlanta is on fire. And this time it's a good thing. From world-class restaurants and a myriad of cultural attractions to a hip nightlife and sporting events galore, the city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word. But Atlanta has also managed to maintain its historic character. Stop by the Atlanta History Center or visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site, a moving tribute to an American icon. Browse through the former home of famous author Margaret Mitchell or pop into the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum for details on the life and times of the former president and his family. Whether you choose modern urban endeavors or old southern pleasures, Atlanta will not disappoint.
Restaurants in Atlanta
1. John Calhoun Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. East Palisades Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By jaypatelius - Sandy Springs, United States
Great hiking trail for family and kids. From the Riverview Road wntrance it is less than a mile down to the river with great scenery. We will walk this route many times in life
3. Chastain Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Q8105RDdan - Panama City Beach, United States
My wife and I take our six year old granddaughter here whenever we get the opportunity. She absolutely loves this playground. From the slides to the swings to the treehouse she just can’t get enough. Rock climbing to a real piano the kid’s can play, they have it all. Restroom facilities, picnic tables, pavilions with picnic tables & grills close by. Park benches and swings for parents to kid watch. Just an excellent experience. Consisting of 268-acres, this is the largest city park in Atlanta. Other amenities at the park: 1-A golf course 2-A Horse Park 3-Outdoor Tennis courts 4-Paved Jogging paths (3miles) 5- Multiple ball & soccer fields 6-Multiple restrooms 7- Amphitheater 8-Outdoor swimming pool (partially covered) 9-Limited parking in multiple areas
4. Atlanta History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,406 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 921jamesl - Pasadena, United States
I really enjoyed walking the grounds between the Smith farm, the Swan House, and the cabin. Beautiful and relaxing. House tours were interactive and great for kids; you are allowed to touch everything. Swan House had actors in character and costume providing info about the people who lived and worked in the home. Allow three hours for the history center and house tourslcombined, and save the Margaret Mitchell house (located in Midtown)for another day; the ticket is good for 9 days. Also enjoyed the Civil War exhibit.
5. Piedmont Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,365 reviews
This 185-acre park, home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and to summer festivals, is also popular with joggers.
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States
My husband and I took a 3 mile hike through the park on Christmas Day. There were a lot of people out doing the same thing, as well as biking, running, and playing games with their kids. We walked around Lake Clara Meer, past the teaching gardens, the sports oval, and along the Atlanta Botanical Garden. We were lucky enough to see the light shows in the Storza Woods that are choreographed to music as well as a lot of the lighted figures in other areas. We have gone to this show in the past but didn’t know exactly what days we would be in Atlanta, so we skipped it this year. Really a nice walk in mild temperatures.
6. Atlanta Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,012 reviews
Step into a world of magic and serenity at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where features like the Fuqua Orchid Center treat visitors to a rare collection of high-elevation orchids never before grown in the southeast.
Reviewed By AtlantaToSeagrove - Atlanta, United States
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. We go at least once a month spending a few hours there each time. With rotating exhibits and the constant change of the plants the place is magical, all year long. The many features/shows of the garden just enhance the gardens themselves; concerts in the green, the Garden holiday lights, the scarecrows, spring in all of its glory and wonderful sculptures (botanical, glass, stone). Oh yes and one of the most amazing collections of orchids you will ever see, as well as unbelievable indoor and out door gardens. Mary Pat Matheson has made this garden into one of the top botanical gardens in the country and it never stops growing (small pun). My wife and I have maintained our family membership for over 15 years. It is our escape our joy and one of the best things we do together. The garden is expansive, great for kids (and grand kids) and wonderful for adults of all ages. Romantic, educational, beautiful and full of warmth. The staff is attentive and maintain a perfect environment. The paths through the garden give incredible views that change constantly. The gardens sit in the middle of midtown with great views of the city and of Piedmont Park, it has ample parking and easy access. You will not regret a moment you spend here. Did I mention, you have to see this place, visitors and residents alike, it is a must see.
7. Swan House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 625 reviews
Enter the iconic blue doors of Atlanta's Swan House and discover a world of culture, commerce, quality, and comfort. Constructed in 1928 at the end of the Jazz Age, the house missed the Depression by mere months. Swan House was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Emily Inman. They built the house for entertaining – we hope you enjoy it, too!
Reviewed By bhlraven1916 - Atlanta, United States
The Swan House is an excellent example of the Second Renaissance Revival style and represents the architectural and decorative tastes of affluent citizens in the late 1920s. Built by Edward and Emily Inman, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune, the house was designed by well-known Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Schutze in 1928 and decorated by Ruby Ross Woods of New York. Swan House and its gardens are together considered Shutze's finest residential work, in which he adapted Italian and English classical styles to accommodate 20th-century living.
8. Georgia Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,123 reviews
Georgia Aquarium is the world's most magical aquarium. Situated near Centennial Olympic Park and World of Coca-Cola in downtown Atlanta,Georgia, Georgia Aquarium offers its guests an experience like no other. Across six separate galleries, with more than 70 amazing habitats, 10 million gallons of water and thousands of species of marine animals, guests will marvel at, learn about and come to better understand such majestic aquatic animals as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins and thousands of species of exotic fish and other animals. The spectacular AT&T Dolphin Tales show combines incredible natural animal behaviors with dynamic theatrics, a Broadway-inspired musical score and a compelling story, which together underscore the connection between humans and the animal world. The animated "Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow," for all ages, tells an entertaining but important story about conserving and protecting animals and their natural environment. Cafe Aquaria offers delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta and delectable desserts. Two gift shops give visitors the chance to take home a treasured collectible. Special animal encounter programs offer the chance to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Guests can even swim or dive with whale sharks and manta rays in the world's largest aquarium habitat (at 6.3 Million gallons), Ocean Voyager built by the Home Depot. And an onsite parking deck immediately adjacent to the aquarium means quick, easy-to-find and affordable parking.
Reviewed By joggerboy
From the moment you enter the Aquarium for 2-3 hours you will be thoroughly entertained and amazed in this venue. The two live shows (sea lions and dolphins) are truly entertaining and amazing; the 4D movie is fun for kids and adults; and the four "venues" in which you see an overwhelming variety of sea life are mind-boggling. The Ocean Voyage exhibit, in which you are walk underneath and through the tank containing hundreds of different fish you hope you never run into in real life is simply breathtaking. A GREATway to spend several hours in downtown Atlanta.
9. Atlanta BeltLine West End Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
10. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Reviewed By Jhn - New Jersey, United States
This is a really cool way to explore a part of Atlanta. There are tons of people walking, biking and just enjoying the sunshine. The BeltLine takes you past some great bars/restaurants and markets. It's really great for people and dog watching!
