Is Atlanta worth visiting? Looking for itinerary and ideas

Question

We are from the UK and are thinking about visiting Atlanta with our 2 teenage daughters. We have done many of the major US cities and wanted to check if Atlanta is worth visiting, for how long and and recommendations on what to see and where to stay? We can stay for up to 8 days over Easter flying in from London so if there is any where else to visit along with Atlanta please let me know

Answer

Atlanta is definitely worth visiting, especially for a family with teenagers! It’s a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty of fun activities for all ages. Since you've already visited many major US cities, you'll find that Atlanta offers a unique Southern charm and a mix of modern attractions, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your 8-day stay, along with ideas on what to see and where to stay:

Day 1-2: Explore Downtown Atlanta
Start your trip by exploring downtown Atlanta, which is home to some of the city's best-known attractions.
- Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, it's an incredible place for all ages. The aquarium features thousands of marine species, including beluga whales, whale sharks, and sea lions. Your daughters will love the interactive exhibits and the Ocean Voyager exhibit with its massive tank.
- Coca-Cola Museum: Located right next to the aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola is a fun, interactive museum that tells the story of the world-famous soft drink. Your family can sample Coca-Cola products from around the world, watch a 4D movie, and learn about the brand’s history.
- Centennial Olympic Park: This park, built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, is a great place to relax and explore. It has fountains, statues, and plenty of space for your family to walk around and take photos.
Day 3-4: Civil Rights and History
Atlanta has a deep connection to the Civil Rights Movement, and learning about this part of history will be an eye-opening experience for your daughters.
- The National Center for Civil and Human Rights: This is a must-visit, offering a powerful look at the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights struggles. It’s engaging and informative, with interactive exhibits that are particularly meaningful for teens.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site: Visit the birthplace, church, and tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The historical site is a moving experience and offers a lot of educational content about his life and legacy.
- Atlanta History Center: Located a bit outside of downtown, the history center offers a vast collection of exhibits, including a Civil War exhibit, the Swan House (a grand mansion), and beautiful gardens to explore.
Day 5: Piedmont Park and Midtown Atlanta
Spend a day enjoying the outdoors in Atlanta’s largest park, Piedmont Park. The park is great for walking, picnicking, and people-watching. You can rent bikes or kayaks, or simply stroll around the park's many paths.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: Adjacent to Piedmont Park, this is a beautiful and peaceful garden, with themed gardens, a tropical rainforest, and a canopy walk through the treetops.
- High Museum of Art: If your family enjoys art, the High Museum of Art is one of the best in the Southeast. It has a wide range of exhibits, from European paintings to contemporary art.
Day 6: Day Trip to Stone Mountain
If you want a break from the city, take a day trip to Stone Mountain, which is about 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. The mountain offers hiking trails, a scenic cable car ride to the top with panoramic views, and a laser show in the evening (if you’re visiting during the warmer months). The Confederate Memorial Carving, which is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, is also located here.
Day 7: Explore Atlanta’s Neighborhoods
Take a day to explore some of Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods.
- Inman Park: This charming neighborhood is known for its Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and trendy shops and restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and lunch at one of the many cafés.
- Virginia-Highland: Another great neighborhood for shopping, dining, and exploring local culture. Your family might enjoy the eclectic mix of boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops.
Day 8: Shopping and Departure
On your last day, visit the Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square Mall for some shopping, or simply relax in one of the city’s parks before heading to the airport. Depending on your flight time, you could also fit in a visit to the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile loop of old rail corridors that has been transformed into a vibrant public space with trails, parks, and public art.

Where to Stay: Atlanta has a wide range of accommodations for families. For a central location, you can stay in Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, where you'll be close to many attractions. Consider hotels like the Loews Atlanta Hotel (Midtown) or Omni Atlanta Hotel (Downtown) for family-friendly options with great amenities.

Day Trips Around Atlanta: If you have some extra time, you could explore nearby cities like Chattanooga, Tennessee (about 1.5 hours away) for its scenic beauty, or Augusta (about 2 hours away), known for the Masters golf tournament. You could also visit North Georgia for some outdoor adventures like hiking or visiting wineries.

Overall, Atlanta offers a great mix of history, culture, and fun for families. With 8 days, you’ll have enough time to explore the city and take in a variety of experiences that everyone in your family will enjoy!

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