Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 · 404-331-5190
Civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., is buried at this site. A museum and visitor's center tell the story of King's activities in the civil rights struggle and his peaceful yet effective tactics for educating the populace. The headquarters for the King Center for Non-Violent Change is located here. Guests can also visit Ebeneezer Baptist Church, where King preached, and view his birthplace. The church has now been transformed into a museum celebrating his life. MARTA: King Center stop
2. World of Coca-Cola
55 Martin Luther King Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 · 404-676-5151
Beneath downtown's huge spinning Coca-Cola sign, don't miss this exhibition of memorabilia that tells the story of the legendary American beverage. As you learn about the development of the company, the advertisements that have become part of international culture, and Coke's plans for the future, you'll likely work up a thirst. Head for the sampling room, where you can try 38 soft drinks from around the world. An entertaining and visually stimulating attraction that is uniquely Atlanta. MARTA: Five Points stop
3. Carter Library and Museum
441 Freedom Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30307 · 404-865-7100
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum displays documents and mementos from the Georgia-native's administration and also offers an in-depth look at the responsibilities involved in being president of the United States. Wander through a reproduction of the Oval Office, peruse the Japanese gardens, and even ask Carter a few questions via an interactive display.
4. CNN Studio Tours
One CNN Center, Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30348-5366 · 404-827-2300
See the inner workings of the first all-news network in the US. Go behind the scenes to see how each production comes together. Perhaps you'll see Ted Turner or your favorite TV journalist, or try your own hand at it and volunteer to give the weather in a real studio. Don't worry - it won't be broadcast. Children under 6 are not permitted on the tour. MARTA: Omni stop
5. Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3366 · 404-876-5859
Set on 30 acres inside Piedmont Park, this botanical garden is also partially enclosed in a vast greenhouse. Inside conditions duplicate various climates, including desert and rainforest. Here, you can learn about plant and animal life before heading outside to enjoy the open gardens, including one devoted to roses. Demonstrations and classes are held frequently. The gift shop is an excellent place to pick up something for the nature lover on your list.
6. Centennial Olympic Park
285 International Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313 · 404-222-7275
Created for the 1996 Olympics, this park is an attractive urban retreat, with grassy picnic spots, great views of downtown, and plenty of activities, public art and free music. During the summer, live music is featured every Wednesday night. Kids love the Fountain of Rings, which, in addition to spewing water, tells about the history of the Olympic Games. MARTA: Omni or Peachtree Center stops
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Atlanta Jazz Festival
Piedmont Park and other venues, Atlanta, GA 30309 · 404-817-6851
This nine-day festival culminates in free jazz concerts presented Memorial Day weekend (Sat-Mon) in Piedmont Park. Concerts held throughout the week in numerous venues showcase the talents of local and national performers. The weekend provides a perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic. An artists market is also featured, and food vendors sell a variety of lunchtime treats. Sponsored by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
2. Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Dr, Atlanta, GA 30315 · 404-522-7630
This brick and limestone ballpark was initially built for the 1996 Olympic Games and was then revamped as Turner Field. The park, home of the Atlanta Braves, boasts modern facilities and plenty of extras, including interactive games, restaurants, a gift shop, and a museum and hall of fame (additional fee), with Hank Aaron memorabilia and other historical exhibits. Near the entry plaza are statues of famous players and ones who've had their numbers retired. Turner Field generally opens three hours before gametime, providing a great opportunity for folks to catch batting practice or score a few autographs. During off season, tours of the park direct visitors to the bullpen, press box, dugout, and locker rooms. Call (404) 614-2310 for details.
3. Stone Mountain Park
6867 Memorial Dr, 16 miles east of Atlanta on Hwy 78, Atlanta, GA 30083 · 770-498-5690
This 3,200-acre park surrounds the world's largest granite monolith - you can walk to the top or take chairlift both ways. Highlight is the carving on the mountain of Civil War generals. Impressive laser shows are presented during the summer. Check local paper for special events on weekends, such as chili cookoff and ribs fest.
4. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, US 41 and Stilesboro Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 · 770-427-4686
Near Marietta, this National Battlefield Park is worth the short drive to see the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Once the land of the Cherokee, who were forced to leave during the "Trail of Tears." Hikers, bikers, and walkers enjoy 17 miles of beautifully wooded hiking trails. Picnicking and birdwatching are also popular.
5. Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315-1440 · 404-624-5600
Zoo Atlanta has become well-known for its natural habitats, for providing social structures similar to those found in the wild, and for breeding successes. Social animals, such as primates, live in larger family groups; more solitary animals, such as giant pandas, have individual exhibits. The zoo includes African, Asian, wetland, and rainforest exhibits, as well as a reptile house, an as nine-day festival culminates in free jazz concerts presented Memorial Day weekend (Sat-Mon) in Piedmont Park. Concerts held throughout the week in numerous venues showcase the talents of local and national performers. The weekend provides a perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic. An artists market is also featured, and food vendors sell a variety of lunchtime treats. Sponsored by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
6. Six Flags Over Georgia
7561 Six Flags Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168-7868 · 770-948-9290
This branch of the great amusement park offers fun for the entire family. With more than 100 rides and shows, the park has more than enough distractions for a day or even a weekend. One of the park's attractions, The Mind Bender, the world's first triple loop roller coaster.and the most popular is the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the world. Looney Tunes USA, a family-oriented section, offers rides and attractions customized to the little ones. Take I-20 West or MARTA to Hightower Station, then bus No. 201 to Six Flags.
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 · 404-331-5190
Civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr., is buried at this site. A museum and visitor's center tell the story of King's activities in the civil rights struggle and his peaceful yet effective tactics for educating the populace. The headquarters for the King Center for Non-Violent Change is located here. Guests can also visit Ebeneezer Baptist Church, where King preached, and view his birthplace. The church has now been transformed into a museum celebrating his life. MARTA: King Center stop
2. World of Coca-Cola
55 Martin Luther King Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 · 404-676-5151
Beneath downtown's huge spinning Coca-Cola sign, don't miss this exhibition of memorabilia that tells the story of the legendary American beverage. As you learn about the development of the company, the advertisements that have become part of international culture, and Coke's plans for the future, you'll likely work up a thirst. Head for the sampling room, where you can try 38 soft drinks from around the world. An entertaining and visually stimulating attraction that is uniquely Atlanta. MARTA: Five Points stop
3. Carter Library and Museum
441 Freedom Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30307 · 404-865-7100
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum displays documents and mementos from the Georgia-native's administration and also offers an in-depth look at the responsibilities involved in being president of the United States. Wander through a reproduction of the Oval Office, peruse the Japanese gardens, and even ask Carter a few questions via an interactive display.
4. CNN Studio Tours
One CNN Center, Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30348-5366 · 404-827-2300
See the inner workings of the first all-news network in the US. Go behind the scenes to see how each production comes together. Perhaps you'll see Ted Turner or your favorite TV journalist, or try your own hand at it and volunteer to give the weather in a real studio. Don't worry - it won't be broadcast. Children under 6 are not permitted on the tour. MARTA: Omni stop
5. Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3366 · 404-876-5859
Set on 30 acres inside Piedmont Park, this botanical garden is also partially enclosed in a vast greenhouse. Inside conditions duplicate various climates, including desert and rainforest. Here, you can learn about plant and animal life before heading outside to enjoy the open gardens, including one devoted to roses. Demonstrations and classes are held frequently. The gift shop is an excellent place to pick up something for the nature lover on your list.
6. Centennial Olympic Park
285 International Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313 · 404-222-7275
Created for the 1996 Olympics, this park is an attractive urban retreat, with grassy picnic spots, great views of downtown, and plenty of activities, public art and free music. During the summer, live music is featured every Wednesday night. Kids love the Fountain of Rings, which, in addition to spewing water, tells about the history of the Olympic Games. MARTA: Omni or Peachtree Center stops
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Atlanta Jazz Festival
Piedmont Park and other venues, Atlanta, GA 30309 · 404-817-6851
This nine-day festival culminates in free jazz concerts presented Memorial Day weekend (Sat-Mon) in Piedmont Park. Concerts held throughout the week in numerous venues showcase the talents of local and national performers. The weekend provides a perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic. An artists market is also featured, and food vendors sell a variety of lunchtime treats. Sponsored by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
2. Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Dr, Atlanta, GA 30315 · 404-522-7630
This brick and limestone ballpark was initially built for the 1996 Olympic Games and was then revamped as Turner Field. The park, home of the Atlanta Braves, boasts modern facilities and plenty of extras, including interactive games, restaurants, a gift shop, and a museum and hall of fame (additional fee), with Hank Aaron memorabilia and other historical exhibits. Near the entry plaza are statues of famous players and ones who've had their numbers retired. Turner Field generally opens three hours before gametime, providing a great opportunity for folks to catch batting practice or score a few autographs. During off season, tours of the park direct visitors to the bullpen, press box, dugout, and locker rooms. Call (404) 614-2310 for details.
3. Stone Mountain Park
6867 Memorial Dr, 16 miles east of Atlanta on Hwy 78, Atlanta, GA 30083 · 770-498-5690
This 3,200-acre park surrounds the world's largest granite monolith - you can walk to the top or take chairlift both ways. Highlight is the carving on the mountain of Civil War generals. Impressive laser shows are presented during the summer. Check local paper for special events on weekends, such as chili cookoff and ribs fest.
4. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, US 41 and Stilesboro Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144 · 770-427-4686
Near Marietta, this National Battlefield Park is worth the short drive to see the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Once the land of the Cherokee, who were forced to leave during the "Trail of Tears." Hikers, bikers, and walkers enjoy 17 miles of beautifully wooded hiking trails. Picnicking and birdwatching are also popular.
5. Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315-1440 · 404-624-5600
Zoo Atlanta has become well-known for its natural habitats, for providing social structures similar to those found in the wild, and for breeding successes. Social animals, such as primates, live in larger family groups; more solitary animals, such as giant pandas, have individual exhibits. The zoo includes African, Asian, wetland, and rainforest exhibits, as well as a reptile house, an as nine-day festival culminates in free jazz concerts presented Memorial Day weekend (Sat-Mon) in Piedmont Park. Concerts held throughout the week in numerous venues showcase the talents of local and national performers. The weekend provides a perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic. An artists market is also featured, and food vendors sell a variety of lunchtime treats. Sponsored by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
6. Six Flags Over Georgia
7561 Six Flags Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168-7868 · 770-948-9290
This branch of the great amusement park offers fun for the entire family. With more than 100 rides and shows, the park has more than enough distractions for a day or even a weekend. One of the park's attractions, The Mind Bender, the world's first triple loop roller coaster.and the most popular is the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the world. Looney Tunes USA, a family-oriented section, offers rides and attractions customized to the little ones. Take I-20 West or MARTA to Hightower Station, then bus No. 201 to Six Flags.