If you are heading down to Georgia, you are in for a real treat once you hit Atlanta. Here you will find a nice mix of that famous Southern charm and a more relaxed pace, along with the offerings of a bustling metropolis busting at the seams with top-notch food, entertainment and attractions. If you are wondering what is on tap in A-Town, here are just a few of the many things to see and do.
Georgia Aquarium
If you love aquariums, you should definitely check out the one in Atlanta—it holds the distinction of being the largest in the world. With over 60 exhibits, you can see a huge variety of marine life such as beluga whales, whale sharks, otters, and ethereal jellyfish. The Ocean Voyager exhibit features a tunnel that allows you to experience a view that only divers typically can.
World of Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola, the iconic beverage known the world over was originally developed as a headache remedy—imagine that! While at first, going to learn all about a beverage may seem boring, but when it’s the most famous drink in the world, a lot of fun and interesting information awaits you. Learn all about the bottling process, advertising campaigns and its role in pop culture. If you are a big fan of the drinks, the tasting gallery offers free samples of all Coca-Cola beverages—more than 60 in total.
CNN Studio Tour
Ever wonder what goes into broadcasting the news and what happens behind the scenes? A fascinating tour of the CNN studios can give you the answer. This hour-long tour gives you a sneak-peek into what it takes to broadcast global news; some highlights include seeing the control room and watching a livenewscast. Another interesting note—the tour begins with a ride on the longest free-standing escalator in the world.
Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park
This is a great trip for anyone, but especially if you are traveling with kids. Zoo Atlanta has more gorillas than anywhere else in the US and is one of the few zoos to hold giant pandas. That is certainly not all—the zoo occupies almost 40 acres and showcases more than 1,000 animals from more than 200 species.
Stone Mountain Park
If you are interested in Atlanta activities that will get you out in nature, you cannot miss Stone Mountain Park, one of Georgia’s top attractions. It contains over 3,200 acres of natural beauty and an array of family-friendly activities from taking a train ride through the mountains to trekking through the treetops.
Atlanta History Center
Atlanta is rich in history, and if you are a history buff, you will not be disappointed in the Atlanta History Center, whose 30,000 square feet is packed to the gills with interesting exhibits and the world’s most comprehensive Civil War artifacts collection.
Martin Luther King Jr. National History Site
If you are inspired by one of the greatest civil rights leaders of all time, you must make a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. National History site. Here you can see his crypt, which burns with an eternal flame as well as his childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was a pastor. You can hear recordings of his sermons and speeches inside the church. There is also a visitor’s center that showcases the civil rights work he did over the years.
About the Author: Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who covers a range of travel topics from top sites in tourist areas to how to pick your next destination.
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