4 Reasons to Visit Atlanta (and What to Do While You’re There)

Atlanta, Georgia

Whether you’re in search of scrumptious food, art museums and historic landmarks, or kid-friendly activities, Atlanta has a little something for everyone. Here are four reasons to visit the city, plus a few recommendations on what to eat, do, and see while you’re there.

Atlanta’s Rich Culture and History

Those who love art and history should also put Atlanta on their bucket list. The city is home to the Margaret Mitchell House, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Centennial Olympic Park, as well as the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center which is on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s also the High Museum of Art, the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, and the Museum of Design Atlanta.

The reasons for visiting are as diverse as the people who visit. One thing that remains constant is that the city doesn’t disappoint. From foodies to history buffs, everyone can find something to love about Atlanta.

So Many Family-Friendly Attractions

If you’re considering potential destinations for your next family vacation, Atlanta should be at the top of your list. The Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta alone make a trip to the city worthwhile for those with kids. The former hosts more than a hundred thousand animals in 10 million gallons of water, while the latter is one of only four zoos in the U.S. that has giant pandas.

Kids may also enjoy touring the World of Coca-Cola museum, where they can sample 100 different beverages. Afterward, they can burn off some of their energy at Piedmont Park or Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Games. Atlanta is also home to the Legoland Discovery Center and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Six Flags Over Georgia is located just west of the city in nearby Austell.

So Much Delicious Food

As any Atlanta city overview will tell you, the city has no shortage of excellent local restaurants. Among the countless restaurants serving everything from gourmet international cuisine to Southern (or Southern-inspired) comfort food, you can find several restaurants in Atlanta that are truly unique. One great example is Gunshow, run by Kevin Gillespie of “Top Chef.” Gillespie and his staff roam around the dining area with different freshly cooked small plates, offering them from table to table and taking the time to interact with guests.

Other stand-out restaurants include Antico Pizza, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Sobban (Korean), The Optimist (seafood), Chai Pani (Indian), and Nam Phuong (Vietnamese). Whatever you’re craving, odds are you can not only find it in Atlanta, but you can find a world-class restaurant that does it better than almost anyone else.

There Are Big Events Throughout the Year 

Atlanta hosts several big events throughout the year that draw tourists to the city. May through August are the busiest months, with outdoor concerts and festivals galore. Among the biggest music festivals are the SweetWater 420 Fest (April), the Shaky Beats Music Festival (May), Music Midtown (September), and the A3C Festival & Conference (October).

Of course, music festivals aren’t all the city has to offer. Visitors can celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Peach Drop, welcome spring at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, geek out at Dragon Con in September, or sample the works of more than 400 artists at the Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park.