Heading to Atlanta? 50 Fun things to do in the ATL

	Alliance Theatre Company Part of the Woodruff Arts Center, the Alliance Theatre is one of the largest regional theaters in the nation. Serving a diverse audience, the Alliance has produced more than 50 world premieres bringing the globe’s best talents to Atlanta.
	Atlanta Botanical Garden With more than 30 acres of gardens, forest, wildflower trails and the 10,000-square-foot Fuqua Orchid Center, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is one of Atlanta’s most beautiful attractions. The Canopy Walk, a 40-foot high suspension bridge creating a treetop walking trail, is the garden’s latest addition. Visitors will also enjoy the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen and soothing sanctuary of the Cascades Garden.
	Atlanta Braves and Turner Field The Atlanta Braves play from April through September at Turner Field. All season long, fans can enjoy post-game entertainment including dazzling fireworks and a summer concert series. The Braves Museum & Hall of Fame features more than 600 Braves artifacts and photographs that trace the team’s history from its 1871 beginnings in Boston to Atlanta. The field and museum are both open year-round.
	Atlanta’s Eclectic Neighborhoods Little Five Points is Atlanta’s bohemian hangout and home to a rich mix of art, theater, and shopping. 7 Stages Theatre, Dad’s Garage, and Horizon Theatre are must-sees.Virginia-Highland features hip boutiques while East Atlanta is filled with homegrown restaurants and gastropubs. The historic district of Cabbagetown proudly boasts impressive architectural restorations.
	Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome The Atlanta Falcons kick off the official season each September. Learn the Dirty Bird victory dance and cheer on the team as they defend the Dome! The Georgia Dome has hosted the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, two Super Bowls, the annual Chick-fil-A Bowl and will host the 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four.
	Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream at Philips Arena Philips Arena is home to the NBA Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA Atlanta Dream, as well as world-class concerts and events.
	Atlanta’s Higher Education Centers Score A+ in Culture Globally known performers are hosted at The Robert Ferst Center at Georgia Tech and Georgia State University (GSU)’s Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, while the Miriam H. and John A. Conant Center at Oglethorpe University is home to the Georgia Shakespeare Festival. Art collections are displayed at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum, the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art and the GSU School of Arts and Design Gallery. The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)’s Atlanta campus offers exhibitions at its gallery in the Woodruff Arts Center. SCAD also restored the historic Peters House into Ivy Hall, which now hosts cultural events. Clark Atlanta University Art Gallery and Spelman College Museum of Fine Art present works by nationally acclaimed artists.
	Atlanta History Center The Atlanta History Center features 32 acres of gardens, wildlife trails and woodland areas. The complex includes the Tullie Smith Farm (1840s) and the fully restored 1928 Swan House mansion. The museum offers exhibitions on the Civil War, African-American heritage, and Southern folk art, with a wing dedicated to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
	Atlanta Motor Sports Head to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games where you can slip behind the wheel of SuperKart and speed away on one of two Andretti-designed indoor tracks. For adrenaline-fueled fun, take the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Atlanta Motor Speedway – an 870-acre racing complex hosting NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series events. Road Atlanta in Braselton is a 2.5-mile track hosting the Petit Le Mans, plus sports car, vintage, motorcycle, and go-kart races.
	Atlanta Nightlife Atlanta’s hot spots are perfect whether you’re looking to unwind, dance to Top 40, or spot celebrities. In the Downtown Nightlife scene enjoy drinks and sports at STATS and Taco Mac or watch the world turn from the Sun Dial Restaurant Bar & View. Relax with Wednesday WindDown Centennial Olympic Park or have a taste of drama at Agatha’s – A Taste of Mystery. Rock your way to the Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta to experience exceptional “Love All, Serve All” service and delicious food inside a museum of rock music memorabilia. Make sure you check out the Luckie Marietta District for a truly walkable entertainment experience. Midtown Nightlife is home to the legendary Opera Atlanta Night Club, Sutra Lounge, and Loca Luna while Peachtree Street offers upscale lounges such as Reign Nightclub and Vanquish Lounge. For luxurious Buckhead Nightlife visit the Andrew’s Entertainment Complex – Atlanta’s premiere party venue – and Havana Club. Grab a drink or late-night bite from Buckhead Bottle Bar & Bistro, Tongue & Groove, and Whiskey Blue. Be sure to catch the city’s most talented musicians at Dante’s Down the Hatch and the Buckhead Theatre.
	The Atlanta Opera & The Atlanta Ballet The Atlanta Opera offers four main stage productions seasonally, in addition to pre-opera lectures, student matinees and more. The Atlanta Ballet is the oldest professional dance company in America. Performances combine contemporary and traditional with classic ballets and modern choreography. Both companies perform at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
	Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Part of the Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its recordings have earned 27 Grammy Awards and international acclaim. Yearly concert subscriptions include the Delta Classical series and SuperPOPS series as well as annual family and holiday shows.
	Atlantic Station Great boutiques, sidewalk cafes, hip restaurants and a 16-screen IMAX® 3D theater are the focus at Atlantic Station, designed to feel like a city within a city. Every week, taste the local flavor during Food Truck Fridays. Each summer Central Park hosts open-air artisan markets and screens just-released films. Free shuttles are available from the Arts Center MARTA Station.
	Bicycling, Electric Car and Walking Tours Midtown walking and biking tours are available for many Atlanta attractions. The Atlanta Preservation Center offers walking tours of historic neighborhoods and the Fox Theatre, one of the few remaining movie palaces of the 1920s. Bicycle Tours of Atlanta caters to many ability levels and features numerous options across the city, such as the Heart of the City Tour. The Progressive Dinner Bicycle Tour lets you experience Atlanta’s coveted cuisine while burning a few calories. For a new way to explore the city try ATL-Cruzers Electric Car Tours.
	Buckhead Arts & Galleries Major Buckhead design and cultural districts include Miami Circle, Peachtree Decorative Arts Plaza, the Galleries of Peachtree Hills and Bennett Street. The Swan Coach House Gallery, located at the Atlanta History Center, features both established and upcoming Southern artists. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia permanently houses more than 600 works by local artists in contemporary mediums.
	Buckhead Entertainment and Nightlife The luxurious community of Buckhead boasts exquisite dining and top-tier accommodations. See and be seen in the fabulous lounges such as The Gold Room, and enjoy the city’s most talented musicians at Dante’s Down the Hatch and the Buckhead Theatre.
	Centennial Olympic Park Home of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the world’s largest Olympic Ring fountain,Centennial Olympic Park provides year-round entertainment including concerts, festivals and family activities.
	Center for Puppetry Arts As the largest organization in North America dedicated to the art of puppetry, the Center for Puppetry Arts features the nation’s largest interactive museum, Puppets: The Power of Wonder. Weekly performances include a fun family series and New Directions for adults.
	Chattahoochee River Fun Sixteen recreation areas along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River have been designed to preserve the river and provide outdoor family fun. Contact Chattahoochee Outfitters for your next river trip. The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell offers educational programs, canoe trips and other activities.
	The Children’s Museum of Atlanta The Children’s Museum of Atlanta features hands-on exhibits and activities where kids can discover, imagine and explore as they learn how things work in their world. Whether it’s building a sand castle, painting on the walls, or exploring the latest exhibit, children will discover why it’s a smart place to play!
	College Sports Atlanta is home to many up-and-coming athletic stars. Can’t-miss games include the 100 Black Men of Atlanta Football Classic, Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Chick-fil-A Bowland SEC Championship Game. Georgia Tech (GT) and Georgia State University(GSU) kick off fall with football while winter is filled with basketball games at Morehouse College, Oglethorpe University and more. Spring offers GT’s baseball team, while summer features GSU softball and soccer teams.
	Concerts in the City Amp up your trip with year-round concerts in the city. Spotlighting homegrown harmonies, visit these iconic Atlanta venues for a great shuffle of up-and-coming talent and household names: Philips Arena, a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, brings national acts to town; the Tabernacle, once a turn-of-the-century church, is now a house of rock ‘n roll;Centennial Olympic Park offers weekly alfresco shows while Piedmont Park plays host to annual music festivals such as Music Midtown; Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood is a favorite among touring bands due to excellent acoustics; move and groove at the Fred with hot retrospectives most nights each week. For more music in the great outdoors, visit theChastain Park Amphitheater, where the moonlit dinner performances featuring big music stars make for a great date night or enjoy the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the stars at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre just north of the city. At theCobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, enjoy hot headliners from all genres including country, pop, rock and more.
	Decatur Square The charming, quirky city of Decatur is just six miles east of downtown. Friendly, walkable and right on the MARTA line, this community is home to more than 200 boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Eddie’s Attic is a must-see for live, local musicians. Year-round festivals include the Arts Festival in May, the Beach Party in June and the Book Festival on Labor Day weekend.
	East Point The scenic city of East Point is just minutes from downtown Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Located on the MARTA line, this walkable community offers an array of restaurants, art galleries and charming boutiques. Turn up the fun at the Dick Lane Velodrome, the country’s second steepest concrete cycling racetrack and the only velodrome in Georgia. There are several parks, including the East Point Commons, which hosts annual festivals such as Taste of East Point, a Fourth of July Hometown Celebration and the East Point Possums drag show, as well as weekly farmers markets.
happy wheels demo href="http://www.atlanta.net/detailPages/detail_page.aspx?accountnum=001532M" name="fernbank">	Fernbank Museum of Natural History Fernbank Museum of Natural History brings the world’s largest dinosaurs to life and explores global cultures through hands-on exhibits. NatureQuest is a cutting-edge children’s wing, which offers innovative interactions with live animal habitats and promotes exploration of ecosystems found throughout Georgia. Enjoy a classy mix of culture and cocktails with Martinis & IMAX® every Friday night.
	Festivals Galore Atlanta offers plenty of family fun with year-round festivals. Spring brings local artisans to the streets during the Dogwood Festival, and musicians serenade the city during the Atlanta Jazz Festival. The National Black Arts Festival and Virginia-Highland Summerfest are great ways to enjoy the summer sun, while Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and Taste of Atlanta spice up cuisines with fresh, seasonal flavors.
	The Fox Theatre Designed in the late 1920s, this opulent, historic landmark was originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque. Today, The Fox Theatre presents shows by Broadway in Atlanta, Broadway Across America and Theater of the Stars, as well as a summer movie series. It is also home to the Atlanta Ballet’s annual performance of “Nutcracker.”
	Georgia Aquarium Dive into a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience at the Georgia Aquarium, where imaginations go to play. At the world’s largest aquarium, you’ll discover graceful beluga whales, spectacular whale sharks, playful penguins and aquatic animals from around the globe. Make a splash with the AT&T Dolphin Tales exhibit – a theatrical experience featuring live actors, elaborate costumes and, of course, dancing dolphins!
	Golf in Atlanta Atlanta has more than 100 public and private golf courses encompassing the metro area. Enjoy in-town hot spots such as Charlie Yates Golf Course, North Fulton Golf Course and Bobby Jones Golf Course. Championship links just outside the perimeter include Stone Mountain Golf Club, Legacy on Lanier Golf Club, Canongate Clubs and Bear’s Best, not to mention the driving range at Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club. If you are in Atlanta in September, watch the pros at East Lake Golf Club during the finale of the PGA TOUR Playoffs at THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
	Grant Park Atlanta’s oldest city park features lush lawns and stunning views. Framed by gorgeous Victorian homes and bordering Zoo Atlanta, Grant Park is a haven for families. It is also near Oakland Cemetery as well as the Atlanta Cyclorama, which immortalizes the 1864 Battle of Atlanta.
	High Museum of Art & Local Galleries The High Museum of Art offers a diverse selection of art including 19th and 20th century American works, European paintings, and African and African-American art, as well as modern and contemporary art. The High is the leading art museum in the Southeast, and a part of the Woodruff Arts Center. Afterward, step across the street to MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta) and explore innovative, urban-inspired exhibits of design and style.
	Historic Neighbors The Marietta Historic District offers tours of the town and heritage museums. Visit the Square for specialty and antique shops, dining and entertainment, including the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum. Attractions in the Historic Roswell District include the Smith Plantation, Bulloch Hall, which is the childhood home of former President Theodore Roosevelt’s mother, and Georgia Ensemble Theatre.
	Historic West End The West End historic district is located just southwest of downtown Atlanta. The community dates back to the 1830s and features restored period homes and Victorian cottages. TheWren’s Nest House Museum was the home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories, and Hammonds House Museum features African-American art. TheAtlanta University Center (AUC) is the country’s largest concentration of African-American colleges. The AUC comprises Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
	Inside CNN Studio Tour Tour the core of CNN Worldwide for an up-close look at global news in the making. This 55-minute guided walking tour offers behind-the-scenes views of Atlanta’s CNN studios and an exclusive glimpse of news and broadcasting in action.
	Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum is an opportunity to learn about the life and work of the 39th president. Explore a replica of the Oval Office, view special exhibits, and listen to oral histories and interviews from the Carter White House. You will also trace Carter’s life from his 6th grade report card to his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.
	Legendary Luxury Shopping in Buckhead Enjoy Buckhead’s legendary shopping with exclusive specialty retailers including Calvin Klein and Zara. Designer boutiques such as Hermes, Cartier and Kate Spade add a touch of glamour to any visit. Luxury retailers throughout Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza include Belk, Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co. Visit Miami Circle and the Bennett Street District for museum quality art and antiques.
	LEGOLAND® Discovery Center LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta brings imagination to life at Phipps Plaza. Kids 3–10 can enjoy hours of interactive, hands-on fun inside one of the world’s biggest boxes of LEGO bricks. Highlights include a 4-D cinema, classes with a LEGO Master Model Builder and the immersive Kingdom Quest LEGO Ride. Be sure to visit the MINILAND exhibit, which re-creates landmark buildings from the Atlanta skyline.
	Margaret Mitchell House & Museum Margaret Mitchell lived in a three-story Tudor Revival mansion in Midtown while writing the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *Gone With the Wind*. The house, which Mitchell nicknamed “The Dump,” includes tours, a museum, souvenir shop and a literature series.
	Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site & Sweet Auburn District The area of Sweet Auburn served as the thriving center of Atlanta’s black enterprise from the 1890s to the 1940s. At the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, explore his birth home, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center, where Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize is displayed. The crypt and grave site of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, are also located here.
	Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Journey back to the 11th century for feasting, fighting and fun! Medieval Times is a family-friendly dinner theater featuring an authentic medieval feast and jousting tournament with live horses and fearless knights.
	Michael C. Carlos Museum Located on Emory University’s campus, the Michael C. Carlos Museum houses ancient objects from Egypt, Rome, the Near East, and the West. It is also home to collections of 19th and 20th century sub-Saharan African art and European and American Renaissance works.
	North Georgia Day Trips Just a short drive north of Atlanta you’ll find gorgeous mountain scenery and hometown hospitality. The town of Helen, a re-created Alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old world towers, is a fantastic family option. The newly expanded Babyland General Hospital, home to the Cabbage Patch Kids, is a unique place where you can take home a hand-stitched doll of your own.
	Outlet Malls and Day Trip Shopping North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville offer 140 stores with designer labels. For retail, dining and entertainment options, stop into the shopping meccas of Discover Mills and the Tanger Outlet Center.
	Piedmont Park Piedmont Park features lush woods, Lake Clara Meer, picnic spots, skating paths and many annual events. Covering more than 180 acres, the park is located between 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, adjacent to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
	See Atlanta From Above Balloons Over Georgia provides incredible views of Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, the Atlanta skyline and the beginnings of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain ranges from one of the most beautifully colored balloons in the country. Try the North Georgia Canopy Tours – the eco-friendly outdoor exploration features 12 zip lines, three nature walks, two sky bridges and a rappel.
	Six Flags Over Georgia Six Flags Over Georgia celebrates 45 years with more squeals, thrills and spills than ever before! This 100-acre park just west of the city features 40 rides, fun family adventures and a bustling for-kids-only section. Purchase The Flash Pass and ride your favorite coasters without waiting in line. The park offers 27 eateries with great dining options for a full meal or quick snack, as well as numerous souvenir shops.
	Stone Mountain Park Home to the world’s largest piece of exposed granite rock and longest running laser show,Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction. The Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision™ has graphics and awe-inspiring effects that create multi-dimensional magic on one of the world’s largest screens – Stone Mountain. With more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, you’ll find family-oriented recreational activities, special events, lodging and camping. Visit the 1870s town of Crossroads® for live shows, craft demos, shopping and dining, or enjoy the Great Locomotive Adventure, Scenic Railroad and Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard. Other family favorites are Sky Hike, the largest treetop adventure course, and Geyser Towers, a multi-level ropes course, which combines the challenge of climbing with the thrill of a water park.
	Underground Atlanta Visit historic Underground Atlanta for food trucks on Wednesdays and annual events such as the Peach Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration, Elevate Art Above Underground exhibition and Heritage Arts Festival. It also offers guided tours and the Kenny’s Alley music and nightlife district.
	The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Through its exhibitions, publications and resources, the Atlanta Jewish Federation Museum explores Jewish heritage and how it relates to other cultures and religions. It also contains two permanent galleries and hosts special rotating exhibits.
	World of Coca-Cola Experience the intriguing World of Coca-Cola! The attraction features a multi-sensory 4-D theater, an extraordinary 1880s soda fountain, live-action bottling line, and the opportunity to sample nearly 60 different beverages from around the world. Now you can experience the quest for one of the world’s best-kept secrets in the Vault of the Secret Formula.
	Zoo Atlanta Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta features more than 200 species of animals from the African plains and Asian forests. Visit baby Po and the other playful Giant Pandas, marvelous mammals and adorable reptiles and amphibians! The Ford African Rain Forest houses 24 gorillas in one of North America’s largest captive populations.