Atlanta: The City in a Forest
From the energy of the BeltLine to the quiet of the Swan House, discover the landmarks that define Georgia’s vibrant capital.
Atlanta is a city of layers. It is a place where skyscrapers rise out of a dense canopy of trees, and where historic civil rights landmarks sit just blocks away from ultra-modern food halls. Whether you are a local rediscovering your backyard or a newcomer scouting neighborhoods, the city offers a "choose your own adventure" lifestyle.
Beyond the traffic and the business hubs, Atlanta is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each anchored by world-class attractions. Here is your curated guide to the essential stops in the ATL.
The Downtown Icons
The Georgia Aquarium
It is one of the only places in the world where you can stand face-to-face with a Whale Shark. As the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, The Georgia Aquarium is a hub for marine research and conservation.
Insider Tip: Book the "Behind the Seas" tour to see the filtration systems and feeding operations from the top of the tanks.
World of Coca-Cola
Located just across Pemberton Place, this is a pop-culture pilgrimage. The World of Coca-Cola explores the history of the world's most famous brand. The highlight is the "Taste It!" lounge, where you can sample over 100 beverages from around the globe (beware the "Beverly" form Italy!).
Midtown's Green Heart
Atlanta isn't a concrete jungle; it's a city in a forest. Nowhere is this more evident than in Midtown.
Piedmont Park
Often called Atlanta's "Central Park," Piedmont Park is the city's communal backyard. From the Saturday morning Green Market to the Dogwood Festival, this 200-acre space offers the best skyline views in the city at Lake Clara Meer.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Adjacent to the park lies a 30-acre plant sanctuary. The Botanical Garden features the stunning Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 600-foot suspension bridge that lets you walk through the treetops of Storza Woods.
Culture & Commerce
Atlanta honors its past while aggressively building its future. These locations blend both.
Ponce City Market
The old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building has been reborn. PCM is a mixed-use masterpiece with a food hall, high-end retail, and direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine. Don't miss the rooftop amusement park, Skyline Park.
The Fox Theatre
Originally designed as a Masonic Temple, the Fox Theatre is an architectural marvel with its Moorish design and "starry sky" ceiling. It remains the premier venue for Broadway shows and concerts in the South.
Atlanta History Center
Located in Buckhead, this 33-acre campus includes the iconic Swan House (famous from The Hunger Games) and comprehensive exhibits on the Civil War and the 1996 Olympics.
Make Atlanta Home
Whether you want a high-rise condo near Piedmont Park or a historic bungalow in the neighborhoods, Atlanta offers countless ways to live.
