1. World of Coca-Cola
See the history of how the world’s most famous soda was made, learn the bottling process, see the dozen other brands you might not know Coke was involved in, and finally taste sodas from around the world at the interactive soda fountains.
https://www.worldofcoca-cola.com/
2. Georgia Aquarium
The world’s largest aquarium home to beluga whales, sharks, and dozens of other amphibians. They are undergoing an expansion that should bring a second large whale tank.
3. CNN Center
Home to CNN World’s Headquarters and the CNN Tour. As of this writing, the building just announced it will be sold and the network will move operations to the Ted Turner campus in Midtown Atlanta. Most of CNN’s programming originates from New York now, but you still have the Weekend and International reports from Atlanta. The move out process, when initiated will be phased over 5 years.
4. Centennial Olympic Park
The centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The open space is now a gathering place on the western edge of Downtown Atlanta. The city’s 4th of July Fireworks, Shaky Knees Music Festival, and Sweetwater 420 Music Festival are held there. At the entrance of the park holds the Olympic rings, as well as the Olympic fountain.
5. MLK National Historic Site
No trip to Atlanta is complete without paying homage to the slain leader and the birthplace of the civil rights movement. The 3 block-long stretch along Auburn Ave east of Downtown has Old Ebenezer Baptist Church (where King preached), The King Center (museum of his works, both Martin & Coretta Scott King are buried in tombs in the reflecting pool courtyard) & King’s Childhood home. The block is under the National Park Service, so several homes on the street have been restored to the era shotgun architecture.
Once the tallest hotel in the world. It is arguably the most recognized building in Atlanta’s skyline. There is a restaurant/lounge on the 73rd floor called the Sundial. It boasts some of the best views of Atlanta. The restaurant is no longer revolving due to an unfortunate tragedy involving a 5-year old boy.
The busiest mall complex in the southeast and a huge part of Atlanta culture. Lenox has gone through some rough patches, and yet is still a survivor when many malls across the country are going vacant. Phipps Plaza across the street is even more high-end with stores that have no price tags and appointment only.
The Central Park of Atlanta. Softball Fields, Rolling Meadows, trails, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and more. Some of the most anticipated events on the yearly calendar happen here including The Dogwood Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, and Music Midtown.
When completed in 2022, it will be a 22-mile loop around the city of Atlanta. The eastern trail has been completed for seven years, the extension for 1 year, the western trail has been opened for 2 years, and now the southern trail is under construction. Construction to complete sections of the already built northern trail will begin in 2021. This is a hugely popular course where walking, jogging, and biking reign supreme, and a great way to explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods.
The once southern headquarters for the Sears, Roebuck Company is now a converted multi-purposed entertainment, commercial, and residential center. Shops and restaurants line the first two floors, an amusement park on the rooftop and lofts flank the middle section. All with easy access to the eastern trail of the Beltline.