Atlanta is the home of Coca Cola and CNN. Moreover, it was the home of Martin Luther King Jr. With so much history, Atlanta is a US city you cannot miss. I explore the Atlanta landmarks you must visit as part of your stay here. Firstly, let me share how to plan an Atlanta trip with Kayak, then we’ll explore the Atlanta landmarks and Instagram spots.
Why use KAYAK to plan your Atlanta trip?
KAYAK compares hundreds of travel websites online within seconds. You’ll find the best rate car rentals, hotels as well as flight prices with KAYAK. As a matter of fact, with Atlanta being home to the busiest airport in the world, there are some excellent flight deals waiting to be discovered. KAYAK searches so many travel websites at once which guarantees bargains. When you find the best option, simply click through and reserve which takes a few seconds and minimal clicks.
Finding a Hire Car with KAYAK
The Atlanta landmarks are spread out in and around the city therefore I highly recommend you hire your own car to explore them. In addition, you can organise for your hire care to be ready for you at the airport. Maybe even drive to a hotel on the outskirts which is much better value than one in the city center? With Kayak, simply search for Atlanta on the dates you’re visiting and thousands of car options will be displayed for you. Use the Kayak filters to find the best car for your needs. Once you find the best car deal for you, click through and reserve. I ended up booking a better class of car at a lower price which greatly improved my Atlanta landmarks visit.
Finding a Hotel with KAYAK
It’s best to book your hotel as far in advance as possible to find the best prices. In fact, as soon as you know the exact dates you’ll be in Atlanta you should make your reservation. When you book your Atlanta hotel through Kayak you’ll see the best prices of hotels available on your dates. You can filter the results to only hotels in the center of Atlanta, to the best value or whatever is your hotel preference. Once you discover the best hotel for your needs, simply click through and reserve it immediately.
KAYAK Recommends – Midtown Magic
Kayak shares an excellent Midtown Atlanta guide which covers a few restaurants and a themed hotel to stay. Additionally, Kayak recommend you visit the Fox Theater as well as Ponce City Market and High Museum of Art which I’ll also visit below.
My Top Atlanta Landmark – World of Coca Cola
We have all tried a Coca Cola at least once in our lives. It’s the most famous drink in the world! Did you know Coca Cola was founded in Atlanta in 1892? At the world of Coco Cola not only can you discover the long history of this drink but you can also visit the vault where the secret recipe is stored. A picture by the Coca Cola vault doors is certainly a top Instagram spot. Additionally, I’m sure the Coca Cola polar bear will be around to pose for pics with you. Finally, my favourite part of the World of Coca Cola are the complimentary Coca Cola drinks on offer from around the world. Inca Kola from Peru anyone? How about Senzao from Mexico? Salut!
More Atlanta Landmarks and Top Instagram Spots – Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is located adjacent the the World of Coca Cola. After you’ve enjoyed the complimentary Coca Cola products from around the world, why not use the energy to explore Georgia Aquarium? Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world by number of fish and volume of water. What’s more, you can view these through large glass windows which makes for several Instagram photography opportunities.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Did you know Martin Luthar King Jr lived in Atlanta? You can visit his boyhood home at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Additionally, learn about the American Civil Rights Movement in the museum. The burial place of King and his wife are also here in the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Firstly, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library is a beautiful building with well kept gardens. As a result, you won’t be short of places to photograph in and around here. The museum features memorabilia and photographs from the Jimmy Carter presidency of 1977-1981. Did you know Jimmy Carter was born and grew up in the state of Georgia?
Zoo Atlanta
Take a drive out to East Atlanta and visit Zoo Atlanta. You may think you’ve taken a wrong turn when you discover the African Savannah. However, when you see the Atlanta skyline as the backdrop to a herd of elephants you’ll realise you’re still here! There are over 1500 animals at Zoo Atlanta including Lions, Gorillas and Pandas. As a result, there’re no shortage of Instagram spots here!
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta is one of the top art museums in the world. There are seven sections to the museum which are; European art, African art, American art, folk and self-taught art, modern and contemporary art, decorative art and design and finally, photography. Not only can you admire these different art forms but also look in awe at the unique modern architecture of the building itself. Lastly, the museum houses famous artwork by Giovanni Tiepolo and Claude Monet.
Piedmont Park
If New York has Central Park then Atlanta has Piedmont Park. However, Piedmont Park is about a mile from downtown and gives a stunning view of the Atlanta skyline. Visit early morning or evening and you could see a spectacular sunset reflecting in Lake Clara Meer. Piedmont Park is also home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and several walking trails.
Centennial Olympic Park
Are you old enough to remember the Atlanta Olympic Games of 1996? The Centennial Olympic Park still exists today with many landmarks which celebrate the legacy of these games. A top Atlanta landmark within Centennial Olympic Park is Skyview Atlanta which is a 20 storey high Ferris wheel which offers stunning panoramic views. Finally, the Fountain of Rings Plaza offers a top Instagram spot in Atlanta (pictured above).
CNN Studio Tours
CNN is one of the most famous news channels around the world. Did you know it was founded here in Atlanta, Georgia as recently as 1980? What’s more, you can take a CNN studio tour. On this tour, not only can you visit inside the studios but you can also see the presenters in their studios as they broadcast live on air. Whether you’re into live news or not, CNN studio tour in Atlanta definitely presents you with an eye opening experience.
Atlanta History Center
Take a drive north to Atlanta History Center and explore 33 acres of historic buildings and well kept gardens. In addition to exploring beautiful gardens and buildings you’ll also learn a lot about the deep and often cruel history of Atlanta.
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market is an Atlanta landmark with an interesting history. It was once a Sears building which featured the famous retail outlet as well as their warehouse and regional offices. Over the years this structure became a huge abandoned building until redevelopment brought the Ponce City Market. Today, it’s full of shops, a huge food hall, offices and even residential areas. Visit the rooftop at Ponce City Market for panoramic Atlanta views. Lastly, some compare this to the famous Seattle landmark of Pike Place.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is conveniently located near the Georgia Aquarium. Here you will learn about achievements of not only the civil rights movement in the United States but also worldwide. Furthermore, it’s located in an eye-catching building which will make a wonderful backdrop to any Instagram photo.
Six Flags Over Georgia
Drive 10 miles west from Atlanta to experience Six Flags over Georgia. An advantage to having your own car is you can arrive there early on a weekday when the park is still quiet. The most famous ride here is Goliath but as with all Six Flags theme parks, there are several other hair raising roller coasters to try!
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Streetwater Creek State Park is a 15 mile drive west of Atlanta. It’s beautiful with Streetwater Creek running through it but there are also some historic ruins which will catch your eye. New Manchester Mill ruins stands out as the top Instagram spot at this State Park. What’s more, there’s an Instagram worthy bridge which you may pose for pictures on.
Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
You may have found a great car hire deal with KAYAK but didn’t quite upgrade to a Porsche!? At Porsche Experience Center Atlanta not only can you drive a state of the art Porsche but you can also drive it at maximum speed around the 1.6 mile circuit. Porsche Experience Center Atlanta is located south of Atlanta near the airport.
Enjoy Your Visit to the Atlanta Landmarks
Visit the Atlanta landmarks you want to visit at your leisure. I recommend you visit the most popular attractions such as Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium and Six Flags early morning when they’re quieter. Other attractions such as CNN and Coca Cola you’ll be put in groups so can visit anytime. As for the parks, I recommend later in the day when the weather starts to cool down.
Interested in visiting more US cities? Read about Seattle landmarks, Chicago landmarks, Los Angeles landmarks, Las Vegas landmarks, San Diego landmarks and San Francisco landmarks.
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