The city of Atlanta rests in the heart of Peach State far from its borders with Florida and South Carolina, not to mention the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the city is the humble seat of Fulton County, it's probably best known for hosting the busiest airport on Earth. With so many travelers coming and going, it's no wonder the city's metropolitan area is a bustling hive of business, tourism, and more.
Whether you're just driving through from Alabama to North Carolina, on your way to the coastal city of Savannah from neighboring Tennessee, or flying all the way down the Blue Ridge Mountains from as far away as New York, we hope the following suggestions make your stay in Atlanta one to remember!
What is the Capital of Georgia?
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If you guessed Georgia's state capital is Atlanta, give yourself a gold star! What gave it away, the title of the article? In addition to being the capital, Atlanta is also the largest city in the state of Georgia, with more than double the population of runners up like Augusta, Columbus, and Macon.
Before the capital moved to Atlanta, it was once located in Louisville, then Savannah, and finally, the city of Milledgeville. But following Sherman's infamous March to the Sea, Atlanta had a better time recovering than other cities that were devastated by the general's scorched earth approach that left much of Georgia in ruins. Given its better economic position, officials decided to move this hard-fought U.S. state's capital to Atlanta.
7 Reasons to Visit Atlanta, Georgia
1. The Georgia State Capitol Building
One of the first things we always love to suggest to anyone visiting a state capital is a visit to the state capitol building. Completed in 1889, the Georgia State Capitol Building stands on the same site the original Atlanta City Hall once occupied. Not surprisingly, its construction features neo-classical elements like pillars, domes, and intricate friezes.
Like a lot of state capitols, Georgia's is full covered with monuments and has a museum that offers tours daily.
2. Historical Sites
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From Confederate Civil War stronghold, to bastion of progressive activism amid the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta is full of historic sites. These sites include, but are not limited to, these worthy contenders:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
- Margaret Mitchell House
- Oakland Cemetery
- The Swan House
- Centennial Olympic Park
3. Museums and Memorials
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Not surprisingly, there's a number of museums and memorials in the Atlanta area. Below are a list of some we think you should consider visiting.
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Atlanta History Center
- The World of Coca Cola
- Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
- High Museum of Art
- Delta Flight Museum
- College Football Hall of Fame
- The Millennium Gate
4. See Downtown Atlanta
From shopping and sites, to dining and entertainment, there's literally hundreds of things you could do on any given night in Atlanta's popular downtown. Architectural buffs will be particularly pleased to tour the famous Peachtree Center at the heart of the city. Meanwhile, "The Walking Dead" fans can look forward to hunting down a handful of shooting locations spread across the area.
5. Amusement Parks
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The Atlanta area is home to several amusement parks, including Six Flags Over Georgia, Hurricane Harbor, and the Legoland Discovery Center. There's also some simpler parks closer to the city center if you're just looking to kill some time and cool off in the afternoon:
- Skyline Park
- Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad
- D.H. Stanton Sprayground
- SkyView Atlanta
- Several Escape Rooms
6. Animals!
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If you've had enough of human history and invention, consider taking in the local fauna. The state capital is home to both the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta, so there's no shortage of wildlife to adore in the metro area.
7. The Beautiful Outdoors
Since Atlanta is located in the Piedmont foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you can be sure there's a lot of surrounding outdoor areas to explore. The highest point in the area, Kennesaw Mountain, has a handful of trails and attractions. Similarly, the Chattahoochee River runs northwest of the city and offers a range of water recreation. There's also a load of lakes and state parks in the area, so a quick Google search should help you nail down the perfect outdoor itinerary.
What's your favorite thing to do in Atlanta, Georgia? Let everyone know what they can't miss on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
