Atlanta Sights

  1. CNN Center

    CNN Center is the headquarters of the cable-TV news service. You might be tempted to take the CNN tour, a behind-the-scenes glance at the 24-hour news organization, but don't be heartbroken if you miss it. The tour is dark, dingy and just a little bit condescending. Except for an early encounter with a teleprompter, visitors don't get close enough to the action to feel connected. They do, however, get to ride on an enormous escalator that climbs above a food court and into the CNN facility.

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  2. Georgia Aquarium

    The showstopper of the bunch is the Georgia Aquarium, a colossal facility billing itself as the world's largest aquarium. It's been massively successful among tourists, drawing five million guests in its first 18 months, but animal rights activists have criticized the aquarium for displaying exotic whale sharks, two of which died not long after the attraction opened. Nevertheless, the Georgia Aquarium has other whale sharks still swimming, and it also boasts a tank of gorgeous beluga whales.

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  3. Grant Park

    A large oasis of green situated on the edge of the city center, Grant Park is home to Zoo Atlanta, which features flamingos, elephants, kangaroo and the odd tiger. But the zoo's pride and joy is baby Mei Lan, the giant panda cub whose every movement is a picture of adorability. Be prepared to wait if you want to see her.

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  4. Zoo Atlanta

    Zoo Atlanta is an exemplary natural environment that includes a large gorilla exhibit. The zoo's pride and joy are Lun Lun and Yang Yang, two of only a small population of giant panda bears in captivity.

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