The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost…
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Atlanta
The South's so-called capital isn't nicknamed Hotlanta for nothing, y'all. Charismatic and lush, Atlanta is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality.
The New South
With more than six million residents in the metro and outlying areas, Atlanta continues to experience explosive growth thanks to domestic transplants and international immigrants alike. Beyond the big-ticket Downtown attractions you will find a constellation of superlative restaurants, a palpable Hollywood influence (Atlanta is a hugely popular film-production center) and iconic African American history. That last point can't be overstated: any nationwide African American intellectual, political and artistic movement you can mention either had its genesis in Atlanta, or found a center of gravity here.
City in a Forest
Without natural boundaries to control development, it's fair to say Atlanta is more a region than a city. Yet for all its sprawl and suburbanization, there is a lovely urban core covered with trees – some 36% of the city to be exact, making it one of the most densely forested cities in the US. Magnificent oaks, Southern pines, dogwoods and magnolias pepper the nation's ninth largest metro area, a refuge for 343 parks, nature preserves, gardens and public spaces. Among the green is the ongoing Atlanta BeltLine, transforming the city's urban core and cutting a cinematic path through the canopy.
A Civil Rights Giant
Martin Luther King Jr, the quintessential figure of the Civil Rights movement and arguably America's greatest leader, was born and raised in Atlanta, the son of a preacher and choir leader. His lineage was significant not only because he followed his father to the pulpit of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church, but also because his political speeches rang out with a preacher's inflections. King remains one of the most respected figures of the 20th century and is Atlanta's quintessential African American hero, his legacy emblazoned across the city's historic Sweet Auburn district, home to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site.
Fried Green Refinement
Atlanta is a quirky and cultured metroplex, with world-class museums, theater and arts. The economy is robust, the population is young and creative, and the social scene is refreshingly diverse. Distinct neighborhoods are like friendly small towns, rife with pristinely preserved historic homes and thoroughfares of hip bars, cozy coffee shops and independent shopping. And the food? Be it classic Southern eats such as pecan pie, fried chicken and pimento cheese; innovative, chef-driven New American foodie haunts; or ethnic holes-in-the-wall, Atlanta's dining scene is a culinary juggernaut.
Explore Atlanta
- Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost…
- High Museum of Art
Atlanta's modern High Museum was the first to exhibit art from Paris' Louvre and is a destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits…
- Center for Civil and Human Rights
The striking Center for Civil and Human Rights was a 2014 addition to Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. It is a sobering $68-million memorial to the…
- Martin Luther King Jr Birthplace
The home where Martin Luther King was born and spent the first twelve years of his life is now part of the National Historic Site. Free first-come, first…
- FFernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank is a supremely kid-friendly museum that explores a bunch of subjects (dinosaurs, geology, shells, IMAX-style theater), all attached to a 65-acre…
- EEbenezer Baptist Church (New)
The new Ebenezer Baptist Church is the home of the congregation once led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. As befits one of the most influential church…
- CCenter for Puppetry Arts
A wonderland for visitors of all ages and hands down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions, the museum – expanded in 2015 – houses a treasury of…
- PPiedmont Park
A glorious, rambling urban park and the setting of many cultural and music festivals. The park has fantastic bike paths and a Saturday Green Market (from…
- Stone Mountain Park
In the northeast Atlanta suburb of Stone Mountain sits this unique – and controversial – theme park based around the 825ft-high Stone Mountain, the world…
Latest Stories from Atlanta
Planning Toolkit
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Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Atlanta.
See
Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site
The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost…
See
High Museum of Art
Atlanta's modern High Museum was the first to exhibit art from Paris' Louvre and is a destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits…
See
Center for Civil and Human Rights
The striking Center for Civil and Human Rights was a 2014 addition to Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. It is a sobering $68-million memorial to the…
See
Martin Luther King Jr Birthplace
The home where Martin Luther King was born and spent the first twelve years of his life is now part of the National Historic Site. Free first-come, first…
See
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Fernbank is a supremely kid-friendly museum that explores a bunch of subjects (dinosaurs, geology, shells, IMAX-style theater), all attached to a 65-acre…
See
Ebenezer Baptist Church (New)
The new Ebenezer Baptist Church is the home of the congregation once led by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. As befits one of the most influential church…
See
Center for Puppetry Arts
A wonderland for visitors of all ages and hands down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions, the museum – expanded in 2015 – houses a treasury of…
See
Piedmont Park
A glorious, rambling urban park and the setting of many cultural and music festivals. The park has fantastic bike paths and a Saturday Green Market (from…
See
Stone Mountain Park
In the northeast Atlanta suburb of Stone Mountain sits this unique – and controversial – theme park based around the 825ft-high Stone Mountain, the world…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Atlanta
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