Things To Do in Atlanta

Atlanta is the unofficial capital city of the Southern US. It is a cultural center that is full of history and home to the region's most powerful media institutions and businesses. But the city is about more than the Atlanta Braves, CNN and the 1996 Olympics. Atlanta's population is more diverse than ever and there is a lively arts scene and world class restaurants featuring international foods and “new Southern” cooking. Even if you aren't interested in the things that Atlanta is traditionally famous for, there are plenty of other reasons to visit.

Here are the best attractions in Atlanta.

The Georgia State Capitol building is an attraction for tourists who are interested in politics, government and history. The building has a traditional dome shape and was built more than 100 years ago. There are tours daily and a museum located on the fourth floor of the building. It is open to the public between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Famed civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta. His childhood house is open to visitors. In order to visit the house, tourists must be led by a park ranger. Tours leave regularly, but can fill up quickly on the weekends (there is a limit of 15 people), so it is best to arrive early. Those who are familiar with MLK's early life can explore the surrounding neighborhood and see some of the places that the civil rights leader frequented during his youth.

Underground Atlanta is a unique six-block-long venue. Some people might call this a shopping mall, but it is more of a Main Street type area with nightlife, restaurants and shops. This is a historic property and there a guided tours that last more than an hour and explain the history of the Underground and the city during such important eras as the Civil War and Civil Rights movement.

The World of Coca-Cola is one of those must-see attractions in Atlanta. This museum is dedicated to the world's most famous beverage. There is a surprising amount of history in the venue, including Coke memorabilia and the story of Coca-Cola's global conquest of the soda-pop market. There are also kid-friendly aspects: picture-taking opportunities with the famous Coca-Cola bears and a working bottling line where drinks are bottled.

The Georgia Aquarium is a large and impressive aquatic zoo featuring fish life from oceans and fresh water lakes and rivers. There are exotic creatures like beluga whales and sea turtles and also plenty of tropical fish and “local” marine life that is found along the reefs and barrier islands off of Georgia's coastline. The aquarium also offers behind the scene's tours and diving experiences in its larger tanks.

The Children's Museum of Atlanta is one of the region's best kid-centered museums. There is one traveling exhibit (currently an exhibit about Timbuktu) and a handful of interactive permanent exhibits that both entertain and educate. There is an exhibit hall that includes displays and activities related to food production, and another that focuses on machines,a nd still another that offers insight into life in the rainforest. Admission is not cheap ($12.50 per person), but it will be a half-day or all-day event for younger children and their families.

CNN is a major part of Atlanta's image. The cable news giant offers behind the scene's tours of its international headquarters in Atlanta. The tour includes stops in a news room. Tickets are reasonable at $17 for adults and $12.50 for kids. There are multiple opportunities daily.

Centennial Park is Atlanta’s version of Central Park. It features open spaces and hosts numerous events throughout the year. There are daily concerts during the summer and family fun days each month.

The High Museum of Art Atlanta might sound like a snobbish exhibit space for art lovers only. It does have an impressive collection of art, but also has plenty of interactive features and programs for young people. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Zoo Atlanta are two other popular attractions. The garden features indoor and outdoor plant life, while the zoo offers hundreds of species including super-popular residents like pandas and penguins.

Finally, there is the Atlanta History Center. This museum features an in depth look at the rich history of the city and its state. There are exhibits, gardens and a living history farm where actors portray life in 19th Century Atlanta.