10 Best Things to Do in Georgia

The Georgia Aquarium was the world's largest aquarium when it opened in 2005, a title that the public attraction retained until 2012. Still, even though the title is gone, that hardly makes this spot any less impressive. You can marvel at the hundreds of species and the thousands of animals that call the massive building home, from manta rays to sea lions, beluga whales to whale sharks.

The whale sharks are definitely one of the most popular marine animals at Georgia Aquarium – the building was designed around their 6.3-million-gallon tank. Additionally, the aquarium is one of only a handful of aquariums in the world that houses mammoth manta rays.

Centennial Olympic Park is a beautiful green space right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, to be sure, but it’s so much more than just a pretty park with water gardens and walking paths. The park was host to the 1996 Olympic Games, and still shows signs of this today.

You can explore the 22-acre park and see the medal podium on the West Lawn Promenade, the Olympic rings at the Fountain of Rings Plaza, and the separate plaza created in commemoration of the athletes who participated in the Paralympic Games. The city has created lots of dedicated selfie spots around the park, too.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park is unlike any national historic park you’ll visit. Located in downtown Atlanta, it stretches across several city blocks and encompasses a handful of notable structures, all of which are worth a visit.

After stopping by the visitor centre, travellers can go on to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (where he was baptised and later ordained), Fire Station No. 6 (where you can learn about the desegregation of the Atlanta Fire Department), the tomb of Dr and Mrs King, the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, and more.

Stone Mountain Park is a family-friendly attraction that's within a short drive outside Atlanta. The park centres around a huge monolith known as Stone Mountain. The rock itself has attracted tourists for centuries, and a large carving on the side of the rock depicts Confederate figures.

Some of the most popular activities at the park include travelling to the rock’s peak via a cable car or a hiking trail, as well as visiting the park’s historic square, which boasts structures dating to the late 18th century.

The National Center for Civil & Human Rights focuses on exhibits that inspire and encourage, while providing a safe space for all visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all humans. Exhibits focus on topics like the American civil rights movement, global civil rights struggles, homelessness and the life of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

The centre is conveniently located right in downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of many other popular tourist attractions. The National Center for Civil & Human Rights offers exhibits and learning opportunities suitable for all ages.

The Chattahoochee National Forest is mammoth, and a northern Georgia attraction that you could plan an entire trip around. Just how big is it? Well, it crosses over 26 counties and takes up nearly 900,000 acres, with 850 miles of recreational trails, thousands of miles of streams and rivers and dozens of spots to safely camp.

Some of the most popular activities within the forest include camping and canoeing, taking the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway for scenic views from the comfort of your car, and visiting the tall twin waterfalls at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. You can learn about 10,000 years of history at the Scull Shoals Historic Site.

The Savannah Historic District is a delight to just walk around and take in all of the architecture and history. The streets are filled with homes dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, all still sitting in the original town plan that was designed in 1733. Examples of Georgian, Greek Revival and Gothic architecture abound.

You can tour many historic homes in the Savannah Historic District, but it’s certainly not required to have a nice time. Taking it all in from the sidewalks and the picturesque green space is plenty enough.

Rock City Gardens sits near the Georgia-Tennessee border and offers views of up to 7 states on a clear day. Sometimes called Lookout Mountain, it has been known to travellers passing through the regions as early as 1823 and, before that, the tall rock structures were well-known to regional Native American tribes.

Rock City gained attention quickly, from both hikers and geologists, before it became a full-fledged tourist attraction in the 1920s. Nowadays, you can still hike to the same summit, as well as enjoy the family-friendly side attractions, shopping and restaurants built up around it, all of which make up Rock City Gardens.

Driftwood Beach is one of the favourite beaches on one of Georgia favourite islands, Jekyll Island. Southerners from the entire region flock to Jekyll Island for its laid-back atmosphere and hospitality. Driftwood Beach gets its name from the plentiful driftwood along its shores.

While the beach is on the smaller side, it is very family-friendly and a good spot for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the sand, a picnic or splashing in the waves. Do note, though, that facilities are limited.

Zoo Atlanta is among America’s oldest. It has over 1,000 animals from over 200 world species, promising something for even the youngest animal lovers. The highlight of Zoo Atlanta is its pandas, of which it arguably has more than any other zoo in the States. You’ll see many gorillas, very well camouflaged Sumatran tigers in their realistic habitat, and lions in African savannah enclosures. Younger kids can enjoy ziplining or playing in the zoo’s splash pad (remember to bring a towel!).

The one and only World of Coca-Cola is a fun place to learn about the birthplace and history of the world-renowned soft drink. Inside, you’ll find exhibits and memorabilia that hark back through the brand’s history, with iterations of its bright red logos and different bottle forms. In their “tasting room”, we advise you to take only small sips to avoid a sugar rush – there are over a hundred different flavours of Coke from around the world to try! Tickets are around $18.

Looking for a thrilling day out in Atlanta? Six Flags Over Georgia is an amusement park that’s filled with over a dozen different rollercoasters. They also offer splashing rides in the onsite waterpark. Younger kids aren’t left out of the fun, with milder rides such as mini truck and train rides they can enjoy. Some coasters are comic-themed, such as the Superman: Ultimate Flight, which takes you on a series of high-speed ascents, as though “leaping tall buildings in a single bound” – 11.5-storey buildings to be exact.