(Updated February 2021) Atlanta, Georgia seems to have as many nicknames as it does things to do, see, and taste. “The A” is full of history, charm and southern hospitality. Each year, millions of tourists arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, to experience the “Big Peach”. But, it’s the locals that really know how to truly appreciate the “Empire City Of The South”. You can easily find the city’s top activities and attractions. But, taking the time for an Atlanta staycation will have you uncovering more than the major attractions. Perhaps, the memory you’ll take from “Hotlanta” will be the macaroni hot dog in the Atlanta Food Truck Park? Read on to discover the best of what Atlanta has to offer.
Things to Do on an Atlanta Staycation
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park* still remains the heart of Atlanta, and makes an ideal spot to start your Atlanta staycation. In fact, the city’s top attractions surround the park. Plan to catch the Fountain of Rings light and water show that runs four times daily. Then, take a ride on the 200-foot Ferris wheel, SkyView Atlanta.
World of Coca-Cola
For tourists and locals, you must stop by the World of Coca-Cola during your Atlanta staycation. The museum educates visitors on the story of the drink and includes artifacts from over 125 years of history. While your visiting, you can enjoy interactive exhibits and taste test over 100 different Coca-Cola beverages. Round out your visit at The Vault, peruse the official store and have your photo taken with the beloved Coca-Cola Polar Bear.
Georgia Aquarium
It’s easy to see why the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium earns acclaims as the best aquarium in the world. Whether your prefer the sea or dry land, you’ll leave in awe of the thousands of animals that call Atlanta home. The aquarium brings to life more than 70 unique habitats including penguins, sharks, dolphins and sea otters. Plus, each day a series of live shows are not only entertaining but educational.
Martin Luther King, Jr National Historic Park
Described as “a moving experience”, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park* is one of Atlanta’s top attractions. The park offers an intimate look at the King family. Conveniently located across several building, the park consists of King’s boyhood home, the original Ebenezer Baptist Church, his gravesite, a museum and more. The unique, self-guided tour is free to the public and explores the life and mission of MLK Jr. through interactive, curated exhibits.
Eat Like A Local in Atlanta
The Varsity
Opened in 1928, The Varsity restaurant may be the most famous restaurant in Atlanta. The original location in Downtown Atlanta sits on two city blocks. It claimed the title as the largest drive-in restaurant in the world. The fast-food joint serves classic American dishes like hotdogs, hamburgers and milkshakes.
Top Draft
Just steps from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium inside Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, Top Draft is a sophisticated sports bar with views of Centennial Olympic Park. The lounge is the ideal spot before, after or during the big game. Top Draft boasts 20 TVs and a spacious bar with 25 beers on tap. The menu also includes elevated bar food like burgers and fried chicken along with trophy desserts.
The Battery Atlanta
For a quick bite before the baseball game or dinner after shopping, The Battery Atlanta is a premier entertainment district with over 15 bars and restaurants. The array of restaurants create an ideal sampling of local tastes including pizza, burgers and Southern foods.
Atlanta Food Truck Park
Atlanta Food Truck Park is the first permanent food truck site in Atlanta. It offers local bites for lunch and dinner as well as a weekend farmers market, live music and an artist farm. And, with up to 15 food trucks onsite at any given, you can try all off-the-beaten-path eats in one convenient spot.
Where to Shop on your Atlanta Staycation
Buckhead Village District
Buckhead Village District offers high-end shopping spanning eight blocks. With designers such as Christian Louboutin, Alice and Olivia and Jimmy Choo, you are sure to find you’re next must-have item at this lavish outdoor shopping district.
Shops of Miami Circle
Originally a small group of antique shops, the Shops of Miami Circle now specializes in interior design and retail shopping. You can find amazing home décor no matter what your style.
Shops Around Lenox
The Shops Around Lenox offer high-end modern shops like Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Draper James, Kendra Scott and Lululemon. Additionally, you can make it an afternoon with lunch at a healthy restaurant options, yoga and salon services.
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
With a prime location near all of the downtown attractions, Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center provides a accommodations in the center of the action. Guests enjoy the perfect combination of style and comfort with spectacular views of the city.
Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta
Located in the city’s newest mixed-use community, Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta sits adjacent to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The hotel offers premier accommodations near by shopping, dining and entertainment in Atlanta’s norther neighborhood, Cumberland.
*Attraction may be temporarily closed, please check website prior to planning your visit.