There’s a reason why Atlanta’s highways are congested around the clock: A lot of people are passing through. That makes when your guests come in from out of town, they’re looking for something to do in Atlanta.
Here are some of the best spots to take out-of-town guests (so that they say good things about Atlanta).
Where Can I Take Friends and Family in Atlanta?
Atlanta is full of unique and exciting spots to take your guests, whether they’re visiting for the first time or are familiar with the city.
Perhaps they don’t want to be all touristy, and see all the monuments and what not, where can you take them? Well, there are actually several spots that out-of-towners seem to love.
Here are the best Atlanta attractions to see:
Painted Pickle
279 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 253-1115
Have a (pickle) ball by going to the Painted Pickle, a bar/restaurant with indoor pickleball courts. Wanna dance? They’ve also got live music.
Atlanta Ferris Wheel
In downtown Atlanta, there’s a ferris wheel that lights up the sky at night. Skyview has been up and running for a few years now and it’s a wonderful spot to go with a friend or significant other.
While you’re downtown Atlanta, check out these places to eat.
Starlite Drive-in Movie Theater
The Starlite drive-in movie theater on Moreland Avenue on the east side continues to be one of the best Atlanta attractions for many visitors and transplants that have made the city their home.
Of course, Atlanta’s best-kept secrets and obscure attractions can’t all be solitary places — we’ve gotta eat. So let’s talk about some “why don’t more people know about these”-type restaurants.
Check out the best movie theaters in Atlanta.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
While this is not technically a soul food joint, you couldn’t tell that to James Brown, who used to frequent the place upon his stops to Atlanta (his picture among other celebs, hangs on the wall). With one of the most expansive menus in the city, Mary Mac’s is soul food translated through a wholly Southern lens. People from Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and other parts of the South can find what they need right here on Ponce. Faves include the cookie-colored fried green tomatoes and Chicken Fried Chicken with white pepper gravy.
Check out Atlanta’s best Southern restaurants.
World of Coca-Cola
You’ve never seen Coke like this. Taste more than 100 international and domestic Coca-Cola beverages as you explore Atlanta’s World of Coca-Cola with captivating movies and photo ops with the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear. Get tickets.
The Beautiful Restaurant
2260 Cascade Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
Legendary in the West End, the Beautiful restaurant is known for its faithful breakfast and no-frills Southern food. If you need a dependable spot to eat, it’s The Beautiful. Faves include the fried catfish and beef oxtails over rice.
Love collard greens and corn bread? Check out the best soul food spots in Atlanta.
Paschal’s
180 Northside Dr SW #B, Atlanta, GA 30313
Intl Airport, Concourse B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, N Terminal Rd Suite T120, Atlanta, GA 30320
Known as the kitchen of the civil rights movement, Paschals has had the most continuous success of any soul food joint in the city. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph David Abernathy and Hosea Williams all planned protests in the back room while collard greens and corn bread baked only feet away from them. Today, Paschal’s has morphed into a mid-upscale eatery with a cosmopolitan clientele. But it still has some of the meanest soul food in the ATL. Best dishes include Gulf shrimp, chicken and Andouille as well as the Caribbean Fish Tacos.
Check out our guide on the best soul food spots in Atlanta.
Oakland Cemetery
Perhaps the most entertaining cemetery in the nation, Oakland Cemetery is more than a memorial place, it’s a who’s who of Atlanta and Georgia’s dearly departed. It’s also one of the best Atlanta attractions. Who knew that being in a graveyard could be so fun and exciting? The 1850s-era site has voice-recorded tours of Atlanta’s most notable people as well as Confederate veterans and famous African-Americans. 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
Piedmont Park
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
If you or a family member is a science geek, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Druid Hills has it all: dinosaurs, skeletal models and a comprehensive exhibit spread our over a three-story, sky-lit great hall. Talk about fun things to do: Every third Friday, there’s a dance party you don’t want to miss. 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Georgia Aquarium
Come to downtown Atlanta to see more than 120,000 animals of the sea. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums, with tons of seasonal and permanent exhibits, interactive galleries & fun activities for kids and adults alike. 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Explore Atlanta at your own pace
Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
