Known for its sweltering summer heat, Atlanta, Georgia is home to some of the best historic sites and attractions. It is also a shopaholics dream and offers unique shopping experiences at the turn of every corner. Atlanta also has a vibrant art scene perfect for new and avid collectors. Regardless of your age, Atlanta is the perfect summer getaway.
Gibbs Gardens
North of downtown Atlanta, Gibbs Garden features more than 200 acres of flowers, trees, ponds, waterfalls, and garden art and sculptures. The garden is divided up into individual themes that come together into one magnificent natural oasis. Each summer the garden offers a Twilight “Live” Music. Every Saturday night features a different band, and attendees can pre-order dinner to enjoy during the performance!
World of Coca-Cola
Known as the king of soft drinks, Coca-Cola has made its home in Atlanta for the last 125 years. The World of Coca-Cola houses more than 1,200 never before displayed artifacts and gives visitors a chance to see behind the scenes of the company’s bottling process. There is also an opportunity to taste more than 100 beverages from around the world and a chance to hug the 7 foot tall Coca-Cola Polar Bear! After the tour, everyone leaves with a commemorative glass bottle of Coca-Cola!
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
Whether you’re visiting the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change or strolling down Auburn Avenue between Howell and Jackson Streets, there are a variety of things to do to learn about the largest Civil Rights movement in US history. There are self-guided or ranger-led tours through his childhood home where the rooms have been fully restored with original furnishings. The Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change also features exhibits highlighting the life and career of Dr. King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, as well as fellow social reformer and friend of Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi.
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is one of the largest public parks in Atlanta and is home to a variety of unique sculptures, botanical gardens, and wildlife. Steeped in history, historic Oakland is located right outside the heart of downtown and is the final resting place for many of the cities iconic leaders and pioneers.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
With its beautiful atrium and suspended life-scale Brontosaurus skeleton, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is more than just a school field trip stop. Whether you are exploring the development of life on Earth or connecting with different cultures around the world, there is something for any age! The museum is even home to some stunning after-hours events.