What are the best things to do and see in Atlanta, Georgia?

Atlanta played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a hub for many key events.

The Atlanta University Center, which includes several historically Black colleges, was a center for activism and education during the struggle for civil rights.

The city is home to the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium.

Covering 600,000 square feet, it houses over 100,000 animals, representing more than 500 species.

The aquarium's unique Ocean Voyager exhibit features a 100-foot-long tunnel that allows visitors to walk beneath a massive tank filled with diverse marine life.

Atlanta has a surprisingly large number of trees.

According to studies, around 48% of the city is covered in trees, earning it the nickname "City in a Forest." This density of vegetation contributes to urban biodiversity and provides significant ecological benefits, including air quality improvement and temperature regulation.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, consistently ranking as the top in passenger numbers.

It serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights, with routes frequently connecting through major cities like Chicago, New York, and Dallas.

Atlanta's multiple neighborhoods each have unique identities and histories.

For instance, Old Fourth Ward is known for its rich history related to the civil rights movement and is undergoing extensive gentrification and development, attracting a younger demographic.

The city has a long establishment of breweries and distilleries, reflecting the craft beverage revolution across the United States.

Atlanta is home to the first craft distillery in Georgia since Prohibition, showcasing the resurgence of locally-produced artisanal products.

The Martin Luther King Jr.

National Historic Park encompasses several crucial landmarks, including Dr.

King's childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached.

This area tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement through various educational programs and exhibits.

Despite its reputation as a “Deep South” city, Atlanta is known for having a relatively high percentage of educated residents.

Approximately 50% of Atlantans hold a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to a vibrant economy anchored in technology, film, and health sciences.

The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformative urban redevelopment project that repurposes old railway corridors into a network of multi-use trails, parks, and transit.

Its innovative design incorporates sustainable practices to improve urban living and connectivity.

The city is also famous for its role in the film and television industry, often dubbed the "Hollywood of the South." It has become a premier location for filming, with many studios and production companies based in the area due to lucrative tax incentives.

Atlanta's historically significant population dynamic is shaped by its position as a destination for African Americans during the Great Migration.

This migration greatly influenced the city's culture, politics, and economic life, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

The Fox Theatre, an iconic venue in Atlanta, originally opened in 1929 as a movie palace.

Its architecture features a blend of various styles, including Moorish, Egyptian, and Byzantine influences, highlighting the eclectic nature of the city’s growth.

Atlanta is also experiencing rapid innovation within its tech sector, leading to the establishment of a burgeoning startup ecosystem.

The Tech Square area in Midtown is especially known for its concentration of tech companies and incubators.

The city has a robust public transportation system operated by MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), which includes buses and a rail network.

It plays a vital role in catering to the city’s large commuter population.

Atlanta is at the heart of the Peach State and hosts the annual Georgia Peach Festival, celebrating this beloved fruit with various culinary events and contests.

The warm climate of Georgia is conducive to peach cultivation, with hundreds of varieties grown in the region.

Despite being known for its intense summer heat, Atlanta has a relatively temperate climate compared to other southern cities.

Its elevation and tree cover help moderate temperatures, making it one of the more comfortable cities in the deep South.

The historic Underground Atlanta is both a commercial district and a significant site that reflects the city’s past.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a major contributor to the region’s arts culture, offering various programs in both classical and contemporary music.

The Orchestra also emphasizes community engagement, providing educational opportunities throughout the area.

The city is home to one of the largest concentrations of colleges and universities in the country, resulting in a diverse population and vibrant atmosphere.

Institutions such as Georgia Tech, Emory University, and Georgia State University contribute to Atlanta’s reputation as a center for higher education.

Finally, Atlanta’s rich culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural heritage, with a significant emphasis on Southern cuisine.

The city has evolved into a hotspot for food innovation, blending traditional Southern dishes with a contemporary twist, showcasing the intersection of history and modern gastronomy.